Latest news with #SouthwestFloridaWaterManagementDistrict
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What to know about river flooding in Tampa Bay this hurricane season
Much of Mark Fulkerson's work starts after a catastrophic storm has passed and its rain has ceased. As a chief engineer for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, he spends the weeks following a hurricane documenting high-water marks and measuring how closely the agency's flood maps match up against real flooding. When Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane last October, it dropped near-record rainfall on the Tampa Bay area and swamped homes along the region's many rivers and lakes. Fulkerson found that many of the squiggles darting across flood maps his agency has spent decades developing lined up quite accurately with floodwaters reported during and after Milton's deluge. Still, the storm season of the century took many Tampa Bay residents by surprise. 'I hope it's the flood event of my career,' Fulkerson said. 'I hope we don't have another one like it.' Fulkerson said the agency's job is to manage water, but Swiftmud can't entirely control flooding. 'We can't stop it from happening. But there are things we can do to help manage flood risk — by doing the modeling we do — to alert people, by trying to work with the cities and counties on projects where they make sense,' he said. 'You get rain like Milton, there's no way you're going to stop that water.' The onus is on homeowners and residents to know the boundaries of nearby flood zones and stay up to date on local warnings, he added. Here are some tips water managers, researchers and forecasters say could help prepare for future river floods: Even days after Hurricane Milton made landfall, many rivers and creeks around the region still hadn't crested. The delayed flooding surprised residents who thought they had been spared from devastating floodwaters, only to have the rain catch up to them later. Water levels along rivers and lakes often lag weeks or months behind other coastal and inland areas after powerful storms due to natural hydrological processes. Geography, like the elevation around a home and the depth and shape of a river, dictates how and when a water body will flood following extreme rain. Milton set records for river heights in the Tampa Bay area. At its peak, the Hillsborough River rose above 38 feet and shattered a 2017 record by nearly 4 feet, according to a water gauge at Morris Bridge. The Withlacoochee River crested at 19.7 feet nine days after Milton made landfall, according to a water gauge near its headwaters. It was the highest water level recorded there in 90 years. The heaviest of Milton's rain fell in the Green Swamp — vast wetlands stretching across Polk, Lake, Sumter, Hernando and Pasco counties that serve as the headwaters for four major waterways: the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Ocklawaha and Peace rivers. The upstream deluge carried floodwaters down the rivers and flooded communities. Cypress Creek, a major tributary of the Hillsborough River, crested at a record high of 15 feet four days after landfall. Water levels stayed high for weeks, shocking longtime Pasco residents. The Cypress Creek wetland basin, which serves as the drain-off for the surrounding developments, was overwhelmed by excessive rainwater from Milton, Fulkerson said. Saturated wetlands in Big Cypress Swamp caused flooding in Land O' Lakes and Wesley Chapel. About 25% of the water management district's jurisdiction is made up of wetlands, Fulkerson said. They absorb and store rainwater. Levels often fluctuate during Florida's wet and dry seasons. When those wetlands fill up, run-off has to find an alternate path. Water has three places to go. It can soak into the ground, filling the aquifer — which serves as Florida's main drinking water supply — and raising the water table. Runoff might drain to rivers that rise and cause flooding along its banks. Or water flows across the land and collects into a low-lying area called a closed basin. 'It's got nowhere to drain after that,' Fulkerson said. After three months of above-average rain last summer, the region's ground was saturated with water. Milton's deluge pushed watersheds to their brink. The National Water Prediction Service provides a tool that identifies water levels in rivers across the country. If you zoom in on Florida, you'll find little dots lighting up the entire state. Each dot color represents the river's flood stage: Green (no flooding), yellow (action), orange (minor flooding), red (moderate flooding) and purple (major flooding). Like tidal gauges that measure coastal water levels, each river has different heights at which flooding can occur. The tool also provides a forecast for future river heights: A blue line shows observed water levels, while a dotted purple line shows the water level forecast. But river flooding is difficult to predict, according to researchers. 