Sewage Spills, Federal Action on the Lagoon, and More!
- IRNA
- Jun 28
- 10 min read
June 28, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Florida's Sewage Crisis: Why Fining Cities Won't Fix the Pipes
When a 50-year-old sewer main in Vero Beach ruptured in 2017, it took days for anyone to notice. By the time residents complained about the stench, an estimated 3.1 million gallons of raw sewage had poured into Bethel Creek and the Indian River Lagoon. The pipe failure left the creek "smelling like a toilet for weeks" and required extensive aeration to remediate.
Vero Beach escaped state fines for that incident, the Florida DEP considered it an unforeseen accident with no prior violations. But that was 2017. Today's reality is harsher, as Florida has significantly toughened its enforcement approach. Cities now face a double punishment: first the sewage disaster, then escalating financial penalties that ultimately come from the same taxpayers who suffered through contaminated waterways.
The Indian River Lagoon region has become ground zero for Florida's escalating sewage crisis. Just north of us in Brevard County, Titusville spilled over 7 million gallons of raw sewage into lagoon-connected ponds in late 2020, initially underestimating the spill by a factor of 72. The city spent $377,000 on emergency cleanup but faced up to $200,000 in state fines. More recently, Palm Bay's residents watched 3 million gallons of wastewater gush from a broken 20-inch main into Turkey Creek (a pipe that was only 37 years old, far short of its expected 80-100 year lifespan.)
These aren't isolated incidents. Statewide, sewage spills have surged from about 1,282 incidents in 2007 to 2,779 in 2019, with over 3 billion gallons illegally discharged into Florida waterways in the past decade. The problem has gotten so bad that 70% of Florida's tested beaches showed unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in 2022. Hurricane Ian alone triggered sewage "geysers" across dozens of systems, forcing utilities to choose between letting sewage back up into homes or discharging it into rivers.
The root cause is clear: much of Florida's sewer infrastructure is literally falling apart. Many of the state's systems were built during the 1970s Clean Water Act era and are now reaching the end of their useful life. Fort Lauderdale's record-breaking 126 million gallon spill in 2019-2020 came from 50-year-old cast iron mains that had corroded and collapsed. Add Florida's explosive population growth (23 million residents plus over 100 million annual visitors) and you have systems handling far more waste than they were designed for.
Climate change compounds the problem. Rising sea levels push saltwater into aging pipes through cracks, while increasingly intense storms overwhelm antiquated systems. As one county official put it after Hurricane Ian, "there are only so many places that water can go – you can let it back up into people's homes, or discharge it into the river."
Florida's response has become increasingly punitive. In 2020, the state passed HB 1091, increasing environmental fines by 50% and raising sewage spill penalties from $10,000 to $15,000 per day. Unlike the more lenient approach taken with Vero Beach's 2017 spill, today's enforcement means cities face steeper financial consequences. While accountability matters, this approach creates a perverse cycle: cities spend money on fines that could otherwise go toward fixing pipes, while taxpayers foot the bill for both the cleanup and the penalties.
The irony is stark. Fort Lauderdale paid $2.1 million in fines for its historic spill, then had to find another $65 million for infrastructure repairs. St. Petersburg faced an $820,000 fine after its sewage crisis, money that came from the same residents who couldn't use their beaches. As one frustrated resident wrote, "the taxpayer will be paying more money for the same defective sewer systems" unless fine money is returned to municipalities for state-supervised repairs.
Smart policy would flip this dynamic. Instead of just penalizing failure, Florida should invest proactively in preventing it. The state could provide matching funds to cities that replace aging pipes before they burst, or create a dedicated infrastructure fund financed by redirecting penalty money. Some communities are already taking this approach. Brevard County voters approved a lagoon restoration tax that helps fund sewer improvements, choosing to invest upfront rather than face endless fines and environmental damage.
The Indian River Lagoon, which has already lost over 90% of its seagrass due to pollution-fueled algal blooms, can't afford more sewage disasters. Neither can the taxpayers who keep paying twice for the same broken pipes. Florida can pay now to fix its infrastructure, or pay later through more spills, more fines, and more dead fish floating in what should be pristine waters.
Programming note: Due to Independence Day next week, we will not be sending out a newsletter on July 5. We look forward to seeing you on July 12!
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Florida Reps Push to Save Critical Estuary Funding
Two local Florida Republicans are helping lead a bipartisan push in Congress to reauthorize a federal program that's been a lifeline for the state's struggling coastal waters.
Reps. Brian Mast and Mike Haridopolos (Vero Beach's Rep) joined colleagues from both parties this week to introduce the ESTUARIES Act, which would continue funding for the National Estuary Program. The program has pumped millions into Florida projects over the past three decades, from restoring seagrass beds to fighting algae blooms.
"The National Estuary Program has been the cornerstone of efforts to restore and protect the Indian River Lagoon," said Dr. Duane De Freese, Executive Director of the IRL Council that hosts the IRLNEP. Since 1990, the federal partnership has funded water quality projects and restored seagrass and oyster reefs that had nearly vanished.
