User:Gamweb/sandbox/rivers/tomoka

The Tomoka River is a north-flowing river in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It drains an area of about 110 sqmi and is the longest river in Volusia County (excluding the St. Johns River), with a length of 19.6 mi.

Geography
The Tomoka rises in the forests of Volusia County between Port Orange and Daytona Beach at an elevation of 23 ft. The river then flows north-northeast, passing through the cities of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach until it empties into the Halifax River. Near its mouth the river passes through the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve and Tomoka State Park. It also runs next to the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport and Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park.

Manatee sanctuary
The river and several of its tributaries (Strickland, Thompson and Dodson Creek) are designated as a Manatee Sanctuary. Other rare species that inhabit the river basin include include the wood stork, bald eagle, and Atlantic salt marsh snake.

Paddling trail
There is a 13 mi long designated paddling trail from the Riverbend Nature Park to the Tomoka State Park. This trail is unusual as it actually leads 4 mi upstream from the put-in point, until the river becomes too narrow to continue, then turns around to continue 8 mi to the end. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recommends this paddling trail for beginners.