Flows at the Franklin Lock (S-79) for the past 7 days averaged 1728 cfs, with 0% of the flow coming from Lake Okeechobee. No Fish kills and respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide have been reported in Lee County over the past week by FWC. Lake Okeechobee stage exceeded 13 feet at the beginning of the rainy season. . Find Out More; Next Previous. 223.7 kB Of the four CERP projects authorized by WRRDA, the C-43 Reservoir Project will provide the greatest benefit to the west coast. Please let me know! Conditions for a day at the beach or pool are poor. Florida Department of Environmental Protection algal bloom response website. One of our greatest accomplishments towards addressing water storage within the Caloosahatchee watershed during this past year was adoption of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act[ ] of 2014 (WRRDA). We just got back and I feel sad for the area. From this live feeder you can spot whitetail deer, chipmunks, squirrels and racoons, including many species of wild birds, like blue jays, cardinals, sparrows and goldfinch. This provides an opportunity to provide feedback on current ecological conditions within the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary. Do your part, dont feed the monster! Local governmentis responsible foradding and maintainingwastewater andstormwater treatmentfacilities, andfor providing programs for public education. This year the City partnered with Lee County, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Charlotte County, South Florida Water Management District, the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to launch a new fertilizer education campaign aimed at educating the citizens of Southwest Florida about the unintended consequences of over fertilizing on water quality. The infrastructure isnt ready to handle this many visitors. Wind NNE 15 mph. August 18- 20, 2013, Mayor Ruane and Director Evans traveled to Tallahassee to meet with Senate Select Committee staffers and the Governors Chief of Staff to discuss the Caloosahatchee water releases. [ Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), andthe County is required to follow a water body restoration plan called aBasin Management Action Plan (BMAP). 1.2 MB Partly cloudy with a high of 84 F (28.9 C) and a 51% chance of precipitation. 2023 www.news-press.com. The major pollutant of concern in Lee County is nutrients, specifically nitrogen. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 1.2 MB Recorded rainfall for February and May were also well above average rainfall. November 5, 2013, Meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin. The overnight low will be 67 F (19.4 C). Home News Local Are people returning to Fort Myers Beach too quickly for the island to handle? 19-01 (SUPPORTING GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS' STRONG COMMITMENT TO WATER QUALITY, EVERGLADES RESTORATION AND THE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING LEVELS OUTLINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 19-12) INFORMATION ON TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MICROORGANISMS Red Tide ]. Note: All requests would be funded from existing tourist tax . 11 Southwest Floridabeaches got poor marks. Tests completed on Thursday indicate the water quality at Bonita Beach park does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida. Air quality of Fort Myers Beach today. For example, rainfall in January within the Kissimmee valley averaged 468% above normal, Lake Okeechobee averaged 522% above normal and rainfall within the eastern Caloosahatchee averaged 575% above normal. The interactive Calusa Waterkeeper map can be seen online at https://calusawaterkeeper.org/issues/bacteria-monitoring/ at the bottom of the page, and you can click on each location and see the previous months results and more information about the site. We are once again pleased to present our annual water quality report. Annual Water Quality Report . This can have a trickledown effect on local businesses, resulting in lost revenue and jobs. You know, that is a very good question, and I dont know if I know the direct answer for that, Mayor Allers said. Below are links to several letters that were submitted to our State and Federal legislators and water managers requesting action. Know the surfaces you'll be riding on to ensure your ride is as safe as possible with your available gear. This occurred for several reasons: 1.) As of July 5, 2022the elevation of Lake Okeechobee is 12.87 feet. Air Quality Fair. Click here to see the Current Level of Lake Okeechobee. In accordance with federal standards and regulations, our most recent testing data has been provided. Lee and Collier Counties had more than $147 billion in real estate assessed values in 2013; and generated more than $1.9 billion in property tax revenue. However, at this time the Caloosahatchee continues to receive the lions share of the releases from the Lake. Department of Healths Aquatic Toxins program website. Flows at the Franklin Lock (S-79) during the past week averaged 726 cfs, with 100% of the water currently coming from Lake Okeechobee (typical for the dry season). 90.3 kB We are once again pleased to present our annual water quality report. Click here to see the Current Level of Lake Okeechobee . 5:39 PM. Can I swim at Fort Mayer Beach if we visit in late May 2023? This project was designed primarily to address the Caloosahatchees low-flow problems and is critical for balancing salinity within the estuary during the dry season. It is estimated that this project will eliminate 70-80% of our Minimum Flow and Level violations. It was a beautiful day so we decided to come sit out at the beach, said Paige Teregan. Conditions for hiking are fair. 48.5 kB Our citizens recognize the connection between the natural environment and our quality of life and have supported policies and programs that protect and improve water quality in our own back yards. