In its last gasps, the 115th Congress finally did pass Harmful Algal Bloom legislation. It was buried in S2200 (National Drought Information System). Section 9 of this bill mirrors the language drafted by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) as S1057 and by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) as HR4417. [S2200-HAB Control Act] [S1057-Nelson] [HR4417-Bonamic] [HR4465-Mast]

Reserve your space for Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Training Classes on Oct 27, Nov 3 and Nov 10. You will learn how to serve as a volunteer Ranger, helping sample and protect our area waters. Contact John Cassani to reserve space or learn more: cassani@CalusaWaterkeeper.org or call: 239-633-7274. [Flyer]

Water farming (dispersed storage) is a good option for partially solving some runoff storage problems. However, if the concept is manipulated and gamed, the benefits can be marginal or non-existent. Rae Ann Wessel of SCCF raised this concept at the Brockovich forum. John Capece also comments. [Capece on Water Farming] [Erin Brockovich forum] [FRESP] [Exploring EAA Water Storage Option]

The September 2018 Calusa Waterkeeper newsletter is available online. It features Waterkeeper news and opinions on issues. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [September Newsletter] [HTML Version] [Newsletter Archive]

Get your tickets now for the Florida Economic Water Summit scheduled for 7pm on Oct 15 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. $10 for program, $25 for program+dinner. The last Calusa Waterkeeper event sold out with 500 attending and hundreds turned away, so do not let the opportunity slip away. [Details] [Get Tickets] [Event Page]

Audubon of Southwest Florida will show the award-winning documentary "Toxic Puzzle: Hunt for the Hidden Killer," at 6:30pm on Sep 20 in the Masonic Lodge, 10868 Metro Pkwy. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani will answer audience questions after the movie. [Details]

Since 2017 Calusa Waterkeeper has been rallying Florida Waterkeepers in support of state legislation to reactivate the Florida Harmful Algal Task Force by resuming activities of this legislatively-authorized, but unfunded initiative. The CWK board will adopt a new resolution to continue the push. [Resolution] [Call to Action] [National Waterkeepers] [Florida Waterkeepers] [2017 Editorial]

Red tide cells may be "naturally occurring", and may travel from elsewhere in the Gulf, but when they get to our coast the cells feed off of land-based nutrient pollution carried by rainwater. The more cells eat, the more they reproduce, the longer the outbreak lasts, and the farther it spreads. [Graphic 1] [Graphic 2] [Graphic 3] [Graphic 4]

Join Cape Coral Wildlife Trust for the screening of Toxic Puzzle at Cape Coral Public Library on Mohawk on Saturday September 22 at 2 pm. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani will be available after the program to answer questions. The show is FREE but pre-registration is required. Space is limited. [Flyer] [Reserve Your Seat] [Location Map]

By Sep 30 Congress needs to authorize additional funds for the US Harmful Algal Bloom & Hypoxia Research & Control Act. The Senate passed Bill Nelson's S1059 in 2017 but the House failed to act on HR 4417 offered by Democrats. HR 6645 offered by Rep. Mast (Republican) achieves part of the goals. [Florida Politics] [Sanibel] [Funding] [Disaster] [Hearing]

A full house attended the Aug 4 Town Hall on algal bloom health issues at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Speakers included John Cassani, Parisma Taeb, Jennifer Boddicker and Annisa Karim, Cyndy Nayer and others. The event raised over $3000 for Calusa Waterkeeper. [Town Hall]

Calusa Waterkeeper would like to thank everyone who joined us for the cocktail party on September 10th in Fort Myers. Special thanks to Luann Fortune, Louis Eason, John Contisano III, and others for their kind donation and support. [Group Photo] [KC & Luann Fortune] [Sandra Frank & Louis Eason]

If you've been around blue-green algae blooms, chances are you've breathed in toxins. Everyone tested so far in a study of people who live and work around algae blooms in the St. Lucie River had "detectable levels" of the toxin microcystin in their noses. [TCPalm] [WINK News Video]

The South Florida Water Management District governing board approved a new minimum threshold (from 300 cubic feet per second to 400 cfs) for dry-season freshwater releases to the Caloosahatchee River. But critics say the new rule will not provide enough water during dry times. 600-700 cfs is needed. [News Press] [ForShore]

Dr. Michael Parsons of FGCU was recently awarded a National Science Foundation to study the effects of harmful algae blooms and their pathogens in the Caribbean. Overall NSF and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have awarded new grants totaling $30 million. [National Science Foundation]

This summer's environmental disaster highlighted decades of water mismanagement and flimsy political will to resolve a range of notorious problems such as Lake Okeechobee pollutants or Billy's Creek fecal bacteria contamination. [Gulfshore Business] [Calusa Waterkeeper] [Captains for Cleanwater] [Billys Creek]

A "dead zone," an underwater patch with no plant or animal life, has been found off the coast of Sanibel by Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation scientists. There is no oxygen in the water about 3 to 5 meters down to the surface, in some places all the way down to the bottom in about 8 meters. [Sanibel Captiva Islander]

Doctors in southwest Florida say they've seen an increase in patients complaining of breathing problems. Monet Sexaure, who is four months pregnant, left her home in Siesta Key, Florida, and moved inland to an Airbnb in Sarasota after suffering symptoms from the toxic red tide. [NBC News]

Calusa Waterkeeper along with other civic groups participated at the Circus Transformus event at the Broadway Palm on Aug 25-26. Many thanks to Holly Rauen, Solemi Hernandez, her son Alex, John Paul, his daughter Beryl, Gene and Nan, Ruth and Jim, KC, his wife Ynda and others for manning the table. [Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3]

CWK expresses its gratitude to the local artist Myra Roberts who have generously donated some of her latest artwork to be used at CWK events' silent auction. We also thank Jim & Ruth Watkins, Scott & Teresa Simon and Donald Schwartz for supporting CWK through participation in our silent auction. [Donald Schwartz] [Scott & Teresa Simon] [Florduh] [Myra Roberts]

Calusa Waterkeeper presented Will Prather, owner of the Broadway Palm Theatre, with a Humanitarian Award for his service to community and support in protecting and preserving natural Florida. There is no businessman in the area upon whom so many civic and non-profit organizations depend more. [Photo] [The Prather Family] [The Broadway Palm Theatre]

The awful stench at the beach and sightings of dead fish are becoming an unbearable experience Southwest Florida residents and tourists are dealing with. It raises questions about the air we breathe, and why after months of problems, no government agencies have tested air quality. [WINK News] [Video 1] [Video 2]

Karenia brevis (commonly known as red tide) are present along and offshore portions of southwest Florida, and not present in the Florida Keys. K. brevis concentrations are patchy in nature and levels of respiratory irritation will vary locally. [Aug 30 Report] [Aug 23 Report]

Test results from the recent samples collected by Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani show that Billy's Creek in Fort Myers is still badly contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria and has been since 2001. [Sampling Results]

With toxic algae blooms now erupting all over Florida, scientists are pointing a finger at one possible fuel source: pollution from septic tanks. There are more than 2.6 million septic tanks in Florida, according to FDOH. But less than 1% of them are being inspected to ensure they don't leak. [Tampa Bay Times]

A nonprofit marine research institution Mote's scientists discussed red tide at The Argus Foundation event "Meet the Minds: Red Tide - What it is, solutions and prevention" in Sarasota on August 30th. Mote scientists and an agricultural leader say there is no single cause or solution for red tide. [Herald Tribune] [Photo] [Septic Tanks] [Climate Change Effects]

In their paper titled "Bloom and Bust: Toxic Algae's Impact on Nearby Property Values" David Wolf and Allen Klaiber of Ohio State University, analyzed algal bloom negative impacts on property values in 6 Ohio counties located along Lake Erie between 2009 and 2015. Hold onto your wallets! [Paper]

Join Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani on Society's rooftop bar for an informal "Meet the Waterkeeper" cocktail party. Admission is free. Reservations recommended by phone 239-334-0900 or via email info@societyfortmyers.com. 10% of all bar proceeds benefit Calusa Waterkeeper & Edison Pageant of Light. [Flyer] [Directions] [Facebook Page]

Dr. Bill Mitsch, a wetland ecologist and professor at FGCU, is on a mission to find out if Lake Okeechobee releases are supercharging red tide conditions. If his theory is proven correct, Dr. Mitsch believes this will be the concrete evidence needed to finally push lawmakers to solve this puzzle. [WINK News] [Video]

Quite a few canals have cleared up over the last week or so, but some of the spots where the cyanobacteria is still around are particularly nasty. Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim shot a video in SE Cape Coral on Aug 9th. The picture is absolutely gruesome. [Video]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani spent the morning with Fort Myers Shores Youth Fishing Club talking about water quality on Saturday, August 11th. My faith in humanity has been restored after learning how much these kids know and care about fish conservation and water quality. [Photo]

