District News
This page will feature news releases by the District relating to meetings, petition and road referendum updates, elections, and more. This page will be regularly updated. If landowners have any questions about a news story, you may contact the District at 561-747-0550 or via e-mail at sirwcd@sirwcd.org.
The District's Notes and News newsletter also provides information of interest to landowners and is mailed out a few times per year.
Tropical Storm Warning Issued with Wind, Heavy Rainfall, and Flooding Threats Forecast for South Florida Indian River Water Control District
Update Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Executive Director William Kennedy and Supervisor of Operations Dustin Fazio took a helicopter tour of the District Saturday morning, October 12, to survey potential damage from Hurricane Milton in order to determine the scale and scope of cleanup efforts needed to return the canals to pre-storm condition. This service was provided free of charge by a FEMA-certified contractor. Mr. Kennedy reports that the District does not have any significant woody vegetation in the canals.
Update Friday, October 11, 2024
District operators will continue clearing canals of storm debris and begin grading dirt roads today. However, with the wet weather we are receiving today, the rain will decrease our ability to grade roads. If the road material is too wet, it will not compact and will make the road worse because the existing “packed” material will be made soft. The District’s three graders will be draining puddled water from roads and grading any roads that are dry enough to improve.
Update Thursday, October 10, 2024
Executive Director Chad Kennedy, Supervisor of Operations Dustin Fazio, and equipment operators are out clearing windborne debris from roadways and waterways. The office will be responding to calls in the office this afternoon. Additional crews will be dispatched after 10:00 a.m.
Dustin Fazio responded to tornado damage in Jupiter Farms on Wednesday night with the front end loader. He was joined by several local tree-service companies to quickly open the road.
The South Indian River Water Control District has received over 12 inches of rainfall in the last few days and the drainage system is operating within design parameters. We continue to monitor the drainage system performance and make any adjustments within our purview as needed. Some canals have trees and foliage debris in them, but they are not obstructing flows at this time.
The Power Takeoff Pump that was installed Tuesday morning in Palm Beach Country Estates to move water from South Indian River Water Control District Canal E into the C-18 is no longer needed and has been taken out of service.
Since our area is still experiencing some wind gusts that may not decrease until later this afternoon, this may bring down more foliage and trees. Please try minimize travel if possible, so that cleanup can proceed as quickly and efficiently.
A big thank you to the landowners and good Samaritans that are helping to clear the roads in the District this morning! Please be safe if you are doing so!
As most of the roads are still too wet to grade, the District will start grading first thing Friday morning.
As of 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning, all roads in Jupiter Farms are open.
Previous Information:
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Palm Beach County and surrounding areas. This means tropical storm conditions with sustained winds up to 73 miles per hour are now expected within the next 36 hours. There is a heavy rainfall and flood threat throughout South Florida from October 6-10, 2024.
Over the last three days the South Indian River Water Control District has received 11.81 inches of rainfall and the drainage system is operating within design parameters. We continue to monitor the drainage system performance and make any adjustments within our perview as needed.
South Indian River Water Control District personnel are carefully monitoring the approaching storm and have taken proactive steps in conjunction with South Florida Water Management District. The South Florida Water Management District is managing their canals to allow the regional flood control system to operate at full capacity. The South Indian River Water Control Office will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for the storm. However, Executive Director Chad Kennedy and Supervisor of Operations Dustin Fazio will be available by calling 561-747-0550 and operators are on standby. As circumstances change, information will be updated.
In abundance of caution for Palm Beach Country Estates, we have installed a rented farmer-style Power Takeoff Pump Tuesday morning to move water over the South Indian River Water Control District Canal E berm to allow water to drain into the C-18. District Executive Director Chad Kennedy notes that though the gravity flow design is working, he feels Canal E is at a level where the stages do not appear to be dropping enough to create enough capacity for additional anticipated rainfall totals forecast over the next few days.
