Florida Reef in Trouble, Live Local Act Update, and more
- IRNA
- Aug 23
- 9 min read
August 23, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Act Now: Florida's Ancient Underwater Reef Faces Destruction
Hidden beneath the currents of the Gulf Stream lies one of Earth's most extraordinary secrets: the Oculina Banks, a rare deep-water coral reef that has grown for thousands of years off Florida's coast. This isn't your typical tropical reef – it's a stark white, cathedral-like ecosystem built by a single species of ivory tree coral that creates towering structures rising 100 feet from the seafloor.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering opening protected portions of this irreplaceable habitat to bottom trawling, the same destructive practice that already wiped out 90% of these reefs decades ago. The proposed amendments would allow heavy nets to be dragged across the seafloor, potentially destroying in minutes what took centuries to build.
The stakes couldn't be higher. A single foot-long coral colony hosts up to 2,000 individual animals, and the reef system shelters over 2,000 marine species total. These coral thickets serve as critical spawning grounds for grouper and snapper that feed our dolphins, seabirds, and sea turtles while supporting Florida's billion-dollar fishing industry.
The science is clear: bottom trawling creates sediment plumes that smother filter-feeding corals and flattens three-dimensional habitats into barren rubble fields. The Oculina coral grows just 1-2 centimeters per year – meaning recovery from destruction is measured in centuries, if possible at all.
What makes this proposal particularly alarming is that federal scientists already rejected a nearly identical plan in 2022, finding it failed to protect essential fish habitat and minimize bycatch as required by law. Now the same destructive plan is back, threatening to reverse 40 years of science-based conservation.
The proposed fishing area represents less than 2% of historical shrimp grounds, yet poses catastrophic risk to a globally unique ecosystem that supports multiple fisheries worth far more economically.
Time is running out. Visit the Florida Oceanographic Society website to sign their letter urging the Council to reject these amendments and protect this irreplaceable natural treasure. Once this reef is destroyed, it's gone forever – but together, we can ensure it survives for future generations.
A federal judge late this week ordered the halt of construction and winding down of operations at the mass detention facility in Big Cypress National Preserve, delivering a significant environmental victory for the Everglades. The comprehensive ruling addresses concerns about ecosystem damage including new pavement, lighting, fencing, and potential harm to the endangered Florida panther, reinforcing that environmental laws must be respected at all levels of government. This news broke very close to our publication deadline, so we'll have more details next week once we better understand what might happen next in this developing story. For the latest news, check out the Friends of the Everglades.
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Florida's Live Local Act: A Well-Intentioned Law That Needs Reform
Florida's Live Local Act, enacted in 2023 and aggressively amended since, represents the state's bold attempt to address our affordable housing crisis. The law allows developers to bypass local zoning rules and build high-density residential projects on commercial and industrial land, provided they set aside 40% of units as "affordable" for 30 years.
While the Act's goals are admirable, its execution reveals fundamental flaws that undermine effective housing policy and local governance.
The Live Local Act forces municipalities to approve qualifying residential developments regardless of local comprehensive plans or zoning codes. Developers can import the highest density allowed anywhere in a city and apply it to commercial parcels, often creating high-rise towers in areas never planned for such development. The law strips cities of their traditional review processes, replacing public hearings with administrative rubber stamps.
The Act's definition of affordable housing is deeply problematic. By targeting households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), it often misses the workers who need help most. In Lee County, this means "affordable" rent can be $2,757 per month, hardly accessible to teachers, firefighters, or service workers. Meanwhile, the affordability requirements expire after 30 years, creating a future cliff where these units can convert to market rate, eliminating the public benefit while the increased density remains permanent.
The law creates a trade-off between housing and economic development. Prime industrial and commercial land earmarked for job creation gets converted to apartments, worsening the jobs-housing imbalance it claims to address. Cities face unfunded mandates to provide services to new dense developments while losing property tax revenue through the Act's exemptions.
Reform doesn't require abandoning housing goals. Instead, Florida should:
Target True Need: Tier incentives to prioritize housing for households at 80% AMI and below, where the crisis is most acute.
Respect Local Planning: Allow projects consistent with comprehensive plans while still streamlining approvals, rather than forcing residential development on industrial land.
Protect Economic Zones: Let communities designate strategic commercial areas off-limits to residential conversion.
Address Fiscal Impact: Create state funding to help municipalities handle increased service demands from Live Local Act developments.
If you find this disturbing you can contact our elected officials with the information below and ask them to change it. The housing crisis demands action, but effective policy requires precision, not a sledgehammer. Florida can increase housing supply while preserving the local governance and smart planning principles that build strong, sustainable communities.
State Electeds Contact Information:
Sen. Erin Grall
Phone: 850-487-5025
Email: Grall.Erin.Web@flsenate.gov
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Suite A149, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Rep. Robbie Brackett
Phone: 772-778-5005
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
FWC and city investigate massive fish kill in lake in Port St. Lucie (TCPalm) - Approximately 1,000 fish died in a Port St. Lucie lake near a wastewater facility, prompting an investigation by state and city officials amid concerns over possible harmful algal blooms and elevated pH levels.
Grab a Pint, Build an Oyster Mat, and Save the Lagoon This Saturday (TODAY) at Walking Tree (Vero Minute) - Today at Walking Tree Brewery, volunteers can build oyster mats to help restore the Indian River Lagoon's vital oyster population through the Living Docks program.
County to sheriff: If you want more than a $6M budget hike, ask Gov. DeSantis (Vero News) - The County Commission approved a $6 million budget increase for the Sheriff's office, and refused to raise taxes or cut county services to meet Sheriff Flowers' demand for $12.2 million and stating he must appeal to the governor for any additional funds.
