This week's updates from John include water quality in Matlacha Pass, info on a CDC study, and an event this Saturday, July 3rd at 2 pm, at Unitarian Universalist Church to support Right to Clean Water. To sign up for the free event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-right-to-clean-water-tickets-158507214345 www.CalusaWaterkeeper.org

Eternal Vigilance documents the decline of the nine tributaries to the Estero Bay, the state of Florida's first Aquatic Preserve. The 30th Anniversary of the designation of the nine tributaries as Outstanding Florida Waters (2020), deemed worthy of special protections to prevent degradation, should be a cause for celebration. Regrettably all nine tributaries, as well as the Estero Bay itself are all impaired in one context or another and at risk of further degradation. This documentary explores the challenges facing their restoration and highlights the individuals fighting to preserve these Outstanding Florida Waters. https://calusawaterkeeper.org/estero

Water quality updated from Barron Park in LaBelle. Calusa Waterkeeper, along with several other environmental groups have asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for communities impacted by what appears to be a growing toxic blue-green algae outbreak in the Lake Okeechobee system and a red tide in the Gulf of Mexico. Groups like the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Everglades, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and nearly a dozen others signed on to a May 8 letter that was delivered to the governor’s office. To read the letter and news article, visit: https://calusawaterkeeper.org/news/red-tide-and-blue-green-algae-prompt-environmental-groups-to-ask-gov-desantis-for-state-of-emergency-8730/ Thank you to pilot Ralph Arwood for being our eyes in the sky and documenting the blooms in the area. To become a member, volunteer or donate, visit: www.CalusaWaterkeeper.org

This week, John meets with Bonita Springs resident Cope Smoak, an expert on mayan cichlids and one of our wonderful dedicated volunteers keeping a vigilant eye on our local waters. To view the Water Quality report, become a member, volunteer or donate: https://CalusaWaterkeeper.org

This week's report talks about water levels of Lake Okeechobee, ongoing red tide blooms and cyanobacteria in the Caloosahatchee. Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, also updates us on the manatee mortality rate, mentioned in a previous Words Episode this year. Earlier this week we released our Southwest Florida Water Quality Report about water quality impairments of nine Southwest Florida counties. To view the Water Quality report, become a member, volunteer or donate: https://CalusaWaterkeeper.org

This week, John Cassani brings on local advocate, Cat Chase, to talk about phosphate mining and radioactive phosphogypsum toxic waste. Calusa Waterkeeper, among many other groups locally and across the nation, legally petitioned the EPA on February 8th to demand improved federal regulatory oversight of radioactive phosphogypsum waste. This waste is kept in "stacks" that are known to have sinkholes, leaks, and other breaches. Many are on the coast and impacted by sea-level rise, stronger storms and climate change. SIGN THE PEOPLE'S PETITION: www.PhosphogypsumFreeAmerica.org Facebook Live Workshop information: Join us on Facebook Live for a Phosphogypsum Public Workshop on Monday, March 8, at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT/ 6 pm MT. Hear from community members fighting against radioactive gypstacks in St. James Parish, LA; Pascagoula, MS; Pocatello, ID; and Mulberry, Riverview, and Palmetto, FL. EVENT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/events/123504982956946/

Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, updates us on manatee mortality rates and how these local creatures are being impacted in our area. Manatee mortality for January 2021 (1-1-21 to 1-29-21) is 176. This equals a rate of 6.1 per day. Total mortality for January 2020 was 58, which equals a rate of 1.9 per day. www.CalusaWaterkeeper.org

Help us in making an impact in the fight for drinkable, fishable, swimmable water in Southwest Florida. Join or Renew today: http://ow.ly/xs7f50D5K5y

This week, John discusses the red tide that we are still encountering in the Gulf and how it is impacting our wildlife and beaches. If you encounter a fish kill please report it to FWC fish kill hotline: 800-636-0511 If you encounter hurt or dying wildlife, please call FWC Wildlife Report Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922) www.CalusaWaterkeeper.org

For the last episode of 2020, Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, takes the time to thank all those that help make Calusa Waterkeeper possible. This couldn't happen without the generous support from all of you. Thank you.

This week, Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani, informs us of Lake Okeechobee and the ongoing releases from Army Corps of Engineers into the Caloosahatchee. There has also been a recent spike in red tide along the Gulf of Mexico. https://calusawaterkeeper.org

Saving Estero Bay - An Online Benefit to Restore Estero Bay's Tributaries hosted by Calusa Waterkeeper. Recorded on Saturday November 14, 2020 https://calusawaterkeeper.org/estero

Here are a few tips for viewing the live event, Saving Estero Bay, premiering this Saturday November 14th at 5:30pm EST. Tune into our facebook page: www.facebook.com/CalusaWaterkeeper or view it live from our website: www.CalusaWaterkeeper.org To view and bid in the online silent auction: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/Saving-Estero-Bay-15397 Thanks for joining us this Saturday as we honor our local waterways

Matlacha Boat Rides & Rentals Supports #SavingEsteroBay and is offering a wonderful Sunset & Dolphin Tour you can bid on now to aid our advocacy & restoration efforts! http://ow.ly/53Ge50CgURe

Few folks know this area like Estero River Outfitters, and we're thankful for their support. You can bid on an all-day kayaking trip from them (and many other great items!) in our #SavingEsteroBay live auction: http://ow.ly/mepj50CgUto

Pure Florida is a terrific repeat supporter of Calusa Waterkeeper. This week they're offering the opportunity for an amazing Keewaydin excursion you can bid on here: http://ow.ly/GEqu50CgTIJ

Created with Movavi Video Editor https://www.movavi.com/videoeditor/?c=ve15

Artist Myra Roberts introduces one of two works she so generously donated for the #SavingEsteroBay benefit ~ Bid here: http://ow.ly/I9rc50CaIx9

Paul Arsenault Supports Saving Estero Bay. You can too by registering for our November 14th event and bidding in our online silent auction starting Nov. 1, 2020 - https://calusawaterkeeper.org/estero

Photographer and living legend, Clyde Butcher Supports Saving Estero Bay! You can too by 1) registering for our November 14th online event, 2) bidding in our silent auction Nov 1-15th, and 3) Help spread the word to friends and neighbors! https://calusawaterkeeper.org/estero

Troubled Waters: Public Health Impacts of Harmful Algae Blooms is a documentary by Calusa Waterkeeper focusing on South Florida. We interview three groups of individuals: research scientists studying Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs), doctors and nurses on the front lines, and patients who have suffered harm. Featuring some of the world’s leading scientists studying HABs including Dr. Paul Alan Cox, Dr. James Metcalf, Dr. Walter Bradley, Dr. Larry Brand, Dr. David A. Davis, Dr. Elijah Stummel and more. https://calusawaterkeeper.org/troubled-waters