In a recent government meeting, urgent concerns were raised regarding the management of Lake Okeechobee and its implications for the surrounding ecosystem. A speaker highlighted the alarming decline in fish populations, attributing the crisis to mismanagement rather than natural disasters, stating, \"There wasn't even a storm. It's a disaster.\"

The speaker emphasized the need for immediate action, urging those in power to demand changes in management practices to prevent further degradation over the next two decades. Reflecting on past hurricanes that devastated the lake, they called for the reconvening of the Lake Okeechobee Water Resources Advisory Committee, which would bring together stakeholders from various agencies to address the lake's critical condition.

The speaker pointed out that the current management approach prioritizes political considerations over ecological needs, warning that this could lead to severe consequences, particularly for areas like the Saint Lucie River, which could face increased pollution during future storms. They stressed the importance of regular meetings to focus specifically on Lake Okeechobee, describing it as \"the heart of the Everglades\" and underscoring the urgency of addressing the water quality issues stemming from the lake's management.