Water releases from Lake Okeechobee to continue through March 29
Water releases from the lake will continue through March 29 followed by a two-week break. However, environmentalists said it is not enough time for the fragile St. Lucie Estuary and its marine fisheries to recover.
Marine biologist calls state's fine against Sandpiper Bay and Resort for mangrove cutting 'slap on the wrist'
May the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) was investigating more than 17,000 square feet of mangroves cut down along the shoreline of the Sandpiper Bay and Resort on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie.
Seagrass matting efforts helping to restore the vital plant in the Indian River Lagoon
At Florida Oceanographic, researchers were joined by volunteers this week in attaching seagrass fragments to burlap mats, a step that helps get the vital plant back where it belongs.
Attack of the Killer Jellyfish! Not really, but what to know about by-the-wind sailors
These breezy March days, as the tide recedes along South Florida beaches, some beachgoers are noticing small objects left behind at the high tide line. They're the size and shape of a human ear. They're electric blue and deep purple — the same color and texture as the Portuguese men-of-war common to Florida beaches.
Resort pays high fine for destroying mangrove forest that will take 25 years to regrow
A Treasure Coast resort has paid one of the steepest mangrove-cutting fines in state history for illegally cutting about 944 mangrove trees to nubs along the St. Lucie River shoreline. The state also has issued a second fine in the case to an unpermitted West Palm Beach landscaping company.
Army Corps will continue Lake O releases despite algae found in St. Lucie River
Lake Okeechobee discharges have not sparked toxic algae blooms in the St. Lucie River yet, but Treasure Coast scientists, residents and business owners are worried about the impending possibility.
Treasure Coast residents rail against Lake Okeechobee discharges at Rivers Coalition
Treasure Coast residents railed against Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River in Stuart Thursday during the River Coalition’s monthly meeting.
'It impacts our health': Treasure Coast residents voice worries as discharges from Lake Okeechobee continue
Concern over water releases from Lake Okeechobee was front and center Thursday at a Rivers Coalition meeting.
Army Corps attends public meeting in Stuart, discusses Lake O discharges with residents
Lake Okeechobee discharges have started, and people who live in communities near the impacted waterways are not so happy.
Environmental experts respond to Lake Okeechobee discharge into Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from Lake Okeechobee after citing higher-than-average water levels from El Niño conditions. Many local environmental experts say they are worried.
Massive Lake Okeechobee discharges to come this weekend, officials announce
This weekend, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is going to begin a massive release of water from Lake Okeechobee for the first time in months.
El Niño rains to blame for Lake Okeechobee water sent to the St. Lucie River, Stuart
Lake Okeechobee water will start pouring into the St. Lucie River on Saturday.
Environmentalists warn of impacts ahead of Lake Okeechobee discharges
Residents along Florida's east coast are bracing for the floodgates, which hold back water from Lake Okeechobee, to open Saturday.
Lake Okeechobee discharges coming Saturday; Army Corps says lake too high
The Army Corps of Engineers will begin discharging water from a swollen Lake Okeechobee on Saturday.
What would discharges mean for Martin County?
People in and around Martin County are anxiously awaiting whether the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will announce discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary.
Army Corps of Engineers considering discharges from Lake Okeechobee to St. Lucie Estuary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering "different release scenarios" of discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary ahead of the wet and hurricane seasons.
DEP issues final order to punish Port St. Lucie resort for destroying mangrove forest
Sandpiper Bay Resort has five months to restore a mangrove forest it destroyed to create a beach and unobstructed view of the St. Lucie River, according to a Jan. 23 state order.
Dune remains strong following December storm, though expert warns of erosion potential going forward
The recent string of winter storms has had an impact on our coastal beaches, especially along the Treasure Coast.
Expert warns of potential for Lake Okeechobee discharges this winter
This summer, experts braced for a flurry of discharges from Lake Okeechobee that would threaten local waterways on the Treasure Coast, including the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon.
Decrease in weekend temperatures expected to attract manatees to West Palm Beach waters
Every year, the manatees bring people from near and far, all of them hoping to catch a glimpse.
This weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s and 60s, which means our waters will also be a little cooler.
Dr. Zack Jud, with the Florida Oceanographic Society, says for hundreds of years when the waters start getting colder, the manatees go searching for a place to warm up.
How DEP plans to punish a Port St. Lucie resort for destroying a half-acre mangrove canopy
DEP proposes punishment for Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie.
Giving Days: How to help the Florida Oceanographic Society help the Indian River Lagoon
To assist in its mission of providing environmental education, Florida Oceanographic Society wants to replace an old storage shed where the staff keeps educational supplies such as dip nets, seine nets, buckets and more. The shed is on its last legs.
A fuel depot may be coming to Fort Pierce, though safety concerns following past fuel plant disaster loom
A fuel farm could be on the way to the Treasure Coast.
Restoration is cure for drowning Everglades | Commentary
Wet season runoff from sugarcane operations within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is still having a disproportionate impact on the current flooding in the central Everglades, posing a threat to wildlife.
Estuaries celebrated at Florida Oceanographic Society
Florida Oceanographic Society celebrated estuaries at the Coastal Center on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The event included ecosystem education with trail walks, oyster and water quality demonstrations, crafts, food and activities.
