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SWFWMD Frost/Freeze Protection
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALTERNATIVE FROST-FREEZE PROTECTION PRACTICES
Minutes from the February 17, 2010 Frost/Freeze Workshop
In early January 2010, Florida experienced 11 consecutive days of freezing and sub-freezing temperatures which required water permit holders to pump large quantities of water to protect strawberry, citrus and other commodities.
As a result, the water table in the Floridan aquifer in the South West Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) area (specifically the Dover/Plant City area) dropped several feet and hundreds of homeowner wells went dry. Of course this triggered many complaints.
In light of this unprecedented event, SWFWMD began reviewing its frost/freeze protection policies to determine if the process can be managed better. The District has assembled an advisory committee composed of stakeholders, citizens, industry experts and others to ensure that all interested parties are represented during this review. Florida Citrus Mutual Board member Larry Black of Peace River Packing serves on the committee and Laurie Hurner, Mutual’s assistant director of grower affairs is an alternate.
