February 8, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Florida’s Legislature Finds Its Backbone:
A Victory for Separation of Powers
For years, Florida’s legislature has largely served as a rubber stamp for Governor Ron DeSantis, approving his policy priorities with little resistance. That changed dramatically this past week when lawmakers stood up to the governor, asserting their authority as a co-equal branch of government. This marks an important moment not just for Florida, but for the broader principle of separation of powers that is foundational to American governance.
The immediate flashpoint was immigration policy. Gov. DeSantis called a special legislative session to pass stringent immigration measures that would have expanded state and local enforcement efforts. But rather than falling in line, the Republican-controlled House and Senate swiftly adjourned his session and convened their own. The result was the TRUMP Act—legislation that diverged from the governor’s proposals and placed immigration enforcement under the purview of the state agriculture commissioner rather than law enforcement agencies controlled by the governor. DeSantis, clearly frustrated, vowed to veto the bill and lashed out at lawmakers, accusing them of weakness and betrayal.
This episode signals a long-overdue shift in Florida politics. The legislature, which for much of DeSantis' tenure has been more of an extension of his will than an independent body, has reasserted itself. This is precisely how a functional government is supposed to operate. Governors are not kings; legislatures are not meant to be passive enablers. The Florida Legislature’s actions are a reminder that our system is designed for checks and balances, where lawmakers represent their constituents, not just the executive’s agenda.
Beyond the immediate policy implications, this moment matters for the health of democratic governance. Across the country, executive power has steadily expanded, often at the expense of legislative bodies. This is not just a Florida problem. In Washington, Congress has too often ceded authority to the executive branch, whether through excessive deference to presidential directives or failing to assert its constitutional powers on key issues. The Legislative Branch is in Article I of the U.S. Constitution for a reason—it was designed to be the branch most directly accountable to the people, ensuring their voice remains central to governance. Vox populi, vox Dei.
The legislative branch is also meant to be a check on executive power, not a subservient arm of it. Florida’s lawmakers deserve credit for recognizing this—but will it last? Is the honeymoon really over, or will the Legislature get back in line with the governor, even when it doesn’t agree with him? Only time will tell.
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Rescue the River of Grass:
A Call to Action for Florida’s Future
At the Indian River Neighborhood Association, we are committed to protecting Florida’s waterways, and that’s why we are proud to support Friends of the Everglades in their Rescue the River of Grass campaign.
Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, the keynote speaker of our January luncheon, shared an update about their critical efforts to restore and protect the Everglades. Here’s what you need to know—and how you can take action.
Why Now?
This is a rare opportunity to move forward with a real solution for Everglades restoration. Here’s why:
✅ The Funding is in Place – A decade ago, Florida voters overwhelmingly passed Amendment 1, securing dedicated funds for land acquisition. Over the next 10 years, $1.3 to $1.6 billion per year will be available to purchase conservation lands. Investing in land south of Lake Okeechobee provides the biggest return on investment for Florida’s water and environment. (The Legislature has not always followed the spirit of the law on this funding issue, however, we are hopeful that they will allocate a sizable amount of money to land acquisition.)
✅ Science Shows Us the Way – Research clearly identifies the critical lands needed to restore the southern Everglades, protect Florida Bay, and stop harmful discharges into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. We know the solution. We have the funds. Now, we need the political will to act.
✅ A Threat to Our Waters – The sugar industry owns nearly 500,000 acres south of Lake Okeechobee, and instead of prioritizing restoration, they are pushing harmful developments. One alarming proposal is the Southland Rock Mine, a massive 8,000-acre excavation project that threatens the region’s water quality and ecosystem. This is not restoration—it’s destruction.
What’s at Stake?
Rescuing the River of Grass means:
Restoring clean water flow to Florida Bay and preventing damaging algae-fueling discharges into our northern estuaries.
Protecting public health by reducing toxic water releases that impact our coastal communities.
Strengthening our economy, which depends on clean water for tourism, recreation, and property values.
This is about the future of Florida’s environment and the health of its people. If we don’t act now, we risk losing this opportunity forever.
How You Can Help
Thousands have already taken a stand by signing the Rescue the River of Grass petition—but we need more voices.
📢 Sign the petition today to urge Florida lawmakers to acquire more land for water storage and treatment.
📢 Share this campaign with at least three friends—it only takes two minutes to make a difference.
📢 Watch and share this video featuring Eve Samples, explaining the urgency and what’s at risk if we fail to act.
This is just the beginning. The real work lies ahead, and we need your help to inspire more people to stand up for clean water and the Everglades.
