August 17, 2024 Weekly Newsletter
Your Guide to Voting in the Primary Election
As we near the end of early voting, it's important to vote if you haven't yet and to be prepared for the primary election. Early voting is available through today, Saturday, August 17, at three locations: Sebastian City Hall, the Supervisor of Elections Office in Vero Beach, and the Indian River County Main Library. Polls are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Election Day, August 20, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remember, you'll need to vote at your assigned polling location based on your legal address. You can find your polling place and check if your address is current here. Don't forget to bring a valid photo and signature ID!
To help you make an informed decision, the Indian River Neighborhood Association and the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County reached out to all County Commission candidates with important questions on issues like water quality, sustainable growth, and environmental conservation. Their responses are available on this page. If you're not sure who to vote for in the County Commission race, look for answers to important issues in the words of the candidates themselves! For more information on different candidates, please check out the TCPalm Election Page with all their endorsements and candidate information.
For those voting by mail, secure ballot drop boxes are available at all early voting sites during voting hours. On Election Day, mail ballots must be delivered to the Supervisor of Elections office. If you are filling out a mail in ballot, it MUST reach the Supervisor of Elections office on Election Day, August 20. If you do not think USPS is fast enough, please take the time to drop your ballot off.
Your vote is vital in shaping the future of our community. We would argue that local elections like County Commission, School Board, and others can impact your day-to-day lives as much, if not more than federal or statewide offices. Turnout will likely be low, but you can help change that....Make sure you're informed and ready to cast your ballot. Happy voting!
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The IRNA and the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County (CWC) have recently drafted a letter to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The letter emphasizes the critical importance of continuing to allocate at least 20% of the one-cent sales tax to Lagoon Projects, a commitment that has been in place from January 2020 and is set to expire on December 31, 2024.
This allocation has proven to be an important source of funding for various environmental initiatives within the county. The letter highlights that during the current term, the lagoon portion of the sales tax has generated nearly $24 million, with total expenditures for related projects exceeding $25 million. This overage of over $1 million beyond the initial 20% allocation underscores the County's dedication to protecting and preserving the natural resources that are integral to the community’s well-being.
The IRNA and CWC suggest that the continuation of this funding is not only necessary but also prudent, as it ensures the momentum of ongoing projects is maintained. These projects have already yielded significant positive outcomes, and discontinuing this financial support could jeopardize the progress made thus far. Additionally, our organizations urge the BCC to consider increasing the percentage of the sales tax dedicated to Lagoon Projects. Such an increase would be instrumental in meeting the requirements of the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and addressing the evolving environmental challenges faced by the county such as septic to sewer conversions.
The letter serves as a call to action for the BCC, urging them to reaffirm their commitment to environmental stewardship by renewing and potentially expanding the allocation of the one-cent sales tax. This policy decision will not only secure the long-term health of the lagoon but will also set a strong precedent for future generations, reflecting the County's unwavering dedication to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Indian River County.
The IRNA and CWC are optimistic that the BCC will respond positively to our request, recognizing the invaluable role that these funds play in safeguarding the county’s environment. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the BCC and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary resources and will continue to be healthy.
Local Scientist Featured in National Geographic's New Program "Giants of the Deep" (Vero News) - Dr. Edie Widder of the Vero Beach-based ORCA will be featured in National Geographic's "Giants of the Deep," part of the OceanXplorers series premiering on August 18, which showcases groundbreaking ocean exploration technologies, including contributions from local Florida companies.
Mailers muddy Indian River County sheriff's race; who's responsible? (TCPalm) - The Indian River County sheriff's race has been marked by negative campaigning, with out-of-town political action committees engaging in mudslinging, creating plausible deniability for the candidates involved.
Big community north of Grand Harbor approved (Vero News) - The Spoonbill Preserve, a newly approved subdivision north of Grand Harbor, will feature 872 residential units integrated with a unique, serpentine water purification system that enhances local environmental health while offering extensive open spaces and public benefits.
ORCA Data Jam dives into science from artistic angles (Vero News) - The third annual Team ORCA Data Jam encouraged participants to creatively interpret scientific data about the Indian River Lagoon through various artistic mediums, attracting 75 participants, including students and adults, who showcased imaginative projects that highlighted environmental issues such as mercury in fish and microplastics.
