Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
DOH Health Alert: Blue-Green Algae Toxins Found in Caloosahatchee at Franklin Lock
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County issued a health alert for the Caloosahatchee at W.P Franklin Lock & Dam based on reports of algae toxins found by the ramp. The health alert brought back bad memories to a community a few miles down the river, just west of US-31.
Can Algae Toxins Make you Sick? CDC Seeks South Florida Volunteers to Find Out
Promising incentives and clinical results, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is again seeking volunteers for a study on the health effects of cyanobacteria. The federal agency announced Thursday it will start new research on people exposed to cyanotoxins in South Florida.
DeSantis Urges Balance in Lake O Releases – Emergency Order Over Water Quality Unnecessary
Facing a significant threat of a toxic blue-green algae outbreak in the Lake Okeechobee system and a red tide in the Gulf of Mexico, Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped in Fort Myers. Here, he met with Southwest Florida community stakeholders to discuss how the state can avoid a repeat of 2018.
Water Groups Plea for Algae Action from Gov. DeSantis as More Blooms Appear in SWFL Waterways
Water experts from across the state met in a virtual summit to discuss concerns about the current state of Southwest Florida’s waterways. The concern has reached a fever pitch that water experts are imploring the Governor to issue an executive order, calling for a state of emergency.
Calusa Waterkeeper Urges Governor to Stop Water Flow from Lake O to Caloosahatchee
As the algae situation on Lake Okeechobee continues to worsen, numerous conservationists sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis urging him to stop the release of water from the lake to the Caloosahatchee. The letter also asks that homeowners and businesses affected by red tide be compensated.
Red Tide and Blue-Green Algae Prompt Environmental Groups to ask Gov. DeSantis for State of Emergency
Several environmental groups have asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for communities impacted by what appears to be a growing toxic blue-green algae outbreak in the Lake Okeechobee system and a red tide in the Gulf of Mexico.
Virtual Water Quality Summit to Address SWFL Algae Issues
A group of water experts is taking its concerns about the state of Southwest Florida’s waterways to lawmakers in the SWFL Virtual Water Summit hosted by the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani will speak at the summit.
ACTION ALERT: Contact Our Governor to Veto These Bills
With the 2021 Legislative Session now closed, Calusa Waterkeeper is urging our supporters and followers to contact the Governor to veto the following bills that have a strong nexus to water, unabated development and the negative impacts that result.
Researchers Trying to Find Ways to Kill Blue-Green Algae as it Begins to Reappear
Blue-green algae is showing up again in the Caloosahatchee. There’s enough of it that the Florida Department of Health has put up signs, warning people not to swim. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani said he expected to see algae blooms again when the Army Corps released more water down the river from Lake Okeechobee.
Two Algae Health Alerts Issued in Lee County as Community on Watch
Two areas in Southwest Florida are being closely monitored as fears of another algae outbreak grow. The Franklin Lock in Olga and the Alva boat ramp are both under an algae health alert. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani took a video at the Franklin Lock of the bloom.
Algae Spreads Across Canals off Caloosahatchee
People are finding algae in the Caloosahatchee near Fort Myers Shores and Alva. The Lee County Health Department sent warnings about the potentially toxic water this week. The county said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection tested it and it was positive for algae organisms.
DeSantis Announces Agreement on Everglades Reservoir
Progress on the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project was announced on Earth Day by Gov. Ron DeSantis. South Florida Water Management District governing board voted to authorize an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction on the reservoir component this year.