Governor Ron DeSantis signed two major pieces of legislation today aimed at fortifying Florida’s 1,300 miles of coastline and streamlining the state’s environmental protection efforts. During an event in Bradenton, the Governor also greenlit the reconstruction of the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers, marking a significant investment in both conservation and public recreation.
The first piece of legislation, Senate Bill 302, specifically targets the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. The law now prohibits the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the preserve, effectively blocking large-scale commercial developments. It prioritizes nature-based solutions—such as restoring oyster reefs and expanding mangrove forests—to buffer the peninsula against erosion and storm surges.
“My administration has delivered historic investments to protect Florida’s 1,300 miles of coastline,” Governor DeSantis stated. “Today, I signed legislation to preserve the Terra Ceia Bay and to build on our work to promote coastal resiliency and water quality statewide. We are committed to protecting Florida’s environment for future generations to enjoy.”
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Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, who pushed for the protections in Terra Ceia, noted the personal importance of the bill. “When a recent proposal threatened the future of the islands and coastlines that border the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, I made a commitment to stop it,” Boyd said. He added that the law ensures wildlife habitats are “effectively protected from massive transformations that would have destroyed them.”
The second bill, House Bill 1417, focuses on administrative efficiency. It repeals the Environmental Regulation Commission to speed up the rulemaking process. The bill also ratifies specific water supply protections for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and establishes stricter stormwater management standards for solar fields to protect neighboring properties.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert noted that the bill “streamlines processes so the department can carry out its mission more efficiently while maintaining strong environmental protections.”
In addition to the legislative updates, the Governor announced that work is officially beginning on the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers. The project includes building a brand-new pier on the Manatee County side and extending the existing pier in Pinellas County. Initial construction will focus on widening sidewalks along the seawall and improving parking access for local anglers and visitors.
Representative Will Robinson praised the move, stating, “This legislation takes historic steps toward environmental protection and resiliency, ensuring that our coastal communities stay strong, our waters stay clean, and our state is preserved for generations to come.”
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