# Florida completes restoration of 55,000 acres drained for 1960s subdivision

2026-08-09T16:42:42+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Southwest Florida has completed the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, reversing drainage from the 1960s when the land was cleared for the world's largest residential subdivision. The project removed over 260 miles of roads, plugged nearly 50 miles of canals, and built three pump stations to restore natural water flow across 55,000 acres of wetlands. It is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Officials expect improved habitat for fish and wildlife, including the Florida panther, better aquifer recharge, and reduced freshwater releases downstream. The work aims to protect Collier Seminole State Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/in-the-1960s-florida-drained-land-for-a-giant-subdivision-in-2026-restoration-finished-after-removing-260-miles-of-roads-and-plugging-48-miles-of-canals-across-55000-acres/articleshow/133067666.cms>

Tags: ecosystem, environment, Everglades restoration, Florida, water conservation, wetlands
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