October Water News
- CWC
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
Vero Beach City Council Candidates
Respond to Community Questions
The Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) and the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County (CWC) sent comprehensive questionnaires to all candidates running for Vero Beach City Council, seeking their positions on critical issues facing the community.
The Questionnaire Process
All candidates received identical questions on the same day and were give the same time to respond through an online form. The responses are published below unedited to maintain authenticity and allow voters to hear directly from candidates in their own words.
As 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, neither IRNA nor CWC will endorse candidates in this election. Instead, we are focused on voter education, with responses being shared through email newsletters reaching over 2,000 combined subscribers and on social media platforms.
Key Issues Addressed
The questionnaire covered major topics affecting Vero Beach's future including infrastructure investments for JetBlue's arrival, the septic-to-sewer conversion deadline, Three Corners marina development, lagoon protection, and climate resilience.
Candidate Participation
All three Vero Beach City Council candidates submitted their responses. Click their name below to see that candidate's responses.
Sebastian Race Update
IRNA and CWC also prepared questions for Sebastian City Council candidates. However, the race became uncontested when Sherrie Matthews was declared the winner.A Thank You to the Candidates
IRNA and CWC extend our appreciation to John Cotugno, Taylor Dingle, and Brian Heady for taking the time to respond to these important questions. Our organizations are grateful for each candidate's participation in this process, which helps ensure that Vero Beach residents can make informed decisions at the ballot box.
What’s the Alternative to Connection to Sewer?
Sometimes septic systems begin backing up in homes. Sometimes they appear to be working (toilets flush) but most of the nutrients are going into the groundwater. Legislation was passed to protect the Indian River Lagoon from nutrient pollution. The law requires that all septic systems be connected to sewer, when sewer is available. When sewer lines are not available, new homes and failing systems are required to put in Enhanced Nitrogen Reducing (ENR) Septic Systems (also called Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU). Since the new legislation took effect, there have been approximately 1000 permits issued in IRC to install nitrogen reducing systems at costs between $15,000 - $25,000 each.
Here is a short video from Brevard County that shows an advanced treatment unit and explains how they work.
Living Docks: Your Dock Can Help Restore the Lagoon
Ordinary dock pilings in Indian River County are becoming vibrant marine habitats, at no cost to property owners.
Mesh mats embedded with 60-80 dried oyster shells are wrapped around dock pilings. These shells attract oyster larvae and provide surfaces for barnacles, sponges, and other filter-feeding organisms. As these creatures colonize the mats, they clean the water and improve habitat for fish, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Indian River County's Lagoon Division partners with Florida Institute of Technology to manage the program. When you apply online, county staff will inspect your dock for suitability. Community volunteers then build the oyster mats at monthly workshops for the county staff to install them on your pilings. The county monitors the developing marine life every six months and shares data with FIT researchers.
The program is free and open to all dock owners in the county. You can get involved in every step or let the county handle it all. Learn more here.
Even without waterfront property, you can volunteer at the monthly mat-building workshops to support lagoon restoration.
Visit the county's Living Docks webpage to apply or learn about volunteer opportunities.
Photos Courtesy of Indian River County.
Discover Blue Cypress Conservation Area:Where the St. Johns River Begins
Experience wild Florida at Blue Cypress Conservation Area, a pristine landscape at the headwaters of the St. Johns River. This conservation area protects the region's largest remaining marsh, supports water quality and flood control, and offers outstanding recreation opportunities. Explore scenic levees perfect for hiking and biking, or launch your boat to access the stunning Blue Cypress Lake for fishing, birdwatching, and primitive camping. With frequent sightings of ospreys, bald eagles, and the rare snail kite, it's a haven for nature lovers and anglers alike. Multiple access points including Fellsmere Grade and the 512 Rec Pad make it easy to visit. Plan your trip at SJRWMD's online recreation guide and see conservation in action.
Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science
By Carey Gillam
It’s the herbicide on our dinner plates, a chemical so pervasive it’s in the air we breathe, our water, our soil, and even found increasingly in our own bodies. Known as Monsanto’s Roundup by consumers, and as glyphosate by scientists, the world’s most popular weed killer is used everywhere from backyard gardens to golf courses to millions of acres of farmland. For decades it’s been touted as safe enough to drink, but a growing body of evidence indicates just the opposite, with research tying the chemical to cancers and a host of other health threats.
In Whitewash, veteran journalist Carey Gillam uncovers one of the most controversial stories in the history of food and agriculture, exposing new evidence of corporate influence. Gillam introduces readers to farm families devastated by cancers which they believe are caused by the chemical, and to scientists whose reputations have been smeared for publishing research that contradicted business interests. Readers learn about the arm-twisting of regulators who signed off on the chemical, echoing company assurances of safety even as they permitted higher residues of the herbicide in food and skipped compliance tests. And, in startling detail, Gillam reveals secret industry communications that pull back the curtain on corporate efforts to manipulate public perception.
Whitewash is more than an exposé about the hazards of one chemical or even the influence of one company. It’s a story of power, politics, and the deadly consequences of putting corporate interests ahead of public safety.
Celebrate November 1st at Indian River County Historical Society!
Join us for a full day of community fun in Vero Beach! Start your morning with a guided nature tour exploring Florida's scrub and pine habitats with expert David Simpson (7:30am & 9:00am sessions, $15/person). Then head to the Pineapple Festival from 11am-3pm for FREE admission featuring local history, kids' activities, artisans, live music, and delicious food. Museum tours available for a $5 donation. Both events located at 1723 Old Dixie Hwy SW.
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