From SFWMD News, News Release: SFWMD, FWC Hunters Remove Record Breaking Invasive Python from the Everglades

 

CLICK HERE to view the SFWMD release online .

Python removal agents working for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) recently broke the record for the longest Burmese python eliminated in Florida. Working together as part of the joint python elimination program under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ryan Ausburn and Kevin Pavlidis removed the 18 foot, 9 inch snake on Oct. 2 along the L-28 Tieback Canal about 35 miles west of Miami. This beats the state's previous record of 18 feet, 8 inches from 2013. So far, hunters for the expanded program run by the two agencies have removed more than 5,000 invasive pythons from South Florida’s Everglades ecosystem. “Under Governor DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission expanded our python removal efforts. Today's record breaking capture shows that our increased efforts are working to get harmful pythons out of the precious Everglades ecosystem,” said SFWMD Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. "Together with our partners and the public's help, we can restore the Everglades and combat the harmful pythons that hurt Florida’s native wildlife." “The removal of this behemoth Burmese python is a triumph for our native wildlife and habitats,” said FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto. “It’s a great example of the partnership between the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District, working under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, toward our goal of removing these nonnative predators.” The public can help control nonnative invasive wildlife by reporting sightings to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IveGot1 (888-483-4681), online at IveGot1.org or by using the free smartphone app IVEGOT1. If possible, take a picture and note the exact location of the sighting. Python Action Team and Python Elimination Program members respond to reports of large constrictors and other priority species to remove these harmful invaders from the wild. Burmese pythons became established in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets. It is illegal to release nonnative species into the wild and can negatively impact Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. Don’t let it loose! The FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program allows pet owners to surrender nonnative or exotic pets without penalty. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information. To learn more about the FWC’s Python Action Team and the SFWMD’s Python Elimination Program, visit MyFWC.com/Python and SFWMD.gov/Python.

PRIOR RELATED POSTS - CLICK HERE to view prior SDU posts related to invasive snakes, both in Palmetto Bay as well as Miami-Dade County in general. 

 

Python update. SFWMD announcement: Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue

Pythons are just one of the numerous threats that impacts the Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay area along with South Florida / the Everglades. Pythons and other invasive non-native constrictors have been killed and captured here in Palmetto Bay. (CLICK HERE) to view some of these prior posts. This is my 31st post regarding Invasive Species. 

The results are in for the  2020 Python Bowl!

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) put out a News Release on Jan. 25, 2020, providing an update that 80 pythons submitted during the 2020 Python Bowl! Noting that the "Competition to remove invasive pythons from Florida’s Everglades is a big success."

Click the link above (or CLICK HERE) to view this full release.

Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue. Today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District announced the results and winners of the Python Removal Competition at the 2020 Python Bowl award ceremony at the Super Bowl Live event in Miami.

Here are the official Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl results:Most Pythons

• Pro grand prize winner Mike Kimmel won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing eight pythons.

• Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing six pythons.

• Pro second prize winner Lindsey Floyd won $750 for removing six pythons.

• Rookie second prize winner Ethan O’Neil won $750 for removing four pythons.

• Active service member or veteran winner Barry Offenburger (U.S. Army) won $1,000 for removing three pythons.

Longest Python

• Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 12-foot, 7.3-inch

• Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $2,000 for an 11-foot, 6.5-inch python.

• Pro second prize winner Amy Siewe won $750 for a 10-foot, 7-inch python.

• Rookie second prize winner Dave Mucci won $750 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

• Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

Heaviest Python

• Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 62-pound python.

• Rookie grand prize winner Dave Mucci won $2,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

• Pro second prize winner Dustin Crum won $750 for a 9-pound python.

• Rookie second prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $750 for a 1-pound python.

• Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

More than 750 people from 20 states registered to take part in the 10-day competition to remove Burmese pythons, which are decimating native wildlife populations in the Everglades. Everyone who registered passed a mandatory online training. Another 550 people took part in hands-on, optional safe-capture trainings that taught them how to identify, locate, and safely and humanely capture Burmese pythons. 

“The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is very proud to have worked with these partners to bring attention to the threat that invasive species pose to The Everglades,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “There are many men and women who work diligently every day to combat the harmful impacts of nonnative species and it is imperative that we are all educated on the effects of the Burmese pythons to our native wildlife.” 

