Troubled Waters: Florida Lake Makes Top Of The Most Polluted List
Florida lakes are absolutely stunning. From expansive lakes to the smaller hidden gems, these lakes offer endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation However, even these stunning bodies of water are not immune to pollution. Many of them are sadly experiencing heavy contamination. From industrial contaminants, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage to plastic, and various types of garbage.
AZ Animals compiled a list of the ten most polluted lakes in the U.S. According to the site, humans discharge approximately 80% of the world’s wastewater back into the environment, largely untreated, polluting rivers, lakes, and seas.
Which Florida lake rank among the most polluted?
Florida is home to a massive freshwater lake known as Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately, this lake has earned itself the number two spot for most polluted lakes in the U.S. According to the website, Florida’s waters have been plagued by stormwater pollution and algal blooms fueled by the runoff of fertilizers for quite some time. It also said the state has the most acres of lakes that are too contaminated for swimming or healthy aquatic life. As a result, the water in these areas can contain elevated levels of fecal matter and other bacteria, posing health risks to humans. Additionally, the presence of low oxygen levels and other pollutants can have detrimental effects on fish and other aquatic species.
In 2021, the state of Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were busy making changes to fix up Lake Okeechobee. They had an excellent plan to increase the amount of water the lake could hold by working on the area north of it. They wanted to improve the lake’s water levels.
Where is the most polluted lake in the U.S.?
In Central New York, you’ll find Onondaga Lake, which holds a rather unfortunate title: the most polluted lake in the United States. This lake is one of the most polluted in the nation and ranks among the most contaminated lakes worldwide.
See the full study and ranking here.
Collier County Is The 2nd Richest County In Florida - Glades Is The Poorest
All the wealth in Miami can’t stack up to the riches of Naples and Collier County. In fact, only one county beats out Collier in this Overall Wealth Index Study from financial technology company SmartAsset. That county is home to the Florida Keys, Monroe County.
The company created their index by adding up three key metrics. Investment income, property value, and per capita income. Of the 67 counties in Florida, Glades County, home to Moore Haven and Palmdale finished last. According to the study, Glades County residents Median Income is $38.088. Investment Income is $20,804. And a Median Home value of $235,335. Investment income defined as Ordinary Dividends, Qualified Dividends, and Net Capital Gains. With 18.80% of the residents 65 or older Glades could be considered fairly young for Florida.
Sticking to our Southwest Florida area, Lee County ranked in as the 17th richest county in Florida. There’s definitely some money in Fort Myers. I do wonder if the data accounts for the destruction on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Cape Coral still has a lot of blue tarps up, too.
Just to the north, Charlotte County ranks as the 26th richest county.
On a National level, the four richest counties in the country are all in California. San Mateo County is number one on the list. A Median Income of $136,837. Investment Income of $149,818. And a Median Home Value of $1,495,191. I really don’t know how anyone can afford to live in the Bay Area of California. I can barely make my Estero, Florida mortgage payment.
Here’s the 10 Wealthiest Counties in Florida. Data provided by SmartAsset.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
