A transfer to attach the St. Johns River to the Ocklawaha River continues to be urgent on regardless of a veto by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The plan to revive the Ocklawaha River must wait one other 12 months, as Gov. Ron DeSantis in the end reduce the mission from the 2025–26 Florida price range. The state legislature had earmarked $6.25 million to start planning the long-anticipated restoration of the Ocklawaha River—an motion lengthy sought by anglers, conservationists, and group leaders throughout northeast Florida.
The Ocklawaha is the biggest tributary of the St. Johns River that, along with the Silver River, varieties a three-part waterway touching twelve counties. Its restoration is anticipated to enhance water high quality, improve fishing and river- and springs-based recreation, assist native fish and wildlife, and scale back flood dangers.
Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford), whose district consists of a part of the Saint Johns River and who championed the legislative push, mentioned,
“Regardless of the governor’s motion, I stay dedicated to Ocklawaha River restoration. This can be a water sources mission of state and nationwide significance that will strengthen the Florida Wildlife Hall, be the biggest springs restoration mission presently within the state, and reconnect three rivers and Silver Springs, all whereas producing a whole lot of jobs and thousands and thousands in financial advantages for Putnam and Marion counties.”
Anglers and fishing-related companies all through the area voiced assist for restoration, highlighting how restoring pure freshwater circulate from the Ocklawaha to the decrease St. Johns River will promote native fish populations and important habitat from the river’s headwaters to the Atlantic coast.
“The veto is a setback, but it surely doesn’t change how a lot we care about our native waters,” mentioned Sam Carr, 60-year St. John’s River resident based mostly in Putnam County and avid fisherman. “Whether or not it’s casting a line within the St. Johns or venturing up the Ocklawaha, this river system is a part of who we’re. We love the outside and need to see these locations thrive — not only for us, however for the subsequent era. We’ll maintain exhibiting up, talking out, and dealing collectively for a future that advantages our rivers and Putnam County.”
The financial advantages are additionally substantial. A January 2025 report by material specialists tasks that restoration and associated infrastructure enhancements will yield roughly $200 million in web advantages over 20 years, producing greater than $2 for each $1 invested.
Greater than two dozen Putnam County companies and organizations expressed their assist in a joint letter, writing: “Investments in restoration and associated infrastructure—reminiscent of boat ramps and docks for boating, fishing, manatee viewing, swimming, and paddling—will promote a extra affluent Putnam County.”
“Whereas I’m upset by the veto of the Ocklawaha River restoration funding, I stay hopeful that our group’s ardour, power, and concepts will proceed to information the dialog,” mentioned Linda Myers, former Putnam County Commissioner, Tax Collector, and Chamber of Commerce President. “The ’Name to Motion’ is for us to remain engaged and be sure that the voices of the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir communities form future restoration efforts.”
Marion County leaders relayed their assist for persevering with to work with native communities to revive the Ocklawaha River.
Margaret Hankinson Spontak, president of Nice Florida Riverway Belief, a regional group of business-minded leaders advocating for restoration of the Nice Florida Riverway and its their river communities, praised legislative leaders for advocating on behalf of native communities and conservation:
“Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto alerts that there’s extra work wanted to deliver leaders and river communities collectively to create a imaginative and prescient and plan for restoration and supporting recreation,” Spontak mentioned. “Thanks, Senator Brodeur and legislative management, to your efforts. We are able to do that.”
