The 66-mile Myakka River, an exceptional Florida natural gem, flows through Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, eventually discharging into Charlotte Harbor which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Twelve miles of the river flow through Myakka River State Park, which is world-renowned for its endemic undisturbed Wild Florida ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna.
Due to its outstandingly remarkable values, the river’s 34 miles in Sarasota County were designated as Florida's first and only State-designated Wild and Scenic river in 1985. Since, strategic additions of publicly owned lands along the river in Sarasota County have substantially increased river protections, as well as recreational opportunities. The river’s outstanding values were further protected through state and county rules. Florida State’s Chapter 62D-15, Myakka Wild and Scenic River Rule (7/22/1991)…. Sarasota County’s Myakka River Protection Code (December 8, 1998) In recent years, with the removal of two historic dams, the river’s free-flowing condition has been enhanced, allowing for seasonal water level fluctuations of this rain-fed river and improving plant and wildlife habitat.
To protect and enhance this remarkable waterway for future generations, legislation is currently underway to designate the 34 miles of the Myakka in Sarasota County as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River. In Jan 2025, Rep Steube (R-FL 17) introduced H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Rep. Buchanan (R-FL 16). In July, 2025, Sen Scott (R-FL) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The bill is currently pending mark-up by the House Committee on Natural Resources.