Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Brown water near the coast: Lake O releases ongoing, could last until May
Aerial images from volunteers with Calusa Waterkeeper show a stark contrast between the Gulf of Mexico waters and the billions of gallons of tainted freshwater coming from the lake.
Water color changes due to Lake Okeechobee releases
A week ago, the Calusa Waterkeeper took a picture off the coast of Sanibel. Dark brown, it’s a harsh contrast between the beautiful blue gulf waters.
Calusa Waterkeeper hosts annual meeting and awards luncheon, “Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect.”
Calusa Waterkeeper, is pleased to announce its highly anticipated annual meeting and awards luncheon Our Water, Our Future, Ours to Protect. The event will take place at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Court Rules That Florida Should Not be Allowed to Issue Wetland Dredge and Fill Permits
A district court judge ruled Friday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acted illegally when it gave Clean Water Act permitting over to the state of Florida.
Army Corps Increasing Lake Okeechobee Releases to Fort Myers-Sanibel Area
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin large-scale Lake Okeechobee releases to the Caloosahatchee due to high lake levels and continued El Nino conditions. The Army Corps is targeting 4,000 cubic feet per second as measured from the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam near Moore Haven.
Water Wars
People who look out for Florida’s single most essential treasure — not the sunshine, but our water — didn’t traditionally have to be masters of the good simile or navigators of the body politic. But that’s changed.
Improving Water Quality Tops Discussion at Greater Pine Island Civic Association
Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus John Cassani was invited to give a presentation on the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) for the Caloosahatchee at the January meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association.
Officials Investigating Fuel Spill in North Fort Myers Canal
The FDEP is investigating after fuel was found in a North Fort Myers canal along North Gulf Circle. Calusa Waterkeeper, Codty Pierce said this could be a deadly mistake. It only takes a small amount of fuel to kill marine life.
A Dire Wake-Up Call: If Southwest Florida Water Quality Tanks, so does Our Economy
A new report links Florida water quality deterioration to the potential for a multi-billion dollar economic crash and job loss of over 40,000. The damage could include $5.2 billion to the area economy, 43,000 jobs lost, $17.8 billion in property values and $460 million in fishing revenue.
New Bill Proposed to Allow Gambling Revenue for Environmental Protections
As sports betting takes off in Florida, there is a lot of money the state could make from it. Enough that state leaders are already looking at what they can spend it on. Parks and waterways could be the real winner with two bills starting in the 2024 legislative session.
Florida Right to Clean Water Fundraiser Announced
The Lee County Chapter of Florida Right to Clean Water is hosting an exclusive fundraiser event on Sunday, January 28th and you are invited to attend!
Protect Captiva & Captiva Civic Association File Petition Against County Land-use Changes
Representing the Protect Captiva coalition, the Captiva Civic Association (CCA) filed a petition with Lee County on Jan. 8 challenging the new land development regulations that increase building heights on Captiva.