Calusa Waterkeeper shows true colors as the Democrat-filled group ignores science to criticize water quality under DeSantis administration

FORT MYERS, Fla. (FLV) – Calusa Waterkeeper is showing its real colors as the organization, which is filled with Democrats, ignores science to criticize water quality under the DeSantis administration. 

Calusa Waterkeeper is a non-profit water quality organization that time and time again has blamed Lake Okeechobee discharges for red tide and algal blooms. 

The group most recently began highlighting algae blooms in the lake to back their claims that it is a major contributor to poor water quality. 

However, recent studies do not say the lake is to blame, including one from as recent as 2023. The study said Lee County drainage ditches, canals, creeks, and the Caloosahatchee River Estuary “often have high concentrations of nutrients and bacteria limiting their designated uses.”

The large-scale study “provides evidence of widespread human waste pollution” in Lee County and urged for infrastructure improvements. 

It went as far to connect terrible infrastructure to the harmful algal blooms and poor water quality.

However, Calusa Waterkeeper continues to peddle the narrative that Lake Okeechobee is to blame for blooms ahead of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ anticipated 2024 presidential announcement. 

The group fails to acknowledge DeSantis’ sweeping efforts to improve water quality in Florida.

For example, the governor pledged $3.5 billion in 2023 over four years for everglades conservation, which DeSantis called the highest level of funding in Florida’s history.

Under Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner’s leadership, $125 million was put in the budget for the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee river watersheds and estuaries.

However, Calusa Waterkeeper has continued to criticize the administration. Why is this?

Well, after peeling back the onion, one will find the board of Calusa Waterkeeper is loaded with Democrats and donors to Democratic candidates, including Charlie Crist and Andrew Gillum in their failed attempts against DeSantis.

The issues in the Caloosahatchee watershed are nothing new. But the environmentalists always seem to conveniently pick up this issue when they can use it to fundraise or attack Republicans. 

It’s ironic that instead of advocating for solutions that will actually impact our water quality such as septic tank conversions and infrastructure upgrades- they prefer to point blame and play politics.