“Having more than 550 people come out to take part in optional in-person trainings is a testament to the public’s commitment to helping conserve Florida’s precious natural resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “Public support is critical as is the strong leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the support of our partners and sponsors including the South Florida Water Management District, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, the University of Florida, Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation.” 

“More than 750 registrants joined Florida’s ramped-up efforts to remove harmful pythons from America’s Everglades as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl,” said South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The national and international attention around Super Bowl LIV brought incredible public awareness to the danger invasive Burmese pythons pose and the importance of Everglades restoration. Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to Gov. DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and everyone who participated in this important conservation effort.

In addition to the Python Challenge™, there are several ways the general public can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone can hunt pythons any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 22 public lands throughout south Florida. People can also take part in ongoing Python Patrol trainings to learn more about how to identify and capture Burmese pythons in the wild.  Learn more at MyFWC.com/Python. 

The public can also help control invasive species by reporting nonnative fish and wildlife to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), by reporting sightings online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sadly, I did not take part this year, perhaps I will have an opportunity in the 2021 challenge. Also see:  May 25, 2018, 1,000 fewer pythons in the Everglades. Miami Herald Reports. I was part of one out of the 1,000.

Photo taken 2-18-2018 - photo from sanctioned/licensed hunt effort,
but not related to 2020 Python Bowl

Photo of the Day - SFWMD - let's step up the maintenance of the C100 canal

A FOSDU sent me a photo of the ooze winding the way down the C100 canal. This photo was taken on Monday, September 16, 2019.  Not a 'chamber of commerce day' for anyone wanting to kayak down the waterway. 

Is this water safe for swimming? 

Are fish caught from this canal safe to eat?

Consensus: All SFWMD Governing Board Members Ask U.S. Congress to Adequately Fund Everglades Restoration Efforts a $200 Million request.

Action taken by the recently revised South Florida Water Management Board. $200 million requested from congress to move from the promise to action on restoring our Everglades.  

CLICK HERE to review the full media release.

May our Miami-Dade County and Municipal Officials join in support of this bipartisan support for restoring America's Everglades – the $200 million ask. Resolutions are good, actual appearances and personal avocation is even stronger.

Support the restoration of our Everglades – as part of our overall effort to support our native environment (including our remaining Pine Rocklands).

May 10, 2019
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - All members the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) Governing Board asked the U.S. Congress to do its part to restore and protect the unique ecosystem of America's Everglades in a letter sent yesterday.

"There is strong bipartisan support for restoring America's Everglades, and this world-renowned ecosystem depends on a sustained $200 million in annual federal funding for restoration," state letters signed by all SFWMD Governing Board Members transmitted yesterday to the U.S. House Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. "The federal-state partnership to restore America's Everglades was agreed to nearly two decades ago and is critical to protecting this unique national treasure and the state's water resources for millions of residents and visitors. Unfortunately, federal funding of the cost-share for these critical restoration projects has not kept pace with the state's contributions, but we are hopeful that your support of Everglades restoration funding will make a difference."

CLICK HERE to read the full letter from the SFWMD Board Members.

Photo Credit: SFWMD

FWC- Warm spring weather means it’s time to brush up on tips for living with alligators - important read

It is that time of year again. Palmetto Bay is blessed to have native wildlife thriving in our suburban environment, but this is not without risk.  

Related Post: June 16, 2016, Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program

This posting was in response to questions I have been receiving involving our local alligator population. We have numerous alligators and even crocodiles traversing our local canals here in Palmetto Bay.  There are some hard and fast rules regarding these reptiles which were posted

But before you read below, I post an important note to those who may mistakenly believe they are making everyone happy by having a gator "relocated". Read the blog post. The story of relocation is as much of a myth as sending your aged pet to live out its life on “a farm”: see - Sorry, but Florida alligators are almost never 'relocated', by Colin Wolf  April 20, 2017. This post involves a true story:

A Florida woman was surprised and saddened to discover that an alligator she asked to be relocated, but not before putting bunny ears on it for a photo, is now most certainly dead.  

