Help Keep Our Lagoon Clean:
Report Derelict Vessels
Derelict vessels are more than just an eyesore—they pose serious environmental and safety hazards in our waterways. Abandoned boats can leak oil, fuel, and other pollutants into the Indian River Lagoon, harming marine life and water quality. Removing them is a costly process, but it’s necessary to protect our natural resources.
To help address this issue, Indian River County now has an online form for residents to report derelict vessels. If you see an abandoned or damaged boat, you can easily submit a report to the county, aiding in their removal efforts.
In addition, the county has partnered with Vero Beach and Indian River Shores to establish Anchoring Limitation Areas, helping prevent vessels from being abandoned in the first place. Read more in a previous month's newsletter, showcasing the CWC's role in this process.
Do your part to protect our waterways! Report derelict vessels using the county’s online form: Click here to report.
The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County is excited to announce a special event honoring Dr. Duane De Freese, Executive Director of the Indian River Lagoon Council, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the health and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon.
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area
7770 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL
Save the date and plan to attend as we recognize his efforts and celebrate our shared commitment to protecting and preserving our waterways.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission to advocate for clean water and a healthy environment.
More on The Lagoon Champions Program
The Lagoon Champions Program, initiated by the Clean Water Coalition, recognizes and celebrates individuals in our community who are dedicated to restoring and preserving the health of our vital natural resource, the Indian River Lagoon.
This program honors those who go above and beyond to advocate for clean water, engage in conservation efforts, and educate others about the importance of lagoon ecosystems.
The Lagoon Champions Program highlights the extraordinary contributions of these environmental leaders as inspiration to others to become stewards for lagoon restoration. Together, we can foster a culture of care and responsibility for our natural resources.
GOAL: 100% BY JUNE 1, 2028
Attention: All City of Vero Beach Residents
Septic systems are identified by experts as a primary contributor to the excess nutrients polluting our waterways. Nutrients feed algal blooms in the Indian River Lagoon causing sea grass die-off which removes the main food source for manatees and habitat for juvenile fish.
Florida legislature passed the Clean Waterways Act (2020) to reduce pollution entering our waters. To comply with that legislation, the State mandated that all Cities and Counties eliminate traditional septic systems by July 1, 2030.
The City of Vero Beach has been out in front – finding solutions to this problem. They began installing 2” sewer lines for homes to connect to the STEP system in 2015. Over 700 STEP systems have been successfully installed. Today lines are in place to connect of all remaining 734 septic systems within the City Limits to the wastewater treatment plant.
In order to have a smooth transition for septic abandonment, the City passed additional ordinances:
The deadline for connection within the City is now June 1, 2028.
All homes purchased after March 2024 are required to connect within 1 year of closing.
The cost of connection varies according to the property involved, but today’s average is between $14-15,000.
Residents needing financial assistance should call the Economic Opportunities Council (EOC) at 772-562-4177. The Clean Water Coalition, along with their partners, the Indian River Land Trust, the Indian River Community Foundation and the Indian River Lagoon Council, can assist with funding to connect those who qualify.
For residents who prefer to keep their money invested may want to explore a low interest loan option available through the SELF Program at 772-468-1818 for details.
Do not delay!
As the deadline grows closer, contractors will get busy and the price for the materials and labor may go up. For more information, consult the City’s website, www.covb.org.
The Florida Right to Clean constitutional amendment initiative now has a simple way of getting a copy of the petition Florida voters may sign to help get the amendment on the 2026 ballot. Visit the tallyED website here for a pre-filled copy of the petition that you may print, sign and mail. The FL Right to Clean Water folks also said that if you are not able to print a copy, there is an option to request the pre-filled petition be mailed to you, with a pre-addressed envelope to submit it.
How does this work? Voter records in Florida are public information. The tallyED website will ask for your name and the county where you are registered to vote, and uses that information to locate and complete the petition with your information. You, of course still have to sign it, but using this method almost guarantees the petition will be accepted, as there is no chance for error in filling it out.
Since the initiative was not successful in getting the amendment on the 2024 ballot, they must start over to collect the approximately 900,000 petitions to qualify. The new petition was approved last March and you need to sign this new petition to support the effort. Not sure if you've already signed? Using the tallyED website, it will show if one was already accepted. Likewise, if you filled out the petition incorrectly, it will show not accepted, in which case you may submit another properly completed copy.
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