Calusa Waterkeeper
In the News
Health Department will Post Warning Signs for Blue-Green Algae Spotted in Calossahatchee
Just in time for the height of tourist season, patchy slicks of blue-green algae are showing up in the Caloosahatchee, including at one of the river’s popular access points, the Davis Boat Ramp. Although users launching boats and watercraft at the ramp saw no warning signs about the potential dangers of contact cyanobacteria.
Vice President Mike Pence Visits Sanibel Island during Ice Cream Flavor Debut
As news of Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Southwest Florida solidifies, Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream is set to debut an all-new flavor colored in “Bright Azure”, developed my Captain’s for Clean Water co-founder, Chris Wittman to support their organization’s efforts in 2020.
Citizen Engagement Is Key to Protecting Our Environment In 2020
For all of us in Southwest Florida, the past few years have certainly amplified the importance of citizens gathering together to shape our future in a better way, especially in regard to our water crisis and the challenges of growth in our region.
Billy’s Creek Enterococci Sampling Results, December 2019
Calusa Waterkeeper sampling results for enterococci bacteria at Billy’s Creek in Ft. Myers on 12-15-19. Serious contamination persists. The dredging this year did not mitigate the bacterial contamination.
Environmentalists take First Round in Scrap Over Cape Coral Boat Lock
A state administrative law judge has recommended that the FDEP reverse its decision and deny Cape Coral a permit needed to remove the Chiquita Lock. The lock is a barrier between the city’s canal system and the Caloosahatchee River and its fragile water resources.
State Judge Recommends Chiquita Lock Remain in Cape Coral
The decision on the Chiquita Lock has been the topic of controversy for months. Boaters have complained about the wait times at the lock. Getting in and out of this spot can get busy, especially during season. But a state judge’s 50-page recommendation says the wait is worth it.
Caloosahatchee River and Estuaries Facing New Type of Algae Bloom
Scientists are studying a newer type of algae bloom that’s been popping up in the river for the first time in years: it’s called Akashiwo Sanguinea. After Calusa Waterkeeper volunteers tested water samples, they said dumping and sewage aren’t causing the discoloration.
NOAA and Local Scientists Tracking New Different Algae Bloom in Caloosahatchee River
A different variety of algae is blooming in parts of the Caloosahatchee, but unlike other blooms the region has experienced in the past 2 years, this algae is not toxic to humans. Joining red tide, blue-green and drift algae, Akashiwo sanguinea has reared its head in Southwest Florida.
‘Miz Lion,’ Environmental Champion Hurchalla to Headline Calusa Culture Night for Nonprofit Calusa Waterkeeper
Aside from a few lawyers, it’d be hard to find anyone to disagree that Maggy Hurchalla is the real deal: real Floridian, real environmentalist, real storyteller, real character. The former Martin County commissioner, will take the stage Saturday in Fort Myers, joined by a band of fellow eco-luminaries at a fundraiser for Calusa Waterkeeper.
Sea Turtle Strandings Soar as Red Tide Bloom Remains in Southwest Florida Waters
The largest number of sea turtle strandings in a single month were reported in Collier County in October. Maura Kraus, the sea turtle expert for Collier County, said that she has reported 88 sea turtle strandings this year. Of those, 60 were reported in October alone.
Florida Officials Urged to Set Standards to Protect People, Wildlife From Harmful Algae Blooms
Calusa Waterkeeper, The Center for Biological Diversity and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation are calling on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish legal limits for cyanotoxins that pose severe health risks to people and wildlife.
Environmentalist Faces 4.3 Million Dollar Fine for Her Advocacy Efforts
Back in September Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld a 2018 ruling against an environmental activist who lives in Stuart which found that she interfered in a contract between Martin County and the owners of a rock quarry called Lake Point Restoration.