The program works differently than typical federal environmental efforts. Instead of imposing regulations from on high, it gives local communities money and technical help to solve their water problems on the ground. Counties, cities, businesses, environmental groups, and individuals work together on projects geared to specific challenges.
The return on investment is strong too. Every federal dollar brings in $17 more from state, local, and private sources. Last year alone, estuary programs nationwide restored 224,000 acres of habitat and completed over 100 water quality projects.
For those of us in Florida, the economic argument is just as compelling as the environmental one. The state's coastal waters support tourism, fishing, and shipping industries worth billions. When harmful algae blooms shut down beaches or fish kills make headlines, the economic damage spreads quickly. Manatee woes were on the front page of the New York Times multiple times in the last five years.
Estuary regions nationally support 40% of the U.S. population. Fishing industries tied to healthy estuaries generate $321 billion annually. In Florida, where coastal tourism drives the economy, clean water is often the foundation upon which the community is built.
Congress reauthorized the program in 2020 under President Trump with strong bipartisan support. The current effort faces decent political odds because it focuses on local control and economic benefits alongside conservation. Without this reauthorization, funding would dry up. Florida's communities (and Estuaries in other areas) would lose federal help with water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and pollution prevention. Projects that take years to show results could stall halfway through and water quality would likely decrease.
The bipartisan nature of the bill is because of the political reality. Struggling seagrass or harmful algae blooms don't care about party affiliation or political borders, and neither do the businesses that depend on clean water. When beach communities lose tourist revenue or fishing operations shut down, local officials want solutions that work, not partisan talking points.
The ESTUARIES Act needs broader congressional support to move forward. For Florida's delegation, it's a chance to show that environmental protection and economic growth can work hand in hand, especially when Washington lets local communities lead the way.
Indian River Lagoon: See extent of illegal Sebastian mangrove removal (TCPalm) - (Additional Pictures Here) - A Windsor resident illegally cleared protected mangroves from his Sebastian waterfront property, causing pollution to the Indian River Lagoon and prompting outrage from neighbors and investigations by state and county officials.
DEP, DOT, SJRWMD meet with Sebastian developer about mangrove removal (TCPalm) - Florida environmental agencies are investigating a Sebastian developer for a second illegal mangrove-clearing incident that polluted the Indian River Lagoon, prompting a cease-and-desist order, potential fines, and a multi-agency site meeting to assess the damage and determine accountability.
What's that being built on A1A next to 7/11 in South Beach? (TCPalm) - A 27,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring shops, offices, a restaurant, and a central courtyard is being built next to 7/11 in Vero Beach’s South Beach neighborhood on the former Charley Brown’s site, with completion expected by January.
Preparing Your Home Garden for Rainy Season (Vero Beach Magazine) - Collecting and redirecting rainwater through methods like rain barrels, mulch, and rain gardens helps Florida homeowners reduce stormwater runoff, support plant health, and protect the Indian River Lagoon during the rainy season.
Florida gopher tortoises and why they are important. (TCPalm) - Rapid development in Florida is endangering gopher tortoises and the hundreds of species that depend on their burrows, prompting in-depth reporting that revealed rising relocation rates, data gaps, and the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts.
Breeze flights from Vero fall as summer arrives (Vero News) - Breeze Airways has significantly reduced its summer flight schedule from Vero Beach after a record-breaking spring, while the airport uses the seasonal slowdown to launch $5 million in terminal and parking improvements ahead of a busy fall and winter travel season.
Island, county property values continue impressive rise (Vero News) - Indian River County's real estate value surged by $2 billion in 2024—driven by new construction, property resales, and rising assessments—marking a 50% increase since 2022 and setting the stage for higher property tax revenues if rates remain unchanged.
We're excited to share the above video showing the completed Riverview Park living shoreline restoration project in Sebastian! This innovative two-phase initiative combined oyster reef ball modules to combat erosion with native plant buffers to filter pollution before it reaches the Indian River Lagoon.
Partially funded by an IRLNEP Community Habitat Restoration Grant, the project demonstrates how communities can work with nature to address both shoreline erosion and water quality challenges. The real success story here is the community involvement - from enthusiastic local support to ongoing volunteer monitoring that tracks nutrient reduction every three months.
As one participant noted, "Little baby steps really add up" - and this project proves that when communities come together to protect their local waters, they can create meaningful, measurable change. The project is now in its monitoring phase, providing valuable data on how living shorelines can benefit coastal ecosystems throughout the Indian River Lagoon system.
DEEP DIVE: Lyngbya a growing problem in the Lagoon and beyond (VoteWater.org) - Lyngbya is a type of cyanobacteria (often misclassified as algae) that grows on the bottom of warm, shallow waters like Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, where it forms dense mats that smother seagrass, release skin-irritating toxins, and thrive on excess nutrients—especially during summer heat and rain-driven runoff—making prevention through nutrient control the key to limiting harmful blooms.
