Latest news with #IndianRiverLagoon
CBS News
18-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Court refuses to halt judge's order requiring Florida agency to protect manatees in Indian River Lagoon
A divided federal appeals court Tuesday refused to halt a district judge's order that requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to take steps to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon, including temporarily preventing new septic tanks in the area. A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, rejected the department's request for a stay of an order issued last month by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza. The stay, if granted, would have put Mendoza's order on hold while an underlying appeal plays out. Mendoza in April ruled the department violated the federal Endangered Species Act in the northern Indian River Lagoon, which is primarily in Brevard County. Getty Images Mendoza in April ruled the department violated the federal Endangered Species Act in the northern Indian River Lagoon, which is primarily in Brevard County. He followed with the May order, an injunction that included a moratorium on constructing and installing septic systems in a northern Indian River Lagoon watershed and requiring establishment of biomedical-assessment and supplemental-feeding programs for manatees in the area. The environmental group Bear Warriors United in 2022 filed the lawsuit against the department, arguing, in part, that wastewater discharges into the lagoon led to the demise of seagrass, a key food source for manatees, and resulted in deaths and other harm to the animals. The appeals-court panel decision Tuesday cited what are known as manatee "takings" because of water-quality problems. "The district court found that FDEP's (the department's) current wastewater regulations prolong manatee takings: it found a clear, definitive causal link between the FDEP's current wastewater regulations, the water pollution that is killing manatees' primary food source and is creating harmful algae blooms, and the length of time over which manatees will continue to be harmed. … We see no likely clear error in that finding," said the decision, shared by Judges Robin Rosenbaum and Jill Pryor. But Judge Britt Grant dissented, writing that Mendoza's injunction "is infirm in several respects and raises many serious questions about the scope of federal judicial power." "The district court below ordered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to stop issuing sewage and disposal system permits near Florida's North Indian River Lagoon, and to establish from whole cloth (and in a matter of days) a program for assessing, feeding, and monitoring manatees and their habitat — a task that agency has neither the expertise nor the authority to complete," Grant wrote. A key part of Mendoza's injunction calls for the state to seek what is known as an "incidental take" permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That process would include the state developing a conservation plan, which could provide "permanent protection and management of habitat for the species," according to information about such permits on the federal agency's website. While the incidental-take permit request is pending, Mendoza ordered the department to not issue permits for constructing and installing septic systems in the area and required the other steps about a biomedical assessment and supplemental feeding. The septic-tank moratorium is slated to start July 17, while Mendoza ordered the assessment and feeding requirements to take effect Tuesday. FILE - A group of manatees are pictured in a canal where discharge from a nearby Florida Power & Light plant warms the water in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Dec. 28, 2010. Manatee deaths dropped in 2022 from a record high the year before, but Florida wildlife officials said Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, that chronic starvation caused by water pollution remains a major concern. Lynne Sladky / AP Bear Warriors United filed the lawsuit after Florida had a record 1,100 manatee deaths in 2021, with the largest number, 358, in Brevard County. Many deaths were linked to starvation. The state had 800 manatee deaths in 2022, before the number dropped to 555 in 2023 and 565 in 2024, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data. As of Friday, 414 manatees deaths had been reported this year, including 85 in Brevard County, the most in any county. Manatees are classified by the federal government as a threatened species. In seeking the stay of Mendoza's injunction, the department raised a series of issues, including targeting the septic-tank moratorium. Septic tanks discharge nitrogen that can cause harmful algae blooms in waterways. "The indefinite moratorium on the construction of new septic systems further threatens to impede commercial and residential development in the state," the department's motion for a stay said. "Florida law specifically authorizes construction using 'nutrient-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems' or similar nitrogen-reducing 'wastewater treatment systems.' And the third-party property owners and developers affected by the court's decree have no ready means to challenge this moratorium, as they are not parties to this action (the lawsuit)." But Mendoza wrote in his April ruling that under the department's regulations, it would take at least a decade for conditions in the northern Indian River Lagoon, which also goes into Volusia County, to start to recover. "This is due to the previously and currently permitted discharge of legacy pollutants via wastewater into the north IRL (Indian River Lagoon)," Mendoza wrote. "These legacy pollutants caused the death of seagrasses — the manatee's natural forage — and the proliferation of harmful macroalgae. Legacy pollutants, as their name suggests, persist in the environment and cause harmful effects long after they have entered the system."
