Conservation Cuts in the Budget, Decimated Mangroves, and More!
- IRNA
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
June 21, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
A Broken Promise:
Florida's Conservation Funding Falls Far Short
The gavel has fallen on another legislative session, and once again, Florida's environment has been sold short. After weeks of advocacy from thousands of Floridians, our legislators have delivered a crushing blow to conservation funding that is nothing short of a betrayal.
Both chambers initially included $100 million for Florida Forever in their budgets, responding to overwhelming constituent pressure. But in the final hours of budget negotiations, that promise evaporated.
The final result? A paltry $18 million for Florida Forever. This represents less than 20% of what was initially promised. (Click here for more from the Tampa Bay Times.)
Meanwhile, the Indian River Lagoon saw its funding slashed from a proposed $100 million to just $25 million. For a water body that generates billions in economic activity, this funding level is insulting.
Florida Forever has purchased over 1 million acres for conservation since 2001, creating jobs and protecting water resources. Yet despite this track record, despite strong state revenues, and despite overwhelming public support, our legislators chose to prioritize other spending.
Every day we delay conservation investment, Florida loses more natural heritage to sprawl and conservation becomes more costly. Our state's population surges while demand for parks and preserves reaches record levels, yet our representatives consistently choose short-term political gains over long-term environmental stewardship.
Our legislators have difficult jobs requiring tough choices. But that's exactly why we elect them, to make the right choices for Florida's future. On conservation funding, they have failed that test.
The fight continues in every election and every conversation with neighbors who may not realize how their representatives vote on environmental issues. We must ensure pro-environment candidates emerge to champion environmental issues.
Florida's natural treasures are irreplaceable. Our representatives seem to have forgotten this, but we cannot let them forget that voters are watching their every move.
At this point, you could reach out to our legislators and let them know you are disappointed with how this ended up. There's no changing this year's budget but maybe we can get the point across that conservation funding is broadly popular and prepare for next year...
Subject: Conservation Funding in the Budget
Dear Representative Brackett/Senator Grall,
I am deeply disappointed in the final budget's treatment of conservation funding.
Both chambers initially included $100 million for Florida Forever, but the final budget allocated only $18 million. The Indian River Lagoon funding was reduced from $100 million to $25 million.
I know you support Florida's environment, which is why this outcome is so disappointing. These programs protect what makes our state special and support our local economy.
State revenues were strong this year, and the funding was available. I had hoped conservation would be a higher priority in the final negotiations.
I believe you can do better for our environment and our community in future budget cycles.
Your constituents care deeply about these issues and are watching.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Feel free to personalize this letter with specific examples of how conservation impacts you personally or mention local areas you want to see protected. The more specific and personal you can make it, the more impact it will have.
Final note: While the Florida Forever program suffered a devastating cut, it’s worth noting that lawmakers did approve $250 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This is a separate initiative focused on protecting working agricultural lands through conservation easements. This funding is important, and it will help preserve some open spaces, but it does not replace the need for robust investment in public conservation lands accessible to all Floridians. The two programs serve complementary but distinct purposes, and both are essential.
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Photo Provided by Indian River County
The Mangrove Destruction in Sebastian:
A Wake-Up Call for Environmental Protection
A special thanks to TCPalm and reporter Timothy O'Hara for their comprehensive coverage of this environmental issue. Their dedication to journalism has helped bring this important story to light. This is one reason it is so important that we support local journalism. Would we know as much about this story without TCPalm's legwork here? I doubt it... You can read more details about this story here, here, and here.
In late May, a disturbing scene unfolded along the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian when a Windsor resident illegally cleared mangroves from his waterfront property. The owner of nearly 4.5-acres at 5200 93rd Lane allegedly hired contractors to remove what neighbors described as a "sickening amount of mangroves" without obtaining the required environmental permits.
The destruction didn't stop at the trees. Dark brown sediment and mangrove debris flooded into the already-impaired Indian River Lagoon, creating another environmental problem that prompted immediate action from multiple agencies including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Indian River County officials.
Florida's estimated 600,000 acres of mangrove forests are one part pretty coastal trees and nine parts environmental powerhouses that serve critical functions for our entire coastal ecosystem. These remarkable trees act as nature's water filtration system, trapping sediments and absorbing pollutants before they reach our waterways. They're also living nurseries, providing essential habitat where juvenile fish grow and thrive, directly supporting both recreational and commercial fisheries.
Mangroves are coastal guardians, stabilizing shorelines and protecting properties from storm damage and erosion. Their branches serve as rookeries for coastal birds like pelicans and roseate spoonbills, while their root systems create complex underwater habitats that support everything from snook to tarpon.
Perhaps most importantly in our changing climate, mangroves help maintain water quality and clarity in systems like the Indian River Lagoon, which has already suffered from decades of pollution and environmental stress.
Florida takes mangrove protection seriously, and for good reason. Under state law, unauthorized mangrove removal is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $10,000 in fines or six months in jail or both. Additional penalties can include fines of up to $250 for each altered mangrove, and this is on top of mandatory restoration and mitigation requirements.