Last weekend, a Royal Palm Beach resident called a local trapper after a 5-foot-long gator was getting too close to her property during an Easter egg hunt, reports the Palm Beach Post.

Before the trapper could "relocate" the gator, the woman put a pair of bunny ears on the the doomed reptile and snapped a cute photo. Happy Easter! The only problem is, the woman wasn't aware that here in Florida the word "relocate" actually means "super dead," at least when it comes to gators.

"Meanwhile, back at the ranch..." (pun intended) The FWC sent out a reminder on 3/26/2019 regarding the American Alligators: Warm spring weather means it’s time to brush up on tips for living with alligators

CLICK HERE to view the complete FWC communication online.

The American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, is an important part of Florida’s wetland habitats. This large reptile is found throughout the state in fresh water lakes, ponds, swamps and slow-moving rivers.

During spring, alligators become more active and visible. When temperatures rise, their metabolism increases and they begin seeking prey. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water.

Because alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, they can be easily observed. If you see an alligator, keep your distance. Also, never feed alligators because it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.

Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. To reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators, swim only during daylight hours and in designated swimming areas.

The FWC also recommends pet owners keep their animals on a leash and away from the water because pets can resemble an alligator’s natural prey.

The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and urges people who believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property to call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, the FWC will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation. The FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing advice about living with alligators.

The American alligator is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Learn more about alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator. 

__________________

Stay safe.  Enjoy our local wildlife - from a safe distance - for the safety of all involved, you, your family, pets/domestic animals and the Alligators.

Public Awareness Sign for Shoreline Property Owners - SaveTheManatee.org

Thank you Mr. Chen - the following information is posted as suggested:

Public Awareness Signs are available for Shoreline Property Owners through SaveTheManatee.org

The sign, which is aluminum and 24″ x 18″ in size, reads, “Slow Please — Report Manatee Injuries: 1-888-404-FWCC.” It is designed to alert boaters to the presence of manatees in the waterways. Florida shoreline property owners can post one on their dock to let boaters know that manatees might be in the area. When contacting Save the Manatee Club to request a sign, please give us the address where the sign will be posted and your mailing address (if different).

SFWMD Prepares Flood Control System to Handle Expected Rainfall - see link provided for official update from the SFWMD

Keeping you up to date. Please note - those living along the canal may see water movement increase.  This post updates you on what the SFWMD is doing to manage an expected rainfall totals as high as 4-6 inches expected in some areas. The SFWMD is preparing system by lowering water levels in the canals to handle expected stormwater.

Release: SFWMD Prepares Regional Flood Control System to Handle Expected Rainfall

Rainfall totals as high as 4-6 inches expected in some areas, SFWMD preparing system by lowering canals to handle stormwater

In preparation,  The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is working to prepare its regional flood control system to ensure flood protection as an upper level weather disturbance is expected to drop heavy rainfall across the region on Tuesday.

The weather disturbance moving in from Mexico is expected to interact with a cold front and drop an average of 1 inch of rainfall on the basins from Lake Okeechobee south, starting early Tuesday morning and diminishing by Tuesday evening. Some areas are expected to receive local maximums of 4-6 inches of rainfall on Tuesday.

Much of the region is dry due to drier conditions over the recent weeks. SFWMD is preparing the regional flood control system by drawing down canals along the east coast from Palm Beach County south to Miami-Dade County to ensure they have capacity to move stormwater runoff from local drainage districts and municipalities.

The District also held a conference call on Monday afternoon with local drainage districts that are responsible for local flood protection to share information and coordinate storm preparations. 

Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, which operates the regional flood control system, and local drainage districts, municipalities and homeowners associations that operate the secondary and tertiary drainage systems that move flood waters away from homes and neighborhoods. Residents throughout South Florida can report neighborhood flooding concerns by visiting the website, www.sfwmd.gov/floodcontrol and entering an address to locate their local drainage district.

This action is typical - see prior related post - September 29, 2017, SFWMD Moving Water in Anticipation of Additional Weekend Rain from Tropical Disturbance, a similar notification from the SFWMD in response to expected weekend rains.

POD - canal work ongoing. I am not sure what he is doing.

Work is ongoing in the C100 canal that runs through Palmetto Bay.