💙 Sign now and join the movement to Rescue the River of Grass! 💙
Peeved by crashes, near misses in Sebastian, Vero? Act now (TCPalm) - Indian River County officials are gathering public input through open houses and surveys to improve road safety in Vero Beach and Sebastian by addressing high-risk areas, traffic patterns, and common crash causes while encouraging community involvement in solutions like better lighting, clearer sightlines, and increased enforcement.
Indian River County pledges $400,000 towards boardwalk rebuild effort (TCPalm) - Indian River County has pledged $400,000 to help Vero Beach rebuild the hurricane-damaged Humiston Beach Boardwalk, joining city funds and private donations to cover the estimated $2.3 million cost, though construction must wait until sea turtle nesting season ends.
How bad will traffic be when Vero Beach Three Corners opens? (TCPalm) - Vero Beach's planned Three Corners development, featuring hotels, restaurants, retail, and a marina, is expected to generate significant traffic and parking demands, with developers required to conduct detailed impact studies and contribute to infrastructure improvements, while city officials assess potential effects on law enforcement and the existing marina.
Who exactly is supposed to clear this A1A tornado debris? (Vero News) - A tornado-damaged, debris-filled oceanfront lot along A1A in Vero Beach remains uncleared because city codes don’t require cleanup on undeveloped land, and the absentee corporate owner has not taken action, leaving officials with no clear solution.
Vero Beach wants to make downtown better, explores options for doing so (TCPalm) - After two failed referendums to increase downtown Vero Beach’s density, city officials are exploring alternative funding options like a business improvement district and a community redevelopment area to enhance aesthetics, support artists, and pursue affordable housing initiatives.
Sailboat grounded at South Beach Park to be removed; Floated from Keys (TCPalm) - A sailboat that drifted unmanned from Key West and washed ashore at Vero Beach’s South Beach Park is set for removal, with police coordinating with the owner and state officials to manage the derelict vessel.
Riverside Park in Vero Beach draws large crowds for annual gardenfest (TCPalm) - The 23rd annual Gardenfest at Riverside Park in Vero Beach attracted thousands of attendees who browsed over 80 vendors offering a wide selection of plants, pottery, garden accessories, food, and raffle prizes during the two-day event hosted by the Garden Club of Indian River County.
The Disappearance of Florida’s Oysters:
A Story of Environmental Decline
and Hope for Restoration
A powerful documentary, made possible by the Coastal Conservation Association Florida, captures the decline of Florida’s once-thriving oyster industry, particularly in Apalachicola Bay. The film is a compelling story about environmental change, the loss of traditional livelihoods, and the urgent need for conservation.
For generations, oystermen in Apalachicola Bay built their lives around harvesting oysters, a sustainable way of living deeply tied to the environment. The bay was once so full that oyster boats lined the water, supporting entire communities. Families passed down the trade for generations, and young men would start their careers on the water as early as 15. However, environmental degradation, overharvesting, water mismanagement, and climate change have led to the collapse of the bay’s oyster population.
The film follows longtime oystermen who recount the drastic changes they’ve witnessed, from once-abundant harvests to an industry on the brink of extinction. Many have been forced to find new jobs, struggling to adjust in a world where their traditional skills no longer sustain them.
The film highlights multiple causes behind the oyster industry's decline, including:
Overharvesting – For years, the bay was a reliable source of oysters, but without proper regulation, too many were taken too quickly, leaving little time for natural replenishment.
Water Mismanagement – The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system, shared by Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, has been at the center of legal battles over water use. Georgia’s increasing consumption, combined with the Army Corps of Engineers’ management decisions, has reduced freshwater flow to Apalachicola Bay. With less freshwater reaching the bay, salinity levels rise, leading to massive oyster die-offs.
Climate Change & Pollution – Rising water temperatures, pollution from upstream sources, and the lasting impact of the BP oil spill have all played a role in further damaging the bay’s ecosystem.
This story isn't only about Apalachicola—it’s a warning for communities across Florida. The issues affecting the bay are strikingly similar to the challenges facing the Indian River Lagoon, where water quality declines due to pollution, urban development, and mismanagement threaten local fisheries and marine life.
Oysters play an important role in maintaining water quality. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, removing pollutants and excess nitrogen that contribute to harmful algal blooms and red tide. Their loss has ripple effects, impacting marine ecosystems, tourism, and the economy.
While the documentary paints a sobering picture, it also offers hope. Scientists, conservationists, and local stakeholders are working to restore oyster reefs through aquaculture and habitat restoration. Efforts to improve water quality, rebuild oyster populations, and implement better regulations can bring back the balance needed for these ecosystems to thrive again.
DEP, SFWMD investigate St. Lucie River water pollution turbidity (TCPalm) - The Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District are investigating sediment runoff, possibly from construction, that has turned the St. Lucie River near Halpatiokee Regional Park brown, raising concerns about its impact on marine life and water quality.
