Everglades in Court, Living Docks Webinar, and More
- IRNA
- Jul 26
- 9 min read
July 26, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Environmental Lawsuit Challenges "Alligator Alcatraz"
Construction in Protected Everglades
Editor's Note: This article focuses solely on the environmental aspects of the detention facility construction and the legal case around it. Immigration policy remains a politically charged topic but the environmental concerns raised in federal court transcend left and right politics. This will not be a red vs. blue perspective but rather will center on the green view, focusing on established environmental law and ecosystem protection.
Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a federal lawsuit in June challenging the construction of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility, know more broadly as the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility in Big Cypress National Preserve. The lawsuit alleges systematic violations of four major environmental statutes, and is one of the most comprehensive environmental law challenges in recent Florida history. Further, the Miccosukee Tribe joined the lawsuit because of the detention center's proximity to their villages and ceremonial sites has restricted tribal members from accessing traditional hunting grounds and gathering plants and roots for medicinal uses, while also raising concerns about environmental degradation in the Everglades.
The legal challenge centers on the complete bypassing of required environmental reviews. No Environmental Impact Statement was conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) despite the facility's location in 96% wetlands within a National Preserve. The lawsuit also alleges Clean Water Act violations for unpermitted wetland destruction and Endangered Species Act violations for impacts to Florida panther habitat, where only 120-230 adult panthers remain statewide.
Environmental scientists documented approximately 11 acres of new pavement constructed over previously undisturbed wetlands. Dr. Christopher McVoy, a Cornell-trained soil physicist, provided expert testimony calling claims of "zero environmental impact" scientifically impossible. The facility's 24/7 lighting has created unprecedented light pollution visible from 35 miles away, violating Big Cypress's protected status as an International Dark Sky Place and disrupting nocturnal wildlife behavior patterns.
The facility relies entirely on temporary systems (trucked water delivery and waste removal) to serve up to 5,000 people in a sensitive wetland ecosystem. Environmental groups documented flooding within 24 hours of opening, raising concerns about sewage spills and contamination of Everglades watersheds that supply drinking water to millions of Floridians.
The case tests whether established environmental protections can withstand claims of emergency powers. With taxpayers having invested over $25 billion in Everglades restoration, environmental scientists warn the facility's impacts could undermine decades of conservation progress in one of America's most important and unique ecosystems.
The lawsuit's outcome will establish important precedents for balancing emergency response measures with environmental law compliance in protected areas nationwide. We'll keep you updated and to learn more visit the Friends of the Everglades site here.
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Join Sara Wappes, Indian River County Lagoon Environmental Specialist, for a fascinating webinar on the Living Docks program in Indian River County. The Webinar will be held on August 6 at 2 PM. Click here to register.
You may remember we wrote about this project a few weeks back. We've heard there has been some good interest in the program since our artice was published, so thank you to our members for helping out!
A brief reminder about how this unique initiative turns everyday dock pilings into vibrant marine habitats that help clean our waterways and support local biodiversity. The initiative uses oyster mats, created by volunteers from recycled oyster shells, to attract more oysters, barnacles, and other filter feeders to improve water quality, while engaging the community in hands-on restoration.
You can sign up to this free webinar and learn how this innovative project uses oyster mats to create thriving ecosystems right beneath our feet.
DOH issues health alert for toxic algae in Stick Marsh near Vero Beach (TCPalm) - A toxic blue-green algae bloom containing microcystin prompted a health alert at Stick Marsh west of Vero Beach, with officials warning residents to avoid contact with affected water and outlining precautions due to ongoing environmental conditions that favor bloom formation.
17th Street bridge project may end a year early (Vero News) - The 17th Street bridge reconstruction in Vero Beach may finish over a year early by 2027, though ongoing traffic disruptions continue as both it and the Merrill P. Barber Bridge undergo simultaneous construction.
‘Bed tax’ dollars will be used to boost tourism and shore up beaches for at least another year (Vero News) - Indian River County will retain nearly $5 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue for tourism promotion and beach renourishment after a proposed statewide overhaul failed, with new legislation also allowing funds to support lifeguard operations and boosting local tourism initiatives.
TCPalm watchdog editor finds serenity at water's edge on Treasure Coast (TCPalm) - For Arnie Rosenberg and his wife Fran, being near any body of water (from a backyard lake to the open ocean) offers a profound sense of peace, making waterfront living and exploration their ultimate source of serenity.
Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show (Vero News) - The Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show will return October 10–19, 2025, at a new venue in Sebastian, featuring a juried exhibit of nature-themed art to benefit the Pelican Island Conservation Society during National Wildlife Refuge Week.
Calling All Artists: Let’s Paint the Town (verominute.com) - Let's get some lagoon themed murals! Main Street Vero Beach is calling for mural artists to apply by August 30 for Mural Fest 2025, a public art event taking place November 7–9 that invites creatives to showcase their work and celebrate Florida through large-scale murals.
County Water Department Planning for Next 20 Years
Indian River County is working on an integrated water master plan that will hopefully coordinate drinking water, wastewater, and reuse over the next two decades. The plan looks at quantity, quality, resiliency, and equity, though how well it actually integrates these remains to be seen.
At a recent meeting, Utilities Director Sean Lieske was blunt about the situation: the county probably won't get any more water from St. Johns River Water Management District beyond their current 16.2 million gallons per day. That's forcing the county to look at other options like surface water, desalination, treating stormwater, and recycled (toilet to tap) water, all of which come with their own costs and complications. We're glad the county is looking towards the future!
