West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has introduced the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2024, aiming to designate a section of the Myakka River within Sarasota County as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This initiative seeks to enhance previous federal studies and ongoing local efforts to conserve the river's ecological, recreational, and cultural significance.

"Designating the Myakka River as a national scenic river is a step toward ensuring it remains a protected natural treasure," said Congressman Steube. "This legislation recognizes the critical role of local communities and governments in preserving this important resource while safeguarding public access and voluntary environmental stewardship. I’ll always advocate for clean water and a healthy environment for Florida’s Suncoast."

The proposed bill would incorporate approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The designation aims for cooperative management between the Secretary of the Interior and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, maintaining the river's free-flowing state without changing existing land use authority at local or state levels.

The bill includes several key provisions: designating specific segments of the river based on their natural features; prohibiting land acquisition through condemnation, allowing only voluntary or donated acquisitions; supporting ongoing recreational and conservation activities while retaining local control.

Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is cosponsoring this legislation. "Protecting Florida’s pristine waterways is one of my top priorities in Congress," Buchanan stated. "Designating the Myakka River as 'scenic' will ensure that it is kept in its current, pristine condition for generations."

Currently, Florida law protects the river under its own Wild and Scenic Designation Act with significant public backing for conservation efforts. Representative Steube's proposal has garnered support from numerous local stakeholders.

Jono Miller, Chair of the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council in 2024, remarked: "At its December 2023 meeting, our council voted to seek congressional support for inclusion of Myakka in Sarasota County as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River." He added that Steube’s approach provides federal support without additional regulation.

Jon Thaxton, former Sarasota County Commissioner, emphasized: "No other natural feature defines Sarasota County’s heritage more than the storied Myakka River... It’s a win-win-win."

Miri Hardy, PhD, Executive Director at Friends of Myakka River noted: “As our founder Dr. Mary Jelks noted, the Myakka River is the backbone of our ecosystem which greatly benefits Sarasota County’s natural and human communities.”

For further details about this initiative or similar programs under National Wild and Scenic Rivers System guidelines visit https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/rivers/.