December Water News

As 2025 wraps up, we want to share what your support made possible this year.

Our biggest win: helping 64 Vero Beach families connect to the city's STEP sewer system—with funding now secured for 150 total conversions. That's thousands of gallons of septic pollution kept out of the Lagoon, made affordable for working families through an incredible public-private partnership.

We launched the Lagoon Champions Award Program to acknowledge those who are working diligently to restore our waters.

Progress is being made to rid the Lagoon of derelict vessels and a pump-out boat will soon be servicing boats at anchor within IRC.

Here's the thing: Grants fund specific projects, but your gifts keep everything else running.  A year-end contribution of any amount helps us respond quickly when new challenges arise in 2026.

Give Now →

Thank you for being part of this work.

Judy Orcutt, President

Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County

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Save the Date: Land & Water – Issues & Solutions

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County (CWC), in collaboration with the Pelican Island Audubon Society (PIAS) and the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA), is developing a vital public education forum.

This event will feature impartial subject matter experts focused on:

• The Health of our Resources: Addressing issues facing the Indian River Lagoon and other natural resources in our area.

• Government Action: Highlighting the urgent need for improvements in sewer infrastructure, stormwater management, and environmental land preservation.

Join us to become actively engaged in restoring and protecting our county’s water resources and quality of life.

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A new report from the Environmental Integrity Project reveals that Florida has cut more environmental protection jobs than any other state between 2010 and 2024. Under the administrations of Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection eliminated 394 full-time positions (a 19% reduction in its workforce) alongside a 7% cut in environmental spending. These reductions occurred even as the state faced intensifying challenges from severe hurricanes and rising sea levels.

Critics warn that these cuts create a "vacuum of leadership" that undermines pollution enforcement and public health, a concern heightened by anticipated cuts to the federal EPA. While the state has funded Everglades restoration, it has simultaneously moved to deregulate, removing references to climate change from state law and initially proposing commercial development in state parks. Although North Carolina had a higher percentage of staff reductions, Florida led the nation in the total number of jobs lost, contrasting sharply with states like California that significantly increased environmental funding during the same period.

Click Me

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THREE CORNERS MARINA – FAST FACTS

Below are the latest data on the plans for the Marina to be permitted and constructed at Three Corners.  The CWC has advocated for the Marina to be day use for several reasons:

• To avoid off shore anchoring to access the new amenities.  Anchoring is destructive to sea grass beds that are slowly recovering and dangerous for youth sailors.

• A full-service marina will require in-slip pump-out of sewage, bathrooms, laundry and security.

• We recommend that the operator utilize new technology for day use reservations for operational efficiency and to maximize slip turnover.

• The Marina is located in a Manatee Protection Area.

Stay Tuned:

There will be opportunity for public input when the Marina is applying for permitting from Department of Environment Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers.

 Slip Capacity

• 65 long-term slips (up to 45 ft) – $20/ft per month

• 15 transient slips (up to 35 ft) – $4.50/ft per night

Amenities

• Dock/bike rental building (750 sq. ft.)

• Tiki bar at head of main dock

• Sightseeing water tours

• Water taxi service

Infrastructure

• Bellingham floating docks with wave attenuation sea wall

Project Cost

• Marina construction: $22,340,000

• Total with allocated infrastructure (site work, sewer, electric, water, roadways, parking): $29,204,072

Timeline

• Phase 1 includes restaurants, marina, and waterfront amenities

• Estimated completion: 20 months (targeting mid-to-late 2028)

Financing & Development Team

• Each operating unit expected to be financed separately

• Marina proposed as 50% equity / 50% debt

• DMJR Development has joined the team – they have experience in marina debt and equity financing and may provide financing and/or serve as marina operator

Engineering

• Civil Engineer: Kimley Horn

• Marina Design: Bellingham

• Marine engineering and permitting: TBD (possibly Kimley Horn or a local coastal engineering firm)

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Septic-to-Sewer Program Earns Top Marks from City Council

The City of Vero Beach just released its FY 24-25 Report Card grading progress on 13 city priorities—and our Septic-to-Sewer program was one of only two to earn an A+.

The city specifically recognized the public-private partnership that's making STEP sewer connections affordable for working families. So far, 64 Vero Beach homeowners have been approved for grants, with funding now secured for approximately 150 total conversions.

This success is the result of six organizations working together: the Clean Water Coalition, Indian River Land Trust, Indian River Community Foundation, One Lagoon/IRLNEP, Economic Opportunities Council, and the City of Vero Beach.

Mayor Cotugno had this to say, "As Mayor of Vero Beach, I am proud of our septic-to-sewer initiative and especially the partnership with CWC and the Indian River Community Foundation. Each new connection reduces pollution and helps ensure a cleaner, healthier Lagoon for our residents."

Homeowners in the City of Vero Beach water and sewer service area can still apply. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To see if you qualify, contact the Economic Opportunities Council at (772) 226-3900.

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2026 Harbor Branch Ocean Science Lecture Series

JAN. 14 

An Introduction to Florida's Office of Ocean Economy at FAU 

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D. 

JAN. 21 

Florida's Sea Turtles and Our Changing Climate

Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D.

JAN. 28 

Into the Blue: Exploring Ocean Submarine Springs Offshore of West Florida

Jordan Beckler, Ph.D. 

FEB. 4 

Discovery of Anti-Cancer Drugs from the Sea 

Esther Guzmán, Ph.D. 

FEB. 11 

The Science of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt

Brian Lapointe, Ph.D. 

FEB. 18 

Our Story: The Queen Conch Lab

Megan Davis, Ph.D.

FEB. 25 

From Classroom to Coastline: Preparing the Next Wave of Ocean Leaders 

Gabby McHenry, Ph.D. 

MARCH 4 

Plague Hunters: The Race to Find the Cause of the World's First Pandemic 

Greg O'Corry-Crowe, Ph.D. 

MARCH 11

Ocean Optics: Shedding Light on the Ocean Around Us

Wayne Slade, Ph.D.

MARCH 18 

Cell Imaging to Revel the Hidden World of Plankton 

Stephanie Schreiber and Olivia Ruchti - Graduate Student Lecture!

MARCH 25 

Breaking Ground with Underwater Sound 

Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.

All Day - February 19, 2026 - Symposium

The 2026 IRLS will explore how new tools and approaches are reshaping research, monitoring, and management in coastal systems.

Topics will include:

• Applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and molecular techniques such as environmental DNA

• Advances in sensor systems, remote sensing, and autonomous platforms

• Innovative uses of established scientific methods to enhance data analysis, visualization, and decision-making