Algal blooms are common in Florida and along the rest of the Gulf Coast, but they don't always get this bad. As air and ocean temperatures increase, the environment becomes more hospitable to toxic algal blooms in several ways, according to scientists and the Environmental Protection Agency. [The Washington Post] [Video]

A red tide and toxic algae bloom crisis is killing marine life and hurting the tourism industry across Florida's Gulf Coast. Local tourist boards are concerned the impact could be felt for a while, as news of the red tide spreads and more tourists cancel or adjust their trips. [The Wall Street Journal] [Photo] [Snowbirds] [Bloom & Bust] [Red Ink]

Politicians led by Gov Rick Scott have disassembled the old model for living that required enforced regulation of development and protection of water, instead creating a state the governor calls "business friendly." We're now on the verge of an ecosystem collapse our young children will inherit. [Florida Weekly]

People who live on the water, in boats at local marinas, say they have had no warning about what the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) fumes can do to them health wise. Red tide fumes are also harmful. The News-Press started a weekly feature to answer water questions. [News-Press] [Photo] [Video] [Inhalation] [Testing]

Dr. James Metcalf of the Brain Chemistry Laboratory in Wyoming samples cyanobacteria in the Caloosahatchee near north Fort Myers. Dr. Metcalf and co-authors suggest ways for Florida to improve monitoring, sampling, predicting and notifying the public of health risks in a recent publication. [Details] [Photo] [Publication]

Snowbirds come to Florida seeking refuge from long winters. Some return to north for the summer. Some set up permanent residence on the gulf. Those who are here now are getting a whiff of Florida's recurring environmental problem but this one has lasted longer than any in the past decade. [Star Tribune]

Nylah Rampersad, a tourist vacationing in Florida rescued a sea turtle on Saturday, August 18th during a red tide outbreak on Sanibel Island. Rampersad saw the turtle laboring near shore. She kept it afloat until a team from SCCF arrived and took it CROW for treatment. [News-Press] [Photo] [Video]

Suncoast Waterkeeper Andy Mele challenges voters to confront lawmakers at the polls. Andy calls for expanded research into the dynamics of harmful algal blooms. He also questions scientists on their assertions that red tide is not affected by freshwater discharges of nutrients and cyanobacteria. [Herald Tribune] [Andy Mele] [Suncoast Waterkeeper]

Is the septic vs. agricultural runoff debate really important or is it just another attempt to delay action by dividing our society against itself? The common element between septic discharges and agricultural runoff is people. Hence we must all be part of the solution in one manner or another. [PolitiFact] [Comment by John Capece]

The Florida Department of Health is failing residents and tourists on many fronts when it comes to massive blue-green algal blooms and the spread of red tide. On Jul 31st, a Cape Coral meeting with ACOE, gathered at least 1000 concerned residents who expressed their anger and disgust. [News-Press] [Video]

James Metcalf, an internationally acclaimed expert on the brain damage caused by toxic algae spent a day sampling the Caloosahatchee River bloom along with Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani on August 22. They took a look at the public health implications of the ongoing water crisis. [News-Press] [Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3] [Video]

Dozens of people in and out of Florida have called poison control complaining about health problems from toxic blue-green algae. NBC2 News team uncovered there is only one agency in the entire state that says its keeping track of health-related cases tied to blue-green algae exposure. [NBC2 News] [Video] [Florida Poison Control Centers]

Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim spotted critically endangered Smalltooth Sawfish - a Calusa Waterkeeper mascot - hanging out in the Cyanobacteria at Cape Coral pier on August 24. Smalltooth Sawfish is yet another marine species greatly impacted by harmful algal blooms. [Photo 1] [Photo 2]

Journalist and Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Roger Williams offers clarity on the issue of water quality and life. Williams says he is an optimist and he knows we can fix the current water quality crisis. How? Vote. Vote for water. [Details] [Facebook Post]

At a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) questioned scientist Dr. Robert Hueter about the impacts harmful algal blooms plaguing Florida have had on marine life including Smalltooth Sawfish, which happens to be CWK mascot. [Video]

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a decision holding that the first-ever federal safeguards set by the Obama Administration for coal ash dumps do not sufficiently protect communities and the environment from pollution from that toxic waste. [Waterkeeper Alliance]

Artists Cathy Cochrane, Bill Day, Dave Granlund, and Andy Marlette continue to churn out poignant political cartoons. They drive home the tragedy that is this year's relentless series of cyanobacteria and red tide blooms devastating Florida's freshwater bodies and our marine coastlines. [Crisis Actors] [Fragrances] [Tourists Flee] [Red Tide-Algae Swirl] [Horseshoe Crab] [#!*@ DEP]

America's Morning Headquarters (AMHQ) inquired the Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim to discuss the cyanobacteria outbreak from the perspective of a homeowner. "We need to enable leaders who are serious about basin management, regulation and development." says Jason. [Video] [YouTube Video]

The Broadway Palm Theater was filled to capacity on Aug 14, to view a screening of the documentary film, "Toxic Puzzle: Hunt for the Forbidden Killer." A panel of water quality experts featured in the film along with Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani fielded audience questions after the movie. [Island Sand Paper] [Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani talked to a group of well over 100 at the gated community of Pellican Landing in Bonita Springs on August 22nd. Thank you to the Pellican Landing community for their involvement and support of Calusa Waterkeeper activities. [Photo 1] [Photo 2]

Photographer Lynne Buchanan's blog, Changing Waters: Human Impact on Florida's Aquatic Systems, shows incredible photos that she captured of toxic algae bloom in its many different forms. [Algae Photos] [About Lynne Buchanan] [Algae Bloom Video]

International businessman and activist K.C. Schulberg stepped to the helm of Calusa Waterkeeper as executive director, bringing a sterling Hollywood pedigree and fundraising firepower to the group, which spent the first two decades of its existence as a next-to-no budget, all-volunteer outfit. [News-Press] [Photo] [Florida Weekly]

The July 2018 Calusa Waterkeeper newsletter is available online. It features Waterkeeper news and opinions on issues. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [July Newsletter] [HTML Version] [Newsletter Archive]

Join Calusa Waterkeeper at Circus Transformus, a visually stunning, contemporary circus performance incorporating dance, acrobatics, aerial arts and other acts. Circus Transformus aims to entertain AND inspire its audience to rise to the challenge of healing our planet earth. [Information & Tickets]

The monthly meeting of the Calusa Waterkeeper, Inc. Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, August 1st in the conference room of High Point Place. Members wishing to attend should contact the CWK President, Gene Gibson. [Email to Attend] [Location] [High Point Place]

Not only has blue-green algae fouled the river & estuary but throughout 2018 red tide has been lurking in the Gulf of Mexico and flaring up to create an equally disastrous Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB). It has killed marine life and seriously damaged our region's tourism reputation. [Near Shore Pattern]

Calusa Waterkeeper was the first to alert the Caloosahatchee region to microcystin toxins in the blue-green algae with June 26 data. This forced agencies into action. Then again on July 25, John Cassani sampled and reported even more alarming toxin levels, almost 10,000 times the safe limit. [July 25 Toxins Results] [June 25 Results] [June 29 Press Release]

The national network news spotlight once again focused on our south Florida algae crisis. NBC ran a piece on July 29. It included interviews of Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim and Conservancy of Southwest Florida Marisa Carrozzo. [NBC Nightly News Video]

Former Riverwatch/Waterkeeper board member John Scott interviews Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani on People's Voice Radio. The discussion focused on the massive & historic blue-green algal bloom affecting Lake O and our coastal estuaries as well as cyanobacteria test results by Calusa Waterkeeper. [Listen to the Interview]

A full house of Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers gathered at the Calusa Nature Center on July 28 for their monthly Saturday morning meeting. John Cassani commented at the impressive showing and the new faces interested in volunteering and graduating to Ranger status. [Photo]

As unhealthy as many U.S. waterways are today, they were generally even worse 50 years ago before various citizen-led interventions. Not only were rivers often myopically dammed or otherwise altered in the 20th century, but unchecked pollution was poisoning aquatic ecosystems all over the map. [Mother Nature Network] [Photo]

"Our water, our homes, our livelihoods and our children have been put at risk over the last 60 years by South Florida Water Management, Big Sugar and, unwittingly, the Army Corps of Engineers", says Max Christian of St. James City. [News-Press Mailbag]

