Committee advances Ocklawaha restoration bill after broad conservation support

Representative Duggan presented CS for HB 981 as a comprehensive, community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River and its tributaries, balancing conservation, economic growth and recreation. An amendment removed language that would have relied solely on the 2001 environmental impact statement and required updated data and analysis.

Conservation and river groups waived in support; Linda Myers of the Great Florida Riverway Trust said the bill will benefit 12 counties along the river system and recommended prioritizing public safety, local economic investment, a local advisory committee, and alignment with state water-quality priorities. Several committee members praised the collaborative stakeholder process and the near-unanimous support in committee; CS for HB 981 was reported favorably 23-0.

Next steps: The bill proceeds with updated-data language and local-advisory provisions to guide restoration planning.