Q4 2025 IRL Newsletter

Project Updates

Floating Wetlands Help Clean the St. Lucie Estuary

Photo Credit: Martin County

Martin County is taking a big step forward in protecting the Indian River Lagoon with a new project that uses floating treatment wetlands to improve water quality. Funded in fiscal year 2022-2024, the project focuses on reducing the amount of harmful nutrients that flow into the St. Lucie Estuary and eventually into the lagoon.

Floating treatment wetlands are like floating islands of plants that sit on top of the water. Their roots dangle down into the water, soaking up nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. While plants need these nutrients to grow, too much in the water can cause serious problems. Excess nutrients can fuel algae blooms, reduce oxygen for fish, and damage the lagoon’s fragile seagrass beds. By harvesting the plants a few times each year, the nutrients are permanently removed from the water.

This project replaces older wetlands at Golden Gate and Old Palm City stormwater treatment areas and provides a stronger and longer-lasting design. The new floating platforms will last up to 10 years and allow for more frequent harvests. That means healthier plants, less maintenance, and more nutrient removal.

In total, 12 floating wetlands covering over 6,200 square feet will be installed across the two sites. Together, they are expected to remove about 412 pounds of nitrogen and 140 pounds of phosphorus each year. That’s a major improvement for the estuary and the lagoon.

With cleaner water comes clearer water, and that makes a huge difference for the lagoon. Water flowing from the wetlands will be cleaner and carry fewer nutrients. With fewer nutrients available to feed algae blooms, sunlight can reach the returning seagrass beds on the lagoon bottom, helping them grow back stronger. Healthy seagrass is the foundation of the lagoon’s food web, providing food and habitat for fish, manatees, crabs, and countless other species. By restoring balance to the system, projects like this help protect both wildlife and the people who depend on the lagoon for recreation, jobs, and quality of life.

The project is part of a larger effort led by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) program. The long-term goal is to meet state targets for reducing pollution in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon within the next 5 to 10 years.

The total project cost is just over $75,000, with $35,360 funded by IRLNEP and $40,000 contributed by Martin County. For Martin County, this is one of many water quality projects completed over the last two decades to protect the lagoon.

By combining innovative science with community investment, projects like this one bring us closer to a healthier Indian River Lagoon, one where fish, wildlife, and people can thrive for generations to come.

Learn more about funded projects by reading our 2024 Annual Report and look for our 2025 Annual Report coming in November.

Management Conference Quarterly Meetings

The IRLNEP Management Conference conducted its most recent series of quarterly meetings in August. The Finance Subcommittee, Management Board and STEM Advisory Committee each met on Tuesday, August 19, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee met on Thursday, August 21, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The IRL Council Board of Directors met on Friday, August 22 at Sebastian City Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed the quarterly financial reports. It also recommended to the IRL Management Board that the IRL Council Board of Directors accept the 2025 Final Budget Amendment and approve a Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment.

For details of all business conducted at the Finance Subcommittee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

 Management Board and the STEM Advisory Committees 

The Management Board and Stem Advisory Committee made recommendations to the IRL Council Board of Directors to accept Management Conference recommendation to approve the two qualified respondents to the Request for Qualifications for engineering services and direct staff to negotiate contract(s). The committees also recommended the Board approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Budget Amendment, Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment, and the issuance of Fiscal Year 2027 RFPs. The Committees also recommended approval of the IRLNEP Habitat Restoration Plan and Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Priorities and authorize the Executive Director to represent the IRL Council in policy discussions.

Additionally, the STEM committee heard a presentation from Dr. Leesa Souto on Applied Ecology’s State of the IRL report, the data challenges encountered and overall results.

For details of all business conducted at the Management Board meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

For details of all business conducted at the STEM Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

Citizen’s Advisory Committee

The Citizens Advisory Committee reviewed the qualification and scoring criteria for Small Grants and recommended a 75% scoring threshold be instituted for Small Grants applications to align with other funding categories. They also recommended the IRL Council Board of Directors accept approve the two qualified respondents to the Request for Qualifications for engineering services and direct staff to negotiate contract(s); recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Budget Amendment, Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment, issuance of Fiscal Year 2027 RFPs, approval of the Habitat Restoration Plan, and 2026 legislative priorities.

