Performance-Based Septic Systems Now Required for All New Installations in Wakulla County

Published 03-29-2007
The Board of County Commissioners for Wakulla County has issued an Ordinance (# 2006-58) to help protect the springs and waterways of our county. Passed in October of 2006, the ordinance will go into effect immediately.
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Hot tickets

April 19-21, 2007 Schedule an encounter with Mother Nature at the Wakulla Wildlife Festival, which features a variety of tours, demonstrations and activities. The festival's headquarters is Wakulla Springs State Park. Some tours require pre-registration and additional fees. Park admission is $4 per vehicle. Call 224-5950.
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Bill to strengthen springs protections is stuck in neutral

Published March 30, 2007
In the latest version of Argenziano's bill, she sought to provide some extra protection for four prominent springs - Wakulla Springs, south of Tallahassee; Ichetucknee Springs in Columbia County; Rainbow Springs near Dunnellon; and Blue Spring in Volusia County. Her bill would have required state agencies and water management districts to outline special protection zones around the springs.

The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection, the water management districts and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to create a "priority list and schedule'' for outlining spring watersheds and "high vulnerability zones'' for 33 of the state's largest springs.
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Easter egg hunts and celebrations

Published March 27, 2007
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. 19). April 7, 2007 Children 1 to 4 hunt at 9 a.m.; 5 to 8; and 9 to 12 hunt at 9:30. Children hunt for thousands of plastic eggs of various colors; special prizes for silver and gold eggs that can be redeemed for goodies, trinkets and savings bonds. Bring a basket.
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Top concern is project's effect on springs, canals

Published March 27, 2007
Ever since the property around Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River changed hands and the new owners announced their intention to develop the site, those concerned about the future of this natural treasure have focused on just how intense this development will be and how it will affect the pristine springs and nearby canals.
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Wakulla Springs swimming closed

Published March 26, 2007 Tallahassee Democrat
The Wakulla Springs State Park swimming area will be closed through Thursday as park managers apply an herbicide to kill aquatic weeds.

The park has been releasing the herbicide Aquathol K annually since 2002 to kill hydrilla.
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Conservation is a dry subject for county

Published Mar 25, 2007
The summit’s central point was conservation and how it can be achieved. Through various presentations, many speakers drove the importance of conservation home.

At the heart of the issue was the Floridian Aquifer, a trench between 500 to 1,000 feet deep, below the region’s sandy surface and a layer of limestone, Jones said. That’s where the majority of groundwater ends up and where most potable water comes from.Because of rapidly increasing population projections, several experts agreed the aquifer eventually might not be able to meet the people’s needs, meaning alternative water sources must be found.
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Agencies concerned about toll-road idea

Published March 25, 2007 Tallahassee Democrat
Stormwater runoff from the highway could harm the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, Lake Lafayette, Lake Iamonia and the Ochlockonee River, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The toll road would cross the St. Marks River in four spots, according to the Northwest Florida Water Management District. The agency said the road and resulting urban sprawl could increase pollution in an area where groundwater flows toward Wakulla Springs.
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