On June 16, the Florida legislature passed its 2025-2026 budget, including funding to initiate Florida’s next great water project—restoration of the Ocklawaha River. This long-awaited, bold step by House and Senate leadership, particularly Sen. Jason Brodeur (R), would provide $6.25 million to kick off a year-long restoration planning process and set a 10-year deadline for the state to fully implement the plan. The final decision resides with Governor Ron DeSantis.

Many state legislators, local leaders and business owners, and fishermen support restoration, including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, founder and principal of Hotel and Development Management Group (HDG) Navroz Saju, former Silver Springs Marketing Director Jo Layman and sportsman and Emmy-award winning cinematographer Mark Emery…