Updates | Letstalkvero

The Three Corners Timeline

The process will proceed in the following phases:

Pre-Negotiation Period (90 Days – Through End of July 2025):

During this phase, the developer will refine internal details, including financial arrangements and other contractual agreements among their project partners.

Negotiation Period with the City (120 Days – Through End of November 2025):

Formal negotiations between Clearpath and the City will occur to finalize the terms and responsibilities of the project.

Execution of Master Development Agreement (MDA):

Upon successful completion of negotiations, a Master Development Agreement will be executed to formalize the partnership and set the terms for project implementation.

Economic Development in Indian River County

On Wednesday, June 18, Let's Talk Vero will host County Administrator John Titkanich alongside Keith Kite and other community business leaders for a panel discussion on economic development. More details on what it means for you and why you should attend soon.

In the meantime, if you want to contribute to the discussion and help shape the long-term economic action plan, be sure to attend one of the following workshops:

Monday, May 12

Intergenerational Recreation Center

1590 9th St. SW, Vero Beach FL 32962

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 13

Indian River County Commissioner Chambers

1801 27th St., Building A, Room A-1502, Vero Beach FL 32960

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14

North Indian River County Library

1001 Sebastian Blvd, Sebastian FL 32958

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

In Other News

The Marina

Exciting progress at the City Marina! The new South Dock Complex is nearing a milestone: if the fire suppression system passes inspection, the City could receive a certificate of occupancy within days. With construction on the new boat storage facility underway, land access to the new docks is limited for now. Unless an arrangement can be made with the construction firm to allow land access, City Marina staff will be required to ferry boat owners to and from the docks.

Humiston Park

Design is underway for the Humiston Park boardwalk, and excitement is building! Construction kicks off November 2026 -- timed perfectly to avoid conflicts with turtle nesting season and ensure compliance with environmental protections. Thanks to incredible community generosity, over $135,000 has already been raised, with major commitments and in-kind donations pushing total projected funding to $2.3 million. Stay tuned for more updates as this project moves ahead!

Shout out to Morgen and Ed

Let's Talk Vero supporter Morgen Reynolds and her team at Main Street Vero Beach are lighting up downtown one glowing oak tree at a time! Local resident Barbara Ruddy donated $1,000 to get the ball rolling and the transformation is just beginning. Check out the photos in Nick Slater's article here. To donate anywhere from $25 - $5,000, click here.

And if you missed it, check out the article in Vero Beach Magazine -- Padel Holds Court in Vero Beach here, featuring Let's Talk Vero supporter Ed Shanaphy and the Boulevard Tennis and Padel Club.

April 24, 2025

Baerbel O'Haire

Let's Talk Vero

invite you to

Meet the Clearpath Team

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, May 28

5 - 7 pm at Riverside Theatre

Clearpath Selected as Development Partner

Based on the Three Corners Selection Committee's recommendations, it was no surprise City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted Clearpath as the development partner for Three Corners. It was the shortest Council meeting I've ever attended, underscoring the effectiveness of the process. You can watch the replay here. And TCPalm coverage here.

May 28 -- Meet the Team

Meet the Clearpath team and see the designs first-hand. As you'll recall, due to RFP rules and regulations about promotion and communications, we were not able to delve deeply into the designs.

That's all changed now, and the team has agreed to take you on a photo journey of the plans and answer your questions for our next Let's Talk Vero event, moderated by Baerbel O'Haire.

The Next 90 Days and Beyond

The city will enter into a 90-day pre-negotiations phase, where the developer and the City will disclose further details, followed by negotiation of a master developer agreement.
Should negotiations with Clearpath break down, RFP rules and regulations stipulate the City must pursue negotiations with The Blue at Vero Beach LLC.

We will keep you posted on news stories and replays as they are made available, and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, May 28 at Riverside Theatre.

April 18, 2025

Replay of Let's Talk Healthcare

plus

Last Chance for Public Comment

for

Three Corners Developer Selection

Hello all,

Take note -- First, the Let's Talk Healthcare replay and second, City Council and Three Corners developer selection on Tuesday. Have a great Easter weekend!

LET'S TALK HEALTHCARE

Here is the replay of Wednesday's Let's Talk Healthcare with Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Rothman. It was an illuminating evening, to say the least. The replay quality is not optimal, and the slides are sometimes hard to read, and we apologize for that. Still, it is well worth a listen.

If enough of you reply YES to this email, we will arrange a special interactive ZOOM call with Dr. Rothman in the coming weeks so you can participate, ask questions, and see the slide presentation from the comfort of your own home.

RECAP:

It is nearly impossible to give this in-depth meeting a quick recap, but I'll give it a shot. For starters, Baerbel O'Haire introduced Dr. Rothman, VP & Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, highlighting the hospital's non-profit role and recent financial struggles and emphasizing the importance of the community coming together to get engaged, educated and enlightened about the critical role our hospital plays in our community.

Dr. Rothman detailed the hospital's history, challenges, and future in a changing healthcare environment. He noted achievements, acknowledged shortcomings (especially in ER) and addressed critical issues such as uncompensated care, labor shortages, housing challenges, and pandemic financial impacts, while outlining a plan for ongoing development and support to manage increased patient demands effectively.

Highlights -- Did you know?

Cleveland Clinic IRC (CC IRC) ranks as the busiest emergency department within the entire Cleveland Clinic system -- handling more than 50,000 visits annually. The ER was originally designed to accommodate only 30,000 visits per year! This suggests it is being used as a primary healthcare resource for many, offering essential services to those (uninsured) who might otherwise face barriers to access.
The hospital earned approximately $471 million last year, while spending about $520 million, resulting in an operating loss of about $47 million. This financial strain highlights the challenges faced in covering costs to treat uninsured or underinsured patients.
Approximately 44% of households in Indian River County are classified as "ALICE" (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) indicating a significant portion of the community is facing economic challenges.
The hospital admits over 20,000 patients each year and performs more than 11,000 surgeries and procedures.
Cleveland Clinic as a whole is recognized as one of the top heart centers, not only in the United States, but globally. CC IRC is one of the busiest electrophysiology centers within the entire Cleveland Clinic network.

In closing, Dr. Rothman aims to rebound from the substantial operating loss to achieve stable financial footing for the hospital by the end of 2026. He expressed a clear commitment to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the hospital ranks among the top institutions in Florida, specifically in terms of emergency care and overall patient safety. He also aspires to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and service quality at CC IRC by the end of 2026.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING +

THREE CORNERS DEVELOPER SELECTION

This Tuesday, the 22nd of April at 9:30 a.m. there will be a regular City Council meeting. The agenda is here.

From 2:30 - 4:15 p.m., Council members will interview both developers (Clearpath Services and The Blue at Vero Beach LLC). This meeting is closed to the public.

At 5:00 p.m. there is a Special Call Meeting -- open to the public -- where City Council will vote to officially select the Three Corners development partner.

This meeting is open to the public and will serve as the final meeting allowing for public comment on developer selection from the community.

City Hall

1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960

April 13, 2025

IMPORTANT DATES

HISTORY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL

Hello all,

As you know, we are hosting Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Richard Rothman, this Wednesday the 16th at Riverside Theatre from 5 - 7 p.m. We are back in the Waxlax with the Comedy Zone small tables and chairs set-up you all love. As usual, doors open at 5 for mingling, open bar, and complimentary sandwiches. The program begins at 5:30 and ends at 7 sharp. All are welcome, but we have a maximum of 120 so RSVP is encouraged (RSVP button at the end of this email).

To ground everyone in the discussion, I thought it would be helpful to put together an at-a-glance timeline of the history, where we are, some of the challenges we face, and where we are headed. This is not an official or approved timeline provided by Cleveland Clinic or the Hospital District -- it's based on research I conducted and interpreted to save you time and provide more context.

If you want to take a deeper, official dive, click here and here. Better yet, join us on Wednesday. And in case you missed it, here's 32963's recent article, Cleveland Clinic leader: We'll cure financial woes and last week's article, Cleveland Clinic cites progress, investments here.

HISTORY

Early Foundations

1932: Nurse Garnett Lunsford Radin establishes the first 21-bed private hospital.
Mid-1940s: Community forms the non-profit Indian River Hospital Association.
1945: Association acquires the hospital, solidifying its non-profit status.
1952: Indian River Memorial Hospital achieves national accreditation.
1959: The Indian River County Hospital District is established.

Navigating Modern Healthcare:

January 1, 2019: Indian River Medical Center joins the Cleveland Clinic system, aiming for enhanced care and technological advancements like AI and to connect with Cleveland Clinic's world-class reputation, particularly in the areas of cardiology, heart surgery and urology. And because each shared a similar mission-driven approach emphasizing reinvestment in patient care, research and community benefit.
Ongoing: The non-profit hospital experiences financial challenges related to charity care and the ALICE population. While Indian River County benefits from an affluent population, a significant segment of our community still lacks adequate health insurance. There are over 900 documented homeless people, and it estimated the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) ranges from 30-45% of households on the Treasure Coast, further straining resources.

A New Direction Under Dr. Rothman:

December 2023: Dr. Richard Rothman assumes leadership as interim VP and CMO with a mandate to navigate the financial complexities and challenges inherent in non-profit care delivery.
August 2024: Dr. Rothman is appointed permanent VP and CMO.

Key Initiatives & Future Outlook Under Dr. Rothman:

2023 to present:
The Hospital at Home program is launched, offering acute-level care in patients' homes. The program continues to grow, utilizing technology and coordinated in-person care.
Focused Emergency Department Improvements: Under Dr. Rothman's leadership, significant attention is being directed towards enhancing the efficiency and patient experience within the Emergency Department. These efforts include:
- Streamlining Patient Flow: Implementing strategies to expedite the movement of patients through the ED, from triage to treatment and discharge or admission, aiming to reduce wait times and improve overall throughput.
- Improving Patient Satisfaction: Actively working to understand and address patient concerns and needs within the ED.
- Optimizing Staffing Ratios: Addressing staffing levels within the ED, including a focus on replacing traveling nurses with permanent local staff to achieve a patient-to-Registered Nurse ratio that meets or exceeds national industry standards (reported as 3 to 1). This aims to provide more consistent and higher-quality care.
- Expediting Critical Care Pathways: Implementing protocols to ensure rapid transfer and treatment for critical conditions, such as stroke patients, highlighting the ED's ability to quickly move these patients to necessary interventions.
Strengthening the Care Team: Investments are being made in hiring permanent local nurses across the hospital, including within the ED.
Technological Advancement: Acquisition of a new CT scanner enhances diagnostic capabilities, directly benefiting ED patients requiring imaging.
Financial Sustainability: A goal is set to achieve financial break-even by the end of 2025.
Medical Education Partnership: Collaboration with VCOM is established.
AI Integration: The hospital is positioned to benefit from Cleveland Clinic's AI advancements.

Looking to the Future:

Under Dr. Rothman's leadership, the hospital continues to work towards financial stability and enhanced community care.
Strategic focus on innovative care models, robust emergency services, operational efficiencies, and leveraging the Cleveland Clinic system is expected to shape its future.
The aim is a sustainable future providing advanced, accessible, and high-quality healthcare, driven by its non-profit mission.

MORE UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Tuesday, April 15

Jackie Robinson Celebration Game by United Way -- buy tickets here

6:42 PM

Jackie Robinson Training Complex

3901 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Wednesday, April 16

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical -- buy tickets here

7:30 PM

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Let's Talk Healthcare in Indian River County -- RSVP here

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Tuesday, April 22

City Council interviews developers for Three Corners

9:30 AM -- more details on this soon

City Hall

1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960

LET'S TALK HEALTHCARE

with

Dr. Richard Rothman

VP and Chief Medical Officer

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Wednesday, April 16

April 8, 2025

LET'S TALK HEALTHCARE IN IRC

with

Dr. Richard Rothman

VP and Chief Medical Officer

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Wednesday, April 16

Let's Talk Vero is pleased to announce Dr. Richard Rothman, VP and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic, will join us for an engaging discussion about Cleveland Clinic and its role in our community on Wednesday, April 16 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Riverside Theatre.

This forum will allow for a lively and candid exchange with Dr. Rothman about a wide range of topics, including Cleveland Clinic's history in Indian River County, its role in our community, the relationship to the hospital district, and clarification on points raised in recent 32963 articles.

We will begin with brief remarks and an update on the City from Mayor John Cotugno, before turning the program over to Baerbel O'Haire, who will facilitate the conversation. Please RSVP using the button below.

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Irina

April 1, 2025

Hello everyone,

Lots of Updates today!

THREE CORNERS

Thank you all for participating in our survey to share your thoughts on how to proceed with Three Corners. Yesterday, the Three Corners Selection Committee met to discuss the two teams and provide a recommendation for the City Council.

You will recall, one team, Clearpath, provided a detailed design proposal that fit the City’s concept plan, however they were lacking a financial partner on their team.

The other team, The Blue at Vero Beach, offered strong financial and operations capability, but they opted to provide limited detail on design, instead focusing on their similar project experience elsewhere.

After much discussion, the committee voted 5-0 recommending the City move forward with Clearpath for the Three Corners development project. This recommendation, of course, is subject to discussion and final vote by City Council on April 22.

Central to the committee members’ decision was a suggestion by PFM, the City’s financial consultant, that the City could establish a three-phase approach toward a contract agreement. First would be a pre-negotiation phase, during which Clearpath would have an agreed-upon time period to show that they have a financial team in place. Once this is completed and acceptable to the City, the process would move into a formal negotiation phase, followed by a contract agreement.

Per the established RFP rules and regulations, in the event that Clearpath's financial plan is deemed unsatisfactory during this pre-negotiation period, the city will proceed directly to formal negotiations with The Blue at Vero Beach.

This structured, three-phase approach—encompassing pre-negotiation, formal negotiation, and the final agreement phase—with PFM's critical financial scrutiny during the initial stage, is designed to mitigate potential risks and ensure the most fiscally responsible and beneficial outcome for the City and its residents.

You may watch the replay of the meeting in its entirety here.

FROM TODAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Finances, DOGE, Tourist Tax Funds, Police Officers Union, Main Street, Tech Hub

and More

Both City Manager Monte Falls and Mayor John Cotugno issued strong statements denouncing the misinformation circulating about the City's finances.
Monte went into further detail on the police officers union, the $11.3 million award for the wastewater treatment plan, and Senator Grall's willingness to help on tourist tax funds.
Click here and scroll to the 2:03:55 mark to hear Monte Falls and the 2:14:38 mark to hear Mayor John Cotugno. Both of these statements will be posted on the COVB.org homepage.
At the 2:29:48 mark listen to Main Street's Morgen Reynolds about plans in general, the upcoming Mural Festival in June and the new tech hub she is spearheading.
Also, we heard from Council Member John Carroll setting the record straight on why Three Corners will not be a green park or put on hold or cancelled altogether at the 2:29:48 mark.

UPCOMING EVENTS

As you know, Let's Talk Vero typically focuses on growth and development issues as well as matters before Council. And as we've written in the past, we're getting tons of requests from non-profits asking us to amplify their work with our readers. After testing and taking into consideration all your feedback, we are pleased to announce an as-yet unnamed sister site (much prettier than this one!) to place emphasis on events, non-profits and their impact on our community, among other exciting features still in development. The plan is to unveil in May. Stay tuned for more information.

In the meantime, some upcoming events for your consideration:

Wednesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 6

Riverside Theatre's Every Brilliant Thing -- matinee at 2 p.m. and evening shows (except Sunday) at 7:30 p.m.

A boy’s handwritten list to cheer up his despondent mom becomes a surprisingly funny and poignant ode to humanity. Based on true and untrue stories, Duncan MacMillan’s Every Brilliant Thing takes audiences on a sublime and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys — and to each other. Purchase tickets here.

Sunday, April 6

Youth Kindness Day Celebration at the Environmental Learning Center from 1 - 4 p.m. Admission is free for this event brought to you by veroBEachKIND, an organization dedicated to spreading kindness. Explore nature trails, the Living Lagoon, touch tank and so much more. The Moonshot Moment rocket will be there and the first 50 children to arrive (after 1 p.m.) will receive a free T-shirt. You can learn more about veroBEachKIND here.

Monday, April 7

The Green Heart Tribe's inaugural hat luncheon, "Vero in Bloom" at McKee Botanical Garden, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hats off to Green Heart Tribe founders Deana Marchant, Jordan Wakeland, Stephanie MacWilliam, Cindy O'Dare, and Margaret Anne Evans! To support this work, donate or purchase tickets here.

Saturday, April 12

The City of Vero Beach hosts its 65th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beach behind Mulligan's. Enjoy beachfront egg hunting, golden egg winners, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Hunting will be separated into age groups. Bring a donation of 6 empty plastic Easter eggs. Event begins at 10 a.m. -- so arrive early to hear announcements and participate in face painting.

Tuesday, April 15

The annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game to benefit United Way. The Clearwater Threshers vs. the Palm Beach Cardinals at Holman Stadium. Gates open at 5. Tickets are $12.00 -- free for children 3 and under. Purchase advance tickets here or pay $15.00 on game day.

Wednesday, April 16

Let's Talk Healthcare at Riverside Theatre with Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Richard Rothman. Doors open at 5 for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP is requested here.

March 28, 2025

Resending yesterday's email because:

Given Monday's important selection committee meeting with developers for Three Corners (open to public in the afternoon) sharing Ray McNulty's "Vero kept in limbo as Clearpath seeks new money partner" story here, which published just after I hit send.
Also, we had technical difficulties with the links to survey results-- here are the results from City residents and voters. As of this writing 15% of City voters say proceed with Clearpath regardless of financial partner, 16% say proceed with Blue at Vero and 19% say encourage a collaboration. And here are the results for both County and City residents where 15% say proceed with Clearpath, 15% say proceed with Blue at Vero and 19% say encourage a collaboration. The remaining 50% of both City and City and County combined chose "Other," which represents a broad range of thoughts about the project overall.

BEAUTIFYING OCEAN DRIVE AND MAIN STREET

Vero Beach is witnessing wonderful and impactful community-driven change with two distinct projects underway aimed at beautifying Vero Beach.

These initiatives on Ocean Drive and Main Street, demonstrate the community's passion for improving Vero Beach's aesthetic and communal spaces through public-private partnerships.

Ocean Drive

Along Ocean Drive, a dedicated group of real estate professionals, shop owners, and residents known as the Green Heart Tribe, is beautifying Ocean Drive "one flower at a time."

The initiative, driven by private funding and volunteer efforts, aims to transform the six-block stretch of Ocean Drive, from Acacia Lane to Flamevine, into a perennially blooming, garden-like streetscape.

Inspired by successful models from other cities like Winter Park and Telluride, the project involves the installation of flowerbeds and solar-powered lamp posts with hanging baskets, designed to create a lush pedestrian experience.

This endeavor highlights a form of public-private collaboration, where the city provides support, but the primary funding comes from private sources.

To support this work, donate or purchase tickets here for the inaugural hat luncheon, "Vero in Bloom" at McKee Botanical Garden, which will take place on Monday, April 7 from 11 am - 2 pm.

Hats off to Green Hearts Tribe founders Deana Marchant, Jordan Wakefield, Cindy O'Dare, and Margaret Anne Evans!

Main Street Vero Beach

Main Street is also the focus of a comprehensive improvement effort, spearheaded by a strong public-private partnership. Led by Main Street Vero Beach, in collaboration with the City, property owners, and business owners, the mission centers on creating a more beautiful, lively and thriving Main Street.

Strategic infrastructural upgrades are underway, including the incremental installation of decorative lighting to enhance the walkable core, along with exciting landscaping upgrades in collaboration with the City and local landscaping companies. These upgrades aim to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, improve safety, and enhance accessibility.

If you haven't seen the lights first-hand, attend Downtown Friday (this Friday the 28th) for the Beach Bash Dance Party featuring the Riptide Band from 6 - 9.