Executive Director Chad Kennedy has been working closely with the Operations and Maintenance staff at South Florida Water Management District. In preparation for the storm, South Florida Water Management District has opened the S46 control structure (the one near Duffys) to lower the C18 canal. South Florida Water Management District will determine when to lower the boards in their Palm Beach Country Estates' Project Culverts PC-8A - Canal C and PC-10 - Canal E, to allow additional flow into the C18 Canal. For Jupiter Farms, the South Florida Water Management District has opened the G92 structure to allow the South Indian River Water Control District C-14 Canal to flow backwards into the C-18. This is a protocol that can only happen when the C-18 is low enough, which is part of the reason for opening the S46. The C-14 is the main North-South canal that collects all the East-West canals and normally drains through the Loxahatchee River. With all the rainfall we are having now, the floodplains will be full, so back flowing to the C-18 will help control some of the water level in Jupiter Farms canals.
South Indian River Water Control District encourages all landowners to make preparations for the storm, removing any items on your property that may become windborne and making sure your own culverts are clear of vegetation and debris. Please do not pile vegetation on swales or canal banks at this time.
Projected rainfall totals will continue to fluctuate day-to-day. Heavy rainfall and flooding will remain the primary threat, but landowners should prepare their property for winds as well. Additional rainfall estimates are from 3 to 5 inches in our area, and combined with what we have already received, will cause higher levels of stormwater in canals and swales. WIth heavy rain events, swales, ditches, and even roads are subject to standing water. The roadways may be impacted if the District receives 8.7 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period. We will begin regrading roadways as soon as possible after the storm.
In the case of emergency situations that may be encountered during heavy rainfall and wind events, as well as tips and guidance for preparing your property to help manage stormwater runoff generated by heavy rainfall, please refer to our Emergency Management and Stormwater - What You Can Do web pages.
Please monitor the approaching storm carefully as circumstances may change, and the weather outlook for our area could worsen.
We will continue to provide updates as new information is made available.
In the case of emergency situations that may be encountered during heavy rainfall and wind events please see our Emergency Management web page, and for tips and guidance for preparing your property to help manage stormwater runoff generated by heavy rainfall, please see our Stormwater - What You Can Do web page.
- If you face life-threatening flooding or are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas. When in doubt, turn around.
- Monitor any announcements by Palm Beach County's Emergency Operations Center.
- Do not wade or swim in floodwaters - there may be downed electrical lines and snakes or other animals in the water, and it may be contaminated.
- Flooded roads, swales and ditches are expected during and after heavy rain events. In the event water is impacting your home, please report the flooding to the District by calling (561) 747-0550 or email a description with your address and photographs to: sirwcd@sirwcd.org.
South Indian River Water Control District's Board of Supervisors Names William Kennedy as Executive Director
The South Indian River Water Control District Board of Supervisors has selected William 'Chad' Kennedy as the new Executive Director for the District. Mr. Kennedy takes over the position on June 5, 2024, from Michael Dillon who retired from the District in April.
In choosing a new Executive Director, the Board was looking for an experienced candidate who could maintain the efficient and effective day-to-day operation and management of the District, both now and in the future. They felt that Mr. Kennedy’s extensive employment experience and Master's degree in Business Administration will provide a sound foundation to accomplish this goal.
Previously, Mr. Kennedy was a Program Administrator with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration, from August 2006 to May 2024. He was responsible for managing a team of engineers and biologists providing planning support and regulatory guidance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District to help ensure projects met state objectives and compliance with applicable laws. He served as agency spokesperson on the South Florida Water Management District's Water Resources Analysis Coalition, the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, and Science Coordination Group. In addition, he has expertise managing construction, wetland restoration, public recreation, scientific research, and various grants and contracts.
Prior to working at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, he was a Senior Environmental Scientist at South Florida Water Management District. Mr. Kennedy worked in a number of positions over his tenure there from September 1990 to August 2006, including Staff Environmental Scientist, Senior Supervising Scientific Associate, and Scientific Technician.