'Trying to predict how high a river will get, there are different aspects that kind of can complicate some of those predictions,' said Katherine Serafin, a coastal geographer and assistant professor at the University of Florida. Where exactly the rain will fall, its timing, how many bands of rain a tropical system will bring and how fast the rain will move over land are estimated in order to forecast flood risks. The river's depth is often an overlooked factor, Serafin said. Submerged debris from past storms may fill up a riverbed, causing it to rise quicker than expected. The river gauge site also displays current flood warnings imposed by the National Weather Service — shown on a tab under the specific river gauge — laying out hazards and further flooding details. Original floodplain maps used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set flood insurance rates were first developed in the 1980s, Fulkerson said. Development in Florida has boomed in the decades since, making many of those calculations outdated. One of Swiftmud's longest-running projects has been to update them: Over the past 25 years, the agency has made new renderings of flood maps for more than 130 watersheds, making up 75% of the district. 'The hope is that residents are aware when they buy property, they know what they're getting,' Fulkerson said. The flood maps take into account factors like elevation, soil type and land use. Driven by gravity, water drains to the lowest point it can reach and pools there. Sandy soils drain more quickly than dense clay. Knowing what the ground beneath and the topography around your home are like can help evaluate flood risk. Fulkerson said previous flooding is another big indicator of risk. 'A lot of areas that we saw flooded this past year, they flooded in the past,' he said. 'Whether we lived here or not, it's happened.' An influx of new Floridians moving to the area has also contributed to a lack of flood awareness. 'One thing that I heard from a lot of the residents is just not having any clue it could happen,' he said. 'You lose a lot of that historical knowledge, too, when people sell or people pass on.' Driving around the region, even six months after Milton, Fulkerson still sees pockets of standing water in places where it normally wouldn't pool. 'Anytime you have a big flood one year, depending on how much rain you get between then and the next rainy season, we could be starting a lot higher and have less room to breathe before the next hurricane season,' he said. But below-average rainfall at the start of the year has balanced out the region's saturation. Tampa Bay's rivers have long flushed out Milton's rain to open seas. Some lakes remain slightly elevated. Aquifer levels are high, but steadily dropping back to normal. And Fulkerson said there's still time for water stores to deplete before hurricane season again brings the threat of flooding. 'For the most part, we seem to be recovering,' Fulkerson said. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida's most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. • • • For Tampa Bay, Helene was the worst storm in a century More hurricanes are slamming the Gulf Coast. Is this the new normal? Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here's where to look. Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Manatee County wetland protections on hold after response from state
The Brief Four state agencies are questioning the legality of efforts to restore wetland buffers in Manatee County. County Commissioners are not holding back in their feelings about this. "This is ridiculous. This is weaponizing unelected bureaucrats. Nothing we are doing is wrong. We are just putting back something that was there," said Commissioner George Kruse. BRADENTON, Fla. - It was supposed to be a final vote to restore wetland buffers in Manatee County. But four state agencies are now questioning the legality of those efforts, calling them restrictive and burdensome. The backstory Manatee County Commissioners were trying to reinstate extra protections that a previous board removed two years ago. From the commissioners to environmentalists, each are questioning the pushback and who it really benefits. Manatee County Commissioners did not hold their words back. "This is ridiculous. This is weaponizing unelected bureaucrats. Nothing we are doing is wrong. We are just putting back something that was there," said Commissioner George Kruse. As staff read letters from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation, each said restoring wetland buffers of 30 to 50 feet and requiring developers to maintain the natural barriers would be more burdensome or restrictive. "This is bat sh** crazy. I don't think it's legal," said Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann. Dig deeper The agencies had no complaints, until a few hours before a final vote by commissioners. They cited a law passed in 2023. "SB250 was for hurricane disaster relief. How can it say protecting wetlands is more restrictive? How does it have anything to do with disaster relief?" said McCann. That's what Suncoast Waterkeeper also questions. What they're saying "Why have another billion-dollar storm if we can protect ourselves with our comprehensive plan language that really protects the ecology and ecosystems that are there to buffer the storm," said Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. Senate Bill 250 expires in October of 2026. Tyrna now has concerns about Senate Bill 180. "There's two sections within that bill that puts a moratorium on any a blockage on any moratorium on building, any increased protections in a comprehensive plan. You aren't allowed to do that until 2027. Manatee County won't be able to protect wetlands