State lawmakers present $500,000 appropriation for Mead Gardens' water-quality work

A ceremonial $500,000 state appropriation to support water‑quality work at Mead Gardens was presented to Mayor Sheila DeCiccio and the Winter Park City Commission on Aug. 26.

State Representative Anna Eskamani and State Senator Jason Broder joined the mayor to present the check and described the funding as a regional investment to reduce nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that contribute to harmful algal blooms in Alice's Pond, Lake Jessup and the St. Johns River. "This appropriation for the city of Winter Park goes way beyond the city," Rep. Eskamani said, noting the project will set a regional standard for water quality.

Sen. Broder explained the project's technical aim is to deploy technology that captures suspended nutrients from the water column to reduce the probability of HABs. City staff said the grant will fund equipment and implementation designed to limit nitrogen and phosphorus loading into local waterways. The commission thanked the legislators and city staff for securing the appropriation.

The presentation was ceremonial; staff indicated project design and implementation steps will be carried out in subsequent months, with coordination among city departments and state partners.