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In the News

Experts Watching Area of Lake Okeechobee for Blue-Green Algae

Experts Watching Area of Lake Okeechobee for Blue-Green Algae

Right now, there’s an area in Lake Okeechobee that experts are watching. What we wanted to know is if they think it’s something to be concerned about. An NOAA satellite map depicts bacteria concentrations in Lake Okeechobee with the bluish-green portion being an area of concern.

Everglades Restoration Project may be Delayed

Everglades Restoration Project may be Delayed

A delay may be on the way after the US Army Corps of Engineers announced they want to “new start” the EAA reservoir. That project will capture and hold water from Lake Okeechobee and send it through cleaning marshes on its way south through the Everglades.

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 12

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 12

On this Words From the Waterkeeper, John updates us on the uptick of cyanobacteria in Lake Okeechobee and surrounding areas along with a lot of macro algae building up. Plus, we’re still seeing high salinity levels in the upper estuary of the Caloosahatchee.

Caloosahatchee to Get More Water from Lake Okeechobee as Rainy Season Approaches

Caloosahatchee to Get More Water from Lake Okeechobee as Rainy Season Approaches

For more than a month, the Caloosahatchee has been in trouble, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cut flows to the river from Lake Okeechobee in April, following the driest March on record. But now, with the federal agency releasing more freshwater from the lake to the Gulf of Mexico, the thirsty, salty river will get some relief.

Blue Green Algae Spotted Along SWFL Beaches

Blue Green Algae Spotted Along SWFL Beaches

A form of blue-green algae is appearing along Southwest Florida beaches. While it’s not red-tide, some researches have concerns. A sight Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani says, is not uncommon this time of year. “Climate change, all the extremes we’re seeing, rainfall, and temperatures, has kind of brought this issue out of the box a little bit.”

Cape Coral Taps into Reservoir to Offset Drought Conditions

Cape Coral Taps into Reservoir to Offset Drought Conditions

A Southwest Florida city has turned to a reservoir in Charlotte County for irrigation water as drought conditions continue to plague the region. The city of Cape Coral is expected to start pumping water this week from an old rock quarry and into the city’s extensive system of pipes, canals and water control structures.

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 11

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 11

On this Words From the Waterkeeper, John updates us on cyanobacteria in the Caloosahatchee and the impacts the Caloosahatchee & estuaries are experiencing due to below minimum flow level needed from Lake O.

Waterkeepers Holds Earth Day Event to Celebrate Conservation Efforts

Waterkeepers Holds Earth Day Event to Celebrate Conservation Efforts

Waterkeepers Florida participated in an interactive Earth Day Salute Wednesday broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live. April 22 was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This event was put on by Calusa Waterkeepers, which is dedicated to “protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters.”

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