Simultaneously, Main Street Vero Beach is organizing more community events to foster a sense of shared identity and draw people to the downtown area. Notable upcoming events include the Indian River County Centennial Parade, which will take place on June 27, and the inaugural Main Street Mural Festival set for November 7 - 9.

To support these enhancements, Main Street Vero Beach is offering downtown stakeholders the opportunity to participate in an informal Business Improvement District (BID), allowing for voluntary contributions that directly support specific projects. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Main Street Vero Beach is also actively pursuing grant funding through the National Main Street Program and soliciting public donations to maximize impact, demonstrating a collaborative effort between civic entities and private contributors.

To donate or get involved visit www.mainstreetverobeach.org or reach out to members of the Main Street Vero Beach leadership team -- Morgen Reynolds, Lisa McNamee, Robi Robinson, Jennifer Denorio, Ray Hooker, Richard Giessert, and Rebecca Grohall.

Three Corners Survey Results

Here is a snapshot of community sentiment (City and County residents) on how survey takers are feeling as of today about how the City should prioritize proceeding with Three Corners should Clearpath not be able to secure a financial partner by Monday's selection committee interviews. And here are the results from City residents only.

Reminder -- the selection committee meets with the two developers all morning on Monday, March 31 and at the conclusion of those interviews, roughly 2:45 p.m., the meeting opens to the public, where the selection committee will share what they learned in the in-person meetings.

If you haven't already weighed in and wish to, take this quick survey The results will update in real-time and can be accessed by clicking the links above.

March 24, 2025

HOW DO YOU THINK THE CITY SHOULD PRIORITIZE MOVING FORWARD ON THREE CORNERS?

Hello everyone,

We are at the final stretch!

One week from today the Three Corners Selection Committee meets again -- this time for in-person interviews with the developers prior to making their final recommendation to Council.

Take this quick survey to share your thoughts on how you think the City should prioritize next steps given the current climate.

We will share results with Council members as well as the community.

As you may recall, it became evident during the March 4 Selection Committee meeting that Clearpath, the preferred developer (by 4-1 vote), lost its financial partner. While the Blue at Vero Beach has a strong financial partner, the committee felt their submission was weak on design and engineering.

For a quick refresh, you can reference these media stories that have run since March 3:

Sunshine Journal -- Three Corners Committee Ranks First the Proposal Without Financial Backing; City’s expert advisors call Clearpath’s financial capacity “weak or not demonstrated." This story features a chart with a full breakdown of the scoring criteria and actual scores by Stantec and PFM

TC Palm -- Vero Beach Three Corners numbers game: Round 2 selection eerily like Round 1 -- Opinion

Vero News -- Why Vero should pause on Three Corners project

LINKS TO PROPOSALS

Clearpath RFP Response can be found here.

Blue at Vero Beach RFP Response can be found here.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Monday, March 31:

Morning: Selection Committee interviews developers (closed to public per state statute); then at 2:45 p.m. (subject to change) there will be a public meeting where the committee will share publicly what they saw in the interviews and their final recommendations.

Week of April 22nd: City Council interviews developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of April 22nd: The City Council makes the final decision. This meeting is open to the public and does allow for public comment right before the vote.

March 14, 2025

Happy Friday!

Thank you to everyone who came out for Let's Talk Philanthropy and Why it Matters on Monday night. The replay is here.

A special thanks to our guests, Jeff Pickering (Indian River Community Foundation) and Meredith Egan (United Way of Indian River County).

It was evident by the end of the evening we clearly need to continue this discussion! Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the economic impact below -- I had no idea public charities in IRC represented $94M in annual wages!

If you want to take a deeper dive now, take a moment to explore Indian River Indicators here, an online resource tracking the data behind the biggest issues facing Indian River County and empowering our nonprofits with the insights to solve them.

After Monday's event, Lauren Michaels, Board Vice President of Literacy Services of Indian River County invited us to attend today's "Love of Literacy Luncheon." It was heartwarming to see nearly 200 people in attendance celebrating two inspiring students -- Layla P. (ESOL) and Bernie B. (Literacy) -- as well as their tutors, Mary Ann Abruzzo, Mike Godown, and Sheila Small.

Beyond celebrating the students' achievements, the luncheon underscored the invaluable role of dedicated tutors, and served as a moving testament to the profound difference a focused, committed tutor can make in an individual's life.

If you have a passion for education and a desire to make a tangible difference, consider becoming a literacy tutor. The time commitment is only two hours a week; the rewards are significant, and the need is real. Learn more about tutoring opportunities by emailing info@literacyservicesirc.org.

Let's Talk Healthcare with Dr. Richard Rothman

Let's explore the future of healthcare in Indian River County!

Save the date and RSVP below for "Let's Talk Healthcare" with Dr. Richard Rothman from Cleveland Clinic, Wednesday, April 16. More details forthcoming soon.

March 9, 2025

Happy Sunday, everyone!

A confluence of important things for your attention and calendar:

First, Read Ray McNulty's sobering, if somewhat alarming piece in 32963 -- Vero voters face choice: amenities or low taxes -- about the stark realities facing the City and the potential need to raise taxes. Full article linked at the end of this e-mail.

Then RSVP here to weigh in at tomorrow night's Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre where Baerbel O'Haire will moderate the discussion about key issues facing the City and how public-private partnerships and philanthropy fill gaps when governments falls short. At Riverside Theatre tomorrow (March 10) from 5-7 p.m.

And finally, attend Tuesday's Council meeting (March 11 at 9:30 a.m.) agenda here, where the public-private partnership model for the marina will be discussed, along with succession planning, the need for a strategic communications plan for the City, how to improve the efficiency of the City's financial systems, and more.

RAISING TAXES & PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Prepare for this to be a recurring theme in the coming months. Paraphrasing Ray's timely and eye-opening piece, the City faces escalating service demands due to County growth, coupled with the urgent need to address deferred maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Our current, comparatively low tax rate (fourth lowest in the state it is said) doesn't appear to be sustainable.

This topic will surely be a focal point for tomorrow night's Let's Talk Vero event at Riverside Theatre, where Mayor John Cotugno will give an update and Jeff Pickering of Indian River Community Foundation and Meredith Egan of United Way will talk about philanthropy, why it matters and how it acts as a critical catalyst when government initiatives fall short.

Essentially, we either aggressively pursue and expand public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector investment and expertise, or Council may have no other option than to raise taxes. Without significant private sector involvement, the burden of maintaining Vero Beach's quality of life will fall squarely on residents' shoulders through increased taxation.

On Tuesday's Council agenda, the idea of considering a P3 model for the marina has been added to the agenda by Mayor Cotugno, the implementation of a strategic communications plan for the City was added by Councilmember John Carroll, and renaming Leisure Square was added by Councilmember Vos. Also, assessing the financial systems and succession planning are on the agenda. Sherriff Eric Flowers will discuss the Computer Aided Dispatch system.

RELEVANT EXCERPTS FROM RAY'S ARTICLE

“We also have to address the projects that we’ve already started, and whether we should more aggressively seek public-private partnerships in accomplishing them,” the mayor said, adding that the same strategy also should apply to future projects.

The city has engaged in such joint ventures in the past, and it’s currently working with Piper Aircraft to renovate Pocahontas Park. Also, the city plans to rebuild the storm-damaged Humiston Beach boardwalk using a combination of city and county funds, and donations from the private sector.

Certainly, public-private partnerships can be helpful, especially for local governments operating under tight budgets. But it’s embarrassing that a city of Vero Beach’s stature needed contributions from private citizens to rebuild an iconic boardwalk.

FULL ARTICLE LINKED BELOW

Vero voters face choice: amenities or low taxes

At some point in the not-too-distant future, Vero Beach voters will need to decide what kind of city they want – and whether they’re willing to pay for it. Link here:

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

LET'S TALK VERO AT RIVERSIDE THEATRE

Tomorrow

Monday, March 10

5-7 p.m.

5:00 -- Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 -- Program Begins

March 7, 2025

Monday, March 10

for

Let's Talk Philanthropy in Vero Beach

and Why it Matters

Riverside Theatre

with special guests

Jeff Pickering

President and CEO of Indian River Community Foundation

Meredith Egan

CEO of United Way of

Indian River County

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

Monday, March 10

5-7 p.m.

5:00 -- Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 -- Program Begins

Hello all,

Reminder to join us this Monday, March 10 for Let's Talk Philanthropy in Vero Beach, featuring Mayor John Cotugno and special guests Jeff Pickering and Meredith Egan, moderated by Baerbel O'Haire.

After a brief update from Mayor Cotugno, Jeff Pickering and Meredith Egan will discuss the vital role philanthropy plays in our community -- from stimulating economic development to filling gaps where government initiatives fall short -- preserving the quality of life we all enjoy throughout Indian River County.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

March 5, 2025

Hello everyone,

Sharing Nick Slater's article covering yesterday's Selection Committee Meeting to rank the two proposals for Three Corners here.

The committee voted 4-1 to rank Clearpath as the preferred developer, highlighting the strength of their design, vision, and comprehensive submission. Planning Director Jason Jeffries cast the dissenting vote. A recurring theme was disappointment in the lack of detail and thoroughness of the submission from Blue at Vero Beach.

A significant point of discussion was Clearpath's lack of a clear financial partner. Specifically, Westminster, initially listed as a financial partner, is not participating in the development phase. Clearpath has until the March 31st one-on-one meeting with developers (a closed, statutorily protected session) to resolve this concern.

The committee will then re-rank the proposals and submit its recommendation to the City Council.

You can watch the three-hour meeting in its entirety but understanding that financial feasibility is a top priority for you, as indicated by our surveys and concerns expressed at last week's event at Riverside Theatre, we've provided a link and highlights to the PFM presentation focusing specifically on the financial aspects.

Click here and navigate to the 25:41 mark to hear Mary Peloquin-Dodd, a director at PFM, go into great detail behind the methodology and their scoring. PFM assessed proposals on a 20-point scale: 5 points for the financial plan, 10 points for financial capacity, and 5 points for the operational team's capability.

Capability of Operations

Clearpath scored 3 out of 5

Blue at Vero Beach scored 5 out of 5

Financial Plan

Clearpath scored 2 out of 5

Blue at Vero Beach scored 4 out of 5

Financial Capacity

Clearpath scored 2 out of 10

Blue at Vero Beach scored 10 out of 10

The second installment of the meeting (after a break) begins here.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Monday, March 31:

Week of April 22nd: City Council interviews developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of April 22nd: The City Council makes the final decision. This meeting is open to the public and does allow for public comment right before the vote.

LINKS TO PROPOSALS

Clearpath RFP Response can be found here.

Blue at Vero Beach RFP Response can be found here.

March 3, 2025

Hello everyone,

As promised, the replay of Wednesday's Let's Talk Three Corners gathering at Riverside Theatre is now available here. Tomorrow, the Selection Committee meets at 1 pm in Council Chambers to begin discussion and ranking of proposals.

Notably, the primary concerns expressed by the audience centered on the value of the property and financial feasibility, followed by traffic and parking considerations. There was minimal discussion regarding the specific design proposals presented. Christine Hughes shared her observations on how Three Corners will affect real estate, and Morgen Reynolds spoke about how the development will complement downtown Main Street.

As previously explained, the City, exercising an abundance of caution, withdrew Peter Polk's participation in the event. However, the gathering proceeded to provide a forum for public concerns and questions that could be shared with staff, Council, and the developers as they advance through the selection process. The limited focus on design-related questions suggests comfort with and trust in the process put in place.

NEXT STEPS

The next meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 4 in Council chambers at 1 pm. It's a public meeting where the selection committee will begin discussing and ranking the proposals. My understanding is there will be no public comment during this meeting. The full meeting schedule is below.

EVALUATION & SCORING CRITERA

Refined and Strengthened Approach

In order to protect the integrity of the process and ensure the best outcome for the community and for the participating developers, the City refined and strengthened the approach, with key changes including:

Enhanced Guardrails for Transparency:
- New rules and stricter guidelines for communications were carefully crafted by City staff, creating a level playing field for all participants.
Standardized Cost Requirements:
- Proposals required a base amount for site work, ensuring fairness and consistent benchmarks for evaluation.
Clarity and Comparability:
- The revised RFP emphasized concise, standardized submissions with comparable cost breakdowns, making it easier to evaluate proposals efficiently and equitably.
Expert Oversight:
- In addition to the PFM review on the financial side, Stantec will evaluate the design feasibility of each proposal, adding an additional layer of expertise and objectivity to the decision-making process.

SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jason Jeffries, Planning & Development Director
Rob Bolton, Water and Sewer Director
Jeb Bittner, Planning & Zoning Board Chairman
Robert Jones, Finance Commission Chairman
Vicky Gould, Three Corners Steering Committee Chair

SURVEY RESULTS

Here are the survey results to date (some 150+ responses). If you haven't already, and want to make your thoughts known, click here. The results will update in real time.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Tuesday, March 4th, 1 p.m.: The Selection Committee meets publicly to discuss the proposals. This meeting is open to the public, but there will be no public comment

Week of March 24th: Selection Committee interviews with developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of March 24th: The Selection Committee discusses rankings and presents their recommendations to the City Council at this meeting -- open to the public. Again, no public comment

Week of April 22nd: City Council interviews developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of April 22nd: The City Council makes the final decision. This meeting is open to the public and does allow for public comment right before the vote.

LINKS TO PROPOSALS

Clearpath RFP Response can be found here.

Blue at Vero Beach RFP Response can be found here.

February 28, 2025

Let's Talk Philanthropy in Vero Beach

and Why it Matters

Riverside Theatre

with special guests

Jeff Pickering

President and CEO of Indian River Community Foundation

Meredith Egan

CEO of United Way of

Indian River County

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

Monday, March 10

5-7 p.m.

5:00 -- Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 -- Program Begins

Hello all,

We're switching it up a bit -- now that Three Corners is winding down -- we are building on our very popular Let's Talk Lagoon and Let's Talk Affordable Housing conversations with Let's Talk Philanthropy in Vero Beach and Why it Matters.

After an update on City initiatives from Mayor John Cotugno, we'll hear from special guests Jeff Pickering and Meredith Egan. They'll illuminate how philanthropy is far more than just well-intentioned giving; it's a critical catalyst for economic development, especially when government initiatives fall short. Discover the tangible ways it has shaped, and continues to influence, the quality of life we all enjoy throughout Indian River County.

Moderated by Baerbel O'Haire, we will learn how United Way and the Indian River Community Foundation, alongside passionate philanthropists and everyday citizens, are forging a powerful blueprint for a future of unprecedented impact. We're not just talking about improvements; we're talking about building a legacy of lasting change.

We're excited to see you there. To learn more about the work of the Indian River Community Foundation, click here. To learn more about United Way of Indian River County, click here.

February 22, 2025

Hello everyone,

Super excited to see you all this Wednesday for

Let's Talk Three Corners

Riverside Theatre

Wednesday, February 26

5-7 p.m.

5:00 p.m. -- Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 p.m. -- Program begins

Just a quick note about the format:

We had originally received -- and announced -- approval from the City for Peter Polk, the Project Manager for Three Corners, to participate in our event.

However, after further consideration, the City, out of an abundance of caution regarding the ongoing developer selection, has decided to withdraw his participation. We completely understand and respect their decision. Maintaining the integrity of the process is paramount, and we at Let's Talk Vero wouldn't want to do anything at all to jeopardize that, especially given the upset in the process last time around.

So, it'll just be us – the community – having a totally uncensored, open, and honest conversation. And that's incredibly valuable; perhaps even more so than having a City official on hand to answer questions.

Both developers, who are on our mailing list, are regular readers of Let's Talk Vero. They will receive the survey results and the replay of this event, so your questions and concerns will be top of mind as they move through the interview and selection process.

As Mr. Polk himself explained:

Irina,

Thank you for your invitation to participate in your Let’s Talk Vero event on February 26th focusing on the Three Corners project. As I indicated in our telephone conversation, the City’s position is that, with the developer selection process still in an active phase, City representatives should not participate in a public forum on the project. Your work in hosting events such as this one is much appreciated and is, in my opinion, an important part of public dialogue. However, the timing of this event is such that it is best for City representatives to refrain from being a part of it.

I very much look forward to the opportunity of joining you to discuss the project once the City’s selection process is complete.

Best regards,

Peter Polk

Here are the survey results so far -- you can see the trending questions and concerns in real time.

If you haven't already, please take the survey here, add your own questions, and forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.

This survey is your last opportunity to easily weigh in. There will be no public comment opportunity in the upcoming meetings (see below schedule) until the very final meeting at the end of April where Council will make its official selection.

Of course, you can always write directly to your Council members if you prefer; we just want to offer an efficient way for you to do so. To date, we have over 100 responses and we'd love to include yours.

With two outstanding proposals for Three Corners in hand, we are quickly approaching the day we’ve all been waiting for. While one developer will ultimately be selected and another will not, let’s extend our deep appreciation to both for their commitment to our community and for investing their resources, time and vision in Vero Beach.

We feel great about the safeguards put in place for the selection process, and are confident the Selection Committee, City Staff, and Council will choose prudently, using all the wisdom and patience needed to make the best decision for Vero Beach for decades to come.

Here's how you can stay involved:

Take the Survey here
Attend the meetings below (dates subject to change):

Tuesday, March 4th, 1 p.m.: The Selection Committee meets publicly to discuss the proposals. This meeting is open to the public, but there will be no public comment

Week of March 24th: Selection Committee interviews with developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of March 24th: The Selection Committee discusses rankings and presents their recommendations to the City Council at this meeting -- open to the public. Again, no public comment

Week of April 22nd: City Council interviews developers (closed to public per state statute)

Week of April 22nd: The City Council makes the final decision. This meeting is open to the public and does allow for public comment right before the vote.

Your input at Let's Talk Three Corners Wednesday -- and then at the final meeting mentioned above where public comment is welcome -- is essential. It allows your voice to be heard and considered during the decision-making process without messing with the rules, regulations and fairness of the RFP process.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

February 18, 2025

Let's Talk Parks, Recreation, Pickleball & Padel

Tonight

Padel Grille at The Boulevard

5-7 p.m.

1620 Blvd Village Ln

Directions

See you at 5 pm at Padel Grille (1620 Blvd Village Ln) at the Boulevard Tennis and Padel Club for Let's Talk Parks, Recreation, Pickleball and Padel!

Grab a free cocktail when you arrive and join Vice-Mayor Linda Moore and Parks & Recreation Director Jim O'Connell as they discuss exciting new updates about Pocahantas, Humiston and other park developments. Mayor John Cotugno will be joining as well but will be arriving late.

We'll also explore the buzz around Padel, the hot new racquet sport now at the Boulevard.

You won't want to miss it!

RSVP Requested

February 15, 2025

Next Steps Downtown

and

Let's Talk Parks, Recreation, Pickleball & Padel

The Boulevard's Padel Grille this Tuesday

All guests will receive a complimentary cocktail

Now, for the recap of Tuesday's City Council meeting and the future of downtown Vero Beach:

Nick Slater's article "Vero Beach kicks off downtown improvements with four immediate projects" provides a great overview of next steps.

Ray McNulty's 32963 piece "Council ignoring voters' will on Downtown Vero" raises concerns. While the headline is attention-grabbing, it's important to understand the full context. There was no revisiting of the referendums at Tuesday's meeting -- and certainly no ignoring the voters' will. Allegations that Vice Mayor Linda Moore and Councilman John Carroll are leading a "vocal minority" of downtown advocates with a "we are right, the voters are wrong" stance is, from my vantage point, unfair and unfounded.

The Council's ongoing commitment to bringing downtown to the next level stems from years of community input where residents have expressed a desire for things like more beautification, outdoor cafes, local retail shops, restaurants, walkability, and most of all, a Trader Joe's. What does Trader Joe's look for in a potential location? Foot traffic. What drives foot traffic? A strong residential base, a diverse mix of businesses, public spaces and a pedestrian-friendly sense of place.

