The Wekiva River is a 16-mile-long tributary of the St. Johns River in Central Florida. It is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The river is also home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Florida scrub jay, the gopher tortoise, and the wood stork.

Central Florida Expressway Authority

In 2018, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) approved plans for a new $1.6 billion highway that would pass within 0.7 miles of the Wekiva River. The highway would run through environmentally sensitive areas and could impact the river's water quality and wildlife habitat.

Support and Opposition

The Wekiva River Protection Coalition and other environmental groups oppose the highway project, arguing that it will damage the river and the surrounding ecosystem. They say the highway will cause increased traffic, noise, and pollution, and that it will fragment the natural habitat of wildlife.

The CFX says the highway is needed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Central Florida. They argue that the highway will be built with advanced environmental protections and that it will have a minimal impact on the environment.

The Outcome

The construction of the highway is currently on hold due to a legal challenge by environmental groups. The state of Florida has agreed to review the project's environmental impact statement.

The Future of the Wekiva River

The fate of the Wekiva River is uncertain. If the highway is built, it could have a significant impact on the river and the surrounding ecosystem. However, if the environmental impact statement is revised and approved, the highway could be built with less damage to the environment.