IRNA Land Use Committee Update, The Journey of the Grass Clippings, and more!
- IRNA
- Apr 26
- 13 min read
April 26, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Land Use Committee Meeting Recap
The IRNA’s Land Use Committee has recently reestablished with an impressive gathering of professionals from across the spectrum. Co-chairs Richard Bialosky and Donna Keys led a productive initial discussion centered on how our committee can positively influence planning decisions in Indian River County. Check out some highlights below.
Committee Expertise: The Land Use Committee brings together a wealth of knowledge, including former planning and zoning commissioners, architects, developers, environmental specialists, and professionals with experience in the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification programs and regional community planning.
Educational Initiative: A central focus of our discussion was the need for educational forums that would benefit both county staff and the public. These forums would feature experts discussing successful planning models and approaches that have worked in other communities. The goal is to create informed dialogue about important planning issues affecting our county.
Affordable Housing Focus: The committee recognized affordable housing as a critical challenge facing our community. Members discussed how this issue impacts quality of life, affects the workforce that supports our local economy, and can lead to unintended consequences when not properly addressed. While acknowledging there are no easy solutions, the committee agreed this should be a priority area for future discussions and research into viable approaches.
Priority Issues Identified:
Preserving environmental quality while managing growth
Addressing traffic concerns through better planning
Implementing the Gifford neighborhood plan (and other plans the county has)
Urban service line related issues like Oslo Road/I95 development
Reviewing potential land use changes related to large properties
Keeping an eye on the State Legislature for bills that will impact local development
Community Engagement: The committee discussed strategies to increase public awareness and involvement in planning decisions. We recognized that effective community planning requires broad engagement and education about the impacts of development decisions.
Next Steps: The committee will meet monthly to develop action plans for educational forums and to establish connections with county commissioners and staff to better understand their planning challenges.
As we move forward, our committee aims to become a valuable resource for thoughtful planning approaches that honor our county's unique character while addressing current challenges. We welcome community input and participation in this important work and if you are interested in joining this committee as we move forward, reach out by replying to this email.
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It's Not Just Grass – It's Pollution
On a sunny spring afternoon in Indian River County, the familiar hum of lawnmowers fills the air. As homeowners and landscapers trim their lawns to perfection, few consider the journey of each blade of grass they cut. That small clipping, when blown carelessly into the street instead of being properly managed, begins a destructive journey with far-reaching consequences for our Lagoon ecosystem.
Let's follow the path of a single grass clipping. Cut from your lawn and blown onto the street, it represents a missed opportunity. Those clippings contain valuable nutrients that could have benefited your lawn if left in place or used as mulch in garden beds. Instead, it waits on hot asphalt until the afternoon thunderstorm arrives.
When rain falls, that single clipping – multiplied by thousands across our community – begins its migration. From your lawn to the street, into the swale, through the storm drain, along the canal, and ultimately into the Indian River Lagoon. What seems inconsequential becomes part of a significant pollution problem.
Once in our waterways, the grass clipping begins to decompose. As it breaks down, it releases nitrogen and phosphorus – the same nutrients found in fertilizers that fuel algal blooms. Simultaneously, the decomposition process consumes dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic life depend upon for survival.
These excess nutrients trigger explosive algal growth that forms a cloudy barrier on the water's surface. This living ceiling blocks vital sunlight from reaching the seagrass below. Without sufficient light, seagrass beds – the cornerstone of our lagoon's ecosystem – gradually die off.
The consequences cascade through the food web. Manatees, which rely almost exclusively on seagrass for sustenance, face starvation. Juvenile fish lose their protective nursery habitat, becoming easy targets for predators. The entire ecological balance shifts with each missing blade of seagrass.
Eventually, the decomposed material settles on the lagoon floor, creating what locals recognize as the black, mayonnaise-like muck. This substance smothers bottom-dwelling organisms and releases even more nutrients when disturbed, perpetuating a destructive cycle.
What makes this problem particularly insidious is its widespread nature. One lawn's worth of clippings might seem insignificant, but when multiplied across thousands of properties in our watershed, grass becomes an underestimated pollutant that significantly impairs water quality.
The solution lies in simple daily choices:
Leave clippings on your lawn as natural fertilizer
Collect them for use as garden mulch
Add them to your compost pile
Remember to clearly communicate these expectations to your landscaping service as well. Some may be unaware of the environmental impact of their practices.
