The Homosassa River Alliance had the honor of presenting the Voice of The River Award of one thousand dollars to Miss Kendall Barker of Riverhaven on June 10, 2022.

The Homosassa River Alliance is a community-driven, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose goal is to help restore, protect, and perpetuate the native ecological integrity of the Homosassa River System. Any factor causing environmental degradation and any means to aid in restoration is appropriate for the attention of the River Alliance.

The 2022 Voice of the River Award goes to Kendall Barker

This award is part of an annual scholarship to an outstanding Citrus County Senior pursuing an education in an environmental science field. 

About the Homosassa River System

The Homosassa River System includes the main stem of the river, several tributaries (Halls River, Price Creek, Otter Creek, and Battle Creek) which flow seven miles through a network of coastal wetlands and lowlands to the Gulf of Mexico. The upper reaches of the River are recognized in Florida state law as “Outstanding Florida Waters” and thereby enjoy special protections, and may not be degraded. This river system is the outflow from Homosassa Springs, one of Florida’s first-magnitude springs, and a number of smaller springs and is one of seven rivers in Citrus County.

The spring water emerges at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which provides year-round water sports, outstanding fishing and annual large gatherings of Manatees. The lower river is a typical riverine estuary in which saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico mix with the freshwater outflow from the springs.

The estuary supports commercial fisheries for crabs, shrimp and fish, outstanding wildlife observation opportunities, especially for wading birds and birds of prey, and outdoor recreation in a near-wilderness setting, including pleasure boating, canoeing and kayaking, and fishing. The protection of this habitat with its rare, ecologically important qualities is the mission of the Homosassa River Alliance.

The members of the Homosassa River Alliance wish Kendall the very best as she advances her education. Frank Kaposi, President of the Alliance, said, “A special thank you to all involved in making this happen.”