Everglades expert to lead S. Fla water district

After years of leadership shake-ups, the South Florida Water Management District on Monday looked within and picked Ernie Marks as its new executive director.

Marks, who had been director of Everglades efforts for the district, replaces Peter Antonacci, who is taking over as CEO of Enterprise Florida.

Marks, 41, of Martin County, is the district’s fifth executive director since 2011.

“It’s kind of head-spinning,” district board member Sam Accursio said.

The district board cited Marks’ district ties and past experience, working for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as reasons to give him the agency’s top post.

“It’s a pretty big job,” Marks said. “I look forward to working with the excellent team we have here.”

The South Florida Water Management District is the largest of the state’s five water management districts, overseeing a 16-county region reaching from Orlando to Key West. The district, based in West Palm Beach, has nearly 1,500 employees and a budget of more than $700 million.

In addition to safeguarding South Florida from flooding and managing water supplies, the district also leads Everglades restoration for the state.

Since March 2016, Marks has headed Everglades restoration for the district.

From 2014 to 2016, he oversaw Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission efforts in South Florida. Prior to that, he worked at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a decade, becoming head of statewide ecosystems projects.

“Ernie is a great choice because of his experience throughout the state,” district board member Jim Moran said. “He should be able to move right into the position ... and do a good job.”

The choice of Marks drew praise from the Everglades Coalition and other environmental organizations.

“We know that Ernie knows the Everglades. He cares about the Everglades,” said Cara Capp, of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Antonacci’s appointment in September 2015 to lead the water management district raised concerns from environmental advocates, who saw it as a way for Gov. Rick Scott’s administration to prioritize budget cuts over restoration efforts.

Antonacci is former general counsel for Scott, who appoints the district’s ninemember board.

After Scott’s election, state lawmakers slashed the district’s budget by 30 percent and imposed more controls over the agency’s spending.

Marks is still in talks with district leaders about his salary and contract for the executive director position, which he starts in early August. Antonacci was paid about $165,000 a year, and Marks is currently paid about $134,000 annually, according to the district.