"It's sad that the river has to go to hell before we have these types of conversations," Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon said after a meeting at Jacksonville City Hall to discuss the health of the St. Johns. "I mean, here's what we know. The algae is preventable because we know what causes it. We are putting more nitrogen and phosphorous in the river than she can assimilate, treat, dilute, whatever word you want to apply."

Researchers say recent fish kills, however, are different than any they've seen before.

Species like gar, redfish and stingrays are dying from a condition called hemolysis; causing blood-shot eyes, bloody organs and blood spots.

Scientists still studying the deaths told a public meeting organized by City Council President Jack Webb that toxins or bacteria in the water are likely culprits.

"I think there's a lot of things we can legislatively to mandate these environmental practices," Webb said Thursday.

But the pollution in the St. Johns River streatches far beyond Jacksonville's borders and will need broad support from around the state.

"I think the St. Johns River, given the length of it, the breadth of it, the number of citizens impacted by it, deserves the kind of attention the Everglades has gotten," State Senator John Thrasher (R-St. Augustine) said.

Thrasher said he'll seek funding from the state and federal level for St. Johns revitilization initiatives.

"I can do this," he told reporters. "I'm willing to take the shot at it."

Webb has promised the St. Johns River will be a major theme of his year-long term as City Council chief. A St. Johns River Summit is scheduled for September.

That event is likely to include leaders from all the counties the St. Johns flows through, seeking to find state solutions for the river's health.