Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Florida Department of Health Begins Issuing Health Advisories About Blue-Green Algae Blooms
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has been issuing health advisories in response to blue-green algae blooms in three Cape Coral canals. We talk with Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, to discuss this new outreach effort, and get the current state of our local waters.
Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 18
John Cassani addresses the ongoing cyanobacteria in Lake Okeechobee and separate build-ups of nutrients causing Microcystis and Phormidium blooms in Cape Coral freshwater canals. Stay tuned, as we need your help asking Governor DeSantis and FDEP for implementing standards on cyanotoxins.
Work Stopped at Two Fort Myers Projects After Storm Runoff Pollutes the Caloosahatchee
Water pollution from two downtown Fort Myers construction sites has halted work for the third time in as many months. A heavy rainstorm sent sheets of silty water into the river, past the floating yellow curtains installed to contain it.
Fort Myers Construction Sites Under Investigation
Two construction sites in downtown Fort Myers are facing scrutiny from the state Department of Environmental Protection and local leaders, after photos and complaints about runoff into the Caloosahatchee. John Cassani is a member of Calusa Waterkeeper, one of the groups, who sounded the alarm.
Calusa Waterkeeper and City of Fort Myers find Differing Fecal Bacteria Data
Efforts to clean up Billy’s Creek are getting a boost. The City of Fort Myers and Calusa Waterkeeper are working together surveying the waterway to help make our water cleaner. The problem is, surveyors are getting conflicting data for fecal bacteria and source tracing.
Differing Opinions on Fort Myers’ Record of Billy’s Creek and Caloosahatchee Pollution
Fort Myers officials went on the offensive Tuesday in an effort to counter claims that bacteria, including fecal material, is flowing from the Billy’s Creek watershed to the Caloosahatchee. Calusa Waterkeeper continually releases the results of testing that claims high levels of fecal bacteria in Billy’s Creek.
Health Department Alerts Residents About Cyanobacteria in Cape Coral Canals
Green Cape Coral canals have become as predictable as the summer rains, and this year is no exception. But while stagnant city waterways may be nothing new, the health department speaking up about it is. In the past week the Florida Department of Health in Lee County has sent out three email blasts warning of algae.
Fort Myers Construction Sites Investigated for Caloosahatchee Runoff
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is investigating new reports of stormwater runoff from the City Walk and Silver Hills projects into the Caloosahatchee River. The DEP came to the site earlier this week and told the groups to make repairs where necessary, and work to prevent further discharges.
Toxic Algae Found in Three Cape Coral Canals
Community water activists in Cape Coral are concerned about the growing number of algae blooms in the area. Blue-green algae has been found in Makai Canal, Boris Canal, and Highlander Canal. The Lee County Department of Health sent out a warning stating the algae could potentially be toxic.
Dirty Water Again Surged into the Caloosahatchee from Two Downtown Fort Myers Construction Sites
Two downtown Fort Myers developments have been shut down again for water pollution violations. On Monday, the FDEP fined City Walk $56,948.00 for violating clean water rules in June; action against Silver Hills is pending. Both developments are near West First Street.
Blue-Green Algae Staying out of Caloosahatchee with Red Tide Season Two Months Away
The Caloosahatchee river and estuary are in pretty good shape this summer, although algae blooms loom inland and along the coast. Lake Okeechobee has been plagued by a blue-green algae bloom this summer, but it seems that algae has been contained so far.
Fecal Contamination Level is High in Billy’s Creek
The latest tests from Calusa Waterkeepers shows that contamination levels caused by fecal bacteria in Billy Creek remain high. In June, WINK News joined Calusa Waterkeepers during their testing when they were attempting to trace the source of the fecal bacteria in Billy Creek.