Securing our shores! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District and Pinellas County have officially signed a landmark agreement to protect 21 miles of coastline. This vital partnership ensures future beach nourishment for Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Long Key—reducing storm risks and strengthening coastal resilience for years to come. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

When in doubt, reach out! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District’s Office of Counsel kicks off its latest ethics training with a comedic intro. Watch how they keep ethics engaging! (U.S. Army video and animations by Brigida I. Sanchez)

Jacksonville District Biologist Jessica Spencer recently called the PYTHON HOTLINE (1-888-IVE-GOT-1) after coming across a python curled up under some vegetation just off the boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand State Park. Within 30 minutes, three trained responders arrived and removed the 15'5" gravid female python, weighing in at 112 lbs. Spencer stood watch until the team could arrive, ensuring the snake didn't slither away, which was paramount in the team's ability to quickly locate, capture and successfully remove the large female python and her eggs from the ecosystem.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle talks on decisive action to fast-track completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, with construction now accelerated, targeting completion by 2029 and select project actions delegated to the State of Florida. Telle highlighted how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been fully executed, marking a major step forward in accelerating one of the most critical components of Everglades Restoration. Expedited completion of the EAA Reservoir Project is a prime example of the Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork initiative in action: to finish nationally significant work with greater effort and emphasis and leverage support from our non-federal partners as a force multiplier for faster delivery. The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), is a cornerstone 2026 restoration effort designed to store and clean water south of Lake Okeechobee, reducing harmful discharges into northern estuaries. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle talks on decisive action to fast-track completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, with construction now accelerated, targeting completion by 2029 and select project actions delegated to the State of Florida. Telle highlighted how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been fully executed, marking a major step forward in accelerating one of the most critical components of Everglades Restoration. Expedited completion of the EAA Reservoir Project is a prime example of the Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork initiative in action: to finish nationally significant work with greater effort and emphasis and leverage support from our non-federal partners as a force multiplier for faster delivery. The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), is a cornerstone 2026 restoration effort designed to store and clean water south of Lake Okeechobee, reducing harmful discharges into northern estuaries. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages 12 million acres of public lands and waters, where controlling invasive species is critical to our mission. These plants and animals threaten natural resources, hinder navigation, and disrupt flood risk management, hydropower, and water supply. The Feral Pig: While they might look like farm animals gone rogue, feral swine are a massive threat to our state's natural balance and economy. Ubiquitous Presence: They are now found in nearly every corner of the state, adapting to almost any environment they encounter. Ecosystem Destruction: Their natural behavior of rooting and wallowing isn't just messy—it accelerates soil erosion, destroys native plant life, and ruins habitats that our local wildlife depend on to survive. A Billion-Dollar Problem: The economic toll is staggering. Between crop destruction and property damage, feral swine cause billions of dollars in losses annually. A Walking Health Risk: They are carriers of several serious diseases and host ectoparasites like ticks. These can transmit illnesses that pose a direct threat to livestock, pets, and humans alike. (U.S. Army Animation by Brigida I. Sanchez)

It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW)! While we often think of invasive species as plants or insects, some of our most common "neighbors" are a major challenge for our parks and ecosystems. Take a closer look at the Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) 1. The feral pigeon is a descendant of the domestic homing pigeons introduced to the U.S. by European settlers. 2. Flocks have increased in numbers and dominate the urban, suburban & rural areas. 3. They damage buildings and monuments due to the highly corrosive nature of the acid in pigeon droppings 4. Debris from roosting flocks builds up, causing gutters and drains to block, damage to roofs and other structures, and creating potential fire hazards. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. to learn more: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/InvasiveSpecies/ (U.S. Army illustration by Brigida I. Sanchez)

Did you know the Iguana is considered an invasive species in the State of Florida? The Iguana is a non-native, and it is invading Florida’s cities, neighborhoods, and parks. It digs deep burrows that can weaken embankments, seawalls, and other flood risk reduction structures. The Iguana can spread Salmonella germs through its droppings on patios, pools, and docks. This lizard can grow to over 6 feet long and weigh over 15 pounds. To learn more about Invasive species, log on to: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/InvasiveSpecies/ to learn more about NationInvasive Species Awareness Week log onto https://naisma.org/programs/nisaw/