For details of all business conducted at the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

IRL Council Board of Directors

The week of quarterly meetings concluded with the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, which incorporated all the recommendations from the Management Conference. The Board of Directors:

• Welcomed Jennifer DiMaio, U.S. EPA Region 4 representative, who was in attendance.
• As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board:

• • Approved the minutes from their previous meeting;

• • Made appointments to the Management Conference:

• • • Jeffrey Collins, Bio-Tech Consultants to the Management Board,

• • • Josh Mills, Native Shorelines, to the Management Board,

• • • Julie Strickland, Volusia County, to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee,

• • • Jenny Tomes, City of Port St. Lucie, to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

• Accepted the final ranked list of respondents to the Request for Qualifications and directed staff to enter into contracts with the top 2 qualified respondents.

• Approved the FY 2025 Final Budget Amendment

• Approved the FY 2026 Budget Amendment

• Approved issuance of the 2027 RFPs

• Approved the Habitat Restoration Plan

• And, approved the 2026 Legislative Priorities, directing the Executive Director to represent the Board in policy discussions.

For details of all business conducted at the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT…

Local Government Happenings

We commend our municipal partners for their commitment to preserve and protect our Indian River Lagoon. Together, we proudly celebrate 10 years of partnership through the IRL Council, working side by side for a healthier lagoon and stronger future. 

Protecting Volusia Blue Spring: Wastewater Master Lift Station Project Moves Forward

On August 19, the Volusia County Council approved a budget resolution to accept $2,093,310 in reimbursement grant funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). These funds will support the Wastewater Master Lift Station for the Protection of Volusia Blue Spring: a project designed to expand wastewater capacity and reduce nitrogen pollution in the spring basin. The grant award represents a major step in the County’s strategy to protect water quality and natural resources.

The project will handle up to 250,000 gallons of wastewater flow per day, including connections from about 2,800 future septic-to-sewer retrofits in Orange City. Redirecting these flows to advanced wastewater treatment will reduce nitrogen loading in the Volusia Blue Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area by nearly 28,470 pounds annually. This reduction will help preserve water clarity, aquatic habitats, and recreational opportunities at Blue Spring.

Construction will include a new master lift station along a 12-inch sewer force main that conveys wastewater from Orange City to the Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility in DeBary. Wastewater will undergo advanced treatment before being returned to the environment. The project will also provide service for areas in Deltona, DeLand, and unincorporated Volusia County, extending its environmental benefits across the region.

The grant agreement builds on Volusia County’s local commitment of more than $2 million toward the project. In partnership with FDEP, the County will follow strict oversight requirements, including quarterly progress reports, contractor coordination, and financial accountability, to ensure the project is delivered on time and to standard.

When complete, the lift station will provide the capacity needed to advance septic-to-sewer conversion efforts and strengthen long-term water quality protection. Together, state support, local investment, and resident involvement will help protect Volusia Blue Spring for future generations as both an ecological treasure and a community landmark

With consensus from the Commission, city staff have been directed to move forward with the proposed projects. As Oak Hill continues to grow and adapt, these efforts mark a proactive step toward protecting infrastructure, improving water quality, and preparing for future storm events.

Work Begins on World’s Largest Baffle Box in Melbourne

Photo Credit: The City of Melbourne

Work officially began in August on the world’s largest baffle box, located on Apollo Boulevard near Melbourne Orlando International Airport. This project represents a major step forward in the City of Melbourne’s effort to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.

Baffle boxes are underground stormwater treatment systems built with multiple chambers that slow the flow of water, allowing debris, sediment, and other pollutants to settle out before reaching local waterways. The Apollo Boulevard structure is engineered to treat runoff from an 850-acre drainage basin—one of the largest in the city. With its advanced design, the system can handle millions of gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events.

Once operational, the baffle box will remove an estimated 3,300 pounds of nitrogen and nearly 500 pounds of phosphorus each year. These reductions are especially critical, as excess nutrients drive harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and damage lagoon ecosystems. The system will also trap large volumes of trash and fine particles that would otherwise bypass smaller treatment structures.

“This is an important project because we are looking at ditches and pipe conveyances that we already own and maintain, and we can put boxes like this in those locations,” explained City Engineer Dani Straub. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the city can maximize efficiency while achieving measurable water quality gains.

