El Nino has not given us many sunny Florida days this winter; however, there have been a few. These aerials taken by my husband Ed Lippisch on January 10, 2024, around noon are an example of a rare sunny day. As mentioned in my last post, Lake Okeechobee has not been discharged to the St. Luice River heavily since 2018. Today, on 1-13-23, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Okeechobee is sitting at 16.06 feet. You can see from the 2024 chart below how the lake is creeping up since the new year. The 2023 chart below it, reveals numbers sometimes over 16 feet as well. There are a number of things causing uncertainly regarding lake operations. But on January 16th, 2024 the ACOE Periodic Scientist Call will occur. At this time we will get a clue of the fate of the St. Lucie. Hopefully nothing will change. Until then, you can go to eyeonlakeo.com and watch the numbers in close to real time while you email your favorite elected official.
~All aerials below were taken 1-10-23, Ed Lippisch 
~St. Lucie Inlet with rain plume
~Looking west over Hutchinson Island, Sewall’s Point and Stuart. Just off of south Sewall’s Point is the confluence of the St. Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon
~St. Luice Inlet State Park (L) and Sailfish Point (R) on Hutchinson Island. Note lack of seagrass beds. There were once 700 acres of lush grasses in this area. Also called the Sailfish Flats
Thanks so much for the update on the quality of the water at the inlet. Really appreciate your and Ed’s efforts to keep us informed. I know Ed is enjoying his retirement and flying the Baron my favorite airplane and dog.
Fly safe, Tom Gilmore
Tom I miss seeing you as does Ed! Thanks and love your posts and pics!
😎
Good for you. Thanks for the pics. Gives us hope. Many of us are grateful for you time and efforts. Scott P.
Thank you!!!!!
Damaging discharges occur when there is a large “rain event”. Look at the dates mentioned in the article. There has not been a large storm since 2018. That is why there has been no damaging discharges.
The current intent, LOSOM, by the USACE to hold water back and keep the Lake high, 16 feet, even 17 feet, will be a disaster when the next large rain event occurs.
The Lake water will be dirtier than ever because the too high water has killed the SAV, the vegetation that removes phosphorus and nitrogen from the dirty water flowing into the Lake from the north. Full of algae during the warm storm season.
Plus, with the Lake already over 16 feet, at least two feet will need to be DUMPED OUT THE ST. LUCIE AND CALOOSAHATCHEE. A million acre feet. Destroying the estuaries as never before.
Well put Newton. Boy I pray there is no hurricane this coming season…
Thanks for your reports Jacqui, Ed and Todd. What a wonderful service.
Happy 2024.
So welcome!!!