The HAB (Harmful Algae Bloom) and cyanobacteria crisis currently plaguing our South Florida waterways and estuaries has thrust Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani into the national and international spotlight as a leading authority on the issue. Thank you John for all your hard work. We appreciate you! [Press Headlines]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani explained the current Caloosahatchee algal bloom to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson on July 5th in Fort Myers. Also participating in the discussion were Calusa Waterkeeper officers Gene Gibson and John Capece along with other civic group activists and concerned citizens. [News-Press] [WINK News] [NBC2] [Video1] [Video2] [Video3]

Environmental protection quickly is becoming a big issue in the 2018 election as more toxic algae blooms slime estuaries, kill sea life and choke coastal Florida communities with foul air. Florida's tourism-driven economy depends on clean water, and candidates are under pressure to offer solutions. [Ocala] [Photo] [News-Press]

Massive toxic algae blooms smothering our waters is a problem that runs much deeper than what we see on the surface. This crisis will not be fixed tomorrow. There are too many pieces to this complex environmental puzzle to expect a quick solution. [News-Press]

South Florida is spending millions of dollars to fix old sewer systems. There's nothing exciting or innovative about sewers, but with hundreds of people moving to South Florida every day and thousands more visiting, not taking care of our sewers threatens our environment and our pocketbook. [WLRN]

Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) John Cassani submitted comments on the proposed MFL Rule revision for the Caloosahatchee estuary. CWK's comments capture the insufficiency of the proposed revision of the flow component to 400 cfs and the proposed definition of significant harm. [Comments Letter]

This summer's algae bloom is the first widespread bloom of 2018, but John Cassani of CWK had seen it coming for a while. "It was just kind of like a powder keg ready to go off," he said. Corps increasing the flows on June 1, and topping that with the increasing temperature accelerated the situation. [News-Press] [Photo by Cassani]

Algae is one of the planet's basic building blocks. It lives & grows in nearly every water body to feed the cycle of life. But add pollution - the phosphorus and nitrogen from farm fields and leaky septic tanks - and good turns to bad, fueling explosive blooms. That's when things get really rough. [Miami Herald] [John Cassani] [Photo] [Video]

In a 2016 referendum over 83 percent of the voters of Lee County affirmed their support for the popular Conservation 20/20 program, which is vital to both our fresh water supply and our quality of life. Will the Lee County BOCC honor the will of the people regarding Conservation 20/20? [News-Press]

Join us for the screening of a film by Bo Landin "Toxic Puzzle" Hunt for the Hidden Killer at 6pm on Aug 14 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. Q&A to follow with film contributors, John Cassani and others. Proceeds generously donated to Calusa Waterkeeper and Captains for Clean Water. [Flyer] [Purchase Ticket]

Noted community organizer and international media specialist, K.C. Schulberg was appointed Calusa Waterkeeper's Executive Director effective July 1, 2018. Schulberg's background merges film, television, marketing and fundraising with hands on civic engagement and community organizing. [About K.C.] [Resume]

Dozens of concerned citizens joined Calusa Waterkeeper, Captains for Clean Water and SCCF for the Water Quality Forum that took place in Cape Coral on July 17th. [Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3]

Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim along with David Anthony have been documenting the algae bloom growth over the course of several weeks. Some of the most recent videos captured by drone show heartbreaking images. Thank you Jason and all the CWK rangers for keeping up the good work! [Photo] [Video 1] [Video 2] [Video 3]

The federal government has delegated most Clean Water Act Authority to the states for implementation. Florida has failed to enforce the water laws. It's not surprising that the Governor keeps trying to side step the water quality issue and blaming the feds. Fixing the Lake O dike won't fix problem. [Sun Sentinel]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani in his conversation with CityLab suggested that cutting back on massive amounts of fresh-water inflows would increase the salinity of the estuary, and hopefully discourage continued growth of this cyanobacteria. [CityLab]

Algal blooms have raged across much of the historic Everglades this summer, drawing the ire of residents and visitors and attention from national media. Four possible fixes for this crisis could include Caloosahatchee reservoir, EAA reservoir, Lake O regulation schedule and deep well injection. [News-Press]

86 percent of Floridians are concerned about the toxic algae blooms plaguing the state's east and west coasts, according to FAU poll released recently. Among the 800 registered voters polled July 20-21, 53 percent said they are "very concerned" and 33 percent said they are "somewhat concerned". [TCPalm]

Lake Worth Waterkeeper Reinaldo Diaz showed CBS12 News a jar of algae-laden water collected at Canal Point near Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County. There were no signs along the waterway to warn the adults and small children who were fishing in the waters laced with toxic cyanobacteria. [CBS12] [Video]

Karl Wickstrom, 82, founder of Florida Sportsman magazine, tireless champion of clean water, marine conservation and recreational angler access, passed away Monday night, on June 25 in Stuart. Ten years ago he brought Calusa Waterkeeper (Riverwatch) into cooperation with east coast groups. [TCPalm] [Florida Sportsman]

Federal funding used to study and help improve area waterways has been eliminated in the latest budget from the White House. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) Director Jennifer Hecker confirmed this is a first for the program - at least in recent memory. [Charlotte Sun]

Finally, many years after being alerted to serious health hazards, the groundwater, that serves as the drinking water supply of of Charleston Park will be tested for pesticides. This is after the water already failed tests for bacteria, radium and other contaminants. This is our Flint, Michigan. [News-Press]

Artists Cathy Cochrane, Andy Marlette and MacGregor have both expressed commentary and reflected community emotions on the current algae bloom crisis. While cartoons traditionally evoke humor, sometimes the appropriate reactions are tears and anger. [Let Them Eat Cake] [Running Mates] [Water Colors] [Lake O Geyser] [Rep. Rooney] [Algae Monster]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani along with CWK rangers attended the Blessing of the Waters event on July 22 at Centennial Park in downtown Ft Myers. Group prayers & blessings were offered for SW Florida's impaired waters. John Heim presented a check for $700 to CWK on behalf of the group. Thanks! [Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3]

Although a late comer to the toxic algae bloom issue, Senator Marco Rubio introduced an amendment seeking funds to address the algal blooms. It allocates $5 million for EPA research and the USGS would also receive $200,000 whereas Senator Nelson's bill would allocate $110 million to bloom research. [Rubio Announcement] [Rubio Tours Bloom]

The 2018 Cyanobacteria Bloom thrust Calusa Waterkeeper into the news like never before. Why? Because its strategic plan implemented early this year prepared CWK to monitor an anticipated algae disaster and alert the public as it unfolded. Your dues & donations support this visionary leadership. [DONATE]

Physician Dr. Parisma Taeb, microbiologist Dr. Jennifer Boddicker, and natural resources manager Annisa Karim will host a town hall on Aug 6 to discuss toxic algae blooms. Why does this keep happening? What can be done about it? Why hasn't anything been done about it? How can we change that? [Announcement] [Media Advisory] [Photo]

Senator Bill Nelson introduced a spending amendment that if passed would empower NOAA and EPA to declare and respond to severe algae bloom emergencies. His action is an end run on the U.S. House that failed to act upon HR4417, the companion bill to Nelson's S1057 that passed the U.S. Senate in 2017. [Nelson Action Announcement] [Nelson Amendment]

Results of water samples taken on July 25 in Cape Coral waters show incredibly high levels of algae bloom toxins. Toxins measured many thousands of times greater than hazardous limits. [Toxin Results] [Lab Document]

It should be no surprise that south Florida continues to be an incubator for toxic algal blooms. Despite implementation of many nutrient reduction projects and BMPs, the trend has been for INCREASING phosphorus loads from some basins. [Phosphorus Discharges] [Report through 2016]

Florida's 12 Waterkeeper Alliance programs sent a letter to DEP asking them to abandon their attempts to assume wetland destruction permitting from the federal under the Clean Water Act Section 404(a). The federal government currently protects wetlands because states had failed to do so. [FL Waterkeepers Letter to DEP]

Algal blooms happen in warm, still waters with high levels of nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus. They also occur in rivers fed by fertilizer runoff from agriculture, sewage and industrial discharges, and urban stormwater. Climate change is increasing the frequency and occurrence of blooms. [Causes] [Effects] [Drinking Water] [Algal Bloom Info]

The toxic cyanobacteria bloom (blue-green algae) from Lake O to Cape Coral represents decades of failed water policy. Lax enforcement and underfunding has culminated in this harmful algae bloom (HAB) tsunami. Political leaders need to take actions recommended by Calusa Waterkeeper. [CWK Call to Action]

