Manatee Rescue, Development, and more...

October 4, 2025 Weekly Newsletter

Manatee Named Barber Returns to WildAfter Teamwork Saves His Life

When a boat strike left Barber the manatee struggling to dive beneath the surface this July, his survival depended on the action of multiple groups of people working together.

The 520-pound, 7.2-foot manatee (officially designated REC2517) was rescued after the watercraft collision caused 'severe buoyancy problems.' He listed to one side and floated helplessly at the surface. Without intervention, his prognosis was grim.

Enter the groups which helped him: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), SeaWorld Orlando, Brevard Zoo, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Indian River County Natural Resources Department, and the Manatee Center. Together, these organizations orchestrated Barber's rescue and rehabilitation.

Just two months later, on September 23, Barber was ready for his second chance. He'd gained 155 pounds and, more importantly, regained his ability to swim normally. The release took place at Round Island Riverside Park in Vero Beach, where Barber slipped back into his natural habitat.

His case underscores why boaters must be careful in the IRL. Remember: go slow and look below. Polarized sunglasses help spot manatees beneath the surface, and those telltale circles on the water often signal their presence.

Anyone spotting an injured or distressed manatee should immediately call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). As Barber proves, quick reporting and collaborative conservation efforts can mean the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Thank you to everyone who helped this gentle giant recover and go on to live a good life in our IRL!

Photos courtesy of FWC.

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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.

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Indian River County's

Report Card: Big Wins, Critical Gaps

Last week, Larry Reisman examined regional growth patterns and policy implementation across the Treasure Coast. We wanted to focus specifically on Indian River County and highlight some of the challenges and successes of the ambitious sustainability goals set in 2005.

The verdict? Like most things in life, some good and some bad. 

The successes center on land conservation. Voters have twice approved environmental bonds, $50 million in 2004 and another $50 million in 2022 with 78% support, protecting over 12,000 acres of critical habitat along the St. Sebastian River Greenway, Atlantic Ridge, and Indian River Lagoon. Conservation and green space continues to be a big concern for IRC's residents. The 2022 money is still in process to protect local lands and you can learn more and can nominate property here. When goals are clear and funding dedicated, Indian River County delivers!

The challenges involve water quality and infrastructure. Despite these land conservation wins, the Indian River Lagoon itself remains in poor condition. The 2024 health assessment rated water quality as "poor," with nitrogen levels "very poor" and seagrass coverage "very poor." 

One of the root causes? Tens of thousands of aging septic systems continue leaching nutrients into waterways. State-mandated conversion to sewer by 2030 carries an estimated price tag of $500 million to $1 billion, work that should have started decades ago (for a much smaller price tag!) There's also no county-wide stormwater utility to systematically address runoff pollution, though the county's stormwater treatment projects such as Spoonbill Marsh and Osprey Acres have been successful. 

Meanwhile, the county's Urban Service Boundary (designed to prevent sprawl) now faces expansion pressure. Why? Transportation investments have overwhelmingly favored road widening and new interchanges rather than the compact, walkable development envisioned in 2005. This auto-centric pattern consumes land rapidly, creating the very sprawl the boundary was meant to prevent. Oslo Road's new interchange at I95 is a clear indicator of this, and that is where the Urban Service Boundary has been expanded recently. 

Indian River County has proven it can achieve ambitious conservation goals. The challenge ahead is applying that same political will to the harder, less visible work of infrastructure transformation that actually protects water quality. We can do it, but we'll need a groundswell of support from people like you! 

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Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for November Municipal Elections (Vero News) - The deadline to register to vote in the November 4 municipal elections for the city council races in Fellsmere and Vero Beach, Florida, is Monday, October 6, with online and paper application options available and resources provided to check registration status and update information.

Vero still somehow beating Florida’s iffy realty market (Vero News) - Vero Beach is currently defying negative national and statewide real estate trends, with August seeing the highest number of purchase contracts written for houses and condos in two years—up 92 percent from August 2024—a surge attributed to pent-up demand and interest rates normalizing in the low sixes.

