As part of a phased approach, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has reopened all campgrounds throughout its 16-county region, as of June 3. The reopening of SFWMD campgrounds is consistent with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s reopening of camping at many Florida State Parks. To help protect staff and visitors from the spread of COVID-19, the following … [Read more...]
Zephyrhills purchases land for airport runway extension
April 21, 2020 By
The City of Zephyrhills has taken another step forward in its quest to expand the capabilities of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The Zephyrhills City Council on April 13 unanimously approved the purchase of 1.29 acres of vacant land from Chancey Properties LLC for $122,657.22 — to make way for the airport runway 1-19 extension project. The runway is being extended by 1,500 feet south to … [Read more...]
Plantation Palms celebrates North Canal project completion
December 11, 2019 By
Plantation Palms had a ribbon cutting last week to celebrate the completion of a project to address an erosion problem in the community. The $2.99 million project — approximately 1,700 feet long — involved stabilizing the community’s North Canal. The work included installing Gabion baskets along the ditch sides, and a rip-rap lining the bottom, according to a Pasco County document. The … [Read more...]
Protection for freshwater springs makes progress
May 1, 2019 By
Gov. Ron DeSantis proclaimed April as Springs Protection Awareness Month, recognizing springs as a natural resource unique to Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrated the month in recognition of the environmental, recreational and economic importance of Florida’s 900 iconic freshwater springs. “Springs are vital to the environment, economy, citizens and … [Read more...]
Ridge Road project to open in 2020?
April 17, 2019 By
A portion of the Ridge Road Extension — a project Pasco County officials have wanted for 20 years — could open in time for the beginning of the 2020 school year. The Pasco County Commission heard an update on the project during its April 8 meeting in Dade City. The proposed Ridge Road Extension spans 7.6 miles, reaching from Moon Road to U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes. Margaret Smith, the … [Read more...]
Glimpse Florida’s ancient past at the Green Swamp
February 20, 2019 By
Living on Florida’s densely populated coast, it’s almost impossible to believe that a 37,350-acre wilderness exists just an hour or so inland. Known as the West Tract of the 110,000-acre Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, this environmentally protected land offers glimpses of what Florida used to look like, and, hopefully, will look like way into the future. This important natural treasure … [Read more...]
Plantation Palms drainage project approved
December 5, 2018 By
Plantation Palms and Pasco County have agreed to a deal that will result in a $2.99 million drainage project — which will be paid for by residents in the Central Pasco community through the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU). As part of the deal, the county will stabilize the north ditch, with a project that’s approximately 1,700 feet long. Plans have been prepared by the … [Read more...]
Water district officials discuss proposed Pierce Lake guidelines
October 10, 2018 By
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is proposing new minimum levels for Pierce Lake, and held a meeting in Land O’ Lakes recently to explain the changes and accept public comment. Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands, according to district experts. The minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water … [Read more...]
Public workshop scheduled regarding Pierce Lake
September 26, 2018 By
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is holding a public workshop on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., regarding minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake, according to a news release from the water management district. The workshop will be at Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive, in Land O’ Lakes. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed … [Read more...]