Mr. Kennedy has a Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Master's of Business Administration with Environmental Emphasis degree from Florida Atlantic University, and he also is licensed as a Florida Certified Contract Manager.
Mr. Kennedy has been a resident of Jupiter Farms for over 30 years and welcomes the opportunity to help ensure the safety and well-being of District landowners through the management of stormwater, as well as protection of water quality and the environment.
“We were fortunate to have had a number of qualified candidates to choose from, but Mr. Kennedy’s education and employment experience were exceptional,” said Board of Supervisors’ President Michael Howard. “We look forward to working with him to continue providing outstanding service to the landowners of the District.”
South Indian RIver Water Control District Receives Proclamation from Palm Beach County
The South Indian River Water Control DIstrict received a proclamation celebrating its 100th Anniversary from Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino at the 29th Annual Landowners Family Day on March 18, 2023. From left to right - Supervisors John Meyer, Tom Powell, Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino, Manager of Operations Michael Dillon, Supervisors John Jones and Susan Kennedy.
New Telemetry System for Jupiter Farms Now Operational
At a Board of Supervisors Board Meeting held on June 17, 2021, the Board approved a recommendation by the Manager of Operations, Michael Dillon, to replace the outdated telemetry system for Canals 2 through 5 and 14 in Jupiter Farms as a capital improvement project in the 2021-2022 Proposed Budget. The cost of $164,000 was based on proposals from vendors with expertise in constructing these types of systems. The system is now installed and operational.
What is telemetry? According to Wikipedia, “Telemetry is the automatic recording and transmission of data from remote or inaccessible sources to an IT system in a different location for monitoring and analysis.” Some major uses of telemetry include communications, meteorology, military intelligence, flight testing, and health care. Telemetry is an automated communications process, which is usually associated with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems comprised of computers, networked data communications and graphical user interfaces. This allows for high-level supervisory management of data and the ability to send control commands to devices in the field.
There are five water control structures in the system that are intended to improve groundwater recharge and reduce over-drainage during the District’s dry season. It also is designed to improve water quality of runoff discharged into the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. The District’s Telemetry System for the structures enables management to control gate elevations, as well as monitor headwater/tailwater levels from the District’s Work Center, instead of manually making changes and taking readings in the field. This is particularly important during storm events.
Originally installed as part of the 9th Plan of Improvements begun in 2005, the telemetry system has become outdated and is no longer functioning as originally designed. Over the past couple of years, the system is showing its age and parts are becoming obsolete, so a complete upgrade is in order. The District Engineer originally provided initial construction plans, specifications, permitting and design of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system in 2005, as well as construction inspection services and project certifications. Each water control structure contained a sheet pile weir with concrete cap from approximately 30 feet to 50 feet wide and an operable dual-gate structure that is 72 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Each gate was designed with telemetry in order to control them remotely at the District Work Center. The structures may also be operated manually.
Executive Director William Kennedy Accepted Into the Florida Association of Special Districts' Certified District Manager Program
Executive Director William Kennedy has been accepted into the Florida Association of Special Districts’ (FASD) Certified District Manager (CDM) Program and will take the course during their Quarterly Meeting from October 21-25, 2024, in St. Augustine.
In addition, Mr. Kennedy has been awarded the FASD Scholarship by the Education and Certification Committee. The CDM designation requires experience and/or education components along with the successful completion of the course written project administered by the Florida Institute of Government.
Subjects covered in the course include the following:
• Contract Management and Procurement
• Project Management
• Intergovernmental Affairs
• Public Information and Public Relations
• Strategic Planning and Budgeting
• Board Relations
• Ethics and Sunshine Law
• Collective Bargaining
Graduates of the program will be given a certificate of completion at the end of scheduled course, and an official CDM Certificate will be presented at the following Annual Conference. The CDM designation requires re-certification every 2 years.
