Save Our Indian River Lagoon

Boats on Indian River Lagoon with bridge in background.

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program was created as part of a ½ cent sales tax that Brevard County residents voted to impose on themselves in 2016. The program is designed to address excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to the Indian River Lagoon through various projects to reduce pollution inputs, remove legacy loads of pollution, and restore natural filtration systems. It is estimated that the plan will bring in up to $542 million in revenue over 10 years to fund projects that will reduce or remove about 1.3 million pounds of excess nitrogen and 105 thousand pounds of phosphorus annually from the Indian River Lagoon.

The projects being completed by the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program are just one part of restoring the Indian River Lagoon. The National Estuary Program, St Johns River Water Management District, Brevard County and the cities have been working on stormwater improvements since the 90’s. Currently, new technologies are being incorporated to improve stormwater and wastewater utilities. The lagoon will also need the assistance of the community to help reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus created by homes and businesses. Learn more on how to reduce your personal impact by visiting the Lagoon Loyal website.

Project Plan

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan was created to identify and prioritize projects to be funded by the Save Our Indian River Lagoon ½ Cent Sales Tax Referendum passed in 2016. The Plan was developed in partnership with scientists, economists, environmentalists and multiple government agencies. It outlines local projects planned to meet water quality targets and improve the health, productivity, aesthetic appeal, and economic value of the lagoon. It is reviewed and updated annually. The most recent update of the plan was approved in February 2022.

Citizen Oversight Committee

The role of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Committee to review timeliness of project delivery, actual and updated project costs and actual nutrient removal effectiveness; review new literature and local studies on the types of projects included in the plan and potential alternative project types; evaluate alternative project proposals received from the community; and recommend adjustments to the Project Plan to be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

Maps

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This Story Map shows where all the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Plan Projects are located and provides information on the status and benefits of each project.
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The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program Overview Story Map provides a general overview of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program, it's purpose, projects, and grant opportunities for homeowners.
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The Septic Overlay Map tool will provide information on whether a property falls with the area requiring an advanced septic system for new construction.

To show the overlay of areas required to use advanced septic open the tab named “Layer” and then check the “Indian River Lagoon” box. The sliding bar will adjust the transparency so that users can see the property underlying the overlay boundaries.

This GIS map is a quick reference tool and not the sole determination for the type of septic that will be required. For properties partially covered by the overlay, they may still need a survey to show that a proposed septic system falls in or outside the boundaries.

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The Baffle Box Story Map shows the locations of all current baffle boxes in Brevard County and which entity manages them. Baffle boxes are an important part of trapping and preventing plant debris and litter from entering the lagoon. This keeps debris from decomposing into muck and harmful nutrients that feed algae blooms. Later generation baffle boxes also treat the water with special filters to remove some of the excess nutrients already dissolved in stormwater.

Project Updates and Announcements

Subscribe to our newsletter  to have monthly highlights about our projects and progress, volunteer opportunities, and video spotlights delivered to your inbox.

Titusville Sand Point Park Baffle Box

Aug 25, 2022, 15:31 PM by Brevard County Natural Resources

The Sand Point Park Baffle Box contract has been executed.

Sykes Creek – Zone T (Horti Point)

Jul 20, 2021, 13:52 PM by Natural Resources Management

Project Progress for Sykes Creek – Zone T (Horti Point)

Sykes Creek – Zone M (Milford Point)

Jul 20, 2021, 13:52 PM by Natural Resources Management

Progress Update for Sykes Creek – Zone M (Milford Point)

Sykes Creek – Zone N

Jul 20, 2021, 13:51 PM by Natural Resources Management

Progress Update for Sykes Creek – Zone N

Upcoming Meetings

CANCELLED - Citizen Oversight Committee Meeting December 2022
Monthly review of progress on Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan.