For Sanibel Island residents, clean water is more than just a necessity – it’s the lifeblood of their beloved island paradise. The turquoise waters surrounding Sanibel not only provide stunning scenery but also support a thriving ecosystem and a robust tourism industry. Protecting this vital resource is the mission of Calusa Waterkeeper, a dedicated non-profit organization, and now they have a passionate new Executive Director at the helm: Connie Ramos-Williams.
Calusa Waterkeeper boasts a rich history of environmental activism. Founded in 1995, the organization has tirelessly advocated for the health of the Caloosahatchee River, its estuary, and the surrounding watersheds, which encompass not just Sanibel but also Lake Okeechobee, Estero Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and Lee County’s nearshore waters. Their mission is multifaceted: to educate the public about the importance of responsible water use, to monitor water quality through a dedicated volunteer network, and to hold government agencies accountable for maintaining healthy waterways.
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Calusa Waterkeeper’s work directly impacts Sanibel Island in several crucial ways. They act as a watchdog, monitoring water quality through their volunteer “Rangers” who collect and analyze water samples. This data is used to identify and address potential threats to Sanibel’s delicate ecosystem. Imagine the devastating impact on tourism and marine life if a harmful algae bloom were to take hold – Calusa Waterkeeper works diligently to prevent such scenarios.
The organization also plays a vital role in public education. By raising awareness about responsible water use practices, they empower Sanibel residents to become active participants in protecting their island’s water resources. This includes everything from proper disposal of yard waste to minimizing fertilizer use, all of which can contribute to water quality issues.
Calusa Waterkeeper also observes and participates in the activities of public bodies responsible for the management of our waters and our watersheds.
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How Blue-Green Algae On Sanibel Ultimately Led To Connie Ramos-Williams Becoming Executive Director of Calusa Waterkeeper
Enter Connie Ramos-Williams, an accomplished professional and a passionate voice dedicated to clean water. For Ramos-Williams, this appointment represents the culmination of a deeply personal journey—one that began with a transformative experience on the Sanibel Causeway in 2018.
Witnessing the devastating effects of the blue-green algae outbreak that year, Ramos-Williams was moved to tears by the sight of the once-pristine waters tainted by toxic algae. It was a moment of reckoning—a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the environmental challenges facing our communities.
In that instant, she made a silent vow to herself: if ever presented with the opportunity to address the harmful algae bloom crisis, she would seize it.
“I came out of early retirement to take the role of director of the Calusa Waterkeeper,” states Ramos-Williams, “because I really do find it my mission to help protect our number one natural resource and that’s water. We are facing a crisis with our water. And if our generation doesn’t do something to find solutions to restore clean water in our communities it’s going to get passed on to our next generation.“
Ramos-Williams brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her expertise in communication and leadership, coupled with her unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, make her a perfect fit for Calusa Waterkeeper.
A true native Floridian, Ramos-Williams epitomizes a dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Southwest Florida. Her commitment extends far beyond her recent appointment as the Executive Director of Calusa Waterkeeper. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been a beacon of community service, serving in leadership capacities for numerous nonprofit organizations across the region.
Her impressive roster of affiliations includes prominent roles within esteemed institutions such as the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, where she has contributed her expertise to the Member Advocacy Committee. Ramos-Williams’ dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and education is evident in her involvement with organizations like Dress for Success Entrepreneurial Spirit Program and Leadership Lee County.
Moreover, Ramos-Williams’ philanthropic endeavors extend to initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders, evidenced by her founding membership of the Tiger Bay Club of Southwest Florida and her service on The Florida Bar’s 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee A. Since the turn of the millennium, she has spearheaded the annual BIG Backpack Event, a cornerstone of support for over 2,000 students in need each year.
Beyond her professional accolades, Ramos-Williams is a trailblazer in the realm of media and publishing. As the founder of Southwest Florida Parent & Child Magazine and the current publisher of the Lee County Bar Association Res Gestae magazine, she continues to shape the landscape of regional publications, advocating for informed and engaged communities.
Connie’s unwavering commitment to community service, mentorship, and advocacy underscores her profound impact on Southwest Florida. As she embarks on her latest endeavor with Calusa Waterkeeper, her wealth of experience and passion for positive change promise to propel the organization to impressive new heights of environmental stewardship and community engagement.
She plans to build upon the organization’s strong foundation, further amplifying their educational initiatives and advocating for policies that ensure clean water for Sanibel and future generations.
“We can’t keep passing the buck,” Connie declared. “We need to do something now. We can find solutions. We can help to preserve our water.“
With Connie Ramos-Williams at the helm (alongside fellow Calusa Waterkeeper, Codty Pierce) and a dedicated team of volunteers behind her, Calusa Waterkeeper stands poised to continue its vital work. Sanibel Island’s future depends on clean water, and Calusa Waterkeeper is the organization leading the fight for its protection.
For more information about Calusa Waterkeeper and their mission to protect Southwest Florida’s water resources, visit their website at calusawaterkeeper.org.
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