Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Researchers Warn Red Tide is Back in Southwest Florida
It may not be killing fish or burning human throats yet, but red tide is lurking along Southwest Florida’s shoreline. Scientists sampling water for Karenia brevis, the microscopic toxic algae that produce red tide, find concentrations are declining along many Sanibel beaches
Florida Law does Little to Clean up Waterways
Florida’s waterways have been choked by blue-green algae and red tide for years, and are now on life support. However, the Clean Waterways Act signed into law this summer does very little to help Florida’s ailing waterways.
Aerial Images of SWFL Shores Shows Dark Water Discharge
A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting waterways in Lee County took pictures of shorelines to show the effect of recent water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Plus, researchers from SCCF detected a medium level of red tide in the waters around Sanibel.
Construction Site Runoff Causing Murky Water in Downtown Fort Myers
There is brown water working its way into the Caloosahatchee River. It’s happening next to two construction sites off West First Street in Downtown Fort Myers. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani said he has sent photos of the turbid runoff to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
A New Approach is Needed for Sustaining Florida’s Waters
The importance and overwhelming support for the “Right To Clean Water” Charter Amendment passed by Orange County voters should not be underestimated. Linked to the Rights of Nature movement, this is a clear indictment of Florida policymakers that don’t have the political will to prevent further decline of state waters.
Saving Estero Bay Benefit Features Hollywood Royalty
The executive director of the Calusa Waterkeeper has enjoyed some successes of late as his organization was one of three environmental groups who won a recent lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers to force a study of the impacts of releases on threatened and endangered species.
Once Again, Dirty Water Flows into the Caloosahatchee from Downtown Fort Myers Construction after Eta’s Soaking
Once again, two construction sites have dumped polluted stormwater into the Caloosahatchee in downtown Fort Myers. Barriers around the work sites failed to contain the dirty runoff following Tropical Storm Eta’s multi-day soaking. State officials are investigating the City Walk and Silver Hills properties
Corps to Study Impacts of Lake O Releases
A federal judge ruled recently that water discharges from Lake Okeechobee managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are to be evaluated to make sure they’re not harmful to native and protected wildlife. The judge found “shocking” the number of manatee deaths following the release of highly nutrient-rich water from Lake O.
Is Sending Lake O’s Water South the Solution to Toxic Discharges?
The Army Corps of Engineers has been releasing water from Lake Okeechobee as Tropical Storm Eta bears down on South Florida. This can be problematic in more ways than one. With the water level in Lake Okeechobee already high, John Cassani with Calusa Waterkeeper said heavy rainfall can create problems.
What Impacts Could Tropical Storm Eta have on Lake Okeechobee and Water Releases?
If Eta dumps a lot of rain on us, it could mean more water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Releases started last month and are changing the color of water along Lee County’s coast. A tropical storm over the lake means its levels will rise in a hurry which could result in releasing more water our way.
Dramatic Images Show Lake Okeechobee Releases Meeting Gulf near Sanibel
There are new concerns for Southwest Florida water quality. New aerial images show the Lake Okeechobee water discharges reaching the Gulf of Mexico near Sanibel Island. You can see the stark contrast where the releases of freshwater meet the saltwater from the Gulf.
Judge Orders Engineers Study Lake O Water Release Effects on Algal Blooms and Endangered Species
Lake Okeechobee is going under the microscope to protect Florida’s endangered species and its habitat from toxic algae. A judge ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the impact water releases could have on manatees and other creatures.