The Southwest Water Management District (District) will host an open house and community meeting regarding the Medard Reservoir Thursday, Jan. 23, at Durant High School located at 4748 Cougar Path in Plant City.
The open house portion of the meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
During the open house, District staff, along with representatives from Hillsborough County and the National Weather Service, will be available to answer questions and provide an overview of the following topics:
- 2024 Summer Wet Season
- Alafia River Watershed Overview
- Medard Reservoir, Dam and Structure
- Medard Structure Operations Before, During and After Hurricane Milton
The Medard Reservoir is located within the Alafia River Watershed. This watershed is the largest in Hillsborough County and is approximately 270,000 acres or 418 square miles.
After mining phosphate in the 1960s, the American Cyanamid Company donated the majority of this property to the District in 1969. The mine site was excavated across a 2-mile length of the Little Alafia River. In 1970, a dike and a control structure were built to create the 700-acre reservoir, which offers recreational opportunities, water supply benefits, and some flood protection along the Alafia River.
Edward Medard Park is a popular recreation area located just east of Turkey Creek Road and south of State Road 60. In 1972, under agreement with the District, Hillsborough County developed this site as one of its largest regional parks. Originally known as the Pleasant Grove Reservoir Park, the property was renamed the Edward Medard Park and Reservoir in 1977 to honor a District Governing Board member. The park is managed by Hillsborough County, while the reservoir dam is operated by the District.
For more information on the Alafia River Watershed, visit WaterMatters.org/Watersheds.