In this Sebastian case, the property owner faces potential criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and damage assessments. The county has issued cease and desist orders and is calculating fines based on damage to both the site and the adjacent lagoon.
The investigation continues as multiple agencies assess the full extent of environmental damage. The property owner will likely face substantial financial penalties and will likely be required to undertake costly restoration efforts. Meanwhile, the damaged ecosystem must begin the slow process of recovery, if it can recover at all.
This incident serves as a reminder that mangroves aren't trees you can cut down on a whim. They're protected species that form the backbone of our coastal environment, and their destruction has far-reaching consequences for water quality, wildlife, and the communities that depend on healthy coastal ecosystems.
The moral of the story? Don't cut down mangroves, okay? They're doing way more work protecting our coast than any seawall ever could, and the law is definitely not on your side if you try.
Since this issue first broke, new details have emerged that complicate the Sebastian mangrove case. The contractor, Higher Ground Land Services owner Kristin Feldhause, now claims she only cleared vegetation that the Florida Department of Transportation contracted her to clear for routine maintenance on a stormwater drainage canal.
However, FDOT and Indian River County officials dispute this, stating that "FDOT did not allow work on private property" and that the landowner hired the contractor separately. A 2009 FDOT survey appears to show the authorized work area was limited to the southern edge of the property, nowhere near where most of the clearing occurred.
Adding to the confusion, TCPalm has requested the actual work plans FDOT gave the contractor, but those public records haven't been provided yet.
A multi-agency meeting is scheduled for June 23 at the site with the landowner, contractor, and officials from FDOT, the county, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the St. Johns River Water Management District to "discuss impacts to the property and required remedies."
The finger-pointing and conflicting accounts make this a messy situation we'll be watching closely. Regardless of who authorized what, the mangroves are still gone and the environmental damage is real.
We would again like to thank TCPalm and Tim O'Hara for their coverage of this story. It really shows how important local journalism is!
Vision turned reality: Gifford Gardens to provide affordable homes (Vero News) - A once-vacant lot in Gifford is being transformed into Gifford Gardens, a 14-home affordable housing development led by Indian River Habitat for Humanity to provide income-based, sustainable homes for local families by late 2026.
County tourism budget increased as visitors swoop in (Vero News) - Indian River County increased its tourism budget by 22 percent to $1.95 million as visitor spending and bed tax revenues surge, though proposed state legislation threatens to eliminate local tourism councils and redirect funds away from promotion.
Bottlenose dolphins feed in Vero Beach in the Indian River Lagoon (TCPalm) - Pictures of a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins was seen feeding near Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in the Indian River Lagoon, home to over 1,000 dolphins across its 156-mile estuarine stretch.
Webinar: Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, EAA reservoir from Army Corps, SFWMD (TCPalm) - Two upcoming webinars will provide updates on Everglades restoration efforts, including the Central Everglades Planning Project, Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir, and A-2 Stormwater Treatment Area, hosted by the Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District.
Florida gopher tortoise relocations increase amid development boom (TCPalm) - Florida’s gopher tortoise population is increasingly threatened by rapid development, forcing costly and harmful relocations that endanger hundreds of dependent species and strain the state’s dwindling suitable habitat sites.
Free mobile boat sewage clean-out service will cut lagoon discharges (Vero News) - Good work to our friends at the CWC for helping to make this project a reality! The County will launch a free mobile boat sewage pump-out service in January 2026 to reduce illegal sewage dumping and improve Indian River Lagoon water quality, funded largely by state grants and local partnerships.
A Growing Network of Native Beauty
Pelican Island Audubon Society has just completed their fifth demonstration garden in the county, with the newest Florida Native Plant Education and Demonstration Garden now beautifying the Vero Beach Main Post Office on 13th Ave. This latest addition joins a network of native plant showcases at the Indian River County Administration Building A, Up Against Poverty, the Beach Post Office, and Vero Beach Elementary School. With the help of 20 dedicated volunteers, 179 Florida native plants representing 8 different species were carefully planted to demonstrate that native landscaping can be both stunning and sustainable. Check it out next time you stop by!
What makes these native plant gardens truly remarkable is their potential to address critical environmental challenges. In Florida, a staggering 64% of drinking water (88% in summer) goes toward irrigating lawns that require constant fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance.
The toxic runoff from traditional landscaping is killing seagrasses and fish in waterways like the Indian River Lagoon, directly impacting manatees and other wildlife. By showcasing native alternatives that require no fertilizers, pesticides, or excessive watering, these demonstration gardens offer a beautiful solution that could help save 800 million gallons of gas nationwide while reducing billions of pounds of CO₂ emissions and toxic pollutants.
Each demonstration garden works as both inspiration and education, showing residents and landscaping professionals how native plants can increase property values by 5-20% while providing critical habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. These gardens show how individual choices can help solve climate and water quality crises while supporting the native species that depend on Florida's natural plant communities to survive. Great job Pelican Island Audubon! Keep it up!
