Stretches of the Myakka River in Manatee and Charlotte counties could be granted extra environmental protection under a bill filed in the Florida Senate on Wednesday.

The bill would classify the two sections of the river as "wild and scenic."

The designation does not prevent development along the river. But it does require local governments to ensure that projects do not pollute the river or detract from its natural beauty.

Currently, just 34 miles of the Myakka in Sarasota County -- from State Road 780 south to the Charlotte County border -- carries the designation.

State Sen. Michael Bennett, R-Bradenton is sponsoring the bill. A corresponding bill for the House, drafted by state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, has not been filed.

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