Space Coast Surfriders Foundation
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: Tiny Turtle
1. Call to Order
Board Chair Nina Hunt called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Icebreaker
To get to know each other and set a positive tone, attendees shared:
- First “I care about the ocean” moment -- personal experiences that inspired a love for the coast
- If their mood today were an ocean forecast (e.g., “glassy and calm,” “choppy with a rip current,” “flat but sunny”)
- One app they couldn’t live without right now
This lighthearted activity fostered connection and meaningful conversation among members.
3. Guest Speaker Presentation
Speaker: Marcia Booth, M.Ed.
Founder & President, Recycle Brevard, Inc.
Marcia’s presentation highlighted the mission and community impact of Recycle Brevard, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing waste and promoting sustainable living in Brevard County. Recycle Brevard was born from a drive to improve the local recycling rate, which was only about 30% when the organization’s founder began engaging the community through education and outreach.
About Recycle Brevard:
- The organization is 100% run by volunteers and funded entirely through sponsorships and donations.
- It provides resources, education, and advocacy to support Brevard residents in practicing the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
- Recycle Brevard shares practical information on sustainable practices, community events, and materials recycling.
- The group also operates community programs such as hard-to-recycle collections (e.g., electronics, metal, batteries, VHS tapes) and partners with local residents to divert waste that otherwise ends up in landfills.
Marcia emphasized the importance of individual action, community collaboration, and ongoing education in building a more sustainable Brevard. Attendees learned how local recycling efforts link to broader environmental health goals and were encouraged to collaborate where Surfrider and Recycle Brevard missions align.
4. Program Updates & Open Roles
Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) – Joanie Reagan:
- Provided a brief update on current OFR efforts and highlighted opportunities to expand the program across the Space Coast.
Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) – Bill:
- Shared upcoming planting plans and community engagement opportunities for bioswales and native plant installations.
Open Board Positions:
The board continues to recruit volunteers for key leadership roles:
- Vice Chair – support leadership and strategic planning
- OFR Co-Chair / Support Lead
- Volunteer | ~10–15 hrs/month
- Supports outreach, promotion, media, and engagement for the Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program
- Helps coordinate certifications, ribbon-cuttings, local PR, board engagement, and strategy to grow OFR participation
- Fundraising Chair
- Volunteer | ~10–15+ hrs/month
- Leads development of local business partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns
- Coordinates grant identification and submission
- Supports sponsorships, private cleanups, donor relations, and event fundraising
Both volunteer roles are unpaid, ideal for members passionate about ocean conservation, community building, and local impact.
5. Upcoming Events
- Monthly Trash Cleanups
- Held on the last Saturday of each month throughout 2026
- Sign-up available via QR code shared at the meeting
- February 21 – Chapter Social
- 10–11 AM: Walk at Wickham Park
- Lunch: LongDoggers – 2870 Post Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935
- February 28 – Beach Cleanup & Surf Day
- Location: Paradise Beach, Indialantic, FL
- 8:30–10:30 AM
- March 7 – Vintage Board Event
- 10 AM–4 PM @ Satellite Beach Sports Complex
- March 14 – Bioswale Weeding Day
- Focus: Indialantic bioswale maintenance
- March 14 – Sober Surfers Event
- 10 AM–2 PM @ Paradise Beach
- March 18 – General Meeting @ Intracoastal Brewing Company
- 6:30–8:00 PM
- Speaker: Victoria Wilcock, Conservation Restoration Coordinator, Brevard Zoo
- Topic: “Restore Our Shores” — seagrass, clams, oysters, buffer plantings, mangroves, and community volunteer opportunities
6. Closing Remarks
Nina Hunt thanked everyone for attending and for their continued commitment to ocean and environmental stewardship.
Special appreciation was given to Tiny Turtle for hosting the meeting. Attendees were encouraged to tip their servers generously and stay after the meeting to network, connect on volunteer roles, and discuss upcoming initiatives.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 PM
Minutes prepared by:
Brendon Miller
Board Secretary