OCALA, Fla. - Florida Rep. Randy Fine has introduced the Path to Florida Springs National Park Act, a bill that would direct the federal government to study how to turn Florida’s vast network of freshwater springs into the nation’s 64th national park.

Florida has more than 1,000 springs spread across about 2,800 miles of Central and North Florida. These springs provide recreation for families, habitats for wildlife and a crucial source of drinking water.

Fine said the concentration of natural springs is as extraordinary as Yellowstone’s geysers and deserves national recognition.

The other side:

Some environmental advocates argue that a "national park" designation may not address the most pressing threats — including pollution, overdevelopment and declining aquifer health.

Ryan S

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