Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Action Alert: Please ask Gov. DeSantis to Veto SB 2508
Join us in asking Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to VETO Senate Bill 2508, which despite various amendments still contains concerning elements harmful to Lake Okeechobee management and several state-wide water quality issues.
DeSantis Urged to Veto Lake Okeechobee Water Supply Bill by Four Environmental Nonprofits
Four South Florida environmental nonprofits sent Gov. Ron DeSantis a letter Wednesday urging him to veto a controversial Lake Okeechobee water supply bill. The governor can sign or veto the bill, but if he does nothing, it becomes law on July 1.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 33
John Cassani brings us up to speed on the latest water quality issues in our region including the monitoring of tapegrass renewal exclosures and the efforts of local organizations to restore this important marine vegetation in the upper estuary of the Caloosahatchee.
Warm Temps Could Fuel Storms this Summer Resulting in Future Algae Blooms
Gulf of Mexico and Lake Okeechobee water temperatures are warm for this time of year, and those warm waters could lead to a myriad of problems, from blue-green algae blooms to feeding tropical storms and hurricanes that could lead to bloom conditions in the summer of 2023.
Aerial Photos Show Puzzling Brown Streaks Around Sanibel Causeway
Scientists are working to understand what’s staining water brownish to olive drab near Bunche Beach and the Sanibel Causeway in south Lee County where the Caloosahatchee meets the Gulf of Mexico. Photos shot by volunteer Calusa Waterkeeper pilot Ralph Arwood of the region showed wide opaque-looking streaks.
Project Aims to Document Life in Caloosahatchee Before & After Addition of the C-43 Reservoir
FGCU professor Greg Tolley and his students and volunteers conduct sampling in the Caloosahatchee estuary each month, documenting the animals found in the river near a handful of monitoring stations. The goal is to see how the critters that are present now respond to the addition of the C-43 reservoir.
World Water Day 2022 Community Clean-up on March 22
Join Calusa Waterkeeper and Keep Lee County Beautiful as we celebrate 50 years of the Clean Water Act by cleaning up our waterways and watersheds in southwest Florida. On March 22, we ask our community and volunteers to get out and celebrate by enjoying the natural beauty our area has to offer.
Water Managers Ask Public to Cut Back on Use but No Mention of Agriculture Cutbacks
State water managers are asking residents and visitors in developed areas to cut down on water use because much of the state is in a moderate drought. But some environmental groups said they want to see more cutbacks from farming, the No. 1 user of water in our area.
Those Concerned about Cyanobacteria Exposure can Help Researchers Learn More about Health Risks
An ongoing study by the University of Miami is empowering citizen scientists to gather samples from waterbodies and their own bodies to help scientists understand the short- and long-term effects of exposure to harmful algal blooms.
Septic Tanks & Retention Ponds Part of Focus for Blue-Green Algae Task Force
The state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force plans to tackle issues like septic tank pollution and the effectiveness of retention ponds in 2022. Some parts of Florida are covered and filled with septic tanks and retention ponds, both of which add to the state’s growing list of water ailments.
The Safe Waterways Act is Done this Legislative Session
Sadly, we’re here to report that the Safe Waterways Act (SB 604) appears to be dead for the 2022 Florida legislative session. Still, your calls, emails, and efforts got it passed in Senate Committee, which is a big victory for this bill and our work together!
Event Recap: Drinks, Dialogue and a Documentary
Wednesday was a delightful evening spent with supporters and partners during Drinks, Dialogue and a Documentary at the Collaboratory. Thank you to all those who participated and all our great partners, including Millennial Brewing, Wicked Dolphin, Myra Roberts, Clyde Butcher Photography, Cat Chase Media & Nash Williams.