Victory for State Parks, Citizen Voices Silenced, and more!
- IRNA
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
May 10, 2025 Weekly Newsletter
Victory for Our State Parks
Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Floridians from every corner of the state, including many of you, our state parks just took a huge step toward long-term protection. Last week, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed the State Park Preservation Act (HB 209/SB 80), landmark legislation that will prohibit the kind of destructive development proposed in the Governor's "Great Outdoors Initiative" last year.
That means no golf courses, no pickleball complexes, and no luxury hotels in Florida's award-winning state parks. Just real, quiet, natural Florida, protected for future generations.
We thank Senator Gayle Harrell and Representative John Snyder, both from Martin County, for leading this bipartisan effort, and we applaud every lawmaker who voted yes. This was a true grassroots victory, powered by your phone calls, emails, protests, and unwavering support for conservation.
The bill is now on Governor Ron DeSantis' desk. He had indicated that he will sign it. We have worked hard to stop the plans to pave over paradise and we will keep Florida's parks for the people, not profit.
Our parks are not vacant land waiting to be monetized. They are home to threatened species, vital ecosystems, and quiet places for reflection, recreation, and renewal. They belong to all of us.
Let's make sure Tallahassee remembers that.
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Florida Man vs. Fertilizer: 10 Excuses That Are Affecting Our Lagoon
We've all chuckled at "Florida Man" headlines, those wild tales of questionable decision-making across the Sunshine State. But when it comes to protecting the Indian River Lagoon, sometimes the most impactful choices happen in our own backyards, especially regarding fertilizer use.
While a single bag of fertilizer might seem harmless, when thousands of homeowners across Indian River County all add "just a little," those nutrients add up fast, creating perfect conditions for algae blooms that cloud water and harm seagrass. Let's look at some common fertilizer misconceptions and how we can do better:
1. "Just a little won't hurt."
If everyone at a football stadium tossed one cup of water onto the field, players would need snorkels. Similarly, even small amounts of fertilizer from thousands of yards combine to create a significant impact on our waterways.
2. "My lawn looks terrible without it!"
Many Florida-friendly landscapes thrive without chemical assistance. Many yards in our area use native plants that stay lush year-round with minimal water and no fertilizer—and they've cut their maintenance time a lot!
3. "My yard doesn't drain to water."
In Florida's unique geology, everything connects underground. That fertilizer can travel through soil into groundwater or wash into storm drains during heavy rains, eventually finding its way to the lagoon through our interconnected watershed.
4. "I only fertilize when it's not going to rain."
Florida weather is notoriously unpredictable. That clear forecast can change to afternoon thunderstorms within hours, washing away fertilizer before it can be absorbed. Timing is tricky, and nature doesn't always cooperate with our plans.
5. "The pros handle it."
Lawn services aim to please, and that often means bright green results. Have a friendly conversation with your landscaper about slow-release, lagoon-friendly options and make sure they're respecting seasonal fertilizer bans.
6. "It says 'eco' on the bag."
Marketing terms can be confusing. What matters are the numbers on the back (the NPK rating) and whether it's slow-release. Lower nitrogen content and zero phosphorus are better for our waterways, regardless of the packaging design.
7. "My neighbors all do it."
Be a positive influence! Share lagoon-friendly tips with neighbors when the conversation turns to lawn care. Community efforts multiply—just like those nutrient effects, but in a beneficial way.
8. "I've always done it this way."
Lawn care has evolved significantly over the years. Today's best practices not only protect the lagoon but can save money and time. Consider it an upgrade to more efficient, environmentally responsible habits.
9. "These regulations seem excessive."
Local fertilizer ordinances were developed based on scientific data showing clear connections between lawn practices and lagoon health. These guidelines help preserve both our natural resources and our property values along the waterfront.
10. "One big application sets me up all year."
Plants can only absorb nutrients as needed. Excess fertilizer doesn't wait patiently in the soil—it washes away with rain. Smaller, less frequent applications (when allowed) are much more effective and less likely to contribute to runoff.
Be Part of the Lagoon Solution
Making lagoon-friendly choices doesn't mean sacrificing a beautiful yard. By following local fertilizer ordinances, choosing slow-release products when necessary, and embracing native plants, you can have an attractive landscape that helps rather than harms our waterways..
