Originally published in Florida Weekly by Roger Williams on June 18, 2025
New Calusa Waterkeeper named, promising bold action for Southwest Florida’s waters
On Jan. 13, the previous Calusa Waterkeeper himself, Codty Pierce, died suddenly, leaving a broken-hearted void in the organization that might have created paralysis.
But it didn’t.
The board of directors regrouped, naming the new Calusa Waterkeeper in May from a pool of more than 50 applicants, including scientists and researchers laid off in the federal government’s sudden reduction of staff among agencies that measure and track environmental challenges, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said Chuck Avery, board president.
“I didn’t know this was going to happen,” he explained simply of the extended search.
But that search ended with the appointment of Joe Cavanaugh, the new and now third Calusa Waterkeeper.
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