Port Mayaca Lock and Dam shutting down in response to toxic algae photos
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is adjusting its water release schedule at the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam (S-308) in Martin County after receiving aerial images showing a thin ribbon of algal mass moving towards the gate Monday.
'Surprised to see it this early': Toxic blue-green algae found in Lake Okeechobee during winter
Environmentalists are keeping an eye on local waterways now that harmful blue green algal toxins have been spotted in Lake Okeechobee, especially in parts of Martin County.
Army Corps releases latest Lake O management plan's predicted effect on St. Lucie River
The Army Corps last week released an Environmental Impact Statement that details the potential consequences of how the agency plans to manage lake levels for the next decade. A final draft of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) is expected to be adopted in 2023.
Mast’s bill takes aim at Lake O discharges
The Treasure Coast’s congressman introduced a bill Wednesday requiring a multiyear roadmap to end Lake Okeechobee discharges to coastal estuaries, which are often a vehicle for toxic algae and ecological destruction.
Starving manatees will face another rough winter next season
When manatees on Florida's east coast gather next winter, they're likely to face another season of starvation.
Revised SB 2508’s impact on river, lagoon weighed
The most contentious environment bill of this year’s legislative session is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
DEP will expedite seagrass-planting permits to help manatees
Florida will make it easier and faster to plant seagrasses, the main food source for manatees that are dying in record numbers, according to a Treasure Coast lawmaker.
Mark Perry receives 2022 Conservationist Award
Mark Perry, executive director of the Florida Oceanographic Society, recently was awarded the 2022 Conservationist Award by the Everglades Coalition in honor of his 40-plus years protecting and restoring the greater everglades ecosystem.
South Florida environmentalists react to SB 2508
Lawmakers amended a controversial water bill this week after several people, including Governor Ron DeSantis, voiced opposition.
SFWMD wants more say when Lake Okeechobee level drops, but environmentalists are worried
Clean-water advocates lost the war for zero discharges to the St. Lucie River in the new plan being written to manage Lake Okeechobee’s water level for the next decade. Now they fear a new state proposal threatens the battle they did win: a nearly 40% reduction in Lake O discharges.
2021 was a record year for Florida manatee deaths. Here are 5 ways you can help sea cows
More Florida manatees died in 2021 than any other year, most of them from starving, and many readers have asked TCPalm: How can I help?
Seagrass beds are starting to revive along the Indian River Lagoon; but for how long?
Don't cue the ticker-tape parade quite yet, but seagrass is starting to make a comeback in the Indian River Lagoon along the Treasure Coast and Space Coast.
U.S. Sugar Corp. vs. Army Corps: Who's right about operating Lake Okeechobee levels?
The Army Corps of Engineers is "rolling the dice" with water South Florida depends on by lowering Lake Okeechobee, the U.S. Sugar Corp. says.
Despite Dorian, Army Corps won't start Lake Okeechobee discharges to St. Lucie River yet
Less rainfall than expected from Hurricane Dorian plus efforts to keep Lake Okeechobee low add up to no discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.
Now is time for courageous leadership by water management officials
This is a pivotal moment in our longstanding fight for clean water.
Fort Pierce algae found to not be toxic
Test results from two samples taken this week along the Indian River in Fort Pierce confirm the presence of blue-green algae but it shows no signs of being toxic.
Dirty water update: High bacteria on beaches, algae in Fort Pierce, dead clams in Palm City
Bacteria, algae and — believe it or not — millions of dead clams: It's all in the water along the Treasure Coast; and it's all nasty.
Algae at a marina in Fort Pierce being tested
"Even if this isn’t a harmful type of algae, the amount of fresh water pouring into our estuary is a big concern," said Dr. Zack Jud with the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart.
Could blue-green algae be creeping into Treasure Coast waters without Lake O discharges?
Is blue-green algae starting to creep into Treasure Coast waters without Lake Okeechobee discharges?
Free of toxic algae: Seagrass growth on Treasure Coast shows sign of restoration
The restoration of seagrass is a promising sign for those who have witnessed past seagrass die-offs on the Treasure Coast.
Mark Perry Gives Lake Okeechobee Background on the KC Ingram Show
WSTU interviewed Mark Perry on the KC Ingram Show on the history of Lake Okeechobee discharges and their current effect on the environment.
South Florida Water Management District: Extra sampling can track, prevent algae blooms
TCPalm covers the South Florida Water Management District's dramatic expansion in its water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee and interviews Mark Perry.
Blue-Green Algae Task Force: Focus should be on preventing, not removing toxic blooms
TCPalm covers the Florida Blue-Green Algae Task Force meeting and several members of the public who addressed them, and interviews Mark Perry and Gary Goforth.
US Army Corps pumps canal water back into Lake Okeechobee
TCPalm covers the canal that connects Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie estuaries has reached an alarming high, making for concern as heavy rain is projected for the weekend forecast and interviews Mark Perry.
Army Corps sending C-44 Canal water east into St. Lucie River, west into Lake Okeechobee
TCPalm interviews Mark Perry and covers that the Army Corps of Engineers is getting ready for expected heavy rain this weekend by releasing water from the swollen C-44 Canal east into the St. Lucie River and west into Lake Okeechobee.
Toxic blue-green algae not polluting St. Lucie River since summer discharges halted
WBPF interviews Dr. Zack Jud on toxic blue-green algae and how, for the first time in years, the St. Lucie River and other local waterways are not covered in harmful green slime.
Governor DeSantis makes SFWMD announcement at the Coastal Center
On February 21, Governor Ron DeSantis stopped by the Coastal Center to announce that he appointed Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch to the South Water Management Governing Board!
Help Save Our Waters!
We need your help to provide community input on the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM)!
Share your voice with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!
"At this point in the process, it is critical we hear about concerns and priorities from the public," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Reynolds, Deputy Commander for South Florida.
Water Resources Development Act Updates
On October 23, President Trump signed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, also known as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2018.
