Governor Ron DeSantis announces one new appointment and three reappointments to the Southwest Florida Water Management District board
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has filled several key seats on the Southwest Florida Water Management District, announcing one new appointment and three reappointments that will shape policy for one of the state’s most important regional water authorities.
James “Jim” Turner, a Sarasota-based attorney, has been appointed to the board for the first time. At the same time, Paul “Jack” Bispham, Johnnie Hall, and Nancy Watkins will return to their posts, continuing their roles after having already served on the district. All four names now go before the Florida Senate for confirmation.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District, commonly known as SWFWMD, oversees water resources in a region stretching from Tampa Bay to portions of central Florida, balancing supply, flood protection, and conservation. Appointments to the board carry weight because the decisions made by members ripple through local communities, industries, and ecosystems.
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Turner, the lone newcomer in this round of appointments, is Senior Counsel at the law firm Williams Parker in Sarasota. Known for his civic involvement, he sits on the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Government Issues Council. Recognition has followed his work; in 2023, Best Lawyers named him “Lawyer of the Year.” Turner earned his bachelor’s degree in management science and accounting at Duke University before completing his law degree at the University of Florida.
Bispham, a familiar figure in Sarasota County, will once again represent the agricultural community on the board. He runs Red Bluff Plantation and is also the sole owner of Paul’s Parrish. Beyond his business roles, Bispham has been deeply engaged with civic groups. He is a member of the Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association and in the past chaired the Argus Foundation, a regional organization that advocates for economic development and public policy. Bispham studied agriculture at the University of Florida, grounding his professional and community work in the state’s farming traditions.
Hall, based in Polk County, also returns with experience both in business and public service. He owns Polk Community Association Management and previously served on the Polk County Commission. Alongside his work in local government, Hall has been part of the Polk County Cattleman’s Association, connecting him closely to the cattle industry that has long been central to Florida’s interior counties. Hall is a graduate of Polk State College and later earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University.
Watkins, a certified public accountant, continues her service on the district’s governing board. She is a partner at Robert Watkins and Company, an accounting firm with a longstanding presence in the Tampa Bay area. Watkins brings financial expertise to the table, along with higher education leadership experience. She currently serves as a trustee for Hillsborough Community College and previously held a position on the University of South Florida Board of Trustees. Her bachelor’s degree is from USF.
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The governor’s office emphasized that these appointments continue his effort to place experienced and community-minded professionals in leadership roles. While the Senate must still confirm the selections, the announcement underscores the administration’s ongoing focus on water management and natural resource policy.
The balance of perspectives among the four appointees—law, agriculture, business management, and finance—reflects the broad scope of the district’s mission. Water supply and conservation often require input from multiple sectors, especially in Florida, where rapid growth and fragile ecosystems constantly intersect.
If confirmed, Turner will join Bispham, Hall, and Watkins in helping to steer decisions on issues that affect millions of Floridians, from flood control to water quality protections. Their votes on the board will influence both short-term projects and long-term strategies as the state grapples with development pressures, weather extremes, and environmental preservation.
For now, the appointments await Senate review, but the slate put forward by Governor DeSantis signals continuity mixed with new energy for the district’s work ahead.
