While these efforts were underway, the deteriorating condition of the Lake due to the stirred sediments and the unusual wet and dry seasons was becoming apparent. The apparent nature was emphasized in the Caloosahatchee River by the unusual and continuous exceedences of the maximum flow and level established for the River and estuary.

Recently, the needs of the Lake and Estuary have gotten greater attention from State Government. The announcement made in Okeechobee contained a time sequence of actions. It also contained land use, stormwater, and operational components that involve a refocused commitment from existing Land and Water managers. A great number of the details are understood to need more involvement from area local governments.