Funding Shortfall Sidelines Proposed Brightline Station on Florida’s Treasure Coast (Sebastian Daily) - A proposed $60 million Brightline passenger rail station in Stuart, Florida, has been delayed until at least 2028 after Martin County was forced to reapply for a crucial $45 million federal grant due to the U.S. Department of Transportation rescinding the previous funding cycle without awarding any funds.

Afternoons in the Agrihood: New Farmers Market Series to Bloom in Sebastian (Sebastian Daily) - The Spirit of Sebastian is launching "Afternoons in the Agrihood," a new farmers market series featuring fresh produce, local goods, and culture that will run on select Saturdays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Event Lawn at Heritage Park, starting November 15, 2025, and continuing through April 25, 2026.

Salvage Crews Recover Over 1,000 Silver Coins from 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet Wreck (Sebastian Daily) - Salvage crews recovered over 1,000 silver coins and five gold coins from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet wreckage off Florida's east coast, marking one of the largest recent hauls from the site that will be preserved and exhibited, with 20% of the artifacts going to the state of Florida.

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Make an Impact:

Low Impact Living

with Marine Resources Council

Every drop of water that falls on your property has the potential to harm local waterways. The Marine Resources Council's Low Impact Living initiative empowers individuals to take action through simple, achievable steps that collectively create healthier communities and ecosystems.

Start in Your Yard

Following fertilizer laws, planting native species, and installing rain barrels are foundational actions that reduce stormwater runoff. Spread grass clippings back on your lawn rather than bagging them or blowing them into the street, and water plants early in the morning to maximize absorption. Consider adding a buffer zone or living shoreline if you're near water, and always pick up pet waste before it washes into storm drains or the lagoon.

Inside Your Home

Switch to reusable water bottles and shopping bags, sort your recycling properly, and start composting. Turn off water while washing dishes and brushing teeth. Choose environmentally friendly soaps and opt for refillable containers. In the bathroom, use water-saving showerheads and flush only toilet paper—never wipes or other materials that stress wastewater systems.

Beyond Your Property

Support sustainable businesses, carpool or bike when possible, and wash your car at facilities that properly treat runoff. Participate in beach cleanups and engage with your HOA or condo association about implementing low-impact practices community-wide.

MRC provides free downloadable checklists for kids, families, homeowners, renters, businesses, yards, and HOAs—making it easy for everyone to contribute to cleaner waterways. Check them out! 

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New details on Vero man's arrest charging illegally taking tortoise (TCPalm) - A Vero Beach man was charged with the unlawful taking of a protected gopher tortoise after a traffic stop on July 4 revealed the threatened species on the floorboard of the vehicle, which the man admitted he had picked up to take to his mother's house for mating.

About that study showing Lake O is the 'dirtiest' in the nation... (VoteWater.org) - Gil Smart argues that the South Florida Water Management District's denial of a study calling Lake Okeechobee the "dirtiest" and their citation of restoration projects does not prove the lake is recovering, as pollution levels remain high and management plans are failing.

Bradenton releases 1.7 million gallons of sewage into river (Herald-Tribune) - The City of Bradenton released 1.7 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the Manatee River following heavy rainfall due to aging infrastructure, but the city is investing nearly $250 million in comprehensive system upgrades (including new storage tanks, clarifiers, and an injection well) to resolve its chronic wastewater issues.

Stuart attorney to dig into Lake Okeechobee discharges; Looks for help (TCPalm) - Stuart's new environmental attorney, Ruth Ann Holmes, whose top priority is stopping Lake Okeechobee discharges into the St. Lucie River, proposed three contracts for a team of consultants, including an engineering firm, an environmental lawyer, and a federal lobbying service, to assist her efforts in achieving the city's goal of zero discharges.

Sebastian City Attorney Resigns, Citing New Opportunities (Sebastian Daily) - Sebastian City Attorney Jennifer Cockcroft announced her resignation, effective October 31, citing new professional opportunities, and asked the City Council to shorten her contract's 60-day notice period, prompting the council to unanimously prioritize recruiting a single, full-time replacement attorney.

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