NOTICE
Statement on behalf of the West Villages Improvement District
re: Independent Review & Report
The West Villages Improvement District (WVID) Board of Supervisors appreciates the comprehensive review of governance, conflicts of interest and litigation conducted by DownsAaron Attorneys & Advisors PLLC. The findings of the year-long independent review concluded that Supervisor John Meisel appears to have acted in conflict with his duties as a supervisor by participating in litigation against the District, potentially using his Board position to obtain and share District information for use in those proceedings.
After considering the best interests of residents and larger District community, the Board of Supervisors voted 4-0, with Supervisor Meisel abstaining, to act on the following recommendations from the report:
- Petition the Governor’s Office for suspension and removal of Supervisor Meisel under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution.
- File a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics regarding Supervisor Meisel’s consulting role with Gran Paradiso Property Owner’s Association’s litigation counsel while serving on the WVID Board of Supervisors.
- Direct District staff to bring conflict-of-interest, recusal and ethics policies and procedures forward for Board adoption.
The Board of Supervisors deferred a decision on whether to pursue litigation against Supervisor Meisel to a future meeting.
In March 2025, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-0, with Supervisor Meisel abstaining, to retain DownsAaron to conduct an independent review of Supervisor Meisel’s involvement in matters related to litigation between the District and the Gran Paradiso Property Owners Association (POA) and provide guidance to the Board and staff regarding how to navigate the unprecedented situation.
The decision followed guidance from District general counsel after the WVID learned through discovery that Supervisor Meisel had been retained by Herbert and Associates Law as a consultant related to irrigation litigation between the District and POA. Around the same time, District general counsel learned that Supervisor Meisel had also retained Mr. Herbert as his personal attorney regarding matters related to his ownership interests in Gran Paradiso, water rights issues and other related matters. Communication between the two were therefore considered privileged.
The WVID Board of Supervisors is appreciative of DownsAaron’s diligence into this matter.
To see the full report click here: (PDF) (RTF)
RE: Irrigation Resource Restrictions Effective April 3, 2026, through July 1, 2026
In April, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared a modified Phase III severe water shortage throughout the water management district, which includes Sarasota County and the West Villages Improvement District. The declaration requires all residents, including those on private wells, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
SWFWMD received lower than normal rainfall during the summer rainy season, resulting in a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. Additionally, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline, with many below normal levels.
Watering Restrictions
Under the modified Phase III declaration, residents must adhere to one-day-per-week water restrictions. In the City of North Port, addresses ending in:
- 0 or 1 can water only on Monday
- 2 or 3 can water only on Tuesday
- 4 or 5 can water only on Wednesday
- 6 or 7 can water only on Thursday
- 8 or 9 can water only on Friday
Sites with a mix of addresses or for which an address can’t be determined, such as common areas associated with a subdivision, can also only be watered on Friday.
Properties under one acre may only be watered either 12:00-4:00am or 8:00-11:59pm on your watering day.
While properties larger than two acres may only be watered at 8:00pm – 4:00am on your watering day.
Other restrictions outlined in the Phase III Water Shortage Order include:
- Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.
- No HOA or other entitlement shall enforce community standards that require an increase in water use, including replacing plant materials to meet aesthetic or pressure washing.
- Car washing at home is only allowed on your lawn watering day
- Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day.
Please contact District Manager William Crosley at 941-244-2805 or wcrosley@sdsinc.org with any questions.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Letter to GP POA on Irrigation Questions (PDF) (RTF)
Letter to GP POA on Revised Irrigation AGMOD Allocations (PDF) (RTF)
Transmittal Letter to GPHOA on Revised Irrigation AGMOD Allocations (PDF) (RTF)
Transmittal Letter to GPHOA on Submission of Water Conservation Plan (PDF) (RTF)
Response Letter to GPHOA on Irrigation Matters (September 2022), Letter 8.15.2022, 549308 – Irrigation Rate Study (2018) (PDF) (RTF)
Response Letter to GPHOA on Irrigation Matters (October 2022) (PDF) (RTF)
549308 – September 13, 2018 Public Hearing Presentation on Rate Study (PPTX)
For more information, updates and resources related to ongoing irrigation water issues and discussions, please click the button below.
About the District
The West Villages Improvement District (WVID) was created in 2004 by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature, pursuant to and under Chapter 189, Florida Statutes. The WVID is a limited, single and specialized purpose local government, whose purpose is to assure timely, cost-effective and high-quality and implementation of infrastructure for the district.
The WVID has the authority to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain public infrastructure within Wellen Park. The district currently spans more than 12,000 acres within the city of North Port and unincorporated Sarasota County. Residential neighborhoods, commercial centers and the Atlanta Braves’ spring training stadium are all located within the district boundaries.
The WVID is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, who are elected to a term of four years. The District has the authority to borrow money, issue bonds and levy and impose special assessments, user fees and charges.