ASTOR, Fla. – Boating enthusiasts around Silver Glen Springs are concerned about the potential loss of anchoring privileges in the area.
Last year, the state started debating if it should be designated as a “spring protection zone.” Now, a decision is just weeks away. If the proposal passes, boats, jet skis, and kayaks would be prohibited from anchoring or beaching in the springs.
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Residents have been fighting this for over a year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is set to host a “closing proposal” meeting in Astor in two weeks.
“The momentum is going really fast now. We’re at the end, we’re in the last few phases of this fight,” said Kristine Wake, president of the Save Our Boating Rights organization.
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Wake said it would be detrimental to local businesses, including grocery stores, hotels, Airbnbs, and restaurants.
“Astor is a quiet little town on the river. You don’t come to Astor except for two things: You’re either coming out to bass fish or you’re coming out to play in the springs,” Wake added.
Both the Volusia County Council and Pierson town leaders have written letters to the state supporting the opposition.
“Lake County, Volusia County, and Marion County are all in agreement we need some county ordinances on the books to continue to regulate the recreational use at the Glen so we don’t get that over abundance like we have in the past,” Wake stated.
Opponents hope the commission will reject the spring protection zone and allow county ordinances to take effect as a trial.
The Spring Protection Zones were created by the state in 2022 to safeguard Florida’s springs, water, grass, and wildlife. In 2023, the U.S. Forestry Department requested one for Silver Glen Springs, citing boating-related shoreline deterioration.
In 2024, the FWC conducted several meetings with a dedicated research team. The final public meeting is scheduled for February 20, and the FWC’s research team will present its findings at the May commission meeting for a final decision.
An FWC representative acknowledged the significance of Silver Glen Springs to the community, stating, “FWC recognizes the importance Silver Glen Springs has to the community. Everyone involved in this process has been passionate about protecting the spring for future generations while also allowing public access.”
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