Newsletter November 2022

All of us in Southwest Florida have been impacted to some degree by Hurricane Ian. The catastrophic damage left in its wake after making landfall on September 28 has been life changing. The disastrous effects on our families, our livelihoods and our community are far reaching and will be felt for weeks and months to come.

We at Calusa Waterkeeper will continue to work to make certain our water is safe and to keep you informed during these difficult times. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this devastating event and on behalf of the Calusa Waterkeeper Board of Directors and staff, we wish you well. Remember, we are all in this together. Stay strong.

In the News

Hurricane Ian to Blame for Record Number of ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Cases

With two months to go in 2022, Florida has already smashed a grim record this year: 65 infections of Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly microbe known, though not quite correctly, as flesh-eating bacteria. Find Out More

Saltwater Pushed Up & Freshwater Flooded Down Caloosahatchee During Hurricane Ian Landfall 

The Caloosahatchee River got a huge flush of saltwater when Hurricane Ian plowed into the Southwest Florida coast. And then a lot of it roared back, along with plenty of freshwater runoff. Read More

Calusa Waterkeeper Distributes Water Test Kits

In the days following Hurricane Ian, when flood waters and power outages may have compromised the quality of drinking water in both wells and community water systems, Calusa Waterkeeper launched a community service project to distribute free water testing kits. Since October 15, more than 160 kits have been distributed around the county at five locations. Thank you to those donors who funded this project in its entirety.

Pollution poured into our waterways as a result of Hurricane Ian with very real consequences. “The volume of stormwater loaded with pollutants, the sanitary sewer overflows, and other sewage problems are widespread right now,” said John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper. 

Even though boil water notices have been lifted in most of Lee County, Calusa Waterkeeper will continue kit distribution in an effort to fulfill its mission to ensure drinkable, fishable, swimmable water for all. 

Please check our website and social media platforms for the next test kit distribution dates and locations..

Around the Watershed

Fecal bacteria (enterococci) results for CWK sampling on 10-22-22. Enterococci values greater that 70 MPN exceed the EPA Beach Action Value that is used by FDOH to issue a beach advisory for no swimming. Thanks to the CWK Ranger volunteers who were able to sample under difficult conditions. 

An assortment of images from coastal southwest Florida by Ralph Arwood, 10-23-22. Waters are still very stirred up after Hurricane Ian that made landfall at Charlotte Harbor on 9-28-22. 

Last month, we began a campaign to raise funds for our Water and Air Sampling programs. Knowing what is in our water and air is imperative to protecting Floridians, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. We have been informed that over 1,000 pieces of mail were lost or damaged when the storm ripped through downtown Fort Myers, severely damaging the post office there. We fear this may be why we were unable to raise the money needed to continue to fund this effort. Please consider making a gift today to help us keep these critical programs going.

CALUSA WATERKEEPER MISSION

To Protect and Restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the Coastal Waters.

FOLLOW CALUSA WATERKEEPER

Phone: (239) 899-1440
Pollution Hotline: (239) 444-8584
Email: [email protected]

Calusa Waterkeeper
PO Box 1165
Fort Myers, FL 33902

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