Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Major Milestone in Everglades Restoration

Strategic Insights -

Governor Ron DeSantis marked a significant achievement in Everglades restoration with the official groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County. This milestone is a result of a landmark agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed in July 2025, to expedite the restoration of America's Everglades. The project is expected to deliver approximately 370,000 acre-feet of additional water annually from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades, a crucial step in restoring the River of Grass.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Blue Shanty Flow Way project is the final component of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
  • The project will "uncork" Tamiami Trail, allowing natural water flow from the Central Everglades to Florida Bay.
  • The Blue Shanty Flow Way benefits include restoration of natural water flow, improved habitat for wildlife, support for outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and strengthening of the connection between the Central Everglades and Florida Bay.
  • Governor DeSantis has made restoring the Everglades a cornerstone of his administration, committing $2.5 billion over four years for water quality and Everglades projects in his first term and exceeding that goal.
  • In his second term, Governor DeSantis has committed $4.6 billion in the first three years, putting Florida on pace to exceed his $3.5 billion second-term goal.
  • Since 2019, nearly $8 billion has been invested in Everglades restoration and water quality.
  • Florida's investments in Everglades restoration are paying off, with over 75 restoration projects completed or launched, nutrient reductions totaling over 1.8 million lbs. Of nitrogen and 770,000 lbs. Of phosphorous annually, and south Florida's water storage capacity tripling to 176 billion gallons.

Statistics:

  • 370,000 acre-feet of additional water per year to be delivered from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades.
  • 8.5 miles of new Blue Shanty Levee and removal of older levees to allow natural water flow.
  • Over 75 restoration projects completed or launched since 2019.
  • Nutrient reductions: 1.8 million lbs. Of nitrogen and 770,000 lbs. Of phosphorous annually.
  • South Florida's water storage capacity: 176 billion gallons.
  • Total investments in Everglades restoration since 2019: $7.9 billion (as of the Governor's FY 2025-26 Budget).

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of Florida
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
  • Governor Ron DeSantis' Executive Order 19-12
  • Governor Ron DeSantis' FY 2025-26 Budget