The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is releasing additional water from the Medard Reservoir into the Alafia River to protect the structural integrity of the reservoir.
In preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Milton, the District was releasing water and the Medard Reservoir was below normal operating level. However, the Medard Reservoir received nearly 7 inches of rainfall and the reservoir rose 6.5 feet as a result of Hurricane Milton.
The District is currently releasing 600 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the structure per its normal operating procedures and needs to pump an additional 80 cfs to lower the reservoir by 5 feet to protect its structural integrity. The Alafia River is currently flowing at 5,000 cfs and the Alafia River at Lithia Pinecrest Road is at Major Flood Stage and is expected to crest tomorrow.
While the District recognizes that homes along the Alafia River may already be experiencing flooding issues, not pumping the additional water from the reservoir and risking a failure, would further endanger residents and property downstream.
Edward Medard Park is a popular recreation area located just east of Turkey Creek Road and south of State Road 60. 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 some flood protection along the Alafia River. 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 the most updated information, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org.