Council listened and tried the referendums -- with good intent -- they failed. As we hear so often from the dais, our City runs lean, and the referendums were pursued also as a way to avoid raising taxes while generating much-needed revenue; allocating those dollars to infrastructure projects so often neglected due to lack of funds. I don't believe it's fair to say it was wrong-headed or wasteful. It was a valiant effort to bring to bear what so many people wanted and a potential way to generate revenue for the City. But it is not to be. So what's next?

Council is and should be looking at what they can do short, mid and long-term to make downtown a beautiful and thriving destination for residents -- and tourists. They have not sought to reintroduce the referendums, as the article suggests. The plan in the short term is to at least "spruce up" downtown with murals, flowerpots, better wayfinding, lighting, testing the return of benches, etc. See a screenshot of short-term actions below:

Notice that Main Street, now run by Beyond the Trend Marketing founder Morgen Reynolds, will be a key driver in the execution of these short-term projects. If you want to get involved or contribute monetarily, please be in touch with Morgen by emailing her at info@mainstreetverobeach.org.

It's worth noting that the beautification of Ocean Drive is not funded by the City. Top island realtors Cindy O’Dare and Matilde Sorensen are among those spearheading and securing private donations to make our island’s most prominent street so lovely and picturesque. It would be fantastic to see more mainland leaders step up and partner with Main Street to achieve the same on 14th Avenue. It was inspiring to see Ashley Conard from the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce come up to the podium to say she is willing to engage her members to help.

Back to the failed referendums and the Council's good intentions. A bit more background because we still get a lot of people asking "why" they were introduced to begin with, what they would have offered, and why they failed. I believe they failed due to wording, timing and mostly, fears of overdevelopment and the perceived (understandably) threat to our small-town charm.

Ironically, the referendums were introduced to prevent this very outcome. By concentrating growth in this isolated downtown area, they aimed to manage development and prevent the uncontrolled sprawl that has plagued places throughout south Florida, leading to congestion and loss of small-town charm. This would have been achieved by allowing for mixed-use development and smaller, more affordable housing units -- all while preserving Vero's low-rise, community-focused character. In addition to preserving the character of downtown by mitigating sprawl, this concentrated growth approach also offered significant economic benefits: a built-in customer base of young professionals enabling local businesses to not just exist but thrive, increased sales tax revenue and prevention of economic leakage to nearby areas. Thus, creating a self-sustaining cycle of economic growth and reinvestment. That's a lot to get your head around. If I hadn't spent the past 20 years promoting the works of our nation's most respected architects, urban planners and thought leaders through placement in top tier media outlets, academic journals and keynotes at conferences, I'd just say no to increased density, too. But I've been lucky enough to witness the great successes -- Downtown Stuart, also master-planned by DPZ CoDESIGN, among them.

In the end, it's important to note that 2,800 people did support the referendum. Had the vote coincided with a typical municipal election (which saw a scant 3,708 voters in 2023) the outcome might have been different. Over 8,000 people voted in this historic presidential election.

For or against the referendums, the message is loud and clear for me -- we need to identify and engage the thousands of COVB residents who, for whatever reason, opt out of engagement and municipal elections in general and these crucial planning discussions in particular. Especially for any proposal requiring a referendum! The trick is reaching them.

To take a deeper dive into the short, mid and long-term actions, click here to watch the presentation by Planning Director Jason Jeffries, then scroll to the 33:17 marker.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday at Let's Talk Parks, Recreation, Pickleball & Padel. Details below.

Tuesday, February 18

LET'S TALK PARKS, RECREATION, PICKLEBALL &

PADEL

with Vice Mayor Linda Moore and Parks & Recreation Director Jim O'Connell

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Padel Grille at The Boulevard

1620 Boulevard Village Lane

Get an update on Humiston Park Pocahantas Park, Pickleball facilities, walking trails, boat ramps and more.

Also, if you'd like to make a donation to the restoration of the Humiston Park Boardwalk, through the Indian River Community Foundation, click here).

Free and open to the public.

RSVP Requested

February 10, 2025

Let’s Talk Three Corners

Wednesday, February 26

Riverside Theatre

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. -- Doors open for complimentary sandwiches and cash bar

5:30 p.m. -- Program begins

Downtown Revitalization Action Items

short, mid and long-term action items will be discussed at tomorrow's City Council Meeting

Tuesday, February 11

9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers

Agenda Item 9-A Proposed Action Items can be found here.

Hello all,

In preparation for Let's Talk Three Corners at Riverside Theatre on the Wednesday the 26th, we are seeking your input and questions in advance via this quick survey.

Your questions will serve as the basis for our discussion on the 26th.

After that, the next official Three Corners City of Vero Beach meeting -- the Selection Committee's discussion and ranking of the two proposals -- will take place on Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. This meeting will be open to the public, whereas the following meeting -- the interviews with developers -- slated for the week of March 24, will be closed to the public per state statute.

It is important to note that factors well beyond aesthetics alone are critical considerations in the final decision.

PFM is set to undertake a thorough review of financial feasibility.

Stantec will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the design feasibility of each proposal, adding an additional layer of expertise and objectivity to the process.

If you want to take a deep dive into scoring criteria, click here to watch the January 8 meeting where the selection committee discusses the process in great detail.

Components of evaluation scoring are below:

Scoring criteria from section 4-3 from the request for proposals. You may view the full RFP here.

Take the Survey Here

History of Three Corners

The Three Corners project in Vero Beach has a history grounded in community vision, planning, and a commitment to transforming the former power plant site into a vibrant waterfront destination for the community and tourists alike.

Timeline of key events:

2019: The City of Vero Beach initiated the Three Corners project, recognizing the revenue-generating potential of the 100-acre former power plant site at the base of the 17th Street bridge. Renowned architecture and urban planning firm, DPZ CoDesign was selected to lead a community engagement process and develop a master concept plan based on community input.

2019-2020: DPZ CoDesign conducted extensive community outreach, including public meetings, workshops, and a robust engagement process via an online platform to gather input and ideas for the site's development. This collaborative process resulted in a master concept plan, often dubbed the "community plan" or the "standing ovation plan." that emphasized mixed-use development, public access, and environmental sensitivity. See the plan here.

November, 2022: A referendum took place, where Vero Beach residents overwhelmingly (by a 79% margin) voted to allow the City to lease the former power plant site for commercial purposes, paving the way for the Three Corners project to move forward.

2023: The city began the process of selecting a developer to bring the master concept plan to life. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued and submissions from various development firms were evaluated.

May, 2024: After evaluating proposals submitted by Clearpath, SūDā Group, Vista Blue and Edgewater, the Selection Committee recommended Clearpath; but when it came time to vote, SūDā Group edged ahead, and Council voted as SūDā Group as the preferred developer. Subsequently, due to issues surrounding improper communication initiated by both developers with City officials, the decision was made to disqualify the chosen developer and begin the process anew with stricter rules to ensure transparency and fairness. City Attorney John Turner remarked "measure twice, cut once," and Selection Committee Member Jeb Bittner stated "no developer would have wanted to win under these circumstances," leading many in the community to see the restart of the process as a positive move forward.

Present: The City of Vero Beach launched a new RFP process in August of 2024. On January 16, 2025, the proposals, submitted by Clearpath and The Blue at Vero Beach LLC, were made public. The Blue (renamed from SūDā Group) and Clearpath, were also the top two contenders from Round 1 -- no other bids were submitted. Both proposals will advance in the selection process with key milestones on the following dates (subject to change) -- note those meetings open to the public:

March 4, 2025 at 1PM
- Selection Committee Ranking of Proposals [Public Meeting]
March 24, 2025 (week of)
- Selection Committee Interviews [Per State Statute, Interviews are closed to the public]
March 24, 2025 (week of)
- Selection Committee discuss rankings post interview and recommendation to City Council [Public Meeting]
April 22, 2025 (week of)
- City Council interviews both developers [Per State Statute, Interviews are closed to the public]
April 22, 2025 (week of)
- City Council selection [Public Meeting and Public Comment]

February 5, 2025

Hello everyone,

Mark your calendars:

Let's Talk Three Corners

Wednesday, February 26

Riverside Theatre

Doors open at 5 pm for cash bar and complimentary gourmet sandwiches

Program begins at 5:30 pm

We will be sending around more details and a survey by week's end. In the meantime, please RSVP using the button below.

MORE EVENTS OF INTEREST

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 6

STATE OF THE DISTRICT --

Indian River Schools

"Anchored in Innovation"

5:00 p.m.

Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center

1707 16th Street

5 pm - Arrival and Networking

5:15 - 6:15 -- State of the District Presentation

6:15 -- Media Center Ribbon Cutting

6:30 -- Superintendent's Art Gallery of Student Artwork

Guests will also enjoy appetizers and desserts prepared by Vero Beach High School and Sebastian River High School Culinary Arts students.

Free and open to the public.

Learn More

Tuesday, February 11

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

9:30 a.m.

Council Chambers

1053 20th Place

Agenda will be published soon, usually three business days in advance.

Agenda

Tuesday, February 18

LET'S TALK PARKS, RECREATION, PICKLEBALL &

PADEL

with Mayor John Cotugno and Parks & Recreation Director Jim O'Connell

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Padel Grille at The Boulevard

1620 Boulevard Village Lane

Get an update on Humiston Park Pocahantas Park, Pickleball facilities, walking trails, boat ramps and more.

Also, if you'd like to make a donation to the restoration of the Humiston Park Boardwalk, through the Indian River Community Foundation, click here). As of this writing, $33,100 has been raised toward the $400,000 goal.

Free and open to the public.

RSVP Requested

Thursday, February 20

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

of Lincoln Center

7:30 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church

2365 Pine Avenue

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Duo in G major for Violin and Viola
Felix Mendelssohn – Quintet No. 1 in A major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Quintet in C major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello

Performed by: Richard Lin, violin; Danbi Um, violin; Aaron Boyd, violin; Paul Neubauer, viola; and Jonathan Swensen, cello.

Purchase Tickets

Saturday, February 22

ORCA EXPLORER'S EXPERIENCE

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Triton Submarines

10055 102nd Terrace, Sebastian

With Let's Talk Lagoon one of our most popular events, we wanted to share details for The ORCA’s Explorer’s Experience at Triton Submarines. featuring drinks, live music, and an immersive experience surrounded by state-of-the-art deep-sea submersibles. The evening will also include light painting, which uses the movement of lights and long exposures to create incredible images.

Purchase Tickets

February 4, 2025

Let’s Talk Vero Parks, Recreation, Pickleball and Padel

The Boulevard

Tuesday, February 18

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

1620 Boulevard Village Lane

Join Ed Shanaphy of The Boulevard in conversation with Mayor John Cotugno and Parks & Recreation Director Jim O'Connell for an insightful discussion on:

Vero Beach Parks & Recreation: Discover the latest updates on Humiston Park, Pocahontas Park, and all the incredible parks and amenities where we live, play and thrive. Learn about the diverse offerings at each park, including playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, boat ramps, pickleball courts, and more.
A Padel Revolution: Padel, a fast-growing racquet sport with roots in Mexico, is now available in Vero Beach at The Boulevard. Learn more about this exciting blend of tennis and squash and see what the buzz is all about.

Tuesday, February 18th

The Padel Grille at The Boulevard

1620 Boulevard Village Lane

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your community, learn about the incredible parks and recreation resources available to you, and experience the thrill of Padel!

January 30, 2025

RENEWED ENERGY FOR DOWNTOWN

Recap of January 28 City Council Special Call Meeting

As promised, we're sharing the recap and replay of Tuesday's special call meeting to discuss what happens downtown after the defeat of the referendums.

Vero Beach eyes new ways of improving downtown.

Here is Nick Slater's story, which ran this morning. A fast and comprehensive read. The full replay can be found here.

I suggest beginning with the impassioned presentations by Vice Mayor Linda Moore and Councilman John Carroll at the 58:24 mark

Scroll to the 1:34-55 mark where Morgen Reynolds, President of the Board for Main Street, opens public comment by advocating for the idea of moving forward with a Business Improvement District (BID) approach.

Followed by Gallery 14's Lila Blakeslee, Barbara Ruddy, Barbara Secor, who emphasized the importance of paying homage to the history of downtown, Robyn Berry, who shared an update about the Vero Beach Heritage Center reminding us of all the facilities (including the sweeping lawn available for use), Vicky Gould, and Ken Daige.

Finally, see the 1:57 mark where T.P. Kennedy talks about the path forward -- great ideas -- but let's get implementing -- more parking, more beautification, etc. TP is enthusiastic and bullish on downtown and embraces the idea of a CRA or BID.

Followed by closing remarks by Mayor Cotugno.

If you want to dive deeper, go to the 1:04 mark where Mayor Cotugno opens up before turning over to Planning Director, Jason Jeffries through the 11:25 mark, where a long discussion about lighting begins. At the 34:21 mark, Jason continues his discussion and delves into the different ways to move forward.

Stay tuned -- this is happening!

January 27, 2025

Important Meetings for Tomorrow

Let's Talk Three Corners

Riverside Theatre

Wednesday, February 26

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

More details to follow

Hello all,

Lots going on!

If you're interested in Humiston Park Boardwalk next steps and funding options, you may want to attend tomorrow's (1/28) Board of County Commissioners Meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Commission Chambers - 1801 27th Street, Building A. You may view the full agenda here.
At 9:30 a.m. (also tomorrow) City Council will be discussing important infrastructure improvements -- providing progress reports on the water reclamation facility, airport improvements, and the marina project. You may view the full agenda here.
If you would like to share your input concerning forward movement after the failed referendums to revitalize downtown, you will want to attend tomorrow's 6:00 p.m. special call meeting in City Council Chambers. From the agenda items, here you will find historical background information from Planning Director Jason Jeffries. Here is a list of selected discussion points put forth by Councilmember John Carroll.
And last but not least, if you are interested in a deep dive into the Three Corners proposals to get a better understanding of what each developer is offering, save the date -- Wednesday, February 26 from 5-7 p.m. for Let's Talk Three Corners with Peter Polk at Riverside Theatre. More details to come; in the meantime, save the date in your calendar.

January 16, 2025

New Proposals for Three Corners Released

Survey Coming Soon

Hello everyone,

As promised, we are sharing the new Three Corners RFP responses submitted by Clearpath and The Blue at Vero Beach, which were made public today.

You may view Clearpath's proposal here and The Blue at Vero Beach's proposal here.

In the next several days, we will be sending out a survey providing you with a platform to share your insights with Council members and the Selection Committee members prior to public meetings and interviews in March, followed by a vote sometime in April. But we wanted to get these to you right away.

In the meantime, we encourage you to familiarize yourselves with the proposals so that you have a better idea of the options at hand before taking the survey.

By way of background, the City made the decision last May to restart the process due to issues surrounding fairness and transparency. While the first round brought tremendous enthusiasm, challenges such as one developer breaking communications protocols, concerns about designs better aligning with the original DPZ community-adopted plan, and financial concerns, among other things, prompted a do-over. This time around, the process was strengthened significantly.

Below is a tentative schedule (subject to change) for public meetings and interviews with the developers:

March 4, 2025 at 1PM
- Selection Committee Ranking of Proposals [Public Meeting]
March 24, 2025 (week of)
- Selection Committee Interviews [Per State Statute, Interviews are closed to the public]
March 24, 2025 (week of)
- Selection Committee discuss rankings post interview and recommendation to City Council [Public Meeting]
April 22, 2025 (week of)
- City Council interviews both developers [Per State Statute, Interviews are closed to the public]
April 22, 2025 (week of)
- City Council selection [Public Meeting and Public Comment]

January 14, 2025

Humiston Boardwalk

Important Dates

Don't Miss: Dave Barry & Carl Hiaasen

(to benefit Laura Riding Jackson Foundation)

HUMISTON PARK BOARDWALK UPDATE

Triumph! Thanks to a united effort by the City, County, and Community, the Humiston Park Boardwalk will be restored. Council voted today to reverse the June vote to replace the storm-damaged boardwalk with a sidewalk, reflecting the shift driven by widespread media and engagement. You will recall, after Hurricane Nicole destroyed the boardwalk in 2022, the city initially opted for the most affordable solution -- a sidewalk. However, as you well know now, residents rallied for a full restoration, underscoring the boardwalk’s historic significance and iconic landmark status.

To make up the difference in cost, Councilmember Taylor Dingle suggested pursuing discussions with Indian River County to secure more funding, to which they agreed (up to $400K). Building on this momentum, Councilmember John Carroll proposed engaging the community for additional support.

The response was nothing short of remarkable, starting with a $100,000 pledge from our community's longstanding and generous philanthropist -- Tom Corr (George E. Warren). That, along with a call to action from 32963 News, which pledged $5,000, spurred a bonafide movement! Thank you all for taking our surveys (full results and comments here) participating in our recent Let's Talk City and County Collaboration session at Riverside Theatre last week (video replay here) and just generally spreading the word.

It was amazing to see the enthusiasm from the media, the community and especially wonderful to watch County and City work together to make this happen.

For those who want to contribute, donations can be made through the Indian River Community Foundation at www.ircommunityfoundation.org. Stay tuned for updates -- and be patient -- work cannot begin until after turtle nesting season.

DON'T MISS DAVE BARRY AND CARL HIAASEN

For a long time, requests to highlight Vero Beach's non-profits and their events were set aside, as the primary focus of Let's Talk Vero has always been engaging the community on matters before Council -- growth, development and policy decisions shaping the future of our community. Additionally, constraints on time and resources made it impossible.

Thanks to generous support from:

Kimmy Coveny | Joey & Kimmy's Seafood Market & Restaurant

Christine Hughes | Dale Sorensen Real Estate

Morgen Reynolds | Beyond the Trend Marketing

Ed Shanaphy |The Boulevard Tennis and Padel Club

we will begin spotlighting our non-profits, as they are uniquely positioned to bring people together through shared goals, values and experiences. They remind us of what makes Vero Beach special -- our willingness to care for one another and create a better future for everyone who calls Vero Beach home.

We'll start with the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation for an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry, who will be introduced by his friend and Vero Beach resident, Carl Hiaasen.

For decades, Dave Barry has been making his readers and live audiences laugh ’til they cry. Dave brings his special brand of cheeky humor to Vero Beach in support of LRJF’s writing programs.

What could be better? You get to support a great cause while laughing your way through the evening!

An Evening with Dave Barry

Thursday, January 23

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Community Church of Vero Beach

1901 23rd Street

Tickets: $55

Purchase tickets here.

About the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation:

The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic home of author Laura (Riding) Jackson and supporting local writers. Through writers' groups, summer camps, workshops, and poetry festivals, the foundation fosters creativity and builds a strong literary community. For more information, visit www.LRJF.org.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:

Thursday,

January 16

Three Corners RFPs to be made public

We will share via email as available

Tuesday,

January 21

City Council Special Call Meeting (City Hall)

9:30 a.m.

Tuesday,

January 28

City Council Meeting

(City Hall)

9:30 a.m.

Tuesday,

January 28

Indian River County

Board of County Commissioners Meeting

IRC Chambers

(Building A)

9:00 a.m.

Tuesday,

January 28

City Council Special Workshop to Discuss Downtown Referendums

6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 26

Let's Talk Vero, Riverside Theatre

5 - 7:00 p.m.

Monday,

March 10

Let's Talk Vero, Riverside Theatre

5 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday,

April 16

Let's Talk Vero, Riverside Theatre

5 - 7:00- p.m.

January 8, 2025

Two Reminders for Tomorrow

Wednesday, January 8

9:30 a.m.

Discussion of Three Corners Developer Scoring Process

City Hall

This is a meeting of the site evaluation committee members to discuss the scoring process. Open to the public or viewable via Channel 13 here.