until 2027," said Tyrna. The bill passed both the House and Senate. It's designed to help residents with the aftermath of a disaster, but there are concerns that a section of the bill takes away local power. "My colleagues and all are wondering who does this benefit? Why was this language snuck in on the 11th hour of the last day of session? The bill is otherwise good. That bill alone would benefit all of Floridians, but this language doesn't benefit anybody," said Tyrna. What's next As for Manatee County, if commissioners don't hear back from the state, they said they'll handle developers on a case-by-case basis. "If you come in front of us and say you want 15-20-foot buffers, you will get denied because that's not what this board wants," said Commissioner Kruse. Representative Fiona McFarland helped sponsor the House companion bill of Senate Bill 180 said its main purpose is to help property owners rebuild after a storm, not restrict them. She said the bill also makes huge investments to help local governments plan and prepare for future emergencies. The Source FOX 13 reporter Kimberly Kuison gathered the information for this report. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Axios
10-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Treasure Island's Thunderbird resort to be rebuilt after hurricane damage
One of Tampa Bay's landmark beach hotels will be demolished and redeveloped because of what the owners said was "catastrophic damage" caused by last year's back-to-back hurricanes. Why it matters: The Thunderbird Beach Resort and its iconic vintage sign have welcomed travelers to Treasure Island since the 1950s. State of play: Initial plans filed with the city and the Southwest Florida Water Management District indicate the owners plan to build a four-story U-shaped building with 106 hotel rooms anchored by a courtyard with a pool, St. Pete Rising reported. That's the same number of rooms the resort had pre-hurricanes. None will be on the ground level. Instead, that floor will be home to a 126-space parking lot and a lobby with offices. The resort will hang onto its 310-foot beachfront, per St. Pete Rising. What they're saying: More than 80% of the resort sustained damage from the storms, owners Avi and Gilad Ovaknin announced Thursday on Facebook. "After extensive evaluations and much deliberation, we were left with no choice but to move forward with a full redevelopment of the hotel," they wrote. "Like many of you, we are heartbroken by the loss. But we are also incredibly optimistic and energized by what's to come. The good news: The rebuilt resort will keep the name and neon sign that has made the hotel such a storied location, the owners said. Fun fact: The resort almost wasn't called the Thunderbird, according to "Hotels, Motels and Inns of Florida" by Kristen Hare.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sarasota Bay sees 19% increase in seagrass despite Hurricanes Helene, Milton
The Brief During an expedition to check on the health of seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay, scientists discovered positive signs. While there are patches of macroalgae in parts of Sarasota Bay, each place visited showed thriving signs of seagrass beds. While the results for Sarasota Bay are positive, scientists said there's more work to be done. BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. - Launching from Bradenton Beach, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Southwest Florida Water Management District went on a science expedition to check on the health of seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay. "Whenever you're dealing with a living organism, like seagrass, things change over time," said Dr. Chris Anastasiou, the chief water quality scientist and the lead of the Seagrass Mapping Program with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. READ: Experts weigh in on study naming 10 Florida beaches America's most dangerous ones After just one dive down beneath the surface, they found what they were looking for. "We were very encouraged, pleasantly surprised that things look good," said Anastasiou. Big picture view The 2024 seagrass mapping study by the Southwest Florida Water Management District showed gains over the last two years, but there was concern Hurricanes Helene and Milton could have brought damage. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube On Friday, scientists discovered seagrass intact. While there are patches of macroalgae in parts of Sarasota Bay, which could smother seagrass, each place Dr. David Tomasko and Anastasiou visited showed thriving signs of seagrass beds. "We've gained about 19% increase in seagrass, almost 2,000 acres. That should be able to support more than 70 million fish," said Tomasko, who is the director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Dig deeper Tomasko said there's no gimmick when it comes to the health of Sarasota Bay. He said the bay's health and also seagrass is dependent on improvements to the area's stormwater and wastewater treatment plants. "Big upgrades from Manatee County, Sarasota County. The City of Sarasota has got one of the best wastewater treatment plants in the country. We are reducing the nutrient loads from wastewater, stormwater. We are getting our act together and educating the public," said Tomasko. MORE: Inside an organization's effort to attract more oysters in Bay Area waters What's next While the results for Sarasota Bay are positive, Tomasko said there's more work to be done. "Find the nutrient loads that make the most sense, go after them, get the water quality back and the seagrass will come back," he said. What you can do You can also help the Sarasota Bay Estuary program keep eyes on macroalgae and seagrass coverage. The 2024 Eyes on Seagrass program will start in April. To learn more, visit The Source The information in this story was gathered through interviews and information from Dr. Chris Anastasiou and Dr. David Tomasko. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay estuary is gaining seagrass, but northern bay still struggling