Results reveal high levels of toxins present in water samples collected by the Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani on Tuesday, June 26 at Caloosahatchee River locations from Franklin Lock upstream to LaBelle. The toxins greatly exceed EPA limits. [Lab Report] [Press Release]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani submitted comments to SFWMD on their proposed new MFL (Minimum Flow & Levels) rule for the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Whereas SFWMD wants to establish 400 cfs as the rule's target flow, history and data show the need is for a minimum of 600 cfs. [MFL Comments to SFWMD]

Senator Bill Nelson and Rep. Bill Posey hosted a briefing on Harmful Algal Blooms in DC on Monday, Jun 11. A series of presentation showed how Florida is at the center of this national water quality and health emergency. A series of scientists and agency administrators delivered HAB presentations. [Thur Intro] [FL HAB Map] [Toxins Impacts] [Hubbard Overview] [Kirkpatrick on Forecasting] [Stumpf on Freshwater]

The May 2018 Calusa Waterkeeper newsletter is available online. It features Waterkeeper news and opinions on issues. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [May Newsletter] [HTML Version] [Newsletter Archive]

Calusa Waterkeeper now has a short introductory video linked to its web page. Produced by Pelican Media and funded through sponsor generosity, this video tells the story of our Waterkeeper program, its mission, jurisdiction, and how the public can join in the effort to protect our waters. [Watch the Video] [Rangers]

Ruth Watkins, Calusa Waterkeeper Vice President, has been busily working to bring in grant revenues to help support our expanding organization. If you are interested in helping our group in this or other ways, consider joining one of our working committees. Waterkeeping requires the efforts of many. [Ruth Watkins]

The Executive Director position of CWK became vacant when Rienaldo Diaz left our local group to create the Lake Worth Waterkeeper program in Palm Beach County. Congratulations to Reinaldo! The ED position is responsible for fundraising and other tasks. Contact us if you are interested in applying. [Diving Into New Job] [He Fishes Too] [Email To Apply]

The SFWMD invites you to a workshop on June 1, 2018 10:00 AM - Noon at SFWMD Fort Myers Service Center, 1st Floor Conference Room, 2301 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. General subject matter to be considered: Draft MFL criteria components, draft rule language, public comments received and other. [Details]

"It’s better than what they had last time, but I still don’t think it’s ready for prime time," said Gene Gibson, Calusa Waterkeeper President. That sums up the consensus of some of the city of Fort Myers’ biggest critics after hearing a new plan for midtown, downtown and the Gardner’s Park neighborhood. [News-Press] [Photo] [Video]

Officials with the White House and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tried to block a critical report on a class of toxic chemicals after a White House aide warned that a "public relations nightmare" would follow after its release, according to emails reported by POLITICO on May 14th. [EcoWatch] [Map]

As the campaign season heats up, it is a good time to reflect upon the actions of the Florida Legislature and Governor on water & environmental issues. As in recent years some bad environmental legislation passed and was signed. Some were thwarted. Think about these when candidates seek your vote. [WGCU News] [Chiefland Citizen] [SCCF] [Sierra Club] [Surfrider Foundation] [Florida Conservation Coalition]

Disposal of water treatment plant wastes have created an arsenic contamination problem in Dunbar. The source of the arsenic problem in Pine Island is less certain. Both reflect government neglect in notifying the public of and dealing with potential public health hazards. [WUSF 1] [WUSF 2] [NBC-2] [Arsenic In Dunbar (starting minute 54:00)]

Calusa Waterkeeper co-hosted the 27th Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference back in February. CWK Director John Capece organized the program that included John Cassani presenting on algal blooms and also hosting a Caloosahatchee River tour. Author Michael Grunwald was the keynote speaker. [Michael Grunwald] [Video] [River Cruise] [Presentations]

The downtown Ft Myers boat ramp on which so many depended for work and recreation has been closed. The City suggests that boaters use the Oasis ramp. For more than a year CWK President Gene Gibson has been asking the City to plan for and construct a replacement ramp but progress is painfully slow. [News-Press] [Photo] [City of Ft. Myers]

Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann said, "My father learned to swim in Billy’s Creek, so I have a personal stake in making sure the next generation swims in Billy’s Creek.� Mann said. “We want our citizens to enjoy it and enjoy it safely and we’re not going to rest until it is indeed very safe.� [WINK] [Cassani] [Mann] [Video] [NBC2] [WINK]

“These are some serious levels we’re really concerned about ... It’s nothing to take lightly,� Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani told the Fort Myers City Council. Cautionary signage really needs to go up. The probability of getting sick at such high levels of pollution �is just about 100%. [News-Press] [John Cassani] [Photo] [Video]

Calusa Waterkeeper found bacteria, six times the level it takes to close beaches in Billy's Creek and brought it to the Fort Myers City Council.. It was consistently in the 3, 4, 500 range, way above the beach closure threshold of 71. [NBC-2]

To help address the growing problem of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and cyanobacteria, Florida Waterkeepers asked legislators to reinstate the Florida HAB Task Force. The response to date has been that it would not be a popular budget item. Attitudes among Florida legislators need to change. [News-Press Op-Ed by John Cassani]

The beach at Franklin Lock was closed much of this spring due to high bacteria levels. This beach is a favorite recreation area for inland families who cannot afford the time and money for trips to the Gulf beaches. Loss of safe access to this recreation diminishes our shared quality of life. [WGCU News] [Corps Press Release]

On April 21st Calusa Waterkeeper members and friends participated in the Earth Day clean up at Dog Beach on Estero Bay as part of a national Waterkeeper Alliance clean-up week. Thanks to all who helped. Our Ranger Terry "Calusa" Nelson also did his share of clean-up of the Caloosahatchee River. [Group Photo] [Collected Trash] [Terry Nelson] [More Photos by Terry Nelson]

Lee County school teacher Suzie Hassett invited Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Jason Pim to attend the "Seas the Day" Earth Day event on April 22 at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Jason was invited to discuss the bacteria problem in the Caloosahatchee River that closed the beach recently. [Cape Coral Daily Breeze] [Photos]

There’s a problem with Billy Creek. It’s not safe because of high levels of bacteria possibly from human or animal feces. Activists say the city, county, and state are playing the blame game. “Some of the agencies just have basically been looking the other way. [Hello SWFL] [Video]

Hurricane Irma caused 21 sewer overflows, dumping 35,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Billy’s Creek. The city says they’re going to buy generators within a year to help. Ft Myers will spend a lot of money to add on to money that’s already been spent to ultimately solve the problem. [Wink News] [Video]

Enterococci bacteria (MPN/100 ml) sampling results for 4-25-18 by CWK. Cape Coral Shadroe Canal marine and Billy's Creek have extremely high levels. Other areas exceeding the Beach Advisory Threshold of 71 include Powell Creek and North Shore Park. [Details]

Ranger Terry "Calusa" Nelson used a Secchi Disk to measure water clarity in the Caloosahatchee Estuary on Apr 29. "Nice day on the water. Clarity continues to improve in the river. Over five feet in every location except the canal, where it's 3.3 feet." CWK will expand its water clarity monitoring. [Details] [Photo]

CWK then CRCA opposed the removal of the Cape Coral Ceitus boat lift and challenged the City in court with other local stakeholders. The stakeholders ultimately withdrew their petition to avoid a potential prejudicial court outcome stemming from a FDEP interpretation of a previous consent order. [Areal Map & Details]

Calusa Waterkeeper President Gene Gibson recognized Hank Appleton and the Cape Coral Power Squadron for their ongoing support, including providing water safety training for John Cassani's Rangers Academy. [Photo] [Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron]

A dedicated group of 28 people attended May 12th Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Academy at Lee County Regional Public Library in downtown Ft. Myers. 16 participants received their Calusa Waterkeeper certificates. This was the second course and graduating class of the Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Academy. [Photos] [Video]

My son and I are now watchdogs of sorts — watch-waters is more accurate. From the bank or a canoe we look at water near us in a creek or a river on a regular basis. We measure its clarity, we locate the coordinates of potential problems such as fish kills or algae blooms, and we share that data.... [Florida Weekly] [Father & Son] [Nash Williams] [Online Edition]

May 15th enterococci bacteria results from Billy's Creek reflect a serious public health problem. City officials suggested the levels would decline after hurricane Irma but that has not happened. Levels have been this high off and on since 2001. [May 15 Results] [Apr 25 Results] [Toxic Water] [Do Not Swim]

John Cassani writes: Government regulators need to exercise care when they characterize environmental problems. Lt Col Reynolds of the Army Corps said harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake O were natural. Unfortunately, given the increasing prevalence of HABs, they are becoming the new normal. [New Normal] [Funding for Billys Creek] [Bacteria Storm]

Having previously turned a blind eye to high bacteria levels in Bimini Basim, Cape Coral is now raising the issue. Some wonder if they really care about safety or if it is simply a convenient excuse to remove resident boaters from the area so it can be developed into a commercial attraction. [News-Press] [Video]

