By The books

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All organizations maintain records, but public records are a distinct category exclusive to government entities. The laws governing public records vary by state, and Florida boasts one of the most expansive and accessible policies in the United States. Florida Statute Chapter 119, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, defines our Public Records Law.

According to Chapter 119, a public record encompasses “…all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.” Furthermore, the statute outlines three principles that govern how agencies handle public records:

  1. Each government agency is responsible for safeguarding its public records.
  2. Government records are available for personal inspection and copying by any individual.
  3. Providing access to public records is a fundamental obligation of each agency.

Unless specifically exempted by statute (e.g., medical information, social security numbers), records must be provided to the public upon request within a reasonable timeframe. If access is denied, the agency will cite the legal basis for the exemption. The State of Florida has identified over 1,500 exemptions where certain records or parts thereof are not disclosed to the public.

The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) offers many commonly requested records on its website at www.lwdd.net. If you cannot locate the desired records online, you may submit a public records request. While written requests are not mandatory, a request form is available at www.lwdd.net/contact/public-records-request to streamline the process. When making a request, please specify the records you seek and, if possible, include the relevant date range. Vague or overly broad requests may delay fulfillment and incur unnecessary costs for additional records. LWDD is committed to transparent and timely access to its public records, with staff available to assist in obtaining the necessary information.

No Swim Zone

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South Florida is a popular destination for water activities during the hot summer months. The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) canal system may seem like an appealing spot to cool off, swim, or enjoy a day of fishing. However, it’s important to recognize that these waterways can pose significant dangers.

LWDD canals were not designed for recreational use. They serve the critical functions of collecting stormwater for flood control and supplying water to residents and businesses within our area. The operation of this flood control system involves large water control structures that, when opened, can cause sudden changes in water levels and create strong currents that are not always visible from the surface. These currents can catch swimmers and boaters off guard, and near open structures, undertows can be powerful enough to pull swimmers and small boats underwater.

Canal banks lack protective barriers and may collapse due to the soft sandy soil and underlying rocks. Once in the water, the steep slope of the canal bank can make it extremely difficult to climb out. Depending on the time of day or the location of the canal, cries for help may go unnoticed.

Numerous hidden dangers and submerged hazards lurk within the canals, such as broken glass, scrap metal, bottles, cans, and wildlife including alligators, snapping turtles, and snakes. Diving in these canals is particularly hazardous due to varying depths and submerged aquatic vegetation that can entangle limbs.

To ensure safety, adhere to a few essential guidelines: refrain from swimming in canals; opt for safer environments like pools or beaches instead. Maintain a safe distance from canal banks to prevent accidental falls into the waterway, and always steer clear of water control structures.

For more comprehensive water safety tips, visit the Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition’s website at http://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention.

Be Prepared: Why We Can’t Afford Complacency

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The aftermath of a major storm in Florida can be unforgettable: blue-tarped roofs, piles of yard debris awaiting collection, and the absence of electricity, air conditioning, or clean water. Yet, these memories often fade as life returns to normal. However, for many Floridians, this period of calm can stretch on for years.

The last significant hurricane to impact our region was Wilma in October 2005. As time passes, people tend to forget the hardships of past events. Additionally, newcomers to the area may have never experienced a severe storm, leading to a sense of complacency and procrastination when it comes to emergency planning. However, the tranquility before the storm can swiftly change.

South Florida is renowned not only for hurricanes but also for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can bring torrential downpours any time of year. For instance, in January 2014, more than 15 inches of rain deluged a localized area within hours, causing severe flooding, property damage, and tragic loss of life.

It is crucial for residents to maintain year-round preparedness. This includes regularly checking and replenishing essential supplies like emergency food stocks, water storage, flashlights, and other necessities. Residents should also develop and maintain an evacuation plan, accounting for pets and family members with mobility challenges. Additionally, ensuring insurance policies are current and important documents are readily accessible is essential.

While we hope to navigate through the 2024 hurricane season unscathed, it’s inevitable that our luck may eventually run out. The importance of sustained preparation will then become strikingly evident. Valuable resources for emergency planning information can be accessed at www.ready.gov.

How To Take Back Your Yard

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The Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) is a single purpose drainage district and does not provide mosquito control services. However, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent their backyards from becoming breeding grounds. Remember two key actions: drain and cover.

Drain:

– Remove water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where rainwater has collected.

– Discard unused items such as old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other debris that can hold water.

– Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls once or twice a week.

– Cover boats and vehicles with tarps that do not accumulate water.

– Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinate them. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

– Clear vegetation or debris from drainage ditches to ensure water can flow freely.

Cover:

– Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

– Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing following the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Install screens on doors and windows, as well as repair any tears or holes in existing screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

– Use mosquito netting to cover infants younger than 2 months old.

These actions can significantly reduce mosquito breeding opportunities and help protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents can report mosquito activity and other helpful information at Palm Beach County Mosquito Control website https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/mosquito-control.aspx.

How do residential associations share responsibility in flood control?

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Since the early-1970’s, development standards for drainage systems have been regulated through design and permitting to ensure flood protection. Residential associations are designed to retain water in swales and onsite detention ponds. Flood control is achieved through an interconnected, three-tiered drainage system. The residential association drainage systems, or tertiary systems, are operated by residential associations. Secondary flood control canals are operated by the Lake Worth Drainage District, and primary flood control is provided by the South Florida Water Management District. Average rainfall will flow into onsite stormwater retention ponds or lakes through swales and drains. During heavy rain events, systems are designed to protect house floor pads. Temporary flooding of streets and parking lots is expected. Click here for more details on the three-tiered system.