The most prominent scenic resource value associated with the Myakka River in Sarasota County Florida is its vista as seen from the river and its banks. - Photo by Miri Hardy
THE MYAKKA RIVER - AN OUTSTANDING FLORIDA WATERWAY
The 66-mile Myakka River, an exceptional Florida natural gem, flows through Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, eventually discharging into Charlotte Harbor which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Twelve miles of this rain-fed river flow through Myakka River State Park, which is world-renowned for its endemic undisturbed Wild Florida ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna. The Myakka River Watershed spans a total of 593.8 square miles, 53% of which lies within Sarasota County.
Due to its outstandingly remarkable values, the river’s 34 miles in Sarasota County were designated as Florida's first and only State-designated Wild and Scenic river in 1985. Since, strategic additions of publicly owned lands along the river in Sarasota County have substantially increased river protections, as well as recreational opportunities.
The river’s outstanding values were further protected through state and county rules. In July 22, 1999, Florida State’s Chapter 62D-15, Myakka Wild and Scenic River Rule provided a framework for balancing development and preservation within the Myakka River corridor by defining what constitutes an adverse impact to the river and its wetlands, and established a permitting system to control activities that could harm the river's natural, cultural and recreational values. Sarasota County’s Myakka River Protection Code, adopted in December 8, 1998, established a 220-foot protection zone. This upland buffer extending from the river protects the Myakka's aquatic ecosystem by preserving its water quality, preventing erosion, and maintaining the river's natural flow.
In recent years, with the removal of two historic dams (the Civilian Conservation Corps Weir at the outflow of the Upper Myakka Lake into the Myakka River and Down’s Dam near the southern boundary of Myakka River State Park) the river’s free-flowing condition has been enhanced. In conjunction with habitat restorations at the former dam sites, this work is allowing for a return to more natural seasonal water level fluctuations of the rain-fed river, and are improving plant and wildlife habitat.
To protect and enhance this remarkable waterway for future generations, legislation is currently underway to designate the 34 miles of the Myakka in Sarasota County as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River. In Jan 2025, Rep Steube (R-FL 17) introduced H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Rep. Buchanan (R-FL 16). In July, 2025, Sen Scott (R-FL) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The bill has received widespread nonpartisan support from citizens as well as local government and organization.
The bill is currently pending mark-up by the House Committee on Natural Resources.
See HERE for updates and calls to action.