Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Fecal Bacteria Counts High in Many Protected Rivers & Creeks in Lee County
Some tributaries flowing into the Caloosahatchee River and Estero Bay are polluted with fecal coliform bacteria, with counts going well above the criteria used to determine whether or not a beach is safe for swimming.
Everglades Progress Report: Scientists Point to Need for Water Storage & Climate Planning
The National Academy of Sciences produced a 318-page “Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The Ninth Biennial Review” as an independent look at how things are going as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) turns 23.
Red Tide Lurking in Southwest Florida
The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in 69 samples collected from and offshore of Southwest Florida over the past week. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were present in 14 samples: three in Manatee County, one in Monroe County and 10 in Lee County.
Experts Warn of Contaminated Water at Lee County Beaches
Southwest Florida water experts are warning beachgoers, boaters, and the like – go in at your own risk. Calusa Waterkeeper and the Department of Health samplings show how even at beaches like Lynn Hall Beach Park, bacteria is showing in high amounts.
New Bacteria Sampling Results Released
January bacteria sampling results include new locations this month like Bunche Beach, Hendry Creek, Mullock Creek, Spring Creek, and Estero River! Take a look at Pine Island; the results were very high this month all around.
Florida’s Growth and Development Stymie Attempts to Restore Polluted Waters
Although Florida voters support water quality initiatives, they elect officials who are unwilling to make meaningful policy changes to stop water pollution throughout the state and in our own local watershed including the Caloosahatchee.
Cheers to our Water Warrior, John Cassani
John Cassani shaped and defined the role of Calusa Waterkeeper, creating an outsized role for a private citizen in a nonprofit agency aimed at protecting and saving the water from the demands of roughly a million people, and sometimes protecting those people from the water.
Calusa Waterkeeper to Retire After Decades Defending Clean SWFL Water
Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani, a man who has dedicated himself to the preservation of Southwest Florida’s waterways, plans to retire soon. Few people have been more passionate about protecting our waterways, making it his decadeslong mission to defend our right to drinkable, fishable, and swimmable waters.
Cape Coral Residents Bothered by Strange Smell Stemming from Hundreds of Dead Fish in Canals
Hundreds of dead fish have been spotted in Cape Coral canals and residents are not sure why this has been happening. John Cassani, who recently retired as the Calusa Waterkeeper, suggests decomposing organic debris as a possible cause.
Water Quality Experts Talk Swimming & Exposure to Bacteria
Hurricane Ian and a red tide bloom combined to create dangerous conditions in coastal waters in Lee and Collier counties this year, and some water quality experts say they still would avoid swimming at many local beaches.
ECCL has New Date for Public Forum on Water Quality & Environment Issues
The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) is holding a town-hall style Public Forum on Greater Estero Water Quality and Environment Actions and Solutions at The Water School at FGCU on Wednesday, Jan. 25, starting at 6 p.m.
Once a Concern, the Refurbished Herbert Hoover Dike Fared Well During Hurricanes Ian & Nicole
There was a time when the federal agency that manages Lake Okeechobee levels was concerned that a major hurricane or even a large tropical storm could cause lake waters to rise to the point that the dike surrounding the big lake would fail.