By taking responsibility for your grass clippings, you become part of the solution rather than unwittingly contributing to the problem. The health of our beloved Indian River Lagoon depends on these small but significant choices we make in our own backyards.
Dueling lawsuits end up increasing price of Vero Beach Marina rehab by nearly $2 million (TCPalm) - Legal battles and construction delays between the City of Vero Beach and a local citizens group have driven up the cost of the municipal marina renovation by nearly $2 million, reduced planned storage space, and impacted future revenue potential.
Vero Beach Municipal Marina's dry storage building demolished (TCPalm) - Vero Beach Municipal Marina’s dry storage building, originally built in 1967, has finally been demolished after years of legal and construction delays. (Photos)
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge 122nd Anniversary Celebration (Vero News) - Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its 122nd anniversary with historical reenactments, wildlife exhibits, and nature activities highlighting its legacy as America’s first national wildlife refuge and its ongoing role in preserving native species and ecosystems.
Real ID deadline in Florida. How to get one, what you need to get one (TCPalm) - With the May 7, 2025 deadline approaching, Florida residents must ensure they have a Real ID, passport, or passport card for domestic air travel and federal facility access, which requires visiting a local office with specific documents if not already compliant.
Utilities boss sees fiscal path for new plant (Vero News) - Despite ongoing audit issues, Vero Beach will begin construction on a $177 million sewer plant using a $75 million short-term bank loan, with plans to seek $140 million in bond funding in 2026 once financial reporting is back on track and grant money has been utilized.
County administrator can expect commission earful (Vero News) - As County Administrator John Titkanich enters the final year of his contract, he faces criticism from two commissioners over slow progress and leadership concerns, while others remain cautiously supportive ahead of a pivotal public meeting that could determine his future.
SunPass text scams: Smishing attempts try to get your personal info (The Florida Times-Union) - Beware! Despite efforts to shut down fake websites, SunPass text scams about unpaid tolls persist, prompting officials to warn customers not to click on links and to verify account status only through the official sunpass.com site.
Florida's Phosphate Mining Shield Law: Another Win for Corporate Giants
Something fishy is happening in Tallahassee, which is not unusual for near the end of the Legislative Session. Florida lawmakers are quietly pushing through HB 585/SB 832 - a bill that shields phosphate mining companies from lawsuits. The kicker? They've sneakily attached it to a completely unrelated tort reform bill (HB 947), hoping no one would notice.
The Environmental Mess They're Trying to Hide
Florida's phosphate industry has left a trail of environmental disasters. Remember the 2021 Piney Point nightmare? Over 200 million gallons of toxic wastewater dumped into Tampa Bay, killing marine life by the thousands. And that's just one incident.
Mosaic's plant in Mulberry has had four major sinkholes, including one in 2016 that sent millions of gallons of radioactive wastewater straight into the aquifer. Yeah, the same aquifer that supplies drinking water to many Floridan.
What about the radiation? Phosphate processing creates phosphogypsum - radioactive waste that gives off radon gas. People living in neighborhoods built on old mine sites are worried about cancer risks, with some even filing lawsuits against Mosaic in 2020.
"Reclaimed" Land: Would You Buy a House There?
The industry loves to brag about turning old mines into parks and housing developments. Mosaic keeps saying there's "nothing dangerous about reclaimed lands." Tell that to the folks living in Oakbridge and Grasslands - neighborhoods built on 60-80 foot layers of former phosphate mines. Many bought homes without knowing what was underneath.
Sure, Mosaic made a pretty penny selling its Streamsong Golf Resort for $160 million in 2023. But scientists question whether these "reclaimed" lands ever truly recover ecologically.
David vs. Goliath: The Fight Against Big Phosphate
Local environmental groups like People for Protecting Peace River have been fighting an uphill battle for years. Some counties have tried to stand their ground - DeSoto County commissioners actually rejected Mosaic's mining plans in 2018, worried about groundwater contamination and other risks.
Only three state senators voted against this bill: Jason Pizzo, Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Rosalind Osgood. Everyone else seems happy to do the industry's bidding. It really shows the unifying power the special interests wield, doesn't it?
A System Rigged for Corporate Profits
Here's how the new bill impacts everyday Floridians while protecting corporate well being:
It eliminates "strict liability" for phosphate companies. Currently, these corporations can be held responsible for harm regardless of intent. Now, you'd have to prove they were negligent - much harder to do without expensive lawyers and experts.
It requires specific radiation documentation before you can even file a lawsuit - creating hurdles most communities can't afford to jump.
