Deep Dive: IRL seagrass is coming back. We don't know why or how long it will last

Our latest "Deep Dive" reports some fantastic news: Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon appears to be making a comeback, with a 24% increase in just two years. It may just be the result of favorable environmental conditions over the past few years; it could be proof septic-to-sewer projects are helping. The recovery is more robust in the northern lagoon than in the southern lagoon; and we've seen seagrass revivals in the past that proved to be short-lived.

Still, it's a heartening sign, and renewed conservation efforts could further boost the recovery. Are we out of the woods yet? Definitely not — but let's just say there's reason for hope. Check out this week's "Deep Dive" for more.

Will developer dollars buy this seat in Martin County?

For those of you interested in how the “sprawl” industry games our political system to get ever-more development approved — sometimes on sensitive lands, often over public opposition — check out this Facebook post from our friends at SAVE - Martin County, Florida.

The post documents development-related contributions to Susan Gibbs Thomas, who’s running for the District 3 seat on the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. And — hoo, boy. There's no doubt whatsoever which candidate the “sprawl” industry supports; and if she wins, the industry is banking on her support for any and all development proposals.

Martin County long resisted “Browardization." But now, thanks in large part to this type of "generosity" from the sprawl industry, county commissioners are more apt to look kindly upon development proposals, even when they leapfrog the Urban Service Boundary.

Is that what the community wants? It doesn't matter — "dirty money" sees to that.

That's why knowing who's getting and giving "dirty money" is key to understanding what's happening in your community. And it's why we'll soon be publishing our "Dirty Money Project," to provide you with those key insights. Kudos to SAVE — Martin County, Florida for doing the same.

'Shark Week' reports on problems in IRL

The Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" last week covered a lot of ground — including visits to the Indian River Lagoon, where crews looked for bull sharks, which are supposed to be common. Instead they found few sharks and ultimately produced an episode titled "Sharks of the Dead Zone," a look at how polluted water and algae blooms can create "eerie dead zones" in the IRL.

Shark biologist Craig O'Connell cited nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that feeds algae blooms, which in turn can cause "dead zones" where aquatic life dies due to low oxygen levels. Said O'Connell: "I am a little bit fearful for the future of the Indian River Lagoon unless we change our ways."

Following up on the report, Grant Gilmore, senior scientist at Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science Inc. in Vero Beach, will speak about sharks in the IRL at the Rivers Coalition meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 25, at Stuart City Hall.

Come hear about how the ecosystem's problems affect the bull shark — and ultimately the entire lagoon.

These are the things we're fighting for

Clean water. Healthy ecosystems. Vibrant local economies. Our Florida way of life.

All these things are crucial to the long-term well-being of the Sunshine State and all who call it home. It's our duty to provide a clean-water future for our children and grandchildren; to achieve that we need political leaders who put their communities ahead of special interests and "dirty money."

Join our clean-water crusade — the change we need starts with you.

P.S.: Have you completed and signed this year's petition for the proposed Florida Right to Clean Water Constitutional Amendment yet? Why the heck not? Stop by the VoteWater office at 3727 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 200A in Stuart to pick up a petition — or head over to the Right to Clean Water website to print one at home.