Remember: While "Florida Man" makes headlines, Florida's responsible residents make a positive difference every day. Your yard care choices matter more than you might think!
Sebastian extending sewers in conjunction with Indian River County (TCPalm) - Sebastian and Indian River County are collaborating to install sewer lines for 188 downtown properties ahead of a 2030 state mandate, aiming to reduce lagoon pollution and facilitate septic-to-sewer conversions within a year.
Does it hail in Florida? Hail falls in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach (TCPalm) - A spring hailstorm on May 5 dropped hailstones up to 2 inches wide across parts of Florida, including Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, as part of the state's typical seasonal hail activity driven by cold upper-atmosphere temperatures and thunderstorm updrafts.
Vero Beach, Sebastian train flyover could help traffic | Opinion (TCPalm) - A proposed $102.7 million overpass at County Road 510 and U.S. 1 aims to reduce severe traffic congestion and future delays in Indian River County, but concerns remain about nearby traffic signals, potential rail crossing closures, and the broader impact on local connectivity.
City marina upgrades finally get underway (Vero News) - After years of delays and rising costs, Vero Beach has begun a long-awaited $9.6 million marina upgrade that includes a new boat barn, expanded docks, and infrastructure improvements to meet growing demand from boaters.
Three Corners not likely to be a cash cow for city (Vero News) - Despite overwhelming voter support and high community hopes, Vero Beach's Three Corners waterfront redevelopment is projected to generate only modest annual revenue for the city, serving more as a civic and recreational amenity than a significant financial asset.
Public grilling of county administrator: Appropriate or ‘embarrassing’? (Vero News) - A tense public evaluation of County Administrator John Titkanich sparked division among Indian River County commissioners, with some calling the grilling necessary for transparency and others labeling it unprofessional and damaging to staff morale and public perception.
DeSantis Signs Bill Severely Restricting Citizen Initiative Process
It is with disappointment that we report Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1205 into law on Friday, May 2nd. This devastating legislation creates unprecedented barriers to Florida's citizen initiative process, effectively silencing the voice of ordinary Floridians in shaping our state's constitution.
The new law imposes severe restrictions that make it nearly impossible for grassroots organizations to place constitutional amendments on the ballot. Petition sponsors must now post a $1 million bond, while submission deadlines have been drastically shortened from 30 days to just 10 days. The law creates harsh penalties including fines up to $2,500 per petition for late submissions and third-degree felony charges for anyone who collects more than 25 petitions without registering with the state.
Our friends at the Right to Clean Water (RTCW) initiative has been directly and severely impacted by this legislation. Effective immediately, all RTCW volunteers must CEASEÂ petition gathering until further notice and SUBMITÂ all signed petitions in your possession to county captains or regional directors immediately.
Their legal team is analyzing the 58-page law, but several provisions took effect immediately upon signing. The potential fines are substantial—$50 per day per petition, increasing to $2,500 for "willful" violations. While the RTCW group believe portions of HB 1205 are unconstitutional and will face legal challenges, they must comply with the law as it stands.
This law represents the culmination of years of systematic efforts to undermine Florida's citizen initiative process. Had similar restrictions been in place previously, many amendments that Floridians now cherish would never have made it to the ballot. Medical marijuana legalization, minimum wage increases, voting rights restoration for former felons, and class size limits in public schools would all have faced insurmountable barriers under this law.
The governor and legislature have made it clear they prefer to maintain complete control over policy, even when they refuse to address issues that matter deeply to Florida citizens.
The IRNA remains committed to fighting this assault on direct democracy. We stand in solidarity with the RTCW campaign and other citizen initiatives working to make Florida better.
IRC Commissioners invite citizens to weigh in on the County’s economic health & outlook (Indian River Guardian) - Indian River County commissioners are hosting a series of townhalls on May 12 and 13 to gather citizen input on the county's economic health and future strategy, aiming to foster community-driven ideas for long-term stability.
Vero Beach students send letters supporting Florida parks protection (TCPalm) - Fifth-grade students from Indian River Academy’s Audubon Advocates program wrote letters to Florida legislators in April 2025 urging stronger protections for state parks through House Bill 209 and Senate Bill 80, demonstrating youth engagement in environmental advocacy.
