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- IRNA
- 22 hours ago
- 9 min read
April 19, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Spring 2025 IRNA News Magazine Now Available
The Indian River Neighborhood Association is proud to present our Spring 2025 News Magazine, featuring essential information for everyone concerned about the health of our local waterways and environment.
In one featured article, Dr. John Trefry, Professor Emeritus at Florida Institute of Technology, explores the issue of nitrogen control in the Indian River Lagoon. Dr. Trefry explains how excessive nitrogen from various sources has contributed to harmful algal blooms and seagrass loss, while offering science-based insights into potential solutions. His comprehensive analysis includes detailed information about nitrogen transport pathways and the effectiveness of current control measures.
This issue also showcases an article on ORCA's Land to Sea Citizen Science Project, which highlights how buffered shorelines can significantly reduce pollutants entering the lagoon. The before-and-after photos demonstrate the remarkable transformation these native plant buffers create along our waterways.
Additional stories include a piece on preserving the historic Jungle Trail, an exploration of Babcock Ranch's innovative solar-powered community design, an overview of Vero Beach Regional Airport's contributions to our local economy, and much more! (Make sure you check out both our kids and adult quizzes towards the back!)
Support our vital environmental advocacy by becoming a member today. Visit IndianRiverNA.com/Join to help ensure our county remains the paradise we love for generations to come.
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IRNA Board Report: Protecting Our Waterways Through Education and Action
The Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) board met last week to discuss several environmental initiatives aimed at improving the health of our local waterways, with particular focus on the Indian River Lagoon.
A major topic of discussion was the upcoming grass clippings awareness campaign. The board approved funding for 50 yard signs (see above image) to educate residents about the harmful effects of blowing lawn clippings into streets and storm drains. When lawn waste enters our waterways, it contributes to excess nutrients that fuel harmful algal blooms. The campaign will encourage proper disposal methods and promote leaving clippings in place as natural mulch.
The board also discussed the ongoing challenges with STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) program adoption. Despite educational efforts, many residents remain reluctant to connect to the system unless required by regulation. The board recognized the need for continued outreach about how conventional septic systems contribute to lagoon pollution.
Stormwater management strategies were examined, with emphasis on the need for water retention solutions to slow peak flow events. Board members acknowledged that stormwater runoff represents a substantial percentage of the nutrient pollution entering our waterways and requires comprehensive approaches.
Looking ahead, the IRNA is exploring opportunities to expand educational initiatives, potentially partnering with local schools to develop lagoon-focused educational materials for younger generations. The board discussed creating specialized content that would engage children and encourage them to become environmental advocates within their families.
The meeting highlighted the organization's commitment to multipronged approaches for lagoon protection, combining public education, advocacy, and practical solutions to address the complex challenges facing our precious natural resources.
Local Indian River County Citizens are Holding an In-Person Town Hall…With or Without Their Representative (Vero News) - Frustrated by Representative Mike Haridopolos' avoidance of in-person forums, Indian River County citizens are organizing their own town hall on April 22 to voice concerns and demand accountability.
5 of the best snorkeling spots on the Treasure Coast this summer (TCPalm) - Top snorkeling spots on the Treasure Coast include historic shipwrecks and vibrant reef systems at Sexton Plaza Beach, Pepper Park Beach, Fort Pierce Inlet, House of Refuge, and Bathtub Reef Beach.
Fellsmere workshop will attempt to find unified development direction for city (TCPalm) - Fellsmere city officials and residents will hold a workshop on April 23 to align on a unified development strategy amid concerns that rapid growth, including the 332-home Marian Estates, could erode the town’s small-town character.
Three Corners: Council seen backing Clearpath (Vero News) - The Vero Beach City Council is expected to endorse Clearpath Services’ $250 million Three Corners redevelopment proposal on April 22, despite the group's current lack of a financial partner, due to strong support from the Evaluation Committee and the plan's detailed, visionary scope.
County gives safety tips as sea turtle nesting season is underway (Vero News) - Indian River County officials urge beachgoers to keep beaches clean, flat, and dark during sea turtle nesting season to protect endangered Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks, which lay thousands of nests along local shores from March through October.
