The Miami-Dade County - South Florida Water Management District Governing Board convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss key financial updates and ongoing projects related to water management and environmental restoration in the region.

The meeting commenced with a detailed financial report presented by the board, highlighting significant revenue and expenditure figures for the district. As of March 2025, the district reported $820 million in new revenue, marking a 34% increase compared to the previous year. Expenditures totaled $541 million, with over 90% of the funds allocated to restoration and operations and maintenance (O&M). The revenue sources included $447 million from state appropriated funds primarily for Everglades restoration, alongside $342 million from Ad Valorem taxes and additional income from various fees and leases.

Following the financial overview, the board reviewed the annual report from the Lake Belt Mitigation Committee. This committee, established under statute, evaluates the costs and revenues associated with mitigation fees collected for environmental projects. The report indicated that the Lake Belt Mitigation Trust Fund had a balance of approximately $14.9 million as of December 31, 2023. During 2024, the fund received around $2 million from the Florida Department of Revenue, with approved expenditures totaling over $8.2 million. Notable projects funded included the Abiaki Prairie Restoration Project and ongoing water quality monitoring efforts.

Public comments were also a part of the meeting, with Diamond Bergeron representing the Bergeron Everglades Foundation. She congratulated newly appointed board members and acknowledged the dedication of the staff in their efforts toward Everglades restoration. The meeting concluded with board members expressing gratitude for the staff's hard work and discussing the challenges posed by changing ecological conditions, particularly concerning Lake Okeechobee.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to financial transparency and environmental stewardship, with a focus on ongoing restoration projects and the management of water resources in South Florida.