Water quality a concern in Matlacha Pass as eels surface

Concerns are rising over the water quality of Matlacha Pass after cloudy-looking water was spotted, bringing eels and other sea life to the surface for air. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation believes the milky water is the result of bacteria and low dissolved oxygen. “Eels not only live on the bottom, they often times live in […]

Pence meets with DeSantis in Tampa to discuss COVID-19

Vice President Mike Pence and Gov. Ron DeSantis answered questions related to the coronavirus in Tampa Thursday. The two leaders discussed Florida’s case milestone and the state’s effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we’re continuing to see that rise in testing and cases in Florida, one of the big takeaways from the vice […]

Audubon Florida wants everyone to avoid use of fireworks near beaches, mindful of wildlife

Audubon Florida is asking Southwest Florida community members to watch where personal fireworks are launched during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Audubon Florida wants revelers to avoid lighting personal fireworks near the beach. It’s part of an effort to protect shorebirds, which are already threatened in Florida. “I mean, most people aren’t trying to […]

Governor DeSantis signs two environmental bills into law in Juno Beach

Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the media today in Juno Beach. The focus of the press conference was legislation regarding environmental protection and updates. Governor DeSantis is trying to keep the promise he made at the beginning of his administration to protect the environment by signing two bills into law this afternoon. “We got both bills […]

Historic steam engine rides again in Clewiston

Talk about a makeover! A 100-year-old steam engine has been given new life with an eco-friendly twist in Southwest Florida. From the bell to the whistle, engine number 148 attracts attention. “People across the country, rail fans, followed the progress. They posted pictures, video, she has her own Facebook page,” said Judy Sanchez, senior director of […]

Saharan dust may impact SWFL coastal waters

A gigantic dust column from Africa’s Sahara Desert has traveled thousands of miles and will eventually settle over the U.S. The dust is so thick it can be seen in satellite images, and once it reaches Southwest Florida, it may impact water quality. Experts say it’s too soon to tell if we’ll have another bad […]

Lake Okeechobee may be experiencing a large algae bloom

A large algae bloom has been spotted in Lake Okeechobee. Officials are monitoring the spread to determine what impact it will have on Southwest Florida waters. “It’s kind of like having a loaded gun pointed at you,” said Capt. Daniel Andrews, a Co-founder of Captains for Clean Water. Clean Water is kind of a big […]

Sea turtle nesting season going strong on Sanibel-Captiva

Dozens of sea turtle nests washed away and many more washed over after Tropical Storm Cristobal kicked up waves on Sanibel and Captiva islands. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation checked on nests Thursday. “We’re just checking for signs of hatch on some of the nests that are getting close or any signs of degradation, any other […]

FGCU releases preliminary findings on Estero River water quality

Florida Gulf Coast University has been keeping tabs on the Estero River to see what might be lurking in the water. What have they found so far? “It did verify that the Estero River has elevated concentrations of bacteria, something enough that we should pay attention to,” said Dr. Don Duke, professor of environmental studies. […]