Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Is it safe to go in the water at Fort Myers Beach? Tests had shown poor water quality
Florida determines beach water quality based on Enterococcus levels. A measurement of 70.5 or more cells per milliliter of water is classified as “poor” and may trigger a public health advisory. The Sept. 17 sample showed greater than 2,010 Enterococci per milliliter, a level Calusa Waterkeeper emeritus John Cassani called “very high.”
Sawfish as the “Canary in the Coal Mine” for the Caloosahatchee River
The smalltooth sawfish is the center piece of Calusa Waterkeeper’s logo and represents our keystone species for the Caloosahatchee.
Fort Myers Beach fecal bacteria: Don’t go in the water at Bowditch Point, officials say
Stay out of the water at Fort Myers Beach’s Bowditch Point Park, warns Lee County’s health department: There’s too much fecal bacteria – more than 28 times the safety threshold – and it might make you sick.
Lake O ‘dirtiest’ U.S. lake? Well, there may be more to it than that
Water experts in Florida agree, as well as take exception, to a new report that says Lake Okeechobee is the dirtiest lake in the United States.
Calusa Waterkeeper to Host State of Our Water Meeting October 11th
Calusa Waterkeeper has invited Michele Arquette-Palermo of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to be its guest speaker at its quarterly State of Our Water meeting to discuss the connection between environmental health and economic prosperity, and why safeguarding our waters is an urgent community responsibility.
EPA sued by Florida groups over water quality rules in Caloosahatchee
Environmental groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming that Florida’s water quality standards are dangerously outdated and that these regulations leave communities exposed to toxic pollutants.
Florida is now up to 20 cases of vibrio vulnificus. See how that compares to recent years
A potentially deadly strain of bacteria is increasingly being reported along the coasts of the Southeastern United States, but the number of infections in Florida seems to be about average for this time of year.
Caloosahatchee River oil sheen raises health concerns
Residents of North Fort Myers are voicing their concerns about a rainbow-colored oily sheen on the Caloosahatchee River, believed to be linked to abandoned boats.
Mysterious film on Caloosahatchee raises concerns in North Fort Myers
An oily sheen appeared on the Caloosahatchee River over the weekend, causing concern among residents in North Fort Myers. Many are worried about a strong diesel smell near the Edison Bridge.
Sheen on Caloosahatchee River raises concerns over marine life
A colorful sheen spotted on the Caloosahatchee River has raised concerns about marine life and water safety in the area. FOX 4’s Bella Line spoke with the Calusa Waterkeeper and a business on the river.
Local brewery creates conservation ale for clean water
Water quality remains a top concern for Calusa Waterkeeper, and this weekend they’re aiming to raise awareness. The environmental organization is teaming up with Swamp Cat Brewery to raise money to help protect local waterways, and they’ve even created their own brew to do it
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.