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Save our Trees from Storm Damage, and Election Results, and more!

November 9, 2024 Weekly Newsletter


In light of recent events, we’re hosting a Town Hall to support our community as we recover from Hurricane Milton and the recent tornadoes. This gathering will provide helpful information to guide you in the restoration of your property, trees and landscape and inform you of City services available. 


Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, November 21st

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Location: River House, 305 Acacia Dr., Vero Beach

  • Moderator:  IRC Commissioner Laura Moss

  • Guest Speakers: Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, Dr. Richard Baker, President of Pelican Island Audubon Society.

Topics Covered:

  • Tree & Landscape Recovery: Learn about the timeline for tree regrowth and discuss which plants and trees are best suited to replace damaged landscaping.

  • Septic & STEP Systems: Find out how septic and STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) systems may be affected by storm conditions and get advice on ensuring their safety and functionality post-storm.

  • Debris and Construction Waste Removal:  Information on City services for removal of tree and yard debris, construction materials, exceptions, timeline, etc. 

  • FEMA Individual Assistance: A FEMA representative will be present to discuss available Individual Assistance, and informational materials will be provided.


This event is designed to provide neighbors with practical information and support as they work to recover and rebuild. With insights from professionals and local leaders, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and connect with resources for ongoing recovery efforts.


Sponsored by Pelican Island Audubon, the Indian River Neighborhood Association, Clean Water Coalition of IRC, and Commissioner Laura Moss. This is a free event, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Come with your questions, concerns, and ideas. No need to RSVP, just join us at the River House on November 21 at 6:00 PM.


 

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Thank you for Voting, Indian River County!


A huge turnout of 100,042 voters in Indian River County made their voices heard in this election, showing once again how deeply committed our community is to shaping its future. With over 121,000 registered voters in the county, including Democrats, Republicans, NPAs, and other affiliations, your participation is vital for a healthy democracy. And 82.76% turnout was amazing!Thank you to everyone who took the time to cast a vote—whether by mail, early voting, or on Election Day.


In the Vero Beach City Council race, congratulations to the successful candidates, John Carroll., Linda Moore, and Aaron Vos. Each candidate brought important issues to the table, and we extend our appreciation to all who participated, including Brian Heady and Ken Daige, for a hard-fought campaign.


In Sebastian, incumbents Kelly Dixon and Ed Dodd secured their seats. Their continued service is a testament to the confidence voters have in their leadership. Thanks to Damien H. Gilliams for his efforts and contributions throughout the campaign.


We also congratulate Senator Erin Grall and Representative Robert Brackett on their victories. Their roles are crucial as they represent our county’s voice on the state level.

Thank you once again to everyone who took part. Whether your candidate won or not, your vote matters, and your engagement strengthens our community.


To see the full list of IRC Election Results (Unofficial) click here. If you are looking for more information on federal and statewide races (Unofficial), click here.


 

Opinion: Might voting results show Vero Beach residents growth-weary? (TCPalm) - Vero Beach and Sebastian voters signaled strong opposition to urban expansion and prolonged council terms, underscoring a preference for restrained growth and increased accountability among local officials.


Opinion: Ten feet shouldn’t sink revitalization of mall (Vero News) - A proposed 10-foot height limit waiver for a new hotel at the struggling Indian River Mall sparks debate among Vero Beach residents and commissioners, with some fearing it could erode local height restrictions despite its potential to revitalize the area.


Florida Elections 2024: see if downtown Vero Beach referendums passed (TCPalm) - Vero Beach voters rejected two referendums aimed at increasing downtown density and allowing the transfer of development rights, halting plans for higher-density housing to revitalize the area.


Annual Veterans Day Ceremony Hosted by the Veterans Council of IRC (Vero News) - The Veterans Council of Indian River County, in partnership with the Military Officers Association of America, will host a Veterans Day Ceremony and WWII Tribute Dedication on November 11, 2024, at 9:00 am in Vero Beach’s Riverside Park, featuring keynote speaker Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Eric B. Schoomaker.


Indian River County preparing for new development along Oslo Road (TCPalm) - Indian River County, anticipating 43,000 new residents by 2050, is planning infrastructure needs within its urban-service boundary, especially focusing on the Oslo Road interchange area to ensure access to utilities and accommodate growth.


Opinion: Vero Beach, Sebastian ripe for more traffic with county idea? (TCPalm) - Concerns are growing over Indian River County commissioners’ support for expanding urban development west of I-95, as critics argue this could lead to increased traffic, strained resources, and loss of rural character, urging a more cautious approach to preserve quality of life.

 

Reflecting on Election Season:

Our Common Purpose


As we come out of this election season, it’s natural to feel a mix of responses. For some, the outcomes bring optimism; for others, challenges lie ahead. But wherever we stand, one thing remains constant: our shared dedication to this community and its environment.


The Indian River Lagoon, with its vibrant ecosystems and deep ties to our lives here, is a reminder that nature continues its course regardless of human moments. Just as tides rise and fall, our civic landscape changes over time. Yet our commitment to the health and future of our waterways, our lands, and our neighborhoods endures.


This moment provides us with an opportunity. Whatever our political leanings, we can align around the shared values of clean water, thriving wildlife, and a sustainable future for Indian River County. These goals require steady hands, diverse perspectives, and consistent action—qualities our community has shown time and again.