If you care about integrity of process and how the final selection of the Three Corners developer is carried out, you are encouraged to attend. We will, of course, send around the replay.

5:00 p.m.

Let's Talk City and County Collaboration

Riverside Theatre

Cash bar and complimentary light fare

Mayor John Cotugno will give a general update on Three Corners and City matters before turning the mic over to Commissioner Laura Moss, who will talk about the Centennial events coming up, County updates in general, and no doubt, a lively discussion about survey results and how to proceed with the boardwalk.

Recent Boardwalk Background Reading:

Ray McNulty's article in 32963 here and the Sunshine Journal here for some background and insights.

If you have already taken our boardwalk survey thank you. If not, please click here; your input is invaluable to decision makers.

Here are the survey results--as of this writing we have 166 respondents. The write-in comments are most insightful.

See you tomorrow!

Irina

P.S. Last but not least, please RSVP using the button below if you plan to join us at Riverside Theatre tomorrow. Bear in mind, the performance of Mystic Pizza will in progress on the main stage -- the house will be full! As a result, we don't have a hard 7 pm stop as usual. Everyone is invited to mingle and keep the dialogue going!

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January 5, 2025

Share Your Thoughts on the

Humiston Park Boardwalk

and

join us for

Let's Talk City & County Collaboration

at Riverside Theatre

Wednesday, January 8 -- 5 - 7 pm

Doors open at 5 pm for cash bar and complimentary gourmet sandwiches

Program begins at 5:30 in the Waxlax theatre.

Hello all,

Hope your 2025 is off to a great start! Thank you to those of you who have taken the Let's Talk Vero survey regarding the issues surrounding the repair effort underway for the Humiston Park Boardwalk. You may view the results in real time here.

If you haven't already, please take the survey here.

Once you have taken the survey, mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 8 from 5-7 p.m. for "Let's Talk City & County Collaboration" with County Commissioner Laura Moss.

Mayor John Cotugno will open the evening with an update on the Three Corners process. You will recall the two RFP responses will be made public to the community on January 16. We will be sure to circulate those plans to all of you when they are made available.

Please RSVP using the button below and remember to take the survey before January 8! Also, feel free to forward this email to friends and neighbors who are interested in what's happening with the boardwalk and encourage them to do the same.

If you believe rebuilding the Humiston Park boardwalk is of great importance to Vero Beach, you are encouraged to read Ray McNulty's article in 32963 here and the Sunshine Journal here for thorough background. Then show up to the Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 14 at 9:00 a.m. to let your elected officials know how you feel.

For more information about this meeting and to review the meeting agenda when it is made available, click here.

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December 18, 2024

Three Corners Developers Back in Play

Let's Talk City & County Collaboration

at Riverside Theatre

Wednesday, January 8 -- 5-7 p.m.

Three Corners News:

A Fresh Start with a Stronger Process

Exciting news! The City yesterday received two responses to the revised Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development and management of the Three Corners site. The two respondents, who happen to represent the top two contenders from the last round, are:

Clearpath:

The Ridge Group, DMJR Development
The Blue at Vero Beach, LLC:

Madison Marquette, Edgar Jones & Co., SUDA, and The Continental Companies

You may recall the City made the decision in May to restart the process due to issues surrounding fairness and transparency. While the first round brought tremendous enthusiasm, challenges such as one developer breaking communications protocols, concerns about designs aligning with the original DPZ community-adopted plan, and financial concerns and questions prompted a do-over.

This time around, in order to protect the integrity of the process and ensure the best outcome for the community and for the participating developers, the City decided to pause, regroup, and refine and strengthen the approach, with key changes including:

Enhanced Guardrails for Transparency:
- New rules and stricter guidelines for communications were carefully crafted by City staff, creating a level playing field for all participants.
Standardized Cost Requirements:
- Proposals now require a base amount for site work, ensuring fairness and consistent benchmarks for evaluation.
Clarity and Comparability:
- The revised RFP emphasizes concise, standardized submissions with comparable cost breakdowns, making it easier to evaluate proposals efficiently and equitably.
Expert Oversight:
- In addition to the PFM review on the financial side, Stantec will evaluate the design feasibility of each proposal, adding an additional layer of expertise and objectivity to the decision-making process.

While the decision to restart the process requires more patience and time, it was deemed best to measure twice and cut once. The plan is to make these proposals available to the public on January 16, and the Selection Committee is currently set to meet on March 3 at 9:00 a.m. in a meeting open to the public (dates subject to change.) The Selection Committee members are:

Jason Jeffries, Planning & Development Director
Rob Bolton, Water and Sewer Director
Jeb Bittner, Planning & Zoning Board Chairman
Robert Jones, Finance Commission Chairman
Vicky Gould, Three Corners Steering Committee Chair

We'll keep you posted with updates. In the meantime, here is the full RFP for your ease of reference.

Let's Talk City & County Collaboration

As you know, there has been much talk about how the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County can better collaborate. This came to light especially during recent discussions concerning the Humiston Boardwalk repair.

I'm thrilled to report that at yesterday's County Commission meeting, it was determined the County will contribute $400,000 toward the funding of the Humiston walkway/boardwalk project.

We invite you to join Let’s Talk Vero and County Commissioner Laura Moss on Wednesday, January 8 from 5 -7 p.m. at Riverside Theatre for “Let’s Talk City & County Collaboration,” where Moss will field your questions and provide an update on this and other City/County initiatives.

City Council Update:

On Tuesday, December 10, the City held a special call workshop to shape goals and priorities for the upcoming year. We will be sharing a prioritized list of these goals in the next few days. In the meantime, you may view a replay of this meeting here.

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December 10, 2024

Reminder -- this evening -- Speak Up!

Tuesday, December 10

6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers

Quick reminder -- City Council hopes you can join them in Chambers at 6:00 p.m. this evening to help shape Vero Beach goals and priorities for 2025.

This special call meeting -- open to both City and County residents -- is your opportunity to weigh in on what you think the Council should prioritize for the upcoming year. It's been scheduled for 6 pm to maximize community attendance and input.

See Ray McNulty's 32963 article (pasted below) setting forth just a sampling of items up for discussion.

Tuesday, December 10

City Council 2025 Goals and Objectives
6:00 p.m. | Special Call Public Workshop

Location: City Hall, 1053 20th Place

Vero’s goals, priorities on agenda in special council workshop

Vero’s goals, priorities on agenda in special council workshopWith the latest version of the Vero Beach City Council sworn in and poised to move forward with an already-ambitious to-do list, Mayor John Cotugno wants to make sure the panel has its priorities in order.

To that end, he requested – and received with a unanimous vote last week – a special-call workshop at which the council will discuss the city’s goals, objectives and priorities for the coming year.

The workshop, which will be the first of several planned to address different topics, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall and is open to the public.

“The council needs to decide its goals and objectives, and where they slot in terms of our priorities,” Cotugno said from the dais at last Tuesday’s meeting. “Then you’ll have a better understanding of where we’re going to be able to divvy up staff time to address the issues we want to address.

“They’re all important in their context,” the mayor added, referring to projects and issues the council needs to discuss at length, “but where we direct our limited staff and resources is one of the key duties we have as a city council.”

Among the topics the council plans to discuss in the coming weeks and months are the progress of the three major projects already in motion – the much-anticipated-but-delayed development of the Three Corners site, relocation of the city’s wastewater-treatment plant from the banks of the Indian River Lagoon to the Vero Beach Regional Airport, and expansion and improvements at the municipal marina. Council members also want to discuss:

Enhancing the allure of downtown despite voter rejection last month of a referendum to increase residential density in the district.
The possibility of the county helping fund the planned replacement of the storm-damaged boardwalk at the city’s Humiston Beach Park.
Administration of the city’s stormwater utility and the possibility of giving property owners credit for efforts made to mitigate runoff.
Infrastructure needs created by the county’s increasing population growth.
The city’s ongoing recovery from the damage done by Hurricane Milton-spawned tornadoes, especially the devastating twister that tore through the Central Beach community.

At recently re-elected Councilman John Carroll’s urging, the council has scheduled for Jan. 14 – immediately following its regularly scheduled 9:30 a.m. meeting – a workshop to discuss the development of a future cumulative substantial improvement ordinance.

Carroll said the city needs to consider amending its ordinance setting a limit on the number of times property owners may make significant repairs to storm-damaged structures, located in flood zones, without being required to adhere to current building codes.

“That’s something we can do in a relatively short workshop,” he said.

A much longer workshop will be needed for the council to discuss its options – and get community feedback – regarding the revitalization under the current residential density restrictions.

The council has scheduled a workshop to address improvements to the “downtown walkable core and adjacent areas” for Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

“Downtown is a major topic,” Carroll said, adding that such a session is necessary to accommodate an exhaustive discussion of the topics he introduced on the agenda for last week’s meeting as “Next Step Ideas.”

His proposals included the establishment of a Community Redevelopment Agency to fund improvements – a strategy also embraced by Vice Mayor Linda Moore, perhaps the council’s most-ardent downtown advocate.

Carroll’s agenda item also calls for a discussion of adopting new regulations that would ensure “retail, restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, etc., are located on the first floor and that professional offices are located on the upper floors” of buildings along the 14th Avenue corridor.

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December 10, 2024

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I’m sharing the replay and some photos from last Monday’s Let’s Talk What’s Next session at Riverside Theatre along with a couple of important City Council dates for your calendar and tomorrow's event at Saint Edward's School with bestselling authors James Patterson and Mike Lupica (see details at the end of this note).

Let's Talk What's Next -- Downtown Referendums

Although we had planned for a broad discussion on various topics for last Monday's event, the conversation overwhelmingly focused on the downtown referendums—why they didn’t pass, how they might be revived, and what can be done in the interim. You can see the full replay here.

Mayor Cotugno emphasized the importance of balancing any future movement on the downtown initiative with other City priorities and projects, highlighting the need for revenue-generating opportunities for the City, which was just one of the goals of the downtown referendums.

Another hot topic was the County’s explosive growth and its impact on City roads, infrastructure and beaches. Many expressed concerns about tourists enjoying City amenities while tourism/bed tax dollars remain allocated solely to the County, leaving City taxpayers to bear the financial burden on upkeep of amenities, i.e. Humiston Park boardwalk. It's a recurring theme.

To address these concerns, Let’s Talk Vero will invite County Commissioner Laura Moss and County Administrator John Titkanich to join us at our next event in early January (date to be finalized) to field questions and discuss plans underway to collaborate with the City in an effort to alleviate those financial burdens and strains on City resources. More details soon.

Upcoming City Meetings

Two items from last week's City Council meeting -- mark your calendars for these important opportunities to share your input:

Tuesday, December 10 – City Council 2025 Goals and Objectives
6:00 p.m. | Special Call Public Workshop

Location: City Hall (Time adjusted to encourage maximum community participation.)

Tuesday, January 28 – Special Call Workshop on Downtown Vero Beach
6:00 p.m. | Special Call Workshop to discuss next steps for Downtown Vero Beach
Location: City Hall (Time adjusted to encourage maximum community participation.)

We will send out a survey prior to the January meeting to gather community input to be shared with City Council members in advance for those unable to attend in person.

Vero Beach Book Center and Saint Edwards School Host Bestselling Authors

Tomorrow, December 2, Saint Edward’s School will host bestselling authors James Patterson and Mike Lupica, in partnership with the Vero Beach Book Center. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our local literary community.

Event Details:

James Patterson and Mike Lupica

Tuesday, December 2

Doors open at 5, event begins at 6

Waxlax Center, Saint Edward's School

1895 St. Edward's Drive

Tickets available at the door and at The Vero Beach Book Center. More info here.

Last but not least, a sampling of photos from last Monday, taken by photographer Chris Cronin (ChrisCroninMedia.com)

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Screenshot 2024-12-17 at 12.41.28 PM.png

November 11, 2024

HONORING OUR VETERANS

and

LET'S TALK WHAT'S NEXT

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

I want to start with a shout-out to our friends and LTV community members Jeff Palleschi (21st Amendment Distillery) Bethany Fortunato and Barbara Ruddy.

From the day I attended the 21 Salute to "The Greatest Generation" Limited Edition Bourbon fundraiser at Bethany and Michael Fortunato's home in May of 2023 to this morning's moving and heartfelt dedication, I have watched a team of people work tirelessly to raise nearly $600,000 to build this tribute on Veterans Island Memorial Sanctuary. Talk about engagement and a community in action -- this monument rivals those found in our nation’s capital!

At today’s dedication, seven local WWII veterans, aged 96 to 100, were honored, and this structure will now serve as a permanent parade stand for all future military ceremonies and memorials.

The park, open from sunrise to sunset, is a must-visit if you want a scenic, peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. A big thank you is in order to all who made this gift to our veterans and our community possible.

LET'S TALK WHAT'S NEXT

Join us for Let's Talk What's Next at Riverside Theatre, which will take place on Monday, November 25. As usual, doors will open at 5 for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar, and the program will begin at 5:30.

On everyone's mind is what's next for the Downtown Master Plan and Three Corners. As John Carroll summed it up to me this morning with regard to the referendum not passing, "we're still on the freeway -- we just got off at the wrong exit -- and we'll get back on."

RFP replies for Three Corners are due in December. I'll be sharing more details soon. In the meantime, click here to RSVP for Monday, November 25.

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING

The next council meeting will take place on Monday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. Agenda items include: certification of election results, oath of office for new council members (Carroll, Moore and Vos), election of mayor and election of vice mayor.

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October 30, 2024

LET'S TALK DOWNTOWN REFERENDUM

Replay

It was great to see everyone Monday at Riverside Theatre in conversation about the last two items on the November 5 ballot to increase density downtown and allow for transfer of development rights.

As promised, we are sharing the entire replay here for those who want more information before casting their vote.

The program begins with opening remarks by Baerbel O'Haire, with key highlights at the timestamps below:

3:35 -- Baerbel introduces City Manager Monte Falls and Mayor John Cotugno

5:53 -- Mayor Cotugno addresses Hurricane Milton

9:00 -- City Manager Monte Falls gives an update on recovery efforts

13:40 -- Monte Falls opens up to questions on recovery efforts

16:25 -- Baerbel O'Haire introduces panelists -- Bethany Fortunato, Keith Kite and Dori Stone

25:25 -- TP Kennedy announces formation of Citizens for Graceful Growth and challenges in attracting young professionals to Vero Beach

31:20 -- Bethany Fortunato reads the referendum language

32:07 -- Dori Stone explains TDR and density as it relates to the downtown walkable core

38:34 -- Keith Kite puts it in perspective -- "it looks like Ocean Drive in livability and walkability," talks about housing needs for hospital workers, and a vision for the community using the best designers in the world and what the blueprint will be. He delves into workforce housing for younger people who don't have the resources to purchase a home and the needs for retirees before opening up to questions.

52:07 -- Dori Stone explains that the infrastructure is in place to support more development in a way that makes sense for this community -- fitting together in a workable master plan to start looking beyond what we have today. She explains how, historically, a good community always had a vibrant downtown -- it needs a "kick in the butt" to make it work today, not how it needed to work 30 years ago.

57:45 -- Keith Kite and Dori Stone talk about innovative parking and solutions.

1:04:03 -- Keith Kite addresses a question about height and the new development at the mall.

1:07:37 -- Keith Kite explains the entire referendum is based on concept, not what the result will be.

1:12:03 -- Keith Kite clarifies the difference between affordable and workforce housing in relation to the housing crisis around the nation.

1:15:30 -- Bethany Fortunato explains current obstacles to workforce housing in IRC -- land costs chief among them.

1:17:15 -- Dori Stone talks about property values downtown. The city, she says, should see this as an opportunity to collect increased ad valorem tax revenue. She states that change takes time, but this increased revenue will help.

1:18:55 -- Bethany Fortunato: "The people working at Piper and the hospital are taking their money elsewhere, not spending it here -- we want to keep it in Vero."

1:19:30 -- Dori Stone answers the question about timeframes -- optimistically 24 to 36 months that will include more community engagement, permitting etc. to be more intentional about what we put in place. Expect 11 -13 more public hearings, resulting in many more years.

1:21:35 -- Keith Kite talks about opportunities to redevelop the many abandoned buildings downtown for teacher housing.

1:25:40 -- Keith Kite addresses questions about downtown zoning and how it relates to parking, saying "we can fix the parking problem right now" by passing the referendums.

1:26:05 -- Dori Stone explains when you are looking at a downtown it is not always about parking right in front of the business; one should walk and enjoy a walk. If one wants parking in front of a business, go to the mall. If you want to see your downtown vibrant, anticipate a block to two blocks walk. If parking is a challenge, it means people are there, and that's what you want.

Bethany Fortunato

Real Estate Investor

Developer of Affordable Senior Housing

Dori Stone

Former Planning Director,

City of Winter Park

Former President and CEO of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

Keith Kite

Kite Properties

Chair, Indian River Chamber of Commerce Government Committee focused on Workforce Housing

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October 28, 2024

If you are one of the roughly 7,000 City of Vero Beach voters who have not yet cast their vote and want a better understanding of the last two items on the ballot to amend Section 5.06 of the charter to support downtown revitalization, join us this evening in conversation with Bethany Fortunato, Keith Kite and Dori Stone -- three of our most respected local planning and development experts -- who will answer all your questions.

We are capping attendance at 125, so RSVP is important.

If you have RSVPd and your plans have changed, please let us know so we can accommodate others.

You can RSVP here

or use the button at the end of this email

Doors open at 5 pm for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar. Presentation begins at 5:30. Come learn about the referendum or just gather to catch up with friends.

We are excited to have special guest City Manager Monte Falls as well as and Mayor John Cotugno, who will open the evening by sharing post-Milton and general "state of the city" updates before we open up to a wide-ranging conversation about the referendums.

We look forward to seeing you all this evening!

LET'S TALK DOWNTOWN REFERENDUM

Featured Speakers

Bethany Fortunato

Real Estate Investor

Developer of Affordable Senior Housing

Dori Stone

Former Planning Director,

City of Winter Park

Former President and CEO of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

Keith Kite

Kite Properties

Chair, Indian River Chamber of Commerce Government Committee focused on Workforce Housing

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October 25, 2024

Season Dates for Let's Talk Vero

at Riverside Theatre

City voter turn-out as of October 25

A number of you have asked to be reminded of the 24-25 season dates for Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre. They are below - all take place from 5 - 7 p.m. (no admission fee, complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar). Please share this email with anyone you think would be interested in attending and ask them to sign up for our newsletter at www.LetsTalkVero.com.

Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre

2024-25 Season Dates

Monday, October 28

Monday, November 25

Monday, December 9

Wednesday, January 8

Wednesday, February 26

Monday, March 10

Wednesday, April 16

Monday's event -- Let's Talk Downtown Referendum -- is perfect for those of you who haven't yet voted and want to get a better understanding of the last two referendums on the ballot (for city voters) seeking to amend Section 5.06 of the City Charter to revitalize Downtown Vero Beach. The evening will feature local planning and development experts Bethany Fortunato, Dori Stone and Keith Kite.

This is obviously a very big election year with tons on the ballot. So come out to learn more or just reconnect with friends for cocktails and complimentary gourmet sandwiches. Click here to RSVP, or reply YES to this email.

Speaking of the ballot, we are 11 days from election day. You can wait until November 5 or avoid lines and take advantage of early voting every weekday from 8 am to 4 pm at the library (1600 21st Street).

City Voter Turn-out To Date:

To date, of the roughly 11,258 registered city voters, 3,417 (30%) have cast their votes!

We look forward to seeing you on Monday. Don't forget to RSVP! And if you want more information on the referendums, click here.

