Tag Archives: 100 year anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal

“100 Year Anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal,” a pamphlet

Although it is nothing to celebrate, it is important to know that this year is the 100 year anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal…

I had a goal last year, and that goal was to start writing a book on the history of the St. Luice Canal. I was very fortunate to have plenty of support with materials from the Jacksonville Army Corp of Engineers, the South Florida Water Management District, Dr. Gary Goforth, my mother, historian Sandra Thurlow, and my brother Todd Thurlow, author of the eyeonlakeo website. I started with a series of blog posts in 2023 that helped me get oriented.

By June 19, 2023, after over four years of dedicated service, I had not been reconfirmed by the Senate or reappointed by the Governor to the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District. As usual, I had spoken up and ruffled feathers; this time in my opposition to Senate Bill 2508. I was crushed but proud not to have been intimidated by power, or to have conformed to something less than what I believed in.  I left with my soul intact as an outspoken and passionate advocate for the St. Lucie River, for that and for my service I am grateful.

During that difficult time of transition, my mother, as she has done multiple times in my life, provided opportunity and direction. “Jacqui I am going to write a book on the history of Palm City, would you co-author with me?” I was stunned as I knew nothing about Palm City except it was a cow pasture when I was a kid, but I did know something about the St. Lucie Canal and C-23 Canals that have absolutely shaped Palm City. Mom and I have been working for almost a year now and the book, A Pictorial History of Palm City, will be published by the end of 2024. So, I never wrote my book on the history of the St. Lucie Canal, but I was able to participate in something much more valuable, working together and learning from my amazing mother.

About a month ago, I  put together this general information pamphlet entitled “100 Year Anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal.” Yes, it has been 100 years!

This light pamphlet is coming in handy, perhaps even more than a book, during this 2024 round of Lake Okeechobee discharges. I know we are all saddened by the continued degradation of our waters. The way I look at it is that environmental issues are cultural issues taking centuries to change. We are and have been part of that change. Never be discouraged when you are on the right side of history! ~Copies are available at the Stuart Heritage Museum or just call me at 772-486-3818.

48 Years Ago: “Summary of Progress”- Final Report on the Special Project to Prevent Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee

48 Years Ago: Summary of Progress…

A look into Florida State Archives

Leading up to 2024’s “100 year anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal,” Ed and I visited the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. We had called ahead and the archivist had set all aside having to do with the “Final Report on the Special Project to Prevent Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee.” This very important document, published in November of 1976, was key in directly and indirectly improving the situation of the St. Lucie River and all the Everglades. Its research faced head on the deteriorating health of Lake Okeechobee; documented the importance of Kissimmee River restoration for nutrient reduction and water quality;  called for the halting of back-pumping into Lake Okeechobee from the Everglades Agricultural Area south of the lake; and even inquires implementation of Best Management Practices by the Agriculture industry and stricter rules for sewage management from developing cities.

The seven pages of the document I share today is from the summary and is part of the lead up to the Final Report. As is always the case, the final report is  much more polished. The seven pages of the 1975 “A Summary of Progress of the Special Project to Prevent the Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee,” is not. You will see handwritten corrections and notes in the margins. A very powerful way to view a working document. “Old school” for sure!

Forty-eight years have passed since this homework led to the famous 1976 publication “The Final Report on the Special Project to Prevent Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee.” The working document’s historic value cannot cannot be underestimated. Reading it is like looking back into the mirror of time. Here is reflected how much progress has been  made, and how much more still needs to be achieved.

“Lake Okeechobee water quality has been declining noticeably for about twenty years, and the is now best be described as culturally eutrophic…” ~1975 

Today’s 1975 summary of progress led up to 1976  “Final Report…” I will be sharing more of both in the future as we approach the 100 year anniversary of the St. Lucie Canal.