Successful Campaign as we work to Save the Lagoon
We are pleased to report that our "No Fertilizer" sign summer campaign has been a tremendous success! Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA), the Clean Water Coalition (CWC), and our partners at the Sunrise Rotary of Vero Beach Environmental Committee, we were able to install 100 signs across Indian River County.
Why We Focus on Fertilizer During the Rainy Season
Fertilizer runoff is a significant concern during the rainy season, so the summer ban spans from June 1 to September 30. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers can wash into our waterways, leading to algae blooms and degrading water quality. These nutrients contribute to eutrophication, which harms aquatic ecosystems and reduces oxygen levels, adversely affecting fish and other wildlife.
Community Effort and Outreach
This year, IRNA and CWC installed 50+ signs, and an additional 40+ signs were placed by the Sunrise Rotary of Vero Beach Environmental Committee. These signs served as a visible reminder to residents about the importance of adhering to the county's fertilizer ordinances during the summer months.
Because of the potential for severe weather last week, we decided to take down the signs. We feel confident that we have achieved our goal of educating the public about the fertilizer ban. The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive, showing a shared commitment to protecting our waterways.
Continued Commitment and Resources
For more information about the fertilizer ordinances and best practices for maintaining healthy landscapes without harming our water quality, please visit this page.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this campaign. Together, we are making an impact on preserving the health of our lagoon and ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for all!
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SEPTIC TO SEWER HELP AVAILABLE FOR SOME VERO BEACH RESIDENTS
More than 22 local homeowners have connected their septic system to sewer with financial help from a project initiated by the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County. To comply with a new State mandate to address pollution of our waterways from human waste, the City of Vero Beach recently passed an ordinance requiring connection to sewer by June 30, 2028. Recognizing that the cost of $15,000 to connect to the STEP system would be a struggle for many City homeowners, the CWC, in cooperation with the City and the Indian River Community Foundation, and funding from the Indian River Land Trust and CWC donors, organized to offer financial assistance.
Once a homesteaded resident is qualified, the City of Vero Beach credits the impact fee ($3,390) and finances the equipment cost ($5,500) at 0% interest for 10 years. The donors pay for all plumbing and permitting charges ($6,500). All maintenance, pump outs, etc. are the responsibility of the City that operates a 24-hour-a-day hotline for reporting any problems. The homeowner will pay a monthly sewer bill of $30-$40.
Over half of the funding has been allocated so far, but it is not too late for qualified homesteaded owners to apply for assistance. There is more funding available for additional connections. To inquire, contact Judy Livingston at The Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County at 772-562-4177.
Are you looking for primary election information from County Commission candidates? The CWC and IRNA have you covered! We reached out to all the candidates with substantive questions. Click here to see their responses and stay informed. Find candidates who align with your views and educate yourself before you vote!
Early Voting Starts on Saturday, August 10 For The Primary Election (Vero News) - Early voting for the August 20 Primary Election in Indian River County, FL starts on August 10 and runs through August 17 at three locations, with voters required to present valid photo and signature ID and can vote for their party's candidate in partisan races or in universal primary contests and nonpartisan races. If you're registered, VOTE!
Referendums put breadth of downtown development in voters’ hands (Vero News) - Two referendums on the November 5 ballot in Vero Beach will allow voters to decide on increasing residential density in the downtown core and permitting property owners to sell unbuilt units to others for higher density construction within permitted limits.
Growth management key during Indian River District 3 primary Aug. 20 (TCPalm) - Candidates for the Indian River County Commission District 3 seat prioritize managing growth, with incumbent Joe Earman emphasizing continued efforts, Stephen Hume advocating for strategic planning, and David Shaw focusing on ensuring infrastructure readiness before expansion.
Quality of life big issue for Adams, Borden in Indian River County Commission District 1 race (TCPalm) - Susan Adams and Tim Borden, candidates for the Indian River County Commission District 1 seat, focus on managing growth's impact on quality of life, with Adams emphasizing community engagement and infrastructure improvements, while Borden highlights his real estate experience and proposes hiring a grant writer for additional funding.
