Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Lawsuit Filed to Protect Florida Anglers
The Environmental Defense Alliance and Waterkeepers Florida have filed a lawsuit against Lee M. Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for failing to adopt water quality protections concerning toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in Florida’s waters.
Sea grass monitoring reveals both challenges and hope for Southwest Florida’s vital underwater ecosystems
Throughout the month of July, Calusa Waterkeeper, Heal Our Harbor and the FGCU Water School worked in collaboration to visit 23 sites across Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor and Estero Bay.
Open Enrollment for Ranger Academy Training – Fall 2025
Citizens are invited to become certified Rangers and stewards of our waterways. The academy offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and advocacy for clean water.
Tests flag Fort Myers drinking water in November. City tells residents in July
When drinking water tests showed positive for coliform back in November the city missed it, then asked the state to dismiss the results. The state said ‘no way’ and eight months later residents heard.
Rewriting the rules: Of the 269 new state laws, here are the ones you’ll likely notice
Senate Bill 492 represents a major change in the longstanding practice of wetland mitigation, when developers agree to “mitigate” destruction of wetlands by creating or restoring others in the same area.
Finally ready: A giant reservoir opens just over the Lee County line. Will it be enough?
The reservoir aims to store excess water from Lake Okeechobee, and the watershed, reducing harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee and its estuary. Concerns remain about potential pollution and algae blooms within the reservoir. Experts suggest the reservoir’s capacity is insufficient and advocate for more nature-based solutions.
New Calusa Waterkeeper brings fishery expertise to non-profit river advocacy group
Joe Cavanaugh spent more than a decade studying one of the most highly endangered species in all of Florida, and now he’s charged with protecting one of the last waterways that represent the pupping grounds for the rare smalltooth sawfish.
Calusa Waterkeeper to host Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed at July State of Our Water Event
SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis will present Pollution and Pragmatism: The Caloosahatchee Watershed. Come meet our new Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh, and hear our State of the Water Address. Ranger Zone Leaders will provide an update on conditions around the watershed.
The fight for clean water continues
Cavanaugh will advocate for and lead volunteer “rangers” trained and motivated to test water in every creek, canal, river or other tributary where people commonly swim, fish or recreate when state or local governments ignore them.
Alva residents worry over new housing plan’s strain on Fort Myers sewage
The Fort Myers Central Facility has not been updated since 1985, and it’s currently under a consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to upgrade. Despite this, Lee County commissioners approved the facility to service the new homes.
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.