Lake Okeechobee`s lower level debated among stakeholders
(World News USA)

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (AP) - Lake Okeechobee is Florida`s `Liquid Heart,` and people who depend on it for irrigation, drinking water, recreation and their livelihoods are often in conflict on how to take care of it. This year, the conflict has heated up because the Army Corps of Engineers has been keeping the level lower than usual. Some say it will save the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers from toxic algae blooms. Others claim it risks a devastating water shortage. Mark Twain, who supposedly said: `Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting over,` would feel right at home at Lake Okeechobee. Beginning early this year, the Corps began efforts to lower Lake Okeechobee, primarily with...