Press Release
By St Marys Riverkeeper
01-09-24
Daylighting Escambia Street ‘Win-Win’
For years, St. Marys Riverkeeper Volunteers have been testing the water quality of Alligator Creek and reporting the results to the Nassau County Department of Health, City of Fernandina Beach government and community, and Florida DEP in hopes that a solution would present itself to bring the health of the creek back to meet state water quality standards. Even though the main source of the contamination is avian, it is vital the creek’s health is restored to ensure our community is safe when fishing or recreating in the area. Escambia Slough (aka Alligator Creek) has been listed on Florida’s 2022-2024 DRAFT Verified List and, if approved, the state would apply a TMDL to the waterbody.
Thankfully, during their January 3 Workshop meeting, the City of Fernandina Beach Commissioners decided to take matters into their own hands to resolve the water quality issue by deciding unanimously to daylight Escambia Slough. This means demolishing Escambia Street to allow the creek to flood and recede unimpeded! This will improve water quality of Escambia Slough and increase the resiliency of the city.
The impact of removing the road “reduces the amount of time [the area] is flooded by 2.5 hours…Another benefit is all the bacteria we hear about from St. [Marys] Riverkeeper about the birds…it has a better flushing system. It’s not stagnant water anymore and it creates a conservation area by having more marsh” Interim City Manager Charles George
The plan has been given the green light by St. Johns River Water Management District, FDEP, St. Marys Riverkeeper, and most importantly the residents along Escambia Street.
“I truly believe that it [removing Escambia Street] will naturally clean the water and create more environmental area of natural habitat to our city! What a WIN!!” Commissioner David Sturges
This is win for Escambia Slough and the Fernandina Beach community as well as a huge testament to St. Marys RIverkeeper Citizen Scientists’ dedication to monitoring and advocating for our waterways! Thank you for your service to our St. Marys River watershed.
See our most recent water quality data for Alligator Creek at Escambia Street as well as water quality from around the watershed.
Legislative session begins today (Georgia) and tomorrow (Florida)!
As a border river organization, St. Marys Riverkeeper works in both Florida and Georgia on water related issues. Our engagement with local governments, state officials, and regional conservation groups such as Georgia Water Coalition and Waterkeepers Florida are critical in ensuring our river is protected.
St. Marys Riverkeeper recently joined other St. Marys community members and leaders to hear the vision and priorities of Georgia Representatives Steven Sainz (Chairman of Sustainable Economic Development Subcommittee) and Ron Stephens (Chairmen of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee) for this year’s session. We are looking forward to working with them on how we can improve sustainable tourism on the St. Marys River. Congressman Buddy Carter and Representative James Burchett also made an appearance. Effective conservation and advocacy require a positive working partnership with our elected officials!
Here’s to a 2024 legislative session that protects healthy waterways!
We will keep you updated throughout the legislative session with priorities that directly impact our St. Marys River and ways you can make your voice be heard!
Florida Legislative Session | January 9 – March 8
Georgia Legislative Session | January 8 – March 27
Upcoming Events
Lunch and Learn
January 24 | 12p-1p
St. Marys Riverkeeper has a lot planned in 2024. Learn about events coming up and find out how you can get involved! This will be an informative discussion with Emily Floore, Executive Director & Riverkeeper, and Kim Bednarek, St. Marys Riverkeeper Board Chair.
Bring your questions or just enjoy your lunch and get to know us!
Register: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Oke to Ocean Tour – Paddle Okefenokee Swamp
February 8-9
Explore one of our nation’s wonders, a wetland that National Geographic lists as one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world, and the headwaters of our beautiful St. Marys River… the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Join St. Marys Riverkeeper for an overnight paddle trip to celebrate our headwaters under the stars on Okefenokee Swamp Day!
Information and Registration: Oke to Ocean Tour – St. Marys Riverkeeper (stmarysriverkeeper.org)
Information and registration coming soon for Boat Tour St. Marys River and Hike Cumberland Island
St. Marys River Cleanup
April 27 | 9a-11a
Join us for the 26th Annual St. Marys River Cleanup. This is a watershed wide cleanup with participation in all four counties. Our 2023 cleanup resulted in 450 Volunteers pulling 9 tons of trash and debris from the river and surrounding areas.
Come to do your part to make a lasting impact on the St. Marys River. Join us afterwards for a celebration at White Oak Conservation.
More information and registration coming soon!
If you are interested in being part of the cleanup committee, please contact St. Marys Riverkeeper or Keep Nassau Beautiful
Support our efforts. Every dollar makes a difference!
St Marys Riverkeeper Inc | GAgives
| St. Marys Riverkeeper | 300 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558 stmarysriverkeeper.org |
