Rivers Coalition
October 2026 Newsletter
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Thursday, October 22, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
| | This meeting is in person and via Zoom, and is open to the public, with plenty of free parking available. Email contact@riverscoalition.org for Zoom link. | |
SUPER EL NIÑO: A PERFECT STORM FOR OUR WATERWAYS?
Todd Kimberlain, SFWMD Lead Meterorologist
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Could a powerful El Niño bring a wetter, stormier winter—and renewed threats to our rivers?
Todd Kimberlain, lead meteorologist at the South Florida Water Management District, will present an overview of current and forecast conditions associated with a particularly strong El Niño climate pattern that's expected to peak in late 2026 or early 2027. This so-called "Super El Niño" is anticipated to bring rainier, more volatile weather to Florida this winter.
How will Lake Okeechobee levels be impacted? Will the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon be more vulnerable to lake discharges and canal discharges draining the St. Lucie Watershed?
Join us on October 22 to get the latest forecast, explore the potential impacts, and learn what may lie ahead for our waterways.
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Business Matters:
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Call to Order and Chairman’s Comments: Mark Perry, President
- Business matters and membership roll call
Presentation:
SUPER EL NIÑO: A PERFECT STORM FOR OUR WATERWAYS?
Todd Kimberlain, SFWMD Lead Meteorologist
Government & Agency Progress Reports:
- City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes
- Martin County: John Maehl
- State and Federal Agencies:
- SFWMD: Todd Kimberlain
- USACE: Col. Bowman
- Lake Okeechobee Update: TBD
- State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart
Coalition Reports:
- Rivers Coalition Committee Updates:
- River Kidz: Casey Darling Kniffin
- Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer
- Local Issues & Estuary Water Quality: Mark Perry
- Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow
- Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir
- Member Comments and Announcements
- Adjourn
| Rivers Coalition Meeting September 2026 | Amendment 3: Potential Impacts on IRL Recovery | |
How could Amendment 3 impact the services and environmental programs our community depends on?
Environmental Policy Advisor Eric Draper joined Martin County representatives Stephanie Merle and Sarah Heard for an informative discussion exploring the potential local effects. From stormwater management and water quality projects to public safety, parks, libraries, and vital grant funding, the conversation highlighted what could be at stake for Martin County residents and our environment.
Photos Courtesy of Darrell Brand
| | Eric Draper addresses the room via Zoom | |  | John Maehl, Ruth Holmes, Hannah Angelo-Walker | | | Celebrating 15 Years of River Kidz Advocacy: Thank You, Glover Family! | |
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Please join us as we recognize an incredible family and thank them for their years of advocacy for our rivers. For 15 years, the Glover family has been a powerful voice for our waterways! Sabrina Glover and her River Kidz, Zoë and Asher, have dedicated countless hours to protecting our rivers—from advocating at the State Capitol and rallying against harmful discharges to organizing cleanups, participating in community events, and hosting their signature Toxic Trail Run.
As part of the original movement to stop the discharges, the Glovers worked alongside River Kidz founders Nic Mader, Jenny Flaugh, and Jackie Thurlow-Lippisch, helping inspire a new generation of environmental advocates.
Their passion, dedication, and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on our community.
From all of us at Rivers Coalition, thank you, Glover family, for 15 incredible years of standing up for our rivers! We can't wait to see you out on the water!
| | | | Zoë, Asher, former U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy | | Asher, Sabrina, Jenny Flaugh, Nic Mader | The Glovers inside the Capitol | | Making a Splash at the ESC Open House | |
Our River Kidz had a wonderful time at the Environmental Studies Center Open House, connecting with families who share their passion for protecting our waterways. A special shout-out to Barbara Osborn for adding some extra fun and creativity with her fantastic face painting! | | | | Discover, Explore & Celebrate Our Lagoon | | |
We're excited to welcome our newest River Mom and River Kid, Danielle and Reef! They'll be representing River Kidz at the Indian River Lagoon Science Festival on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a FREE day of hands-on science, fascinating exhibits, and fun activities celebrating our natural world.