All this while Mosaic raked in $3.6 billion in profits in 2022 alone. They can afford good lawyers. Can you?
The feds already exempt phosphate waste from hazardous waste regulations (despite it being, you know, hazardous). This state bill adds another layer of protection - for the companies, not for you.
This is not the first time the Legislature has made such a carve out, and likely will not be the last. The legislature has legalized more corporate protections, such as in the case of sugar cane burning.This is a classic case of privatizing profits while socializing the costs. Corporations make billions extracting phosphate, but when the environmental and health bills come due, they're nowhere to be found. Florida lawmakers seem determined to keep it that way.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are left wondering what's in our water, our soil, and our air - and who will pay for the cleanup when things go wrong. This issue may not impact Indian River County directly, as many of the mines are on the west coast, but it shows the way the Legislature works, and who they work for first and foremost.
The legislative session has been extended beyond its planned May 2 end date due to disagreements between the Senate and House on spending and tax cuts. This extension means Governor DeSantis' priorities like lowering condo costs and reducing property taxes remain in limbo while Republican infighting continues, similar to tensions seen during January's special sessions.Because of the extension, we’ll keep an eye on any other bills that are progressing or passing. Could be an interesting few weeks in Tallahassee
Like in Everglades, STAs could be built in PSL for St. Lucie River (TCPalm) - Port St. Lucie is designing a manmade wetland, known as a Stormwater Treatment Area, to reduce flooding and filter runoff before it reaches the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, with construction expected to start in early 2026.
Back to the bad old days with DeSantis picks for SFWMD board (VoteWater.org) - Governor Ron DeSantis has drawn criticism for appointing two developers to the South Florida Water Management District board, signaling a shift away from conservation priorities and potentially favoring development interests over environmental protection.
Good Samaritans rescue orphaned manatee calf off Key Largo (WSVN) - An orphaned manatee calf named Danger was rescued from dangerous waters off Key Largo by two Good Samaritans and is now headed to SeaWorld Orlando for years of rehabilitation and care.
Embattled homebuilder jailed on dozens of charges after police probe (TCPalm) - Former Port St. Lucie homebuilder Mark Montalto was arrested on 46 charges after allegedly defrauding clients out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through his company, Port St. Lucie Properties, leading to unpaid subcontractors, property liens, and multiple lawsuits.
Heat and Fire Making Pollution Worse Across Much of the U.S. (Yale e360) - Heatwaves and wildfires driven by climate change are worsening air pollution across the U.S., with rising ozone and particulate levels endangering public health and disproportionately impacting communities of color, even as federal protections are being rolled back.
Giving nature breathing room builds climate resilience (Climate Change News) - A land restoration project in El Salvador demonstrates how nature-based solutions like agroforestry, efficient water use, and climate-resilient farming can build community climate resilience while improving livelihoods and preserving ecosystems.
Indian River County's Housing Market Update
Indian River County's real estate market is experiencing a significant adjustment as some sales slow, inventory rises, and prices fluctuate. Redfin reports U.S. homes are selling at the slowest pace in 6 Years. So after extraordinary growth fueled by pandemic-era migration and low interest rates, our Treasure Coast region has officially entered a buyer's market.
Migration Slowdown
During the height of the pandemic, Florida welcomed more than 1,000 people per day. New York alone saw more than 91,000 residents relocate to Florida in 2022. However, recent data suggests this migration wave has begun to recede.
The number of people moving to Florida has decreased substantially from COVID-era highs. Home shopping traffic data shows that out-of-state viewers of Florida home listings dropped to 38.5% in February 2025, down from 45.1% in February 2024 and 50.4% in February 2023.
Rising Costs Driving Market Changes
Several factors appear to be contributing to Indian River County's cooling market:
Insurance Premiums: Florida's vulnerability to hurricanes has pushed insurance costs to unprecedented levels, affecting homeowners across Indian River County.
HOA and Condo Fees: Condo fees have risen dramatically, with some properties in the county now charging monthly fees that make ownership increasingly unaffordable.
New Safety Regulations: Following the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, Florida passed legislation requiring older condominiums to undergo mandatory safety inspections and complete necessary repairs. These requirements have further increased costs for owners.
Higher Mortgage Rates: According to Freddie Mac's mortgage survey, 30-year fixed mortgage rates climbed to 6.83% in mid-April 2025, making financing more expensive for potential buyers.
