Board unanimously backs recommendation for temporary winter fertilizer blackout and sends resolution to City Council

Frank Trinkle presented updated El Niño science, warning of an unusually strong event and possible cascading impacts to the Indian River Lagoon, and asked the board to forward a draft resolution (NRB 2026-01) recommending a temporary winter fertilizer blackout. He described model medians centering a Niño 3.4 anomaly of roughly 3.6 degrees Celsius, said the forecast indicates increased runoff and algal-bloom risk, and outlined mitigation measures that include drainage cleaning, voluntary reductions by commercial applicators, mulching guidance and a 60-day bilingual public education campaign under the message: "Dormant grass can't drink — protect your yard in the lagoon this winter."

"I move that the Natural Resources Board adopt resolution NRB 20 26 0 1, thereby recommending that the Sebastian City Council enact a temporary emergency winter fertilizer blackout from 11/01/2026 through 02/28/2027," Trinkle said when making the motion to forward the resolution to city council. The board discussed legal and timing constraints; Felicia noted staff cannot originate the item due to Florida sunshine-law limits, so the board must transmit it through a member. Board members argued the timeline is tight but agreed the education component can proceed regardless of council action.

The board called the roll and the motion to forward the resolution carried 7–0. Trinkle then moved and the board approved (7–0) a second motion designating Frank E. Trinkle as the board member authorized to present the resolution and supporting materials to Sebastian City Council on August 2 and to work with the city attorney to finalize language prior to that presentation. The board recorded the motion results on the record and thanked Trinkle for the materials he prepared.