The Sun
14-06-2025
- The Sun
I visited the Jurassic Park-like lagoon right by one of the most beautiful beaches – here's how to get there
AS I kayak on Florida's Indian River Lagoon, I'm lost for words. With its ancient mangrove forests and prehistoric-looking pelicans dive-bombing the water, this wouldn't be out of place in Jurassic Park. 8 8 8 But then comes the real excitement, as 20-plus dolphins start splashing around just metres away. And they're having plenty of fun as they jump out of the water and even swim right under me. This body of water is 156 miles long and the most ecologically diverse estuary in North America. I'm taking a paddle on an uncharacteristically overcast morning, but it's usually baking hot and packed with even more wildlife, including manatees and all manner of birds. I'm staying in the city of New Smyrna Beach, on Florida's east coast, which offers something entirely different from what might spring to mind when you first think of the Sunshine State. It's only about an hour's drive from the theme parks Florida is known for, but presents an entirely different experience. I'd rented my kayak from the Marine Discovery Center, which offers daily guided tours. But out of the water, there's plenty more to see in this vibrant beach city, which is popular with surfers and about as laid-back as it gets. The main boulevard, Flagler Avenue, is peppered with independent shops, bars and restaurants and feels like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie. I grabbed a spot on the veranda of the Flagler Tavern, where I sipped on a deliciously tall cocktail and explored the menu packed with American seafood specials. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport It was then just a short stroll back to my hotel, Marriott's SpringHill Suites. Rooms here are huge and feature walk-in wardrobes, but the real selling point is the fabulous view you get over the Atlantic Ocean and New Smyrna's amazing beach. Next morning, I was up early to get the sand between my toes. Om Sunshine Yoga runs community classes on weekend mornings, with all the gear provided. They even offer paddleboard yoga, although I soon found out my balance is bad enough on dry land — let alone the water. Gopher tortoises Even before attempting to get into a downward dog, the beach took my breath away — its fine white sand is set against expansive blue skies which have to be seen to be believed. In fact, because the sand is so compact, you can even drive on it — so that's how I decided to explore the coastline. Pedego Electric Bikes offers guided tours to see the three miles of coast at speed. I took in the sights, sounds and sunshine, while feeling the sea breeze in my hair, as I cycled north to the Smyrna Dunes Park. Here you can see the striking Ponce de Leon lighthouse — the tallest in the state at 175ft — as well as explore the park with its boardwalks and wildlife. Try to go at sundown for the best chance to spot gopher tortoises. 8 8 8 If you're looking for something more upmarket for dinner, then Riverpark Terrace is a great spot, with a tropical garden and fancy menu. In fact, it is known as the area's most romantic restaurant. And love was in the air as I travelled across town and checked into luxury guesthouse Victoria 1883 to continue my stay in New Smyrna Beach — it doubles as a sought-after wedding venue and overlooks the Indian River. It is also the oldest property in the area and steeped in history but was renovated and opened as a boutique B&B in 2022, with a gorgeous lounge, garden and speakeasy-style bar. While the urge to relax here was strong, I took a ten-minute stroll to the creative district of Canal Street, where shops sell art, bric-a-brac and homeware, and there is brilliant vinyl at Spinning Records. At newly refurbished restaurant General Public, I filled up on hearty Southern cuisine then headed to the Sugar Works Distillery for a drink. This independent bar and distillery has some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted. They are created using the distillery's spirits, which are largely made from produce within a ten-mile radius. New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful escape from the bustle of Orlando, so a great way to vary your time during a Florida getaway. I flew Aer Lingus from Heathrow via Dublin, which gives a sneaky benefit when travelling to the States — you go through pre-clearance US passport control at Dublin airport, meaning you don't have to bother with the faff of security when you touch down on the other side after the long-haul flight. But it turned out that wouldn't be the only memorable flight on my holiday, as New Smyrna Beach is just 60 miles from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, where rockets are launched into space once or twice every week. So one of the most unforgettable moments came when, just past midnight, I stood on the beach and watched as a Space X rocket rose through the sky and blasted off into the solar system. Just like that, this holiday was out of this world. 8
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dolphin freed from fishing line in Florida's Indian River Lagoon