When it comes to the seagrass beds that stretch across Florida's largest open-water estuary, there's some good news and bad news. The good news: For the first time in nearly a decade, Tampa Bay has seen an overall increase in the aquatic plant that curbs erosion, cuts pollution and is a general indicator of the bay's health. Since 2022, the bay has added roughly 1,400 acres of seagrass, or about a 5% gain. The bad news: The bay's northern section, Old Tampa Bay, is at a record-low amount of seagrass since tracking began in 1988. That part of the bay, beneath three major bridges and thwarted by poor circulation, has lost more than 320 acres of seagrass over the last two years. Those highs and lows are according to the latest biennial seagrass mapping results from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, presented publicly for the first time Wednesday at a meeting with state and local scientists in downtown St. Petersburg. 'The reason why we map seagrass is because it gives us the pulse of the estuary. And the pulse is better,' said Chris Anastasiou, the district's chief water quality scientist and head of the seagrass mapping program. 'I think we're seeing a positive response, except for Old Tampa Bay,' he said in an interview. Bay experts say that nutrient pollution, paired with additional stress from warm and slow-moving water, are reasons why Old Tampa Bay continues to struggle. Besides Old Tampa Bay, the other portions of the bay either saw an increase in seagrass beds or remained unchanged from the last survey, according to Anastasiou. There are now more than 31,500 acres of seagrass spanning the entire bay, a total increase of 36% over the past three decades and closer to the overall restoration goal of 40,000 total acres. The lower bay now has a record-high amount of the underwater plant, with just over 8,000 acres. Beginning their work in December 2023, seagrass experts spent months flying over the bay on clear winter days, taking pictures of the seafloor and studying the results. The data is essentially a snapshot of the bay from this time last year – it doesn't account for the unrelenting hits from Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In 2023, mapping results showed Tampa Bay had lost more than 4,100 acres of seagrass over two years. It was the first time the water district had logged declines in three consecutive studies. The consensus for why Tampa Bay saw positive gains this time around is, in part, a prolonged period of dry weather, where months of little rainfall threw the region into drought conditions. While drought is good for water quality – less polluted runoff is spilling into the bay – experts were quick to remind the group of scientists Wednesday that drought isn't a restoration strategy. Over the five-month period when the most recent results were collected, ending in April 2024, there were also tamer red tide conditions compared to past studies. That may have contributed to healthier waters. Plus, the previous round of results were accounting for the Piney Point wastewater disaster, when millions of gallons of pollution were dumped into the bay. The majority of the estuary's overall gains come from Hillsborough Bay, the waterbody just south of downtown Tampa. A species of long and flat seagrass, called shoal grass, is known to have booms and busts and can spread quickly, and most of the increases across Hillsborough Bay are shoal grass beds, according to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. In 2022, Hillsborough Bay had about 400 acres of seagrass. Now it's at more than 1,100 acres – a whopping 185% increase. 'It can be easy to fixate on the negative, especially when it comes to the environment. But Tampa Bay has been, and continues to be a remarkable story of success,' said Maya Burke, assistant director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. 'Our story may not be simple — with this year's results showing both record high seagrass coverage in Lower Tampa Bay and record lows in Old Tampa Bay — but we do know how to work together for a better Tampa Bay.' The Southwest Florida Water Management doesn't just track Tampa Bay's seagrass coverage. On Wednesday, it also unveiled recent survey results for St. Joseph Sound, Sarasota Bay, Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Perhaps the biggest success story of this research cycle was Sarasota Bay: That waterway has gained nearly 2,000 acres of seagrass over two years, or a 19% increase overall. Charlotte Harbor, on the other hand, lost nearly 900 acres. Scientists will take to the skies in December to begin the next two-year seagrass study.