TCPalm photojournalist hikes Jonathan Dickinson, appreciates wild Florida (TCPalm) - Photojournalist Crystal Vander Weit shares her deep appreciation for Jonathan Dickinson State Park, especially the scenic Hobe Mountain area, where she hikes, photographs unique wildlife, and creates diptychs to capture the beauty of Florida's rare sand pine scrub habitat.
Record amount of sargassum seaweed could blanket Florida beaches (TCPalm) - A record-breaking bloom of sargassum seaweed in the Atlantic could wash ashore on Treasure Coast beaches this summer, potentially disrupting recreation but benefiting marine life and offshore fishing by supporting a rich floating ecosystem.
Gifford youth build solar suitcases to power schools, centers in Kenya (Vero News) - Students at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center built 10 solar suitcases as part of a STEM and service project to provide electricity to schools and community centers in Kenya’s impoverished Samburu County, fostering global connection and technical skill development.
DeSantis signs bill removing fluoride from water into law (Fox News) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 700 into law banning fluoride and other medical additives from public water supplies, framing the move as a defense of informed consent and medical freedom, despite criticism over potential public health impacts.
Florida Condo Bill:Balancing Safety and Affordability
Florida lawmakers have passed House Bill 913, a measure designed to provide relief to condominium owners facing steep costs from safety standards implemented after the 2021 Surfside collapse. The bill, which awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature, attempts to balance safety concerns with financial realities facing many condo owners, particularly retirees on fixed incomes.
The legislation includes several provisions aimed at easing the financial burden: extending deadlines for structural integrity studies, allowing associations to fund reserves through loans or credit lines with majority approval, permitting a two-year pause in reserve funding after milestone inspections, exempting buildings under three stories from requirements, and enabling associations to invest reserve funds in certificates of deposit.
While the bill received unanimous approval in both chambers, some insurance professionals have raised concerns about language changes regarding property appraisals. The revised wording could create confusion about determining adequate insurance coverage by no longer requiring replacement cost to be determined by an independent appraiser.
The 2022 safety law has significantly impacted Florida's real estate market, with median HOA fees jumping 68% in three years, from $232 in 2022 to $390 in 2025. This has particularly affected older condos, as many elderly residents on fixed incomes struggle with these increases.
If signed, the law would take effect July 1, bringing welcome relief to many condo owners while continuing the state's efforts to prevent another tragedy like Surfside. Lawmakers acknowledge that further adjustments may be needed in future legislative sessions.
Climate change and Florida housing: Why prices stay high (Miami Herald) - Despite growing flood risks fueled by climate change, South Florida home prices continue to rise—even in repeatedly flooded neighborhoods—due to market demand, short-term buyer priorities, and a persistent belief that serious impacts are still far in the future.
Scientists just found a way to break through climate apathy (Grist) - Presenting climate data in stark, binary terms—such as whether a lake froze or not—can powerfully break through climate apathy by making gradual warming feel like a sudden, personal loss.
What is clean energy and why is it important? (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - Clean energy—comprising solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower—is vital for reducing pollution, enhancing energy security, creating jobs, and building a healthier, more sustainable economy, though its widespread adoption faces political, infrastructural, and perception challenges.
To Save Our Planet, We Must Protect Its Defenders (Inter Press Service) - Protecting environmental defenders—who face escalating violence, legal harassment, and systemic neglect across Latin America and the Caribbean—is essential to addressing the climate crisis, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has a critical opportunity to strengthen their rights by adopting the Escazú Agreement’s standards.
Federal Funding Cuts Are Silencing the Wild (Sierra Club) - Massive federal funding and staffing cuts under the Trump administration are crippling U.S. and global conservation efforts, endangering biodiversity hotspots like Hawaiʻi and threatening the survival of species already on the brink of extinction.
Glitter's sparkle hides a darker side – it can change the chemistry of our oceans (The Conversation) - Glitter made from PET plastic not only pollutes oceans but actively alters marine mineral formation by promoting rapid crystal growth, potentially disrupting shell-building in marine life and accelerating the breakdown of glitter into more harmful nanoplastics.
