Henry Warner

Seminole County’s attempted grab for St. Johns River water struck a chord with League of Women Voters members at the group’s meeting April 10, at St. Augustine Beach City Hall.

Guest speaker Henry Warner’s assertion that the fight between Seminole County and Northeast Florida is only the first step in a dangerous “river draw” met with intense interest at the monthly gathering. Reducing river flow could affect fish, wildlife and water quality.

Warner, who is Supervisor of St. Johns Soil and Water Conservation District, said changing a river’s flow can result in sediment and algae buildups downstream. Also, salt water from fluctuating ocean tides will be drawn farther up river when flow is decreased.