Rooftops Become Safe Havens for Nesting Shorebirds (Sebastian Daily) - With natural beach habitats shrinking, imperiled shorebirds like least terns and black skimmers are increasingly nesting on gravel rooftops across Florida, prompting conservation efforts and public guidance from the FWC to protect these vulnerable species during nesting season.
Breeze Airways innovation at Vero Beach, FL aiport (VRB) fuels success (TCPalm) - Breeze Airways' innovative, data-driven approach to serving underserved markets has fueled its rapid success—making Vero Beach one of its busiest routes and earning it the No. 2 spot on Fast Company’s list of most innovative travel companies.
IRNA Takes Stand to Protect Local Conservation Districts
As we get closer to the end of the legislative session, things tend to get crazier in Tallahassee. Unfortunately, amid the flurry of last-minute bills and amendments, some dangerous legislation is moving forward that could eliminate vital environmental protections in our community.
The Indian River Neighborhood Association opposes HB 973 and SB 986, which would abolish Florida's Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). These bills represent a serious threat to local environmental protection efforts across our state.
Why SWCDs Matter
Soil and Water Conservation Districts play an important role in Florida's environmental protection framework. These locally-governed entities help farmers and landowners implement practices that reduce pollution, administer federal conservation funds, and support projects that improve water quality and prevent erosion. Most importantly, they provide a direct local connection between federal conservation programs and the people who can put those resources to work in our communities.
What's at Stake
For the Indian River Lagoon and other fragile Florida ecosystems, strong local conservation programs are essential. SWCDs are often the only entities connecting rural landowners to conservation funding and expertise. If these districts are eliminated, we risk losing access to critical federal dollars that support environmental protection.
Transferring these duties to the state Department of Agriculture would likely result in reduced service, slower response times, and significantly less local accountability. Many SWCDs operate with minimal taxpayer funding, making the "efficiency" argument for their elimination questionable at best.
What You Can Do
IRNA encourages all members to contact their representatives and urge them to vote NO on HB 973 and SB 986. While we support thoughtful reforms to strengthen these districts, complete abolition is extreme and counterproductive.
IRNA has sent a letter to our representatives about these bad bills and hope you will reach out too. Let your legislators know that our community values local, effective conservation efforts that protect the unique natural resources that make the Indian River region special. Time is limited—your voice is needed now!
State Electeds Contact Information:
Sen. Erin Grall
Phone: 850-487-5025
Email: Grall.Erin.Web@flsenate.gov
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Suite A149, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Rep. Robbie Brackett
Phone: 772-778-5005
Address: Suite B2-203, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: 850-717-9337
Address: The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
What's Left of Old Florida? (MSN/TCPalm) - Reflecting on the unspoiled charm of the Treasure Coast while biking through Fort Pierce and the Savannas Preserve, a reporter grapples with nostalgia, the fight against overdevelopment, and the enduring spirit of "Old Florida."
Why is a former head of the FDEP shilling for the rock mine project? (VoteWater.org) - Despite being pitched as a future reservoir project, the controversial Southland rock mine plan in the Everglades Agricultural Area is backed by Big Sugar interests and now publicly supported by former Florida DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein, raising concerns among environmental advocates ahead of a critical April 24 rezoning vote.
25 years of Everglades restoration has improved drinking water for millions in Florida, but a new risk is rising (Phys.org) - Ongoing restoration of the Everglades has improved drinking water quality for millions in Florida, but rising sea levels are now pushing saltwater inland, threatening freshwater marshes and the aquifers they replenish.
Judge says Florida violated federal Endangered Species Act, backs more manatee protections (Orlando Weekly) - A federal judge ruled that Florida violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to adequately regulate wastewater discharges into the Indian River Lagoon, which have destroyed manatee food sources and led to widespread deaths, requiring the state to now seek a federal permit to mitigate further harm.
DeSantis appoints SFWMD board members: Hurley, Spottswood, Roman (TCPalm) - Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed two developers and reappointed one member to the South Florida Water Management District board, drawing criticism from Treasure Coast environmentalists who had hoped for more conservation-minded leadership to oversee Everglades restoration and regional water management.