Location: Museum Pointe Park, 414 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce.
Be sure to stop by the River Kidz table, meet Danielle and Reef, and say hello!
Learn more: https://irlsciencefest.org/
| | We Want to Hear From Our Members | | Rivers Coalition Meeting Minutes | | September 24, 2026 Summary of Comments | | |
Mark Perry called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. There were 52 attendees in person, 23 attendees on ZOOM call.
Minutes taken by Miki Blumenthal, Administrative Assistant.
Business Matters: Mark Perry recognized September as Estuaries Month and noted that National Estuaries Day is September 27. He emphasized the ecological importance of the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
Merritt Matheson, having become an elected official, stepped down from the Rivers Coalition Board in accordance with the bylaws. He was appointed as the Rivers Coalition representative to the Environmental Lands Acquisition Oversight Committee (ELOC).
Presentation: Amendment 3: Potential Impacts on Indian River Lagoon Recovery:
Eric Draper, Environmental Policy Advisor, and Martin County representatives Stephanie Merle and Sarah Heard gave an overview of how Amendment 3 could affect local services, water projects, and environmental funding. They discussed possible impacts to stormwater, water quality, public safety, parks, libraries, and grant funding.
An extended Q&A session followed the presentation. The above presentation in its entirety can be seen at www.riverscoalition.org.
Government & Agency Reports:
Martin County: John Maehl announced construction has begun on a stormwater treatment project near Port Salerno to reduce nutrient pollution entering the Manatee Pocket.
City of Stuart: Ruth Holmes reported that the City applied for DEP grant funding for targeted muck removal and nanobubble restoration work in local creeks. The City Commission will consider establishing an ELOC committee to review potential uses of the 0.5-cent sales-tax referendum funds.
SFWMD: Tom Hurley reported that the C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Canal is now operational. He also noted preparations for the anticipated Super El Niño rainfall and reported that the EAA Reservoir seepage-management pump station is progressing.
USACE: Maj. Cory Bell reported on Lake Okeechobee conditions, C-44 capacity planning, and progress on the C-23/24 stormwater treatment area. The Lake Okeechobee After Action Report is expected by December 31. Maj. Bell also announced that his term has been extended through summer 2028.
State and Federal Legislation: Gil Smart reported on H.R. 9017 and its potential effects on wetlands permitting and endangered-species protections.
Lake O Update: Discussion focused on forecasts for a potentially significant Super El Niño event. Speakers noted historical comparisons to 1998 and concerns about increased rainfall, lake levels, possible discharges, algae blooms, and impacts to the estuary.
Coalition Reports:
River Kidz: Casey Kniffin thanked participants in the International Coastal Cleanup and announced an Environmental Studies Center open house on October 10, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. River Kidz volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Speakers Bureau: Ed Killer encouraged organizations to contact Rivers Coalition for speakers on local water issues. There are a few upcoming speaking engagements on the schedule.
Riverkeeper Update: Jim Moir discussed an executive order exempting commercial space infrastructure from NEPA review, along with potential environmental impacts of port expansion and rocket-reentry operations near Fort Pierce and Cape Canaveral. He also raised concern about proposed shrimp trawling access near Oculina Bank.
Water Quality Report: Mark Perry said water quality is currently looking good due to low rainfall and the absence of lake discharges, though local algae and Lyngbya remain concerns. He also noted signs of seagrass recovery on the flats.
Seagrass Update: Todd Thurlow provided an update using charts and images from his website, covering basin runoff, lake levels, salinity, and C-44 flows. He noted signs of seagrass recovery and concerns about nutrient pollution and potential Super El Niño-related discharges. See his website, eyeonlakeo.com, for detailed charts and maps.
Member Comments and Announcements:
Newton Cook raised concerns about closed-door FWC discussions regarding Lake Okeechobee aquatic plant management and requested public access and transparency.
