A move to connect the St. Johns River to the Ocklawaha River is still pressing on despite a veto by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The plan to restore the Ocklawaha River will have to wait another year, as Gov. Ron DeSantis ultimately cut the project from the 2025–26 Florida budget. The state legislature had earmarked $6.25 million to begin planning the long-anticipated restoration of the Ocklawaha River—an action long sought by anglers, conservationists, and community leaders across northeast Florida.
The Ocklawaha is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River that, together with the Silver River, forms a three-part waterway touching twelve counties. Its restoration is expected to improve water quality, enhance fishing and river- and springs-based recreation, support native fish and wildlife, and reduce flood risks.
Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford), whose district includes part of the Saint Johns River and who championed the legislative push, said,
“Despite the governor’s action, I remain committed to Ocklawaha River restoration. This is a water resources project of state and national significance that would strengthen the Florida Wildlife Corridor, be the largest springs restoration project currently in the state, and reconnect three rivers and Silver Springs, all while generating hundreds of jobs and millions in economic benefits for Putnam and Marion counties.”
Anglers and fishing-related businesses throughout the region voiced support for restoration, highlighting how restoring natural freshwater flow from the Ocklawaha to the lower St. Johns River will promote native fish populations and vital habitat from the river’s headwaters to the Atlantic coast.
“The veto is a setback, but it doesn’t change how much we care about our local waters,” said Sam Carr, 60-year St. John’s River resident based in Putnam County and avid fisherman. “Whether it’s casting a line in the St. Johns or venturing up the Ocklawaha, this river system is part of who we are. We love the outdoors and want to see these places thrive — not just for us, but for the next generation. We’ll keep showing up, speaking out, and working together for a future that benefits our rivers and Putnam County.”
The economic benefits are also substantial. A January 2025 report by subject matter experts projects that restoration and related infrastructure improvements will yield approximately $200 million in net benefits over 20 years, generating more than $2 for every $1 invested.
More than two dozen Putnam County businesses and organizations expressed their support in a joint letter, writing: “Investments in restoration and related infrastructure—such as boat ramps and docks for boating, fishing, manatee viewing, swimming, and paddling—will promote a more prosperous Putnam County.”
“While I’m disappointed by the veto of the Ocklawaha River restoration funding, I remain hopeful that our community’s passion, energy, and ideas will continue to guide the conversation,” said Linda Myers, former Putnam County Commissioner, Tax Collector, and Chamber of Commerce President. “The ’Call to Action’ is for us to stay engaged and ensure that the voices of the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir communities shape future restoration efforts.”
Marion County leaders relayed their support for continuing to work with local communities to restore the Ocklawaha River.
Margaret Hankinson Spontak, president of Great Florida Riverway Trust, a regional group of business-minded leaders advocating for restoration of the Great Florida Riverway and its their river communities, praised legislative leaders for advocating on behalf of local communities and conservation:
“Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto signals that there’s more work needed to bring leaders and river communities together to create a vision and plan for restoration and supporting recreation,” Spontak said. “Thank you, Senator Brodeur and legislative leadership, for your efforts. We can do this.”
