South Florida Water Management District
Coverage of South Florida Water Management District in the Nexus archive.
- Winner of Florida python hunting contest nabs 96 snakes: ‘I was on a mission’
The winner of Florida's annual Python Challenge eliminated 96 Burmese pythons from the Everglades as part of an invasive species removal initiative. The 10-day event, organized by FWC, the South Florida water management district, and the National Park Service, offers a $10,000 prize for capturing the most snakes.
- Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup
Florida is failing to meet pollution cleanup deadlines for the Everglades, as manmade Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are not effectively reducing phosphorus levels. The state's data shows a decline in pollution cleanup, with the STAs underperforming despite decades of pledges to restore water quality.
- Burmese python found under sidewalk with 20 eggs during peak nesting season
A Burmese python was discovered under a sidewalk in South Florida guarding 20 eggs during peak nesting season, demonstrating the species' adaptability. The snake was found by a passerby and analyzed by Guillermo Tapanes, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District, who highlighted the threat of pythons using human infrastructure and waterways to spread. Pythons, introduced via the pet trade and exacerbated by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, are being euthanized to control their invasive population.