Support Our Water & Air Testing |
At Calusa Waterkeeper, we believe prioritized testing is critical to getting quick, uncompromised results and is a pathway to guiding state and local policy changes, enforcement and accountability. Your tax-deductible donations help make our water & air testing program possible. Your support would ensure we meet our testing goals to improve water quality awareness and advocacy. |
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All Floridians need the fundamental right to clean and healthy waters. Our health, our economy, and nature depend upon clean water. Calusa Waterkeeper supports the Right to Clean Water constitutional amendment ballot initiative. |
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As we recently wrote to you, we are actively looking for a new Executive Director. This person will work alongside our Waterkeeper, staff and board members and should have a strong background in fundraising and operations.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in helping write the next chapter of Calusa Waterkeeper's advocacy and growth story, please don't hesitate to contact us! |
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Lake Okeechobee sees 240 Square Miles of Blue-Green Algae |
Lake Okeechobee is seeing about 240 square miles of Blue-Green Algae on the north, west, and south shores. That is an approximately 30% increase over the last two weeks. The Army Corps of Engineers began to release water from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee system. Watch Here |
Heavy Rains Lead to High Flows in the Caloosahatchee |
A large algae bloom is lingering along the western rim of Lake Okeechobee, but the Caloosahatchee River looks relatively healthy and experts don’t expect to see a devastating blue-green algae bloom this summer. Read More |
| Milky White Colored Water and Fish Kill in Matlacha Pass |
What caused a fish kill in Matlacha Pass in June? NOAA says the fish likely died because of low oxygen levels in the water. The water’s white color is caused by sulfur particles that precipitate from H2S (hydrogen sulfide) produced from the bacterial decomposition of the macroalga Caulerpa. Learn More
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Swimmers Ignore Warnings of Fecal Bacteria from the FL Dept. of Health at Area Beaches |
Eleven Southwest Florida beaches got poor marks after tests showed high fecal bacteria counts. At popular Bonita Beach, the Florida Department of Health is advising people to stay out of the water completely until it clears. Continue Reading
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Calusa Waterkeeper Names Public Service Award After Commissioner Frank Mann |
The Frank Mann Exemplary Public Service Award shall only be given to individuals who display the same dedication and ideals that he did and will be an opportunity to recognize someone who carries on his tradition of selfless public service and commitment to our quality of life in Southwest Florida. |
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The Board and staff of Calusa Waterkeeper wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Frank Mann. Mr. Mann passed away in June at the age of 80. In honor of the important work that Mr. Mann did while he served as a Lee County Commissioner and in other public offices, and after receiving his family’s blessing, we have elected to name one of our annual awards after him. “Commissioner Mann’s service to the community embodied the highest ideals of public office. His integrity, honor and compassion and his commitment to protecting the environment and preservation and expansion of public lands will be sorely missed,” wrote CWK President, Jim Watkins. Continue Reading
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Hey, CWK members, the next Waterside Chat on August 11th is full. Thank you for such an enthusiastic response. If you would like to add your name to a wait list, contact our Administrative Coordinator, Cindy Swisher at [email protected]
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High resolution imagery of southwest Lake Okeechobee and nearby watershed showing a cyanobacteria bloom with an estimated 45% coverage of the Lake. |
Looks like muddy water discharging into the Caloosahatchee River from Townsend Canal and another canal just to the west. Townsend canal will be the discharge conveyance for the SFWMD C-43 reservoir. This isn't the first time we've seen these turbidity discharge violations. |
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Discharge from Hickey Creek north into the Caloosahatchee River. Appears to be turbidity but may also be planktonic algae. |
Information from FDOH on Vibrio vulnificus, sometimes referred to as flesh-eating bacteria. Reported cases and deaths are rare but Lee County has the most reported cases (5) since 2020. |
C-43 Reservoir under construction. Photo courtesy of Ralph Arwood. |
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CALUSA WATERKEEPER MISSION |
To Protect and Restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters. |
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FOLLOW CALUSA WATERKEEPER |
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| Calusa Waterkeeper
PO Box 1165
Fort Myers, FL 33902 |
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