PROGRESS ONE BLADE AT A TIME
This year the Homosassa River was finally given a break with no hurricanes or major storms and the salt water intrusion they bring with them. The end of year 2025 marks our sixth full year of operations and there is measurable movement in the right direction. A nitrate rich algae dominated water body does not change overnight and there is still much that must be done but improvement is noticeable. To date over 170 million pounds of Lyngbya and detrital material has been removed from the river.
PHASE MAP.
PHASE 1 PINK AND WHITE. PHASE 2 GREEN. PHASE 3 PURPLE. PHASE 4 BLUE
A FEW STATS
Project total planting units – 309,000
Project total cleaned = 42.09 acres
Total Acreage Completed This Year = 9.16 acres
Breakdown:
- 2A3: 2.86 acres
- 3A: 2.95 acres
- 3B: 3.35 acres
- 3C: 2.85 acres (in progress)
- 3D: 4.65 acres (work will continue following completion of 3C)
Maintenance Areas Completed
County‑Funded Maintenance
- Areas A, C/D, E, F: 7.65 acres
State‑Funded Maintenance
- Areas 2B1, 2B2, 2A1: 5 acres
With the removal of over 100 tons of algae and detrital material the river is noticeably cleaner and clearer. New grass units installed after Hurricane Helene are developing the strong and deep root systems necessary to withstand hungry manatees and major storms. New winter permit modifications allowed our contractor, Sea & Shoreline, to regularly inspect and clean the herbivore exclusion cages necessary to protect the new grasses and give them time to mature. Many of these cages are currently full of grasses that have begun to flower and spread out into the adjoining areas.
Moving Ahead Into 2026
Phase 4 permitting is in final stages and work will hopefully begin late summer 2026. Permitting for restoration within the Homosassa Ellie Schiller State Park river bottom is also close to completion and work should begin in the “no boating area” up to the pedestrian bridge this summer as well. This area with no public access has always been an excellent area for growing grass but has taken years for HRRP to obtain the proper permissions and permitting to allow us access.
None of this is possible without YOU!
Community and Legislative support is essential to the success of this project. This is the third year that Crumps Landing has supported the Homosassa River Restoration Project with their annual Pirate Invasion which was held on February 16th this year. 100% of all proceeds recieved will be invested in the Homosassa River!
HRRP would like to extend our appreciation for the efforts of Crumps owners, staff and the many sponsors who make this such a fun community event.
Miss it this year? SAVE THE DATE for the 5th annual Pirate Invasion – February 15, 2027
State appropriated funding is an absolute necessity for this project to be successful. Thanks to the efforts’ of our local Senator Ralph Massullo and Representative JJ Grow. funding for the 2026 season is secured. Follow our progress on Facebook. Homosassa River Restoration Project, a non-profit all volunteer 501C3 also accepts donations. Donate Here.