Moving forward, we must renew our focus on what unites us. Our work protecting the lagoon and supporting smart environmental and development policies remains vital. This shared purpose transcends any single election, urging us to keep pushing for positive change, together.


As we chart our path forward, we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that this work will benefit not only us but also future generations who will call this place home.


 

John Carroll students help ORCA during Indian River Lagoon Day (News-Journal Online) - Twenty-four John Carroll Catholic students engaged in hands-on environmental science by monitoring water quality and identifying species in the Indian River Lagoon as part of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association’s "A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon" event, highlighting the importance of ecosystem conservation.


Obituary: Indian Riverkeeper Marty Baum Jensen Beach died Halloween (TCPalm) - Marty Baum, former Indian Riverkeeper and passionate advocate for clean water and environmental conservation, left a profound legacy on the Treasure Coast, remembered for his tireless efforts to protect the Indian River Lagoon and educate the community on its historical and ecological significance.


'Magical' Clip of Dolphins Swimming in Bioluminescent Water Goes Viral (Newsweek) - A viral TikTok clip shows dolphins swimming in bioluminescent waters off Marina del Rey, California, creating a stunning display of blue-tinted waves, as photographer Josh Gravley captured the rare natural phenomenon that has enchanted millions of viewers.


Celebrate Manatee Awareness Month—45 Years of Protecting Florida’s Gentle Giants (The Boca Raton Tribune) - November marks the 45th anniversary of Manatee Awareness Month, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect Florida's manatees from threats like habitat loss, watercraft collisions, and pollution, and encouraging public involvement in conservation through awareness, reporting, and educational resources.


Election reax: Here's how our endorsed candidates fared, and what it means (VoteWater.org) - Following the election, VoteWater celebrated the victories of endorsed candidates Brian Mast and Steve Friedman, who are expected to advocate for water quality, but expressed concern over the ongoing influence of “dirty money” and unchecked growth, which continue to hinder Florida’s clean-water efforts despite substantial restoration funding.


What Election Day looked like for voters in hurricane-battered communities across Florida and North Carolina (Grist) - In hurricane-ravaged communities across Florida and North Carolina, voters faced significant challenges on Election Day, including damaged polling sites, relocation hurdles, and power outages, yet many persevered to cast their ballots, driven by issues around disaster response and climate impacts that have directly shaped their lives.


 

The Everglades is an irreplaceable ecosystem facing numerous threats, from polluted upstream waters to invasive species and rising sea levels. Learn about the ongoing struggle to restore and preserve this unique environment. Join author Charles J. Kopy as he explores the complex battle between agricultural interests and environmentalists in South Florida. Discover the challenges of managing water resources for over 8 million Floridians, and the conflicting demands of flood control, agriculture, and environmental restoration.


The PBS video also take a closer look at the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), a fertile land transformed for sugar cane farming, now at the center of a debate over water flow restoration. Hear from farmers, environmentalists, and experts on the future of the Everglades, and learn about the ongoing efforts to reclaim this vital natural resource. As we navigate the intricate balance between development and conservation, this video sheds light on the importance of protecting the Everglades for future generations.


 

Scientists tackle farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets (ScienceDaily) - University of Illinois researchers developed cost-effective, eco-friendly designer biochar pellets made from sawdust and lime sludge that capture and recycle phosphorus from agricultural runoff, showing a promising solution to reduce water pollution and enhance soil health by slowly releasing the nutrient back into fields.


Microplastics Increasing in Freshwater, Directly Related to Plastic Production (Environmental News Network) - A Penn State study reveals that microplastics in freshwater environments have increased steadily in parallel with global plastic production since the 1950s, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to manage this pollution.


How Can We Close Nature’s Funding Gap? (Inside Climate News) - To prevent global biodiversity collapse, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity highlighted a $700 billion annual funding need, with proposed solutions such as cutting harmful subsidies and exploring biodiversity credits, though concerns remain over accountability and the effectiveness of credit markets.


Drought Expands Across the U.S. (Environmental News Network) - In October 2024, over half of the contiguous United States experienced severe dryness, with more than 78 percent of the population affected by drought conditions—the highest level recorded in the U.S. Drought Monitor’s history—due to persistently warm, dry weather linked to high atmospheric pressure.


How do you save a rainforest? Leave it alone. (Grist) - New research shows that allowing tropical rainforests to naturally regrow on deforested land could sequester substantial carbon, increase biodiversity, and improve local water quality, making it a cost-effective strategy for climate mitigation as long as land-use pressures like agriculture are minimized.


The potential consequences Trump’s reelection could have on climate change (Grist) - Donald Trump's reelection is expected to severely hinder U.S. climate policy, with plans to dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act, boost fossil fuel production, weaken environmental regulations, and possibly withdraw from the Paris Agreement, posing significant challenges to both national and global climate action efforts.


Climate Initiatives Fare Well Across the Country Despite National Political Climate (Inside Climate News) - Despite a challenging national political landscape, climate-related ballot initiatives fared well across the U.S., with states like Washington, California, and Hawaii passing measures to strengthen climate resilience and secure environmental funding, while local elections in places like North Carolina and Texas highlighted ongoing divides over climate policy and energy priorities.


 

Want your voice to be heard? Use this link to easily contact elected officials—from your city council to the President. Your voice can make a real impact. While the IRNA may occasionally prompt you to contact specific officials about urgent issues, we keep this list handy for your convenience. Can't find who you're looking for? Just let us know; we're here to help connect you with the right people.


 


 






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