One of my top priorities is to help preserve environmentally sensitive land in Central Florida. Over the last several years we have been successful in persuading the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in funding the acquisition of land between the Ocala National Forest and Wekiva State Preserve. Working with the State, we have been able to create a seamless environmental preserve that stretches along the St. John's River from north of Lake George down to Lake Monroe. The adjoining area contains the remnants of ancient prehistoric villages and colonial plantations. Through the efforts of state and local officials, the Friends of Spruce Creek and other interested parties, approximately 22,000 acres of land have been acquired and are now part of the Spruce Creek Preserve.
Efforts are under way to purchase and preserve additional areas along Spruce Creek.
We have been working with dedicated local citizens and various agencies to expand this preserve and save the historic sites. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been conducting a required environmental study and will begin removal of the old U.S. 1 Causeway and cleanup of Rose Bay in late 2000. For the last 2 decades instability at Ponce deLeon Inlet has posed serious boating safety and navigation hazards. Last year we were able to obtain federal assistance for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help resolve some of the problems by rebuilding and stabilizing the north jetty of the Inlet. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2000, and depending on the success of this initial restoration project, additional funding may be requested to rebuild the south jetty.