Myakka River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myakka River |
|
|---|---|
Myakka River in El Jobean
|
|
Map of Myakka River in Florida
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Counties | Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte |
| District | Southwest Florida Water Management District |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Gulf of Mexico Charlotte Harbor 26°54′52″N 82°09′51″W / 26.9145°N 82.1643°W |
| Length | 72 miles (116 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Myakka River Watershed |
| Basin size | 314.7 square miles (815 km2) |
| Landmarks | Myakka River State Park, T. Mabry Carlton Reserve, Snook Haven, Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, Jelks Preserve, Myakka State Forest, Myakka Park |
| Population | 72,317 |
| Waterbodies | Lake Myakka |
The Myakka River is a special river located in southwestern Florida. It begins near the border of Hardee and Manatee counties. From there, it flows first southwest and then southeast through Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties. The river eventually reaches Charlotte Harbor, which is a part of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Myakka River is about 72 miles (116 km) long. It collects water from a large area called a drainage basin, which is 602 square miles (1559.2 km2). A big part of this basin, about 314.7 square miles (815 km2), is in Sarasota County. The last 20 miles (32 km) of the river is affected by the ocean's tides. This means its water levels go up and down with the tides. Also, this part of the river has brackish water, which is a mix of fresh water from the river and salty water from the ocean.
Contents
Discover the Myakka River's Natural Beauty
The Myakka River is quite unique because it has stayed mostly natural and undeveloped. This is great for the plants and animals that live there! A 12-mile (19 km) section of the river is protected within Myakka River State Park. This park helps keep the river and its surroundings safe for wildlife and people to enjoy.
A Special Designation: Wild and Scenic
In 1985, a 34-mile (55 km) part of the Myakka River in Sarasota County was given a special title by the Florida Legislature. It was named a state Wild and Scenic River. This means it's recognized for its amazing natural beauty and importance. This special status helps protect the river from too much development and pollution.
Even though much of the river is protected, some parts of its ancient water system have been changed by canals built by people. These canals can affect how water flows and where it goes. The Myakka River can also experience powerful natural events. For example, in 2022, the river flooded badly during Hurricane Ian. This flood was so big that it temporarily closed 14 miles of Interstate 75 near Port Charlotte.
Myakka's Water Friends
Rivers often have smaller streams or creeks that flow into them. These are called tributaries. They add more water to the main river.
- Myakkahatchee Creek is one of the tributaries that flows into the Myakka River.
See Also
- Deer Prairie Creek Preserve
