2019 08 07 DeSantis Ltr SFWMD Bd MemberCITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE THIRD AVENUE
OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
Phone: (863)763-3372
www.cityofokeechobee.com
Okeechobee City Council
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Wes Abney
Monica Clark
BobJarriel
Bobby Keefe
August 7, 2019
The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Governor of Florida
Plaza Level 05, The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Dear Governor DeSantis,
On behalf of the City of Okeechobee, our residents, our businesses and our agricultural community,
we respectfully request that you consider filling the final South Florida Water Management
Governing Board Vacant seat with someone who can represent agriculture's interests. Agriculture
is a primary consumptive use of water and is a vital component to regulating flows by holding
excess water whenever possible. In addition, Agriculture is one of Florida's primary economic
drivers and employers.
South Florida agriculture has a long history of implementing Best Management Practices that have
had a documented positive effect on water quality. We know that there is a long way to go and we
play a large part in creating and implementing solutions.
We appreciate your steadfast focus on water quality and feel that agriculture plays an enormous
role in water management. Having representation on the board for our sector of business will help
to deliver the goals that we are collaborating to achieve.
Sincerely,
/
rZ-- l
Dowling R. Watford Jr.
Mayor
City of Okeechobee