Your Question Answered

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I am unable to attend the LWDD Board meetings. How can I get a copy of the meeting materials and minutes?

A copy of the Board of Supervisors meeting agendas, minutes and presentation materials are available on the District’s website at https://lwddnet.wpengine.com/board-of-supervisors/meeting-agendas-minutes. For older minutes, please contact the District at info@lwdd.net.

My Pond Needs Water

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Stormwater ponds can enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal. However, residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary may be surprised to discover that the body of water often referred to as the community lake is, in fact, a stormwater management pond.

These ponds are engineered structures designed to collect surface water runoff, such as rainfall. They temporarily store water and release it at a controlled rate until reaching the intended water level within the pond.

During periods of low precipitation, it is normal for ponds to experience lower water levels, potentially revealing sandy banks and limiting their use for lawn irrigation. Since rainfall primarily replenishes these ponds, and LWDD canal water cannot be used to replenish them, these conditions will persist until additional rainfall occurs.

Visit our website for more information on community drainage at www.lwdd.net.

 

Planting In the Wrong Place

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Planting In the Wrong Place

Living in South Florida offers the distinct advantage of enjoying favorable weather year-round. Embraced by this subtropical paradise, residents often invest considerable effort in enhancing the outdoor aesthetics of their homes. While these endeavors can be enjoyable and rewarding, they also come with potential pitfalls that could result in significant expenses.

Selecting the wrong species of trees to plant may inadvertently damage the home’s foundation as the trees mature and roots spread. Improperly placed vegetation can lead to severe plumbing issues, such as roots infiltrating drainage and utility lines, causing damage and flooding of streets and potentially homes. Plants and other landscape enhancements within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) rights-of-way could obstruct essential access by crews for regular maintenance activities and emergency access before and after a major storm event.

Ensuring clear rights-of-way is imperative, as encroachments impede access to canals and may exacerbate flooding by obstructing natural drainage routes. Unauthorized encroachments by the property owner must be removed from the canal right-of-way. Frequently found encroachments include trees, vegetation, fences and sheds. Considering the cost of installation and subsequent removal, this expense often catches property owners off guard.

Do not waste your time or money by planting in the wrong place. Residents adjacent to an LWDD canal can contact us at info@lwdd.net to verify the location of property lines before installing any landscape enhancements.

 

Storm Season – Are You Ready

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Storm Season – Are You Ready

Time to gear up for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, spanning June 1 to November 30. Last year yielded 19 named storms and projections for this year indicate an even busier season. It is crucial to be ready. Regardless of whether our area experiences 1 or 30 storms, preparedness is paramount. The following list provides 3 steps you can take to ensure you are ready for whatever this storm season brings our way.

  • Shop Early – Procrastination might work in some scenarios, but not when it comes to hurricane preparedness. Once a storm is looming, stores quickly run out of essentials, gas stations face endless lines and crucial hardware materials like plywood become scarce. Instead of waiting until the last minute, stock up on essentials during your regular shopping trips. Websites like ready.gov offer thorough checklists for your emergency kit, while www.floridadisaster.org shows you how to customize a plan based on your specific needs.
  • Secure Your Neighborhood – Contributing to the safety of your neighborhood is essential during a storm. Clear drainage grates, ditches and swales of debris to prevent water blockages. Trim trees and remove dead vegetation but avoid doing so if a major storm is forecasted as there may not be time for sanitation pickup. Secure loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds like lawn ornaments, trampolines and trellises. Residents within the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) boundary can find more information about the responsibility neighborhoods play have providing community flood control at lwdd.net.
  • Have a Plan – If you plan to evacuate, having an evacuation plan in place is critical before a storm approaches. Identify if you are in an evacuation zone, establish and practice your evacuation routes. Know the location of your designated shelter and visit kidshealth.org for preparation tips for children and pets. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and support systems to determine the best course of action for the safety of you and your family.

Following these 3 steps, you can better prepare yourself, your family and your community for the potential challenges of hurricane season. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay safe.

Backyard Invaders

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Backyard Invaders

Aggressive, annoying, abundant and invasive, these are all adjectives to describe a growing problem in Florida – iguanas.

Iguanas are a burden on Florida’s ecology and their population is constantly growing. Whether devouring crops or displacing native species, iguanas are a nuisance, burrowing under the foundations of homes, into seawalls and along canal banks and ponds. These scaly creatures are an ecological and economic challenge for the entire region.

Iguanas are native to Central and South America and were introduced to Florida as pets. However, due to escapes and intentional releases, their population has exploded, particularly in South Florida. The warm climate and abundant vegetation provide ideal conditions for their survival and reproduction. With minimal natural predators in the region, iguanas thrive in this area.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, iguanas were first spotted in South Florida in the 60s. As of now, they can be found as far north as Alachua, the Highlands and Hillsborough Counties. They are attracted to vegetation with soft foliage or flowers, most fruits (except citrus) and almost all types of vegetables.

Beyond the ecological and economic ramifications, the iguana invasion raises public health concerns. Iguanas are potential carriers of salmonella, posing risks to human health through direct contact or contamination of food and water sources. As their population continues to grow, the likelihood of human and iguana interactions increases, necessitating initiative measures to minimize health risks.

Recognizing the severity of the iguana invasion, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other environmental agencies in South Florida have implemented various strategies to mitigate the iguana’s impact. These include:

  • Removal Programs: Trained professionals conduct trapping and removal programs to control iguana populations in heavily affected areas. When captured, iguanas are euthanized or relocated to designated areas to prevent further spread.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives aim to raise awareness about the ecological and economic consequences of iguana invasion. Encouraging responsible pet ownership and discouraging the release of exotic pets into the wild are essential components of these campaigns.
  • Research and Monitoring: Scientists and researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) have conducted studies to better understand iguana behavior, population dynamics and habitat preferences. This knowledge informs targeted management strategies to effectively control iguana populations and minimize damage.

For more information about these efforts visit Iguanas in the Landscape and Green Iguana | FWC (myfwc.com).