November 16, 2024 Weekly Newsletter
Home Rule and Why It Matters for Indian River County
In the coming months, the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) will be talking a lot about the issue of Home Rule and what it means for our local communities. Home Rule is essentially the ability of local governments to make decisions about matters that directly affect their residents, such as zoning, infrastructure, and public services.This has long been a fundamental part of maintaining the character and integrity of our neighborhoods. However, recent actions in the state legislature are shifting control away from local governments and into the hands of corporations and state-level authorities, threatening our community’s ability to make these important decisions.
Increasingly, we’re seeing state-level politicians allow large corporations—such as telecommunications companies and utility monopolies—nearly unrestricted access to local rights-of-way. This shift limits the ability of towns and counties to charge these corporations for their use of public land, regulate their activities, or ensure proper maintenance. Not only are these corporations bypassing community oversight, but taxpayers are left covering costs that should rightly fall to these companies, effectively donating our local resources.
The consequences of this change are already visible in some communities, where residents have been unable to prevent sprawling transmission lines and large industrial installations from disrupting residential neighborhoods. Without local oversight, the unique character of our neighborhoods is at risk, as we lose the ability to control where and how such projects are implemented.
The IRNA is committed to raising awareness about this issue and working with our community to advocate for the restoration of Home Rule. Local decisions should remain local to ensure that the needs and values of Indian River County are prioritized. We encourage you to stay informed and support efforts to protect our community’s right to self-governance.
New here? If this was forwarded to you, we'd love to have you join our community! Click here to sign up and receive our newsletter weekly.
We’re supported by people like you, and every contribution helps us continue our important work. Thank you for being a part of it, and if you’d like to make a donation, click the button below support our mission!
Remembering Graham Cox
It is with deep sadness that we share new of the passing of Graham Cox, a dedicated environmental advocate, dear friend, and valued member of our community. Graham was a guiding force within numerous organizations, including Pelican Island Audubon, where he served as a Board Member, and our own IRNA, where he co-chaired the Land Use Committee and contributed tirelessly to the Water and Lagoon Committee.
Graham’s legacy is one of kindness, humor, and an unyielding commitment to environmental and social causes. A champion for education and quality of life, he sought to bridge gaps for communities with fewer resources and inspired those around him to take meaningful action.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Judy, his family, and all who knew and admired him. A memorial service will be held on December 14 at the Pelican Island Audubon House. If you plan to attend, RSVP by text or phone call to Karen Stabile at 904-718-1994.
Donations in his memory can be made to Pelican Island Audubon’s Audubon Advocates program, which supports environmental education for disadvantaged youth. Graham’s spirit of adventure, compassion, and dedication to the Earth will live on in our hearts and work. He will be sorely missed.
Florida Election 2024: Vero Beach downtown referendums looking ahead (TCPalm) - Despite the rejection of two key referendums to increase downtown density and enable development rights transfers, Vero Beach officials plan to move forward with parts of the downtown masterplan, focusing on beautification and exploring options for affordable workforce housing with lower density.
Much can still be done to enhance downtown Vero (Vero News) - The rejected Vero Beach referendums revealed strong local resistance to increased downtown density, prompting city officials to focus on beautification efforts and longer-term strategies for downtown enhancement without pushing another referendum anytime soon.
Vos, elected to Vero Council, vows to do ‘what’s best for our city’ (Vero News) - Newly elected Aaron Vos joins the Vero Beach City Council with a focus on advancing key projects, such as the Three Corners development, wastewater plant relocation, and marina expansion, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with community growth and environmental sustainability.
Veterans Day celebration honors World War II veterans with monument (TCPalm) - Vero Beach unveiled its new World War II memorial at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, honoring local veterans with a ceremony that included keynote speaker Gen. Eric Schoomaker, medallions for attending veterans, and recognition of the 42 local soldiers who died in the war, celebrating the dedication and sacrifice of the community's servicemen.
A Shared Salute on Memorial Island (Vero Beach Magazine) - The Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach, originally envisioned by WWI veteran and former Mayor Alexander MacWilliam Sr., has evolved with community support to honor veterans across generations, with its newest addition being a World War II memorial dedicated to 42 local soldiers who lost their lives, reflecting a legacy of sacrifice and remembrance deeply tied to local history.
Records show meetings between Indian River State College, Brightline (TCPalm) - Brightline is reconsidering Fort Pierce as a potential location for a Treasure Coast train station, engaging in multiple meetings with Indian River State College and local leaders after Stuart’s decision to withdraw from the station project, while Martin County commissioners contemplate moving forward independently with a station in Stuart or an alternative site.
Martin County votes for Stuart Brightline station deal (TCPalm) - Martin County Commissioners unanimously approved a plan to establish a Brightline station in downtown Stuart following a heavily attended public meeting where residents voiced both support and opposition to the proposal.
Read the November Peligram (PIAS) - Read the latest news and events from the Pelican Island Audubon Society here!
Will Rubio's replacement fight for cleaner water? (VoteWater.org) - With Marco Rubio potentially moving to a federal role, Governor DeSantis has the opportunity to appoint a replacement who could influence Florida's clean-water efforts, raising questions about which candidates would prioritize environmental protection over powerful interests like Big Sugar.
FWC rescues baby manatee from Caloosahatchee River (WINK News) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently rescued a baby manatee found alone in the shallow waters of the Caloosahatchee River, transporting it to SeaWorld for rehabilitation as part of ongoing efforts to protect and support the state’s growing manatee population.
