In Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates Major Milestone in Everglades Restoration with Full Execution of Accelerated EAA Reservoir Contracts
SOUTH BAY, Fla. — In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to announce that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been fully executed, marking a major step forward in accelerating one of the most critical components of Everglades Restoration.
“Today, alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I was proud to announce that all federally funded contracts have been executed to expedite completion of the EAA Reservoir by 2029, five years ahead of the original timeline,” DeSantis said at a news conference on April 13. “This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering on our commitment to restore the Everglades. The July 2025 agreement between the State of Florida and the federal government has made all this possible by cutting red tape with an all-hands-on-deck approach. This is a major victory for America’s Everglades and a testament to the progress our joint federal and state teams have made in just nine months.”
“Today will mark the day that President Trump cemented his legacy as The Everglades President, and Governor DeSantis as The Everglades Governor,” said Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “The Everglades Agricultural Area Restoration plan is truly a modern American mega-project, possible only under the leadership of President Trump and the ‘Make America Beautiful Again’ task force, along with our great partnerships with Governor DeSantis and the South Florida Water Management District,” adding that “this project is a prime example of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’s laser focus on maximizing the ability to deliver national infrastructure, and I’m so proud to help make this happen for America and the State of Florida.”
“Everglades restoration is one of the most complex ecosystem efforts in the world, and progress like this only happens when we come together with a shared focus on solutions,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By working with our federal partners and staying focused on results, we are accelerating restoration and ensuring this work continues moving forward.”
The announcement from the Army Corps confirms that all federally managed contracts necessary to meet the accelerated 2029 completion target are now in place, ensuring that funding and resources will remain secured through project completion.
The announcement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding reached in 2025, which allows the State of Florida to take a leading role in executing federally funded components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This partnership has already yielded measurable progress in just nine months.
Under the agreement:
Construction timelines for the EAA Reservoir have been accelerated by five years.
Florida has taken the lead on key project components while coordinating closely with the Army Corps.
Critical infrastructure, including the inflow pump station capable of moving 3 billion gallons of water daily from Lake Okeechobee, is already underway.
Agreements for the outflow pump station are nearing completion at a significantly faster pace than traditional federal timelines.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In April, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
Dr. Waters is a seventh-generation Florida cattle rancher, veterinarian, and owner of Heartland Large Animal Services, a large animal ambulatory veterinary practice serving livestock producers across Central Florida. She also teaches numerous animal science and beef cattle production classes at Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida.
“Dr. LuJean Waters has dedicated her life to serving Florida agriculture and the people who keep it strong,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “She understands the responsibility that comes with feeding our state and protecting our agricultural heritage, and she is helping to ensure the next generation is ready to carry that forward. It is an honor to recognize her as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.”
Dr. Waters has held numerous leadership roles within the industry, including serving as Chair of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Animal Health Committee, as a member of the Florida Beef Council, and on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava honors student winners of “Every Drop Counts” poster contest
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recognized 13 student winners of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD)’s 18th Annual “Every Drop Counts” Children’s Poster Contest during the April 21 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.
These pint-sized Picassos demonstrated their commitment to conservation through their artwork, with one first-place winner selected from each of the County’s 13 Commission Districts. During the meeting, the students were also recognized by County Commissioners, Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer Roy Coley, and WASD Director Jay Fink.
“This year’s theme: ‘Use Water Wisely, Don’t Waste It!’ reminds us of the importance of protecting this precious resource for future generations,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Through their creativity and thoughtful messages, these students embrace their role as true ‘water warriors,’ showing how everyday actions can make a meaningful difference in conserving water and supporting a sustainable future.”
More than 1,800 students from kindergarten through fifth grade, representing 55 schools across the County, participated in this year’s contest, illustrating through colorful drawings how every drop counts.
“The contest continues to attract student artists from all 13 County Commission districts,” said Chief Coley. “It is inspiring to see their enthusiasm for protecting our environment. Engaging with children and encouraging them to understand the value of our natural resources ensures conservation remains a priority for our community.”
“It’s awesome to see students actively engaged in learning about the importance of water,” said WASD Director Fink. “Programs like this help build awareness early, stimulate creative thinking about conservation and reinforce the importance of protecting our water resources. The message also gets carried home and spreads awareness unlike any media or mailing post.”
The poster contest is part of Miami-Dade’s Water-Use Efficiency Plan, and helps educate students about the importance of conserving and protecting water resources.
Residents can view the 13 winning designs and learn more about WASD’s conservation programs by visiting the department’s Conservation page.
