We have good news to share from the Reunite the Rivers Coalition and The Great Florida Riverway Trust: For the first time, Ocklawaha River Restoration Bills have been filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session!
SB 1066 / HB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River
Together, these bills form the Northeast Florida Rivers, Springs, and Community Investment Act, sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur and Rep. Wyman Duggan. This legislation represents years of scientific research, and collaboration throughout the counties adjacent to the Silver, Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers.
These historic bills provide the roadmap to reconnect the Great Florida Riverway (Silver Springs, the Ocklawaha and the St. Johns River) by restoring the natural flow of the Ocklawaha, and will benefit local communities, fisheries, wildlife, springs and more.
Not only do these bills lay out a plan for restoration by breaching the Kirkpatrick (formerly Rodman) Dam, they also notably include:
- Investment in local outdoor recreation opportunities
- Job creation and business investment in local communities
These bills focus on what local river communities can gain from restoration and will have a regional impact. Learn more about the benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha River.
2026 is the year. Let’s finally Reunite the Rivers!
Thank you to Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative Wyman Duggan, who are championing this historic investment in our rivers and the vibrant communities around them.