Monthly News & Updates

April 2025

ICYMI: Leadership Transition

In March our Executive Director, Connie Ramos-Williams, made the heartfelt decision to step down from her role to spend more time with her growing family. While we are certainly sad to see her step back from day-to-day leadership, we are incredibly grateful that she will continue to support the organization as a consultant during this transition period.


On behalf of the Board of Directors, our Rangers, Advisory Council, and entire CWK community—I want to extend our deepest thanks to Connie. Her leadership, passion, and commitment have been inspiring, and she’ll always be a part of the Calusa Waterkeeper family.


Our Board has already begun the process of identifying our next Executive Director as well as a new Waterkeeper and we look forward to sharing updates and introductions with you very soon. In the meantime, the work towards our mission remains as strong as ever. All of our core programs—from water and air quality monitoring to restoration projects and community advocacy—are moving forward without pause.


Thank you for your continued support during this transition. The passion and engagement of this community is what keeps our mission thriving to protect our waters.

Chuck Avery Board President

🧫 Fecal Indicator Bacteria - April Results

CWK conducts Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) water sampling at up to 32 sites in Southwest Florida each month. We publish the results to keep the public informed on potential risks. Enterococci bacteria found in water can cause gastrointestinal illness, infections, and rashes.


Results over 70 MPN would trigger an advisory from the Florida Department of Health if these sites were classified as "public bathing places." View the full results. (Please note conditions can change daily).


Related:

🎥 Sounding the Alarm on Bacteria in Manuel's Branch

by Andrew Shipley, Fox4 News

📅 Upcoming Events

Fundamental Rights & Citizen Initiatives

The League of Women Voters of Lee County (LWVLee), Florida Right to Clean Water, and the SWFL RESET Center invite members and the public for an action-oriented discussion of Fundamental Rights and Citizen Initiatives, May 3rd, 2025, 9-11am, in person at the Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers and virtually via Zoom.


Register Now!

4th Annual Tarpon Fly Fishing Invitational

June 8 -10, 2025

This two-day invitational tournament—generously supported by industry leaders like Power-Pole, Costa Del Mar, Beavertail Skiffs, Hatch Fly Reels, and more—continues its mission to benefit Calusa Waterkeeper!


It's not too late to become a sponsor!

📰 In the Press & Around the Watershed

The last two weeks have been the start of our Eyes on Seagrass "season" in Lee County. 

Calusa Waterkeeper - April 24, 2025

Gov. DeSantis: Caloosahatchee River reservoir will be ready to divert Lake O water by summer

Fort Myers News-Press - April 23, 2025

Celebrating Earth Day at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium!

Calusa Nature Center - April 19, 2025

SWFL Water quality expert urges more action from FDEP’s Basin Management Action Plans

Fort Myers News-Press - April 16, 2025

A table that sums up the reality of the state of Florida's commitment to water quality.

Calusa Waterkeeper - April 15, 2025

Paradise Lost? Fate of the Greater Western Everglades hangs in the balance

Fort Myers News-Press - April 16, 2025

Citizen ballot initiatives are in jeopardy in Florida. At stake: clean water and First Amendment freedoms 

The Invading Sea - April 10, 2025

Florida must act quickly to stop water pollution, federal lawmakers urge

Tampa Bay Times - April 11, 2025

Historic bottlenose dolphin deaths linked to phytoplankton bloom

Oceanographic - April 7, 2025

Calusa Waterkeeper holds vertical oyster garden class

Pine Island Eagle - April 8, 2025

Thanks to our staff and volunteers who joined us for a Coastal Marine Cleanup on Matlacha early this morning!

Calusa Waterkeeper - March 29, 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated and sponsored our Save Our Water luncheon at Broadway Palm!

Calusa Waterkeeper - March 29, 2025

🌎 Every Day is Earth Day

This Earth Week, we invite you to reflect on the vital role that clean water plays in our health, our communities, and our future. Calusa Waterkeeper is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Caloosahatchee watershed for the benefit of all. But we cannot do it alone; we need your support to continue this essential mission. 

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