FORT DENAUD, Fla. -- Toxic blue-green algae is slowly creeping back in to our waterway. And although we aren’t see thick green mattes like last summer, people in the community are still doing their part to educate others on the impacts.
“We watch these canals back here pretty closely,” said Corey McCloskey, Fort Denaud.
McCloskey and her family moved to Fort Denaud 18 months ago and last summer was their first living on the Caloosahatchee River, "we were not on the river at all last year.”
Toxic blue-green algae infiltrated the canals near their home June of 2018.
“As a mom am I putting my children’s health in jeopardy in living near the water, especially now with the science coming out saying it could lead to things down the road,” said McCloskey.
“we urge caution whenever there’s a bloom even if it’s sporadic, people don’t even have to be close to the water to be subject to that risk from inhalation toxicity, that’s what people are really worried about right now.” said John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper
Waterkeeper’s Florida now has a new initiative, Moms for Clean Water, asking moms to write a letter to first lady Casey DeSantis to share how your kids are impacted by the poor water quality.
“We really enjoy being outside, we fish and boat, all the things this beautiful area allows us to do all the time,” said McCloskey
McCloskey is doing her part by educating others through a water quality task force she spearheaded through her association with Naples Realtor Board.
She wants to see change, so her kids Ryli and Hunter, grow up enjoying what Florida has to offer, “I want my kids to have great memories, the boat on the water, and fishing and all of that.”
Calusa Waterkeeper is also holding a public health alert water summit Monday night at 5:30 at Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers.