The Brief A dolphin tangled in fishing line earlier this spring has been spotted swimming freely. Wildlife officials confirm the animal is no longer in distress, though scars remain. The outcome offers rare hope in the ongoing threat of marine debris entanglements. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A dolphin once tangled in fishing line in the Indian River Lagoon is now swimming free, according to wildlife experts, bringing a wave of relief to the community and researchers who had been searching for weeks. What we know A dolphin previously seen critically entangled in fishing line in the Indian River Lagoon has been spotted swimming freely, according to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. New video evidence confirms the animal is no longer in distress and appears to be healthy, though it bears scars where the fishing line was embedded. What we don't know It remains unclear exactly how the dolphin freed itself. No one witnessed the entanglement being removed, and researchers can only speculate that the fishing gear may have caught on a rock or piling, allowing the animal to struggle free. The backstory The dolphin was first reported in late March by boater Sean Beard in Sikes Creek. His early warning prompted a widespread search by wildlife officials, who scoured nearly 40 miles of waterways looking for the injured animal. Despite their efforts, weeks went by without a confirmed sighting. Big picture view Entanglements in marine debris, such as fishing lines, pose a growing threat to dolphins and other marine life. Successful outcomes like this are rare and offer hope—but they also highlight the importance of public vigilance and rapid reporting. What they're saying Sean Beard ran along a sea wall two weeks ago grabbing some videos when he first saw a struggling dolphin swimming below the wall. "I don't like to see no animal suffer like that," said Sean Beard who's a local fishermen and captured video of the dolphin. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and boater Sean Beard.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's how much affordable housing Fort Pierce high rise needs to circumvent local laws
A Florida bill intended to incentivize affordable housing has gained the attention of Fort Pierce city leaders and residents for allowing a proposed development reaching 17 stories on South Hutchinson Island. The Live Local Act, a state law passed in 2023, allows developers to circumvent local governmental approvals, such as height restrictions, if a project contains at least 40% affordable housing. The Fort Pierce City Commission fears that provision might allow the construction of five high-rises slated for the Causeway Cove Marina on the Indian River Lagoon at the southeast base of the Fort Pierce South Bridge. To qualify for the zoning exemption, more than 400 of the project's proposed 1,000 apartment units need to be set aside for affordable housing. That would mean those units would have to house people who earn 120% or less of the area median income. The median family income in Fort Pierce is $87,800, according to Fannie Mae. Housing is considered 'affordable' when the occupant is paying no more than 30% of their income on housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments. Those who spend over that threshold are considered 'housing cost burdened,' according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. About 57% of middle-class Floridians are considered cost burdened under the HUD definition. The affordable housing shortage is even more stark for extremely low-income renters, meaning those living under the federal poverty line. In Florida, there are roughly 26 available units for every 100 extremely low-income renters, data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition show. Fort Pierce is no exception. Roughly 26% of the city lives below the poverty line — that's more than double the rate in Port St. Lucie, according to Census Bureau data. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Live Local Act into law despite widespread pushback from local governments, such as the Florida League of Cities, which represents 411 local governments, including Fort Pierce. The bill overwhelmingly passed the Legislature in 2023, 40-0 in the Senate and 103-6 in the House. "The act aims to significantly bolster the availability of affordable housing options for Florida's dedicated workforce, allowing them to reside in the very communities they tirelessly serve," according to the Florida Housing Coalition. Fort Pierce commissioners decried the bill, saying it has tied their hands from stopping the five high-rises proposed for South Hutchinson Island. "It's a developer's dream,' said Mayor Linda Hudson. However, the sky's not the limit for development — but it can get close. Under the law, developers can build up to the maximum height allowed on any property within a mile of the project. The tallest building within the one-mile radius of Causeway Cove tops out at 192 feet. That's more than four times taller than the zoning district's normal height limit. The Live Local Act also provides $406 million for the construction of affordable and multifamily housing. Those funds are distributed by a private-public partnership with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, which oversees the state's two largest affordable housing programs: The State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program: provides low-interest loans to build affordable housing. The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program: assists low-income residents with home purchases, repairs and other housing needs. The Finance Corporation is tasked with helping developers overcome the hurdles of building affordable housing. Causeway Cove: 17-story high rises are part of 5-building complex proposed for South Hutchinson Island What to know: Proposed 5 high-rises,192 foot building on South Hutchinson Island Here's some of what the Finance Corporation can do under the bill: Provide a maximum $5,000 tax refund on building materials used to construct affordable housing. Collect tax liability payments from businesses, up to $100 million as donations annually, to build affordable housing. 'Every $1 million in tax credit contribution funds approximately 20 additional units of affordable housing for families and elders throughout the state,' according to the Finance Corporation. Jack Lemnus is a TCPalm enterprise reporter. Contact him at 772-409-1345, or follow him on X @JackLemnus. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Is Fort Pierce Hutchinson Island affordable housing coming?
