Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management Links
Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Partners

Palm Beach County

 

South Florida Water Management District

 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

 

The Palm Beach County League of Cities

 

Florida Inland Navigation District

Get Involved!
Outreach Efforts
In the Spotlight
Keep up on the latest lagoon-related news and events.

Ever wonder what what happens on the shoreline and below the surface of the lagoon when we aren't watching?

Click on the images below to watch brief videos of the lagoon to find out!

Mudflat Dance
Reef
Reef Life in the Lagoon
May 2016
Lake Worth Lagoon E-News
Challenge Flyer
Cast a Line to Catch Data
Interested in helping collect valuable fisheries information while getting a chance to win a prize? If so, you'll want to participate in the first-ever Lake Worth Lagoon Fishing Challenge which will run throughout the month of June. By taking a photo of your catch in the lagoon and reporting it via your smartphone or computer as part of this free fishing event, you'll be eligible for some great awards and you'll be contributing to the data collection needs related to lagoon habitat restoration. Participation is easy and free! For more information and to register, visit www.LWLI.org/FishingChallenge.
Photo Credit: FWC
Interesting Fish Finds
A recent fisheries sampling effort in the central lagoon offered a peek into the world below the water's surface. Among more than 6,000 fish that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) documented over two days in February, several commercially-important species, including shrimp, blue crab, mullet, Atlantic croaker, sheepshead, ladyfish, snook and gray snapper, were identified. In addition, the FWC found some interesting, or rare, catches, including a cardinalfish and a flyingfish (see photo)! Cardinalfish are commonly found on coral reefs and flyingfish generally spend their lives in the ocean rather than in estuaries like the lagoon.
Contest Flyer
Get Your Camera Ready
You are invited to submit your best photos of Palm Beach County's largest estuary as part of the second annual Lake Worth Lagoon photo contest. Winning images will be featured in the 2017 Lake Worth Lagoon calendar to be distributed at the third annual LagoonFest on November 12, 2016. The submission deadline is July 15, 2016. Complete contest details are available under "Photo Contest" at www.LagoonFest.com.
Lagoon Shoreline
Shoreline Transforming
Efforts are underway to restore and stabilize a stretch of lagoon shoreline along Jewell Cove and Old Bridge Park in the city of Lake Worth. Nonnative vegetation was removed from the shoreline on the east side of the lagoon south of the Lake Avenue Bridge. Riprap has been placed along the shoreline to stabilize the embankment and to create a living shoreline by planting native wetland plants. The construction of a new seawall and a boat dock at Old Bridge Park is expected to begin toward the end of the year.
View the project fact sheet.
Horseshoe Crabs
Love in the Lagoon
During the last full moon in April, 30 mating horseshoe crabs were observed along the lagoon shoreline at the city of Lake Worth's Bryant Park. These crabs are an important part of the lagoon system and also serve a valuable role in the medical world. Their eggs are a food source for other animals and their blood is used to ensure certain medical products are bacteria-free and sterile. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asks the public to report these sightings.
LagoonFest Logo
Get Involved in LagoonFest
The third annual celebration of Lake Worth Lagoon will be held on November 12, 2016 on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available for this free, family-friendly festival that features nearly 50 informational displays, hands-on exhibits and engaging demonstrations highlighting the wonders of the lagoon. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.LagoonFest.com or call (561) 233-2400.
Least Terns
For the Birds
Some shell hash and gravel was recently added to one of the Grassy Flats islands in the central lagoon to make it even more attractive as a nesting spot for least terns, shorebirds listed as threatened by the state. This effort was a collaborative activity between the county and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. By the end of May, up to 32 least tern nests were observed on the island - a great indication that the enhancement was a success!
Learn more about Grassy Flats.
Lake Worth Lagoon Logo
Grant Program is Open
Palm Beach County is soliciting proposals to provide collaborative support for a stronger Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative legislative request for fiscal year 2017, and to assist local municipalities' and special taxing districts' efforts to improve habitat and water quality in the lagoon. Since 1998, the Florida Legislature has appropriated more than $20 million towards Lake Worth Lagoon restoration.
Learn more about the grant program.
Display
Lagoon on Display
Lake Worth Lagoon was highlighted locally at several recent festivals and is showcased in a new public attraction. The South Cove Natural Area in West Palm Beach served as the backdrop for a lagoon-focused display at SunFest, while nearby Currie Park (the site of an upcoming living shoreline project) was the venue for the inaugural Palm Beach Paddlefest. Along with its history, ecology and conservation, the lagoon is featured prominently at the Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) new facility in Riviera Beach. Manatee Lagoon - An FPL Eco-Discovery Center is proving to be a very popular destination for manatees and people.
Read about the center's opening.
Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management | (561) 233-2400 | [email protected] | http://www.pbcgov.com/erm
2300 N. Jog Road
4th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33411