Cara Martin Bachmann

The agenda focuses on several key items including discussion on Water Conservation Month, the Pasco County Magnolia Valley storage and wetland enhancement project, and cooperative funding initiative policies. The board will review general counsel reports regarding water use permit violations and a settlement agreement. Additional topics include legislative updates, administrative fees and records management policies, hydrologic conditions, potential water shortage orders, and various committee and executive reports, including employee milestones.

The meeting included the proclamation of April 2026 as Water Conservation Month and updates on the 2026 legislative session and hydrologic conditions. Key action items involved revising the scope, name, and budget for the Pasco County Magnolia Valley Storage and Wetland Enhancement project, as well as approving revisions to the Cooperative Funding Initiative Governing Board Policy. The Board addressed enforcement actions regarding dry well complaints and permit violations, and considered a settlement agreement related to a water use permit challenge. Additionally, the agenda covered internal knowledge management policies concerning administrative fees and records management.

The Strategic Plan provides a five-year roadmap for the District, outlining targets and success metrics. Its core focuses include 12 Districtwide strategic initiatives such as regional water supply planning, alternative water supplies, water conservation, water quality management, minimum flows and levels, conservation, restoration, floodplain management, and emergency flood response. It also integrates 34 regional priorities and objectives, with an added emphasis on resiliency across its ten core business practices.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to a newly appointed Board Member. Key agenda items involved public input regarding hydrology management, a proposed sand mine near Saddlebag Lake Resort, and property fire break maintenance. The Board approved the Office of Inspector General Calendar Year 2026 Audit Plan. Several FARMS projects received approval for reimbursement agreements in Polk and Hillsborough Counties, and the scope and budget for the Starkey M10 Stormwater Facility Quality Improvements were amended. The Board authorized staff to issue an Administrative Complaint and Order concerning Water Use Permit Violations (overpumpage) against Taylor Woodrow Communities at Artisan Lakes, L.L.C., and approved a settlement agreement for a permit challenge case. The Board accepted reports and initiated rulemaking to adopt revised Minimum Levels for Lake Angelo and Lake Denton. Furthermore, the Board approved the modification of the Water Shortage Order to move from Phase I to a modified Phase II due to critically low hydrologic conditions. The Board also accepted the Quarterly Investment Report and received updates on the 2026 Consolidated Annual Report, the OIG Quarterly Update, and the Budget Transfer Report.

The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Southwest Florida Water Management District provides clear direction for managing water resources. Its mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and meet public water needs, guided by four core goals: Water Supply, Water Quality, Natural Systems, and Flood Protection. The plan details 12 Strategic Initiatives, 10 Core Business Processes (including Resiliency), and regional priorities to ensure long-term water sustainability and flood protection across its four planning regions.