Thank you Friend of South Dade Updates blog (explaining what the frequent term "FOSDU" means) for the update and photo of the day.  

I have received several other reports today (March 7, 2019) personally and through social media witnessing a work boat on C-100a canal (including in the area near SW 168 St.) of an aluminum boat in the canal with two occupants, the boat sporting a large plastic tank. 

The question is whether they beginning the spraying today?

I will keep updating with relevant information, if and when received.

CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to the SFWMD and/or the canals that run through Palmetto Bay.

Canal update relating to SFWMD - C100A Canal Tree Removal Project Phase 4 - beware the ides of March!

Homeowners living adjacent to the C100 canal: 

It appears that the "grace period" has ended. New notices were delivered to affected homeowner on or about February 21, 2019. A friend of South Dade Updates (FOSDU) has provided me with the notification letter (see right). Please review the notice for official information.

I also recommend individual contact to Armando Villaboy, director, SFWMD for any official updates - avilaboy@sfwmd.gov  Or through the SFWMD contact point: https://www.sfwmd.gov/user/2073/contact

The letter advises that work will be performed by a private contractor. "One Two Tree, Inc." is the listed contractor. 

For those who live adjacent to the C100 canal system in Palmetto Bay, are you affected, is work scheduled to start on March 6, 2019?

For background, here are some links to past relevant posts:

December 4, 2018, Copy of the SFWMD tree Removal Notification letter - provided to village council Dec 4, 2018 - unpermitted structures may need to be removed

September 12, 2018, Water Meeting held. Commissioner Cava & SFWMD at Palmetto Bay to update and coordinate efforts

January 13, 2017, Update on the SFWMD canals – two main meetings that I suggest those interested/impacted by the canal attend

Manatee update – Sunday afternoon (2-24-2019) Commissioner Cava's staff hard at work coordinating efforts between multiple jurisdictions.

Reports are that Commissioner Cava's staff has connected Fish and Wildlife with the Marine Patrol as soon as it was brought to the Commissioner's attention. Both agencies have already been sharing information over the weekend.

Commissioner Cava's staff is in the process of drafting the proposed boating restrictions for the C100 network of canals which cover three municipalities. Staff is close to having a draft ready for review by the affected cities and residents.

The schedule (Goal) is for first reading introduction by either the second March or first April meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Attached is a link from FWC to the speed zones in Miami-Dade:
https://myfwc.com/media/7310/miamidadempz-bramaps.pdf

Those interested should continue to monitor and participate with the SFWMD and Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava's office.

This is an update relevant to earlier post: Manatee and its two calves have been spotted and photographed within Palmetto Bay. Is this sufficient to trigger manatee protection rules by the FWC?

Invasive snakes - working to save the Everglades ecosystem one snake at at time. SFWMD is now up to 1,971. That's nearly 2.5 miles of snakes.

SFWMD Python Hunters Nearing 2,000 Snakes Eliminated

District program now utilizing additional technologies to efficiently find and eliminate invasive Burmese pythons

SFWMD's python hunters have now eliminated 1,971 of the invasive snakes on District lands, stretching a combined length of almost 2.5 miles and collectively weighing more than 11.5 tons. ....

The invasive Burmese python, which breeds and multiplies quickly and has no natural predator in the Everglades ecosystem, has decimated native populations of wildlife. The more that can be eliminated, especially females and their eggs, the better chance future generations of native wildlife will have to thrive in the Everglades ecosystem that Floridians have invested billions of dollars to restore.

CLICK HERE to read the January 23, 2019 update from the South Florida Water Management District 

Multimedia

Learn more about SFWMD's Python Elimination Program

Visit SFWMD's website

Like SFWMD on Facebook

Follow SFWMD on Twitter

Copy of the SFWMD tree Removal Notification letter - provided to village council Dec 4, 2018 - unpermitted structures may need to be removed

This may get interesting for those who live on the C100 canal. Posted below is the October 22, 2018 notification to affected homes, C100A tree removal notice (Phase 4) covering from SW 136th Street to 152nd Street.

