Florida Public Television program Dixie Style Water Wars 1991 perhaps tells the reason. Florida Public Television program Dixie Style Water Wars 1991 perhaps tells the reason. While the state has done an excellent job buying sensitive lands in the basin, Florida has also altered the bay. There's been dredging and development, in addition to decreased research funds. But the biggest killer, according to many, is Sikes Cut, a 1950's Corps project that slices St. George Island at the heart of the bay.
Locals say that's where the salt water enters.
The first attempt to do a study of Apalachicola Bay regarding the effects of Sikes Cut was done by the Corps of Engineers. This study according to a technical review was plagued by inaccuracies. Even Florida discarded it. Florida at several Technical and Commissioner meetings stated for the record they were going to produce the funds and hire a highly respected firm to conduct a study of the bay and Sikes Cut.