Solid Waste Authority Post-Storm Update
The Solid Waste Authority has asked the District to provide this information to landowners.
This is not a typical hurricane debris response.
Most areas of the unincorporated parts of the county have not been significantly impacted by this storm.
The SWA asks those residents who are not in a tornado impacted area to place their waste to the curb as usual, by putting no more than 6-cubic yards of vegetation and 3 bulk items out on their regularly scheduled collection day. SWA waste haulers have been instructed to collect piles of vegetation as normal.
This is not an opportunity for those not heavily impacted by this storm to start an annual tree trimming effort thinking that it is going to be collected. FEMA does not approve the reimbursement of routine vegetation collection.
There are several isolated areas that have been significantly impacted by tornados, and SWA efforts and resources will focus on these areas to get them back to normal as quickly as possible. The SWA plans to mobilize a debris contractor early next week to start collecting storm debris, which includes vegetation, construction and demolition, and bulk items, in the tornado impacted areas of the unincorporated parts of the county only.
If unincorporated residents living in a tornado impacted area have storm related damage, in accordance with Palm Beach County Ordinance 2019-002 (PDF), the 6-cubic-yard curbside limit for vegetation does not apply.
Please be patient and careful when getting this storm debris to the curb. We have seen trees in power lines; trees leaning in precarious positions. If in doubt of safe conditions, we encourage you to hire professionals to get your storm debris to the curb. The SWA and its contractors do not go on private property.
To speed collection, please keep storm debris in separate piles. Keep vegetative storm debris separate from construction/building debris, and separate from regular garbage and recycling.
And avoid placing piles near mailboxes, fire hydrants or other obstructions.
If residents living in unincorporated parts of the county have any waste questions or concerns, or experience service issues, contact SWA customer service at 561-697-2700.
By working together, we will get our community back to normal as soon as possible.
Thank you Letter to District Landowners
Supervisor of Operations Dustin Fazio and Executive Director William Chad Kennedy would like to thank landowners who assisted in clean-up efforts after the tornado touchdown in Jupiter Farms.
John Jones, Supervisor
It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of John Jones, a member of the Board of Supervisors, on September 19, 2024. Mr. Jones was appointed interim Supervisor on July 20, 2017, after the resignation of Michael Ryan. He was elected to the Board in September 2017 and served up until his passing. He was on the Parks and Recreation Committee from 2017 to 2024 and the Budget Committee from 2018 to 2024.
Mr. Jones was a Certified Public Accounting serving area residents and businesses for many years. His accounting expertise was an asset in helping to develop budgets for the District.
As a Supervisor, he worked to manage stormwater, as well as protect environmental and water resources through projects, services, and operations in the District. He was greatly admired by his colleagues and peers, and his knowledge, experience, and personal warmth and friendship will be profoudly missed.
The District Supervisors, staff and employees extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Donelle and their children Kristine, Ross, Matt, and Drew.
Philip Walton Celebrates Five Years of Service
Dustin Fazio, Supervisor of Operations, (on right), presents a certificate of acheivement award to Philip Walton for five years of dedicated service to South Indian River Water Control District. Mr. Walton joined the District as an equipment operator in May 2019.
Tom Powell Re-Elected to Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors ratified the certified results of the 2023 Board of Supervisors election received from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Wendy Sartory Link at the monthly board meeting of the South Indian River Water Control District held on Dec. 7, 2023,. Tom Powell was re-elected to the Board with 945 votes.
Mr. Powell was sworn in by the District’s Attorney, Seth Behn. Michael Howard was elected President, Tom Powell as Vice-President, and Jane Woodward as Secretary.
In addition, the following appointments were made to the committees – Thomas Powell and John Jones - Budgeting; Susan Kennedy - Communications; John Jones - Parks, Recreation and Water; and John Meyer and Michael Howard - Policies and Procedures.
Manatees!
Mother and baby manatees were spotted in a canal in the District!
