Replay + Let’s Talk Agriculture Postponed to Dec 3
- Irina Woelfle, Let's Talk Vero
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
IMPORTANT
Our Next Let's Talk Vero is Postponed
LET'S TALK AGRICULTURE
Wednesday, December 3
5-7 pm at Riverside @ Theatre
Hello all,
Thank you to everyone who joined us at last Wednesday's Let's Talk Vero, where the majority of the discussion centered around what Representative Robbie Brackett and Senator Erin Grall will champion for us up in Tallahassee.
The top request? Diversion of more tourist tax dollars to the City. Followed by concerns about lack of control over development due to Senate Bill 180, and what audience members can do to prevent it (see suggested letter below), dominated the conversation.
As promised, the replay is here -- scroll to the 15:10 mark.
Florida Senate Bill 180 (SB 180), enacted in July 2025, sharply limits the ability of local governments—including cities like Vero Beach—to update comprehensive plans, revise land development codes, or impose moratoria on new development if those actions are considered more restrictive or burdensome than current regulations.
The law applies retroactively from August 1, 2024, through October 1, 2027, effectively halting any new local rules that restrict development.
The bill was passed in the name of emergency management, citing hurricane recovery, but its reach is much broader and impacts virtually all of Florida due to recent federal disaster declarations.
Many in the audience expressed frustration and asked what they can do. Below is sample text you can copy, paste into an email and send to both Robbie and Erin.
Dear Representative Brackett / Senator Grall,
I am a resident of Vero Beach deeply concerned about the adverse effects of Senate Bill 180. This law strips local governments of their ability to protect our community from overdevelopment, environmental harm, and flood risks, while putting taxpayers on the hook for litigation. Please support restoring local authority so Vero Beach and similar communities can safeguard our homes, environment, and future. I urge you to advocate for amendments to SB 180 that respect local control and community resilience.
Thank you for your attention and service to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Contact Info:
Representative Brackett
(772) 365-9230
Senator Grall
(772) 595-1398
See you next on December 3