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October 23, 2024

IMPORTANT DATES + REMINDERS

Tomorrow (10/24) deadline to request mail-in ballots

Saturday (10/26) Pioneer Family Living Museum - Heritage Center

Monday (10/28) Let's Talk Downtown Referendum at Riverside Theatre

MAIL-IN BALLOTS

As you may recall, this year voters who wish to vote by mail must request a new mail-in ballot -- it is not automatically being sent as in years past. Tomorrow (Thursday, October 24) is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. You can request one online here. Requests for mail-in ballots must be received no later than 5 pm tomorrow. If you miss the deadline, you can vote early or on November 5 in person. Important, mail-in ballots require two U.S. postage stamps.

PIONEER FAMILY LIVING MUSEUM

Featuring engaging exhibits and displays showcasing the lives and contributions of the pioneering families of Vero Beach and Indian River County, Robyn Berry and April Bekech of the Heritage Center invite you to meet, greet and celebrate descendants of our pioneer families.

The evening benefits the Vero Heritage Center and takes place on Saturday, October 26 beginning at 6:00 p.m. There is a $20 entry fee which includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a drink.

Vero Heritage Center and Citrus Museum

2140 14th Avenue

For more information, visit www.VeroHeritage.org or call 772-770-2263.

LET'S TALK DOWNTOWN REFERENDUM

Featured Speakers

Bethany Fortunato

Real Estate Investor

Developer of Affordable Senior Housing

Dori Stone

Former Planning Director,

City of Winter Park

Former President and CEO of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

Keith Kite

Kite Properties

Chair, Indian River Chamber of Commerce Government Committee focused on Workforce Housing

Monday, October 28

Riverside Theatre

5 pm -- Doors open

Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 pm Program Begins

Mayor John Cotugno will be on hand to give a post-Milton update before we turn the program over to Bethany Fortunato, Keith Kite and Dori Stone, who will engage in conversation with the audience and field questions about the Downtown Referendum. RSVP requested (for catering) -- please use the button above or reply YES to this email.

Prior to voting, please take a moment to look at the City of Vero Beach informational page here and the Downtown Referendum FAQs here. The two Downtown Referendums (both labeled Amend Section 5.06) appear as the last two items on the ballot (for city voters).

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October 20, 2024

Announcement:

Early Voting begins tomorrow 10/21

and

Let's Talk Downtown Referendum

Post-Milton Update

Riverside Theatre

Monday, October 28

5:00 p.m. -- cash bar and complimentary sandwiches

5:30 p.m. -- Presentation begins

Calling all City Voters!

Join us for our next Let's Talk Vero event at Riverside Theatre on Monday, October 28 at 5:00 pm where Mayor John Cotugno will be on hand to give a post-Milton update before we turn the program over to Bethany Fortunato, Keith Kite and Dori Stone, who will field questions about the downtown referendum.

The downtown referendum represents a pivotal moment for our community, and making an informed decision is crucial. That's why Bethany, Keith and Dori, all Vero Beach residents and experts in urban planning and development, have agreed to dispel common misconceptions and help the community better understand:

exactly what this referendum is about
why it's on the ballot now
projected outcomes and long-term effects for downtown
remaining questions before casting your vote

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner or simply a resident who enjoys all that Vero Beach has to offer, this referendum will have some impact on your day-to-day life, so join us at Riverside Theatre before you head to the polls. If you are unable to attend, we will be sharing a reply of the event.

If you are planning to vote early:

Take a look at the City of Vero Beach informational page here and the Downtown Referendum FAQs here. The two referendums (Amend Section 5.06) appear as the last two items on the ballot.

Early voting in Vero Beach begins tomorrow from 8 am - 4 pm at the Indian River County Main Library (1600 21st St) and at Supervisor of Elections Office (4375 43rd Avenue).

Also, it's not too late to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot. You have until Thursday, October 24; ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 pm on November 5.

Whether you vote early or not, we hope to see you on Thursday the 28th at Riverside Theatre for an update from Mayor Cotugno.

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October 20, 2024

Announcement:

Early Voting begins tomorrow 10/21

and

Let's Talk Downtown Referendum

Post-Milton Update

Riverside Theatre

Monday, October 28

5:00 p.m. -- cash bar and complimentary sandwiches

5:30 p.m. -- Presentation begins

Calling all City Voters!

exactly what this referendum is about
why it's on the ballot now
projected outcomes and long-term effects for downtown
remaining questions before casting your vote

If you are planning to vote early:

Take a look at the City of Vero Beach informational page here and the Downtown Referendum FAQs here. The two referendums (Amend Section 5.06) appear as the last two items on the ballot.

Early voting in Vero Beach begins tomorrow from 8 am - 4 pm at the Indian River County Main Library (1600 21st St) and at Supervisor of Elections Office (4375 43rd Avenue).

Also, it's not too late to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot. You have until Thursday, October 24; ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 pm on November 5.

Whether you vote early or not, we hope to see you on Thursday the 28th at Riverside Theatre for an update from Mayor Cotugno.

TC Palm Candidate Interviews (Carroll and Heady)

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October 12, 2024

Good morning, and happy Saturday everyone.

Sharing the Let's Talk City Council Candidates replay below.

But first, sharing some inspiring community recovery efforts under way -- one beginning today at 11:00 a.m.

CENTRAL BEACH CLEANUP

Angela Waldrop and Elizabeth Sorenson, lifelong friends who share the same birthday (yesterday) have launched a debris-cleanup initiative in Central Beach to celebrate their birthday with a day of service. Hundreds turned out (see photos below) but there is so much still to do. Angela and Elizabeth have extended the cleanup through today and they welcome everyone to join them at 536 Gardenia Lane anytime from 11 am to 5 pm today -- Saturday, October 12.

Bring your tools: If you have chainsaws, shovels, gloves, or any other equipment, bring them along.

No tools? No problem. All helping hands welcome.

BAND FOR A CAUSE

2055 13th Avenue

Donation Drive & Music Mashup

Jeff Palleschi, owner of the downtown 21st Amendment Distillery (2055 13th Avenue) is banding together with another initiative to help those affected by the storm. This Monday, October 14th, from 4 pm to 8 pm. community members are encouraged to bring donations (electrolyte packs, canned goods with pop tops, beef jerky, energy bars, etc.) and listen to performances by local bands Kenny Clarke Outside, Bobby & The Blisters, Frank Centrone, Brenna Bavis Duo, Kate Maingot & Muffy Charles. There will be donation bins available for those who cannot attend but still wish to contribute. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales will go toward assisting those who were severely impacted by the storm.

SPANISH LAKES AND LAKEWOOD PARK

Sydney O’Haire, recently returned from cleanup and recovery efforts in Asheville, is turning her attention to some of the hardest hit areas -- Spanish Lakes, Vista Royale, and Lakewood Park areas. Reach out directly to Sydney via text at 772-321-3789. She and her team are organizing deliveries of homemade meals, ice, first aid supplies, toiletries, water, pet food, and more.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM REPLAY

And finally, the here is the replay of the Let's Talk Vero City Council Candidate discussion. And below are clickable links to local news articles.

32963 -- Ray McNulty's feature on newcomer Aaron Vos

IRNA -- IRNA's round-up

TC Palm coverage of Taxpayer's Association -- Nick Slater's coverage

TC Palm Candidate Interviews (Moore, Vos and Daige)

TC Palm Official Recommendation

October 1, 2024

LET'S TALK VERO 2024-25 SEASON

AT RIVERSIDE THEATRE

Mark Your Calendars -- from 5 - 7 p.m.

Monday, October 28

Monday, November 25

Monday, December 9

Wednesday, January 8

Wednesday, February 26

Monday, March 10

Wednesday, April 16

This Thursday at 6 pm!

Via ZOOM

Let's Talk City Council Candidates

Whether you are voting by mail or in-person, this is an opportunity to get to know your candidates on a deeper level, where you can interact and ask questions -- all from the comfort of your own home.

From downtown referendums to Three Corners, your candidates will address the most important issues and take your questions.

(click here)

this Thursday, October 3

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

via ZOOM

Let's Talk City Council Candidates

This discussion will be moderated by Baerbel O'Haire. Confirmed are incumbents John Carroll and Linda Moore, along with returning candidate Brian Heady, and newcomer Aaron Vos.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday -- register here to receive the ZOOM link and calendar invite.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask in advance, simply reply to this email with your questions and we will get them to the candidates.

If you are unable to join but would like a replay, also reply here with the word "replay."

2024 City Council Candidates

Ken Daige

Brian Heady

Aaron Vos

John Carroll

Linda Moore

Let's Talk Vero is Powered by Baerbel O'Haire

September 23, 2024

Let's Talk Housing Replay | Two Important Questions | Sample Ballot | Save the Date -- October 28

Let's Talk Housing

As promised, here is the link to the replay of the Let's Talk Housing conversation last week moderated by Baerbel O'Haire. What a riveting evening -- an eye opener for sure. You can watch it straight through (you will be an expert by the end) or slide forward to timestamps of the different panelists. You will enjoy getting to know all the panelists and the initiatives underway to alleviate this problem in Vero Beach. You will especially appreciate Keith Kite's insights on how we got here and what can be done about it.

Habitat for Humanity Opening Remarks: Trevor Loomis: 00:11:37

Moderator Baerbel O'Haire remarks: 00:27:00

Panel begins: 00:28:00

Commissioner Susan Adams: 00:30:10

Mayor John Cotugno: 00:36:35

IRC Chamber Government Committee, Keith Kite: 00:43:17

Habitat for Humanity CEO, Trevor Loomis

Two Important Questions -- Click the button below to register interest

Do you want us to host our usual ZOOM panel discussion with City Council candidates?

We were going to forego it given all the other organizations who have interviewed the candidates, but because we have a new entrant in Aaron Vos, a number of people have asked us to host. Also in the running are incumbents Vice Mayor Linda Moore, Councilman John Carroll, as well as candidates Ken Daige and Brian Heady. If we can get 50 - 75 people interested, we will endeavor to pull something together by next week to coincide with the ballots being mailed so all of you have an opportunity to interact with and get to know your candidates from the comfort of your own home.

Do you want us to host a ZOOM discussion about the downtown referendums?

Click the button below to let us know:

Click here

Sample Ballot

Below is a copy of the ballot for those who would like to familiarize themselves prior to voting.

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

Save the Date

The next Let's Talk Vero event will take place on Monday, October 28 from 5 - 7 pm at Riverside Theatre. Stay tuned for more details.

Let's Talk Vero is Powered by:

September 15, 2024

Don't forget to RSVP for YES for Downtown Vero "55 Minus" party to support a more walkable, livable and prosperous downtown Vero Beach -- this Saturday

DJ | Dancing | Light Dinner | Beer

free if you are a City of Vero Beach resident/voter under 55 or if you bring one or more as a guest; only City of Vero Beach residents can vote on the referendums in November, so let's get the word out

RSVP BELOW

and forward this invitation to a friend who is a city resident and voter under 55

55 Minus Party

Saturday

the 21st of September

6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

The Heritage Center

2140 14th Ave

This isn't just about having a good time (though we promise you will).

It's about bringing all of you who are so busy with parenting and work together as a community in one fun place to learn about the revitalization efforts under way for downtown Vero which, if you want to realize, will require your YES vote on referendums #26 and #27 at the polls on November 5.

We'll give you a brief update on proposed changes to make downtown more walkable, livable and prosperous overall and how the change in density proposed can create housing options at more attainable price points for young professionals, first responders and service workers.

See more at www.YESforDowntownVero.com.

Come for the food and fun and stay for the chance to make a difference and make new friends. Whether you're new to town or a Vero native, this is your moment to connect with fellow under-55ers.

VOTE YES ON REFERENDUMS #26 AND #27

FOR A VIBRANT, WALKABLE AND PROSPEROUS DOWNTOWN VERO BEACH

September 14, 2024

Looking forward to seeing you all this Monday the 16th for the Let's Talk Housing panel discussion at Riverside Theatre.

We are at capacity in the theatre, so if your plans have changed and you won't be able to join us, please let us know so we can offer your space to someone on the wait list.

The program ends promptly at 7 pm, at which time everyone is invited to continue the dialogue on the veranda of Polo Grill on Ocean Drive (now called Polo Steak and Sea) -- 2855 Ocean Drive.

Mayor Cotugno looks forward to getting to know you all better one-on-one there for drinks on the veranda. In case you want to stay for dinner, here is the menu.

Thank you to Polo proprietor Bill Brown for making the veranda available to us and thanks to all of you for joining us and making these events such an important part of our community -- great communities begin with great dialogue!

LET'S TALK HOUSING IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

with

County Commissioner Susan Adams

Mayor John Cotugno

Keith Kite

Trevor Loomis

Riverside Theatre

Monday, September 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

September 12, 2024

Keith Kite

Founder & Managing Partner of Kite Properties, LLC

Chair, IRC Chamber of Commerce

Government Committee focused on Workforce Housing.

joins Monday's

LET'S TALK HOUSING PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderated by Baerbel O'Haire

Meet your panelists

Susan Adams -- County Commissioner, District 1

Susan grew up on a farm north of Fellsmere in Indian River County. She graduated President of the Inaugural Class at Sebastian River High School. Earning a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University, Susan is the driving force managing her well-known family restaurant, Marsh Landing.

Susan was elected to the Fellsmere City Council in 2007 and served as Mayor until November 2015, promoting the goals and vision of Fellsmere. She took that vision and goal setting ability to the Indian River County Commission in 2016 and continues serving strongly and proudly as the Indian River County Commissioner, District 1.

John Cotugno -- Mayor, City of Vero Beach

John hails from Rhode Island but landed in Vero Beach after retiring from over 40 years of leadership in the electronics Industry primarily in the Semiconductor market. He immediately began serving our community as a Volunteer Public Policy Advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association on both the State and Federal level. In 2019: Governor DeSantis appointed him to the State Health Improvement Plan Committee, he was appointed both to the Vero Beach Utilities Commission, where he served as Vice-Chairman, and the Three Corners Steering Committee.

He was elected to the Vero Beach City Council in 2021 and began serving as Mayor in 2022.

He resides in Central Beach with his wife, Jan Williams, and rescue dog Roxie.

Keith Kite -- Founder & Managing Partner, Kite Properties, LLC

Keith and The Kite Team provide investment, development, and management services for commercial property in Indian River County. Our notable developments in the county include the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites—Miracle Mile, and the Star Suites Hotel by Riverside Theatre. In addition to sales and leasing, Keith and his team manage over 500,000 square feet of commercial property in Indian River County.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Keith is a fourth-generation Floridian. He moved to Vero Beach in 1995 with his wife Kay and their sons Kyle and Kollin.

Keith holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University. He is a Voting Member of the Tourism Development Council of Indian River County. Keith is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Indian River Chamber of Commerce and Chairs the Government Committee focused on Workforce Housing.

Trevor Loomis -- President and CEO, Indian River Habitat for Humanity

Trevor Loomis has been President and CEO of Indian River Habitat for Humanity since December 2021. Prior to IRHFH, he was Director of Homebuyer Services at Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville in Louisville, KY. He has more than a decade of experience developing workforce and attainable housing. Trevor is a retired veteran of the US Army and holds a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Louisville, and an MBA from Bellarmine University. In addition to his work with Indian River Habitat for Humanity, he serves on the Board of Directors for Treasure Coast Community Health and Habitat for Humanity of Florida. He lives in Vero Beach with his wife, Martha, and three sons.

LET'S TALK HOUSING IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

with

County Commissioner Susan Adams

Mayor John Cotugno

Keith Kite

Trevor Loomis

Riverside Theatre

Monday, September 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

RSVP Required!

(Maximum 150 guests)

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

September 9, 2024

Thrilled to Announce

Trevor Loomis

President and CEO of Indian River Habitat for Humanity

will join the

LET'S TALK HOUSING IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

with

County Commissioner Susan Adams

and

Mayor John Cotugno

Riverside Theatre

Monday, September 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

RSVP Required!

(Maximum 150 guests)

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

September 9, 2024

Thrilled to Announce

Trevor Loomis

President and CEO of Indian River Habitat for Humanity

will join the

LET'S TALK HOUSING IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderated by

Baerbel O'Haire

with

County Commissioner Susan Adams

and

Mayor John Cotugno

Riverside Theatre

Monday, September 16

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

RSVP Required!

(Maximum 150 guests)

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

September 3, 2024

Driving community engagement since 2019

Mark Your Calendars

This Friday, September 6

City Council Candidate Forum (TPAIRC)

and

Monday, September 16

Let's Talk Housing

Riverside Theatre

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Susan Adams

County

Commissioner

District 1

Dori Stone

President and CEO

Indian River County

Chamber of Commerce

Former Planning Director

City of Winter Park, FL

John Cotugno

Mayor

City of Vero Beach

Good afternoon, Vero Beach!

Hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. First and foremost, mark your calendar for the monthly Let's Talk Vero event at Riverside Theatre. Right up there with the health of the lagoon, this is a hot topic you've been asking us to bring to the stage.

Moderated by Baerbel O'Haire, our panel lineup so far features Commissioner Susan Adams, Mayor John Cotugno and IRC Chamber of Commerce CEO Dori Stone. Stay tuned for more details.

Monday, September 16

Let's Talk Housing

Riverside Theatre

5:00 p.m. - Doors Open

5:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Cash Bar and Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Panel Discussion and Q&A

All are welcome continue the conversation after in the courtyard plaza

Polo Grill on Ocean Drive

Please be sure to RSVP below.

Meantime, City Council elections are around the corner and alongside John Carroll, Ken Daige, Brian Heady and Linda Moore, there is a new entrant -- Aaron Vos. More about Aaron from 32963 pasted below. You can also get to know him better this Friday by attending the Taxpayers Association luncheon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club (or watching their replay) at noon.

More about Aaron Vos (excerpted from Vero News August 29 edition)

Aaron Vos, a retired-but-still-working management and technical consultant for the RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon.

Vos, 63, grew up in the Los Angeles area and, after a spending four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and then graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in electrical engineering, he worked for Raytheon – a major defense contractor – for three decades.

He retired in 2017, but he continues to work for the company, which merged with the United Technologies in 2020 and was rebranded as RTX last year, as an independent contractor.

For the past six years, he has been traveling around the country as a troubleshooter.

However, Vos said he has already notified the company of his plans to reduce his workload to a few hours per week. If elected, he said he plans to “dedicate my full attention to helping the city.”

Vos, who moved to Vero Beach in March 2019 and lives in the barrier island’s Castaway Cove community, said he never considered entering politics, but his neighbors urged him to run.

“I’m very interested in what’s going on in the city,” he said, “and with my background and skill set, I believe I can make a noticeable and positive difference.”

More information can be found at www.VosforVero.com

If you haven't already, take a look at the community-led YES for Downtown Vero website here. Check out the resources section to learn more about the referendums on the November 5 ballot. Take the survey and share with friends and neighbors.

Watch for more details from YES for Downtown announcing special events in the coming weeks, such as the Taste of Downtown Vero walking and historical tour set for October 12 and 13 and the 55 Minus party at the Heritage Center on September 21.

August 22, 2024

Let's Talk Vero

Introduces

Thank you -- all hundreds of you! -- who attended Monday's Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre evening where we soft-launched the Yes for Downtown Vero engagement platform to educate the community about the two referendums on the November 5 ballot.

With back-to-school schedules, August vacations and a deluge of rain, we were thrilled to see such a turnout! It's a testament to the commitment, excitement and momentum building surrounding possibilities for the future of downtown Vero Beach.

Dori Stone, President and CEO of the Indian River Chamber of Commerce and former planning director of the much-admired City of Winter Park, did a masterful job inspiring and helping guests understand what is being proposed. Take a moment to watch Dori's presentation here laying the groundwork for this citizen-led community education and outreach initiative.

Then visit www.YesforDowntownVero.com to read a letter to the community from T. P. Kennedy, sign up here for updates, check out the resources and news sections, take the survey here, and share with your friends, family and colleagues. We want to hear from all Vero Beach residents but are particularly committed to engaging registered voters. When you take the survey, please ask any questions you may have in the open-ended section -- we will use these questions to build out the FAQ section of the site.

