@chrisod I wish I could recall the book I read, it wasn't River of Grass, but it was about the 19th Century civil engineering efforts. How everyone believed that with proper drainage, all those wetlands could be turned into rich farmland.
And they could, for a few years. Then the soil is quickly exhausted, it loses volume, floods easier, etc. etc. There were a few very high profile, expensive efforts that went bust until the Army Corps of Engineers got involved. It's a very sad tale of greed and hubris and tragedy.
It's a terrible state. Was fairly progressive in the late 20th century until Republicans took over. It's been getting worse ever since.