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Sanibel delegation met with key Congressional leaders or their staff while in D.C., including Congressman John Mica, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Congressman Dan Webster, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Bill Young, and Congressman Steve Southerland, September 24, 2013, Mayor Ruane travels to Tallahassee to attend and provide testimony at the second Senate Select Committee Meeting on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin. The City of Sanibel | 800 Dunlop Road | Sanibel, FL 33957. Click here for SFWMD monthly rainfall data. [ The results are harmful algal blooms; human and wildlife health problems;economic problems; andperiodic closures ofour shell fisheries. are representative of a suite of bacteria from the digestive tract of mammals, and often come from sources such as inadequately treated wastewater, leaking septic tanks, stormwater runoff, pet waste, livestock, and wildlife. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Replacing outdoor lights with yellow bug lights can attract less insects. It just shows that people, you know, love this place, Abright added. No I dont. Get answers to your questions about Fort Myers Beach, Browse all 5,386 Fort Myers Beach topics . The bathroom in the Times Square area, the busiest part of the beach, was destroyed. City Council 2013 Water Quality Action Timeline, Link to 360 panoramic view of Lighthouse Beach Park taken September 13, 2018; SanCap Aerial. Be sure only to cut off 1/3 of the total height of your grass when mowing. Click here for links to weekly Caloosahatchee Conditions Reports. . Click here for Executive Order 18-191 (pdf 7.96 MB) . Fox 4's Kenan Scott gets a live look at the damage done to Fort Myers Beach by Ian on the water. August 15, 2103, Mayor spoke with Governors Chief of Staff to express the Citys concerns about the freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee. The risk of weather-related sinus pressure is moderate. June 23, 2023 - Fort Myers Beach News. Register for Fort Myers alerts by visiting www.alertlee.com. 6 years ago Save Hi all, we are going to Fort Myers Beach the end of the month and have been hearing about issues with the water. A A. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. If you've been to Fort Myers Beach recently, you've likely seen the swarms of people that line the beach. RealFeel Shade 64. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. August 22, 2013, Mayor Ruane testified at Senate Select Committee on Indian River lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin (IRLLOB) Hearing in Stuart, FL. Link to Sanibel Awards Learn more about Lee County's water quality sampling network. (<1mb pdf, opens in new window), Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria:Department information for Vibrio vulnificus. Stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Fort Myers Beach, compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. This would be considered phase I of the larger C-43 West Reservoir CERP project and could be included in the state cost share for the federal project. I hope the water clears up, but until that time, visitors have a right to know what to expect, and these videos are not reflective of water conditions in FMB. Its a weird thing to think about, but are people flocking back to the island faster than the community can handle them? Florida Healthy Beaches Program NOTICE: If a beach is closed to the public, water quality will not be monitored and water quality advisories will not be issued. Lake Okeechobee levels are currently within the Base Flow Sub-band of the Lake Okeechobee Regulations Schedule. Click here to see the most recent aerial photograph of water conditions at Lighthouse Beach Park. Click to reveal Now just four portable toilets serve the sometimes several hundred people sunbathing. So sad. The State should acquire lands needed to store, treat and convey water south through purchase from willing sellers, acquisition of private easements, or by swapping existing non-essential state-owned lands to acquire the footprint needed to effectively store, treat and convey water south through the Everglades Agricultural Area. Water clarity in San Carlos Bay and along Sanibels beaches is very good due to reduced freshwater flows from the Caloosahatchee. For information on other water quality issues please see the following websites. Click here for the direct link to Fort Myers Beach water sample results. As of December 27, 2021, residents and businesses in the City of Fort Myers are limited to a one-day per-week landscape irrigation schedule. This means thatFDEP has givenLee County pollution reduction goals to meetcalled Click here for links to weekly Caloosahatchee Conditions Reports. Since the last week in January, discharges have greatly exceeded the high-flow harm threshold of 2,800 cfs for the estuary. If you wouldve asked me on September 29th if wed be where were at right now, I wouldve probably told you no, said Mayor Dan Allers. Water quality is the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water with relationship to those characteristics' effects on human and environmental health. Last week, 11 Southwest Floridabeaches got poor marksafter tests showed high fecal bacteria counts. We have friends staying at the Sourhern end of Fort Myers Beach and although we haven't gone yet, they say their water is a little clearer and greener than the water where we are at the Caper Beach Club. I wouldn't let my son step a foot in the water. Trams are reopening from 8 a.m. to noon and will deliver visitors to within 800 feet of the beach. [ EnEspaol