In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District recognizes veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Last Call is an internal, informal podcast aimed at enhancing communication and connection between the Jacksonville District command and JaxStrong employees. This podcast serves as a platform to share important updates, discuss district initiatives, address employee concerns, and highlight individual achievements. On this episode, MAJ Westcott (now LTC Westcott) visits the Palatka Field Office in Palatka, Florida, to learn about invasive plant species being monitored by the North Florida Aquatic Plant Control Unit. This unit is responsible for managing invasive plants on the St. Johns River from Jacksonville south to the Highway 520 Bridge. The unit is also responsible for snagging and clearing operations in the St. Johns, Withlacoochee and Ocklawaha Rivers.

The Okeechobee gourd is an endangered plant found nowhere else in the world. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) biologist J. Lee Martin explains the agency's role in its preservation. USACE is charged with surveying and monitoring the region's sensitive ecosystems, and the gourd is a key focus. To ensure this unique species is protected, USACE collaborates closely with its local, state, and federal partners.

It's Labor Day Weekend, and if you're out watching the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp! We hope you'll cheer on our very own Deputy Commander, Maj. Matthew Westcott to throw the first Pitch at the Sunday Game! Join us at the game! This Sunday, August 31st, at 630 pm (US Army Animation by Brigida Sanchez)

The Lac Vieux Desert Tribe and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District asked the U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development, Wetlands Team to collaborate with them in the collection of data and find a way to sustain their Wild Rice Crops “Manoomin.” A cultural and economic resource. (U.S. Army video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

Ever wonder what it takes to protect federal properties from pests? U.S. Department of Agriculture biological technician Matthew Legare and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District invasive wildlife biologist, Jake Edwards, demonstrate their strategic approach to managing invasive iguanas, pigeons, and feral hogs. Learn how these experts collaborate, utilize trapping methods, and leverage the Economy Act to combat the staggering $26 billion annual cost of invasive species in North America. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

