Captains for Clean Water plans March 31 event here 

Captains for Clean Water is holding a gathering at the Boca Bay Beach Club from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 31, to discuss its work in helping protect the state’s water resources.

The event will be hosted by Chandler Converse, Jim (Hooter) Hoyt, Peter Hellman, Chris Keller, Scott Hudspeth and Rich Weber with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and conversation. The purpose of the gathering is to increase the public’s awareness of the group’s work and to encourage support of its efforts relative to the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River and other natural water resources and environmental issues affecting Southwest Florida. Hear from Captains and Founders Daniel Andrews and Chris Wittman on why support is critical in this defining moment.

Among the impacts Captains for Clean Water had on clean water progress in 2024, was the official adoption of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) in August, which is a new plan for managing Lake Okeechobee’s water.

“Throughout the five-year process, we mobilized 30,000 Captains for Clean Water supporters to secure a more equitable plan that significantly reduces harmful discharges,” according to the 2024 impact report. “Despite numerous efforts by Big Sugar to derail the plan, we launched awareness campaigns and advocacy actions to protect its progress and ensure LOSOM was implemented, preserving its vital benefits.”

In 2024, Captains also successfully stopped House Bill 789 or the “Toxic Spill Bill,” exposed a proposal to mine in the Everglades, and completed the first stormwater treatment cell in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Founded in 2016, the group is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to restore and protect Florida’s delicate water resources.

Space is limited; RSVP at cfcwfl.com/bocagrande. For more information on Captains for Clean Water, visit captainsforcleanwater.org.