'LIKE CHOCOLATE MILK': Here's why billions of gallons of freshwater is dumping into St. Lucie River

Billions of gallons of water filled with runoff from surrounding urban and agricultural areas are dumping into the St. Lucie River after significant rainfall filled the new C-44 Reservoir and surrounding canals to dangerously high levels.

‘We’re all connected to the Everglades’ Foundation showcases personal tales about the Florida Everglades’ impact

With the possible exception of the boundary lands separating Canada and Minnesota, the Florida peninsula is a geographic fabric unlike any other in North America or even the world.

Residents fight golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Martin County leaders, residents and environmentalists are scrambling to halt the development of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which would include clearing huge swaths of native scrub habitat to build three golf courses

Treasure Coast environmentalists excited about new Lake Okeechobee discharge schedule

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ new Lake Okeechobee water release schedule went into effect on Monday after years of the Corps working with local agencies and other stakeholders to create the new plan. The new discharge schedule is called The Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual.

Army Corps finally signs historic new Lake O management plan

The new plan to regulate Lake Okeechobee’s level and curb harmful discharges to the St. Lucie River took effect Monday after five years of work, officials announced Tuesday.

A state agency involved in the restoration of the historic Everglades voted Thursday to spend $6 million on a water quality treatment component to the Caloosahatchee River reservoir, often called C-43.

A state agency involved in the restoration of the historic Everglades voted Thursday to spend $6 million on a water quality treatment component to the Caloosahatchee River reservoir, often called C-43.

Deep Dive: Seagrass shows signs of life in the Indian River Lagoon

Seagrass appears to be making a comeback — at least for now, at least to a limited degree and at least in some areas — in the Indian River Lagoon.

Waters at Port Mayaca Lock showed toxin levels 60 times what the EPA considers safe

Algal blooms that are harmful to humans and animals have been building up at the gates of Port Mayaca. Water samples taken in the area at the end of June, showed toxin levels 60 times what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe to touch.

Environmental groups react to Florida ban on balloon releases

Balloons have long been used to celebrate or commemorate life’s biggest moments. However, celebratory releases will soon be a thing of the past in Florida. House Bill 321 will ban the intentional release of all balloons, including those that are biodegradable.

Billions of Gallons of Freshwater Are Dumped at Florida’s Coasts. Environmentalists Want That Water in the Everglades

Environmental groups want to use engineered wetlands to help replenish the river of grass and address toxic algae. The state’s politically powerful sugar growers say those wetlands are for their own polluted water.

Is wet weather in South Florida impacting Lake Okeechobee water levels?

The rain has been coming down all throughout the Sunshine State, so what impact will that have water levels at Lake Okeechobee?

Why new way to measure Lake Okeechobee levels may be confusing

Out at Lake Okeechobee, there is visible blue-green algae on both the lake side and canal side of the Port Mayaca Lock.

Army Corps of Engineers releases new water management plan for Lake Okeechobee

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced an updated schedule for releasing water from Lake Okeechobee, focusing on environmental impacts and downstream effects.

Environmental groups, Stuart to request EPA to intervene in clean water efforts

The biggest takeaway from Thursday's Rivers Coalition meeting was an announcement that five environmental groups and the city of Stuart will submit a formal request to the Environmental Protection Agency asking them to intervene in Florida’s water management efforts.

Manatee deaths decline for first time in five years, researchers skeptical that will last

Manatees had been dying off in record numbers in Florida in recent years, but that has changed for the first time in five years.

Environmental issues prompt opposition to new street lighting on Hutchinson Island

Sea turtle safety and light pollution are reasons some South Hutchinson Island residents want a section of A1A darker than state transportation officials are proposing.

Maritime structure marks 100 years in existence, so why is no one celebrating?

For the past two weeks, the St. Lucie Lock and Dam in Martin County has been quiet as there has been a pause in freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

Eastbound discharges from Lake Okeechobee are over, Army Corps says

Last week, officials announced a two week pause in eastbound discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

2-week pause in Lake Okeechobee discharges is 'woefully inefficient,' US Rep. Brian Mast says

For the second time this month, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the ongoing discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

Water releases from Lake Okeechobee to continue through March 29

Water releases from the lake will continue through March 29 followed by a two-week break. However, environmentalists said it is not enough time for the fragile St. Lucie Estuary and its marine fisheries to recover.

Marine biologist calls state's fine against Sandpiper Bay and Resort for mangrove cutting 'slap on the wrist'

May the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) was investigating more than 17,000 square feet of mangroves cut down along the shoreline of the Sandpiper Bay and Resort on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie.

Resort pays high fine for destroying mangrove forest that will take 25 years to regrow

A Treasure Coast resort has paid one of the steepest mangrove-cutting fines in state history for illegally cutting about 944 mangrove trees to nubs along the St. Lucie River shoreline. The state also has issued a second fine in the case to an unpermitted West Palm Beach landscaping company.

Army Corps will continue Lake O releases despite algae found in St. Lucie River

Lake Okeechobee discharges have not sparked toxic algae blooms in the St. Lucie River yet, but Treasure Coast scientists, residents and business owners are worried about the impending possibility.

Treasure Coast residents rail against Lake Okeechobee discharges at Rivers Coalition

Treasure Coast residents railed against Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River in Stuart Thursday during the River Coalition’s monthly meeting.

'It impacts our health': Treasure Coast residents voice worries as discharges from Lake Okeechobee continue

Concern over water releases from Lake Okeechobee was front and center Thursday at a Rivers Coalition meeting.

Army Corps attends public meeting in Stuart, discusses Lake O discharges with residents

Lake Okeechobee discharges have started, and people who live in communities near the impacted waterways are not so happy.

Environmental experts respond to Lake Okeechobee discharge into Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from Lake Okeechobee after citing higher-than-average water levels from El Niño conditions. Many local environmental experts say they are worried.

Massive Lake Okeechobee discharges to come this weekend, officials announce

This weekend, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is going to begin a massive release of water from Lake Okeechobee for the first time in months.

El Niño rains to blame for Lake Okeechobee water sent to the St. Lucie River, Stuart

Lake Okeechobee water will start pouring into the St. Lucie River on Saturday.

Environmentalists warn of impacts ahead of Lake Okeechobee discharges

Residents along Florida's east coast are bracing for the floodgates, which hold back water from Lake Okeechobee, to open Saturday.