On April 17 the Corps of Engineers announced they had closed the beach at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area for swimming because of concerns about water quality. The beach remains open for sunbathing and recreational activities other than swimming. [Press Release]

15-year-old Valholly Frank is one of the 8 Florida children suing Gov. Rick Scott for inaction on climate change. Valholly is daughter of Joe Frank and Rhonda Roff, long time members and former directors of Calusa Waterkeeper. [WLRN] [Photo 1] [Photo 2]

Stephanie Frier and her Florida Southwestern State College Leadership Academy team raised $250 to buy Secchi Disk water clarity testing equipment for the CWK Rangers. The students even did a beach clean-up to boot. There's hope for the future with an upcoming generation like these civic minded kids. [Details] [Photo] [FSW Leadership Academy]

The News-Press Save Our Water Summit on May 11 attracted 400 attendees. Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani was part of a panel of experts speaking on regional water challenges. Constructive controversy surrounded many aspects of the annual assembly and its discussions. [News-Press 1] [News-Press 2] [Photo] [Video]

Learn how green infrastructure can play a critical role in making South Florida’s coastal communities more resilient to natural hazards such as hurricanes and sea level rise. Through group discussions, activities, and presentations featuring green infrastructure projects from SW Florida. [Flyer] [Details & Registration]

Lakes and Ponds Management Workshop, a half-day course will provide landscape professionals with knowledge and skills related to lakes and ponds management. Learn about the challenges that face healthy ponds and lakes in Southwest Florida. Discover how to make your pond healthy and beautiful. [Details & Registration]

Please join us for our annual membership meeting on Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, at the Franklin Lock south bank picnic area (1660 S Franklin Lock Rd, Alva). This will be a potluck meal, so bring a dish to share and a chair. Also, feel free to bring friends and neighbors. [Invitation Letter & Agenda] [Photo 1] [Photo 2]

On May 19th CapeStyle Magazine will be hosting a Health and Wellness Fair that will include up to 25 vendors that will provide check ups, give health information and options, education and free refreshments. You can also donate blood and get skin, hearing and chiropractic checks. [Flyer] [Details]

The Naples Boat Show in downtown Naples is an in water recreational show at Naples City Dock, Saturday and Sunday, October 13th and 14th, 2018. Free admission! The show will feature displays by marinas, boat dealers, other marine related businesses and food vendors. [Details]

Vermont has its leaf-peepers. Munich has Oktoberfest. Here in South Florida, we celebrate the fall season with ranger-led swamp walks in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Join SFNPT on October 27 & 28 at Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery and take a walk on the wild side. [Ticket and Details]

A series of aerial photos shows progression of sedimentation that has accumulated downstream of the channel where City of Cape Coral removed the Ceitus Boat Lift in 2008. Calusa Waterkeeper attempted to force Cape Coral to restore a structure but DEP was complicit in ignoring the requirement. [Aerial Photos 2013-2016] [News-Press Op-Ed] [Aerial Photos 2015-2017]

A full classroom of 20 participants attended the first lecture of the 2018 Ranger Training Course. The Saturday classes run through May 12. The next session is April 28. Contact Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani if you would like to participate. [Rangers Course Flier]

Calusa Waterkeeper will discuss bacterial contamination of Billy's Creek at the Ft Myers City Council meeting on Monday, April 16 at 4:30 pm in City Hall. Bacteria levels exceed Health Dept beach closure threshold 97% of the time since 2001. [Press Release]

The City of Fort Myers is drawing sharp criticism from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and NAACP over its handling of test results on the Dunbar sludge site. The city failed to release results from testing that showed elevated levels of arsenic in groundwater at the site. [Wink News] [NAACP Action] [FDP Letter] [News-Press]

Calusa Waterkeeper tested for the Enterococci bacteria in Billy’s Creek. Results show bacteria increasing continually upstream up to the filter marsh project at Marsh Avenue. The wastewater treatment plant nearer Seaboard St does not appear to be the primary source of bacterial contamination. [Bacteria Testing Results]

The November 2017 Calusa Waterkeeper newsletter is available online. It features Waterkeeper news and opinions on issues. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [November Newsletter] [HTML Version] [Newsletter Archive]

The Caloosahatchee River and its estuary will get a little relief soon as the Army Corps of Engineers plans to slow releases. The target flow into the river through the St. Lucie Lock and Dam will be slightly less than 1.2 billion gallons a day. [News-Press]

LDRC is proud to announce the 6th Annual Smoke under the Oaks Rib Fest on January 13, 2018 from noon to 4pm! Please consider the possibility of sponsoring this event and receive tons of benefits for your business! [LDRC] [LDRC] [LDRC] [Facebook] [Instagram]

A new documentary about toxic algae and the growing body of scientific evidence that ties it to neurological diseases, “Toxic Puzzle,� presents the work of biologist Paul Alan Cox. Links between the BMAA algae toxin and ALS were first observed by Cox 20 years ago on the Pacific U.S. territory Guam. [Keys News] [Toxic Puzzle] [Trailer]

An environmental rights constitutional amendment is being proposed in New Jersey. In contrast to Florida's proposed amendment, the NJ Green Amendment would be placed within Article 1 of the NJ constitution, making it self enforcing and thus not able to be diluted or thwarted by the legislature. [Proposed Amendment] [Press Release] [Florida Proposal]

Lynne Van Sciver from Fort Myers writes about the water problems she has experienced since moving to Ft Myers about 40 years ago. Whereas visitors saw that she once lived in a paradise, today the Caloosahatchee River is close to dead due to being manipulated, abused and neglected for way too long. [News-Press]

Save Our Creeks (SOC) will hold its annual meeting on Dec 10 in Palmdale. SOC is a strong advocate for Fisheating Creek, helping it remain the most natural of South Florida streams. Calusa Waterkeeper is a life-time member of SOC. [SOC Annual Meeting Announcement] [SOC Bylaws]

A Lee County advisory board has endorsed making changes in county development rules to ease way for construction of a million-dollar mansion on Upper Captiva. This will bring an end to county regulations & encourage pollution on the environmentally sensitive Gulf of Mexico coastline. [News-Press]

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) currently pervade the SW FL nearshore Gulf of Mexico. The blooms extend into Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor and Caloosahatchee Estuary. Satellite imagery show where chlorophyll concentrations are highest, indicating an intense red tide. [News-Press] [Facebook]

Past planning practices are to blame for many of our regional water problems. Past directors of Calusa Waterkeeper - Wayne Daltry, Ray Judah a Rae Ann Wessel - explain the history of planning in SW Florida in a Florida Weekly article by Roger Williams. [Florida Weekly]

Please renew your Calusa Waterkeeper membership and make a donation before year's end. Our group has made amazing progress in its new Waterkeeper programs, including algae & bacteria sampling, Ranger training & other advocacy activities. Support making our waters drinkable, swimmable, and fishable! [Donation Page] [Membership Renewal]

Environmental educator Dr. Bill Hammond was a guest lecturer at the Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Academy on Nov 18. The final lecture for John Cassani's first graduating class will be held Dec 2 at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. [Ranger Academy Class] [Hammond Lecture] [Bill Hammond]

Discharges from Lake Okeechobee continued at maximum practicable releases with average flows of 6,103 cfs to the Caloosahatchee at S-77. Discharges at S-80 averaged 3,288 cfs. To return lake levels below 16 ft the Corps will be forced to continue maximum discharges in all directions (E,W,&S). [SCCF Condition Report] [SCCF]

Deep injection wells have gotten little public support but it appears the state is moving forward with well sites north of Lake Okeechobee, without support from the federal government or environmental groups. This is a risky technology especially for areas reliant upon groundwater. [News-Press]

Calusa WaterKeeper John Cassani submitted comments to SFWMD on the scoping phase of the EAA Reservoir Project. CWK asks that modeling of stored reservoir water occur for Chlorophyll a, principal nitrogen species, specific conductance and total suspended solids under relevant residency scenarios. [Calusa Waterkeeper]

Re-routing of Lake Okeechobee overflow from south to east and west, and the extremes in weather patterns are straining the delicate and complicate systems in southern Florida. There is no way of predicting if Florida's ecosystems could hold out for the next 10 years. [Fort Myers Beach Observer]

All 12 Florida Waterkeepers have signed onto a letter calling for the renewal of funding for the Florida Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Task Force through legislative appropriations in the 2018 session. This is a necessary step towards protecting Florida waters, wildlife, visitors and residents. [HAB Position Letter]

