Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
‘Look at the Water for Evidence’: Data Proves Florida Pollution Prevention not Working
Available water sampling data proves – for the first time – that Florida’s flagship program to reduce water pollution isn’t working. And that pollution is contaminating waterways and sparking toxic algal blooms in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.
Words from the Waterkeeper Episode 31
For the last Words from the Waterkeeper for 2021, Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani invites friends Dr. Win Everham, an ecology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, and board president of Calusa Waterkeeper Jim Watkins. They cover water quality in the area,...
What Lies Beneath? Study Aims to Learn What’s in Lake O’s Sediment
A study is underway to find out what’s below the surface of Lake Okeechobee. Think of our water quality and the lake as a puzzle. There are many different pieces that contribute to the big picture. Understanding all those pieces gets us closer to cleaner water.
Fixing the Flow
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ new plan to manage and distribute vast quantities of water coming into and going out of Lake Okeechobee — reducing flows both east and west unless the lake grows too full, and sending more water south — is a significant improvement over the old plan.
Health Department Warns About Cyanobacteria in the Caloosahatchee
Lee County’s health department placed a sign just steps from the water and sent out a press release after samples collected by the FDEP showed algal toxins in the water: “The public should exercise caution in and around Caloosahatchee River – Davis Boat Ramp,” the release read.
Health Alert Issued in Fort Myers Shores for Blue-Green Algae Outbreak in Caloosahatchee
The Florida Department of Health has issued a health alert after finding harmful blue-green algae toxins in the Caloosahatchee River at the Davis Boat Ramp in Fort Myers Shores. The health alert results from a Dec. 1 sample taken from the water in that area.
Guest Opinion: The Conservancy of SWFL: Staying the Course for the Public Good
In 2020, the Conservancy filed a lawsuit against Collier County for approving Rivergrass because the project blatantly flouted the county’s requirements for smart growth design, fiscal neutrality, and minimization of traffic impacts.
Conservancy’s Case Against Rivergrass Village Moves Forward with Outside Support
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has filed documents supporting its appeal to overturn a court decision rejecting the group’s challenge to the development of Rivergrass, a village in eastern Collier County. Calusa Waterkeeper is one of over a dozen other groups filing briefs in support of the Conservancy.
No Blue-Green Algae. No Red Tide. River & Coastal Conditions Looking Better this Fall
Caloosahatchee flows are looking good at a time when algae is absent from the entire system, and other health indicators seem promising as the region transitions into the brunt of the dry season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing just over 2,000 cubic feet per second at the W.P. Franklin Lock.
Manatees Flock to Warmer Waters During Cool Spells
As the temperature in Southwest Florida drops, visitors head to Lee County’s Manatee Park in hopes of running into sea cows. The mammals migrate toward warm waters during the cool months, which makes the refuge of Manatee Park a good herding spot.
Guest Opinion: Legislation Proposed Enabling Your Right to Know if Florida Waters are Safe
One very important right-to-know issue that goes largely unresolved is the right to know if the waters you recreate in are safe. Residents and tourists seek Florida waters for many forms of recreation, including paddling, skiing, surfing, swimming, boating and diving.
Census Shows Threat to Wildlife & Water as Millions of Newcomers Feed Development
Florida’s soaring population is good for business, but there may be a hidden price: the health of the state’s life-sustaining environment. The Sunshine State added almost 3 million people in the past 10 years, swelling from 18.8 to 21.7 million and muscling into the No. 3 spot in the nation.