Lake Tohopekaliga Mechanical Harvesting - Agency Decision

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded solicitation FWC 26/27-08 to Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc. for a total bid price of 199,950.00 dollars. The project involves the mechanical harvesting and removal of non-mobile nuisance and noxious aquatic and wetland vegetation, including organic detrital material, from the southern area of Big Grassy Island in Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County, Florida. The primary objective is to enhance fish and wildlife habitat by removing material down to the mineralized soil layer, which may be up to three feet thick. Harvested materials must be deposited onto identified in-lake upland disposal islands and contoured accordingly. The contractor is required to begin work within seven days of the Notice to Proceed, with all activities to be completed by December 10, 2026. Performance is subject to strict quality standards, including turbidity limits not exceeding 24 NTU above background levels and a specific rake-throw verification process to ensure the mineral soil layer has been reached. Hydraulic dredging is strictly prohibited. The contract incorporates State of Florida General Contract Conditions and requires compliance with the Build America, Buy America provision, the Water Pollution Control Act, and various federal labor and safety standards. The award decision was posted on October 13, 2026, with a 72-hour window for any adversely affected parties to file a written protest.