Environmental Learning Center Voted "Best Place for Kids" in 2025 by Indian River Magazine (Vero News) - The Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach was voted “Best Place for Kids” in the 2025 Indian River Magazine awards, recognizing its hands-on educational programs, eco-adventures, and nature-focused experiences that inspire environmental stewardship.
Is this composting’s moment in South Florida? (Miami Herald) - With Miami-Dade reconsidering its reliance on waste incineration, officials and environmental advocates are pushing for large-scale composting as a sustainable alternative, though zoning restrictions, funding challenges, and contamination risks remain key hurdles.
From red tide to sargassum, here's how to check water quality in Florida waters (Yahoo News) - With high levels of red tide, blue-green algae, and a predicted major sargassum bloom in 2025, Florida officials urge residents and visitors to check water quality maps and health advisories before swimming or fishing to avoid potential health risks.
Almost 1,000 sea turtles returned to the wild after being saved from frigid water in Florida (U.S. Geological Survey) - Nearly 1,000 cold-stunned sea turtles were rescued, rehabilitated, and released in Florida thanks to a collaborative effort by USGS scientists, volunteers, and partner organizations, providing both conservation benefits and valuable scientific data through tagging.
Ocean-Surface Warming Four Times Faster Now Than Late-1980s (Environmental News Network) - Ocean surface temperatures are now warming over four times faster than in the late 1980s, increasing by 0.27°C per decade, with scientists urging carbon emission reductions to slow this accelerating trend.
Stop Wasting Water:
Can Save Money and Resources
How a Hot Water Recirculation System
Many households waste significant amounts of water waiting for hot water to reach faucets and showers. This not only depletes our water resources but also increases utility bills. A practical solution to this problem is installing a hot water recirculation system.
A hot water recirculation system ensures that hot water is readily available at your fixtures without the typical wait. It works by continuously circulating hot water through your pipes, so when you turn on the tap, hot water is immediately available. This system can be especially beneficial in larger homes where the distance between the water heater and fixtures is substantial.
Installing a hot water recirculation pump is generally more cost-effective than a complete repiping project. The average cost for a recirculating pump ranges between $200 and $400, depending on the model and features. In contrast, repiping an entire house can be significantly more expensive due to the labor and materials involved.
Modern recirculation pumps often come with timers or sensors, allowing homeowners to set specific times for the system to operate. This ensures the pump runs only when needed, reducing energy consumption. By minimizing the wait for hot water, households can save thousands of gallons of water annually, leading to noticeable savings on water bills.
Beyond personal savings, reducing water waste contributes to environmental conservation. In areas like Indian River County, where water conservation is crucial, implementing such systems aligns with local efforts to preserve our natural resources.
Investing in a hot water recirculation system is a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce water waste and enhance convenience in your home. With options to control operation times, these systems offer both economic and environmental benefits, making them a worthwhile consideration for homeowners.
The 'recycled' plastic in your shoes, shirts, and bags? It’s still destined for the landfill. (Grist) - Many consumer products labeled as “made with recycled plastic” are actually downcycled into non-recyclable items, meaning they will still end up in landfills, raising concerns that the term "recycling" misleads consumers and justifies continued plastic production.
Exxon is quietly planning a new $8.6 billion plastics plant in Texas (Grist) - Exxon is seeking tax subsidies to build an $8.6 billion plastics plant in Point Comfort, Texas, sparking concerns among environmental advocates and locals who fear pollution, economic risks, and the undermining of ongoing cleanup efforts in the region.
Not-so Snowy Alaska (Environmental News Network) - Unseasonably warm temperatures in Alaska during winter 2024–2025 have led to significantly reduced snowfall, with some areas experiencing rain instead, raising concerns about flooding and ice jams.
How does the atmosphere affect ocean weather? (ScienceDaily) - A new study reveals that atmospheric winds can either slow down or energize ocean eddies depending on their spin direction, challenging previous assumptions and offering insights that could improve climate models, ocean observation, and navigation.
Mango farms where? Climate change is scrambling where the world's food is grown. (Grist) - As climate change disrupts traditional agriculture, farmers worldwide are shifting to more resilient crops like mangoes, leading to expanded production in unexpected regions such as Italy, Central Florida, and Northern Mexico while longtime producers face declining yields due to drought, extreme rainfall, and pests.
Lab-grown meat rebrands itself to woo Trump — and RFK Jr. (Grist) - Lab-grown meat companies are rebranding and emphasizing economic benefits to gain support under a second Trump administration, despite uncertainty over regulatory approval with RFK Jr., a vocal critic, nominated to oversee the FDA.
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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