Cocoa Beach Vice Mayor Mike Miller: We Need To Work Together To Clean Indian River Lagoon

By  //  June 2, 2016

citizens can undertake beneficial measures

The City of Cocoa Beach represents only 6 of the 156 miles comprising the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Yet our city was severely impacted by the catastrophic fish kill.
CITY OF COCOA BEACH VICE MAYOR MIKE MILLER: The City of Cocoa Beach represents only 6 of the 156 miles comprising the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Yet our city was severely impacted by the catastrophic fish kill. (Image for Space Coast Daily)

The City of Cocoa Beach represents only 6 of the 156 miles comprising the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Yet our city was severely impacted by the catastrophic fish kill.

While the City has undertaken beneficial measures to improve water quality, we simply can not solve the problem on our own.

Therefore, our highest priority must be to seek agreement and cooperation of the other municipal and county governments which border the IRL.

In the interim, individual citizens can undertake beneficial measures of their own:

LAWNS

• Voluntarily stop fertilizing lawns all year long, not just during the mandatory period of June-September. Nutrients in the recycled water system are adequate for most lawns.
• If you decide to fertilize your lawn, follow the written instructions carefully, to avoid over fertilizing.
• The Indian River Lagoon Council recommends that waterfront homeowners bag grass clippings for pick up and disposal. They are better in the landfill than in the lagoon.
• Limit watering to one day per week in winter and twice in summer to encourage deeper roots and a healthier lawn.
• Call the UF/IFAS Brevard Extension 321-633-1702 for upcoming classes, events and helpful information about responsible landscaping. Most services are free to Brevard County residents.
• For a small fee, the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory will test your soil and water and provide detailed reports. These analyses help you make informed decisions about fertilizing and soil treatments.

Westgate Resorts Acquires Wakulla Suites In Cocoa Beach, Significant Renovations ComingRelated Story:
Westgate Resorts Acquires Wakulla Suites In Cocoa Beach, Significant Renovations Coming

LANDSCAPING

• Carefully bind tree limbs and yard refuse for pick-up and disposal. This service is provided by the City at no additional cost.
• Severely limit using toxic chemical treatments and weed killers on your lawn. Bio-degradable products are preferable.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

• Keep up routine maintenance of your car, as oil can ultimately be washed into the lagoon.
• Pick up after your pets. If not disposed of properly, fecal matter can easily be washed into the lagoon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MIKE-MILLER-180-1Elected in November 2014, Cocoa Beach Vice Mayor Mike Miller is originally from Dayton, Ohio. He has been a resident of the Cocoa Beach since 2012.  Miller is a graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, and is a Registered Architect in Florida.  He is a graduate of the Cocoa Beach Citizen’s Academy and has served on the Planning Board as the chairperson.  His affiliations include being a volunteer for SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders).