Florida News Straight From the Source
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold an informational open house on alternatives proposed from the St. Johns River to Sea Loop Trail Gap Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The limits studied were from Lake Beresford Park to Grand Avenue in DeLand, Volusia County. [Read more…] about FDOT to host informational meeting on the St. Johns River to Sea Loop Trail Gap Study
The eleventh annual State of the River Report, an analysis of the health of the Lower St. Johns River Basin, reveals several areas of improvement, some the first time in years, but shows trends that some indicators have worsened, suggesting that continued monitoring and research of the river are needed. [Read more…] about St. Johns River’s Dissolved Oxygen Levels Show Improvement for First Time in Years
Senate Bill 234, filed by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), which appropriates $20 million annually for projects dedicated to the restoration of the St. Johns River and its tributaries or the Keystone Heights Lake Region passed the full Senate on Thursday, April 14th.
“The St. Johns River and Keystone Lakes define the character of the northeast region of our state,” said Senator Bradley, a lifelong resident of Clay County. “In addition to providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities to local residents, these natural resources attract visitors from across the state and nation. I am proud that the Florida Senate recognizes the value of these resources to those of us who reside in northeast Florida and the state.”
The legislation appropriates funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund to be used for land management and land acquisition and for increasing recreational opportunities and access to the River and its tributaries or the Keystone Heights Lake Region. The bill now awaits action by the Florida House of Representatives.
Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed legislation today to protect the St. Johns River and the lakes of the Keystone Heights region for future generations. Senate Bill 234 requires the state to spend a minimum of $35 million annually from Amendment One funds on projects that preserve or provide public access to the River and the Keystone lakes.
“I grew up on the banks of the St. Johns River and visited the lakes of Keystone Heights as a child, and my family enjoys these incredible gifts from God today,” said Senator Bradley. “This is very personal for me. These natural resources define the character of the northeast Florida region of our state.”
In 2014, Floridians overwhelmingly adopted Amendment One, a constitutional amendment mandating that the Legislature spend one-third of documentary stamp tax revenues on environmental preservation efforts. The bill directs a portion of those dollars to the River and Lake Region.
“As a conservative, I believe in absolute fidelity to the State Constitution,” Bradley continued. “The Constitution requires us to protect these natural resources, as we should, and this bill helps fulfill that constitutional obligation to the people of the northeast Florida.”
Senate President Joe Negron recently appointed Senator Bradley as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources. “President Negron and I share a passion for implementing real solutions to the environmental challenges facing our state in the 21st century, from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades to our springs to the St. Johns River. Not only do we need to insure that our water is clean, but we need to insure the public has reasonable access to these wonderful natural assets for all time.”
