Lake Worth Waterkeeper

05/14/2024

03/13/2024

Spring is a great time to head out on the lagoon

03/07/2024

A BIG WIN FOR THE LAKE WORTH LAGOON!

You may recall our work documenting and reporting the environmentally destructive and illegal construction of so-called floating structures by Fane Lozman in Munyon Cove near Singer Island. We documented the physical harm to mangroves and seagrass as well as the many species of important wildlife impacted by his "project".

That work culminated in an affidavit by your Waterkeeper Reinaldo that was used by the Department of Justice in their case against Lozman. Reinaldo was scheduled to testify as an expert witness next week.

But the DOJ also moved for summary judgment, their impressive motion included Reinaldo's affidavit and argued that the evidence is so clear that a trial isn't even needed to get the judge's decision.

Well that trial was canceled because yesterday Judge Middlebrooks granted summary judgment!

We're patiently waiting the filing of the order for remedy and will update when we get that.

But also keep in mind that Lozman must've seen the writing on the wall, because he has already removed all his floating structures from Munyon Cove! Some of it was last sighted around Peanut Island being taken apart and removed. We'll continue to keep an eye on that. But the judge's upcoming order will be a critical tool to make sure this doesn't happen again.

For the first time in YEARS beautiful Munyon Cove of the Lake Worth Lagoon is free from this harmful junk!

We are very clear with our intention that the Munyon Cove properties should be acquired so that they can be added to expand the nearby MacArthur Beach State Park.

(photo description: drone photograph taken of Fane Lozman sitting on one of his floating structures in Munyon Cove, taking a break from an unsuccessful and unpermitted attempt to drive pilings into the lagoon bottom, with a manatee swimming nearby.)

03/07/2024

Apologies for the lack of updates!

You may have noticed that we haven’t been as active on social media as we have been in the past. We’re sure many can relate: life events and other circumstances have been a little bit of a distraction.

But like the atalas we’re reorganizing and getting back in gear!

But the work never stopped. We have some really exciting updates to announce really soon.

03/01/2024

01/25/2024

One of Florida’s best environmental saves!

🦋 We have seen lots of chatter about the rare and imperiled Atala butterfly showing up around our county. Did you know it was once thought extinct? Discover its incredible history in our latest blog, "A Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Tale of Survival and Resurgence (Part II): Atala Butterflies." 📖

🔗 https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/01/24/a-florida-friendly-landscaping-tale-of-survival-and-resurgence-part-ii-atala-butterflies/

Our choices shaped the fate of these beautiful, imperiled butterflies. Dive into the story, be inspired, and join us in committing to a Florida-Friendly Landscape! Let's preserve our state's natural wonders and support native flora and fauna. 🦋🏡💚

UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Master Gardener Program Sarasota County Government City of Sarasota, Government Venice, Florida Municipal Government

01/24/2024

11/30/2023

Thank you all who donated to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser! Every bit helps us tremendously so it’s very much appreciated.

In this photo is a tiny horseshoe crab from one of the nesting sites we monitor. Although we didn’t find any nesting adults to tag this last round, we’re always excited to find the babies wandering around. They really give us hope for the Lake Worth Lagoon’s future.

Speaking of future we hope to pick up momentum and announce some great things at the new year!

11/28/2023

Our work is entirely on donations, whether it’s research, legal work, or education our programs can only happen with your generosity. Admittedly, this has been a challenging year but we’re proud of the accomplishments we’ve made. And we’re even more exciting for what we have in store for next year. Help us get started this so in the upcoming new year we can hit the water paddling!