Calusa Waterkeeper

In the News

State Officials Investigating Fort Myers Following Massive Raw Sewage Spill

State Officials Investigating Fort Myers Following Massive Raw Sewage Spill

Florida’s DEP is investigating the city of Fort Myers a month after a massive spill sent more than 180,000 gallons of raw sewage down a neighborhood creek. DEP’s warning letter stated, “violations of Florida Statutes or administrative rules may result in liability for damages and restoration, and the judicial imposition of civil penalties.”

Lake O Water Levels Down Following Driest March in Several Decades

Lake O Water Levels Down Following Driest March in Several Decades

Lake Okeechobee’s water levels are down following the driest March in the past several decades. “We get way too much water in the summer, we don’t get enough in the dry season and it really damages this ecosystem,” said Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani. He says the freshwater drives down salinity in the Caloosahatchee.

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 10

Words from the Waterkeeper, Episode 10

Words From the Waterkeeper is back! John reports on algal bloom activity in the area, SFWMD governing board meeting, reduced minimum flow threshold for the Caloosahatchee estuary, local sewage spills, and recent federal enforcement rollbacks.

Massive Raw Sewage Spill in Fort Myers Flows through McGregor Boulevard Neighborhood

Massive Raw Sewage Spill in Fort Myers Flows through McGregor Boulevard Neighborhood

For about a year, Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani has been wondering why fecal bacteria readings in water samples he’s taken from the Caloosahatchee tributary have been “off the charts.” Now he thinks he knows why. What appears to be a chronic slow leak in Fort Myers sewage lines turned into a gusher at the city’s lift station No. 5 at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Canal Street.

CWK Ranger Profile – Curtis Orvis

CWK Ranger Profile – Curtis Orvis

Curtis developed a passion for rivers starting as a 5-year old, fishing on the Middlebury River in East Middlebury, Vermont. His love of nature and quest for knowledge in natural resources was ingrained through years of scout camp, hiking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, and boating.

Calusa Palooza and Concert for Clean Water Postponed

Calusa Palooza and Concert for Clean Water Postponed

Calusa Palooza, originally scheduled for March 22, was intended as a good time gathering of volunteers, vendors, sponsors and the general public, anchored by some great Eagles music. It was also intended to bring awareness to an issue we face all year long – the critical role CLEAN WATER plays in our livelihood and enjoyment of Southwest Florida.

Denial of Chiquita Lock Removal Permit Upheld in Final Order by FDEP Secretary

Denial of Chiquita Lock Removal Permit Upheld in Final Order by FDEP Secretary

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein rejected the permit that the agency previously said it would approve. The order issued from Valenstein represents the DEP’s final decision on the matter and supersedes a November 2018 announcement that it would issue the permit.

‘Clean Waterways Act’ Passes Florida Senate; What Does it Mean for the State?

‘Clean Waterways Act’ Passes Florida Senate; What Does it Mean for the State?

A new Senate Bill aims to make our waterways cleaner and keep them that way. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani supports parts of the bill, saying, “I think what it boils down to is… does the state of Florida have the political will to effectively implement the legislation so that it’s something more than words on paper?”

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