HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Some much needed work is expected to take place on the Weeki Wachee River soon.

What You Need To Know

  • Dredging along the Weeki Wachee River is expected to begin soon, removing sediment that has built up in the water, making some areas impassable

  • Study from the county shows that the sediment has been a result of recreational activity

  • Plans are being proposed by Hernando County that would see areas of the river protected from anchoring, mooring or beaching

The river will undergo dredging in the next few weeks, removing sediment build-up. That build-up has left areas of the river nearly impassable for kayakers and others out on the water, prompting some to speak out over the river’s protection.

“One meeting after the other and one initiative after the other but they’re all a piece of the puzzle," Shannon Turbeville said. 

Along the clear shores of the Weeki Wachee, plans are being made to preserve its beloved waters. For Turbeville, the river is a jewel of Florida. Offering those who come across it some tranquility. There’s just one issue.

"It has been a huge nightmare to try to navigate down the river with anything bigger than a kayak," said Turbeville, an advocate for the river. "Even then, some of them have beached themselves and the reason for that is the expansive point bars that are growing in the river here," he said.

A build-up of sediment has left areas of the river nearly impassable. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. Turbeville has spent years advocating for the river’s protection.

“You’ve got to get to the source of the problem and then also how do we protect our investment?" he said. "So that this natural resource is here for our kids and our grandkids.”

What is being done is the start of the river’s restoration. A process years in the making.

“Hernando County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District co-funded a study that proves that this river will be forever destroyed unless we change the way we recreate on it," Turbeville said.

And it starts with being as little disruptive as possible.

The county has proposed such a plan called the Springs Protection Zone. That would prevent any anchoring, mooring or beaching in certain areas along the river.

“All that does is control vessel operation in that specified zone," said Turbeville. "It doesn’t preclude anyone from being able to enjoy that natural resource.”

Visitors would still be able to glide through the calming waters. As far as immediate plans, dredging of the river is expected to start soon. But unless that work isn’t protected, it’s a cycle Turbeville fears could happen again.

“We’re awaiting for the FWC to take action and they’re, ultimately, the managers of this public land," said Turbeville. "They need to get on board with Hernando County and other state agencies and play in the sand box and protect our public land.”

That's something he is remaing patient and hopeful for.