November 2, 2024 Weekly Newsletter
Indian River County is at a critical juncture, facing the challenges of managing rapid population growth while safeguarding its invaluable natural resources. Since the establishment of the Urban Service Boundary (USB) in 1990, the goal has been to concentrate development within designated areas, protecting rural and environmentally sensitive lands from urban sprawl. With the county considering the expansion of the USB to accommodate projected growth, this report examines existing land use, infrastructure, and environmental factors to inform future decisions.
The IRNA emphasizes that any growth must be balanced with a firm commitment to environmental preservation, aligning with public sentiment expressed in workshops and underscored by the overwhelming 78% voter approval of the $50 million conservation bond in 2022. In each of the six public engagement sessions, environmental protection emerged as the top priority—an essential focus for our future. Protecting our natural resources should lead decision-making, and discussions of growth must reflect this core value.
The report projects that the county will see an additional 42,698 residents by 2050. However, the data shows that the current USB already has sufficient capacity to support up to 51,049 new residents without expansion or density changes, leveraging the 24% of vacant land within the boundary. This means the county can meet its growth needs without encroaching on environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands and floodplains. The IRNA stands firmly against unnecessary USB expansion, especially when it risks harming these essential ecosystems and increasing infrastructure costs.
Instead of broad expansion, one idea to look at is targeted increases in density within the USB—especially in areas already equipped with infrastructure—which offers a more sustainable solution. (Click here for more information on density in this concept.) For example, there is already discussion and ballot initiatives to increasing density in downtown Vero Beach. This area is well-connected by public transportation and allows for responsible growth while preserving green spaces. The IRNA supports the idea of targeted strategic infill development, ensuring that new housing is accessible, connected to public services, and aligned with sustainability goals.
However, some limited and well-planned USB expansion, such as near the under-construction Oslo Road and I-95 interchange, may make sense. This type of targeted expansion, especially in areas with planned infrastructure upgrades, could help relieve pressure in other parts of the county. It is important not to let such expansions become too widespread or creep in scope. Expansion should be thoughtful and restrained, ensuring that it does not lead to unchecked sprawl or environmental degradation.
One of the report's key considerations is affordable housing. The IRNA believes affordable housing must remain within the current USB, close to jobs and public transportation networks. Expanding the USB for affordable housing risks promoting sprawl, disconnecting residents from essential services, and increasing infrastructure costs. If expansion is necessary, it should be limited to areas already serviced by public transportation, or developers must contribute to transit expansions to avoid transportation inefficiencies. This approach aligns with long-term sustainability and reduces unnecessary strain on county resources.
Water and wastewater infrastructure are critical concerns as well. With the County's projected water demand expected to reach 17.16 million gallons per day by 2050, it is essential to ensure that growth remains within the bounds of the county’s capacity. Expanding development beyond the current USB could strain these resources further, potentially requiring costly upgrades or risking environmental degradation. The IRNA advocates for sustainable water management and infrastructure planning that protects the county's natural water resources.
Finally, the financial burden of expanding the USB must be considered. Building new infrastructure—roads, utilities, schools—outside the current boundary carries substantial costs that would be borne by local governments and taxpayers. The IRNA stresses that any proposed expansion should be carefully evaluated in terms of both environmental and financial sustainability, with an emphasis on maximizing the use of existing infrastructure.
In conclusion, Indian River County has the opportunity to grow while preserving our natural heritage. The IRNA strongly advocates for prioritizing environmental conservation, utilizing vacant parcels within the USB, and pursuing targeted density increases rather than expanding into sensitive and undeveloped areas. While limited, targeted expansion, such as near key infrastructure projects like Oslo Road and I-95, may be appropriate, it should be done cautiously and thoughtfully. By doing so, the county can ensure that future growth is sustainable, financially responsible, and aligned with the values of its residents.
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Do you spend time out on the Indian River Lagoon? Whether you are a fisher spending time out on your boat or a kayaker who enjoys paddling the lagoon, if you are out on the water, you can contribute to the Eyes on Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon Blitz!
Eyes on Seagrass is a participatory science program that monitors the health and status of Florida’s seagrass population. Organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant, the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz is a two-week effort between November 1-15 to collect data on the presence (or absence) of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon. These data will allow us to better understand the current range of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon and help inform future monitoring and restoration work.
The Eyes on Seagrass Blitz will rely on residents to report seagrass using the Seagrass Spotter App. A reporting involves taking a picture and answering a few quick questions about the area in the app. Participants may report as many or as few sitings as they’d like across the entire Indian River Lagoon region, including Mosquito Lagoon and the Banana River. We are interested in both the presence and absence of seagrass across the lagoon. Participation involves a few easy steps.
Before Going Out on the Water:
Download the Seagrass Spotter app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to your phone and create a free account. -OR- If you prefer, you can create an account on the computer version of the program.
Review the Eyes on Seagrass Species ID Guide.
Read the full instructions and download or print a copy of the shortened field protocol to have with you when you are out on the water.