LAKE OKEECHOBEE --U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and paratroopers assigned to the British 4th Parachute Regiment, conducted land and water airborne operations during Lagoon Leap 2025, in Homestead Air Base and a Deliberate Water Jump into Lake Okeechobee Fla., May 14-16th, 2025.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Geological Survey search for swamp eels in the shallow edges of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Swamp eels are not only invasive but also evasive. The multi-agency team uses electroshock to stun the eels for a short time. The swamp eels burrow themselves in the banks of lakes and ponds, making it challenging to capture and manage the spread of this problematic fish. USACE plays a critical role in America's growth and prosperity; we prioritize invasive species management as they affect the ecosystem, flood control, hydropower, and national security. (U.S. Army video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (May 12, 2025)–Waterway Navigation is the U. S Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) earliest Civil Works mission. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, called upon the Wilmington District’s Dredge MURDEN for an innovative mission to help clear critical shoaling to maintain safe and efficient navigation conditions for military and commercial vessels in the harbor. The USACE Dredge MURDEN is one of those specialized vessels called upon to complete critical dredging operations. The MURDEN, a specialized 156-foot by 35-foot split-hull hopper shallow draft dredge, is designed specifically to get into hard-to-reach areas. Two drag arms are extended below the boat to capture and return shoaled material to the hopper. Command Navy Region Southeast requested immediate dredging on the Leeward side of the bay to provide a path for fuel barges to off-load fuel at Pier Quebec in direct support of the airfield. “This project is great for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and for all vessels that use the Guantanamo Bay harbors. Our team is proud to contribute to maintaining safe and efficient navigation conditions for these vessels,” said Maj. Matthew Westcott, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Jacksonville District. Before dredging cycles, Jacksonville District hydrographic survey crew members conducted pre-dredge surveys to evaluate the degree of shoaling during dredging operations. Westcott said USACE used a three-pronged approach for the MURDEN to operate; Operations contribute to building out infrastructure for the base that will allow fuel barges pier access, re-opening the St. Nicholas channel, and removing old navigation aid markers and replacing new ones for the U.S. Coast Guard. All to support the warfighter. “The MURDEN is very efficient in what she does, being self-contained in the ways, with the production we can do in various locations,” said Victor S. Nelson, USACE Dredge MURDEN master captain. “This is a tedious job and the crews are focused. We have dredged a large area in a short time,” Nelson said dredging is expected to take less than 45-60 days with 24 hours operations, and two crews working 12-hour days on rotation. The MURDEN’s onboard material holding area is known as the hopper. This modern innovation allows it to carry the sediment load equivalent of up to 50 dump truck loads of dredged material. Dredged material is deposited by opening the split hull at least 2.0 miles offshore, where currents will not bring the material back to the shore. “What makes the Dredge MURDEN special is that we are able to operate it in shallow areas and get the material,” said Shaun Pinkerson, the dredge MURDEN’s drag arm operator and Second Mate. “After it retrieves the materials, the vessel then transports it into the pre-existing disposal management area, just west of the inlet in an approved area, two miles away from the site.” Westcott, Matt Davies, the Jacksonville project manager for the Guantanamo Bay project and Lt. Col. Kenneth Porter, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Wilmington District assisted Surveyor Robert Nolan Hall, and Geodesist Troy Underhill, with hydro surveys. The surveys were critical to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations for daily ship operations. Covering over a square kilometer of the ocean floor, the data collected from the hydrographic surveys were used to image the harbor and piers and identify any potential hazards to navigation. In addition, it provided insight to the needs of future dredging operations. When updated surveys were required, USACE hydro surveyors provided those critical surveys. “These modernized and updated surveys saved us time and effort for pier operations and incoming military vessels,” said Lt. Andrea Howland, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations Officer. This project highlights the interagency operations between USACE, the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy in support of national security.” Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s location and natural harbor make it an historically valuable strategic asset for maritime powers. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is located approximately 430 miles (700 kilometers) southeast of Miami, on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Established in 1903, it is the United States' oldest overseas military installation and the only one in a communist country. According to the United States' lease with Cuba, the United States retains jurisdiction, while Cuba maintains sovereignty over the 45-square-mile (116-square-kilometer) installation, which is surrounded by a fence line that stretches over 17 miles (27 kilometers). Naval Station Guantanamo Bay serves as a key operational and logistics hub, supporting a variety of missions including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and joint operations. Its unique geographic location provides strategic advantages, enhancing U.S. defense capabilities in the region and serves as a critical forward operating base for various military and humanitarian activities. Guantánamo Bay is an inlet of the Caribbean Sea and indents southeastern Cuba. It is a large and well-sheltered bay, having a narrow entrance to the harbor that is 6 miles wide and 12 miles long with the capability to accommodating large military vessels. The surrounding waters are important for naval operations, and the base's proximity to the open sea allows for training and deployment of naval assets. Greg Zeligman, a KIRA ferry pilot makes trips in the harbor daily with passengers, military, and commercial vehicles. He is responsible for guiding vessels safely across the harbor. Dodging sand shoals and shallow areas had become routine, and he is overjoyed the harbor is 10-15 feet deeper. “I’m extremely pleased with the project and overjoyed that the harbor is 15 feet deeper,” said Zeligman. “I had the opportunity to visit the Dredge MURDEN, ride on the vessel, and talk with the crew.” The MURDEN’s portion of the mission began on March 29 and completed May 28. “I also want to particularly recognize the USACE, Wilmington District of the Corps of Engineers, the crews who have been incredible with MURDEN’s schedule flexibility that enabled a few days to address the critical situation in Guantanamo Bay,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth M. Porter, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy District Commander of the Wilmington District. Porter presented crewmembers with 15, 30 and 40-year awards for their service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I also want to thank our South Atlantic Division and recognize the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Port Operations team for working with us on this innovative endeavor. The collaboration and partnership were exceptional and foundational to our success,” added Porter. At the conclusion of her mission, the MURDEN returned to the states and is headed for general maintenance and repairs in New Orleans. (The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.’