Special thanks to T.P. Kennedy, Tom Corr III, Mike Johannsen, Chris Flaig, Dr. Michael Fortunato, and Keith Drewett for powering this initiative. And the dozens of community leaders (listed below and pictured on the site) who have shared their enthusiasm to date. We hope you will do the same by uploading a quote and photo.

August 16, 2024

This Monday, August 19

join special guest

Dori Stone

IRC Chamber of Commerce

Former Planning Director, City of Winter Park

We are excited for you to join us this Monday, August 19 where Dori Stone, President and CEO of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and former Planning Director of the City of Winter Park, will introduce the citizen-led Downtown Vero education and outreach initiative surrounding the two referendums on the November ballot.

Monday, August 19

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Theatre

Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches and Cash Bar

Laura Moss

County Commissioner -- District 5

John Cotugno

Mayor -- City of Vero Beach

We will also be joined by County Commissioner Laura Moss, who will share highlights of the exciting plans underway for Indian River County's Centennial Celebration in 2025. Learn more about this exciting milestone here.

Mayor John Cotugno will give us a general update on city business prior to outlining the process for the new RFP for Three Corners, which was issued today.

Please use the RSVP button above to let us know if you will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Irina

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

This Monday, August 19

join special guest

Dori Stone

IRC Chamber of Commerce

Former Planning Director, City of Winter Park

Monday, August 19

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Theatre

Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches and Cash Bar

Laura Moss

County Commissioner -- District 5

John Cotugno

Mayor -- City of Vero Beach

Mayor John Cotugno will give us a general update on city business prior to outlining the process for the new RFP for Three Corners, which was issued today.

Please use the RSVP button above to let us know if you will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Irina

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

August 16, 2024

This Monday, August 19

join special guest

Dori Stone

IRC Chamber of Commerce

Former Planning Director, City of Winter Park

Monday, August 19

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Theatre

Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches and Cash Bar

Laura Moss

County Commissioner -- District 5

John Cotugno

Mayor -- City of Vero Beach

Mayor John Cotugno will give us a general update on city business prior to outlining the process for the new RFP for Three Corners, which was issued today.

Please use the RSVP button above to let us know if you will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Irina

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

This Monday, August 19

join special guest

Dori Stone

IRC Chamber of Commerce

Former Planning Director, City of Winter Park

Monday, August 19

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Theatre

Complimentary Gourmet Sandwiches and Cash Bar

Laura Moss

County Commissioner -- District 5

John Cotugno

Mayor -- City of Vero Beach

Mayor John Cotugno will give us a general update on city business prior to outlining the process for the new RFP for Three Corners, which was issued today.

Please use the RSVP button above to let us know if you will be joining us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Irina

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

August 12, 2024

Hello everyone,

Hope your August is off to a great start!

This is going to be a big month! Some key dates:

Tomorrow (Tuesday) August 13 at 9:30 a.m. is the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. The agenda is here. Attend in person at City Hall chambers or watch via Channel 13 here.

Monday, August 19, join us for our monthly Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre event, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. where Dori Stone, President and CEO of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and former Planning Director of Winter Park, will be on hand to introduce T.P. Kennedy and the citizen-led education and outreach initiative for the revitalization of downtown.

You won't want to miss this one! Remember -- complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar from 5:00 - 5:30. Program begins at 5:30 in the Waxlax Theatre and ends at 6:50. Mayor John Cotugno will also be on hand to give an update. Click here to RSVP.

Tuesday, August 20 -- VOTE. If you haven't already, vote in person on the 20th. The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of an informed electorate and, while they do not endorse any candidates running for office, they are committed to providing information and have made candidate interview videos available here for your ease of reference. These videos include candidates for County Commission Districts 1, 3, and 5, the Sheriff’s race, and the School Board races for Districts 3 and 5.

Stay tuned!

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

July 28, 2024

Reminder:

Last Chance to Register to Vote

and

if you are registered

Democrat or Independent

Last Chance to Change Your Party Affiliation is

Monday, July 22

Thank you to all of you who attended Monday's Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre event with special guest Leslie Swan.

We had a packed house and were thrilled by the level of enthusiasm shown by our audience for the most essential component of our lives as civically engaged citizens. If you weren't able to join, you won't want to miss the replay (here).

There was much discussion and concern about the issue of "ghost candidates" who have no interest in getting elected -- rather, they are last minute write-ins who essentially act as spoilers to prevent Democrats and Independents from having a say in who represents them.

While I am not suggesting or recommending anyone change their party affiliation, I am writing to remind you that if you are a registered Democrat or Independent and do want a voice in these two upcoming important elections -- Indian River County Sherriff and County Commissioner District 5 -- you may only do so if you are a registered Republican.

The deadline to change your party affiliation (you may revert back after the election if you wish) is Monday.

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

July 21, 2024

Reminder:

Last Chance to Register to Vote

and

if you are registered

Democrat or Independent

Last Chance to Change Your Party Affiliation is

Monday, July 22

Thank you to all of you who attended Monday's Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre event with special guest Leslie Swan.

The deadline to change your party affiliation (you may revert back after the election if you wish) is Monday.

Let's Talk Vero is powered by Baerbel O'Haire

and

Riverside Theatre

June 28, 2024

Leslie Swan to Open July 15 Riverside Theatre event
Important August Primary Election Details and Deadlines
Monday, July 1 -- Little Jim Bait & Tackle Needs Your Help

A couple of things as we head into the weekend:

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion surrounding the process for voting on August 20, particularly where Sherriff and County Commissioner for District 5 are concerned. If you want to have a voice in which candidates for those two races will appear on the November ballot and if you are registered as Independent or Democrat, you will need to change your party affiliation to Republican prior to July 22 in order to vote on August 20.

We are thrilled Leslie Swan, Indian River County Supervisor of Elections, has graciously accepted our invitation to host a Q&A for the entire community at our next Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre event on July 15. Leslie will take the first 30 or so minutes before we move on to sharing images and findings from the DPZ CoDESIGN Ideas for Downtown Master Plan report, expected to be delivered on July 8.

In the meantime, below is a primer shared with us by Leslie, to help clear up some questions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

VOTING IN THE AUGUST PRIMARY ELECTION

If you are new to the state of Florida, you may not be aware that Florida is a closed primary state. Florida is one of 12 states that conducts closed Primary Elections and Florida has done so since 1913. What does closed primaries mean?

Closed Primary Elections are elections in which only voters affiliated with the political party holding the primary are eligible to participate.

Typically, that would be either one of the two major political parties (Republicans and Democrats) if they have candidates for a partisan office on the Primary Election ballot.

Primary Elections have other types of races on the ballot besides partisan races. All registered voters can vote for Universal Primary Contests, nonpartisan races, and referendum questions regardless of which major or minor political party they are registered or even if they are registered without a specific party affiliation.

A Universal Primary Contest is a race where all the candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner of the Primary Election will not face any opposition in the General Election. For the August 20 Primary Election, the following races are Universal Primary Contests: the Tax Collector and County Commissioner District 1 and District 3.

All voters have the opportunity to vote for school board candidates in a Primary Election since school board is a non-partisan race. Non-partisan candidates are prohibited from qualifying or campaigning based on party affiliation. If there are more than two candidates in a school board race and no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast in the Primary Election, the names of the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for such office shall be placed on the General Election ballot.

The School Board of Indian River County has two districts up for election, District 3 & District 5. These races will appear on the Primary Election ballot. Since only two candidates have qualified for each district, the Primary Election will determine the winner.

Any person who is seeking election as a write-in candidate shall not be required to pay a filing fee or collect candidate petitions. A write-in candidate is not entitled to have his or her name printed on any ballot; however, a space for the write-in candidate’s name to be written in shall be provided on the General Election ballot. Whenever a write-in candidate qualifies for a contest, the write-in candidate closes the Primary Election.

In Indian River County, the following two races have write-in candidates: the Sheriff’s race, and County Commissioner District 5 race.

Only registered Republicans will be eligible to vote in these races in the August Primary Election.

The winners of these races will go up against the write-in candidates in the General Election in November.

All voters have the option to change their party affiliation in order to be eligible to vote for a particular candidate. The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is July 22 for the upcoming Primary Election. Visit VoteIndianRiver.gov for comprehensive election information.

Save Little Jim Bait & Tackle

While not in Vero Beach, Little Jim's is just down the street and has been a cherished destination by Vero Beach and surrounding residents for 80 years!

Show up on Monday, July 1, at 5:05 p.m. at Ft. Pierce Commissioner chambers, when commissioners will vote on whether to designate "Little Jim's" a historic and culturally significant location.

Proprietor Donna Qvarnstrom invites you to show your support by picking up a free T-shirt at Little Jim's between now and Monday (while supplies last) and wearing it to the meeting for a 20% discount at Cobb's Landing afterward.

For more information, see the Little Jim's Facebook page here, or visit their website at www.littlejimbaitandtackle.com.

Monday, July 1

5:05 p.m

City of Fort Pierce, 100 N U.S. Highway 1

Little Jim's is being considered due to its history training UDT Frogmen for the Normandy and Pacific invasions during World War II and for the "Florida Cracker" style of architecture.

You may view the agenda item here. And the Historic Designation report here.

Let's Talk Vero is powered by:

June 23, 2024

Save the Date -- Monday, July 15

Let's Talk Downtown at Riverside Theatre

Hello everyone,

Big thanks to all who came out for last Monday's conversation with Planning Director Jason Jeffries and Mayor John Cotugno to talk about the Ideas for Downtown Master Plan. If you were not able to make it in person, you may watch the replay here.

Next steps for Downtown:

This Tuesday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m. the Ideas for Downtown Master Plan referendum language will be on the agenda. The full agenda can be found here -- See Item #4, Ordinances -- 7A and 7B.

The tentative referendum language at present reads:

Shall Section 5.06 of the City Charter be amended to allow an increase in 22 residential density from the present level of 17 units per acre to a density level of 23 36 units per acre to allow residential development not to exceed 1,800 total 24 residential units in the entire Downtown Commercial District consistent with the 25 Ideas for Downtown master plan as adopted by City Council on July 23, 2024? 26 27 Shall the above Charter Amendment be adopted.

On or around July 9, DPZ CoDESIGN will deliver the final Ideas for Downtown Master Plan report.

On Monday, July 15, (based on that final report) we will host Let's Talk Downtown at Riverside Theatre from 5-7 p.m.

We will go over the key highlights from the report, and since so much time has elapsed since the ideas for Downtown Charrette, and so many of you have requested it, we will project all of the images from the final DPZ CoDESIGN report onto the screen so the community can visually contextualize what is being proposed.

At the Tuesday, July 23 City Council meeting, the final language for the referendum question to increase residential density in the Downtown Commercial District (walkable core) will be presented for public hearing.

More as we know it,

Jonathan

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June 17, 2024

Downtown Master Plan Next Steps

Let's Talk Vero

Riverside Theatre

Tonight

Monday, June 17

5-7 p.m.

Hello all,

A reminder to join us this evening (Monday, June 17) for Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre, where Jason Jeffries will be on hand to give an update and answer questions about opportunities for Downtown.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and a cash bar. Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing all of you there. Please RSVP below.

Note: While we were hoping to engage in dialogue on Three Corners next steps, that won't be possible during this event as the City has not yet finalized the details of the new RFP and solicitation process. Just as soon as there is something to report, we'll be in touch.

In the meantime, here are the results reflecting what the community is thinking about the decision to re-issue the RFP. As of this writing, 61 percent of the community thinks it was wise to start over.

The bar charts are very interesting, but the more thoughtful and interesting sentiment can be seen when you click on the word "Responses" in blue under in the "Answer Choices" section just under the bar charts.

If you haven't yet and would like to weigh in on where we are with Three Corners, you can share your thoughts here. We make these results available to the public and to our elected officials.

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June 14, 2024

Reminder:

Downtown Master Plan Next Steps

Let's Talk Vero

Riverside Theatre

Monday, June 17

5-7 p.m.

Hello all,

A reminder to join us this coming Monday (June 17) for Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre, where Jason Jeffries will be on hand to give an update and answer questions about opportunities for Downtown.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and a cash bar. Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.

City Council met yesterday for a special call meeting to determine next steps on the master plan and referendum on November's ballot to increase density in line with Andres Duany's Ideas for Downtown initiative. You can see the replay of the meeting here.

We look forward to seeing all of you there. Please RSVP below.

If you haven't yet and would like to weigh in on where we are with Three Corners, you can share your thoughts here. We make these results available to the public and to our elected officials.

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June 10, 2024

Three Corners and Downtown Master Plan Next Steps

Let's Talk Vero

Riverside Theatre

Monday, June 17

5-7 p.m.

Hello all,

Join us this Monday, June 17 for complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar for this month's Let's Talk Vero in the Waxlax at Riverside Theatre, where we will be joined by Jason Jeffries (Planning Director), Peter Polk, (Three Corners) and Mayor John Cotugno. We hope to see you there.

Peter will shed some light on where we are with the Three Corners project in the wake of Friday's decision to start the RFP process over and Jason will bring us up to speed on the "Ideas for Downtown" master plan and next steps.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for gourmet sandwiches and cash bar; presentations and Q&A begin at 5:30.

SURVEY AND RESULTS

If you haven't already, please take this survey to share your thoughts on the City's decision to move forward with a new RFP process for Three Corners. You can click here to see survey results and glean what other community members are thinking.

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Tomorrow (June 11) there will be a regular City Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, where a number of land use amendments will be discussed. Taylor Dingle will also be introducing a plan to develop an official flag for the City of Vero Beach to celebrate its heritage and identity. You may view the full agenda here.

On Thursday, June 13, there will be a special call meeting where the City will vote to finalize the referendum language for a November ballot measure to increase density in the Downtown commercial district in line with Andres Duany's suggestions in the master plan. You may view the agenda here.Add your text here. Edit to add dynamic values like name, email and more.

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June 7, 2024

RFP PROCESS WILL BEGIN ANEW

I am thrilled to report Council voted 4-1 to reissue the RFP for the developer for Three Corners.

Today's meeting was long, contentious and in so many ways shocking. I will share the replay when it is available, as I do not wish to editorialize.

From our vantage point, this reissuance is a path not only to the best outcome for Vero Beach, but the only possible way to maintain the public's trust, which, as of yesterday given the replies we received, was barely hanging by a thread. I hope this decision restores your faith that your input is being considered and taken seriously into account. And that political nonsense will not be tolerated by this Council.

Bottom line, the process was tainted to the point where expensive legal action was very likely, regardless of which developer was chosen. Fortunately for city residents and taxpayers, this was averted.

Jeb Bittner, a city resident and member of the developer selection committee said it best -- none of the developers would have wanted to win under these circumstances.

This is where we are today. More as we know it. We will still host State of the City on June 17 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Riverside theatre, but we will not be introducing any developers. Stay tuned.

As City Attorney John Turner remarked, "measure twice, cut once." In the end, a great outcome.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,

Irina

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June 6, 2024

Notice

Special Call Meeting Tomorrow

Friday, June 7

9:30 a.m.

City Council Chambers

1053 20th Place

Hello all,

Following up our earlier email (below) bringing your attention to tomorrow's special call meeting with three news stories which have been published since.

TC Palm

Vero News

The Sunshine Journal

Correction: Our earlier email erroneously stated (in the body) that tomorrow's meeting takes place Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. The correct date is Friday, June 7

Hello all,

Please be advised a Special Call meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, June 7) at 9:30 a.m. in City Council chambers to discuss the potential disqualification of SuDa, the developer chosen to begin contract negotiations to develop Three Corners.

For context, click here and scroll to the 47:32-minute mark to hear from City Attorney John Turner, followed by deliberations by Council members at the 54:58-minute mark and public comment at the 1:08-hour/minute mark. For the full agenda, click here.

The meeting is open to the public and attendees are afforded three minutes for public comment. If you wish to weigh in, but are unable to attend in person, you may send your comments to City Clerk Tammy Bursick at tbursick@covb.org. If you wish to watch the meeting from your computer in real time, you may click here to watch on Channel 13.

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May 29, 2024

SuDa, Crec Capital, Madison Marquette (SuDa)

Tapped as Three Corners Developer

Hello everyone!

As many of you now know, SuDa was voted (3-2) last night as the developer to move forward with negotiations for the Three Corners site. Tracey Zudans, Taylor Dingle, and Linda Moore were the deciding votes. CBS News coverage can be found here. WPTV News coverage here, TC Palm/Nick Slater's piece here and Vero News here.

Contract negotiations with the City are expected to last approximately five months, and assuming all goes well, a contract will be drawn up for the development of Three Corners. Should they not reach an agreement, the City will begin negotiations with Clearpath. We will keep you apprised throughout the process.

Please mark your calendar for Monday, June 17 at Riverside Theatre (5-7 p.m.) when Let's Talk Vero will host the SuDa team for a panel discussion moderated by Baerbel O'Haire. We look forward to seeing you there.

In the meantime, a message to the Vero Beach community from the SuDa team.

"We, the SuDa Crec Madison group, along with our team of architects and consultants, are humbled and grateful to the Vero Beach Community, the City Council, the City Staff and all those who have tirelessly worked on the Three Corners Project, for giving us this enormous opportunity. This is a special project to say the least and comes with a serious composite of responsibilities to the community and its future generations. In the years ahead, the future will value those perennial things of our human existence and the human element, places of beautiful delicate architecture mixed with nature, a place of harmony that will nourish ourselves, our communities and our environment. A place that is loved and drives loyalty and passionate attachment for generations to come. "A sense sublime".

It's time to roll up our sleeves as we look forward to working with the City and the Vero Beach Community. We will do so with vigor and ardent faith, as what we are about to embark on is very meaningful indeed."

SuDa

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May 28, 2024

Tonight at 6 pm:

Three Corners Developer Selection/Vote

City Council Chambers -- 1053 20th Place

***

Let's Talk Lagoon Part 2 replay + A message from Heather Stapleton

***

Live Survey Results

Much to note about tonight's highly anticipated developer selection/vote.

But first, a shout out and many thanks to Heather Stapleton who spoke to a packed house at last week's Let's Talk Lagoon Part 2 at Riverside Theatre, which you may view here.

A message from Heather Stapleton:

There is no one source of pollution affecting the lagoon so there is no single solution. Our cumulative efforts to reduce negative impacts will improve the health of the lagoon.

Top things you can do today for the health of the Indian River Lagoon:

Learn about and properly maintain your septic tank. And eventually, when it becomes available, switch from septic to sewer.
Reduce turf grass and replace with sections of beautiful FL native plants.
When maintain your lawn, do not blow leaves or grass clippings into streets, ditches or storm drains.
Abide by your local fertilizer ordinance (Stormwater Division - Fertilizer Ordinance (indianriver.gov))
Pick up after pets – even in your own yard. Too much dog feces gets left on the ground every day and when it rains, stormwater carries it in to the lagoon.
Use a carwash rather than washing your car in your driveway or yard. Commercial car washes drain used water into the sanitary system instead of storm drains. This water is then treated.

THREE CORNERS VOTE -- 6 PM TONIGHT

Thank you all for participating in our developer ranking survey, which is still live on the homepage at www.LetsTalkVero.com if you wish to share your thoughts with City staff and Council members. Also, as promised, a link there to the survey results which update in real time so you may see what other community members are thinking.

Bear in mind, this survey is a simple temperature check, given the evolution of the plans presented by the developers at the May 21 Council meeting.

While we regularly engage you all and share your comments with Staff and Council members, it is important to note we have not been retained or asked by the City to conduct this survey as part of a new public outreach campaign.

Since 2019, the Three Corners project has had an unprecedented amount of outreach and input, all of which has informed the process every step of the way. From putting the plan to referendum, issuance of the RFP, appointment of Three Corners project manager, marketing and financial firms, Selection Committee, etc. and now vote.