Ensure that you have all the proper safety gear on your vessel and check that the weather conditions are safe to be out on the water. Low wind conditions are ideal for both your safety and visibility through the water’s surface.
Complete the Eyes on Seagrass Volunteer form to learn about future Eyes on Seagrass volunteer opportunities.
For more information visit the Eyes on Seagrass in the IRL Blitz event website.
Vero Beach, Indian River Shores and Indian River County agree on ALA (TCPalm) - Thank you to the CWC, as well, for helping this become a reality! Indian River County and neighboring municipalities are implementing anchoring limitation areas to prevent abandoned boats from polluting the Indian River Lagoon, with new rules allowing the removal of vessels moored beyond 45 days to protect the ecosystem and wildlife.
Beaches survived hurricane season largely unscathed (Vero News) - Indian River County beaches largely avoided significant erosion damage during hurricane season, with ongoing and planned dune restoration projects, funded by grants and the local bed tax, aimed at maintaining and protecting the shoreline as a key attraction for tourists and locals.
Sebastian Inlet State Park north jetty closed for storm damage repairs (TCPalm) - Sebastian Inlet State Park's north jetty will close for extensive repairs starting Nov. 4, with a $2.5 million project to reinforce storm-damaged sections with granite boulders, a steel seawall, and a new concrete sidewalk, funded by the Inlet District's increased budget.
Opinion: Quash rumors of how Hurricane Milton aid given in Vero Beach (TCPalm) - Over 1,700 families affected by Hurricane Milton received essential support from Vero Beach area agencies, countering misconceptions with a documented, transparent relief effort that prioritized immediate aid for those impacted by power outages, income loss, and other storm-related hardships.
When storms collide: Compassion in the wake of tornadoes and Hurricane Milton (TCPalm) - As Hurricane Milton approached, the Salvation Army of Martin County swiftly provided hot meals and support to Port Salerno residents devastated by unexpected tornadoes, demonstrating community resilience and compassion amid dual disasters.
Our View: Hurricane Milton power outages nothing like Frances, Jeanne (TCPalm) - Investments in hurricane hardening and smart grid technology by Florida Power & Light have improved power restoration speeds after storms like Hurricane Milton, yet while these measures reduce outages, they come with increased costs that consumers ultimately bear.
United Way galvanizes support for storm relief (Vero News) - The United Way of Indian River County, alongside multiple agencies, mobilized rapidly after Hurricane Milton's tornadoes, establishing a relief fund, deploying volunteers, distributing supplies, and coordinating a Multi-Agency Resource Center to provide comprehensive support and long-term recovery for affected residents.
Destructive tornadoes not seen affecting Vero projects’ timeline (Vero News) - The destructive tornadoes in Vero Beach have not impacted the timelines for major city projects like the Three Corners development and wastewater-treatment plant relocation, though city officials are prioritizing tornado cleanup efforts while maintaining progress on these planned initiatives.
Every Vote Counts – Make Yours on November 5th
It’s that time again—election season. And while it may seem like just another day on the calendar, November 5th is more than just a date; it’s an opportunity for all of us to shape the future of our community.
Why Vote? Because Every Election is Important
Every election matters. Whether it's for President, local representatives, or amendments that affect our day-to-day lives, each vote is a chance to have your voice heard. We've seen how close some races can be—just this year in St. Lucie County, a two-vote margin decided the Supervisor of Elections primary race. That’s right, two votes! Your vote truly does make a difference.
What's at Stake?
This year, there are several important races on the ballot, including constitutional amendments and local initiatives that directly affect our County, Vero Beach, and Sebastian. These decisions have long-term impacts on our community's future, from education and infrastructure to conservation efforts that protect our beautiful natural surroundings.
Make a Plan and Vote
Take a few minutes to review the sample ballot and familiarize yourself with the issues. Be sure to vote on both sides of the pages, and make a plan to get to your polling place on November 5th.
Every vote truly counts, and your participation in this election helps shape the future of our community, the county, and the world. Together, we can ensure that Indian River County remains a place where nature and progress coexist.
So, on November 5th, if you haven't voted already, don’t sit this one out—vote!
Tornadoes may upend insurance market, too (Vero News) - The recent tornadoes in Vero Beach have led homeowners and insurers to reconsider wind coverage in Florida's already strained insurance market, as the unexpected tornado damage highlights the risks of forgoing wind policies, potentially driving more homeowners to re-evaluate costly insurance options despite already high rates.
Critics oppose JD state park golf course plan at Overdorf meeting (TCPalm) - At a recent workshop, Florida Rep. Toby Overdorf addressed public concerns over controversial plans to build golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, clarifying that proposed legislation and existing bills aim to protect park lands, while opponents continue to rally for conservation and transparency regarding state park developments.
Real estate: Home sale price Stuart, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, PSL (TCPalm) - In September, the Treasure Coast real estate market remained a seller's market with increased listings, a slight rise in Martin County's median sale price, and extended time-to-contract durations, though Hurricane Milton’s impact is not expected to significantly affect the market.
