A primary topic of the meeting was the detailed presentation by Daryl Budro from the Northwest Florida Water Management District on the Watersheds Partnership Program. Budro outlined the program’s goal to manage and improve water quality across major watersheds, including Purto, Pensacola, Chakahhatchee, and St. Andrew, with a particular emphasis on stormwater and septic tank issues. Highlighting the urgency, Budro noted the rapid growth in the Panhandle, with five of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and the need to avoid costly remediation seen in other areas like South Florida. The program seeks $22.5 million for grants and $2.5 million for management. Public meetings will be held to gather community input on these priorities.

In addition to Budro’s presentation, the board discussed the need for a policy on legislative advocacy. The conversation centered on establishing guidelines for how the board might engage in policy discussions without overstepping its non-regulatory role. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of deregulation and overregulation on environmental initiatives. The board expressed a desire to ensure that any advocacy reflects a majority consensus.

The board also reviewed updates on various research and restoration initiatives. Notable projects include the Pensacola Bay Oyster Restoration Initiative, which reported successful oyster spat settlement, and the Carpenter Creek restoration project, which involves extensive community engagement and property access agreements. These efforts are complemented by ongoing seagrass surveys and a transition to using the board’s own vessel for data collection on juvenile fish populations.

Members discussed the challenges of regulating larger vessels discharging sewage into waterways, emphasizing the need for coordinated local government efforts.

Upcoming events were also a focus, with the third annual “Evening for the Estuaries” gala set for October 16th and activities planned for National Estuaries Week, including a sold-out vertical oyster garden building event and a community grant symposium.

Additionally, the board approved several action items, including renewing the office lease with Empire Partners LLC, authorizing contract negotiations for a sediment reduction plan, and agreements for microbial source tracking and watershed education projects. These approvals reflect ongoing support for essential environmental programs and initiatives.