Ron DeSantis has been making waves with his bold environmental policies.
But his latest move caught everyone off guard in the best possible way.
And Ron DeSantis just delivered one jaw-dropping statement that left environmentalists completely stunned.
DeSantis celebrates massive Everglades victory
Governor Ron DeSantis cut the ribbon Tuesday on what he called “one of the most significant projects that’s ever been done in the state of Florida.”
The C-43 Reservoir in Hendry County isn’t just another government project.
It’s a game-changer that can store up to 55 billion gallons of water across 10,000 acres.
“This was something that had been neglected for too long,” DeSantis said at the ceremony. “We needed to take the bull by the horns, and we needed to get it done.”
The massive reservoir will capture runoff from Lake Okeechobee during Florida’s rainy season and release it during dry periods.
That means protecting the Caloosahatchee estuary from harmful discharges while ensuring the perfect balance of fresh and salt water.
“We are, in opening this reservoir, protecting the Caloosahatchee estuary from harmful discharges and ensuring a healthy balance of fresh and salt water, which is essential to the survival and health of our fisheries, oyster bed, sea grasses, and the entire coastal economy,” DeSantis explained.
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1945156303673848310
The numbers don’t lie about DeSantis’s environmental record.
Since taking office, he’s invested nearly $8 billion in Everglades restoration and water quality projects.
“Water is flowing south to the Everglades like never before in modern history,” DeSantis declared.
Record-breaking environmental achievements under DeSantis
The C-43 Reservoir is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to DeSantis’s environmental legacy.
His administration has completed or broken ground on more than 75 Everglades restoration projects since 2019.
The results speak for themselves.
Nutrient reductions now exceed 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus annually.
South Florida’s water storage capacity has tripled to 176 billion gallons.
The reservoir’s pump station can move an incredible 650,000 gallons per minute.
Senate President Ben Albritton praised DeSantis’s leadership during the ceremony.
“Governor DeSantis, you have been the tip of the spear when it comes to Everglades restoration,” Albritton said. “This is a big deal because with every ribbon-cutting such as this one, we’re one step closer to provide the protection for our coastal communities and our fisheries remain healthy and bountiful.”
On his second day in office, DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-12, committing $2.5 billion over four years to water quality and Everglades projects.
He didn’t just meet that goal – he crushed it.
His first term saw $3.3 billion invested, more than the previous 12 years combined.
“During my time as governor, we have set new records for investing in conservation, water quality improvements, and Everglades restoration,” DeSantis stated. “The C-43 Reservoir is a landmark achievement in our broader mission to restore the Everglades, expand Florida’s water storage capacity, and leave this state better to God than we found it.”
“Alligator Alcatraz”
Environmental groups claim the facility, built on former Everglades land, threatens endangered species like the Florida panther.
Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, argued the facility was “fast-tracked without proper environmental review.”
“The state and federal government have an immense investment in Everglades restoration, billions of dollars,” Samples said. “We need to make sure that we’re not undercutting that investment by moving forward with this facility.”
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier fired back, defending the site as temporary and minimally invasive.
“Nothing’s going into the Everglades,” Uthmeier said. “This light infrastructure… it’s temporary. It can be brought in and out and ultimately protects American families.”
Conservative commentator Jesse Watters mocked Democrat lawmakers who toured the facility, asking, “Were they complaining about the food? The toilets?”
Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said detainee care exceeded both state and federal standards.
“Whatever is a higher level,” Guthrie said. “We meet or exceed that standard.”
DeSantis proves conservative leadership works
While Democrats whine about every aspect of border security, DeSantis continues delivering real results for Florida families.
His environmental record proves that conservative leadership can protect natural resources while supporting economic growth.
The C-43 Reservoir will benefit Southwest Florida’s fishing industry, tourism, and entire coastal economy.
“This will benefit Southwest Florida in particular, in a really, really significant way,” DeSantis explained.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert praised the governor’s leadership.
“Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve invested more towards restoration and are seeing meaningful results — on time, under budget and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers,” Lambert said.
DeSantis is already planning the next phase of Everglades restoration.
The state is working on the EAA Reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee and exploring options to take on more federally authorized restoration projects.
“That’s making a difference. It also generates a good return on investment,” DeSantis said.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer.
While Washington, D.C. Democrats focus on divisive politics, DeSantis delivers practical solutions that protect Florida’s environment and economy.
His jaw-dropping environmental record proves that conservative leadership can achieve what liberals only talk about.
And that’s exactly why environmentalists are stunned by his success.
¹ Forrest Saunders, “Governor celebrates Everglades investment as legal battle brews over controversial detention site,” WFTS, July 15, 2025.
² Steve Wilson, “Florida officials celebrate opening of reservoir for Everglades restoration,” The Center Square, July 15, 2025.
³ Ibid.
⁴ WCTV Staff, “Florida takes step to protect the Everglades with addition of new reservoir in Hendry County,” WCTV, July 15, 2025.
⁵ Annabelle Sikes, “DeSantis celebrates grand opening of C-43 Reservoir: ‘A major milestone in Everglades restoration,’” FOX 35 Orlando, July 15, 2025.
⁶ Ibid.
⁷ Gabrielle Russon, “State leaders call Everglades restoration a top priority as they celebrate milestone,” Florida Politics, July 15, 2025.
⁸ Saunders, “Governor celebrates Everglades investment as legal battle brews over controversial detention site,” WFTS.
⁹ Ibid.
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Author: rgcory
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