Please note that the SFWMD will be requiring the removal of unpermitted fences, small sheds, pergolas, gazebos, lighting and/or other improvements situated within the easement which may obstruct the removal of trees withing the District's right of way.  Further notice may be given.

Palmetto Bay Community Meeting - Water Issues - Sep 11th, 2018

Palmetto Bay Community Meeting - Water Issues - Sep 11th, 2018

Water Meeting held. Commissioner Cava & SFWMD at Palmetto Bay to update and coordinate efforts

A great turn out for another Town Hall meeting.  I was pleased to host and participate in this multi-jurisdictional program. I want to thank the many concerned residents who turned out who spoke with the South Florida Water Management District and Miami-Dade County Government DERM. The meeting was well staffed from the experts from these agencies including Federico E. Fernandez, Esq., Chair, SFWMD Governing Board and Lee Hefty, Director, DERM.

Topics included our canals, including canal maintenance, erosion and safety enforcement, water quality protection, Biscayne Bay restoration, hurricane preparedness.

There will be additional follow up and collaboration between the State of Florida, SFWMD, Miami-Dade County, and locals including Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay. 

The SFWMD is responsible for operating and maintaining more than 2,100 miles of canals from Orlando to the Keys.  The post provides a link to the specific document created by The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) regarding Palmetto Bay.  

The video from this meeting is available online (CLICK HERE).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important meeting - Miami-Dade County, South Florida Water Management District to discuss Water Issues - Sept 11, 2018, 6:00 PM at Palmetto Bay Village Hall.

I am pleased to sponsor/promote this event. This is an important meeting to attend. Canal and water issues can and will be addressed by officials of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).  

Topics will include our canals, water quality protection, Biscayne Bay restoration, hurricane preparedness and more.

Please CLICK HERE to view the official Facebook event site.

I look forward to seeing you at this event.  As always, you can reach me via e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or cell at 305-302-3713 should you have any questions or concerns.

Your Mayor,

EUGENE FLINN

Note: CLICK HERE  to view prior posts relating to the SFWMD.

Getting Ready for the 2018 Storm Season. South Florida Water Management District - May 24, 2018 press release on preparing for Memorial Day weekend rain event

May 24, 2018

SFWMD Prepared for Heavy Rainfall Expected from Tropical System; Urging Residents to Know Appropriate Drainage Authority to Contact when Reporting Problems 

District has already lowered canals with forecast predictions as high as four inches in some areas and after near record rainfall for the month

West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has prepared the region's massive flood control system to move water and protect residents from flooding as a result of the heavy rainfall forecast over the next five to seven days.

"Much of South Florida, including the regions that will see the heaviest rainfall over the Memorial Day weekend, have already experienced an above average amount of rainfall for the past few weeks," said SFWMD Chief Engineer John Mitnik. "Our staff and our flood control system have been hard at work moving flood waters away from communities. The District will continue this work as the storm approaches and passes over South Florida."

CLICK HERE to read the full SFWMD press release of May 24, 2018.

Flood control in South Florida is a shared responsibility between the District, county and city governments, local drainage districts, homeowners associations and residents.

Rainy Season Readiness.

South Florida's annual rainy season typically lasts from June through October, a five-month period that brings 70 percent of our regional rainfall in an average year. The rainy season can also bring flooding, which may occur when large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time or from a single heavy storm, tropical system or hurricane.

During heavy rainfall, it's important to make the right call. Watch this video to learn more about South Florida's three-tiered flood control system and who to contact first in case of flooding.

Homeowners Association (HOA)

Local Drainage Authority

South Florida Water Management District

CLICK HERE to view the SFWMD Flood Control Page. The Animation Information video is embedded below.

Palmetto Bay is working with the SFWMD to ensure proper timing and operation of the Flood Control barriers.

Please CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to Palmetto Bay's collaboration with the SFWMD

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

SFWMD Moving Water in Anticipation of Additional Weekend Rain from Tropical Disturbance

Update from the SFWMD in response to expected weekend rains (CLICK HERE to view the full release):

SFWMD Moving Water in Anticipation of Additional Weekend Rain from Tropical Disturbance

District working with local governments and drainage districts to assist in areas already saturated from Hurricane Irma

 

Orlando, FL - South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) gates and flood control structures in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are operating at maximum practical capacity to lower water levels in anticipation of a tropical disturbance passing over South Florida. The disturbance is expected to drop heavy rains over areas still recovering from high water caused by Hurricane Irma. The SFWMD is coordinating with local water managers and drainage districts to prepare for the storm's expected impacts.

