Discharges Are Putting Our Health At Risk

For decades, the Army Corps of Engineers has poisoned our community with water laden with algal blooms far more toxic than the EPA considers safe for human contact. According to the EPA, potential risks to human health from contact with our waterways include liver failure, kidney damage, pneumonia and even death.

As a result, The Army Corps was even forced to acknowledge in Congressional testimony that they had knowingly discharged toxic water from Lake Okeechobee into our community.  But the discharges have still continued.

In fact, since March 6th, the Army Corps has been discharging water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and they recently stated that these discharges would be continuing "indefinitely."

This would mean knowingly poisoning Floridians with water that the EPA has said could lead to death.  That’s not acceptable.  The moment that water turns toxic, the Army Corps must stop the discharges immediately.

I’m fighting to get the Corps to change their operations to protect our public health.  You can read my letter to them below, and I’ll let you know what I hear back!

Steube Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms in Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today cosponsored the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Essential Forecasting Act led by U.S. Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). This bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure that essential services related to harmful algal blooms continue to receive federal funding in the event of a lapse in appropriations.

“Water is the lifeblood of Florida with our thriving ecosystem offering vital resources for our local economies, agriculture, tourism and recreation,” Steube said. “As we are no strangers to harmful algal blooms and the negative effects they have on our water quality, this bipartisan legislation takes an important step in prioritizing Florida’s environment despite ongoing partisan gridlock in Washington.”

As outlined in Donalds’ statement, “the bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to ensure that during a lapse in appropriations, essential services relating to HABs receive critical federal funding.”

Improving Florida water quality has been a top initiative for Steube. Last Congress, he secured a win for Lake Okeechobee when his request for mechanical harvesting language was included in last year’s appropriations package. This language provides a safe alternative to the dangerous herbicide chemicals currently being sprayed to control Lake Okeechobee's invasive species.

Steube joined President Trump in Florida last September to discuss water quality issues and initiatives across the state. Last Congress, Steube convened a water quality roundtable with Florida’s environmental experts and also toured water management projects around Lake Okeechobee.

The City of Naples Still Needs Trees & You Can Help!

Naples is graced with a beautiful and diverse population of trees. More than 20,773 trees of 148 different species grace our parks, public spaces, and City streets.

The City of Naples has long been known as the “Green Jewel” of Southwest Florida. The City has received the “Tree City USA” designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 23 years! The lush canopy of trees and tropical palms that line Naples’ streets and parks are valued by its residents and enhance our community’s quality of life.

When Hurricane Irma struck Naples in September 2017, nearly 2,000 trees were lost. Since the hurricane, nearly 1,000 trees have been planted throughout the city. Yet, even with increased funding and support from City Council, there are not sufficient funds to replace all the lost trees.

Thanks to the generosity of the Blair Foundation, Naples has an exceptional opportunity to replace more trees. The Blair Foundation Tree Challenge will match dollar for dollar, up to $500,000 for a total of $1,000,000, donations for trees planted in the City. Your gift will be used for trees within public spaces on your neighborhood street, along main roadways, or in City parks. Due to the generosity of many, the Tree Challenge has currently raised $146,388, to be matched by the Blair Foundation.

The Tree Challenge ends 12/31/2021 and we need your help! Please consider making a gift of any amount to the Blair Foundation Tree Challenge by contacting the Naples Community Services Department at 239-213-7120 or visit us online at https://www.naplesgov.com/parksrec.

Time is running out on this excellent opportunity and generous offer from the Blair Foundation. Will you help our community maintain its “Tree City USA” designation?

Thank you for your consideration,

The City of Naples Community Services Advisory Board
Anne Russell Foster - Chair
Joanne Jeffreys - Vice Chair
Kathy Swingley
Cassie Barone
Nathaniel Smith