The Wysong Dam had for 23 years helped back up the waters of the river into the Tsala Apopka Lake system and at least in part helped overcome the environmental damage done to the watershed system over the previous 100 years of man-made changes. When the structure was removed in 1988 without public input or governmental permits these local residents sought its replacement.

Before and After Photos of the effects of removing the Wysong Dam on an outlet river - March 1988 and March 1993.

Before and After Photos of the effects of removing the Wysong Dam on Lunan Terrace - 1998 and 2000.

These founders were quickly joined by other supporters, including L.C. Alexander, who provided invaluable assistance in collecting and analyzing the scientific data needed to back up the organization positions. The organization was named "Taxpayers Outraged Organization for Accountable Representation" because of the response (or lack of it) the founders received in trying to make the District understand the importance of the Wysong to the ecology of the area. Thus TOOFAR was born.

During one attempt by then TOOFAR president, Marlin Bryan, to speak at a Swiftmud public forum held at Pleasant Grove Elementary School, in Citrus County, in June 11, 1992, Marlin became so "outraged" that he collapsed to the floor, suffering a heart attack and died later that evening. This tragedy only fueled the determination of TOOFAR members to overcome the actions of this powerful, but unresponsive agency. Though the task was formidable, and the opposition difficult the group knew the cause was worth the struggle. The organization adopted the motto, "Never Give Up!"

The organization was incorporated and held the first official board meeting in 1992. While the focus was always on the Wysong restoration the organization became instrumental in stopping the proposed pipeline from Citrus County to Tampa in the mid-1990’s and provided active support to the "Local Sources First" law. The group helped fill 9 bus loads of people headed for Tallahassee to make their position on this proposal visible to lawmakers. (see page 147 in the following book: "Water Wars: A Story of People, Politics and Power" - by Honey Rand)   TOOFAR members created a huge pipe, put it on a trailer and took it along as a visual representation of what water piping actually meant to the area. This law, sponsored by State Representative, Nancy Argenziano, now requires counties south of us to make every effort to reclaim their own water, including desalination, before looking to tap other areas for water. For the moment the water grab was held at bay.

Frank Robinson became TOOFAR’s president after Marlin’s untimely death and continued in that post all during the Wysong struggle representing the organization at countless government meetings both in Citrus County and where ever our voice was needed for over 9 years. With the help of many other dedicated volunteers who supported the restoration of the Wysong TOOFAR became a presence in the county and the state. Often maligned in the local newspaper for its activist positions, TOOFAR persevered. If water was the topic, TOOFAR was there, though at times the pursuit seemed doomed even to the most ardent proponents.

The extensive efforts of TOOFAR to enlighten government officials and agencies about the benefits of the Wysong began to bear fruit in 1998 during the administration of Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Gov. Bush appointed Monroe "Al" Coogler, a local retired attorney, to the Swiftmud governing board with a task of looking into water matters in the area. As Mr. Coogler began his service he happened to see a television show on the local KEY station that TOOFAR produced, directed and presented with the aid of funds donated by supporters.

The 2-hour show featured TOOFAR board members Larry Hartman and L.C. Alexander giving a river and lake tour discussing the history of the area and the impact of the Wysong. After seeing this very enlightening scientific presentation, Mr. Coogler contacted TOOFAR and was taken on an airboat boat trip to all the areas that were discussed. At this point the organization now had an ally on the Governing Board of Swiftmud.

Within 4 years, after a 10 year struggle, the Wysong was back in place and even better than before. Named the "Wysong-Coogler Water Conservation Structure," the inflatable barrier now helps contain millions of gallons of fresh water in the Withlacoochee watershed. This slowing of the water’s progress to the Gulf of Mexico helps recharge the Florida aquifer which is the source of all the area springs and drinking water and also keeps lake levels in the Tsala Chain more stable.

With the main goal of the organization met many thought TOOFAR would disappear as a meaningful force in the area. However, those doubters forgot the TOOFAR motto, "Never Give Up." There were still battles to win and the organization took on new life as it turned its attention to the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes with lake restoration becoming a new primary goal. Marco Wilson took up the presidency of the organization in 2002 with great praise and thanks for the long tenure of Frank Robinson, and the group turned its attention to lake restoration and other projects dear to the members.

The Tsala Apopka chain of lakes had been seriously mistreated over the last 50 years by both local property owners and government agencies. Primary damage was inflicted by the illegal damming by ranchers in the 1950’s on the Flying Eagle Ranch at the South end of the lake system and at the North end in Potts Preserve. Additional damage was caused by control structures that blocked lake navigation installed, sometimes without public debate, in the early 1960’s. The Army Corps of Engineers is committed to and are conducting studies and developing a system model for use in to making and evaluating recommendations on how to restore the lake system to some semblance of its former function and beauty. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has taken over responsibility for the Army Corps of Engineers study.

TOOFAR now supports the work of government and agency lake restoration studies and works towards returning the lakes to the viable fishing and recreational areas they were in former days. Still a powerful voice, TOOFAR continues its mission to protect and conserve our natural water and environmental resources.