The push by local residents to save a Hernando County river now has the attention of a Florida state senator.
- Senator Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, held town meeting to hear concerns
- 175-200 residents attended meeting
The Weeki Wachee river is a slice of nature that is enjoyed by many, but residents insist the river needs some serious help. Parts of the river are currently being choked up with sand, a problem that's been around for years.
“Main concern would be public safety and environmental protection,” said resident Chuck Morton. “Because of the increased population of Hernando County, the river doesn't have as much water coming out as it used to, so it can't clean itself, doesn't have the flow to do that."
However, help for the Weeki Wachee River could be on the way. State senator Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, held a town hall meeting Friday to hear residents' concerns. Morton was one of the 175 to 200 people who showed up.
According to Morton, based on what went on in that meeting the work it will take to relocate the sand and restore the shoreline should get done.
“I think it was a very positive meeting,” said Morton.
Resident Jonathon Cone also attended the meeting. He says the canal he lives on is blocked by a sandbar, and he's hoping something is done soon.
“I think that funding needs to be given to the river to help bring it back to the way it should be,” said Cone.