The county has to serve everyone (inside the Urban Service Area), which can make things tricky. About 30% of residents are seasonal, so water use swings wildly depending on the time of year further complicating things.
Several community members pushed hard for including stormwater in the plan, pointing out that you can't really separate water systems. But the utilities department runs on its own budget (it is an enterprise fund) and can't legally spend that money on stormwater projects, which are funded differently via the general fund or in some jurisdictions a stormwater utility. This created some back-and-forth about whether the plan is really "integrated" after all.
Utilities officials said they want to work more with other departments, but they're also dealing with aging pipes, treatment plants, and pumping stations that need attention now.
The county will look at seven water supply options, only two involving groundwater. More public meetings are planned as they figure out what projects to prioritize and when, trying to balance costs and environmental concerns while also keeping the lights on.
Turtle Release and Tracking Event at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (Sebastian Daily) - The Sea Turtle Conservancy will host a free turtle release and tracking event on July 27, 2025, at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, where two loggerhead turtles will be outfitted with satellite transmitters and released as part of the Tour de Turtles migration marathon to promote sea turtle conservation.
Pink beach, pink seafoam, pink seaweed seen at Fort Pierce beach (TCPalm) - Unusual pink seaweed, foam, and surf seen along Fort Pierce beaches are caused by red macroalgae, likely Rhodophyceae species containing the pigment phycoerythrin, which periodically washes ashore in the region.
Florida surfer survives shark bite, vows to get back in the water (NBC 6 South Florida) - Eighteen-year-old surfer Sam Hollis survived a shark bite off New Smyrna Beach by kicking the shark and escaping with a minor foot injury, vowing to return to the water despite the attack.
New Florida law derails clean water amendment campaign | Opinion (Sun Sentinel) - A new Florida law has severely hampered the grassroots Right to Clean Water amendment campaign (and others) by imposing restrictive petition rules and steep fines that disproportionately burden volunteers, prompting legal challenges over concerns of undermining democratic participation and environmental protection.
Flesh eating bacteria: How to know if a water body is infested (Times of India) - Flesh-eating bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus thrive in warm, salty or brackish waters—especially after storms—making summer swimming risky for anyone with open wounds, with symptoms appearing quickly and requiring urgent medical attention.
USGS to remove some water quality monitors from Outstanding Florida Springs (WUF T) - The U.S. Geological Survey has halted continuous nitrate monitoring at 13 Outstanding Florida Springs due to funding cuts, sparking concern among scientists and advocates who warn that the loss of real-time data impairs efforts to track pollution, detect flow reversals, and guide spring restoration.
Florida's Orange Juice Industry
Faces Challenge from Trade Tariffs
In the past few weeks, you may have seen headlines about a proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. This could severely impact Florida's already struggling citrus industry. Did you know that Brazil is Florida's largest international trading partner? Or that Brazilian orange concentrate is currently essential for keeping Florida's juice production viable?
Florida's orange production has already declined dramatically - it's down 92% since 2003-04 due to hurricanes, disease, and urban development. The state now produces only 17% of U.S. citrus (compared to 76% in 2000), while Brazil supplies three-fourths of global orange juice exports.
Right now, some of the big Florida processors mix Brazilian and Mexican concentrates with local oranges to keep production going. These tariffs might initially boost prices for Florida growers, but they could ultimately make juice production unprofitable if import costs get too high.
The impact goes beyond citrus too. The tariffs could also affect Florida's aviation industry, which imports about $2 billion in Brazilian aircraft equipment, potentially impacting the broader aerospace supply chain that supports local companies. The tourism sector could also feel effects since Brazilians are major visitors to South Florida.
We'll keep an eye on this topic and if you'd like to read more in the Palm Beach Post, click here.
How can we stop climate change? (Citizens’ Climate Lobby) - Stopping climate change requires systemic action through clean energy expansion, forest protection, and carbon pricing, with policies like permitting reform, reforestation, and a carbon fee-and-dividend model offering the most effective paths to cut emissions and reverse global warming.
Restored Wetlands Reap Benefits for Climate, Drought-Resilience After Just One Year: Study (Environmental News Network) - Restoring floodplain wetlands cuts carbon emissions by 39% and revives key ecosystem functions within a year—without the methane surge typical of peatland restoration—making them a promising tool for climate and drought resilience.
How much does it cost to restore a mangrove forest? (Mongabay) - Restoring the world’s mangroves could cost around $10.73 billion—averaging $8,143 per hectare—with Indonesia offering the most cost-effective opportunities, but success hinges on long-term stewardship beyond carbon financing alone.
Monroe guts funding for sea rise street elevation program (Miami Herald) - Amid federal funding uncertainty and rising costs, Monroe County, FL has slashed key climate resilience efforts—cutting staff, exiting a regional climate compact, and halting public funding for road-raising projects—leaving Florida Keys residents to shoulder the growing burden of protecting their neighborhoods from sea level rise and flooding.
Kerr County’s tragic flood wasn’t an outlier. It was a preview. (Grist) - The devastating Kerr County flood that killed 135 people highlights how climate-driven extreme weather, outdated flood maps, weak regulations, and unchecked development in flood-prone areas are creating widespread, hidden risks for communities across the United States.
Americans Are Concerned About Climate Change—but They Should Be Afraid (The Nation) - Despite growing support for climate action, most Americans remain insufficiently alarmed about the immediate and deadly risks of climate change—largely due to weak media coverage that fails to clearly connect extreme weather to the climate crisis.
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