Si ustedtienealgu-napreguntasobreesteinformefavordelllamar a BeachWater al (239)463-9914. As a result, the system is very flash and even modest storm events can result in large volumes of freshwater being discharged to the east and west coast through the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, respectively. Enteric bacteria, which inhabits the intestinal tract of people and animals, is an indication of fecal pollution. These projects will build the foundation for moving more water south into Everglades National Park and help to eliminate the harmful discharges to the estuaries. Continuing to implement programs and policies that protect water quality in our own backyards, community lakes, and canals; Building on past efforts and accumulated science; Focusing our messaging on the economic impacts; Partnering with Lee County, local municipalities, our Island Partners (SCCF and J.N. Find Us On Social Media: Several Lee County Sheriffs Office deputies were seen patrolling the island, but none on the beach. Please let me know! 2.9 MB There are several non-profit agencies that monitor the releases as they occur. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can spend your day here beachcombing and swimming in the warm, tranquil waters, or trying out a range of water sports like parasailing; ensure peace of mind and book the experience beforehand with a reliable and trusted operator. Perfect for distribution to visitors, thisRed Tide Fact Sheetincludes answers to frequently asked questions and public health recommendations during red tide blooms. People have been ignoring closed signs and bypassing barriers to get up on the most destroyed and unsafe remains of the fishing pier. The few garbage cans that remain following Hurricane Ian are now mostly overflowing. However, it is recommended that beachgoers avoid wading or swimming in large accumulations of drift algae, which may harbor bacteria. As a result, the Army Corps conducted regulatory releases from Lake Okeechobee to the estuaries to maintain appropriate Lake levels to protect the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike. State legislators announce funding for clean water projects. Conditions for golfing are poor. Despite the ongoing recovery efforts on the island, people continue to flood the island, bringing their beach towels, chairs and footballs. My opinion pretty! Even with all the stuff going on and the devastation., PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hundreds of tourists spend New Years Day on devastated Fort Myers Beach. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. If youve been to Fort Myers Beach recently, youve likely seen the swarms of people that line the beach. The risk of catching a cold is high. Project will result in increased water storage and treatment within the Caloosahatchee basin. In summer of 2013, regulatory releases from Lake Okeechobee combined with stormwater runoff from the Caloosahatchee watershed resulted in large volumes of freshwater being discharged to the Caloosahatchee estuary. Resource managers with the City and our partners at SCCF, J.N. Estimated cost of the interim storage project is $10 million. Continue to keep pressure on the Corps to rehabilitate the Herbert Hoover Dike. A good way to stay informed on the health of the water is to monitor water quality. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed, clickhereto download a free version of this software. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. 18-1066 (pdf 4.03 MB). Current Weather. It would require additional infrastructure, including building berms and installing larger pumps to put more water on the site. The map shows the latest enteric bacteria ratings and avoid-water advisories near Fort Myers from the Florida Department of Health. The more that we can get the word out that we want you to enjoy yourself, but we want you to be safe, I think thats the important message.. To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for June 16, 2023. Strong El Nio conditions during the winter and spring of 2015/16 resulted in rainfall greatly exceeding historical averages throughout South Florida. Click here for OGC No. Ensure you're up-to-date on the latest city news. The Mayor said the town is committed to doing everything it can to help, but it takes two to tango. Click hereVersion OptionsWater QualityEstero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are two of the best features about the Town of Fort Myers Beach.Headline for recent reports from Fish & Wildlife Commission regarding Red Tide. If you look towards the Gulf of Mexico, you truly cant recognize the devastation thats right behind you. Blue-green algae are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Red tide shows conditions from last seven days and algal bloom is from the . This will require a great deal of work on our part to ensure that our legislators hear from us and understand the importance of funding the C-43 Reservoir Project. As a result, salinities throughout the upper Caloosahatchee estuary sharply increased over the past two weeks. By using this site, you agree to the . ] Earlier this month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, in nearly 100 samples throughout Southwest Florida. As of July 5, 2022the elevation of Lake Okeechobee is 12.87 feet. Additional funds are needed for the state to partner with large land owners in the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee basins to store more water on the land so that it is not discharged to Lake Okeechobee or to the Caloosahatchee River. Photos below may not represent current conditions. This year the Florida legislature appropriated $18 million to help fund the C-43 Reservoir Project and according to the South Florida Water Management District, work on the project is scheduled to begin in October 2014. Flows less than 650 cfs allow salinities within the estuary to get too high, which can impact freshwater tape grass and reduce nursery areas for ecologically and economically important fish species. Purchase additional lands south of Lake Okeechobee at fair market value, acquire private easements, or swap existing State-owned lands for the critical lands needed to facilitate storage, treatment and conveyance of water south into Everglades National Park.The State currently owns 26,790 acres of land that was purchased for $197,396,088 ($7,400/acre) from U.S. Sugar Corp. as part of the Reviving the River of Grass Project, with an option to purchase an additional 153,209 acres. Is it safe? No. Disaster application case management/assistance at Disaster Recovery Centers is still available. