Early Water Management
Much of the Samsula area was impacted in the early years by the watershed area around Lake Ashby. Developers Howe and Currier championed a drainage project, supported by area farmers and New Smyrna business and public leaders, that eventually left a network of canals to drain into Turnbull Bay. This was the era of such projects, as the Everglades was going through a similar process in south Florida.
Creating a drainage district had tax implications for property owners, so enough people had to be on board. Petitioners used the newspapers to publicize their project (click to enlarge image).
“Residents of Volusia County Petition Court to Permit a Lake Ashby Drainage District,” The Florida Metropolis, pg. 15, June 27, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 4, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00020303/00381
The petition was successful, and by November of 1915 the court approved the project.
“Large Drainage District Incorporated,” Florida Farmer and Homeseeker, pg. 20, Nov. 1, 1915. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 3, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/aa00087636/00020
This full page article provides a history of the Lake Ashby Drainage District from the perspective of the numerous boosters who championed the project, legislatives processes that enabled the creation of drainage districts, geographic features, engineering challenges, and anticipated benefits of the district. Select the image to see the full page.
“Rural Industries,” DeLand Daily News, pg. 2, Aug. 27, 1919. Retrieved from University of Florida Digital Collections, Feb. 5, 2026. Permanent link: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/uf00075896/00506
Find more stories related to the Lake Ashby Drainage District and later water impacts on farming in Samsula in the Howe & Currier exhibit.
Current Water Management
Information on the St. Johns River Water Management District and water resources.