Despite the veto by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the move to connect the St. John’s River to the Oklawaha River is still pushing.
Plans to restore the Oklawaha River will have to wait another year as they ultimately cut the project from the 2025-26 Florida budget. The state legislature had allocated $6.25 million to begin plans for a long-standing recovery of the Oklawaha River. This has long been sought by anglers, conservationists and community leaders in northeastern Florida.
Oklawaha is the largest tributary of the St. John’s River, and together with the Silver River, forms a three-part waterway that touches 12 counties. Its restoration is expected to improve water quality, enhance fishing and river-based recreation, support native fish and wildlife, and reduce the risk of flooding.
Sen. Jason Brodur (R-Sanford) said he defended legislative push, including parts of the St. Johns River.
“In spite of the governor’s actions, I remain committed to restoring the Oklawaha River, a water resource project of state and national importance that strengthens Florida’s wildlife corridors, which will generate hundreds of jobs and millions of Marion and Marion while reconnecting the three rivers and Silver Springs.”
Anglers and fisheries companies across the region have expressed support for the restoration, highlighting ways to promote native fish populations and critical habitats from the river’s source to the Atlantic coast by restoring natural freshwater flows from Oklawaha to the lower part of the St. John’s River.
“The veto is a setback, but it remains the same how much you care about your local waters,” said Sam Kerr, a 60-year St. John’s River resident and avid fisherman based in Putnam County. “Whether you throw a line at St. John’s or venturing into Oklawaha, this river system is part of us. We want to love these places thriving outdoors – not just for the next generation, but for the next generation.
The economic benefits are also huge. The January 2025 Subject Expert Project report shows that restoration and related infrastructure improvements will result in a project that generates approximately $200 million in net profit over 20 years, generating more than $2 for every dollar invested.
Putnam County businesses and organizations expressed support in a joint letter that Putnam County businesses and organizations expressed support in a joint letter, “investing in restoration and related infrastructure – promoting a richer Putnam County, including boat ramps and docks for boating, fishing, manatee viewing, swimming and paddling.”
“We are disappointed by the veto of the Ocklawaha River Restoration Funding, but we look forward to the passion, energy and ideas of our community continuing to guide the conversation.” “The “call for action” is to ensure that we continue to engage and that the voices of the communities of the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir will shape future recovery efforts. ”
Marion County leaders relayed support to continue working with the community to restore the Oklawaha River.
Margaret Hankinson Spontaku, president of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, a local group of business-oriented leaders who advocate for the recovery of the Great Florida Riverway and its river communities, praised legislative leaders representing local communities and conservation.
“Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto indicates that more work is needed to connect leaders with the river community and create a vision and plan for restoration and recreation support,” Spontak said. “Thank you to Senator Broadore and legislative leaders for your efforts.