UF students Rock Aboujaoude Jr (from LaBelle) & Taymour Khan attended the annual UN climate change conference (COY13) in Bonn, Germany. They were the only US students attending. Their COY workshop was organized by Calusa Waterkeeper members as was Rock’s participation in COY-Paris & COY-Marrakesh. [Image] [Image] [Campus Climate Corps] [Facebook] [Intelligenstia International]

Reinaldo Diaz of Calusa Waterkeeper spoke at the SFWMD Water Resources Advisory Commission meeting held on Nov 2, 2017. Most of the advocacy groups at the hearing made considerable oral and written responses to the proposed MFL revision by SFWMD. The District’s maintained the MFL at 400 cfs at S-79. [Meeting Agenda]

A Florida Constitution amendment proposed for the 2018 ballot seeks to give people the right to a clean and healthful environment. However, a national "Green Amendment" activist says that as currently proposed the FL amendment has no real teeth and should be changed before consideration by voters. [The Ledger] [FL Constitutional Commission] [National Video]

The algae bloom threat is escalating from occasional nuisance to severe, widespread hazard, overwhelming government efforts to curb a leading cause: fertilizer runoff. Pungent & toxic blobs are fouling waterways. It’s a big, pervasive threat that as a society are not doing enough to solve. [Florida Daily Post]

Southwest Florida is among the most susceptible areas in the world threatened by rising seas. It’s impossible to stop this human-accelerated process, but with smarter planning, better building codes and land development, the process can be slowed down. [Florida Weekly]

John Cassani, of Calusa Waterkeeper will be speaking at the 6th UF Water Institute Symposium on Feb 6 2018 from 1:30 pm. He will be presenting "In Support of Re-instating the Florida Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force: Establishing New Strategies for Monitoring, Prediction & Public Notification." [UF Water Insitute] [Symposium Announcement] [Calusa Waterkeeper] [UF Wate Institute website]

A 143-mile dike is crumbling and offers no major southern spillway. Dreadful algae blooms choke Florida's Lake Okeechobee and coastlines. In a Florida Weekly interview with the Calusa Waterkeeper, John Cassani, Florida Weekly's Roger Williams explores these and other south Florida water issues. [Florida Weekly]

Some of the constraints SFWMD faces in sending flood water south from Lake O is weather and the physical design of the water management system - a system SFWMD has not seriously tried to fix since realizing the problem 30 years ago, mostly due to obstruction from industry & their front politicians. [SFWMD]

The second workshop in the Calusa Waterkepeer (CWK) Ranger Academy training series will be held on Sat, Nov 18, 2017, 9:00 AM at the Calusa Nature Center Iona House. The workshop will review the ABCs of water management and other courses. See you there! [MAP] [UF] [Calusa Waterkeeper]

In an open letter addressed to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Eve Samples calls on the members of the Chamber to support the proposed development of the Everglades reservoir. Clean water and a thriving business climate are critical to the future of Florida. [TCPALM] [Cartoon]

Algal blooms, which kill fish, suffocate seagrass and make life harder for those who rely on the Everglades estuary for their livelihoods, have surfaced again this year. “There is very little water in the bay now that doesn’t have some type of bloom." This might affect the fishing industry. [Keys News]

The Waterkeeper Alliance 2017 annual report is out and the fight for drinkable, fishable, & swimmable water is stronger than ever. In the fiscal year, a new activism platform "Dive into Democracy" was born. The network challenged a rollback that could wipe out protections for cleaning up America. [Waterkeeper Alliance] [Website]

At the headwaters of Six-mile Cypress, a developer plans to fill wetlands on a 159-acre site between Ortiz and I-75 just south of SR82 and north or Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. This will Impact forested wetlands. The Corps is soliciting comments from the public. Time to act is now!! [US Army Corps of Engineers] [Weblink]

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani analyzed the DEP BMAP report on nutrient reduction efforts for the Caloosahatchee Estuary. He discovered clearly deceptive accounting making it look like water quality is improving when it simply is not. [Calusa Waterkeeper] [Conservancy] [BMAP Cartoon]

TCPalm says the proposed reservoir south of Lake O will help end the water problems of St Lucie & Caloosahatchee Rivers. Though its years away, TCPalm is heartened to see SFWMD moving quickly on the project. Though some are fighting the project, surely, we need storage north and south of the lake. [TCPALM]

SFWMD has released some preliminary modeling for the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir. The modeling looks at how several variations of the project would work, given a wide array of rainy and dry conditions over the past 40-plus years. [TCPALM] [SFWMD] [Map]

A comprehensive review by 13 US federal agencies concludes that evidence of global warming is stronger than ever and that more than 90% of it has been caused by humans. The conclusion contradicts a favorite talking point of senior members of the Trump administration. [The Guardian] [The New York Times] [Climate Change Report] [NYT]

NASA and it's partners decided to end the GRACE satellite mission after the eighth of 20 battery cells on GRACE-2 failed. GRACE satellite mission deepened the scientific understanding of societies influence on water and land over the project period. A new satellite duo will soon take its place. [Circle of Blue]

Dr. John Capece, board member of Calusa Waterkeeper, addressed the SWFL Justice4All Coalition at its Nov 6 meeting at the Naples Unitarian Church. His topic was climate change. Other panelists spoke on fracking, solar energy, sea level rise, and carbon tax. [Panel] [Suzanne Cherney] [Amy Clifton] [Pam Gharabally] [Sally Woliver] [Clifford Mitchem]

Levels of carbon dioxide (C02) surged at “record-breaking speed� to new highs in 2016, the United Nations weather agency announced. Carbon dioxide concentrations reached 403.3 parts per million in 2016, up from 400 ppm in 2015. In 2017, short-term levels of 412 ppm have been recorded. [UN News Center] [Link]

The Sanibel community was invited to an environmental education event at the Captiva Island Yacht Club to hear about water quality issues. With hurricane Irma, the area experienced an extremely low tide, which had impacts on the ecology of the area. [Captiva Sannibel]

John Benedict writes that there is one major embarrassment in SW Florida, the pollution of Caloosahatchee River! Politicians have sold us out for the wealthy agricultural industry and developers with the same motive. Isn't it time, we step up and demand a solution to this perennial problem? [Cape Coral Daily Breeze]

Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) submitted comments to SFWMD on the draft revision of Caloosahatchee minimum flow criteria (MFL). CWK is opposed to setting the MFL at 400 cfs but support a MFL in the range of 600-800 cfs at S-79. Details in the report attached. [Calusa Waterkeeper]

Join us in Naples on Saturday, Nov 4, in Naples at the intersection of Davis Blvd & US41 to raise pubic awareness of the needs for Everglades restoration projects throughout south Florida. A lecture at 10am precedes the rally at noon. Then at 3pm we move to Cambier Park for another rally at 4pm. [Description for FGCU Students] [Day of Action] [Rally Location] [Facebook Invitation for All]

Scott Pruitt just blocked expert scientists from EPA advisory board, citing the risk of conflicts of interest. The move represents a fundamental shift, one that could change the scientific and technical advice that historically has guided the agency as it crafts environmental regulations. [The Washington Post] [ABC News] [The Washington Post]

The biggest environmental issue with governor Scott's administration is the systemic lack of enforcement and land use planning oversight, writes John Cassani in Oct 25 mailbag. This systemic error has resulted in decline in water quality of the states waters and putting a risk on public health. [News-Press] [Cartoon]

Gov. Rick Scott will push a $50 million proposal to speed up repairs for the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. The money, the governor said, would axe three years off the completion date, with the dike finishing in 2022. [Sunshine State News] [Florida Politics] [Press Release Statement] [Governor Scott Website]

Freshwater flows from Lake Okeechobee and the watershed decreased slightly to an average of 9,028 cfs at S-79, over 3 times the harm threshold. Light remains limited throughout the river and estuary from dark, freshwater discharge that extends several miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico. [SCCF Caloosahatchee Condition Report] [SCCF website]

When will Florida legislators get the message that Fracking is not welcome in the sunshine state? asks the Treasure Coast newspaper editorial board. Florida still has the opportunity to chart a better course and avoid all the environmental consequences of fracking. Ban fracking in Florida. [News-Press]

The government is failing to provide solutions to the water problems that one Lee county community is facing. The people of Charleston identified safe drinking water as their top environmental health concern. The officials heard the concerns, considered fixes and gave up.These residents need help. [News-Press]

Calusa Waterkeeper and Rangers are collecting basic water quality data from the tidal Caloosahatchee River. The data being collected include salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. Ranger & Director Ruth Watkins is monitoring Hendry Creek and Estero Bay. Ranger Terry focuses on the estuary. [Calusa Waterkeeper] [Water Quality Data] [Website] [Ranger Terry]