The $2.1 million project is being funded through Melbourne’s stormwater utility fund and Brevard County’s Save Our Lagoon half-cent sales tax. Once completed, it will be the sixteenth baffle box in the city’s system, joining another installation nearing completion at U.S. 1 and Cherry Street. Together, these projects represent an innovative, cost-effective approach to stormwater management and lagoon protection.

Sebastian Breaks Ground on Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project

Photo Credit: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners

On September 10, 2025, the City of Sebastian held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of its septic-to-sewer conversion project. In partnership with Indian River County, the city will extend sewer lines within the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), providing residents and businesses with the opportunity to abandon septic systems and connect to modern sewer service. This investment is designed to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and prepare the community for future state requirements.

The project will bring public sewer access to nearly 190 properties in the CRA. By connecting to the new system, property owners will replace older septic tanks that release nitrogen and phosphorus into groundwater and, eventually, into the lagoon. Excess nutrients are one of the leading contributors to uncontrolled algae growth, which can cause hazardous algal blooms, reduce oxygen levels, and harm fish and wildlife.

Septic-to-sewer conversions improve water quality at the source. Septic tanks can leach nutrients into soil and waterways, especially in coastal areas with high water tables. By directing wastewater into a centralized treatment facility, the new sewer lines will capture and process those nutrients more effectively, significantly reducing pollutant loads entering the lagoon each year.

The project is also forward-looking. State law requires that all septic systems in sensitive lagoon areas be converted to sewer service by July 1, 2030. By beginning work now, Sebastian is ensuring that residents have time, resources, and infrastructure in place well before the deadline.

To celebrate this milestone, the City is not only helping property owners with connection costs through a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and waived fees but also highlighting the positive impact on the community. This project represents a major step toward cleaner water, healthier wildlife, and a more sustainable future, something which the entire Sebastian community can be proud of.

Naturally PSL: An Award-Winning Program Bringing Green Spaces to Life

The City of Port St. Lucie is celebrating its natural treasures through Naturally PSL, a community-driven initiative designed to raise awareness of the city’s green spaces, upcoming projects, and conservation efforts. The program encourages residents, private partners, and nonprofit organizations to get involved in land acquisition and enhancing public green spaces for everyone to enjoy. By connecting the community with nature, Naturally PSL fosters a shared sense of stewardship and pride in our environment.

Photo Credit: The City of Port St Lucie

The initiative traces its roots to the 2023 Citizen Summit, where residents voiced their priorities for increased access to nature and neighborhood parks. Inspired by this collective vision, the city collaborated with the community in 2024 to co-design solutions that would improve local green spaces. This forward-thinking approach earned recognition from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, selecting Naturally PSL as one of 40 exemplary programs worldwide.

Officially launching at the 2025 Citizen Summit, Naturally PSL includes a wide range of projects and programs. Highlights include park and conservation land improvements, a comprehensive trails map and website, the Environmental Stewardship Awards, the Conservation Corps, and the Village Green Drive Green Street Festivals. In May 2025, the city hosted both in-person and virtual community meetings to start conversations about the future of green spaces and gather public input.

The impact of Naturally PSL is already measurable. The city has designated 744.4 acres for green space development, manages 198 acres of city-owned natural preserves, and protects 3,909.7 acres through the McCarty Ranch Preserve, Recreation, and Water Quality Project. Within city limits, residents can enjoy 41.4 miles of trails, with an additional 20.3 miles in planning. In 2024 alone, two new parks opened, with six more set for improvement or completion in the coming years.

Port St. Lucie recently celebrated receiving an All-America City Award, and the festivities included the inaugural Naturally PSL Environmental Stewardship Awards on Friday, September 12th. Volunteers who support environmental education, awareness, and stewardship across St. Lucie County were spotlighted during the event, recognizing their incredible contributions.

To learn more, watch the video podcast, Grassroots to Green Spaces: Inside the Naturally PSL Movement: https://youtu.be/UAd-vjEOT-Q.

Big Win for Conservation in Martin County: Bar-B Ranch Moves Forward

Martin County residents are seeing the results of last year’s sales tax referendum come to life. On August 26, 2025, the County Commission voted unanimously to begin negotiations for a conservation easement on the 1,941-acre Bar-B Ranch. This is the first project to move forward using the half-cent sales tax voters approved in November 2024 to protect environmentally sensitive lands.

