Florida Senate - 2014                             (NP)    SR 382
       
       
        
       By Senator Dean
       
       
       
       
       
       5-00480-14                                             2014382__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing April 2014 as “Springs
    3         Protection Awareness Month” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, Florida’s springs are essential to the
    6  environment, economy, and residents of, and visitors to, this
    7  state, and
    8         WHEREAS, Florida has one of the most productive aquifers in
    9  the world, which supports more than 700 natural springs, giving
   10  this state the world’s highest concentration of springs, and
   11         WHEREAS, more than 93 percent of Florida residents rely on
   12  this groundwater supply and its vitality to the state’s economy,
   13  and
   14         WHEREAS, springs are a natural resource that must be
   15  protected, as they reflect groundwater conditions and provide an
   16  important habitat for wildlife, including species listed as
   17  threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and
   18         WHEREAS, springs provide important recreation resources and
   19  opportunities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,
   20  and
   21         WHEREAS, Florida’s springs discharge more than 8 billion
   22  gallons of water each day, which is essential for sustaining
   23  spring runs and associated receiving water bodies, and
   24         WHEREAS, healthy springs reflect the State of Florida’s
   25  commitment to sustainable ground and surface water resource
   26  protection, NOW, THEREFORE,
   27  
   28  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   29  
   30         That April 2014 is recognized as “Springs Protection
   31  Awareness Month” in Florida, and all levels of government are
   32  encouraged to support springs protection, restoration, and
   33  preservation awareness.