Northern areas of the District, such as Lake Hart, Lake Myrtle, Lake Ajay and East Lake Tohopekaliga, are forecast to receive an average of 3 inches of rain over the next three days with local maximums of more than 8 inches of rain possible. Areas along Shingle Creek and Boggy Creek could also receive heavy rainfall.

These northern areas of the District have already received 8 to 12 inches of rain earlier this month from Hurricane Irma. All SFWMD flood control structures have been moving water out of these lakes to lower levels since the storm. However, these lakes are still well above their regulation schedules for this time of year. Heavy rainfall from the disturbance could cause additional impacts in county-controlled and locally controlled drainage areas that are upstream of the areas drained directly by the SFWMD.

If any municipality or drainage district experiences areas of localized impacts, they are encouraged to contact SFWMD immediately. Staff will assess those situations and see if there is anything further that can be done on a case-by-case basis.

Update - SFWMD - rough waters signal the start of canal work in Pinecrest. Palmetto Bay continues to work with SFWMD.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has begun its work in Pinecrest.  All is not rosy as reported in the Sunday, 1/29/2017, edition of the Miami Herald (Page 4A): 
Lush landscaping vs. flood control: Village tries to defend its canal turf

Please note one of the landscaping solutions proposed by the SFWMD as stated by John Hixenbaugh, Chief of the district's Right of Way Section, this -

After the Herald inquired, the district contacted the village Friday and assured staff they intend to work with homeowners individually to find a solution. In an interview, the team said they always planned to apply a “common sense” approach, not a wholesale razing.

“There are some folks who planted some really nice landscapes,” said Steve Fairtrace, the district’s field project manager.

Homeowners can relocate trees, although non-native, exotic trees will be removed, they said. Homeowners may be able to work out a deal to save native trees, if they agree to cover the cost of maintenance. Many shrubs will be saved. Sod will be replanted.

“When we work with homeowners to save a tree, then there is an obligation for them to maintain it,” said John Hixenbaugh, who oversees right-of-ways for the district. “So yes, there will be an option for that, for trees that remain.”

The SFWMD is of limited funds - the actions they take are to protect their assets in order to do the task at hand.  I remain committed to working with the SFWMD to identify and obtain the funding to actually complete the much-needed canal bank restoration. This requires the legislative requests, follow up in Tallahassee, personally and through our lobbying team and locally through the SFWMD.

As part of the ongoing efforts, the hard work with the SFWMD to eventually bring complete canal bank restoration to Palmetto Bay, the Palmetto Bay Village Council unanimously supported two items I requested for our 2017 Legislative Agenda:

            F.         Requesting funding for South Florida Water Management District specifically for canal bank restoration to address the critical erosion needs in the Village of Palmetto Bay;  ....

Sept 2015 meeting with SFWMD representatives at Village Hall

Please see my prior post of Friday, 1/13/2017 for additional background: Update on the SFWMD canals – two main meetings that I suggest those interested/impacted by the canal attend - and focus on the ONGOING PROJECT – PINECREST.  The SFWMD has advised us that a bank restoration project will commence in Pinecrest on January17. This restoration is covering C100A – starting in Pinecrest, but because of the nature of the work, a large part of the C100A canal- the part of the canal that crosses over into Palmetto Bay off 136 street (it opens into the lake off 136 street) – extending into Palmetto Bay – will be shut down for all boat traffic.  This shutdown is expected to last several months.  

Palmetto Bay is working to prevent further erosion, to control our canals - recently welcoming the Miami-Dade County Marine Patrol into the C100 canals (photo above right) - a welcomed sight, one that we trust will be a productive and ongoing endeavor.  

(Photos immediately above from the 1/20/17 canal bank erosion Town Hall)

I will continue to keep everyone up to date on events and negotiations as they occur.  The canals are a very sensitive, a very important, issue and I continue to lead a Village Council committed to finding the best solution available. 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor