Watch the Weather, Wait to Water

Susanna Martinez Tarokh

Michelle Williamson Elected SWFWMD Governing Board Vice Chair

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to take advantage of the upcoming summer rainy season and “watch the weather, wait to water.”

During the summer months of June, July, August, and September, yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off the irrigation system and turn it back on when needed.

The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard.

• Grass blades appear blue-gray.

• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

Follow these tips when you “watch the weather, wait to water”:

• If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.

• Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain your yard has received.

• If you have a rain sensor, make sure that it is working properly.

• Take full advantage of the rain. Make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or lawn.

• Install a rain barrel to capture excess rainwater.

For additional information, visit WaterMatters.org/WatchTheWeather.

By Jim Frankowiak

Michelle Williamson has been elected Vice Chair of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board for the 2023 – 2024 term. Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the 16-county District whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks and ensure the public’s water needs are met.

Williamson, who represents Hillsborough County, was appointed to the Governing Board in December 2020 with her term expiring March 1, 2024. She previously served the Board from August 2016 to August 2020, during which time she held the offices of Treasurer and Vice Chair.

As operations manager of G&F Farms in Dover, Williamson oversees food safety and regulatory compliance programs, as well as the human resources department. Williamson has served as a board member for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau State Board of Directors, and Hillsborough County Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee. She currently serves on the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council, and International Responsible Farming Council Board of Directors.

In addition, Williamson also has served as the state chair of the Florida Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee and the chair of the Florida Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee for District 5.