Newsletter - October 2020
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Presents:
Saving Estero Bay
AN ONLINE BENEFIT TO RESTORE THE ESTERO BAY TRIBUTARIES
Plan to join us Saturday, November 14th for an exclusive online benefit event and the World Premiere of our newest film:
ETERNAL VIGILANCE: Fighting to Restore the Estero Bay Tributaries
Join us in recognizing the 30th anniversary of the designation of the Estero Bay tributaries as Outstanding Florida Waters. Registration is FREE and all attendees will enjoy special guest appearances and one-of-a-kind online auction items with early bird bidding available!
There's Still Time to Become a Sponsor!
Do you own a business with interests in Estero Bay or it’s feeder creeks? Would you please consider joining our impressive ranks of sponsors and donors? Your business could be featured during the main event and through our Silent Auction if you donate items in support of that.
Meet some of our Sponsors
SWFL RESET Center, Edie Hunt & Gregor Zore, Howard Simon & Beth Wilson,
Clean Okeechobee Waters Foundation, Sandra Schulberg, Howard & Nancy Cohen, Whitney Green, M&M Multimedia, Lee County Rights of Nature, Steve & Carol Vesce,
Manuel Aparicio, Liz Taggart, Estero Island Garden Club
Advocacy from our Waterkeeper - John Cassani
When it Comes to our Water Quality: Challenge the Messenger
Florida has always had problems with water pollution during the modern era. This is not surprising considering the historic rate of population growth and landscape conversion to more intensive uses. But, perhaps more alarming is the rate of water quality impairment, which has accelerated to the point where Florida agencies frequently warn the public to avoid the water altogether. Read the Full Op Ed
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Chiquita Lock: Setting the Public Record Straight
There is a prevailing perception in Cape Coral that a primary reason for the Chiquita Lock was to abate pollution from septic tanks, and that the Lock is no longer necessary since septic tanks have been replaced by conversion to sewer. This perception helps paint an incomplete picture of the intent of the court-ordered spreader systems. Learn More
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Special Feature
Local Elections are Here!
We've sent questionnaires and received feedback from City election candidates on important local water quality issues.
Cape Coral has a unique relationship with water, possessing hundreds of miles of man-made canals connected to the tidal Caloosahatchee and Matlacha Pass. The City has also experienced multiple cyanobacteria blooms within its closed freshwater systems, and it is clear they were not caused by septic tanks or Lake Okeechobee. Learn where candidates stand on water quality now.
Calusa Waterkeeper has serious concerns as to the condition and capacity of the Fort Myers sewage system. There have been repeated documented breaches of the City’s sewage system and these sewage spills endanger public health and exposes the City’s liability. We polled candidates regarding these issues.
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Tune in Tomorrow Night!
Cape Coral Community Foundation Hosts ENPY Awards
Tune in tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 20) on channel CTN to watch the Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly (ENPY) awards ceremony LIVE! Calusa Waterkeeper is one of 36 finalists vying for an award. Stream live beginning at 7:30 pm on Tuesday!
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In the News
Saving Estero Bay and Southwest Florida’s Waterways
Our economy, tourism, recreation — even our health — all depend on the quality of our waterways. And the waterways we love are in dire straits. They need our help. Think about the magnificent body of water that is Estero Bay, Florida’s first Aquatic Preserve. Continue Reading KC Schulberg's Op Ed >
Pine Island Park Water Issues
The water at Tropical Point Park has tested positive for fecal indicator bacteria but no warning signs exist. The park is open for fishing and kayaking, but “swimmers swim at their own risk.” Read More >
Blue Heron Rescued by Ranger
CROW volunteer and Calusa Waterkeeper ranger Robert Howell rescued a great blue heron covered in oil at Bowditch Point Park. After a week of rehabilitation, the bird was released to the wild. Read More >
Lake Okeechobee Releases Begin
Col. Andrew Kelly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said releases from the lake will resume and will head both east and west down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. Read More >
Billy's Creek Source Tracing
People are concerned about what’s in Billy Creek, so once again, a team from Calusa Waterkeeper and an environmental consultant for the city have taken samples of the water. Read More >
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Around the Watershed
More problems with water quality along Manuel's Branch in Fort Myers
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Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch monitoring the Lake Okeechobee algal bloom by plane
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Floating Algae Index imagery from USF College of Marine Science, Optical Oceanography Laboratory
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Lake Okeechobee cyanobacteria bloom covering roughly 100 square miles
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Celebrating 25 Years - Founded in 1995
We are excited to release our Anniversary Commemorative publication recognizing our 25-year history, starting as CRCA – Riverwatch in 1995. This expanded souvenir newsletter is chock full of historical accounts from our founding and early years, along with a focus on key issues throughout our watershed.
Please consider adding $25 to your next donation to salute our anniversary!
CALUSA WATERKEEPER MISSION
To Protect and Restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters.
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Phone: (239) 784-0880
Pollution Hotline: (239) 444-8584
Email: info@CalusaWaterkeeper.org
Follow Calusa Waterkeeper!
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Calusa Waterkeeper
PO Box 1165
Fort Myers, FL 33902
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