RESOLUTION 2025-11 – EXTENSION #17
CONTINUING A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER PERTAINING TO A BAN ON OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES, ANY OTHER LAWFUL OUTDOOR BURNING, AND PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF FLARES, EXPLOSIVES, AND SPARKLERS
WHEREAS, a state of local emergency still exists due to the severe threat of fire to lives and property for the residents of Union County, Florida; and,
WHEREAS, that due to the official drought index or known dry and windy conditions, which continue to cause, exacerbate, and increase the threat of wildfires within Union County, further measures are still required to protect Union County citizens and visitors and to otherwise protect their health, safety, welfare and property; and,
WHEREAS, the drought index continues to remain at a significant threat level in Northeast Florida and Union County, and future forecasts predict continued dry conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the power vested with the Director of the Union County Office of Emergency Management and the Board of County Commissioners and Union County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT, during the state of local emergency, the dispensing use or discharge of (1) items listed in Florida Statute 791.01(4) (fireworks) using explosive or combustible compounds (2) flares: and the use of outdoor burning devices (excluding attended and monitored barbeque/cooking equipment); shall be prohibited throughout Union County during the period of this order. Cooperation between the Florida Forest Service and Union County will remain constant. This order will be reviewed every 10 days for continuance or withdrawal. In the absence of significant drought changes that are in favor, the order remains intact throughout its lawful period until conditions are safe.
1)
All outdoor burning of yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, chimeneas, and cooking fires within Union County is prohibited unless: a) authorized by the Florida Forest Service; or b) for the cooking of food exclusively within a contained gas or charcoal grill.
2)
The setting of fires to any grass, brush, or forest covered land, unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service, shall constitute a violation of law.
If a court of competent jurisdiction invalidates any provision of this Order, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of the Order, which shall continue to have the full force and effect of law.
This state of local emergency and ban may be modified in whole or part, extended or terminated on recommendation of the Director of Emergency Management after consulting with qualified weather forecasting officials of the State of Florida, Florida Forest Service, the Sheriff of Union County, and the Board of County Commissioners.
Order will become effective immediately and shall expire 10 days from issuance unless extended as stated above as threat of wildfire and/or weather situations dictate.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 6th DAY OF MAY, 2026
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, UNION COUNTY, FLORIDA
SIGNATURE VESTED AUTHORITY BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNION COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
TIMOTHY ALLEN, DIRECTOR OF UNION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

District announces Modified Phase II Water Shortage order

As drought conditions persist across North Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board on Tuesday announced enhanced water shortage conservation measures.

Conditions warrant a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order – at the end of March, there was an average rainfall deficit of approximately 20 inches, all river and spring flows are below the 25^th percentile for this time of year, and the Districtwide Upper Floridan aquifer level remains below the 20^th percentile. All District counties are identified with Extreme Drought or Exceptional Drought categories.

The Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order continues to request voluntary water conservation measures and expands mandatory regulatory measures. Regulatory measures include:

• Maintaining a one-day per week landscape irrigation schedule for established lawns. The schedule is:
  • Saturday for odd-numbered addresses or no address,
  • Sunday for even-numbered addresses, and
  • Tuesday for non-residential properties.
  • Irrigation shall not occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Limiting irrigation to two days per week on new lawn and landscaping projects. The schedule is:
  • Wednesday and Saturday for odd-numbered addresses or no address
  • Thursday and Sunday for even-numbered addresses
  • Tuesday and Friday for non-residential properties
  • Irrigation shall not occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Limits to agricultural use, including changes to times allowed for high-pressure overhead irrigation systems.
• Changes to golf course irrigation, which limits days of the week when watering is allowed.

There are no irrigation restrictions for microsprays, drip irrigation, hand watering, or use of reclaimed water.

A full list of mandatory restrictions can be found here.

A Modified Phase II Water Shortage will go into effect on April 22, 2026.

The District continues to encourage voluntary water reductions among all users, including residents, visitors, businesses, agricultural producers, and other water users. Permittees are encouraged to prepare for worsening drought conditions and the implementation of additional regulatory measures.

The advisory applies to all counties within the District, and the unincorporated portions of Alachua and Levy counties. 

The District, in coordination with Florida’s other water management districts, will continue to monitor hydrologic conditions, keep the public informed, and, if warranted, declare additional water shortage measures. 

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. 

8/21/2025 – ARCADIA, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $38 million in awards to 19 small and rural Florida communities through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These strategic investments will fund public infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and commercial revitalization projects that strengthen communities across the state.

“Our state’s small and rural cities drive key industries, support Florida families, and keep our economy moving,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today in Arcadia, I was proud to announce a new round of strategic investments through this program. These funds will support neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure development in 19 communities throughout Florida.” 

The Florida Small Cities CDBG program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by FloridaCommerce, provides critical resources to municipalities and counties. Since 2019, Florida has awarded more than $138 million to over 120 communities through this program.

“Under to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce continues to invest in critical infrastructure in Florida’s small and rural communities,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “These awards strengthen the foundation of these local economies, enhance quality of life and support a more resilient and prosperous future in the heart of Florida.”

Awards Include:

• City of Arcadia ($6.4 million) – to upgrade the William Tyson Wastewater Treatment Plant, benefiting nearly 8,000 residents.
• City of Florida City ($5.9 million) – for wastewater system upgrades across nine service areas, benefiting nearly 12,000 residents.
• City of Live Oak ($4.5 million) – including $3 million for potable water system improvements and $1.5 million to rehabilitate or replace 21 homes for lower-income households.
• City of Webster ($2.89 million) – for a new master lift station and emergency generator.
• City of Lake Butler ($2.8 million) – to replace undersized wastewater pipes with 15,000 feet of new force main.
• City of Port St. Joe ($1.7 million) – for neighborhood infrastructure improvements, including underground utilities, sidewalks, and landscaping.
• City of Green Cove Springs ($1.2 million) – for stormwater improvements.
• City of Blountstown ($1 million) – to replace aging water and sewer lines and improve streets.
• Liberty County ($1 million) – to improve Veterans Memorial Park.
• Santa Rosa County ($1 million) – for retention pond construction at Whiting Aviation Park, creating 10 new jobs and retaining 19 jobs.
• Town of Esto ($949,000) – for water plant improvements and water line replacements.
• Town of Malone ($912,000) – to expand and renovate Johnny Williams Memorial Park.

To rehabilitate or replace homes for low-income families, the following awards were also made:

• $1.5 million each to Hamilton County and Lafayette County
• $1.2 million to Columbia County
• $950,000 to Madison County
• $900,000 to Hendry County
• $850,000 to St. Lucie County
• $750,000 to Levy County