That said, Staff and Council members are always eager to hear from you, whether you are showing up in person in council chambers, participating in our events and surveys, or writing to them directly (tbursick@covb.org).

We look forward to seeing you all this evening! Council members will make their vote after a discussion and evaluation of all four developer proposals, not just the top two ranked by the Selection Committee. The full agenda is here.

Reminder: All meeting attendees will be granted three minutes for public comment...expect a long meeting.

As always, we will share the replay as soon as it is available.

Clearpath

SuDa

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May 22, 2024

Refreshed Developer Proposals, New Survey

and

Message from the City

Bringing to your attention to important new developments since our last outreach.

Prospective Three Corners developers have all come forth with updated information during their presentations yesterday with City Council members. Given the evolution and significance of this project, we wanted you to see first-hand (prior to Tuesday's upcoming vote) the refreshed designs, photos, and presentations, which may be viewed here.

The Three Corners Selection Committee ranked Clearpath at #1 and Suda Cred at #2, but it should be noted the Council members' vote will take into consideration all four RFP responses.

This is the moment we've all been waiting for! So, after viewing the video above, please do one of the following:

Attend the meeting in person on Tuesday, May 28 at 6:00 pm. in Council Chambers (1053 20th Place). Council has changed the time to accommodate public comment from those who work and/or are unable to attend morning meetings. All City residents are allotted three minutes to make public comment.
Share your opinion via e-mail with City Clerk, Tammy Bursick at tbursick@covb.org.
Take the survey prepared by Let's Talk Vero to share with Council members -- we will make results available to the community as well.

Below please find a Statement from the City.

Also below, photos Let's Talk Vero has compiled to give you a side-by-side view of the top two contenders as ranked by the Three Corners Selection Committee-- Clearpath which was ranked #1 and Suda Cred, which was ranked #2.

STATEMENT FROM THE CITY REGARDING MAY 28 SELECTION OF MASTER DEVELOPER FOR THREE CORNERS

On Tuesday, May 28, after public comment, the Vero Beach City Council will make the final ranking of the proposals for the Master Developer for Three Corners site.

At the May 21 meeting, concerns were raised regarding the disqualification of the SUDA proposal based on the relationship between Colliers International and CREC Capital. Mr. Urgo previously raised these concerns to the City. The City addressed these concerns with Mr. Urgo by email on May 20 (see here).

The City of Vero Beach has followed its standard operating procedures for evaluating RFP proposals and has been transparent by providing all relevant documents and videos of evaluation meetings to the public. All Three Corners RFP documents are posted to the Three Corners page on the City website.

Any inquiries for records should be directed to Tammy K. Bursick, City Clerk at 772-978-4700.

Correction: In our previous email, we erroneously stated the Three Corners developer vote will take place on Monday, May 28. The correct day is Tuesday, May 28 (not Monday).

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May 19, 2024

Countdown to May 28 Vote

Last chance to share your thoughts with council members before they vote

Take this final Survey

We are one week away from City Council making the final vote on which developer to partner with for the future development of Big Blue and Three Corners.

This will be the community's final opportunity to weigh in.

The two finalists are: 1st place, Clearpath and 2nd place, Suda Cred. The vote will take place on Tuesday, May 28 in Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. (1053 20th Place). The meeting was changed to the evening specifically to accommodate those who work and might not be able to attend morning meetings.

Attend the Meeting in Person

Take the Survey

In advance of taking the survey, we ask that you:

1) Read the media's reporting of this past Friday's selection committee meeting (click links):

Nick Slater -- TC Palm

Dylan Huberman -- CBS 12

Dave Bohman -- WPTV

We have not heard yet from our opinion writers -- 32963's Ray McNulty and TCPalm's Larry Reisman -- we encourage you to read their stories when they publish this week.

2) Get to know the developers by watching their videos.

Here is Clearpath's presentation

Here is Suda Cred's presentation

Here is the replay of the Selection Committe Meeting

Think about each proposal in terms of the financial feasibility and implications to the city, architecture, design, amenities and aesthetics, and the community's aspirations now and for the future.

3) Bear in mind the selection committee has worked tirelessly to make its recommendation to Council based on all the above criteria (and so much more). If you wish to weigh in, take the survey below:

As a reminder, Let's Talk Vero is not affiliated or aligned in any way with the City of Vero Beach. Let's Talk Vero is an independent entity whose mission is to foster an engaged community, one where our elected officials are taking their cues from an educated and informed citizenry. We do that by alerting the community to important upcoming meetings, pointing to official City of Vero Beach links, agendas and replays, hosting monthly events, and generally gathering all the news reporting and information in one place, to make it easy for community members to knowledgeably weigh in, either in person or from the comfort of their own homes. We make our results public, and we share your input with Council members. We want to hear from all Vero Beach residents, but especially those who are city voters.

On Tuesday, May 21, each council member will speak one-on-one with the developers at a special call meeting (also in chambers). That meeting will be closed to the public, but discussion will be open to the public beginning at 12:30. There will be no public comment at this special call meeting -- it is strictly an opportunity for council members to ask questions of staff and PFM, the city's financial consultant on the project. Your opportunity for public comment will be on May 28 at the 6:00 p.m. Council meeting.

For more information, visit www.LetsTalkVero.com.

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May 15, 2024

Andres Duany's Presentation to Council Yesterday

Hello all,

Yesterday, Andres Duany presented a condensed version of the whopping 90-page Downtown Master Plan to the City Council. You may view the replay here (skip to 29:35).

Reminder: Friday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. -- the Selection Committee will recommend their preferred Three Corners developer to City Council (OPEN to the public).

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May 14, 2024

Let's Talk Lagoon Part II

and

Three Corners Recommended Developer

Join us for Part II of Let's Talk Lagoon this Monday, May 20 at Riverside Theatre where we are delighted to once again be joined by Heather Stapleton of One Lagoon, so come ready with questions! We will answer questions submitted on cards from the last event as well.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for mingling, complimentary sandwiches and cash bar. The actual program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. sharp.

Mayor Cotugno will close the program with a quick "State of the City" and announce which Three Corners developer was chosen by the selection committee to go before Council for vote.

Monday, May 20

5:00 p.m. -- Doors Open

5:30 p.m. -- Program Begins

7:00 p.m. -- Program Ends

Complimentary Sandwiches and Cash Bar

Heather Stapleton

One Lagoon

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May 9, 2024

Mark Your Calendars!

Andres Duany Returning to Town May 14

Andres Duany of DPZ CoDESIGN will return to Vero Beach on Tuesday, May 14, to present the final Downtown Master Plan, based on your input, to City Council. You may read the full DPZ report here. The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. in Council chambers (1053 20th Place).

Three Corners Selection Committe Makes Recommendation May 17

On May 13 and 17 (closed to the public), the Three Corners Selection Committee will be interviewing the developers. Then, on Friday, May 17, beginning at 2:30 p.m. they will make their final recommendation to Council as to the preferred developer. This meeting is open to the public. There has been much in the news on the four developers vying for the opportunity; it's all gathered here in one place for your convenience. If you haven't already, please take a moment to share your thoughts in the survey here. We will share the results with staff, council, community and selection committee members.

Let's Talk Lagoon -- Part 2 at Riverside Theatre May 20

Our next Let's Talk Vero at Riverside event with Mayor John Cotugno will take place on Monday, May 20. We had 250 guests in attendance at the last event, and given time constraints, were not able to get to the questions. So due to overwhelming demand, we are thrilled Heather Stapleton of One Lagoon will join us again to give a brief presentation to bring everyone up to date and then invite the audience to participate in a free-flowing Q&A. If you haven't had a chance to view the Let's Talk Lagoon Part 1 video, you may do so here. We hope to see you there. Please Note: Riverside Theatre will open its doors at 5:00 p.m. where guests will gather for 30 minutes to enjoy complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar. The actual program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 6:55 p.m. sharp. Mayor Cotugno will be on hand for questions and will close the program with an update on Three Corners and other key projects in the City. RSVP is required.

At-a-glance Matrix (Colliers)

Urban Service Boundary -- ongoing

Indian River County has launched a series of workshops soliciting input on whether to expand the urban service boundary (USB). This would bring more areas of Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere into the utilities grid, but raises concerns over the intrusion of urban development into ecologically sensitive and rural areas. Both Larry Reisman and guest columnist Tom Cowan expressed skepticism toward the idea, noting an abundance of undeveloped land within the existing USB. Additionally, some have raised concerns that expansion of the USB could place unnecessary strain on a utilities department already grappling with a cumbersome septic-to-sewer program and potential infrastructure shortfalls.

More information about the County's public input process and workshops can be found here. The upcoming workshop dates are:

Wednesday, May 22

Intergenerational Recreation Center

1590 9th St. SW

11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 29

IRC Administration Building A BOCC Chambers

1801 27th St.

11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Future State of the City Events - Mark Your Calendar

June 17 -- Three Corners developer (tentative)

July 15 -- Meet the Candidates for Sheriff (tentative)

Reminder: Renew Your Mail-In Ballot!

If you don't know already, your request for a mail-in ballot expired on December 31, 2022 due to changes in state law, meaning you must request a new one for the 2024 elections. You may do so online or call the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections at 772-226-4700.

Future Events

We asked and you told us the topics you'd like to bring to the stage. We will do what we can to accommodate all these requests; below is a tentative line-up. Dates may change.

Three Corners Developer (June 17 at Riverside)
Affordable Housing Workshop (date TBD)
State of the Hospital (date TBD)
Meet the Candidates - City Council (date TBD--October)
Meet the Candidates - IRC Sheriff (date TBD - likely July 15 at Riverside)
Meet the Candidates - County Commissioners (date TBD -- possibly ZOOM)
Meet the Candidates - School Board (date TBD)

If there are other topics you'd like us to add, or topics you think we should prioritize, please reply to this email with your suggestions, and we'll do our best to accommodate.

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April 30, 2024

Replay of Let's Talk Lagoon

Carve out 30 mins to watch this -- you won't be sorry!

If you're like most of our attendees, you will be in awe of the things you didn't even know and jazzed by the simple things you can readily do to contribute to a thriving lagoon.

Then forward this email to a friend.

Nearly 250 guests -- an unprecedented turnout -- sat in rapt attention as our seven panelists demystified the complexities surrounding what's ailing the Indian River Lagoon and what we can do as community members to take action. Covering complex and simple issues ranging from stormwater systems, macro lagoon challenges, funding and grants, septic-to-sewer conversion, lawn clippings, special interest groups, legislation, County and City action plans right on down to dog poop!

Watch the replay here.

Thank you to Jon Moses, Laurie Collings and the entire team at Riverside Theatre for graciously hosting last night's Let's Talk Lagoon. Fortunately for all of us, one of the theatre's core values is a commitment to community engagement -- we nearly filled the space and for once -- the sound was perfect! We had some really rough patches with earlier events.

And to our panelists (Sam Atwell, Joe Earman, Mike Johannsen, Judy Orcutt, Dale Sorensen, Heather Stapleton, Dr. Edie Widder, and our moderator extraordinaire, Baerbel O'Haire along with our Mayor John Cotugno.

Due to time constraints, we were unable to field questions. But we saved all your question cards and will organize a follow-up ZOOM or alternate event soon. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming Let's Talk Vero/State of the City events at Riverside Theatre:

Monday, May 20 (time tba)

Monday, June 17 (time tba)

Monday, July 15 (time tba)

We will extend an invitation to the selected developer of Three Corners to present at the June 17 or July 15 event.

And last but not least, 32963's Mario Corbiciero gives us an advance look at this week's issue here so you can catch up on Three Corners, Police Chief Currey and other news.

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April 27, 2024

This Just in: Rankings for Three Corners Proposals

The Three Corners Selection Committee met yesterday to discuss and rank the four proposals for Three Corners.

CBS 12's Dylan Huberman covered the meeting, which you may view here. And TC Palm coverage is here.

Selection Committee Rankings:

Clearpath
Vista Blue
Edgewater
Suda Cred

Let's Talk Vero Survey Rankings:

Clearpath
Suda Cred
Vista Blue
Edgewater

Members spent hours deliberating each proposal in great detail, from financials and zoning laws to how they reflect Vero Beach's character, and more. Upon completion, each member individually ranked and scored the proposals, which were then aggregated and ranked overall based on the average. We will share the replay of that meeting next week.

Clearpath was lauded as aspirational and members took kindly to the hefty sum the firm is willing to invest in the property to propel Vero Beach forward, although several members suggested scaling it back a bit. Vista Blue was criticized for being too "members only" and narrow in scope, but was given the benefit of the doubt as there is strong potential to modify the proposal to align more with the master concept. Suda Cred came in last mostly due to the limited information available in the proposal given their late entrance into the process.

But this is far from over -- each developer will have a chance to address concerns raised and revise their proposals accordingly for the one-on-one meetings they will have with the committee on May 13 and 17. There is only one more session open to the public before Council votes on May 28.

If you want to attend that final meeting open to the public prior to official vote, which is where the selection committee will make their final recommendation to council, mark your calendar for Friday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Last but not least, due to popular demand for Monday's Let's Talk Lagoon event, Riverside Theatre has moved us from the Waxlax to the mainstage so we can take people off the wait list.

If you are free on Monday, come by to sip, savor and celebrate the community coming together in support of our lagoon! Free and open to the public -- Riverside Theatre on Monday at 5 p.m.; program begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. with a hard stop at 7:00 p.m. We encourage your questions in advance.

Click here to RSVP

Let's Talk Vero is not officially aligned with the City of Vero Beach. We do, however, share survey results and community input gathered with Vero Beach City staff and Council members.

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April 25, 2024

Some important changes, updates and notifications:

Let's Talk Lagoon Event on Monday (4/29)

We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the Let's Talk Lagoon panel discussion at Riverside Theatre on Monday. Alas, we are at capacity for the Waxlax Theatre so arrangements have been made for guests who RSVP after today to be able to view from the Orchid Lobby. If you wish to attend, RSVP here. You will either receive a notification that you are on the waitlist, which means you will view from the Orchid Lobby, or you will be alerted event registration is closed.
Additionally, we are delighted to announce Dr. Edie Widder of Team ORCA has joined our esteemed group of panelists.

Three Corners Developer Selection

Thank you all for taking the survey to rank your favorite plans based on the RFP responses. We had over 200 survey takers and over 100 write-in comments from respondents sharing both what they loved and what they were concerned about.
Mayor Cotugno was very impressed by both the quantity and quality of those write-in comments.
The survey results are below. If you want to get a copy of the 100+ write-in comments from respondents (without names), reply to this email and we will send them in a PDF to you. Your insights are invaluable as the committee and council members prepare to interview the developers.
There are at least four more meetings before council votes on final selection, so if you haven't taken the survey and would like to, click here.
Tomorrow -- (4/25) from 9 am - 5 pm, the Selection Committee will be meeting to rank the proposals. The meeting is open to the public.
The May 28 meeting where Council members will vote on the chosen developer will take place at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate those who work and would not normally be able to attend.

April 22, 2024

Announcing panelist line-up for our most anticipated event yet!

Let's Talk Lagoon

a panel discussion

at our monthly

Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre Series

an update on Three Corners developer selection will also be provided

Monday, April 29 from 5 - 7 p.m.

complimentary small plates and cash bar

You may recall, the health of the lagoon was raised at last month's event when Dale Sorensen congratulated Mayor Cotugno on the progress the City is making with the Downtown Master Plan and Three Corners project, while simultaneously cautioning all of us the success of these projects is reliant on a healthy lagoon.

Judy Orcutt of Clean Water Coalition asked us almost a year ago to focus more attention on it as well; she took us to tour Osprey Acres Stormwater Park and Nature Preserve, originally slated for more than 400 home parcels and now a nature lover's paradise dedicated to stormwater treatment and passive nutrient scrubbing. Duane De Freese of the Indian River Lagoon Council, Janie Gould of Environmental Learning Center, Bob Jones, Barbara Ruddy, and too many more to mention have been instrumental in helping us understand more as we assembled our panel. This is the first of what will hopefully be more programming on the subject for our Let's Talk Vero community.

But what exactly is a healthy lagoon, and how do we get there? What is the impact of a healthy lagoon on our quality of life, tourism, fishing, water sports and our home and property values? How will the Three Corners development impact lagoon health? Where have we been, where are we now, where are we headed, and what are our elected officials doing about it? And last but not least, what are some simple things we can all do to make a real difference?

Those questions and more -- along with actionable solutions -- will be explored by our dedicated group of panelists. Mayor John Cotugno will also be on hand to help us understand the City's commitment.

Free and open to the public -- RSVP Required

Complimentary Small Plates and Cash Bar

RSVP Required

Baerbel O'Haire

Moderator

The O'Haire Group, Merrill Lynch

Sam Atwell

Down Sea Charters

Judy Orcutt

Clean Water Coalition

Dale Sorensen

Dale Sorensen Real Estate

Joe Earman

County Commissioner

District 3

Heather Stapleton

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Mike Johannsen

Indian River Neighborhood Association

Panelist Bios

Baerbel O’Haire:

A regular on the Forbes annual “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” list, Baerbel O’Haire has served Vero Beach as a Merrill Wealth Management Advisor for 38 years and counting. A fourth generation Vero Beach family, the O’Haires reside on one of the first island home properties developed on the Indian River Lagoon, where they raised their three children. An avid water skier, Baerbel wants the Lagoon to be the best it can be as a public good for the community. Baerbel currently serves as the treasurer on the board of trustees for Riverside Theatre and has also served on the boards of Childcare Resources, Impact 100, and United Against Poverty. Daughter Sydney and son Conor have recently returned to Vero Beach to join The O’Haire Group, Merrill Lynch.

Sam Atwell:

Sam Atwell, recognized as a Yamaha “Best America Captain,” adeptly showcases the marvels of the Indian River Lagoon through his venture, Down Sea Charters. Beyond leading charters, he passionately advocates for conservation in Florida on a national scale. Notably, Atwell served as the host of Florida Sportsman Watermen, broadcasted on World Fishing Network and Sportsman Channel, utilizing this platform to ignite awareness and drive action on the critical challenges facing Florida’s prized waterways.

Judy Orcutt:

The President of the Clean Water Coalition and a vocal advocate for clean water in Indian River County, Judy Orcutt’s record includes serving on the Management Board of the IRL National Estuary Program, chairing the IRNA Lagoon Committee, and serving on the City of Vero Beach Utilities Advisory Board. As a Lagoon front resident since 1996, she has witnessed the Lagoon decline that she believes we can improve by all working together.

Dale Sorensen:

Dale Sorensen needs no introduction in Vero Beach. Since 1978, he and his wife, Matilde, have built their eponymous real estate firm from a local boutique shop to the nationally recognized luxury powerhouse brand it is today. The former headmaster of St. Edward’s School, Sorensen’s commitment to Vero Beach arts, culture and philanthropic initiatives is unparalleled in our community. Dale and Matilde, along with their children Elizabeth, Leslie and Dale Jr., care deeply about preserving the Indian River Lagoon as a source of enjoyment for future homebuyers, as well as generations past, present and future.

Joe Earman:

A lifelong resident, Joe Earman represents District 3 on the Indian River Board of County Commissioners. He began his career in various family businesses before going on to spend 35 years as a firefighter and paramedic, retiring as a captain in 2015. He serves as Vice-Chairman for the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) locally referred to as the “Lagoon Council” which is part of a network of 28 estuaries nationally administered by the EPA with a commitment to clean water and healthy marine ecosystems.

Heather Stapleton:

A graduate of Indiana University with triple majors in Environmental Studies, Political Science and French, Heather Stapleton began her career with a three-year stint in the Peace Corps. She has lived in Vero Beach for nearly two decades and has held executive positions at Vero Heritage, Inc. and the Environmental Learning Center. Currently a community engagement coordinator for One Lagoon (the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program), she channels her passion for the environment into fostering community connections and helping people live and be more lagoon friendly.

