Public works authorities in Florida are busy building a group of bridges along the Tamiami Trail to elevate long sections of the roadway, thereby allowing southward-flowing swamp water to proceed unhindered into the rest of the wetlands. Everglades Foundation director Eric Eikenberg said the first of five bridges, which is located just east of Coopertown, has the potential to bring back water from the River of Grass into the Shark River Valley for the first time in nearly a century. The aim is to replenish drinking water aquifers, flush out water pollution, and help preserve the Everglades.
Florida is a sub-tropical paradise of a state, with the Everglades National Park as one of its crown jewels. Much of South Florida was drained in the 1900s for development purposes, but the Glades’ overall area was reduced because the Trail cut water flow to Florida Bay. Now with the bridge’s potential as a water conduit becoming clear to nature management agencies, operators of airboat rides in Florida like Ride-The-Wind may be faced with opportunities to organize fresh tour packages.
Private airboat charter runs are organized according to a guest’s preferences and budget; and can range from just an hour-long trip to a whole day excursion. This is best done by consulting boat operators on the important spot to visit, and the preferred launch site to enable an extensive itinerary.
Eikenberg said the bridge project will also bring new momentum to nature restoration projects south of the Trail that have failed to take off in previous years due to the lack of water. Much of the flora and fauna in the area is already in need of fresh nutrients borne by the water, especially from the outflow of Lake Okechobee. Miami airboat rides operators like Captain Randy Meeker at Ride-The-Wind can use the newly-open space to properly educate guests on the projects.
A run through South Florida can help charter tourists catch more than a glimpse of certain private areas; the skipper will also provide opportunities to see them first-hand. One such place would be the Miccosukee Indian Village just off the Tamiami Trail, not far from the bridge. Another is a special island facility where tourists can touch baby gators and turtles.
Exploring the Everglades is one fun way to spend time with your family while appreciating the raw beauty offered by the Florida wilderness. With the additional access offered by the large areas of South Florida receiving more water as a result of the Tamiami Trail bridge, portions of the wetlands that were nearly devastated can come back to life, and enrich the Everglades in more ways than one.
Let’s get back to Miami Florida Everglades Tours!
