Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
In the Spotlight: Calusa Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh
A new Calusa Waterkeeper recently joined the mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water resources from pollution, misuse and overdevelopment. Joe Cavanaugh now holds this position and is already working to build alliances, share his knowledge and put his experience to work for the public good.
Is the Caloosahatchee headed for an algae bloom? Some places already greening up
Already, cyanobacteria is blooming upriver, streaking shorelines from the rural community of Alva east of I-75 to Fort Myers Shores, some five miles from downtown.
Fort Myers faces sewage problems, new fix deadline extended to 2032
In 2021, the state ordered Fort Myers to eliminate discharges and improve infrastructure by 2028. The city has now negotiated a new deadline of 2032.
Quicker access to Charlotte Harbor via boat could come with flooding risks
The City of Cape Coral currently has no plans to pursue the project, according to a city spokesperson.
Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) Statement on Amended Consent Order Between City of Fort Myers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Calusa Waterkeeper has spent years advocating about high bacteria levels in local waters Manuel's Branch and Billy's Creek. Florida Department of Environmental Protection has bent over backwards for the City of Fort Myers, and recently extended their 2021 consent...
Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational Casts for Conservation and Community Support
More than just a premier fly-fishing event, the Invitational is a growing force for good—bringing together passionate anglers, conservation-minded brands, and community leaders to support Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission to protect Southwest Florida’s waterways.
Calusa Waterkeeper appoints new Waterkeeper
Meteorologist Andrew Shipley got an exclusive first interview with the waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh, and heard his vision for the Caloosahatchee.
Joe Cavanaugh Named New Calusa Waterkeeper, Continuing Non-Profit’s Legacy of Advocacy and Stewardship of Southwest Florida’s Waters
Cavanaugh brings decades of experience in marine science, water quality monitoring, and community engagement to the role.
Calusa Waterkeeper sounds the alarm for harmful bacteria in Manuel’s Branch
Fox 4 Meteorologist Andrew Shipley joined Calusa Waterkeeper who has been testing our waterways for Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) for years. One of the places that Calusa Waterkeeper says they are seeing the highest amounts of FIB, is at Manuel’s Branch in Fort Myers.
Gov. DeSantis: Caloosahatchee River reservoir will be ready to divert Lake O water by summer
The Caloosahatchee River reservoir has long been touted as one way to improve the health of the ailing river, which acts as a flood plain at times for Lake Okeechobee. Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani said he was skeptical that the reservoir would be used at its full capacity this summer.
SWFL Water quality expert urges more action from FDEP’s Basin Management Action Plans
Water quality has long been a significant environmental concern in Southwest Florida. Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) aim to improve water quality in specific areas, but their effectiveness is still debated.
Leadership Transition at Calusa Waterkeeper
Our Executive Director, Connie Ramos-Williams, has made the heartfelt decision to step down from her role effective March 31, 2025, to spend more time with her growing family.