As bad as things are today for the St Lucie/Indian River Lagoon, in the past we did things that today would be inconceivable, like having sewer lines drain directly into the river, or draining oil into the lagoon from a car…. For centuries people have put waste into the water so it could just “flush away.” Things like this were done when very few people lived along the river and the waterways could actually handle this misuse. Today with over a million people living along the 156 mile lagoon such ignorance is not an option; we know better now. It is interesting to wonder what photos from today will look so atrocious as these above in the future? Lake Okeechobee and canal releases full of filth? Fertilizing one’s yard? Herbicide and pesticide use by the water? Septic tanks? Only time will tell… and it always does.
wow, sometimes I can still not belive what some people did back then
It is simply amazing. Thanks for your comment Drew.
Jacqui, thanks for reminding us to all improve what we do daily for tomorrow. I grew up in South Dade County and remember going to beaches north on Miami . Most of the cities had unfiltered sewer pipes discharging into water. All kinds of nasty things floating. I think some still into the 90’s. Love your work!
I have heard about the ocean outfalls. I do think there are still a couple in Dade county but it is more “greywater” —-thanks for sharing your story Mike! SO good to hear from you.