A debris cleanup project was conducted on the Caloosahatchee River, which may delay boaters at the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department's Alva Boat Ramp. The project extends through November and may result in delays for patrons at the ramp during this time. [Lehigh Acres Citizen] [Map] [Lee County Parks & Recreation]

The proposed reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, in conjunction with other planned projects, would "put a huge dent" in the current discharges plaguing the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. "There's no silver bullet" to solving the discharges, Morrison of SFWMD said. [TCPALM]

Courtney Kern received a $1500 scholarship at the 20th Annual Environmental Breakfast hosted by Audubon. Courtney is an FGCU Environmental Studies senior & Student Naturalist with plans for grad school and a teaching career, perhaps as a professor. [Presentation by Tony Lee of FGCU] [Announcement by Dan Van Norman] [Breakfast] [Riverside Community Center] [Courtney Kern]

Mitch Hutchcraft argues against unrealistic of the "send it south" water policy on Lake Okeechobee. He states that there are scientifically proven ways to improve the system and its time to let the professionals complete the projects that will provide the most relief to the entire ecosystem. [TCPALM]

As the Lake O water levels have declined to below 17ft, it is yet unknown when the Corps will slow releasing water into the Caloosahatchee River. John Capece of Calusa Waterkeeper says the Corps are operating with a lot of constraints. "They’ve just got a lousy hand to play." [Naples Daily News] [USACE]

Florida Realtors research in 2015 showed that water quality affects your property value. A 1-foot decrease in water clarity (measured by Secchi disk depth) results in a fall of more than 400 million dollars in coastal county property value. [Florida Realtors Study]

A Federal government report has revealed that climate change is costing the federal government hundreds of billion dollars in disaster assistance, flood control and crop insurance losses. The government has not undertaken strategic plans to manage climate risks. [The Hill] [ABC News]

Roads in Collier County rank among the worst hot spots for vehicle collisions with endangered Florida Panthers. Advocates recommend wildlife crossings on 20 road segments in Collier and Hendry counties, some in the Calusa Waterkeeper jurisdiction. [Naples Daily News] [Hot Spots]

DEP is moving closer to its latest plan to reduce pollution flowing into the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary. There has been frustrations over the length of time it's taken to adopt the pollution loads. Calusa Waterkeeper also questions the legitimacy of DEP's reduction estimates. [News-Press] [SFWMD 2009] [Waterkeeper Comments]

Activists took Senator Joe Negron to task over the fulfillment of building the promised reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. This comes from concerns that the project might never materialize. [TCPALM]

A month ago Irma hit SW Florida and left behind piles of vegetation debris along the roads waiting for collection and disposal. After delays in the clean up process, Lee and Hendry Counties have opened bring it yourself public disposal and storage sites where residents are dumping off their wastes. [News-Press: Dumps] [News-Press: Profiteering] [Miami Herald] [Cartoon]

In his Politico.com expose on Cape Coral development, Michael Grunwald quotes Calusa Waterkeeper member and former president Wayne Daltry on past planning and future risks for the low-lying, fast-growing city. [Politico.com]

The leaders of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus released a letter, signed by 25 caucus members, in support of the CPP and urging the administration to retain the regulations and "work to achieve solutions that will provide jobs, economic growth, and a safe climate for us and future Americans. [Details] [CCL News]

The week of Oct. 10-16, freshwater flows from Lake O and the estuary decreased slightly to an average of 10,405 cfs at S-79, nearly 4 times the harm threshold. Light remains limited throughout the river from dark, freshwater discharge that extends several miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico [Details] [News-Press]

SFWMD will host two public scoping meetings on the EAA Water Storage Reservoir project. These meetings will be held on Oct. 23, at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston and on Oct. 26, at SFWMD headquarters in West Palm Beach. SFWMD staff will present the EAA project details and solicit public inputs [SFWMD News]

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, along with many hunting and fishing organizations, is asking Congress to make water conveyance under the Tamiami Trail a priority, in order to relieve flooding in the Everglades and increase the flow of freshwater to Florida Bay. [Okeechobee News]

Calusa Waterkeeper interns from Malawi joined students from FGCU to tour the Convata facilities in Florida to learn about the Lee County's solutions to waste management challenges and how the facility processes energy from waste material to meet the energy needs of the community. [Image] [Image] [Image] [Covanta]

There are freshwater catfish near Sanibel and the Causeway. Rae Ann Wessel, Director of Policy for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, said it's a side effect from the freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee following the heavy rainfalls of the past two months. [Fort Myers News]

As Florida Waterkeepers, are calling on the Florida Legislature to reactivate and adequately fund the Florida Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force. The US Senate has passed a bill to improve the federal response to water pollution by amending the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act. [Ohio Country Journal] [ACT] [Senate Report]

A State judge has issued a recommended order to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to issue an oil drilling permit for the Everglades. The project has been fought by environmental groups as it endangers habitats for some species. The project has no business being in the Everglades. [Sun Sentinel]

Calusa waterkeeper signed on to oppose the language exempting FEMA from the requirements of the ESA. Without ESA, FEMA will be absolved of its legal responsibilities to safeguard endangered species in the most sensitive floodplain habitats and will undermine water quality downstream. [Center for Biological Diversity] [Website]

The October 2017 Calusa Waterkeeper newsletter is available online. It features Waterkeeper news and opinions on issues. The archive provides an index to many of the newsletters dating back to 1995. Sign up to receive the newsletter by email. [October Newsletter] [HTML Version] [Newsletter Archive]

The week of Oct. 3rd -9th, freshwater flows from Lake Okeechobee and the watershed increased to an average of 13,800 cfs at S-79, nearly 5 times the harm threshold. Light remains limited throughout the river from dark, freshwater discharge that extends several miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico. [Details]

SW FL conservative residents are transitioning from a "people can build anywhere" and "climate change is not real" mindset to a "flooding is a fact of life" reality. This is the direct result of their lifetime of rejecting science in governance. [News-Press]

An algal bloom may be on the horizon due to the nutrient loads from the Lake O water releases. The discharges are damaging the Caloosahatchee estuary. John Cassani of Calusa Waterkeeper comments, "I think we’re past that threshold where damage has become an ongoing thing." Its an enormous impact. [News-Press] [Palm Beach Post]

As Lee County pushes for a "greater sense of urgency" by contractors removing Hurricane Irma debris, the county manager warned that preventing similar impact from a future storm could hit hundreds of millions of dollars which might eventually force county taxpayers to shoulder a large burden. [News-Press]

During the hurricane season in Florida, it doesn't really matter where you stand on the science of climate change. The reality is that flooding is becoming a more prevalent problem, no matter what the reason, and state and local leaders should more aggressively work to prevent it. [Tampa Bay Times]

The tropical depression and hurricane Irma may have passed, but flooding finger-pointing has just begun. Who is responsible - the county for allowing building in flood-prone areas and not warning buyers? Or is it agencies for not further damaging the environment to accommodate such foolishness? [News-Press]

The hurricane season was a wake-up call for engineers and communities as they are increasingly keeping climate change in mind as they plan roads, sewers and energy grids for the future. This is the theme for the upcoming 27th Annual SW FL Water Resources Conference co-hosted by Calusa Waterkeeper. [Endia] [The Changing Climate of Regulation & Funding]

Join SCCF on an Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise to experience the historic Caloosahatchee River. The 2.5 hour adventure begins by locking through the W.P. Franklin Lock in Olga.Cruises depart at 1 pm and return by 3:30 pm. For more information on dates follow the link. See you there!! [SCCF] [SCCF website]

Lake O releases into the Caloosahatchee River continues to raise water quality concerns. The releases will turn the river into a brown, murky water which will impact negatively on businesses on the beach by tainting the shores and driving away tourism. [FOX 4] [Naples Daily News] [SCCF] [USACE] [FOX 4]

Committees of the Florida Legislature are meeting in October in preparation for the legislative session to begin in January. Key themes are posturing for the 2018 elections and dealing with costs for and revenue losses from Hurricane Irma. [1000 Friends of Florida] [Legislative Webinar on Dec 6]

Hurricane Irma created record shattering flow at Franklin Lock (S79) on Sep 11 & 12. The Corps measured discharge at 27,783 cfs, exceeding the previous records set in 2005-2006 by 25%. Measurements began in 1966 following construction of the lock and dam in 1965. [Recent Flow Data] [2017 Hydrograph]

Lee County submitted comments to SFWMD on the proposed MFL (minimum flows and levels) for the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Lee County asserts the data supports an MFL greater than 650 cfs rather than the SFWMD proposal of 400 cfs. The County urges SFWMD to work in collaboration with FDEP on this. [Details]

