Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
The Florida Legislature needs help understanding the root cause of declining water quality
Apparently, the root cause of water impairment is a mystery to the Legislature despite Florida’s long-standing history of water quality decline that parallels the state’s explosive growth. The documented casualties have been wetlands, wildlife habitat, public health and the economy.
It’s easy to find fecal pollution in SWFL waters; what’s hard is finding how to stop it
Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce samples the Caloosahatchee for fecal bacteria in east Fort Myers. His nonprofit has been monitoring area waterways for signs of trouble for years – and often finds them.
A New Leader For The Waterkeeper
Southwest Florida Environmental nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper has hired Connie Ramos-Williams as its new Executive Director. Ramos-Williams will work with Waterkeeper Codty Pierce to safeguard the region’s water resources, promote environmental awareness, and advocate for policies that protect and enhance water quality.
Community advocate Connie Ramos-Williams steps up to fight for clean water and protect our waterways as Calusa Waterkeeper’s new Executive Director
Calusa Waterkeeper is thrilled to announce the appointment of Connie Ramos-Williams as its new Executive Director. With an impressive background in community advocacy and a proven track record of leadership, Ramos-Williams will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to ensure clean water for current and future generations.
The Safe Waterways Act is Poised for a Senate Vote
The Safe Waterways Act of 2024 has received more bi-partisan co-sponsors, was guided through committees and is now poised for a special order vote by the full Senate.
Calusa Waterkeeper names Ramos-Williams new director
“I came out of early retirement to take the role of director of the Calusa Waterkeeper because I really do find it my mission to help protect our number one natural resource and that’s water,” she said. “We are facing a crisis with our water. And if our generation doesn’t do something to find solutions to restore clean water in our communities it’s going to get passed on to our next generation.”
Brown water near the coast: Lake O releases ongoing, could last until May
Aerial images from volunteers with Calusa Waterkeeper show a stark contrast between the Gulf of Mexico waters and the billions of gallons of tainted freshwater coming from the lake.
Water color changes due to Lake Okeechobee releases
A week ago, the Calusa Waterkeeper took a picture off the coast of Sanibel. Dark brown, it’s a harsh contrast between the beautiful blue gulf waters.
Calusa Waterkeeper hosts annual meeting and awards luncheon, “Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect.”
Calusa Waterkeeper, is pleased to announce its highly anticipated annual meeting and awards luncheon Our Water, Our Future, Ours to Protect. The event will take place at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Court Rules That Florida Should Not be Allowed to Issue Wetland Dredge and Fill Permits
A district court judge ruled Friday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acted illegally when it gave Clean Water Act permitting over to the state of Florida.
Army Corps Increasing Lake Okeechobee Releases to Fort Myers-Sanibel Area
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin large-scale Lake Okeechobee releases to the Caloosahatchee due to high lake levels and continued El Nino conditions. The Army Corps is targeting 4,000 cubic feet per second as measured from the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam near Moore Haven.
Water Wars
People who look out for Florida’s single most essential treasure — not the sunshine, but our water — didn’t traditionally have to be masters of the good simile or navigators of the body politic. But that’s changed.