Federal court refuses to halt Florida manatee requirements (Orlando Sentinel) - A federal appeals court declined to block a judge's order requiring Florida to halt new septic tank permits and implement manatee protection measures in the northern Indian River Lagoon, citing a clear link between wastewater pollution and manatee deaths.
Beer Cares: Brooke Malone Takes a Shot at Saving the Lagoon with Gilded Kilroy IPA (Vero Minute) - Walking Tree Brewery co-founder Brooke Malone launched Gilded Kilroy IPA to support real-time water monitoring in the Indian River Lagoon, blending craft beer with citizen science and raising thousands for ORCA’s pollution-tracking technology.
Learn Juicy History on the Florida Citrus Crate Label Trail (Vero Beach Magazine) - The Florida Citrus Crate Label Trail in Indian River County celebrates the region’s citrus heritage with 30 to 40 large-scale reproductions of vintage crate labels placed at historic sites, blending art, local history, and tourism in honor of the county's centennial.
Eight Films, One Mission: Saving Our Oceans (Vero Minute) - The FAU Harbor Branch International Ocean Film Festival featured eight powerful films blending science and storytelling to inspire action for ocean conservation, spotlighting efforts from mangrove restoration to deep-sea exploration.
Five Things to Do This June Around Vero Beach (Vero Beach Magazine) - June in Vero Beach offers turtle walks, youth performances of Annie, a firefighter fishing tournament, centennial celebrations with a parade and time capsule, and the 10th annual Burgers & Brews fundraiser featuring live music, games, and local burger tastings.
Coffee with a Cause” Manatee Coffee Launches New Organic Blends (The Boca Raton Tribune) - Manatee Coffee has launched two new organic blends, Eco Brew and Coastal Reserve, in partnership with The Fresh Market to support manatee conservation through sustainably sourced, premium coffee sales.
Major I-95 Construction to Impact Evening Travel
Drivers who regularly travel I-95 between Indrio Road and SR 60/20th Street should prepare for significant overnight delays. The Florida Department of Transportation has implemented major lane restrictions from 9 PM to 6 AM, Sunday through Thursday nights, as part of the ongoing SR 9/I-95 and Oslo Road interchange project.
For the next few weeks, I-95 will be reduced from three lanes to just one lane in each direction during construction hours. The most disruptive aspect: when crews pour concrete for bridge decks, all traffic (both northbound and southbound) will be forced to share the opposite side of the highway using temporary crossover lanes.
To ensure safety during these operations, the speed limit will drop from 70 mph to 35 mph, with Florida Highway Patrol officers stationed on-site to manage traffic flow.
The lane restrictions will continue through Monday, June 30th. If weather or other issues cause delays, the schedule may extend through Thursday, July 3rd.
Commuters and travelers should expect major slowdowns and allow extra time for trips during these overnight hours. The construction is necessary for the new Oslo Road interchange, which will reportedly improve traffic flow in the area once completed.
How the American Prairie Could Help Us Fight Climate Change (Grist) - Once a vast and ecologically rich landscape, the American prairie was nearly obliterated by settler agriculture and federal policies favoring monoculture and ethanol, but restoring it, especially through Indigenous-led efforts and diversified farming, offers a powerful tool for climate mitigation, biodiversity revival, and cultural reparations.
Ocean Protection is a Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity (Inter Press Service) - Protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 offers a high-return investment opportunity worth $85 billion annually through avoided environmental and economic costs, yet remains underfunded due to weak global commitments, despite successful models from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile demonstrating both feasibility and impact.
How to Help Trees Survive the Summer Heat (Tree Hugger) - Newly planted urban trees struggle in summer heat without sufficient water, but residents can boost survival rates by using grey water, watering deeply and less frequently, removing competing turf, and collaborating with local businesses and maintenance staff to keep tree roots hydrated and healthy.
Microplastics and Melting Ice Reveal Deepening Crisis in Antarctica (Mongabay) - A major international expedition around Antarctica has revealed alarming signs of climate disruption, including widespread microplastics, melting glaciers, declining ocean salinity, and atmospheric pollution from Amazon fires, all of which are accelerating ice loss, disrupting marine ecosystems, and underscoring the deep global interconnectedness of Earth’s climate systems.
Utah Republican Proposes Sale of More Than 2 Million Acres of US Lands (Mongabay) - Utah Senator Mike Lee is full of bad ideas this week. He proposed selling over 2 million acres of federal land for development as part of a GOP tax plan, drawing strong opposition from conservation groups and some lawmakers who warn it could threaten public access and environmental protections.
The EPA Puts Toxic Power Plant Emissions Back on the Table (Canary Media) - The EPA has proposed repealing Biden-era rules limiting toxic emissions from coal and gas plants, despite evidence of their significant pollution and public health impact, sparking legal concerns and pushback from environmental groups while signaling broader threats to clean energy progress under ongoing federal policy shifts.
