Stephanie Byrne

Leaders around the world are currently in Glasgow, Scotland to tackle climate change. Even Southwest Florida is being represented at this meeting. The Collier County Waterkeeper has made climate change one of his top priorities and now he’s speaking out about how to protect Florida. KC Schulberg is the Collier County Waterkeeper. “Whether you want […]

A new bill is calling for warning signs about what’s lurking underneath the surface of Florida’s waterways. If the Safe Waterways Act becomes law, signs would warn people of fecal bacteria present in any body of water. Those behind the bill believe it can turn the tide for public health as thousands of miles and […]

The future of Lake Okeechobee hangs in the balance as the Army Corps of Engineers works toward finishing a road map for lake management. There are several goals the Army Corps of Engineers hope to meet with the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), including reducing the risk of harmful algal blooms and protecting Lake […]

A state report shows trouble in Southwest Florida’s water. Scientists warn that areas of our water are polluted with nutrients and bacteria. While the findings are no surprise to those who sample and study our waterways, the unwanted attention could be a much-needed wake-up call. Along the Caloosahatchee River, some creeks and canals that flow […]

Climate change is making communities in Southwest Florida think more about flooding risks and how to prepare for the consequences. Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida. What do these states have in common? They’re home to communities at risk of flooding because of climate change. That’s according to a report from the First Street Foundation. It’s […]

When scientists check on the health of our marine environments, they do more than just test the water quality. One group of researchers cares about what they hear underwater. When you’re enjoying a day out on the water, you use your senses. You can see what the water looks like, you can feel it if […]

Cane toads are invasive here in Southwest Florida and they can be lethal to pets. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking and trapping toads with the help of overseas tech. They use traps manufactured in Australia and while researchers say the traps are successful, they’re not the final solution to the cane toad problem. […]

Red tide is reappearing in Southwest Florida. Some beaches have even seen dead fish lining the shores. While red tide conditions look better than they have in previous years, those who work on the water say they’re keeping a watchful eye. Captain John Landry is a full-time charter captain based out of Fort Myers Beach. […]

For at least a month, Cathy Corey’s views have been obscured by a thick mat of algae. The southeast Cape Coral canal she lives near is covered in it. And while there is movement to remove the green gunk, it keeps returning. The algae mats move with the tide and winds. It’s a type of […]

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife and for Mac Stone’s camera. “I just fell in love with it,” said Stone, a National Geographic Explorer and photographer. Now, Stone’s work is garnering international attention as the Natural History Museum in London selected one of his photographs for its annual wildlife photographer of the […]