October 19, 2024 Weekly Newsletter
Coming Together After Unprecedented Tornadoes in Vero Beach
Last week, our community faced a terrible natural disaster that left us all shaken. Tornadoes, incredible in their intensity, tore through our neighborhoods, causing devastation unlike anything we've ever experienced.
Unusual Tornadoes Strike Florida
Florida is known for its hurricanes, but tornadoes of this magnitude are exceedingly rare here. Many long-time residents have remarked they've never seen anything like the tornadoes that struck last week. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF3 tornado stayed on the ground for at least 21 miles, cutting a nearly continuous path through northern St. Lucie County and southeast Indian River County. This kind of long-tracked, powerful tornado is unusual for our state, making the event all the more shocking.
Hurricane Milton Missed Us, But Left Its Mark
What's even more surprising is that Hurricane Milton, which was expected to impact our area, missed us almost completely. However, the storm's outer bands spawned these devastating tornadoes and flooding before landfall. The connection between the hurricane and the tornadoes caught many by surprise, highlighting how unpredictable and unusual this weather event was.
Devastation in Our Community
The tornadoes caused significant damage in areas like the Central Beach and Bethel Creek neighborhood near Jaycee Park, where homes lost roofs and large trees were uprooted. The most severe impact was in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, where at least six people lost their lives, and numerous homes were destroyed. Mobile and manufactured homes were particularly hard-hit, leaving many families displaced and in need of assistance.
A Community United
In the aftermath of this tragedy, our community has shown incredible strength and unity. Neighbors are helping neighbors, offering shelter, meals, and comfort to those who have lost so much. Local organizations have mobilized quickly to provide aid. The United Way of Indian River County has established a disaster response and recovery fund, and generous donations are already making a difference. Jeff Pickering, president and CEO of the Indian River Community Foundation, announced a $1 million contribution to support relief efforts.
Understanding the Unpredictable
Meteorologists are studying this rare event to understand how such powerful tornadoes could occur in our area. Some experts suggest that warmer ocean temperatures and climate change may have contributed to the unusual weather patterns, although more research is needed.
Moving Forward Together
As we begin the process of rebuilding, it's important to remember that we are not alone. The road to recovery will be challenging, but with the support of our community, we will overcome the obstacles ahead. Let's continue to support one another, stay informed, and contribute however we can to aid those affected.
Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this disaster. In these difficult times, the compassion and resilience of our community shine through. Together, we will heal, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever.
Would you like to read more about the impact and see pictures and video of the devastation? Here are some sources.
Apply for FEMA disaster assistance for losses resulting from Hurricane Milton (Indian River County)
Opinion: Hurricane Milton prelude twisters reminder of nature's fury (TCPalm)
F3 tornado path from Fort Pierce continues to grow in Vero Beach (TCPalm)
Recovery ongoing on Treasure Coast days after Milton tornadoes hit area (TCPalm)
Hurricane Milton Florida aftermath in Vero, Fort Pierce, Spanish Lakes (TCPalm)
'Strangers came together': Highlands recovering from catastrophic tornado damage (Vero News)
Tornado damage survey underway in Indian River County (Vero News)
Photos - Crews continue cleanup Friday after Milton-spawned tornadoes (Vero News)
All the local media covered Hurricane Milton and the tornadoes extensively. This is just a small selection of a few articles and images presented there.
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The Importance of Early Voting
Voting is a fundamental right and a critical part of shaping the future of our community and country. Yet, with busy schedules and unforeseen circumstances, it can be hard to make it to the polls on Election Day. That’s where early voting comes in.
Early voting provides a convenient and flexible option for those who want to avoid long lines or unexpected conflicts on November 5, 2024. It allows voters to plan ahead, ensuring they have the opportunity to make their voices heard, no matter what life throws their way. Here are some key reasons why early voting is so important:
Convenience: Early voting gives voters flexibility to choose a time that works for them. With dates spanning from October 21 to November 2, you have the ability to pick a day that fits into your schedule. Whether you're a working parent, a student, or juggling multiple responsibilities, early voting provides more opportunities to cast your ballot without the pressure of Election Day.
