In the News
Construction Site Runoff Causing Murky Water in Downtown Fort Myers
There is brown water working its way into the Caloosahatchee River. It’s happening next to two construction sites off West First Street in Downtown Fort Myers. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani said he has sent photos of the turbid runoff to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
A New Approach is Needed for Sustaining Florida’s Waters
The importance and overwhelming support for the “Right To Clean Water” Charter Amendment passed by Orange County voters should not be underestimated. Linked to the Rights of Nature movement, this is a clear indictment of Florida policymakers that don’t have the political will to prevent further decline of state waters.
Saving Estero Bay Benefit Features Hollywood Royalty
The executive director of the Calusa Waterkeeper has enjoyed some successes of late as his organization was one of three environmental groups who won a recent lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers to force a study of the impacts of releases on threatened and endangered species.
Once Again, Dirty Water Flows into the Caloosahatchee from Downtown Fort Myers Construction after Eta’s Soaking
Once again, two construction sites have dumped polluted stormwater into the Caloosahatchee in downtown Fort Myers. Barriers around the work sites failed to contain the dirty runoff following Tropical Storm Eta’s multi-day soaking. State officials are investigating the City Walk and Silver Hills properties
Corps to Study Impacts of Lake O Releases
A federal judge ruled recently that water discharges from Lake Okeechobee managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are to be evaluated to make sure they’re not harmful to native and protected wildlife. The judge found “shocking” the number of manatee deaths following the release of highly nutrient-rich water from Lake O.
Is Sending Lake O’s Water South the Solution to Toxic Discharges?
The Army Corps of Engineers has been releasing water from Lake Okeechobee as Tropical Storm Eta bears down on South Florida. This can be problematic in more ways than one. With the water level in Lake Okeechobee already high, John Cassani with Calusa Waterkeeper said heavy rainfall can create problems.
What Impacts Could Tropical Storm Eta have on Lake Okeechobee and Water Releases?
If Eta dumps a lot of rain on us, it could mean more water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Releases started last month and are changing the color of water along Lee County’s coast. A tropical storm over the lake means its levels will rise in a hurry which could result in releasing more water our way.
Dramatic Images Show Lake Okeechobee Releases Meeting Gulf near Sanibel
There are new concerns for Southwest Florida water quality. New aerial images show the Lake Okeechobee water discharges reaching the Gulf of Mexico near Sanibel Island. You can see the stark contrast where the releases of freshwater meet the saltwater from the Gulf.
Judge Orders Engineers Study Lake O Water Release Effects on Algal Blooms and Endangered Species
Lake Okeechobee is going under the microscope to protect Florida’s endangered species and its habitat from toxic algae. A judge ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the impact water releases could have on manatees and other creatures.
Saving Estero Bay Virtual Event Benefits Water Quality Efforts
Estero Bay was Florida’s first State Aquatic Preserve, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the designation of the Estero Bay tributaries as Outstanding Florida Waters. While this should be a reason to celebrate, it is also a reason for concern.
A Win Against the Army Corps’ Toxic Lake Okeechobee Discharges
Federal Judge orders the U.S. Corps of Engineers to consider toxic algae when releasing water from Lake Okeechobee. Fort Myers, FL: Calusa Waterkeeper is proud to be involved with a recent win in federal court regarding the management of Lake Okeechobee and its impacts to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.
Tropical Point Park Waters Cause Concern
Island resident and GPICA President Scott Wilkinson often finds himself running back and forth to Fort Myers to test the waters from Tropical Point Park in St. James City. After noticing several people, including school children, wading in these waters, he contacted county officials on behalf of fellow islanders in an effort to keep them safe.
