A pilot project to clean up Kings Bay in Citrus County is showing early success.

The project's organizers say that so far, the results are exceeding their expectations.

Lisa Moore is the president of an organization called Save Crystal River. They're leading a group effort to clean up the canals that are part of the bay, and so far, it's working.

"It's beyond anything we ever thought would happen," Moore said.

Last fall, crews dredged the canals, cleaning out algae, trash and more. The first phase of the state-funded restoration project has made a big difference, creating clear water compared with what most of the bay looks like.

"We are seeing bass and snook and redfish and brim," Moore said. "It's just a healthy environment again, and it's still growing, still improving."

Mary Mulvie lives on a canal that has been cleaned. She's happy with everything.

"They planted eel grass and they are coming weekly or biweekly," Mulvie said. "They come in and check on the eel grass to ensure it is rooting."

During all the dredging, crews also unclogged 74 spring vents.

"It's just amazing," Moore said. "You can see them bubbling up all over the bottom."

Despite all the work that has already been done, there's still plenty left to do, as 80 acres of canal still needs to be cleaned.

Moore said they're trying to secure more state funding right now, and she hopes work can start on phase two of the project this spring.