Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Advocates Working to Change the State Constitution to Ensure Floridians have a Right to Clean Water
A group of clean water advocates has announced a drive to get the “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” added as a state constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot. To qualify, the amendment needs 891,589 signed and verified petitions.
Calusa Waterkeeper Finds High Levels of Bacteria in Billy’s Creek
Billy’s Creek isn’t clearing up after years of problems. The Calusa Waterkeeper says there’s a high level of contamination in areas known for being a health concern. Every time anyone touches this polluted water they’re at risk.
Siesta Isles Neighbors Promise Continued Fight Against Mangrove Clearing near Bunche Beach
A legal petition filed by neighbors concerned about mangrove removal in the Siesta Isles development was dismissed. Petitioners say they’re already planning another round and enlisted environmental attorney Ralf Brooks to help stop the clearing, which they say had overstepped the bounds of the project.
DeSantis’ Algal Bloom Experts Suggested Water Pollution Solutions but Lawmakers did not Listen
Florida’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force gave lawmakers a C average on adopting the scientists’ solutions to curb and clean up water pollution that ignites toxic blooms. The five experts Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed to the panel say lawmakers largely aren’t acting fast enough.
Study Shows Nitrogen Flows Systematically Intensify Red Tide Blooms
A new University of Florida study with two nonprofit research partners shows clear ties between nitrogen from human activities and the longevity and severity of the saltwater harmful algal blooms as published in the academic journal Science of the Total Environment.
Florida Lawmaker Wants to Stop Lake Okeechobee Water Releases
A Florida lawmaker is working to stop harmful discharges that cause blue-green algae in our canals. Representative Brian Mast introduced the Northern Estuaries Restoration Plan Act focusing on ending discharges from Lake O into coastal estuaries.
Calusa Waterkeeper 2022 Annual Meeting and Launch of Collaborative Beer
Calusa Waterkeeper spent a fun night at our annual meeting, debuting a new collaboration with Point Ybel Brewing Co., announcing our slate of board officers, and recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to protect and restore water quality.
Community Collaboration Brews to Benefit Water Quality in Southwest Florida
Local brewery, Point Ybel Brewing Company has launched a collaborative beer, the “Waterkeeper” Hefeweizen. This refreshing brew gives back to our local waterways by donating $1.00 for every pint sold to the local nonprofit, Calusa Waterkeeper.
Mangrove Clearing & Runoff at Siesta Isles near Fort Myers Beach Raises Alarm
As an on-again, off-again project near San Carlos Island moves into its next phase, neighbors are crying foul, and the state environmental agency is promising an inspector’s visit. In progress for more than half a century, work is ramping up again, to the dismay of nearby residents.
Waterborne Documentary Now Available for Free Viewing
Calusa Waterkeeper is thrilled to announce that our latest documentary, Waterborne, is now available FREE for public viewing! This important film, along with our other educational documentaries are all available to view for free on our website.
Calusa Waterkeeper on what to know about Macroalgae at Matlacha
A stench is coming from algae in one part of Southwest Florida. The Calusa Waterkeeper is arming you with what you need to know about this algae. Unsightly, algae is all too common during this time of year. And while the look is one thing, the smell is something completely different.
Calusa Waterkeeper on What to Know About Macroalgae at Matlacha
The Calusa Waterkeeper is arming you with what you need to know about this algae. Unsightly, algae is all too common during this time of year. And while the look is one thing, the smell is something completely different.