Avoid Long Lines: Election Day can be busy, with long wait times at polling places. Early voting allows you to avoid these delays and enjoy a smoother, quicker voting experience.
Reduces Stress on Election Day: By voting early, you help alleviate the pressure on poll workers and reduce crowding at polling locations. This contributes to a more efficient process for everyone, allowing Election Day voters to have a better experience too.
More Time to Address Issues: If you encounter any problems with your voter registration or identification, early voting gives you more time to resolve them. It ensures that any challenges can be addressed well before Election Day, giving you peace of mind that your vote will count.
Early Voting Locations in Indian River County
Here in Indian River County, we have several convenient locations to cast your early vote:
Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers
1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
Indian River County Main Library
1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Indian River County Supervisor of Election Office
4375 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Early Voting Dates & Times
Dates: October 21 - November 2, 2024
Times: 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily
What to Bring
Remember to bring your Florida driver's license or another form of photo and signature identification when you vote. If your photo ID does not include a signature, you’ll need to bring additional ID to confirm your identity. If you don’t have the proper ID, you can still vote using a provisional ballot.
Voting Assistance
If you require help in marking your ballot, don't hesitate to ask a poll worker for assistance. Your voice matters, and every voter should feel empowered to participate in the process.
In conclusion, early voting is a great way to ensure that your vote is counted, even if Election Day doesn’t go as planned. Take advantage of the opportunity to make your voice heard on your own schedule and contribute to the future of our community.
Opinion: Take tour for insight on Vero Beach downtown referendum (TCPalm) - Vero Beach is considering a referendum to increase downtown housing density while balancing development with the preservation of its historic character and walkability.
Opinion: On Milton, Indian River drainage head 'cautiously optimistic' (TCPalm) - Written before Hurricane Milton, this article talk about David Gunter and his team who managed the 227-mile canal system in Vero Beach to prevent flooding, offering an interesting perspective on the area's crucial water control infrastructure.
In the Sky with Agricultural Pilot Jeff Summersill (Vero Beach Magazine) - Agricultural pilot Jeff Summersill, known for flying low-altitude mosquito control missions over Indian River County, uses his expertise to help protect the community from mosquito-borne illnesses with precise aerial treatments.
She Talks to Fish (Vero News) - The Pelican Island Audubon Society is hosting a reception, live painting, and book signing featuring Brian Hester and Barbara Beam, authors of She Talks to Fish, a coming-of-age story about a young black woman overcoming adversity through her passion for fly fishing, as part of a fundraiser for their Audubon Advocate program supporting underrepresented students.
Chance for a Brightline station in Stuart got dimmer Monday (TCPalm) - The Stuart City Commission has once again rejected a proposal for a Brightline train station, making the project's future uncertain as commissioners remain divided on the city's financial commitment.
Treasure Coast school districts consider makeup days from Helene, Milton (TCPalm) - Treasure Coast school districts are considering makeup days for time missed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with Indian River and Martin County districts planning announcements, while St. Lucie County has yet to respond.
Hurricane Milton causes major sewage spill in Palm Bay (WESH) - Hurricane Milton caused a sewage spill of 467,000 gallons in Palm Bay, leading to environmental contamination and raising concerns among residents about the city's infrastructure and communication during storms.
Five candidates are running for Vero Beach City Council in the upcoming election. Each candidate has shared their views on critical issues concerning the city's future, following a series of questions sent by the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) and Clean Water Coalition (CWC). These questions touched on topics such as development, housing, water quality, and city governance.
Here are the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:
Each candidate responded to the questions covering areas like the Three Corners development, affordable housing, water quality in the lagoon, and how Vero Beach can prepare for future climate challenges. The IRNA and CWC provided the platform for this important conversation, highlighting the importance of these issues for voters as they head to the polls. The full responses offer insight into how these candidates plan to address key concerns in Vero Beach.We extend our sincere thanks to all the candidates for their time and thoughtful responses, and we wish them the best of luck in their campaigns.Note:
Typically, we survey the Sebastian City Council candidates, but this year, the candidates running are those who participated in the 2022 election. You can view their responses from two years ago here. Kelly Dixon, Ed Dodd, and Damien Gilliams, Jr. are running for Sebastian City Council this year.
