March 15, 2023-Niki’s Rainbow Restaurant
6:35 Call to order - Kris Baker/Chair called meeting to order and welcomed everyone.
6:30-6:45 Guest Speaker: Jim Durocher from Florida Rights of Nature Network presented “Right to Clean and Healthy Waters” Amendment to the Florida Constitution. Jim emphasized the importance of the amendment which creates a fundamental right to clean and healthy water, and the amendment holds State executive agencies accountable for harmful or threat harm to Florida’s waters. Permits have been issued by State resulting in polluted waterways. Of Florida’s 1,000 natural springs, 80% are polluted with excessive nitrogen. In order to get Supreme Court review, 900,000 voter signatures by November 30, 2023 are needed. More facts, petition and information are available at FloridaRightToCleanWater.org.
7:00 Past Events Recap
- 2/18 Dune Planting, Cocoa Beach south end Shepard Park. Wonderful turnout and over 1,000 plants were planted.
- 2/25 A1A Adopt Hwy Beach Cleanup. Several met at the Sebastian Surf & Sport shop collecting over 50 lbs. of trash.
EC/Program/Campaign Reports
- We received the check from Surfing evolution & preservation $5000.
- We received a check from City of Indialantic $1000 portion of the proceeds from the annual Witch Way 5K.
- Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator Report: Fran. No report.
- Treasurer Report: Chris reported deposits from grant monies. Chris presented the expense of a Surfboard to be raffled at the July movie night.
- Blue Water Task Force “BWTF: We have gone glass! New sites. Three sites are no longer being tested at this time due to consistent green results. New volunteer is testing near Patrick AFB, North Banana River, Eau Galle Causeway Boat Ramp results are red. Sebastian Inlet results were good.
- Social Media Chair – Kelly asked the group to “like” posts on Space Coast Facebook to boost media exposure.
- Ocean Friendly Gardens “OFG” – Bill. No report
- Ocean Friendly Restaurants “OFR”. Planning an event at the Tiny Turtle Restaurant to encourage other restaurants to join the program. A lead person is needed for this program.
- Beach Bucket Foundation Update – Andy stated 15 stations were installed in Cocoa Beach.
- Ballard Park issue-Bo presented a critical situation at Ballard Park. Boaters park boats and leave it for days. Taxpayers pay for a sinking boat. Boaters also dump their waste into the Lagoon. Meetings with the City of Melbourne for county law enforcement is being arranged.
Upcoming Events
- 3/25 Sponsored Beach Clean-up @ Pelican Beach Kelly Williams/Tracey Team 8:00 set up.
- 4/1 Trash Bash, North Thousand Island clean up with KBB 8-12. Meet at Lutheran Church of Redemption in Cocoa Beach.
- 4/3-4 Florida 2023 Healthy Beaches Day in Tallahassee. No one is able to attend this year.
- 4/29 Beachfly Brewing Company, LegaSea Fest from 3-8 is being planned.
Updated/New Business
- 2023 DC Hill Day report: Kris Baker
Jessica Lewis from the Suncoast Chapter speaking about ocean-based climate solutions.
Carolyn Curtin, Surfrider Student Club Network Coordinator, will be discussing the importance of protecting Florida’s coast from offshore drilling. Kris is speaking about coastal water quality issues and solutions. Kaleb-Hobson Garcia who is the club president at Florida State University and will talk about the impacts of and solutions to plastic pollution. Team Captain, Emma Haydocy, Florida Policy Manager for Surfrider presenting other critical water issues. Representatives Neal Dunn, Bill Posey, Kathy Castor, and Senator Rick Scott.
- Ditch the straw pledge & challenge! Passed around and got signatures.
General Meeting Adjourn