Supporting Florida's State Park Preservation Act
Last summer, Floridians were shocked to learn that parts of our state parks could be turned into commercial developments. One of the most alarming proposals would have carved out 1,000 acres of Jonathan Dickinson State Park for three golf courses and a hotel — a plan that surfaced quietly and might have moved forward if not for a whistleblower. After public outcry, FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton resigned, though it remains unclear if the resignation was directly tied to the controversy.
Many assumed our state parks were already protected from projects like this. Turns out, they weren’t — but that may be about to change. Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 209, collectively called the "State Park Preservation Act," aim to ensure that state parks are preserved for conservation and outdoor recreation, not development.
There’s good news on one front: HB 209 has moved swiftly through the House. The bill was amended to remove vague language that could have left the door open for development — and it passed through the House with unanimous support (22-0 in committee, then by the full House on April 16). That’s a big win for everyone who raised their voice in support of stronger protections.
The Senate, however, is a different story. SB 80 is still moving, but it didn’t get the same tightening revisions in its most recent committee stop. The current version passed the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government without amendments and now heads to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee. Whether it makes it to the floor — and whether it will be strengthened to match HB 209 — remains to be seen.
Florida’s state parks are beautiful but also vital ecological systems that protect our water, support biodiversity, and provide essential green spaces for Floridians and visitors. The State Park Preservation Act would:
Define “conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses,” including activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping — and exclude hotels and golf courses
Prohibit lodging establishments in state parks
Require public hearings for updated land management plans
Make those plans publicly available at least 30 days in advance
Prioritize park management that minimizes impacts to undisturbed habitat
What You Can Do
We’ve made real progress — but the job isn’t done. Activists are still holding events across the state to raise awareness and push for stronger protections in the final version of the bill.
To help ensure this legislation becomes law:
Contact our state senator and ask her to support amending and passing SB 80 to match the House version
Share this issue with your network — every bit of awareness helps
Join or support local park advocacy events
Thanks to the hard work of advocates and community members across Florida, we have a real shot at preserving our parks for future generations. Let’s finish the job.
State Electeds Contact Information:
Sen. Erin Grall
Phone: 850-487-5025
Email: Grall.Erin.Web@flsenate.gov
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Suite A149, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Rep. Robbie Brackett
Phone: 772-778-5005
Address: Suite B2-203, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: 850-717-9337
Address: The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Miami researchers are testing a textured seawall designed to hold back water and create a home for marine organisms (The Conversation) - Miami’s Morningside Park will pilot 3D-printed BIOCAP tiles—engineered to reduce wave impact and support marine life—as part of a two-year study testing whether textured seawalls can enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and offer climate-resilient coastal protection.
Miami's Sneaker Impact gives 'second life' to recycled shoes (Miami Herald) - Sneaker Impact collects and sorts used sneakers at its Miami facility to either resell them in global secondhand markets or recycle them into raw materials for new products, aiming to reduce landfill waste while addressing ethical concerns around "waste colonialism."
The fix for parched western states: Recycled toilet water (Grist) - And not just western states... Western states reliant on the Colorado River are drastically underusing wastewater recycling despite worsening droughts, with experts urging rapid investment in both large-scale and decentralized purification systems to tap this overlooked and sustainable water source.
What do climate protests actually achieve? More than you think. (Grist) - Climate protests — even disruptive ones — can shift public opinion, influence elections, and strengthen mainstream climate efforts, with research showing that sustained, peaceful resistance is especially crucial in defending democracy and advancing climate action under authoritarian threats.
Standing Firm: Civil Society at the Forefront of the Climate Resistance (IPS News) - Despite escalating repression and legal attacks like the $660 million verdict against Greenpeace, civil society remains a critical force in the global climate fight, using litigation, protest, and advocacy to push governments and corporations toward meaningful climate action.
World’s Largest Study Reveals the Long-Term Health Impacts of Flooding (Environmental News Network) - A global study analyzing over 300 million hospital records found that flooding increases the risk of serious diseases requiring hospitalization by 26%, with health impacts lasting up to seven months and affecting conditions ranging from cardiovascular and respiratory issues to diabetes and mental health disorders.
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