Shores weighs banking funds for future hurricane recovery (Vero News) - The Indian River Shores Town Council is considering maintaining the current tax rate to increase emergency reserves for future hurricane recovery instead of reducing taxes, with public hearings scheduled in September to finalize the decision.
Last year, the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization commenced an update to its Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. The Draft Final Report is now available for review and public comment. The MPO will be receiving public comment through August 30 before the report is submitted to each of the MPO's advisory committees and finally to the full MPO board for approval.
This report is the end product of the better part of a year's work, and it has been guided by public input, technical expertise, and most importantly stakeholders and bikers.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and efforts to this major update!
Florida weather: Fall forecast, cooler temperatures (The Florida Times-Union) - Florida's fall forecast predicts temperatures will remain close to average without significant cooling, while the state faces ongoing threats from tropical storms and potential tornadoes through November due to unusually warm ocean waters and La Niña conditions.
CSU 2024 hurricane forecast changes as we enter peak hurricane season (Palm Beach Post) - Colorado State University revised its 2024 hurricane season forecast to predict 23 named storms, down from 25, including 12 hurricanes and six major storms, due to a lull between Tropical Storm Chris and Hurricane Debby, while still anticipating a hyperactive season influenced by extremely warm sea surface temperatures and an expected La Niña climate pattern.
Miami-Dade plans nation’s biggest waste-to-energy incinerator (Miami Herald) - Miami-Dade County plans to build the largest waste-to-energy facility in the U.S., processing 4,000 tons of trash daily and potentially incorporating carbon capture technology, though the location remains undecided amid local opposition and environmental concerns.
Warming stops tiny organisms working together (ScienceDaily) - Warmer conditions disrupt the symbiotic relationship between the single-celled Paramecium bursaria and algae Chlorella spp., potentially turning the algae parasitic and jeopardizing essential photosynthetic processes in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
How satellites can help identify and rein in a potent climate pollutant (Grist) - The launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to detect methane emissions from space, aims to provide detailed data to help regulators, environmental advocates, and the oil and gas industry reduce methane leaks and combat climate change by offering near-daily monitoring of major oil and gas production regions worldwide.
As the new school year begins, all drivers need to remember the importance of school bus safety. In Florida, motorists must stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. This applies to vehicles on two-lane roads and multi-lane roads without a median. On divided highways with a barrier, only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Violations can lead to significant fines, points on your license, and other penalties. Not to mention potential injuries to our children, so please be cautious. Always stay alert, adhere to speed limits in school zones, and drive cautiously around school buses to ensure the safety of our children.
For more detailed information, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Don't be part of the below statistics!
Ron DeSantis' top aide punished bank lobbyists for being disloyal (Substack) - Interesting background information on how things really work in Tallahasee. Ron DeSantis' top aide reprimanded bank lobbyists for opposing the expansion of House Bill 3, accusing them of disloyalty and cutting their access to the governor's office, while DeSantis' staff subsequently pushed legislation favoring credit unions.
Disaster on the ballot (Grist) - Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change are increasingly influencing elections and voter behavior, affecting everything from polling place accessibility to public trust in government and driving higher voter turnout as people react to disaster management efforts.
Plant-inspired polymers for water purification (ScienceDaily) - Inspired by a plant protein, researchers from the HeKKSaGOn Alliance developed a new polymer that efficiently removes harmful heavy-metal ions like cadmium from water, showing high specificity and effectiveness in achieving approved drinking levels within an hour.
The delight — and power — of your neighborhood’s unplanned green spaces (Grist) - Unplanned green spaces in urban areas, such as strips of dirt between sidewalks and streets or greenery along railways, serve as crucial sanctuaries for biodiversity, aid in flood prevention, and provide mental health benefits by reconnecting city dwellers with nature, highlighting the need for their preservation and potential formal support.
Texas 3D printing firm unveils next-gen construction technology: 'Something radical and courageous needs to happen' (The Cool Down) - ICON's new 3D printing technology, Phoenix, can construct 27-foot-tall, two-story buildings with improved speed and fewer operators, using materials that reduce carbon emissions by 24%, and aims to provide high-quality, affordable housing to address the global housing crisis.
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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