'It's turned into a swamp': Once thriving lake is now 'sick' (ABC Action News) - Curve Lake in Land O' Lakes, once a clear and vibrant spring-fed waterbody, has deteriorated into a murky swamp-like state over the past decade, with residents blaming nearby development and officials urging community-led monitoring through Florida LAKEWATCH to better understand the decline.
'Offensive odor': Algae blooms create a stink on Florida beach (WESH) - An algal bloom near Long Point Park in Melbourne Beach has produced a strong odor and health warnings from officials, prompting canceled campground reservations and CDC advisories to avoid contact with the potentially harmful water.
See Whose Photos Won at McKee’s 20th Annual Waterlily Celebration! (Vero Minute) - McKee Botanical Garden's 20th Annual Waterlily Celebration showcased over 60 stunning photo entries across multiple categories, honoring the garden's historic aquatic blooms with awards, public voting, and educational exhibits on plant health and conservation.
Gov. DeSantis receives boater safety bill (TCPalm) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has received Lucy's Law, a bill that increases penalties for boating under the influence and hit-and-run boating crashes but stops short of mandating universal boating education or suspending driver licenses for BUI convictions.
5 best places to watch the sunset on the Treasure Coast (TCPalm) - Top sunset spots on the Treasure Coast include Stick Marsh for birdwatching, Riverside Cafe for waterfront dining, George LeStrange Preserve and McCarty Ranch for nature views, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park for expansive trails and history.
Port St. Lucie residents report fish kill in St. Lucie River canal (TCPalm) - Port St. Lucie residents are demanding answers after a massive fish kill in the Elkcam Waterway, a tributary of the St. Lucie River, following herbicide spraying by a city contractor, raising concerns about chemical use, public notification, and potential health risks.
Hurricane Season Alert: Prepare Now
Warning: Hurricane season is here (June 1 - November 30). Don't wait until a storm approaches - prepare your family now.
Essential Steps
Emergency Kit: Stock 3 days of supplies per person - water (1 gallon/person/day), non-perishable food, flashlights, battery radio, first aid kit, medications, cash, and waterproof document storage.
Family Plan: Know your evacuation zone and routes. Designate an out-of-state contact. Include pets in your planning.
Property: Trim trees, secure outdoor items, clear gutters, and have window protection ready (shutters or plywood).
Stay Connected: Download weather apps, sign up for emergency alerts, and bookmark the National Hurricane Center website.
Insurance: Review your policies now. Homeowner's insurance doesn't cover floods. Keep cash available for post-storm needs.
Stores become overwhelmed when hurricanes threaten. Prepare today while supplies are available and you can think clearly. Your family's safety depends on preparation, not luck.
A new app details where your food comes from — and just how fragile the global food system really is (Grist) - A new digital tool called the Global Food Twin maps global food flows, highlights vulnerable supply chain chokepoints, and reveals how climate disruptions in key regions could trigger cascading food insecurity worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for localized, resilient food systems.
How marine plankton adapts to a changing world (Science Daily) - A global study using advanced lipidomics and data analysis reveals that marine plankton adapt their cell membrane chemistry (such as altering lipid diversity and structure) in response to environmental conditions like temperature, light, and nutrient availability, with implications for the entire ocean ecosystem.
What will the rise of floating solar panels mean for wildlife? (Grist) - As floating solar panels rapidly expand across water reservoirs, scientists are studying their complex ecological impacts—ranging from altered light levels and food webs to potential new habitats for wildlife—with hopes of designing systems that balance renewable energy production and biodiversity conservation.
What one town learned by charging residents for every bag of trash (Grist) - By switching to a "pay-as-you-throw" system that charges residents per bag of trash, the small town of Plympton, Massachusetts, cut its waste in half, boosted recycling, saved tens of thousands of dollars annually, and joined a growing number of U.S. communities using financial incentives to reduce landfill use and environmental impact.
How Lottery-Style Bottle Returns Could Transform Recycling (Environmental News Network) - A University of British Columbia study found that replacing standard bottle deposit refunds with lottery-style cash prizes boosted recycling rates by 47%, showing strong potential for transforming recycling behavior through behavioral incentives.
How does ’sophisticated’ climate misinformation work? (Climate Change News) - Climate misinformation has evolved from outright denial to subtle doubt-casting on climate causes and solutions, strategically targeting policymakers through think tanks, PR, and legal tactics to delay action and protect fossil fuel interests, according to a major new report urging regulatory and educational countermeasures.
Insect Numbers Are Plummeting: Here Are Eight Easy Ways to Help (EcoWatch) - In response to alarming insect population declines, experts recommend simple actions like turning off lights at night, planting native pollinator flowers, avoiding pesticides and plastics, composting, and letting nature thrive in yards to help support vital insect ecosystems.
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