LIVE OAK, FLA., FEBRUARY 23, 2026 – Following feedback received from its residents, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) has announced an upcoming public meeting to provide a venue to discuss the project specifics, hear concerns, and respond to questions around the Water First North Florida project.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on March 19, 2026, from 6 pm – 8 pm. It will be hosted at the District headquarters, located at 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak FL 32060.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to share public comments, have questions answered by staff, and receive an in-depth presentation on the project. The presentation will provide background information on this project including other project concepts, like desalination, that have been considered.
“We’ve received your phone calls, read your emails, and heard from you at public meetings,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “The District appreciates our community’s passion for our natural resources and the value we all place on them. We look forward to further engaging with our community on this effort.”
Water First North Florida is being developed as a solution to meet water supply demands of North Florida and restore flows to the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers. The project would utilize 40 million gallons per day of reclaimed water that will be further polished through a treatment wetland to recharge our aquifer.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
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