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Rivers Coalition
July 2026 Newsletter |
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Thursday, July 23, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL |
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| This meeting is in person and via Zoom, and is open to the public, with plenty of free parking available. Email contact@riverscoalition.org for Zoom link. |
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THE SUMMER OF SLIME: 10 YEARS LATER
The Data Behind the Discharges
Todd Thurlow, P.A., Rivers Coalition Board Member |
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A decade ago, "Mean, Green 2016" represented the second toxic algae crisis in just three years to strike the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, sparking protests and widespread demands that something be done to stop the disastrous Lake Okeechobee discharges. The "Summer of Slime" became a defining moment in the fight to protect Florida's waterways.
Rivers Coalition Board member Todd Thurlow, creator of the EyeOnLakeO website, will lead a look back at that pivotal summer, sharing what the data revealed then—and what it reveals now.
Join us on July 23 for a fascinating look at how conditions have changed over the past decade and what the numbers tell us about the challenges that remain. |
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Business Matters:
· Call to Order and Chairman’s Comments: Mark Perry, President
· Business matters and membership roll call
Presentation:
THE SUMMER OF SLIME: 10 YEARS LATER
The Data Behind the Discharges
Todd Thurlow, P.A., Rivers Coalition Board Member
Government & Agency Progress Reports:
· Martin County: Amy Eason
· City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes
· State and Federal Agencies:
· SFWMD: Sherry McCorkle
· USACE: Maj. Cory Bell
· Lake Okeechobee Update: Dr. Paul Gray
· State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart
Coalition Reports:
· Rivers Coalition Committee Updates:
· River Kidz: Casey Darling Kniffin
· Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer
· Local Issues & Estuary Water Quality: Mark Perry
· Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow
· Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir
· Member Comments and Announcements
· Adjourn |
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Rivers Coalition Meeting June 2026
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The Muck Stops Here: Dredging, Disposal, and Restoration in the St. Lucie Watershed
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Major Cory Bell, USACE District Commander for South Florida, Michael Kennedy, Martin County Representative on FIND, and John Maehl, Martin County Environmental Resource Administrator, gave a presentation focused on efforts to clean up muck in the St. Lucie River and protect local waterways.
Photos Courtesy of Darrell Brand |
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| John Maehl and Maj. Cory Bell |
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| Maj. Cory Bell and Michael Kennedy |
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| Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and Mitchell Latzman |
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| Michael Kennedy addresses the group |
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Protecting Florida's Coastal Forests, One Tree at a Time
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July is Mangrove Month, a time to celebrate one of Florida's most valuable coastal ecosystems. Mangroves help protect our shorelines from erosion, improve water quality, provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, and help keep the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon healthy. July 26 is recognized worldwide as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
Interested in learning more? The Marine Resources Council offers hands-on Mangrove Restoration Workshops where volunteers help restore these important coastal habitats. The Florida Oceanographic Society also hosts guided Mangrove & Seagrass Walks, offering a close-up look at these unique ecosystems and the wildlife they support.
Take time this month to appreciate—and help protect—Florida's remarkable mangrove forests. |
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Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy our local waterways! We hope our River Kidz and their families are making memories while appreciating the beauty of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.
This month, we challenge all River Kidz to spend some time outdoors! See if you can:
· Spot five different birds.
· Pick up litter during a walk.
· Visit a local park or preserve.
· Teach a friend or family member one thing about protecting our rivers.
Every small action makes a big difference. Have a wonderful summer—we can't wait to see you again this fall! |
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We Want to Hear From Our Members
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Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes
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June 25, 2026 Summary of Comments
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Mark Perry called the meeting to order at 11:03 am. There were 44 attendees in person, 25 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Business Matters:
Member roll call was taken. Mark Perry recognized local officials present. He noted continued concern for river conditions and recent observations related to algae and muck in the estuary and also thanked Harbour Ridge Yacht Club for their recent generous donation.
Presentation: The Muck Stops Here: Dredging, Disposal, and Restoration in the St. Lucie Watershed
Major Cory Bell, USACE District Commander for South Florida, Michael Kennedy, Martin County Representative on FIND, and John Maehl, Martin County Environmental Resource Administrator, gave a presentation focused on efforts to clean up muck in the St. Lucie River and protect local waterways. They reviewed recent dredging concerns, discussed lessons learned, and shared updates on longer-term plans to improve river health.
An extended Q&A session followed the presentations. The above presentations in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
Government & Agency Reports:
City of Stuart: No update given.