The chief of Florida’s environmental agency is leaving (Miami Herald) - Florida’s top environmental official, Shawn Hamilton, is stepping down amidst backlash over controversial state park development proposals and a land swap deal with a golf developer, with Alexis Lambert—whose background has raised concerns among environmental advocates—set to replace him despite lacking substantial environmental experience.
Mid-November marks the start of Manatee Season in South Florida (WPBF) - Manatee season in South Florida begins on November 15 and runs through March, during which Manatee Lagoon provides a warm refuge for manatees, hosts educational events to promote conservation, and kicks off the season with a public event on November 16.
Appeals Court Affirms Conviction of Everglades Scientist Accused of Stealing ‘Trade Secrets’ (Inside Climate News) - A Florida appeals court upheld the conviction of Everglades scientist Tom Van Lent for contempt over accusations of destroying files and taking proprietary information from the Everglades Foundation, a dispute that highlights tensions within the environmental community and raises concerns about impacts on Everglades restoration efforts.
It's already official: You're living through the hottest year on record (Grist) - 2024 has officially become the hottest year on record, surpassing the 1.5°C warming threshold and bringing unprecedented global heat impacts, including coral bleaching, Arctic and Antarctic ice melt, deadly wildfires, and extreme weather events, as the world prepares for the COP29 climate conference to address escalating climate crises and support vulnerable nations.
In light of recent events, we’re hosting a Town Hall to support our community as we recover from Hurricane Milton and the recent tornadoes. This gathering will provide helpful information to guide you in the restoration of your property, trees and landscape and inform you of City services available.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: River House, 305 Acacia Dr., Vero Beach
Moderator: IRC Commissioner Laura Moss
Guest Speakers: Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, Dr. Richard Baker, President of Pelican Island Audubon Society.
Topics Covered:
Tree & Landscape Recovery: Learn about the timeline for tree regrowth and discuss which plants and trees are best suited to replace damaged landscaping.
Septic & STEP Systems: Find out how septic and STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) systems may be affected by storm conditions and get advice on ensuring their safety and functionality post-storm.
Debris and Construction Waste Removal: Information on City services for removal of tree and yard debris, construction materials, exceptions, timeline, etc.
FEMA Individual Assistance: A FEMA representative will be present to discuss available Individual Assistance, and informational materials will be provided.
This event is designed to provide neighbors with practical information and support as they work to recover and rebuild. With insights from professionals and local leaders, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and connect with resources for ongoing recovery efforts.
Sponsored by Pelican Island Audubon, the Indian River Neighborhood Association, Clean Water Coalition of IRC, and Commissioner Laura Moss. This is a free event, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Come with your questions, concerns, and ideas. No need to RSVP, just join us at the River House on November 21 at 6:00 PM.
Lee Zeldin, Trump’s EPA Pick, Brings a Moderate Face to a Radical Game Plan (Inside Climate News) - President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman with a moderate public image but a pro-fossil fuel track record, to lead the EPA reflects Trump’s plan for swift deregulation and expanded fossil fuel development, raising concerns about the future of U.S. climate policy under Zeldin’s leadership.
Oil Industry Asks Trump to Repeal Major Climate Policies (Inside Climate News) - The American Petroleum Institute has issued a five-point plan urging the incoming Trump administration to dismantle key climate policies, including vehicle emissions standards, methane fees, and limits on offshore drilling, prompting environmental groups to denounce the agenda as a dangerous rollback that prioritizes fossil fuels over climate protection and public health.
Fighting Microplastics for a Cleaner Future (Environmental News Network) - Dr. Manish Shetty at Texas A&M University is developing a method to break down microplastics into usable fuel using hydrogen-producing solvents, aiming to reduce environmental pollution and create sustainable waste management solutions.
PFAS removal process aims to stamp out pollution ahead of semiconductor industry growth (ScienceDaily) - Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a pioneering electrochemical process that combines redox electrodialysis and electrosorption to capture, concentrate, and destroy a range of PFAS, including ultra-short-chain variants, providing an efficient solution to manage PFAS pollution in water as the semiconductor industry expands.
How Much Climate Change is in the Weather? (Environmental News Network) - A recent analysis by the Alfred Wegener Institute using a "storylines" modeling approach found that storm “Boris” produced 9% more rainfall in Central and Eastern Europe due to current global warming levels, illustrating climate change's direct impact on extreme weather and offering a new online tool to track climate change influences on recent events.
Microplastics impact cloud formation, likely affecting weather and climate (ScienceDaily) - New research from Penn State indicates that airborne microplastics can act as ice-nucleating particles, potentially altering cloud formation, precipitation patterns, and climate by triggering ice formation at warmer temperatures, thereby affecting cloud properties and possibly intensifying weather events.
Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future (ScienceDaily) - Dr. Manish Shetty and his team have developed a catalyst-driven method to break down PET plastics into usable compounds like p-xylene, using low amounts of hydrogen from organic carriers, potentially transforming waste management practices and supporting a shift away from fossil fuels by utilizing green hydrogen for sustainability in urban environments.
Reckoning With Climate Anxiety in the Wake of the US Election (Inside Climate News) - Following Donald Trump’s election, climate anxiety has surged as his proposed policies threaten to dismantle key environmental protections, prompting mental health experts to advise individuals to process their emotions collectively, engage in activism, and foster supportive relationships to combat isolation and maintain hope amidst political uncertainty.
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.
Kommentare