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The murky, turbid Lake Okeechobee discharge water also kills seagrass, oysters and other sea life. It blocks light from reaching the seagrass and prohibits photosynthesis. The seagrass beds and oysters are the foundation of estuarial marine life and an incredible natural filter. Without them, estuary ecosystems face an uncertain future. But of course, it takes money to fix the problem. May 2, 2017 marked an important day for the organization. The Florida House of Representatives followed the lead of the Senate, and passed Senate Bill 10. This bill provides $800 million in funding to create a dynamic reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee in the Everglades Agricultural Area. The reservoir is needed to provide freshwater to Florida Bay, and to alleviate discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St Lucie Rivers. “Each and every person that got involved with this issue made a difference, and should feel proud,” said Wittman. “Moving forward, we need to continue to build momentum. Without continuing to build support, we will never see the light at the end of the tunnel.” On Monday, May 8, 2017, Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law wired $100,000 to Captains for Clean Water. This is the largest single donation to Captains for Clean Water since the organization was founded just over a year ago. “The staff at Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law has been incredibly supportive of our organization, and we are very thankful for their commitment to clean water,” said Wittman. “Beyond the generous financial support, Mr. Smith has offered invaluable advice to the organization, as well as made the staff of the firm available for all of our needs.” The $100,000 donation was pledged at the Captains for Clean Water Restore Gala in Fort Myers. Leaders and members of the organization understand the importance of sharing their message and efforts with the next generation. They’ve been working with teachers in Lee County to come and speak to the students about their mission. Wittman said after learning about the water issues in Florida from their teachers, the students were very interested in the presentation and seemed eager to learn more about the problems with their own local waterways. The captains presented a challenge to the students. They were given a map, a few crayons and the direction to draw or explain a solution to this issue. They colored in the historic Everglades, showing how the water needs to flow south. The second graders’ ability to understand the problem and solution shows how fundamentally simple it is to fix the water crisis. “For the sake of these kids, and future generations, it is our responsibility to fight to protect our estuaries,” Wittman said. “Restoring the Everglades is an investment in our future, and our kids’ future.” Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that advocates for the elimination of harmful, large-scale Lake Okeechobee discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River Estuaries by restoring the natural flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay. Restoring the natural southern flow of Lake Okeechobee water is essential to the survival of our estuaries, the health of the Everglades, and the long-term viability of South Florida’s largest drinking water source – the Biscayne Aquifer. 74GASPARILLA ISLAND July/August 2017 G M There is a very high level of sediment being discharged into the Caloosahatchee River. This is a few miles south of the mouth of the river. The sediment eventually settles and forms "muck" on the bottom which is easily stirred up during windy periods. Photo by Curt Brown


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