Local commissioners discuss Ocklawaha/Rodman dam bill; mixed local reaction and hold on city action Council Member Paluso updated the commission on a state bill proposing to breach the Robbin/Robin (Ocklawaha) dam to restore free flow; some Putnam County legislators oppose elements of the bill, and commissioners discussed deferral of city-level action until state votes clarify the outcome.

A controversial state bill aims to breach the Ocklawaha dam, promising environmental benefits but facing local opposition and uncertainty about its future.

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Experts say main stem of St. Johns River stable but tributaries show persistent pollution problems At the Jan. 14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting, Dr. Jerry Pinto presented the 18th State of the River report, saying the main stem is generally satisfactory while many tributaries show bacterial and nutrient exceedances, monitoring data fell sharply in 2024, and septic systems and biosolids are key concerns.

While the main stem of the St. Johns River shows stability, alarming pollution levels persist in its tributaries, raising urgent concerns for local ecosystems and communities.

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Waterways Commission records support for bills to study Ocklawaha River restoration, stops short of formal vote The commission documented member support on Jan. 14 for pending state bills (HB 981 / SB 1066) to create a governor‑appointed advisory council to study breaching Robin Dam and restoring the Ocklawaha, while counsel recommended consensus recording rather than a formal vote because the item was not on the posted agenda.

The Jacksonville Waterways Commission is rallying behind a bold initiative to restore the Ocklawaha River, promising ecological benefits and community support.

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Commission hears task force updates: derelict-vessel rules advance; artificial reef funding and shoaling work ongoing Commissioners received updates on several task forces: legal rules to address derelict vessels were drafted and are moving toward the Environmental Protection Board, funding remains the core obstacle to derelict-vessel removals, and artificial-reef advocates were urged to pursue state appropriations ahead of the legislative session.

Jacksonville's Waterways Commission is making strides in derelict-vessel rules and artificial reef funding, but a major funding gap could stall progress!

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Jacksonville Council explores long-term land lease for water access with Lamar Jacksonville Council discusses a potential 99-year lease with Lamar for water access.

Jacksonville's Waterways Commission is eyeing a groundbreaking 99-year lease with Lamar Advertising to revolutionize water access and enhance local waterways—are you ready for the change?

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