Vero Beach updates on water reclamation, septic-to-sewer, Humiston boardwalk and Three Corners progress

Several large infrastructure projects featured in the Vero Beach Feb. 3 workshop, with staff giving progress reports and near-term milestones.

Water & Sewer Director Rob Bolton said the Water Reclamation Facility remains on schedule: construction is planned to start in December and the facility should be online by summer 2028. Bolton showed before-and-after filtration visuals for stormwater and said contingency funds have not been tapped so far.

On septic-to-sewer work, Bolton said bids for Ocean Ridge have been issued and mainland areas secured two grants to pay for mains. He noted some barrier-island properties (outside the B-map) are not eligible for grants; staff may require property owners to connect within one year of sale, and Bolton will return with proposed compliance steps.

Public Works Director Matt Mitts said permitting with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Conn Beach/Humiston Park boardwalk will be submitted the week of the workshop and that construction is planned to begin Nov. 1 to avoid sea turtle nesting season; staff intend to include an ADA ramp and a second shelter in the design. City Manager Monte Falls said fundraising is ongoing to close an estimated $2 million gap, and he has engaged the congressional delegation for appropriations.

Falls reported that for the Three Corners site the city expects a $50,000 deposit from the developer and a signed Letter of Intent to begin negotiations after a meeting with the city's financial consultant.

Staff offered no final decisions at the workshop; council asked for progress updates as permits, grant awards and contracts advance.