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.
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.
South Florida environmentalists react to SB 2508
Lawmakers amended a controversial water bill this week after several people, including Governor Ron DeSantis, voiced opposition.
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?
Florida and federal wildlife officials team with FPL in plans to aid manatees
Wildlife officials, now teaming with the state’s largest electric utility, have approved an unusual step of feeding manatees that face another winter of limited food supplies in Florida waters.
Opening of C-44 reservoir celebrated
A milestone moment as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the C-44 canal reservoir Friday.
Oysters in St. Lucie Estuary starting to see reprieve from freshwater runoff discharges
For the first time since August, oysters are finally getting some reprieve from the recent deluge of rainfall runoff.
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.
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?
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.
South Florida Water Management District debates ASR wells for Lake Okeechobee project
TCPalm covers how the South Florida Water Management District plans to spend $50 million from the state Legislature on a project to store and clean water heading into Lake Okeechobee and interviews Mark Perry.
Florida's Water Crisis Has Sport Fishing on the Brink of Collapse
Outdoor Life covers the threat of fecal matter, killer algae, too much water, and not enough water on Florida's legendary inshore fishing sport and interviews Dr. Zack Jud.
Blue-green algae test results from western Martin County spark concern
WPTV covers blue-green algae concerns after a bloom was spotted in western Martin County and interviews Mark Perry for comment.
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.
State officials must strengthen environmental policies to solve algae crisis
"The water quality of the lake is at an all-time crisis level and human health, the environment and the regional economy are suffering as polluted lake water is discharged to the estuaries."
Flawed water-delivery system continues to imperil estuaries
"The water management system in South Florida is designed, engineered and operated to provide flood protection and water supply, but it obviously is being controlled to support the profit-driven agricultural industry around Lake Okeechobee."
Be heard with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a series of public meetings. On Thursday, June 28 2018 a meeting will be held at the Blake Library in Stuart, Florida. Seating will be limited.
