Pollution

The FDEP found 41 areas in state waters exceeded polluttion limits in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties alone

Fort Myers converted Billy's Creek into an urban drainage route, and now has spent the years since trying to reverse the resulting bacteria problems and nutrient pollution but so far little is working.

During summertime months when county ordinance prohibits the use of fertilizers that contain nitrogen and phosphorus, residents are encouraged to seek alternatives to fertilizer to keep their lawns and landscape healthy and fed, while also ensuring local waterways remain protected.

Failing clean water standards would have consequences that spread beyond the Everglades.

Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, owner of Honc Destruction, is responsible for the dumping at Gator Road near Firing’s house in Briarcliff. Last year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ordered Mulicka and the property owner to clean up the toxic mess after inspectors found hazardous materials there, according to state records. Mulicka and the property owner entered into a consent order with the DEP in September requiring them to remove the hazardous materials and other illegal waste, to measure the contamination it caused, and to pay a $41,000 penalty. The 239-acre site, where 179 acres are polluted, is not permitted as a waste-disposal facility.

Water experts in Florida agree, as well as take exception, to a new report that says Lake Okeechobee is the dirtiest lake in the United States.The report by Lake.com, a Canadian-based vacation rental platform offering lake houses, cabins and cottages for rent, says Lake O's top issue is visibly murky water due to turbidity levels and lead contamination.The report said that an amount of lead was detected in its most recent samples. There is no safe level of lead, and its presence in lakes is unnatural. Additionally, the report said turbidity here was the second-highest of all evaluated lakes after Utah Lake, giving the impression of rather cloudy water.

The summer months in Florida play host to a constant battle against pesky mosquitoes. To combat these blood suckers, pesticides are sprayed into marshes and coastal areas.

While many Southwest Floridians locals will be out and about enjoying Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks, the festivities can take a toll on nature.

The new LOSOM touts improvements in water quality, protection of ecosystems in the Everglades, and better management of water resources.to prevent harmful algal blooms in the Caloosahatchee River. Is all that possible at the same time?

The year’s fourth warning for pollutants in or near the Caloosahatchee River has been issued for the presence of blue-green algae near the Alva Boat Ramp