Tag Archives: Marion County

Silver Springs Nature Park, What’s Next?

May 22, 2013Video, Videographer and EditorDonna Green-Townsend, Florida state parks, Marion County, Silver Springs, State ParksDonna Green-Townsend

The future of one of Florida’s oldest theme parks is at the heart of discussion among Marion County Commissioners and current park operator Palace Entertainment. The Silver Springs Nature Park is famous for its glass-bottom boat tours of the springs on the Silver River. WUFT-FM’s Phillip Marks reports. (Videographer- Donna Green-Townsend)

“Ditch of Dreams” still controversial a century later

July 11, 2012NewsCross Florida Barge Canal, Ditch of Dreams, Donna Green-Townsend, Marion County, Ocklawaha River, Silver River, Silver Springs, Steven NollDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on July 11th, 2012

The health of Silver Springs and Silver River has been at the heart of recent debate over water permit requests in Marion County. The Silver River which flows into the Ocklawaha River has also been a part of a century old debate. More than a 100 years ago early Spanish explorers and Florida businessmen had big dreams to put in a cross-the-state barge canal from the Gulf Coast to the St. John’s River to allow for more commerce. The Nixon administration put a stop to the project because of budget and environmental concerns. Nevertheless, remnants of the original barge construction remain with the Inglis Lock and dam on the west coast and the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir in Putnam and Marion Counties. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend talked to Steven Noll, one of the two local historians who has captured the controversial history of the project in the book called: “Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge Canal and the struggle for Florida’s future.”

(This program originally aired on WUFT-FM in late fall of 2010)

Adena protest flotilla planned to bring attention to health of Silver River

June 30, 2012NewsAdena protest, Adena Protest flotilla, Donna Green-Townsend, Karen Ahlers, Marion County, Silver River, Silver Springs, Water Action TeamDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on June 30th, 2012

While river flooding is causing problems for homeowners and putting a damper on recreational businesses and parks near the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee and Suwannee River areas, there is a river event in Marion County area that is offering people a chance to go kayaking or boating all for a cause. The group Water Action Team is sponsoring a Adena Protest flotilla and “stand up for Silver Springs” event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. River activist Karen Ahlers says the event will include a presentation on historic Silver River photos as well as music and river boating opportunities on the Silver River. Saturday’s protest flotilla will be at Wayside Park on SR 40 about 4 miles east of the Silver Springs attraction. She talked with Donna Green-Townsend) about the event:

Water Action Team supporter, Karen Ahlers. Saturday’s Adena protest flotilla is at Ray Wayside Park on SR 40, about 4 miles east of the Silver Springs attraction.