‘Horticultural revitalization’ enriches McKee experience (Vero News) - McKee Botanical Garden celebrated the completion of its 20th Anniversary horticultural revitalization project, enhancing visitor experiences with new gathering spaces, reworked trails, and eco-artist Xavier Cortada's colorful murals, while staying true to its historic mission of education and enrichment.
Oar Stories from Vero Beach Rowing (Vero Beach Magazine) - Vero Beach Rowing fosters a strong sense of community across all ages, from middle schoolers to masters, with programs that emphasize confidence-building, teamwork, and the joy of rowing, all under the energetic guidance of head coach Julio Sanchez, who has significantly grown and united the club since his arrival.
Commissioner’s Select New County Attorney. Indian River County, FL. (Vero Communiqué) - Jennifer Wintrode Shuler, Esq., was unanimously selected as the new county attorney for Indian River County, overcoming challenges including a controversial dossier that led five other candidates to withdraw from consideration.
Pelican Island Conservation Society Bird and Nature Art Show (Indian River Guardian) - The Annual Pelican Island Conservation Society Bird and Nature Art Show will be held at the Environmental Learning Center from September 30 to October 25, featuring a juried exhibition, a Plein Air paint out, and various nature-focused events, all to support the conservation efforts of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
We did it: LOSOM is now the law of the land (VoteWater.org) - The new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) reduces harmful water discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers by 37%, marking a significant improvement in water management and acknowledging the need for more clean water to flow south to the Everglades. We'll cover this more in a future newsletter.
Amendment 2 on Florida's November 2024 ballot, which proposes to enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution, is problematic for several reasons.
Firstly, it is unnecessary. Florida law already secures the right to hunt and fish through existing statutes, meaning that this amendment offers no new protections but rather duplicates what's already in place. Critics argue that adding it to the constitution could complicate future efforts to regulate hunting and fishing practices, particularly those that may become outdated or found to be harmful over time.
The language of the amendment also raises concerns. The terms "traditional methods" and "preferred means" are vague and could potentially open the door to regressive practices that are currently restricted or banned, such as the use of steel traps or other controversial hunting methods. This ambiguity could make it more difficult to regulate or adapt wildlife management practices as environmental conditions and societal norms evolve.
Moreover, environmentalists and animal rights advocates worry that the amendment could prioritize hunting as the primary method of wildlife management, even when non-lethal methods might be more appropriate or effective. This could have serious implications for species like the Florida black bear, which has only recently recovered from being endangered.
Ultimately, while the amendment is framed as a simple protection of rights, its potential impacts are far more complex and could hinder responsible wildlife management and conservation efforts in Florida.
IRNA will have more about what will be on the November ballot all election season long.
Brightline employees file to unionize, citing need for after crash trauma resources (CBS 12) - Over 100 Brightline on-board workers filed to unionize, seeking better wages, work-life balance, and trauma resources after dealing with frequent and distressing crash incidents on the Orlando-to-Miami rail line.
Debby overwhelmed Tampa Bay sewers, spilling millions of gallons of pollution (Tampa Bay Times) - Tropical Storm Debby overwhelmed Tampa Bay's sewage systems, causing over 6.3 million gallons of raw and partially treated wastewater to spill into streets and waterways, highlighting the region's aging infrastructure and the urgent need for upgrades to prevent recurring environmental hazards.
Miami company touts new Lego-like construction system (Miami Herald) - A Miami company, RENCO, has developed a new building system using blocks made from recycled materials that fit together like Legos, promising faster, cheaper, and more sustainable construction for projects in Florida, including a first-of-its-kind apartment complex in Palm Beach County.
NOAA Affirms Expectations for Extraordinarily Active Hurricane Season (Inside Climate News) - NOAA's midseason forecast reaffirms expectations for an extraordinarily active 2024 hurricane season with 17 to 24 named storms, fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions, raising concerns about the potential strength of storms this year.
Miami Beach escalates crackdown on Biscayne Bay live-aboards (Miami Herald) - Miami Beach has escalated its crackdown on live-aboard boaters in Sunset Harbour by enacting a new ordinance that restricts access to a key boat ramp, imposing steep fines and criminal penalties, which has left the boating community feeling desperate and marginalized.
Florida species becomes first local extinction in the U.S. due to sea level rise (CBS 42) - The Key Largo tree cactus has become the first U.S. species to go extinct due to rising sea levels, signaling the broader threat climate change poses to other low-lying coastal plants.
