Joel Blaine Ashworth

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, noting the meeting was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day. Key discussions included employee recognition, with Corey Fitton receiving the Employee of the Month award, and service awards presented to Saja Patel (five years) and Christina Lad (25 years). The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda. The primary agenda item reviewed the October hydrologic conditions report, which covered rainfall variation across counties, annual rainfall totals showing a district-wide deficit of 4.41 inches below average, and current drought monitor status, noting moderate drought/abnormally dry conditions in northwest counties. Surface flows showed mixed results, with some rivers decreasing while others increased. Lake levels showed varied results, with the October 26th rain event causing notable rises. Aquifer conditions were discussed, showing the upper Florida aquifer index at 42 (normal range), with emphasis placed on the primary influence of rainfall on aquifer levels versus consumptive use. The well plugging program reported conserving an estimated 1.7 million gallons per day in October, with plans to present real-world impact data later. Spring flows were also reviewed, noting decreased flow at Silver Springs due to low recent rainfall.

The meeting included the recognition of retiring employees, specifically Megan (for 10 years of service) and Rich Berkeley (Bureau Chief, 33 years of service), and Wendy Cox (Procurement Director, 37 years of service), with details provided on their careers and contributions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the May hydrologic conditions report for April data, noting minimal rainfall across the district, below-average annual rainfall, generally decreasing surface flows, and declining lake levels, though the upper Florida aquifer showed resiliency. The presentation also covered drought assessment using the US Drought Monitor, noting parts of the central counties were in extreme drought (D3). Updates were provided on the well plugging program, which saved over 1.1 million gallons per day in April. Additionally, the board heard a presentation on water reuse, including current disposal vs. reuse figures, and approved a proclamation to declare May 18 through 24, 2025, as Water Reuse Week. The board also unanimously approved consent agenda items 11 through 22, which included updates to construction costs for springs restoration funding projects.

The meeting included recognition for employee service awards, presenting honors to staff members for five, ten, and fifteen years of dedication, including an engineer recognized for expertise on a legally challenged application review, and a bureau chief acknowledged for management of projects and personnel. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting the January hydrologic conditions report, which covered December rainfall data showing totals below the districtwide average, though twelve counties remained above their 12-month rainfall normal. The report also detailed stable or slightly declining water levels in selected lakes and healthy conditions in the upper Florida aquifer. Additionally, the board reviewed data comparing the district's well plugging program, which has saved nearly 75.6 million gallons per day, against similar programs at other water management districts, noting the district's program is the most robust. Finally, the board addressed public concerns regarding flooding and hydrology at Miller Lake, with further regulatory findings planned for presentation.

The Orange Creek Basin Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plan by the St. Johns River Water Management District outlines strategies for the restoration and protection of surface waters in the Orange Creek Basin. The plan, an update to the 1996 version, addresses key issues such as hydrology, aquatic species management, water quality, lake sediments, fish and wetland-dependent wildlife habitats, land conservation, public outreach, and program management. Its primary objective is to restore water quality in Newnans, Lochloosa, and Orange lakes and Paynes Prairie, with anticipated outcomes including reduced nutrient concentrations, improved water clarity, diversified aquatic communities, and enhanced fish populations.

This SWIM Plan for the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin (UORB) outlines strategies to protect and enhance its surface waters, which have been degraded by excessive nutrients, hazardous pollutants, and habitat loss. The plan identifies five priority issues: controlling excessive nutrient levels, addressing potentially hazardous levels of metals and organic pollutants, restoring wetland and shoreline habitats, improving interagency coordination in management, and enhancing public awareness and education. It aims to achieve these through diagnostic, restoration, and management activities to restore healthy and productive natural systems and meet environmental quality standards.