Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL-09) signed on to support Congressman Greg Steube's Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025. The bill is also cosponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), with a Senate companion bill by Senator Rick Scott.
"As a key member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Soto’s co-sponsorship is especially meaningful, and underscores that benefits of designation, such as ecological protection, community resilience, and enhanced water quality management, will extend beyond the Myakka River Watershed to the entire State of Florida" said Miri Hardy, PhD, Founder of Myakka River Partnership.
"As a key member of Florida’s Congressional Delegation who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Soto’s co-sponsorship is especially meaningful, and underscores that benefits of designation, such as ecological protection, community resilience, and enhanced water quality management, will extend beyond the Myakka River Watershed to the entire State of Florida" said Miri Hardy, PhD, Founder of Myakka River Partnership.
Once enacted, the bill will designate the Myakka River in Sarasota County as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, U.S.’s strongest river protection tool, created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
"It was an honor to recently meet with the Congressman on The Hill." said Hardy. "I'm thankful for his support and greatly appreciate his steadfast commitment to protecting and enhancing Florida’s air, water and open spaces for current and future generations."