The combination of these rising expenses has created financial strain for many homeowners, with some choosing to sell their properties and relocate to more affordable regions.
Florida's Condo Market Crisis (Indian River Edition)
The condo market in Indian River County has been particularly affected by the current slowdown. According to the Realtors Association of Indian River County MLS, the residential closed sales of condominium homes totaled 62 units for February 2025, down from 77 units in February 2024 - representing a 19.5% decrease year-over-year.
Even more concerning for sellers, the median price of condominium homes sold in February 2025 was $285,388, compared to $325,000 in February 2024 - a 12.2% decline in median sale price.
Meanwhile, inventory continues to pile up. Current active inventory of condominium homes totaled 917 units in February 2025, a substantial increase from the 712 units available in February 2024. With current sales pace, this represents approximately 14.8 months of inventory - creating extremely challenging conditions for sellers:
With nearly 15 months of inventory (based on the current sales pace), condos are sitting on the market for extended periods
Many sellers are being forced to reduce prices to attract buyers, as evidenced by the 12.2% year-over-year decline in median sale price
Rising HOA fees and insurance costs are deterring potential buyers from considering condos
The situation is especially difficult for owners of older condominiums, which face both higher insurance premiums and potential special assessments for mandatory building upgrades required by the post-Surfside safety regulations.
Current Indian River County Market Data
According to recent market reports and moving to the whole market, Indian River County is firmly in buyer's market territory:
Listing Prices Declining: The median listing home price was about $450,000 in February 2025, trending down 4.8% year-over-year
Sale Prices: The median home sold price was about $370,000, with homes selling for ~3% below asking price on average
Inventory Levels: As of March 31, 2025, there were 2,246 homes for sale with 481 new listings added that month
Increasing Days on Market: Homes in Indian River County took a median of 68 days to sell in March 2025, up from 52 days in January
Months of Inventory: The county had 6.1 months of inventory in February, up from 6.0 months in January (anything over 5.5 months is considered a buyer's market)
Negotiating Power: 75.2% of sales closed under list price, while only 8.8% sold over asking price
Despite the overall softening market, February 2025 did show some positive indicators. The median sale price increased to $412,500, up from $390,500 in January. The number of homes sold also increased to 208, up from 171 the previous month.
Market Outlook
Most experts anticipate Indian River County's housing market will continue to undergo adjustments through 2025. The combination of rising inventory, increasing days on market, and most homes selling below asking price suggests that buyers will maintain their advantage in the coming months.
Despite the expected adjustments, prices for most housing categories remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that Indian River County has not experienced a market collapse but rather a natural cooling after years of extraordinary growth.
As the market rebalances, buyers who were previously priced out of Indian River County may find new opportunities, particularly in the condo market where motivated sellers and abundant inventory are creating potential bargains.
Whether this represents a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in Indian River County's housing landscape remains to be seen.
Blue Plains: A journey of wastewater to sustainable treasure (Planet Forward) - Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant transforms sewage into valuable resources through cutting-edge technology and engineering, setting a global example for sustainable waste management.
How Earth Day 1970 Sparked a Lifetime of Environmentalism (The Energy Mix) - Inspired by the first Earth Day in 1970, a Montreal teenager's lifelong journey through environmental activism, journalism, and public advocacy highlights how personal experiences, public engagement, and sustained education can drive meaningful change in environmental policy and awareness.
Activate Climate's 'Silent Majority' to Supercharge Action, Experts Say (The Energy Mix) - A global survey reveals that 89% of people want stronger climate action but mistakenly believe they are in the minority, suggesting that correcting this widespread misperception could activate a silent majority and trigger a social tipping point for climate policy change.
Trump Admin Aims to Gut Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections (EcoWatch) - A proposed Trump administration rule would strip habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act by redefining "harm" to exclude habitat destruction, a move conservationists warn could accelerate extinctions and undermine decades of wildlife protection.
Scientists predict a brutal hurricane season while Trump takes aim at NOAA's budget (Grist) - As scientists warn of a severe 2025 hurricane season, the Trump administration's deep budget and staff cuts to NOAA threaten the accuracy of vital forecasts, undermining public safety and dismantling a key scientific agency just as climate-fueled storms grow more intense.
Rising utility bills have Americans worried (Canary Media) - Amid soaring utility bills and rising financial stress, a new poll shows most Americans are worried about energy costs but unaware of the state regulators setting rates — even as Trump-era policies threaten to further drive up prices by undermining clean energy and supporting costly fossil fuels.
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