Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
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.
Paradise Lost? Fate of the Greater Western Everglades hangs in the balance
Our respective organizations stand united in stating our highest level of concern regarding the Kingston development proposed in the Greater Western Everglades.
Calusa Waterkeeper holds vertical oyster garden class
On Saturday, March 29, Calusa Waterkeeper ranger Sue Dahod ran a vertical oyster garden class-type learning experience at Carmen’s Kayaks for anyone interested in learning about oysters, which are capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day.
Column: And now, better buckle up
Read this column, and you may come away with a uniquely clear view of what’s happened to Florida waters. John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper emeritus, just sent me this short history of our coastal waters, “the marshes and tidal estuaries, fed by iconic rivers, that represent the essence of natural Florida.”
Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon set for March 27
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Calusa Waterkeeper is hosting Save Our Water: Protect our Health, Economy & Future luncheon from 11 am to 2 pm at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. Speakers and panelists will raise awareness about the critical state of our local waters and provide a platform that will arm the community with actionable steps to make a difference.
Cape Coral: A fight for the future leaves a few residents with a bill
Anderson said Cape Coral is demanding he and two other people pay $2 million of the city’s legal fees in the battle over removing the Chiquita Lock.
Mismanagement destroying Florida’s coastal waters
Florida’s coastal waters composed of marshes and tidal estuaries, fed by iconic rivers, represent the very essence of natural Florida. In 2024 the state reported a total water area of 3,668,875 acres statewide for estuary segments identified as impaired for various pollutants.