‘You feel like you’re suffocating’: Florida outdoor workers are collapsing in the heat without water and shade (The Guardian) - Florida's outdoor workers, predominantly migrants, are increasingly collapsing from heat exhaustion due to extreme temperatures, as the state lacks regulations requiring breaks, water, or shade, exacerbating the risks posed by the intensifying climate crisis.
Like temperatures, humidity levels also rising in South Florida (Miami Herald) - South Florida feels increasingly hotter not just because of rising temperatures, but also due to increasing humidity driven by climate change, which limits nighttime cooling and amplifies the heat index, making it harder for the body to cool down and raising health risks.
August is National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the critical importance of clean water in our daily lives and ecosystems. Clean water is essential for drinking, agriculture, and maintaining the health of our environment. However, water pollution remains a significant threat due to industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and even household chemicals.
National Water Quality Month is an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to take action. Simple steps like properly disposing of hazardous waste, reducing the use of lawn chemicals, and conserving water can make a significant difference. It’s also a time to advocate for stronger regulations and support initiatives aimed at protecting our water resources.
Beyond individual efforts, National Water Quality Month is about raising awareness and educating others on the importance of water conservation and quality. Organizing community cleanups, participating in educational programs, or simply spreading the word on social media can all contribute to the cause.
The quality of our water impacts every aspect of life—from the food we eat to the health of our local wildlife. By taking action during National Water Quality Month, we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations. Let’s use this month as a reminder that every small action counts when it comes to protecting our precious water resources.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit National Water Quality Month.
Florida Says No to Federal Funding Aimed at Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Inside Climate News) - Florida declined $3 million in federal climate funding and up to $500 million more by not participating in a Biden administration program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting the state's focus on climate resilience rather than emissions reduction, despite its vulnerability to climate change.
Politicians don’t get how popular climate action is. That’s a problem. (Grist) - Politicians often underestimate public support for climate action, influenced by tactics like astroturfing and skewed information from fossil fuel interests, which distorts their perception and hampers progress on climate-friendly policies.
Disaster Recovery Is a Delicate Act of Balancing Priorities (Inside Climate News) - Recovery efforts following climate-related disasters, like the wildfires in Maui and Paradise, California, face significant challenges, including slow access to funds, exacerbated housing crises, and the threat of "disaster gentrification," which can displace long-term residents and stall community rebuilding efforts.
Scientists achieve more than 98% efficiency removing nanoplastics from water (ScienceDaily) - University of Missouri scientists have developed a liquid-based solution that can remove over 98% of nanoplastics from water, offering a promising and sustainable method for addressing this emerging environmental threat while potentially paving the way for advanced water purification technologies.
New York’s Green Amendment Would Be ‘Toothless’ if a Lawsuit Is Tossed Against the Seneca Meadows Landfill for Allegedly Emitting Noxious Odors (Inside Climate News) - New York’s Green Amendment, which guarantees the right to "clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment," could be weakened if a state court dismisses a lawsuit against the Seneca Meadows landfill for allegedly emitting noxious odors, as this case will help determine how the amendment is enforced.
Inside tradition where hunters compete to kill most pythons in snake-infested water (Mirror Online) - Every August, Florida hosts the Python Challenge, where participants compete to catch and euthanize invasive Burmese pythons, a species that poses a significant threat to the state's ecosystems, with prizes up to $10,000 awarded to those who remove the most pythons from the Everglades and surrounding areas.
How greener schoolyards benefit kids — and the whole community (Grist) - Transforming schoolyards into green spaces, like Denver's "Learning Landscapes," has shown to improve academic performance, community well-being, and environmental resilience, with economic studies suggesting that every $1 invested can yield over $3 in community benefits, but such initiatives face challenges in securing funding due to their broad societal impact.
A reckoning is coming for Florida's condo owners as buildings face millions in repairs (NBC News) - Florida's aging condo buildings are facing massive repair costs to comply with new safety regulations following the Champlain Towers collapse, leaving many condo owners, particularly retirees, financially strained as they struggle to pay hefty assessments or face foreclosure, while some buildings may even be torn down and redeveloped due to the high costs of repairs.
Want your voice to be heard? Use this link to easily contact elected officials—from your city council to the President. Your voice can make a real impact. While the IRNA may occasionally prompt you to contact specific officials about urgent issues, we keep this list handy for your convenience. Can't find who you're looking for? Just let us know; we're here to help connect you with the right people.
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