Martin County: John Maehl reported that Martin County is working to secure a site for the future muck removal project, which would allow planning and design to move forward. He said the project is a key part of long-term estuary restoration and will be discussed further at the County Commission July meeting.
SFWMD: Sherry McCorkle, SFWMD Senior External Affairs Specialist, gave a brief update on recent South Florida Water Management District meetings and invited people to follow the district’s work online. She also said district staff are available to speak to community groups.
Lake O Update: Paul Gray stated Lake Okeechobee is very low, but the rainy season should help conditions improve. He also noted that algae is present on the lake, though it is not being discharged east.
USACE: Maj. Cory Bell said Lake Okeechobee remains low, C-44 is also low, and work on the C-23/24 STA is nearly complete, with a milestone event expected soon. He added that no major issues were reported on current Corps projects.
State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart reported that the federal WRDA (Water Resources Development Act) bill is stalled in Congress. He also said the new state budget includes Everglades restoration funding, but no new Florida Forever land-buying money, with more funding directed instead toward easements and rural lands protection.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: No update given.
Speakers Bureau: No update given.
Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir shared concerns about algae and nutrient problems in the lagoon, stressed the importance of continued restoration work, and said he hopes July will be declared Mangrove Month.
Water Quality Report: Mark Perry said recent water quality conditions have generally looked good, but noted new concerns about algae and Lyngbya near seagrass beds in the outer estuary. He said samples are being collected and the situation is being monitored.
Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow reviewed updated water quality data, including phosphorus and nitrogen levels, and connected those conditions to concerns about seagrass and algae in the estuary. See his website, eyeonlakeo.com, for detailed charts and maps.
Member Comments and Announcements:
A student presentation on plastics at the Elliott Museum was announced for July 30. Members also discussed hopes for local recognition of July as Mangrove Month and raised concerns about the possible impacts of a proposed property tax amendment on environmental funding and local government services.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:49 p.m. |
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· July 23, 2026 - Thursday
· August 2026 - no meeting
· September 24, 2026 - Thursday
· October 22, 2026 - Thursday
· November 19, 2026 - Thursday
· December 2026 - no meeting |
All Meetings are at 11:00 a.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL |
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· Mark Perry, President
· Eve Samples, Vice President
· Jim Moir, Secretary
· Darrell Brand, Treasurer
· Charles Grande, Director
· Todd Thurlow, Director
· Gil Smart, Director
· Merritt Matheson, Director
· Casey Kniffin, Director
· Ed Killer, Director
· Greg Braun, Director |
PO Box 2627
Stuart, FL 34995
772-225-6849 |
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Rivers Coalition Organizational Members
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| Atlantic Point Yacht Club & Marina of Stuart, Audubon Florida, Audubon of Martin County, Ballantrae Anglers Club, Ballantrae Yacht Club, Captains for Clean Water, Citizens for Clean Water, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie Co. Inc, Dolphin Ecology Project, Environmental Studies Center, Everglades Foundation, Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Sportsman, Florida Wildlife Federation, Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Four Rivers Property Association, Four Winds Condo Association, Friends of The Everglades, Friends of Harbor Branch - FAU, Guardians of Martin County, Harborage Yacht Condominiums, Harbour Ridge Yacht Club, Humanists of the Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative, Indian Riverkeeper, Indian River Plantation POA, Joe's Point HOA, Keep Martin Beautiful, Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, Leadership Martin, League of Women Voters of Martin Co., League of Women’s Voters of SLC Co., Lighthouse Point Association Inc., Locks Landing HOA, Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., Marine Industries Assoc. of Treasure Coast, Marine Resources Council, Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Martin County Conservation Alliance, Martin County Democratic Environmental Caucus, Martin County Farm Bureau, Martin Oyster Restoration Initiative, Miramar POA, North River Shores Prop. Assoc., Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Palm Cove Yacht Club, President’s Council of Hutchinson Island, Realtor Association of Martin County, Rio Civic Club, River Kidz, River Warriors, Sailfish Point POA, Sailfish Point Yacht Club, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Save the Manatee Club, Seagate Harbor Homeowners Assoc., Sierra Club-:Loxahatchee Group, Snug Harbor Yacht Club, St. Lucie Audubon Society, St. Lucie River Yacht Club, St. Lucie Sailing Club, St. Lucie Settlement Inc., Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart Heritage, Stuart Rod & Reel Club, Surfrider Foundation, The Yacht Club of Stuart Yacht and Country Club, Treasure Coast Rowing Club, Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, US Sailing Center of Martin County, Venture Three Community, VoteWater, Windjammer Condo Association. |
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