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. November 8, 2013 the Senate Select Committee IRLLOB submits Final Report. Are people returning to Fort Myers Beach too quickly for the island to handle? The risk of suffering from a weather-related migraine is low. ], July 8, 2014 sign-on letter from the SWFCF to Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo Ellen Darcy regarding risk assessment for the Herbert Hoover Dike ]. 2023 Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, 2022 Sponsors, Winners & Honorable Mentions, Lee County Travel Rally & Community Celebration, How to Take Full Advantage of VCB Programs, Guests First Customer Service Training Program, Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSPs), MOTE Marine Beach Conditions Reporting System, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission Red Tide Current Status, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission Red TideSample Map, Florida Health- HABs (Harmful Algae Blooms) Facts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Algal Bloom Sampling Status, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Department of Health Cyanobacteria and Blue-Green Algae FAQs, Printable file with water quality FAQ black & white (PDF), Florida Department of Health Vibrio vulnificus Fact Sheet. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. The City of Sanibel continues to work with our State and Federal legislators and water managers to adopt policies and implement short- and long-term projects that will improve conditions within the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary and protect our coastal waters. The west coast stakeholders, which include representatives from the City of Sanibel, SCCF, J.N. 188.2 kB The bill authorizes several important Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) projects, including the C-43 West Basin Reservoir, the C-111 Spreader Canal, Broward County Water Preserve Area, and the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands projects. Its always present in the Gulf of Mexico in small amounts, but when it blooms and occurs in larger amounts, it sometimes discolors the waters, giving them a reddish or brownish appearance, hence the name red tide. When blooms occur, their toxins can kill fish and other marine animals. [ The ultimate goal is to keep flows between 650cfs and 2,800 cfs to maintain appropriate salinities for the ecology of the estuary. I'm just wondering what the gulf water looks like. The Economic Injury Application Deadline is June 29, 2023. August 28, 2013,Governor Scott visited Fort Myers to announce additional funding for water storage projects, including a commitment to provide $90 million in State funding for an additional 2.6 miles of bridging along Tamiami Trail to increase flow south into Everglades National Park. 84.46.250.145 Utilities Department 24hr Emergency Hotline: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. 248.7 kB Please take a look at your designated day of the week. All rights reserved. Air Monitors . Notice to Development Community EXPLANATION OF TEMPORARY MODIFICATION IN PERMITTING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS Read on. This is now resulting in project delays and a backlog of federal projects. [ The City supports the draft recommendations of the Senate Select Committee on Indian River lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin (IRLLOB), led by Senator Joe Negron and Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, which includes short-and long-term solutions, including policy changes and project funding to address the high-flow discharges from Lake Okeechobee. Public Safety (Emergency Management) (EMS), Strategic Resources & Government Affairs Office, Florida's weather, beautiful beaches and rivers attract people to visit and live here, Lee County's water quality sampling network, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program's Water Atlas, Find out more about how to prevent pollution. As of December 27, 2021, residents and businesses in the City of Fort Myers are limited to a one-day per-week landscape irrigation schedule. As of December 19, 2018, the elevation of Lake Okeechobee was 12.26 feet. August 07, 2013, Mayor Ruane met with Congressman Trey Radel to discuss the impacts of the freshwater releases and how they have impacted Sanibels economy and local businesses. I was always taught you leave something better than when you found it. Wind Gusts 15 mph. Of course, there are many other concerns with water quality that are not represented in this particular map, including vibrio, red tide, blue green algae, and hurricane debris in the water, to name a few. UnlikeKarenia brevis, drift algae is not known to produce toxins that are harmful to human health. We need support from the U.S Senate and Congressional leaders to authorize critical CERP projects and to appropriate funds needed to construct them in a timely manner.
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