Members were encouraged to submit comments opposing the proposed shrimp-trawling access near Oculina Bank before the November 1 deadline.
The League of Women Voters will host an Amendment 3 symposium on October 7, from 6–8 p.m., at Unity Church.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:42 p.m.
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- October 22, 2026 - Thursday
- November 19, 2026 - Thursday
- December 2026 - no meeting
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All Meetings are at 11:00 a.m.
Stuart City Hall Chambers
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL
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- Mark Perry, President
- Eve Samples, Vice President
- Jim Moir, Secretary
- Darrell Brand, Treasurer
- Charles Grande, Director
- Todd Thurlow, Director
- Gil Smart, Director
- Casey Kniffin, Director
- Ed Killer, Director
- Greg Braun, Director
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PO Box 2627
Stuart, FL 34995
772-225-6849
| | Rivers Coalition Organizational Members | | 1000 Friends of Florida, 27-80 Paddlers, Admiralty Yacht Club, American Association of University Women, Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, Atlantic Point Yacht Club & Marina of Stuart, Audubon Florida, Audubon of Martin County, Ballantrae Anglers Club, Ballantrae Yacht Club, Beau Rivage HOA, Business Development Board of Martin County, Captains for Clean Water, Citizens for Clean Water, Computer Network Services, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie Co. Inc, Cypress Lake HOA, Dolphin Ecology Project, Driftwood Motel of Jensen Beach. Economic Council of Martin County, Farm Vets, Everglades Foundation, Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Sportsman, Florida Wildlife Federation, Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Four Rivers Property Association, Four Winds Condo Association, Friends of The Everglades, Friends of Harbor Branch - FAU, Guardians of Martin County, Harborage Yacht Condominiums, Harbour Ridge Yacht Club, Hell Gate Sea Dragons, Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative, Humanists of the Treasure Coast, Indian Riverkeeper, Indian River Plantation POA, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Joe's Point HOA, Keep Martin Beautiful, Lake Okeechobee Restoration Initiative, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, Leadership Martin, League of Women Voters of Martin Co., League of Women’s Voters of SLC Co., Lighthouse Point Association Inc., Locks Landing HOA, Marine Cleanup Initiative Inc., Marine Industries Assoc. of Treasure Coast, Marine Resources Council, Martin County Anglers, Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Martin County Conservation Alliance, Martin County Democratic Environmental Caucus, Martin County Farm Bureau, Martin County Future Group, Martin County Hotel & Motel Association, Martin Oyster Restoration Initiative, Miramar POA, Nettles Island Community Action Assoc., North River Shores Prop. Assoc., Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Palm City Civic Assn, Palm Cove Yacht Club, Palm Cove HOA, Pierpoint Condominium Assoc., Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Assoc., Port Sewall Harbor & Tennis Club Owners Ass, Port Sewall Property Owners Assoc., Port St Lucie Anglers, President’s Council of Hutchinson Island, Realtor Association of Martin County, Rio Civic Club, River Club Dock Owners Association Inc., River Kidz, River Vista HOA, River Warriors, Royal Harbor Homeowners Assn, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Sailfish Point POA, Sailfish Point Yacht Club, Savanna Fishing Club, Save the Manatee Club, Seagate Harbor Homeowners Assoc., Sierra Club-:Loxahatchee Group, Snug Harbor Yacht Club, St. Lucie Audubon Society, St. Lucie River Yacht Club, St. Lucie Sailing Club, St. Lucie Settlement Inc., Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, Stuart Heritage, Stuart Rod & Reel Club, Stuart/Martin County Chamber, Stuart Yacht Club, Surfrider Foundation, Teamsters Local 769, The Garden Club of Stuart Inc, The Estuary at North River Shores, The Junior League of Martin County, Treasure Coast Buddhist Cooperative, Treasure Coast Builders Association, Treasure Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association, Treasure Coast Rowing Club, Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, US Sailing Center of Martin County, Venture Three Community, VoteWater, Windjammer Condo Association | | |
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