Retired Fellsmere Police Chief Touchberry points to public service as ‘key’ (Vero News) - After retiring as the police chief of Fellsmere, where he was recognized for his community engagement and public service initiatives, Keith M. Touchberry has started a new position as the city manager for Cape Canaveral.
Treat the Garden to an August Refresh (Vero Beach Magazine) - The article mentions Florida Friendly, but we always encourage natives! August is an ideal time for Central Florida gardeners to prepare landscapes for the upcoming fall and winter by properly mulching, watering, and pruning, as well as planting hardy perennials and securing yards for hurricane season.
Everglades Law Center sues over Big Sugar rock mine near EAA Reservoir (TC Palm) - The Everglades Law Center, on behalf of the Tropical Audubon Society, has filed a lawsuit to prevent the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from permitting a 34-year rock mine that would operate adjacent to the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos announces funding for library in Fellsmere (TC Palm) - A $2 million federal grant to construct a new public library and community resource center in Fellsmere has been secured that will provide a variety of resources, including literacy and job training programs, small business support, and veteran services.
Five UCF engineering students participated in the Knight Shadow Program at the St. Johns River Water Management District, gaining real-world insight into environmental engineering careers. The day included an overview of the District's Environmental Resource Permitting program, discussions with regulatory engineers about their career paths, and a field visit to assess storm damage at a stormwater pond after Hurricane Milton. Students observed how engineering knowledge applies to actual problem-solving and how teams coordinate to protect Florida's water resources. The program helps students build networks, understand career opportunities, and see how public service engineering makes a tangible environmental impact. Things we can all get behind!
Arrest developments show planning director had to go (Vero News) - Ray McNulty writes that former Indian River County Planning Director Chris Balter's multiple DUI-related arrests and new felony charges for drug and forgery in connection with his grandfather’s death make his recent resignation necessary.
Tale of 2 bridges: Building new span easier than fixing old (Vero News) - Constructing a new bridge from scratch at the south end of the island is proving to be a much faster process than repairing the Alma Lee Loy Bridge, which has been under construction for over five years with at least a year and a half of work remaining.
Cattle along Indrio Road evoke memories of 'Old Florida' (TC Palm) - With an estimated 523,000 acres of agricultural land in Florida predicted to be lost to development by 2040, the sight of grazing cattle along Indrio Road serves as a nostalgic reminder of "Old Florida."
UF/IFAS offers 2025 Sustainable Urban Food Production short course (Indian River Guardian) - The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is offering a six-week Sustainable Urban Food Production Short Course for the fifth consecutive year, beginning October 6.
Fake grass is greener but is it worse for the environment? Florida a new testing ground (The Columbian) - As the use of artificial turf becomes more widespread in Florida, a new state law prohibiting cities from banning it in front yards raises environmental concerns among researchers and city officials about heat retention, drainage issues, and the material's impact on the ecosystem.
Scientists standing by to rescue rare manatee sighted in cold New England waters (ABC News) - After a rare manatee was spotted off the coast of Cape Cod for the first time in nearly a decade, scientists are on standby to rescue the animal before it becomes sick from the cold water or lack of food.
Sebastian Hosts Touch and Tour Event at City Hall (Sebastian Daily) - Sebastian will host its annual Touch and Tour event at the City Hall complex on Saturday, September 13, offering residents a chance to explore city operations, vehicles, and community services through various activities and demonstrations.
The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. regarding a major road improvement project along US 1/Federal Highway in Sebastian. The Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation project will span from north of 87th Street to south of Sebastian Boulevard in Indian River County. The meeting will be held in-person at North Indian River County Library, 1001 Sebastian Boulevard, Sebastian, FL 32958, with virtual participation also available, you can register for it here.
FDOT emphasizes community input as essential to balancing local vision with transportation needs, ensuring Florida's infrastructure remains safe and efficient. Contact project manager María Formoso at (954) 777-4677 for more information.
In India, a Young Poacher Evolves into a Committed Conservationist (Yale E360) - Salma Sultana Barbhuiya's documentary "Chasing Birds" details the life of Rustom Basumatary, a former poacher from the Bodo community in Assam, India, who transformed into a dedicated conservationist and bird guide at Manas National Park.
The unlikely coalition fighting to keep Energy Star labels on your appliances (Grist) - An unexpected alliance of industry groups, including home builders and chemical manufacturers, has joined environmental organizations in advocating for the preservation of the government's Energy Star program, which helps consumers identify energy-efficient products and has been credited with significant energy and cost savings.
Why some climate policies are more popular than others – a psychologist explains (The Conversation) - Based on research by Wouter Poortinga, people consistently underestimate the public's support for climate policies, a phenomenon known as "pluralistic ignorance," and while they favor "pull" measures like subsidies, they tend to oppose "push" measures such as taxes and restrictions, particularly if they are not seen as fair or effective.
China is winning on renewables. Will it win on green Steel too? (Canary Media) - As Chinese companies begin producing and exporting green steel made with hydrogen, American producers are reportedly backing away from similar commitments after the Trump administration rescinded federal funding for such projects and instead pushed for traditional coal-fired production.
Seed-dispersing animals are in decline, impacting forests and the climate: Study (Mongabay) - A new study warns that the decline of seed-dispersing animals, which are crucial for the regeneration of forests and the ability of plants to adapt to climate change, is an equally alarming environmental issue as the decline of pollinators.
Droughts Have Minimal Effect on Tropical Tree Growth – but Climate Change Worsening Tree Mortality (Environmental News Network) - A new global study using tree-ring data from over 20,000 samples found that tropical trees are minimally affected by droughts, but an increase in tree mortality linked to worsening climate change could release an amount of CO2 equivalent to Germany's annual emissions.
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