Newsletter | July 2019
|
|
Public Health Alert - Florida Water Summit 2:
August 5th at 5:30 pm | Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Exclusive Documentary: Troubled Waters
Join us for the premiere of Calusa Waterkeeper’s new documentary, Troubled Waters.
This short film will feature expert scientists and doctors as they explore the human health impacts of cyanotoxins and BMAA in South Florida.
An extended Q&A session with an all-star panel of experts will follow the video screening.
Calusa Waterkeeper Members receive a 10% discount on tickets for this exclusive event!
|
|
|
|
Words from the Waterkeeper
Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani has the most recent readings from Lake Okeechobee's harmful algal bloom and microcystin levels. He also shares updates on bacterial hotspots happening in some popular Southwest Florida recreational waterways. Watch Full Video
|
|
First Water Summit Panel
If you were not able to join us at our June 24th Public Health Alert Florida Water Summit, you can experience the expert panel Q & A session now. Save the date and get your tickets now to join us on Monday, August 5th for our next summit!
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Benefit Event
Saturday, August 17th | 12 - 8 PM
Millennial Brewing Co. | Fort Myers
Millennial Brewing is partnering with Calusa Waterkeeper for the 2nd Annual Rally for Clean Water Fundraiser to benefit our organization and on-going efforts. Please plan to join us for this fun event!
|
|
Waterway Testing Results
With the exception of Powell Creek in North Fort Myers, it’s good to see fecal indicator bacteria remain at such low levels from our June 22nd testing of area waterways.
Bacteria sampling results from June 23rd for Billy’s Creek: Enterococci contamination is pretty bad in Lee County’s jurisdiction in the headwaters near Ortiz Ave.
|
|
UPDATE: Petition Generates Action by the FDEP
Amid fears of another summer of toxic algae afflicting the state and hurting its economy, along with a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Calusa Waterkeeper and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection say they are considering new regulations on how much of the blue-green algae toxins are allowed in the state’s waterways. This process involves taking public comment, plus recommendations from the new Blue-Green Algae Task Force before deciding on new criteria. New regulations must be approved by Florida's Environmental Regulatory Commission before enactment. Read Full Story
|
|
Behind the Scenes of "Troubled Waters"
Calusa Waterkeeper team members & volunteers have traveled all over South Florida to speak with some of the brightest minds and learn about the latest emerging research and technology for exploring the human health impacts of cyanotoxins and BMAA. Plan to join us August 5th for the premiere of our documentary, plus an expert panel from the film including Dr. Walter Bradley, Dr. Larry Brand, John Cassani, Dr. David Davis, Dr. Arthur Diskin, Dr. Malcolm McFarland, Dr. James Metcalf, RN Holley Rauen, Adam Schaefer, Dr. Howard Simon, Dr. Parisima Taeb, & Dr. Robert Zarranz! Watch Troubled Waters Trailer
|
|
Membership Updates
We're continuing to make a greater positive impact on our communities and local waterways thanks to our returning and new members. We are excited and grateful to announce that the Calusa Waterkeeper membership has grown by 12 individuals since June 1st! Will you join us?
|
|
|
|
Calusa Waterkeeper In The Press
ACOE Urges Boaters to be Aware of Harmful Algae
The ACOE is now warning boaters about toxic cyanobacteia in Lake Okeechobee and the 154-mile Okeechobee Waterway, which includes the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. Read More
No Warning Signs or Action Plan for Dirty Estero River
Alarming fecal bacteria counts - some 10 times the beach closure limit - are nothing new to the chronically troubled Estero river, which flows to Estero Bay, the state’s first aquatic preserve. Read More
FDEP Working to Update Caloosahatchee BMAP Plan
The state is moving forward with a plan to clean up pollution in the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary nearly a decade after the standards were adopted. Read More
Waterkeepers Recommend Standards for Cyanotoxins
Waterkeepers Florida submitted comments to the FDEP, as part of their triennial review process, urging them to codify a numerical standard for cyanotoxins. Read More
Toxic Algae Season Signals need for Bolder Solutions
Center for Biological Diversity's Jaclyn Lopez lays out possible solutions to combat HABs as our highly toxic blue-green algae season returns. Read More
State & DEP Misleads Public about Drinking Water Quality
A government watchdog organization says the state is purposely misrepresenting information about drinking water facility violations. Read More
|
|
|
|
Around the Watershed
Massive cyanobacteria bloom in the north central Gulf. Heavy rainfall and runoff has suppressed salinity. Very unusual to see a cyano bloom of this scale in the open Gulf. The approaching tropical system may exacerbate this scenario more.
Citizens are stepping up and posting signs of their own making on their property, warning of the risk from fecal indicator bacteria in nearby waters.
Nice work by our own Corey McCloskey promoting Moms for Clean Water - an advocacy group calling for meaningful protection for ALL of our water resources.
Progression of active cyano bloom on Lake O through the last couple weeks. Recent water tests show toxin levels above the EPA recreational guidelines.
|
|
|
|
Have you Bought your Tickets Yet?
|
|
|
|
CALUSA WATERKEEPER MISSION
To Protect and Restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters.
|
|
Phone: (239) 784-0880
Pollution Hotline: (239) 444-8584
Email: [email protected]
Follow Calusa Waterkeeper!
|
|
|
Calusa Waterkeeper
PO Box 1165
Fort Myers, FL 33902
|
|