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay Times sets a $175,000 target for annual weeklong fundraiser
Four years ago, Tampa Bay Times reporter Zachary T. Sampson began digging to understand why manatees were dying in droves in Florida waters. The reporting was painstakingly laborious. Sampson chipped away bit by bit while he tackled other stories. In mid-2022, he was joined by seasoned investigator Bethany Barnes and later Shreya Vuttaluru, a data specialist fresh out of college. Wading through voluminous documents and massive databases, they embarked on a mammoth project that detailed with exceptional precision and clarity how contaminated waterways imperiled the state's gentle giants. Sampson, Vuttaluru and Barnes found that nearly 1-in-4 waterways across the state had become dangerously polluted. That led to the decimation of seagrass — 89,000 acres of it — the main source of food for manatees. Without food, the epicenter of the crisis in the Indian River Lagoon became a graveyard. A tragic, avoidable catastrophe. No journalism outfit has ever attempted to examine pollution across Florida to this extent. It took more than a year of full-time focus from our reporters working under their editor, Rebecca Woolington, to bring this powerful and important story to readers. Few, if any, news outlets in Florida will devote that kind of time and energy to a single project. We do it with regularity because no one else will. And because it's essential. It's our mission. Our commitment. Our calling. And we can't do it alone. As the business model for news evolves, philanthropy plays a bigger and bigger role to help fund independent, local journalism. We have launched our annual weeklong 'It's Your Times' fundraising campaign. We began raising money in 2019 through grants and donations. Since then, we've received in excess of $3 million. It's an impressive number. But it represents a fraction of our annual news budget. The amount we spend on journalism is considerably less than it was just a few short years ago when we had more print subscribers, more print advertising and more staff. But it is still enough to produce the kind of smart, dogged journalism that the Times is known for. Because we make it a priority. Consider some of the outcomes. In 2021, we showed how a Tampa company had systematically poisoned its own workforce and the surrounding community. It took Woolington, Corey Johnson and Eli Murray more than two years to complete the project. Last year, Rebecca Liebson and Teghan Simonton detailed how corporate real estate conglomerates had amassed tens of thousands of rental homes across the state — changing the complexion of the housing market. The reporting spanned nearly a full year. Two years before Hurricane Helene, Sampson teamed with Langston Taylor on a series that foreshadowed how vulnerable our region has become to storm surge. The reporting lasted well over a year. Not every investigation takes that long. Max Chesnes and Emily L. Mahoney broke the story about how the state wanted to turn precious parklands into pickleball courts, golf courses and hotels. They followed up Chesnes' initial scoop with tenacious watchdog reporting — much of it published within a month. Our joint Times/Herald Tallahassee bureau has been dialing up near daily coverage on the Hope Florida saga, detailing how $10 million of state funds fueled a Casey DeSantis pet project, and, in turn, helped fund political campaigns of the governor's priority initiatives. But if an important story takes time, we are committed to do what it takes. That costs money. 'It's Your Times' started modestly four years ago. We've eclipsed fundraising targets each of the last three years. We are heartened by the outpouring of support and our community's generosity. Last year, about 900 contributors made a pledge, ranging from $5 to $25,000. This year's target: $175,000. Hitting our goal would pay the salaries of three journalists in our 80-person newsroom. It's ambitious. But so are our journalistic aspirations. We know the well of potential stories runs deep. With your help, we are determined to bring these stories to light.
