Space Coast Surfriders Foundation
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: Intercoastal Brewing Company
1. Call to Order
Board Chair Nina Hunt called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Icebreaker
Nina led a lighthearted opening activity, encouraging attendees to turn to a neighbor and share an unpopular opinion. Some examples included: “I think brunch is overrated” and “I actually like rainy Mondays.”
3. Guest Speaker Presentation
Speaker: Dr. John Hearin, PE – Ocean Engineering, Beach Renourishment
John, a Florida Tech Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering, gave a compelling talk on beach erosion and renourishment strategies.
Key Points:
- Why Does the Beach Erode?
- Dunes and barrier islands naturally migrate.
- Building on the dune line inhibits this migration.
- Inlets and jetties interrupt the natural flow of sand and sediment, exacerbating erosion.
Methods for Fighting Erosion:
- Sea Walls: Protect structures but accelerate beach erosion.
- Revetments: Also protect infrastructure but are unsightly and cause erosion.
- Groins: Move erosion downstream without solving it.
- Beach Nourishment: Adds dredged sand back to the beach, creating a natural appearance and wider, more protective coastline.
- Managed Retreat: Involves relocating infrastructure instead of attempting to preserve every eroded area.
Local Context – Brevard County:
- Nourishment projects sometimes cover reefs and vary in sand quality, impacting wave dynamics.
- Permanent Sand Bypass Stations: A long-term solution that can reduce costs by 45–50%. Of Florida’s 64 inlets, only two currently have these stations.
4. Announcements
Program Updates:
- Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR):
- Presented by Joanie Reagan
- Current certified OFRs: Tiny Turtle, Pita Pyramid, Panther Dining
- Members encouraged to recommend local eco-conscious eateries.
- Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG):
- Bill gave updates on planting initiatives.
- Fall Projects:
- Suntree lakeside shoreline restoration
- Swale and display garden along Wickham Road
- Green Gables Project: 21 mangroves planted with MRC on June 7
- Fall Weedings: Planned maintenance at current buffer gardens
- Educational Outreach:
- Bill is recording a podcast with IRL about bioswale and shoreline restoration
- Meg presented on how native plantings and bioswales enhance stormwater management and can be a great options for HOAs
Board Roles Open:
- Events Coordinator
- Vice Chair
- At-Large Member
5. Upcoming Events
- June 28: Member Surf Day + Beach Cleanup
- Location: Blockhouse Beach (by Space Force Base)
- Time: 8–11 AM
- July 5: “Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year” Cleanup
- Location: Pelican Beach Park
- Time: 9–11 AM (Free parking until 11 AM)
- In collaboration with Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and the City of Satellite Beach
- Buckets, grabbers, and water provided
- July 16: General Meeting @ Tiny Turtle
- Time: 6:30–8:00 PM
- Note: No formal speaker – relaxed social evening with appetizers
- August 9: Movie Night at the Playhouse
- Doors open at 6 PM
- Event includes board raffle
- John Hearin will also speak briefly at this event
6. Closing Remarks
Nina Hunt thanked everyone for attending, encouraged attendees to tip their servers generously, and gave a special shoutout to Intercoastal Brewing Company for hosting the evening.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 PM
Minutes prepared by:
Brendon Miller
Board Secretary