In Florida Senate Race, Two Candidates With Vastly Different Views on the Climate (Inside Climate News) - The Florida Senate race between Rick Scott and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell highlights sharply contrasting views on climate policy, with Scott criticized for his past environmental record and Mucarsel-Powell focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure and environmental protection.
Activists call out DeSantis, saying he has ignored the climate crisis (News From The States) - Activists in Florida criticized Governor Ron DeSantis for ignoring climate change and rejecting federal funding for climate resiliency efforts, despite the increased severity of hurricanes like Helene and Milton, which have highlighted the state's vulnerabilities.
DeSantis plans no limits on building in disaster zones: 'Not the role of government' (Raw Story) - Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed the idea of limiting development in disaster-prone coastal areas, emphasizing that individuals have the right to decide how to use their property despite recurring natural disasters, as recovery efforts continue following Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
‘There’s nowhere for the water to go:’ Miles from the ocean, water is becoming a big issue (Palm Beach Post) - Florida's flat terrain, limestone geology, and rapid development are exacerbating inland flooding, with even non-coastal areas increasingly vulnerable to damage from heavy rainfall, worsened by climate change and poor land use planning.
In-vitro impacts of glyphosate on manatee lymphocytes (ScienceDirect) - Glyphosate exposure significantly reduces the proliferation of manatee T-lymphocytes and promotes gene expression associated with acute inflammation, potentially weakening the immune system, especially during mid-winter when immune responses are already diminished.
The Trees of Miami’s Future (Environmental News Network) - Nearly half of Miami's native trees, such as live oaks and slash pines, may struggle to survive due to rising temperatures, but planting more tropical species could help maintain the city's tree canopy amid climate change.
How some South Florida cities are tackling forever chemicals (NBC Miami) - Some South Florida cities, like Plantation and North Miami Beach, are using advanced filtration technologies such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis to effectively remove PFAS chemicals from drinking water, addressing contamination ahead of new EPA regulations.
Biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are rescuing four manatees trapped in a pond at a Largo cemetery on Friday. As of late Friday morning, two of the manatees have been rescued.
Milton’s October surprise (Grist) - Hurricane Milton has prompted a political shift as Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, once critical of federal disaster funding, now supports FEMA assistance, highlighting the crucial role of federal aid in disaster recovery and its potential impact on voter sentiment.
This farmer was skeptical about solar — until he began grazing sheep (Canary Media) - Initially skeptical of solar development on farmland, Illinois farmer Trent Gerlach embraced a win-win solution by grazing 500 sheep around the solar panels, providing eco-friendly vegetation control while preserving and improving the land for future use.
Helene and Milton reveal a new threat for first responders: EV fires (Grist) - Hurricanes Helene and Milton have highlighted a growing challenge for first responders: electric vehicle batteries, when exposed to saltwater, are prone to catching fire, creating hazardous situations that are difficult to control and require specialized training and equipment to extinguish effectively.
Catastrophically Warm Predictions Are More Plausible Than We Thought (Environmental News Network) - EPFL researchers have developed a rating system to assess the plausibility of climate models in the latest IPCC report, showing that models predicting catastrophic warming due to high sensitivity to carbon emissions are to be taken seriously.
Let’s discuss the ethics of climate action (Grist) - The ethical dilemmas of climate action—such as personal responsibility, the role of policymakers, and strategies like managed retreat—demand thoughtful debate, as grappling with these issues is essential for formulating effective, just solutions to the climate crisis.
Security experts discuss the American Water cyberattack (Security Magazine) - The cyberattack on American Water highlights the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, particularly in sectors like water and wastewater treatment, which are often underfunded in cybersecurity, raising concerns about the potential risks to public health and the need for stronger preventive measures.
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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