PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – A controversial water bill is up for a Senate vote Feb. 17 that could decide who controls the water levels of Lake Okeechobee, which has environmentalists and the governor concerned with the future of the Everglades and restorations efforts. Senate Bill 2508 was a “last-minute filing” on Feb. 4 that would give farms the use of water from Lake Okeechobee.  The bill says it would require the South Florida Water Management District (SFWD) to advocate on behalf of farms that depend on the lake for water.  The Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency, controls the lake’s water levels through the use of canals, gates and pumps. Despite widespread opposition from advocacy groups and business people who spoke out against its passing on Feb. 9,  the bill advanced with bipartisan support, and will be put forth to a full Senate vote Feb. 17.  At that time …