Enterococcus

On the north tip of Estero Island, the 17‑acre Bowditch Point Regional Park encompasses a public beach that's among Fort Myers Beach’s popular stretches of sand

Water quality advisory for sewage-related bacteria lifted at Bowditch Point Park

Tom Bayles

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County said that tests completed this week found the previously high level of enterococcus has decreased to an acceptable level, and it has lifted its advisory.

Manuel's Branch is a creek that is part of the City of Fort Myers drainage system running between U.S. 41 and the Caloosahatchee River that, for unknown reasons, keeps testing very high for fecal bacteria. Calusa Waterkeeper is holding an informational meeting about the problem on Oct. 15.

Environment

Calusa Waterkeeper to highlight ongoing severe fecal bacteria presence at Manuel's Branch creek

Tom Bayles

Calusa Waterkeeper will explain the current water conditions, outline health risks, and share tips about the drainage creek, which measures Enterococcus levels 21 times higher than Florida allows.

Here we go again. Like Hurricane Idalia last year, the tropical system named Debby on Saturday is sure to rile up the ocean and turn the sky menacing colors during its brush by of Southwest Florida on its way to landfall in the Big Bend. But this time, even without a direct hit, the effect of the storm on the beach of Southwest Florida could be more like the months after Hurricane Ian

Environment

Water Quality Report: Hurricanes, polluted waters, red tides. Sound familiar?

Tom Bayles

A lot surrounding Hurricane Debby's arrival brings back memories of Hurricanes Ian and Idalia and the water quality problems they caused. Will it happen again?

A large vessel remained grounded near the boat ramps several months after Hurricane Ian destroyed the Cape Coral Yacht Club in September 2023

Environment

Health officials give all-clear after retesting water near Cape Coral Yacht Club

Tom Bayles

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has lifted a water quality advisory for the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

The Cape Coral Yacht Club before Hurricane Ian destroyed the popular public venue on September 29, 2023

Environment

Fecal contamination discovered in water at Cape Coral Yacht Club

Tom Bayles

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a water quality advisory for the Cape Coral Yacht Club due to enterococcus bacteria.

Environment

Water Quality Report: How much water released from Lake O into the Caloosahatchee River is too much?

Tom Bayles

This is the Water Quality Report that will be updated weekly to highlight harmful algae blooms such as red tide, blue-green algae, and other fresh water and saltwater problems.

Environment

Water Quality Report

Tom Bayles

Water Quality Report Red Tide Blue-Green Algae Cyanobacteria EnterococcusReports from state environmental agencies, conservation group, and citizens said the major waterways in Southwest Florida were clear of red tide, blue-green algae, and other harmful algae blooms as the week began although there were some minor reports offshore and in the Caloosahatchee River.