The Bar-B Ranch is made up of pine forests, marshes, and pastures within the Indian River Lagoon South boundary. Protecting this land will not only improve water quality and capture stormwater before it reaches the St. Lucie Estuary but also provide canopy cover and excellent connectivity to nearby conservation areas. Its close proximity to the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area makes it especially valuable, creating opportunities to link water quality projects with natural habitats.

The property also offers important benefits for wildlife. Nearby areas support significant snail kite populations, and hydrologic restoration of the ranch’s wetlands would create prime foraging opportunities for birds and other species. These ecological benefits align with the community’s vision of safeguarding Martin County’s diverse natural resources for generations to come.

Most of the $17 million cost will be covered by Florida Forever, the state’s land conservation program, allowing local surtax dollars to stretch further. Unlike a full land purchase, the conservation easement keeps the property in private hands while still guaranteeing its long-term protection and saving taxpayers ongoing maintenance costs.

For the Troup family, who have owned the land for generations, the agreement allows them to continue their cattle operations while ensuring the land remains green and natural. For residents, this marks a milestone that shows how community support, science-based planning, and partnerships are coming together to preserve Martin County’s environment, wildlife, and quality of life.

One Lagoon

Algae Blooms in the Indian River Lagoon: A Summer Update

One Community

Restoration in the Lagoon: A Balancing Act, Not a Reset Button

Photo Credit: Heather Stapleton

When we talk about “restoring” the Indian River Lagoon, it’s tempting to imagine pressing a reset button and returning the ecosystem to some pristine moment in the past. But nature doesn’t work that way. Even before human influence, estuaries like the Lagoon were constantly changing, shifting with storms, tides, and time. After all, nature is dynamic, especially true with estuarine systems.

So what exactly does restoration mean then? It doesn’t mean recreating a fixed point in history. Centuries of human activity have altered the system in ways that can’t be undone. Early land drainage, the opening and closing of inlets in artificial locations, and the construction of causeways all permanently reshaped the Lagoon. Instead, restoration today means improving balance: reducing excess nutrients, curbing harmful algal blooms, and creating conditions where seagrasses, oysters, and fish populations can recover and thrive.

This work is part science, part stewardship, and part patience. Not every project succeeds everywhere, and sometimes it takes years before results can be measured. That’s why monitoring is so important: scientists track whether methods are effective, whether conditions are right, and what lessons can be learned for the future. Even when outcomes fall short, the knowledge gained helps refine the next effort.

Photo Credit: Heather Stapleton

Take living shorelines, oyster mats, and seagrass planting. These projects may not always show instant results, but when conditions align, they can persist for years, sometimes decades, until natural changes shift the balance again. And it’s important to note, the greatest challenge is an overload of nutrients that fuel harmful algal blooms. With the right interventions, the Lagoon can and does support thriving marine life.

Restoration is a shared responsibility. Large-scale projects, such as septic-to-sewer conversions, stormwater treatment upgrades, and baffle box installations, tackle nutrient pollution at the watershed level. At the same time, individual choices matter: reducing fertilizer use, maintaining septic systems, and planting native vegetation can make a measurable difference.

Together, these efforts add up. While we can’t roll the clock back on the Lagoon, we can work toward a healthier, more resilient future one project, one property, and one community at a time.

One Voice

One Lagoon, One Community, One Voice

Photo Credit: Heather Stapleton

On September 20, volunteers across the globe joined forces for the 2025 International Coastal Cleanup, the largest litter cleanup in the world. Created by Ocean Conservancy 40 years ago, this movement has led to the removal of more than 380 million pounds of trash from coastal areas worldwide.

This year’s cleanup was also a powerful way to kick off National Estuaries Week, a time to celebrate the estuaries and coastal waterways that provide food, recreation, and protection for our communities. With one voice, we became part of a worldwide message of care. Every bag of litter collected was more than just trash removed; it was a statement of hope, stewardship, and unity.

As we look ahead, let’s remember that our voices matter. We can use them to share the value of our estuaries, to educate others about their importance, and to advocate for their protection. When we speak together, we amplify the message: healthy estuaries mean healthy communities.

Call to Action: While the 2025 cleanup is behind us, the work continues. Let’s carry that spirit forward. Every walk along the water, every piece of debris picked up, every conversation we start is another way to speak with one voice for our community, our estuaries, and our Indian River Lagoon.