Audubon South West Florida, invites you to it's annual environmental breakfast. The event will be held on October 26 2017, at Riverside Community Center, Fort Myers. Please RSVP to audubon.southwest.florida@gmail.com. See you there! [Audubon Invite] [Audubon SW Florida] [Riverside Community Center]

A group of Republicans from the House and Senate have filed a bill that would ban fracking in Florida, but it faces a tough journey without a scientific study to determine how fracking really impacts the environment. [Tallahassee Democrat News]

The SFWMD announcement to start moving more water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay is a welcoming development, as the heavy rainfall in 2017 has resulted in high water emergencies and wildlife endangerment. The SFWMD must really step up to protect the Everglades. Time is of the essence! [Sunshine State News] [WPTV] [SFWMD]

Midpoint Memorial Bridge spanning the Calooshatchee from Cape Coral (Veterans Pkwy) to Ft Myers (Colonial Blvd) celebrates 20 years since construction in 1997. The project did generate its share of controversy when proposed, mostly NIMBY objections. [News-Press] [Bridge Revenues]

South Florida cities have been injecting treated wastewater from treatment plants 3,000 feet deep into a series of caverns beneath the drinking water supply for decades. Now the same idea has been resurrected as a potential solution to harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges. [Palm Beach Post News] [Details]

As the planet is moving fast towards renewable energy. The Trump administration continues to play down the scientific consensus on climate change and its consequences. To continue using coal is simply a poor out-of-date technology and a gamble on our future. [The New York Times] [EPA] [The New York Times]

A state agency charged with protecting Florida's waters is working on its 5-year review of the plan to reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the Caloosahatchee River and its estuary. FDEP met with local water quality experts and advocates on Oct. 10 to discuss the way forward. [News-Press]

“My niche in the legislative process is writing down policy and budget objectives and then working to implement them in the process so something measurable is accomplished,� said Sen. Joe Negron (with a straight face) about issues his and previous FL Legislatures have failed to accomplish. [TCPalm News]

Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, blasted a state decision to renew an oil exploration permit in the Big Cypress National Preserve. “Protecting Big Cypress National Preserve is vital to preserving and restoring Florida’s Everglades." The state should be working to end oil drilling. [Naples Daily] [Florida Politics]

The Caulkins Citrus Company's 3200 acre grove in Palm City is now a water farm, storing water from Lake O discharges. But unless far greater storage capacity is achieved system wide, paying farmers to store a small fraction of the massive excess flow serves no real value to the estuaries. [Palm Beach Post News]

Property insurance claims from Hurricane Irma have approached $4.6 billion in estimated losses, according to the latest numbers from the Florida office of insurance regulation. Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee county represent 3% of all Florida claims. [Herald tribune] [News4jax]

It's been a month since Irma hit Florida and brought much devastation all around, but residents of the Everglades have found hope in the midst of the chaos. "It washes away the illness and cleans the land.� Osceola a resident said of hurricanes. “Everything feels clean now, the air feels lighter." [News-Press]

After Irma, dark colored water and bacteria along the beaches and other water bodies including the Caloosahatchee River, is affecting the tourism sector. The popular TripAdvisor web page shows that people are commenting on our poor water conditions. [TCPALM] [TripAdvisor.com Bacteria] [TripAdvisor.com Brown Water]

“Live your lives.� That was the advice given by Marcy Zehnder of SFWMD Real Estate Division to those who own property in the footprint of a reservoir proposed as part of the LOWRP. It could be 5 to 10 years or longer before this plan is implemented. Plans could change over time. [Okeechobee News]

With up to 6,000 cubic feet per second of water from Lake O now pouring into the St. Lucie River, it's hard not to despair. With the lake at 17 feet and rising — its highest level since Hurricane Wilma hit in 2005 — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will now inspect the Herbert Hoover Dike on a daily [TCPalm News]

Bass fishing in the Big O has beaten expectations since hurricane Irma stirred up the lake. "The Lake is fishing smaller because of the wind and stained water." said Kreiger, Roland Marine Center manager. Anglers have to find cleaner areas to which bass have retreated. [NBC-2] [Game & Fish] [Naples Dailoy News]

Four plant species, found only in South Florida have been protected by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Services under the Endangered Species Act. The Florida Pineland Crabgrass, Pinelands Sandmat and Everglades Bully are now threatened species whilst the Florida Prairie Clover are endangered species. [Center for Biological Conservation] [Tamba Bay Times]

The 2017 hurricane season is about to break the 124-year-old record. If Tropical Storm Ophelia becomes a hurricane, it will be the 10th hurricane in a row. That's something that hasn't happened since 1893. [CNN News] [CNN News] [My Palm Beach Post]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rejected petitions to list more than two dozen species as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. On the list is a variant of a Carl Hiaasen favorite - the skink. [Fish and Wildlife Services] [Federal Register] [Hiaasen Book Cover]

More than 30 scientist's have signed a letter to the U.S Senator's opposing President Trump's pick to head NASA. The scientist's fear that Congressman Bridenstine appointment might de-prioritize NASA and lead to cuts to the climate satellite program funding. [Florida Politics]

Concerns raised by Glades County regarding a reservoir planned for their lands sound exactly the same as those raised by Calusa Waterkeeper back in the early to mid-2000's regarding C-43 Reservoir. SFWMD has been hosting meetings with Glades County officials and residents to discuss project plans. [Okeechobee News] [TCPalm]

A combination of extra-high "king" tides, winds and rain is causing flooding in low-lying areas along the Treasure Coast.In Martin County, the problem is believed to be exacerbated by Lake Okeechobee discharges as such Army Corps will be reducing discharges from Lake O. [TCPalm News]

Coastal Florida will remain a victim of algae blooms until a restoration of the dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee and other Everglades projects are Completed. That was one message from Gov. Rick Scott, who flew into Clewiston on Oct. 9, morning to inspect the Lake and the Herbert Hoover Dike [Naples Daily News] [West Palm Beach]

Parts of Southwest Florida experienced unusually high tides on Saturday Oct, 7. The increase in water level was caused by a combination of Hurricane Nate in the Gulf and a nearly full moon. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, and Marco Island were some of the affected areas. [NBC2 News]

Starting Oct 14 you can attend Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Training Academy to learn how to serve as a volunteer Ranger, helping sample and protect our area waters. Contact John Cassani at 239-633-7274 for additional information. [Flier] [Ranger Academy] [Ranger Recruitment]

Everyone anticipates (or dreads) the annual Haunted Walk at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Ft. Myers. If you have not experienced this stroll through the Nature Center darkness, you should do it at least once. It is memorable. This is its 33rd year. [Details]

SFWMD hosts a meeting to discuss the Caloosahatchee TMDL program and review the draft 5-year review of the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). The meeting is 10AM on Oct 18 at the Lower West Coast Service Center, 2301 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers. [Final Modeling Report] [Background Files Storage]

Linda Lamya, a graduate student from Malawi, is serving as our intern to prepare for creating the 1st Waterkeeper program in her nation. In November she hopes to take a train trip across the USA to meet other Waterkeepers. Donations are needed to support travel expenses, so please consider helping. [Linda Lamya CV] [Proposed Train Path & Stops]

A weak La Nina pattern, possibly affecting weather and rainfall over large parts of the world, may develop and cool the Pacific Ocean in the final quarter of this year, the World Meteorological Organization said. This could lead to warmer than normal conditions for southeast US in the winter season. [Reuters] [Climate Prediction Center] [NOAA]

Lake Okeechobee reached 17.16 feet above sea level as of Oct 9. This is the highest level in more than a decade and is a trigger for increased inspections of the vulnerable southern half of the Herbert Hoover Dike. The Army Corps of Engineers will begin daily inspections to ensure safety. [Palm Beach Post]

Linda Mattos, Director of Calusa Waterkeeper, attended the Ft Myers Community Meeting on Oct 5 and raised the issue of bacteria contamination of Billy’s Creek and other waterways. Councilman Johnny Streets followed up with City inquiries. [Councilman Streets Follow-up] [Linda Mattos Handout]

Once a month or so, The Island Sand Paper asks a community leader 6 Questions. This Oct, they have featured John Cassani, who is in his first year as the Calusa Waterkeeper. In his responses, Cassani explains more about Calusa Waterkeeper and the environmental issues around it. [Island Sand Paper News]

Read the Waterkeepers Alliance weekly newsletter to learn about the lawsuit Waterkeeper and partners have filed against EPA for withholding public information. Also included is how EPA budget cuts will impact certain watersheds. Follow the link to view the newsletter. [Waterkeeper Alliance Newsletter] [Waterkeeper ] [Twitter] [Facebook]