Bispham, Hall, Watkins reappointed
This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Jim Turner of Sarasota, an attorney and a member of the family that owns the Hi Hat Ranch property, to the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the District has announced
Additionally, DeSantis reappointed Paul “Jack” Bispham, John Hall and Nancy Watkins, a news release says.
“Turner represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties, Bispham represents Manatee County, Hall represents Polk County and Watkins represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties,” the release points out.
Turner is senior counsel with the Williams Parker law firm in Sarasota, the release adds. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management science and accounting from Duke University and his juris doctor from the University of Florida, the release notes.
Turner was appointed to a term that will end on March 1, 2027, the release says.
Bispham, who lives in Myakka City, “is the owner and operator of Red Bluff Plantation and Paul’s Parrish,” the release continues. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida, it adds. Bispham first was appointed to the SWFWMD governing board in November 2019; he was reappointed in May 2021, the release continues. His new four-year term will end on March 1, 2029.
An Auburndale resident, Hall “is a cattle rancher and the owner of Polk Community Association Management,” the release adds. He previously was elected to the Polk County Commission, the release points out.
Hall earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. He initially was appointed to the governing board in May 2021; his new term also will end on March 1, 2029, the release adds.
Watkins, a Tampa resident, is a certified public accountant with Robert Watkins & Co., the release says. She earned her associate degree from Hillsborough Community College and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. Watkins first was appointed to the governing board in August 2023; her new term also will end on March 1, 2029.
“Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers” who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate, the release explains. “The Governing Board sets policy for the District, whose mission is to manage the water and related resources of west central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users while protecting the environment,” the release adds.