These aerials were taken by my husband, Ed Lippisch, on August 27, 2023 around 12:15pm. Other than an operational burp from Lake Okeechobee through C-44, it’s canals C-23 and C-24 which drain Port St. Lucie, Allapattah Flats, as well as our Tidal Basin – that are causing the present discoloration and decline in water quality. On a good note, though impaired, seagrass beds are visible near the Sandbar and algae is no longer seen from 1000 feet at Port Mayaca.
As we enter the primary hurricane season it’s unfortunate the alternative canal through the Everglades Agricultural Area once considered by the ACOE in the 1950s to alleviate the discharges is not in place. If history does indeed repeat itself, we must be prepared for more rain and Lake Okeechobee destruction added to the St. Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon.
We must keep our eye on lake O!
Rain and runoff plume exiting St. Lucie Inlet 
Visibile seagrasses and macroalge Sailfish Flats
Sewall’s Point between the St. Luice and Indian River
Peck’s Lake
SL Inlet w/ plume 
Sailfish Point on Hutchinson Island is next to St. Lucie Inlet 
S-308 at Port Mayaca C44 Canal aka St. Lucie Canal – no algae visible from 1000 feet 
Thank you Jacqui & Ed for the photos & the post. You two & Todd continue to tell the story in order to increase awareness on the need to address water quality in Lake O. and it’s discharges!!!
Jacqi, I read that you will not be reappointed to the SFWMD board. Something about not voting along with the sugar industry. Losing someone with your lifetime involvement, commitment, and deep knowledge is a blow to the vital cause of clean water. Your voice will continue to be heard.
Jim Fogel
Hobe Sound
Jim thank you so much for your words. I so appreciate it. I must continue even with such a blow.
The Lake has been kept too high coming out of the dry season (as per LOSOM) and now we are set to have a disaster for the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee. 3 months of storm season left, The WCAs are full, the Kissimmee basin is full and will be flooded after this rain event.
Gambling and destroying the ecology of the Lake. Every body can lose.
Brilliant.
Newton
Newton thank you for your comments and involvement. Sometimes I think to myself. Just what are we doing here….