Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Billy’s Creek Enterococci Sampling Results, January 2021
Calusa Waterkeeper sampling results for enterococci bacteria show levels well above the 70 MPN threshold which represents for poor conditions that could cause FDOH to close a coastal beach. Many of these waters are verified impaired for fecal bacteria yet have no signage warning recreators of potential health risk.
Red Tide Continues to Irritate Southwest Florida Beaches
Dead fish are washing up along southwest Florida beaches bringing up major concerns for scientists, residents, and tourists along the Gulf Coast waters. “We’re seeing massive fish mortality right now. And I got a bad feeling marine mammals and sea turtles are not far behind,” said John Cassani, of Calusa Waterkeeper.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 23
This week, John discusses the red tide that we are still encountering in the Gulf and how it is impacting our wildlife and beaches. If you encounter a fish kill or hurt, stranded or dying wildlife, please report it to FWC.
Bling Bags Welcome Visiting Boaters to Southwest Florida
When boat owners from across the country make a seasonal visit to Lee County docks, they’ll receive bling bags. The idea comes from America’s Boating Club of Fort Myers, which has been around for 67 years. The organization teaches boating classes, does vessel safety checks and engages in community service projects like this.
Red Tide Continues from Captiva South to Marco
FWC red tide maps are now showing almost 45 nautical miles of Gulf coast from Captiva Island south to Marco Island in the grip of an invasive force of single-celled terrorists. They resemble tiny four-chambered hearts with squiggly tails: the dreaded Karenia brevis.
Red Tide Still Plaguing Southwest Florida Shores
Dozens of vultures gathered on Bunche Beach on Tuesday feasting on dead fish that washed up on shore thanks to red tide. A red tide bloom can irritate the eyes and cause people to cough. It’s hard to predict when a red tide bloom will begin and when it will finally go away.
As Red Tide Spreads Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Army Corps Begins Reducing Polluted Discharges From Lake O
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to cut back on discharges from Lake Okeechobee, ending months of polluted releases as red tide conditions worsen on the Gulf Coast, where dead fish have littered beaches and toxic levels of the algae have been detected from Sanibel to Marco Island.
Studying How Highest Levels of Red Tide Affect People Along SWFL Coast
A recent map shows the highest levels of red tide along Southwest Florida’s coast. But more research needs to be done to know just how it affects air quality and humans. The last month of 2020 saw dead fish and high levels of red tide sprinkled across SWFL beaches.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 22
For the final episode of 2020, Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani takes the time to thank all those that help make Calusa Waterkeeper possible. This couldn’t happen without the generous support from all of you. Thank you!
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 21
This week, Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani, informs us of Lake Okeechobee and the ongoing releases from the Army Corps of Engineers into the Caloosahatchee. There has also been a recent spike in red tide along the gulf.
Possible Red Tide Exposure Warning Prompted for Bonita Beach Park
Florida Department of Health in Lee County sent a health alert advising red tide blooms could be present along the coast near Bonita Beach Park. They’re also high levels of red tide in the Gulf off the coast of Lee and Collier County.
Fort Myers Leaders & Environmental Groups Collaborate for Billy’s Creek Clean-up
The contaminated water in Billy’s Creek today is not the same water Councilman Johnny Streets remembers seeing as a child. “We used to go down to Billy’s Creek and do a lot of fishing. Not only fishing but also crabbing,” said Streets.