South District

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The natural environment is the lifeblood of our state's economy and the reason Florida is so beautiful. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to work with you to protect, conserve and manage Florida's environment and valuable natural resources, which is why the South District always welcomes public input. DEP's South District focuses on issues facing this region and state, ranging from mangroves to hazardous waste. With 16 state parks and nine aquatic preserves that encompass beautiful coastal beaches and diverse wetlands, the South District provides many opportunities for enjoying the local environment. The district is also home to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which includes one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The district is responsible for the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Highlands, Hendry, Glades, Lee and Sarasota. 

Meet the Director

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Elizabeth "Liz" Sweigert, District Director, South District

Elizabeth "Liz" Sweigert is the District Director of the South District of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Liz has been with the South District for more than 20 years and has served most recently as the South District's Assistant Director, responsible for overseeing the Compliance Assurance Program, which includes compliance and enforcement activities for the air, water and waste programs. She began her career with DEP as an environmental specialist, issuing permits in the Submerged Lands & Environmental Resource Coordination (SLERC) program before advancing to several management positions in both the permitting and compliance programs. Liz has resided in Florida since the 5th grade and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida.