Bill to Fix Last Year's Issues, Great Crowd at Lagoonapalooza, and more
- IRNA
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
A Opportunity to Fix Florida's Post-Hurricane Planning Laws
Last year's SB 180 went too far, blocking local governments from updating plans and regulations for a full year after hurricanes, even when those updates would improve public safety and disaster preparedness. SB 840 begins to fix these problems.
What SB 840 Improves:
Narrower scope: Reduces affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles from hurricane track
Targeted restrictions: Prohibits enforcing certain rules on damaged property requiring permits, rather than blanket bans on all planning activities
Removes lawsuit provisions: Eliminates the private lawsuit framework that created automatic injunctions and mandatory attorney fees
Shortens 2024 restrictions: Reduces the restriction period for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton from October 2027 to June 2026
Preserves building safety: Clarifies local governments can still adopt and enforce building code updates
The Critical Problem: No House Action
There is no true House companion to SB 840. The only related House bill, HB 1465, would make things worse, not better. Without House action, this reform could die even if the Senate passes SB 840.
What You Can Do Now
SB 840 is heading to Senate Rules Committee. This is its final stop before the Senate floor.
Contact Our Senator: Senator Grall sits on the Rules Committee. Ask her to support and strengthen SB 840 as it moves to Rules Committee
Contact Our House Representative: Urge Representative Brackett to advance legislation similar to SB 840 in the house.
State Elected Officials Contact Information:
Sen. Erin Grall
Phone: (850) 487-5029
Email: Grall.Erin.Web@flsenate.gov
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Suite A149, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Rep. Robbie Brackett
Phone: (850) 717-5034
Address: Suite B2-203, 1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: 850-717-9337
Address: The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
We still have a few spots available on our tour of Egret Marsh on 2/11 at 9 AM! Ever wondered how nature and engineering can work together to protect the Indian River Lagoon? Here's your chance to see it firsthand.
Egret Marsh is home to the county's first large-scale algal turf scrubber (ATS) system used for stormwater filtration. In simple terms, the facility uses algae as natural water filters, removing excess nutrients from stormwater before it reaches the Indian River Lagoon. It's a brilliant example of working with nature instead of against it.
Sign up and more information here.
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Join the IRNA in building a stronger voice for our community. Your support empowers us to safeguard our natural resources, demand transparency from elected officials, and champion the changes we need to see—together, we can create lasting impact.
Lagoonapalooza 2026:A Celebration of Community and Conservation
What a day! IRNA was thrilled to join more than 2,500 neighbors at the Environmental Learning Center's Lagoonapalooza 2026!
Something different happened this year. We noticed a significant shift in how people engaged with us. Bbetween 9 AM and 3 PM, we had about 35 interactions with attendees who were genuinely eager to learn about advocacy and how to get involved. They were seeking us out with thoughtful questions and a clear desire to make a difference. This audience was different from prior years at ELC or any other venue we've participated in.
And we're seeing this energy everywhere, not just at Lagoonapalooza. There's a growing momentum across our community (and beyond) of people recognizing that they need to step up and get involved. If you've been feeling that pull yourself, know that you're not alone. More neighbors than ever are ready to learn about the issues and take action to protect what we love about living here. Reach out to us, we'd love to hear from you and help you get involved.
A heartfelt thank you to the Environmental Learning Center for hosting such a wonderful event, and to everyone who made it possible, from sponsors, musicians, vendors, volunteers, to every single person who came out to celebrate our Lagoon.
IRNA can't wait to see everyone again at some upcoming events. Save the dates!
February 25 at 5 PM: Cocktails & Conversations at Quail Valley's Boat House - The Indian River Lagoon, What's it Worth? presented by Dr. Duane Defresse
March 25 at Noon: Lunch & Learn at Vero Beach Country Club - The Status of Florida's Future Water Supply presented by Clay Coarsey at St. Johns Water Management District
April 15 at Noon: Lunch & Learn with Tom Lanahan on Land Use, more info soon!
Next week we will be sharing a new portal where you will be able to sign up for these events and more!
Islamophobia mistakenly strikes Hindu landowner in Florida (TCPalm) - Widespread misinformation and Islamophobic rhetoric falsely linking a Hindu-owned investment firm, Epic Estates, to a Texas mosque's development plans sparked public outrage in Indian River County, despite officials confirming no such "Muslim City" project exists.
Skeptical residents get more details on muck storage site plan (Vero News) - Provence Bay residents voiced mixed reactions to the Florida Inland Navigation District's plan to build a dredge material storage site just 100 feet from their homes, with some reassured by a site visit and others still concerned about flooding, odors, and a lack of transparency.
2 School Board incumbents will seek re-election (Vero News) - Indian River County School Board incumbents Teri Barenborg and Jacqueline Rosario have filed for re-election, with Barenborg currently unopposed and Rosario facing former teacher Tom Lange in the August 18 primary.
Sebastian council to hear appeal on denied boat, RV storage amid Ashbury residents’ opposition (Sebastian Daily) - The Sebastian City Council will hear an appeal on January 28 regarding a denied proposal for a boat and RV storage facility next to the Ashbury neighborhood, as developers argue the rejection lacked solid evidence while residents voice strong opposition over traffic, noise, and safety concerns.
Boat ramp at Round Island Riverside Park in Vero Beach to close for repairs (Sebastian Daily) - The boat ramp at Round Island Riverside Park in Vero Beach will close for three to four weeks starting February 3 for dock and walkway repairs, while the rest of the park remains open and alternative ramps are available nearby.
Native vs. Prohibited Plants
Indian River County’s Landscape & Buffer Ordinance, supported by IRNA, encourages residents to prioritize Florida-friendly native plants and avoid invasive exotics that damage local ecosystems. Choosing appropriate plants helps conserve water, protect water quality, support wildlife, and keep landscapes in compliance with county regulations (Section 926.06).
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants grow naturally in Florida and are adapted to our soils, rainfall patterns, and temperature fluctuations. Because they evolved here, they typically require less irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides—supporting the County’s water-conservation goals. Native landscaping also provides critical food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that depend on these species to survive.
Under the ordinance, at least 50% of required canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers must be native species. This means required landscape areas cannot be planted entirely with non-native ornamentals commonly sold at big-box stores.
Examples of Good Native Choices
Appendix A of the ordinance lists many attractive and familiar native plants suitable for home landscapes. Native trees include live oak, laurel oak, cabbage palm, slash pine, longleaf pine, red maple, dahoon holly, and Southern magnolia—with certain species better suited to wet lowlands or sandy uplands. Common native shrubs include beautyberry, wax myrtle, Walter’s viburnum, gallberry, cocoplum, coontie, firebush, and Simpson’s stopper—many of which provide berries or nectar for wildlife.
Native groundcovers and flowers include beach sunflower, blanket flower, sea oats, gopher apple, sunshine mimosa, pink muhly grass, native blue porterweed, and native ferns. Recommended native vines include coral honeysuckle, passionflower (maypop), native grapes, Virginia creeper, and Carolina jasmine. Using these plants meets both native-plant percentage and drought-tolerance requirements. See more about natives here.For assistance, residents can visit the Indian River County UF/IFAS Extension office in the County Administration Building or visit the UF/IFAS website here.
What’s Prohibited & Why
Chapter 926 prohibits invasive exotic plants listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s Category I list because they spread aggressively, displace native species, and disrupt natural ecosystems. Plants listed in Appendix B may not be installed in required landscape areas, and invasive species must be removed during new development or redevelopment before approval is granted.
Simple Do & Don’t Checklist
Do choose at least 50% native plants, prioritize drought-tolerant species, and replace invasive exotics when updating landscapes.
Don’t assume a plant is allowed because it’s sold locally, or plant invasive exotics in required landscape areas.
Lots of new Florida developments are lined up, but what will they drink? (The Apopka Voice) - As Florida faces worsening drought and overdrawn water resources, the state's unchecked development boom threatens long-term water availability, with costly and uncertain alternatives like desalination and wastewater injection highlighting a looming end to the era of cheap, plentiful water.
Sprawl, powered by 'dirty money' (VoteWater.org) - Florida developers and sugar industry giants poured millions into state-level political contributions in 2025, fueling pro-sprawl legislation and weakening local oversight on growth and environmental protections.
Florida lawmaker is back with bill promoting water pollution (Orlando Weekly) - House Bill 479, backed by Rep. Randy Maggard, would strip Florida's cities and counties of their power to regulate wetlands and prevent water pollution, centralizing authority under a state agency with a poor environmental track record and effectively silencing public oversight.
Deputies capture 9-foot long boa constrictor outside woman's home (Vero News) - Indian River County deputies safely captured a 9-foot boa constrictor found outside a woman's home, turning it over to animal control after she called 911 in surprise.
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