Hundreds gathered at the state Capital Tuesday to send a message of support for Florida's natural springs. The group supports legislation that would bring stricter controls over pollution sources, such as phosphorous, nitrogen, and storm water runoff.

Supporters hope that 2010 is their year. Legislation has failed the last five years. The speakers say Florida must do more to protect the springs because much of the state's water supply comes from them.

Eric Daper from Audubon of Florida says, "Florida’s springs are kind of like our grand canyon. It is a special inheritance, a natural resource that we inherited. What was given to us we should make sure that we take care of them and pass on to our children in good shape."

Senator Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, agrees. "If we don’t protect our springs today, we are looking at a shortage, a real shortage in water resources and when you do that what you are now talking about is an economic problem, not just an environmental problem."

A special guest at the rally was the "Creature from the Black Lagoon." The creature first became a star in the movie of the same name in 1954.  Scenes from that movie were filmed at Wakulla Springs south of Tallahassee.