This action provides funding in the amount of $749,998 to florida state university to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of america

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4, through the Geographic Programs - Gulf of America Program (CFDA 66.475), awarded a $749,998 cooperative agreement to Florida State University, effective August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028. The award supports a comprehensive water quality monitoring initiative focused on the Saint Andrew and Saint Joseph Bay Watershed, which drains into the Gulf of Mexico. Florida State University will conduct three years of water quality monitoring across at least 83 sample locations in 27 separate waterbodies, collecting and analyzing physical, biological, and nutrient parameters using existing sampling buoys and newly installed monitoring sites. The project will also establish a citizen science program by recruiting and training at least ten community volunteers in water sampling methodologies and managing data collection from 70 established monitoring stations.

The deliverables include development of a public-facing online data dashboard disseminating water quality results to at least 1,500 citizens and provision of regular training and equipment calibration support through a subrecipient-managed citizen-based monitoring program. Products will be integrated into Florida's Water Information Network Database for public access and will provide comprehensive analysis of pollution indicators, enhanced environmental stewardship, and improved data to support proactive community planning within the Gulf of Mexico watershed.

The purpose of this award is to support water quality monitoring to enhance environmental stewardship and aid proactive community planning within the saint andrew and saint joseph BAY watershed which flows into the gulf of america. Activities:the activities to be performed include collecting and analyzing physical, biological, and nutrient water quality parameters and evaluating existing sampling buoys and installing new sites. Other activities include recruiting volunteers and training participants in sampling activities, creating a public online data dashboard, and disseminating multimedia status updates. Subrecipient:subaward activities include supporting a citizen-based water quality monitoring program by providing regular training to volunteers and staff, overseeing the calibration of monitoring equipment, collecting water samples from 70 established stations, and ensuring data is accurately entered into florida's water information network database for public distribution.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables involve the implementation and support of three years of water quality monitoring from at least 83 sample locations, using existing stations as well as installing new ones in 27 separate waterbodies to provide a comprehensive analysis of physical, biological, and nutrient pollution indicators. At least ten community volunteers will be recruited to participate in sample collection and will be trained in methods which will provide accurate and reliable water quality data. A public online dashboard will also be created to publish the citizen-scientists' results, with dissemination to at least 1,500 citizens. The expected outcomes of this work include furthered understanding of the watershed's status and the efficacy of past water quality monitoring efforts; improved community planning information; and increased public awareness and stewardship of local water quality. Through this project, the residents and communities of florida's ST. Andrews and ST. Joseph bays watershed will benefit from improved water quality and informed comprehensive planning.