ELECTION SPECIAL 2024: Recapping our endorsements and a look ahead (VoteWater.org) - VoteWater.org has endorsed Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Brian Mast, Cindy Lerner, and Steve Friedman for various 2024 Florida races, while expressing concerns about ongoing "dirty money" from industries influencing water policy and development at the expense of environmental health.
DEEP DIVE: Do hurricanes cause harmful algal blooms? (VoteWater.org) - While hurricanes don't directly cause harmful algal blooms, they exacerbate them by stirring nutrient-rich deeper waters and increasing nutrient runoff, making conditions ripe for blooms that harm Florida's ecosystems, tourism, and public health.
Miami’s extreme heat leads groups to help most vulnerable (Miami Herald) - South Florida nonprofits and community organizations are intensifying efforts to mitigate extreme heat impacts by distributing water and cooling resources to vulnerable populations, advocating for worker protections, boosting tree canopy, and educating residents on climate resilience, while supporting broader community-based solutions and climate change awareness initiatives.
Debris Free Oceans working to get plastic out of the ocean (Miami Herald) - Debris Free Oceans, a Miami nonprofit, tackles oceanic plastic pollution by advocating for reusable products, educating communities, and partnering with local businesses and events to reduce single-use plastics, aiming for a circular economy where waste is minimized and ultimately eradicated.
Beyond bottled water and sandwiches: What FEMA is doing to get hurricane victims back into their homes (The Conversation) - FEMA’s response to recent hurricanes like Helene and Milton includes quick cash grants, housing repair aid, and flexible funding programs, though challenges persist for under-resourced groups like low-income households and renters, who often struggle to access sufficient recovery assistance.
Five candidates are running for Vero Beach City Council in the upcoming election. Each candidate has shared their views on critical issues concerning the city's future, following a series of questions sent by the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) and Clean Water Coalition (CWC). These questions touched on topics such as development, housing, water quality, and city governance.
Here are the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:
Each candidate responded to the questions covering areas like the Three Corners development, affordable housing, water quality in the lagoon, and how Vero Beach can prepare for future climate challenges. The IRNA and CWC provided the platform for this important conversation, highlighting the importance of these issues for voters as they head to the polls. The full responses offer insight into how these candidates plan to address key concerns in Vero Beach.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the candidates for their time and thoughtful responses, and we wish them the best of luck in their campaigns.
Note: Typically, we survey the Sebastian City Council candidates, but this year, the candidates running are those who participated in the 2022 election. You can view their responses from two years ago here. Kelly Dixon, Ed Dodd, and Damien Gilliams, Jr. are running for Sebastian City Council this year.
When is a Heat Wave Just a Heat Wave, and When is it Climate Change? (Environmental News Network) - A new study led by North Carolina State University aims to establish a process for determining whether extreme weather events, like the prolonged 2023 heat wave in Texas and Louisiana, are driven by climate change, providing communities with insights for future resilience planning.
Newly discovered cyanobacteria could help sequester carbon from oceans and factories (ScienceDaily) - Researchers have discovered a cyanobacteria strain, "Chonkus," adept at rapid growth in CO2-rich environments and natural sinking, showing promise for carbon sequestration and biomanufacturing applications, as it efficiently captures and stores carbon—a breakthrough for environmentally sustainable production and climate mitigation.
Climate-Fueled Extreme Weather Is Hiking up Car Insurance Rates (Inside Climate News) - With climate change intensifying extreme weather events, car insurance rates are climbing, driven by increased claims from hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires, leading to market strain and heightened risks of scams with flood-damaged vehicles entering the used car market.
The Depths of Their Discontent: Young Americans Are Distraught Over Climate Change (Inside Climate News) - A new study of 16,000 young Americans reveals widespread climate anxiety, with over 85% expressing concern and distress linked to climate change, and highlights how exposure to severe weather amplifies young people’s calls for action across political lines, despite differing regional and ideological perspectives.
Study: Marshes Provide Cost-Effective Coastal Protection (Environmental News Network) - An MIT study demonstrates that enhancing salt marshes in front of seawalls provides cost-effective coastal protection by reducing wave impact, allowing for shorter, less costly seawalls while still safeguarding coastlines from storm surges and rising sea levels.
How Climate Change Will Impact Outdoor Activities in the US (Environmental News Network) - An MIT study using "outdoor days" as a metric reveals that climate change will reduce the number of days suitable for outdoor activities in southern U.S. states like Florida, while cooler northern areas may experience a slight increase in such days, highlighting regional disparities in climate impacts on recreation and work.
Will Tropical Biodiversity Run Dry Under Climate Change? Two Visions for the Future (Environmental News Network) - Unchecked climate change could alter precipitation in the Neotropics, threatening two-thirds of the region’s bird species by 2100 and posing severe risks to other wildlife, plants, and agricultural stability, according to a study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and George Mason University.
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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