Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Fecal bacteria remains elevated in Fort Myers canal, city says
After nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper found potentially dangerous levels of human fecal bacteria in Manuel’s Branch, an urban canal and creek in Fort Myers, the city’s Environmental Advisory Board heard an update on efforts to monitor and address the problem.
Fort Myers laid out response to fecal bacteria concerns at Manuel’s Branch
Manuel’s Branch had been an issue since at least 2021, when the Department of Environmental Protection found that the city failed to address long-term elevated levels of bacteria.
Group eager to help city with polluted creek, but can it be saved?
Manuel’s Branch’s fecal bacteria levels regularly test far above state safety standards according to both government data and independent testing. The problem is not new.
Dr. Gregg Poulakis to Headline Calusa Waterkeeper’s January State of Our Water Meeting
Calusa Waterkeeper will welcome Dr. Gregg Poulakis of the Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to discuss the endangered smalltooth sawfish, sharing what is known about this unique species and what is being done to promote its recovery in the Caloosahatchee River and beyond.
Calusa Waterkeepers push city to act after finding fecal contamination in creek
Calusa Waterkeeper is calling on the city of Fort Myers to take immediate action after their independent testing revealed persistent human fecal contamination in Manuel’s Branch, a popular recreational waterway that flows through downtown Fort Myers.
Calusa Waterkeeper Finds Evidence of Human Fecal Contamination in Manuel’s Branch After Two-Year Investigation
A two-year investigation by local environmental group Calusa Waterkeeper has found evidence of human-source fecal contamination in Manuel’s Branch, a small urban creek located just south of Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.
Calusa Waterkeeper Publishes Human Source Tracking Investigation of Fecal Bacteria Pollution in Fort Myers Waterbody
Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers and staff have collected evidence of persistent human sources of fecal contamination to Manuel’s Branch. The group will be presenting to the City of Fort Myers Environmental Advisory Board on December 2nd, 2025.
EPA’s Narrowed Definition of WOTUS Threatens Water Quality
By narrowing the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act, this reinterpretation removes federal safeguards from many rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and other vital waterways.
DEEP DIVE: These chemicals kill toxic algae. But are they safe?
“I observed the (LakeGuard Oxy) application near Franklin Lock and Dam for 13 consecutive days and witnessed numerous label violations,” Cassani said.
Beach Nourishments: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
If you’ve ever watched young children at the beach making sandcastles while fighting against occasional waves breaking over their hard-won efforts, you can appreciate the futility of beach nourishments.
Mangroves and mega-yachts: Tarpon Point Marina rebuild sparks mixed reactions
Along the mangroves, heavy equipment and a barge can be seen working on a project that will add 41 new boat slips to the marina, expanding its capacity from 225 to 266. While it’s a relatively small expansion on paper, people who kayak and fish in the area say it’s a big deal because of what lives just below the surface.
Caloosahatchee reservoir was not operational this past rainy season
Crucial Caloosahatchee River reservoir delayed yet again. Governor said the project would be ready. River advocates say it’s not.