Mike Johannsen:

Mike Johannsen graduated from the U.S. Naval academy in the top 10% of his class before going on to serve his country for 26 years as a combat aircraft carrier pilot, followed by a 15-year career in national security. These days, rather than fighting foreign adversaries, Mike fights for clean water in Indian River County through leadership in various nonprofits as Chairman of the Indian River Neighborhood Association and a member of the Clean Water Coalition.

April 17, 2024

Extra! Extra! -- Read all About it!

IMPORTANT: Does anyone know Ray Grochowski? And if you do, can you please forward this email to him? It's a response to his letter (pasted below) to the editor which appeared in TC Palm today.

Imagine giving residents freedom to pick Three Corners plan

John Lennon well said it: “Imagine." Maybe that is just what we should do. Imagine, if the ultimate fate of the Three Corners site was not determined by several profit-seeking outside developers. Imagine, if several verbose, non-city resident columnists fostered ultimate determination directly by city residents. Imagine. In this era of electronic data-gathering capability, a determination of direction can be made in an ultimate and direct survey that gets to the core of what matters, by true residents of our city. A survey that results in direct input by the people that will be directly affected by the ultimate decision and not those outsiders/columnists with their own financial/personal agendas.

Further, the input of those organizations servicing critical community and social needs should be solicited. Yes, those organizations that struggle to service and support the not-so-financially endowed, the aged, the disabled, the homeless, those families struggling to find affordable housing, etc.

Do we really need more commercialization? Why? To clog our roads more? To get further outcry from the “we need more parking” crowd? To further overwhelm our medical facilities? To further drive up our living costs? Just what is the underlying driving force for more commercialization? Am I the only one missing something here? Bottom line: Imagine if our leadership directed its search for our future direction, based on input from all of our city residents. Mr. Lennon was not only speaking to a past generation, his words are even more important in today's times. For us. Now.

Ray Grochowski, Vero Beach

As we lead up to Council voting on which developer to proceed with for Three Corners, we are seeing an increased incidence of "keyboard warriors" on Vero Beach Facebook groups -- people who are not engaged, informed, or open minded -- intent on spreading fear, misinformation and disinformation. We call it the tyranny of the few.

They advocate swarming Council meetings to shut the Three Corners project down. A reminder -- the referendum for Three Corners development passed overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the plan -- the vote was 80% for and 20% against. The community overwhelmingly wants it, and we urge Council not to be intimidated by a small, angry mob.

We addressed this in an earlier email, and I am thrilled to see Mayor Cotugno addressed it at the last Council meeting, Larry Reisman wrote about it here, and Ray McNulty has a piece about it coming out any moment in Vero News and 32963.

As all of you know, Let's Talk Vero (www.letstalkvero.com) has been engaging the community about growth and development issues in Vero Beach since beginning of the Three Corners project in 2019 with important updates, key dates, surveys and events. As a service to our community and free of charge to our readers, we circulate every single news story and keep people apprised of important meetings and dates. A full archive of every Three Corners news story (65+ stories) can be found here. Adn if you're feeling out of the loop, a ful larchive of our regular communications can be found here.

As a reminder, Let's Talk Vero is not officially aligned with or on retainer with the City of Vero Beach -- all our work is supported through the generosity of one patron, Baerbel O'Haire.

Given the City does not have a public relations department, we do share all results and input received with our elected officials so they may consider data-driven community input from an educated and informed citizenry. The Three Corners initiative received more engagement than any other project in the history of Vero Beach. The master plan adopted was authored by the community, for the community. Here is the archive of every story ever written about Three Corners. And here is the official COVB Three Corners project page. If you know people who would like to receive our regular updates and attend our State of the City events with Mayor Cotugno at Riverside Theatre, please forward this email and have them sign up here.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Tonight:

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Downtown Farmers Market at 14th Street.

Tomorrow -- Thursday, April 18:

1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers or watch online. Xavier Iglesias of DPZ CoDESIGN will present the Downtown Master Plan to the Planning & Zoning board. If you wish to comment, you must attend in person. If you would like to watch from your computer, click here.

Friday, April 26:

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- The Three Corners Selection Committee will meet to rank the Three Corners proposals. This meeting is open to the public.

Monday, April 29:

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- Monthly State of the City with Mayor John Cotugno at Riverside Theatre. Cash bar and complimentary apps.

We will host a panel discussion called Let's Talk Lagoon, with an illustrious group of community leaders -- Dale Sorenson, Sam Atwell, Joe Earman, Mike Johannsen, Heather Stapleton and Judy Orcutt. Moderated by Baerbel O'Haire. More details to come -- you definitely don't want to miss this one!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, if you haven't yet taken the Three Corners survey, please click below and we will share with Council members and the selection committee.

Three Corners Survey

Once you click on the survey (click the button below), you will see we've attempted to share highlights and opinions from LTV readers and local media to help contextualize each response. Bear in mind, these are just snippets of opinions from the media and general feedback we are hearing. Each proposal has its merits, and we urge you to take a deeper dive to formulate your own opinions/questions you wish to share with Council members. Barring unforeseen circumstances, one of the four proposals will be chosen on May 28.

If you want to do more research prior to taking the survey, you may click on the links in blue below to 1) the actual RFP if you wish to read it in its entirety, 2) each of the four developer responses to the RFP and 3) a matrix Colliers put together for an "at a glance" look at each of the proposals.

RFP

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April 8, 2024

Hello all,

Quick update and a correction.

First, the correction.

We erroneously noted the May 21 developer interviews with Council members and RFP respondents would be open to the public. The meeting is, in fact, closed.

Tomorrow -- Tuesday, April 9

Regular council meeting in chambers. The agenda can be found here. Some key items -- Appointment of interim city clerk, FY 2024-25 budget priorities, wastewater reclamation facility update, future public notices, etc.

Later this week

Keep an eye out for a survey from Jonathan Buckley with a deeper dive into the four RFP responses. We were not intending to prepare a survey because the time for community input was back in 2019/20 but many of you have asked if we could break them down a bit more, and so we will attempt to do that with photos, opinions reported in the media to date, and a survey -- all in one place to make it easier. The results will be shared with council members.

We've seen quite a bit of Facebook and Next-door chatter about shutting this project down and a recent TC Palm letter to the editor about turning it into a park. To clear up any confusion, this referendum passed 80/20 in favor (11/8/22) and laid out the following elements for the Three Corners plan -- 1) public use and access; 2) recreation; 3) retail; 4) restaurant and 5) hotel.

If there is one particular plan you want your elected officials to embrace, we urge you to take the survey and share with friends, neighbors and colleagues. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, one of the four developers will be chosen by Council on May 28.

Monday, April 29 -- 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Complimentary sandwiches and cash bar

DON'T MISS --

State of the City with Mayor John Cotugno at Riverside Theatre. We will be hosting a panel discussion moderated by Baerbel O'Haire about the health of the lagoon and its impact on our property values, tourism and recreation. You'll recall Dale Sorensen raised the issue of a healthy lagoon at the last meeting.

You'll also get an update on Three Corners and Downtown. By that time the ranking of the proposals by the evaluation committee will have taken place.

We will announce the panel participants later this week.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Laurie Collings, John Moses, and the entire team at Riverside Theatre for generously hosting this monthly community engagement event.

Important Dates:

Upcoming City Council Meetings

April:

4/9/24: 9:30 a.m. -- in Chambers

4/23/24: 9:30 a.m. -- in Chambers

May:

5/14/24: 9:30 a.m. -- in Chambers

5/28/24: 9:30 a.m.-- in Chambers

Downtown Master Plan Events Open to the Public

April:

4/18/24: 1:30 p.m. - DPZ presentation to Planning & Zoning Board

May:

5/14/24: 9:30 a.m. - Presentation and Council Vote

Three Corners Meetings Open to the Public

April:

4/26/24: 9:00 am –5:00 pm --- Ranking of Proposals

May:

5/17/24 2:30 pm -- 5:00 pm --- Recommendations to Council

5/28/24 9:30 am -- City Council Votes on selected developer

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March 20, 2024

Don't miss the chance to witness first-hand the most thrilling -- and final -- performance of the CMS inaugural season in Vero Beach. This evening at 6:45 for pre-concert talk. Concert begins at 7:30.

You will recall it all started with re-imagining Three Corners with state-of-the-art cultural facilities and an amphitheater. And here we are today!

In no time at all, CMS has become part of the fabric of our community, and we are so fortunate they have taken up residency in Vero Beach. If you are not already, you will become a devoted a chamber music fan after just one performance.

Join us as we say farewell to our CMS friends and artists:

Wu Han, David Finckel, Arnaud Sussmann, Suzanne Davidson and Rebecca Bogers -- until next season!

Wednesday, March 20

Trios Transformed

Trinity Episcopal Church

2365 Pine Avenue

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-concert talk begins at 6:45 p.m.

Works by Haydn and Beethoven

The electrifying concluding concert by CMS Co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han and violinist Arnaud Sussmann features a musical conversation between two titans of the chamber music genre, Haydn and Beethoven. This is a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of each composer’s piano trios, at the time when Haydn was at the height of his fame and influence and Beethoven was first establishing himself as a formidable composer and pianist.

View a personalized message from David Finckel here. Secure tickets here.

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March 18, 2024

Hello all,

Hope you had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day weekend. Some exciting new developments.

First -- don't miss out on the thrilling final performance of Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society!

Wednesday, March 20

Trios Transformed

Trinity Episcopal Church

2365 Pine Avenue

Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-concert talk begins at 6:45 p.m.

Works by Haydn and Beethoven

To hear lectures about the works being performed and to buy tickets, click here.

Thanks again to Riverside Theatre for hosting us for State of the City last week -- mark your calendar for the next one on April 29, where we will discuss the health of the lagoon, especially as it relates to tourism and property values.

Kinky Boots has officially wrapped up, but do come out for Yankee Tavern beginning tomorrow, March 19 (details below).

The Bobbie Olsen Series on the Waxlax Stage presents:
Yankee Tavern

By Steven Dietz

Yankee Tavern is a crumbling New York City bar. It is the place where people come to drink, connect and share stories that are only told in those places. One day, Adam, the young owner, and Janet, his fiancé, become embroiled in a conspiracy theory of personal and national significance when a stranger enters the bar and seems to know more than he should about the September 11th terrorist attacks. Yankee Tavern is a thriller laced with introspection and comedy.

Buy Tickets

After Yankee Tavern, check out "On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan" from April 9 to May 5.

Three Corners

The race is on for the four developer proposals submitted. 32963 columnists Ray McNulty and Steve Thomas offer two compelling, competing opinions on who should carry the torch (read here and here respectively). We will keep you posted as new developments arise.

Downtown Farmers Market

Come downtown this Wednesday, March 20, for the next Downtown Farmers Market, hosted by Main Street Vero Beach at the intersection of 14th Ave. and 21st St. The time change and warmer weather combined with more growers -- Zesty Farms, 5-Acre Farms, Top Notch Microgreens, Tall Pines and more -- should bring us from "testing the concept" to bona fide market. Come out and support this market if you want to see it continue year-round.

Next City Council Meeting

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26 at 9:30 a.m. in city chambers.

In the meantime, you may review the previous City Council meeting discussing stormwater treatment and lagoon health. View the recording here and read minutes here.

More soon!

Irina

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March 12, 2024

Hello all,

Thank you for coming out last night for Let's Talk Vero's State of the City at Riverside Theatre.

We had over 100 guests to celebrate forward movement on Three Corners and the downtown master plan. Many of you who were unable to attend asked for a replay -- it is here.

At our next Let's Talk Vero State of the City at Riverside Theatre event, in addition to Three Corners and downtown updates, we hope to bring in community experts for a deep dive into the effects of stormwater runoff on the health of the lagoon and its impact on our economy, tourism, and quality of life. This introduction to a new topic was inspired by many of you who have commented you'd like to see updates extend beyond growth and development -- the most requested topic being the lagoon. That was underscored last night when long-time resident and realtor Dale Sorensen congratulated the city on the magnificent progress with Three Corners and Downtown, but noted if we don't have the lagoon in tip-top shape, we're going to lose it all.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre

State of the City

Update on Three Corners and Downtown Master Plan

with focus on

Health of the Indian River Lagoon

Monday, April 29

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

The next City of Vero Beach council meeting about the Downtown Master Plan will take place on Thursday, April 18 in chambers at 1:30 p.m., where Andres Duany will make a presentation. The next Three Corners meeting open to the public will take place on Friday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the full schedule below (dates subject to change):

Downtown Master Plan Timeline (as of 3/11/24)

3/14/24: DPZ provides initial report to staff

4/1/24: DPZ provides revised draft to staff

4/3/24: Staff comments back to DPZ

4/5/24: Plan is posted for public review & comments

4/18/24: 1:30 p.m. - DPZ presentation to Planning & Zoning Board (OPEN TO PULIC)

4/30/24: Draft report of Ideas for Downtown survey results complete

5/14/24: 9:30 a.m. - Presentation and Council Vote (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

Three Corners Meetings Timeline (as of 3/11/24)

4/26/24: 9:00 am –5:00 pm --- Ranking of Proposals (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

5/13/24:12:30 pm –5:00 pm --- Interviews with Developers (CLOSED TO PUBLIC)

5/17/24: 8:30 am – 2:45 pm --- Interviews with Developers (CLOSED TO PUBLIC)

5/17/24 2:30 pm -- 5:00 pm --- Recommendations to Council (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

5/28/24 9:30 am -- City Council Votes on selected developer (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

Lastly, on the naming of Three Corners, 83% of people who took our survey say they want to change the name. The top five suggested names are as follows: #1 Vero Landing, #2 Riverwalk, #3 Vero Walk, #4 The Landing at Three Corners, and #5 Water's Edge. Names that were not included in the survey but suggested by survey takers include: South Bridge District, Power Plant District, The Stacks, Gateway Plaza, Lagoon Landing, Big Blue District, Riverside Power, City Corner, and Vero Cove. We will be sharing a link with full results to everyone soon, including Council and the selected developer. We had about 300 survey takers and would like to see more. Please share this email and encourage people to take the survey here.

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March 4, 2024

DETAILS RELEASED FOR THREE CORNERS POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS

Here is the link to the COVB website where you can review the responses in their entirety.

Here is WPTV news coverage with John Shainman from this evening.

Here is TCPalm's Wicker Perlis' coverage.

Next State of the City

Monday, March 11 at Riverside Theatre

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Cash Bar

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. -- Presentation

RSVP here

Note in your calendars the next five State of the City events. All take place at:

Riverside Theatre from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

March 11th

April 29th

May 20th

June 17th

July 15th

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March 4, 2024

Hello all,

As promised, here is the survey about potentially renaming Three Corners.

We will announce the results at the next State of the City -- at Riverside Theatre on March 11. RSVP below.

Next State of the City

Monday, March 11 at Riverside Theatre

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Cash Bar

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. -- Presentation

RSVP here

Note in your calendars the next five State of the City events. All take place at:

Riverside Theatre from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

March 11th

April 29th

May 20th

June 17th

July 15th

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February 29, 2024

If you're like most Let's Talk Vero readers, you are dying to know what's in those highly CONFIDENTIAL Three Corners developer RFP proposals! Well, thanks to Ray Mcnulty, we are bringing you the "insider" scoop here.

For the official deep dive and Q&A with Mayor John Cotugno and Planning Director Jason Jeffries, join us on March 11 at Riverside Theatre (see below for details)

In the meantime, be on the lookout for a survey coming soon seeking your ideas for a new name for Three Corners. For the longest time, people have wanted an alternative name. Now seems like an appropriate time to query Vero Beach residents. Do you have a suggested name? Reply to this email with your suggestion, and we will include in the new survey -- results will be revealed at the March 11 State of the City at Riverside Theatre.

Last but not least, if you want to get the best seats for tonight's Lincoln Center CMS Instrumental Inspirations, get there early for the pre-concert talk, which begins at 6:45.

Concert begins at 7:30. More details here.

Next State of the City

Monday, March 11 at Riverside Theatre

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Cash Bar

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. -- Presentation

Join for Q&A and official deep dive into the

Three Corners Developer Proposals

with

Mayor John Cotugno and Planning Director Jason Jeffries

and

Brief County Update

with

Commissioner Laura Moss

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February 23, 2024

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

Tuesday, February 27 -- City Council Meeting (9:30 a.m., Chambers)

Wednesday, February 28 -- Three Corners Evaluation Committe (9:30 a.m., Chambers)

Thursday, February 29 -- CMS of Lincoln Center (7:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal)

Hello everyone,

Great weather today for Downtown Friday! Check out the car show and featured band (Perfect Tuesday) This evening -- 6 - 9 pm; 14th Avenue & 21st Street.

Three important dates next week:

City Council meeting Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Full agenda here. A few items up for discussion:

Downtown master plan recap and discussion about parking, incentives, etc. (Carroll)
Downtown parking and proposed valet parking at Freshman Learning Center (Dingle)
Three Corners comp plan amendment (ordinance)
Beachside 3-hour parking (Moore)

Three Corners Evaluation Committee

Meets Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Chambers for a general discussion of the proposal process.

CMS of Lincoln Center Concert

At Trinity Episcopal Church on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. -- Sneak Peek here. Pre-Concert Talk at 6:45 pm; works by Schubert, Grieg, Vieuxtemps, and Dohnányi

February 20, 2024

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

Tomorrow -- Wednesday, February 21 -- Downtown Farmers Market (4-7 pm)

Friday, February 23 -- Downtown Friday (6-9 pm)

Tuesday, February 27 -- City Council Meeting (9:30 a.m., Chambers)

Wednesday, February 28 -- Three Corners Evaluation Committee (9:30 a.m., Chambers)

Thursday, February 29 -- CMS of Lincoln Center (7:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal)

Monday, March 4 -- Three Corners RFP Responses will be made public

Wednesday, May 1 -- Three Corners Selection Committe Meets to Score RFP Responses

Tuesday, May 28 -- RFP Selection Committe Recommends Preferred Developer to Council

Hello everyone,

Happy to be checking in again with updates on Three Corners, Downtown Master Plan, and most recent City Council meeting highlights.

Also, see the Chamber Society of Lincoln Center Season opening photos and lovely thank you video from Suzanne Davidson, CMS executive director, below. The arrival in Vero Beach and welcoming of CMS Lincoln Center to our community has been nothing short of spectacular!

Three Corners

As you all may recall, we received four responses to the Three Corners RFP. The names of the developers have been published but the content is confidential until March 4, when the evaluation committee will make recommendations to Council members.

February 13 City Council Meeting Highlights:

Keith Drewett (Clean Water Coalition) announced they have been approved for a grant of $200,000 to further the STEP System (septic to sewer conversion).
Gene Waddell commented that unless zoning rules are changed, no private investment will happen downtown and that onerous building department and permitting process delays need to be addressed.
There was discussion of formation of CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and other funding mechanisms to finance revitalization of Downtown so as not to put the burden on the community/taxpayers.
Joe Earman (County Commissioner) presented the plan for wrapping of electrical boxes in art; you've probably seen some already and -- happily -- it looks like we'll be seeing more!
The Three Corners Selection Committe process was discussed at length. The important key dates are listed above. City Manager, Monte Falls, gives a very detailed overview of the process, and you can understand more about why the council members were not part of the selection committee by watching the replay for four minutes beginning at the minute marker 56:19 in the replay here. For those of you who are keen followers of the project and want up-to-the second, accurate details vs. hearsay, I highly suggest you watch.

Ideas for Downtown

The downtown master plan charrette has concluded, and we want to let you know DPZ CoDESIGN is still accepting ideas. If you want to submit more ideas, you are encouraged to view the video of the final presentation and submit ideas by visiting the Ideas for Downtown section at www.COVB.org. And then take the survey or send your ideas via email to ideasfordowntown@covb.org.

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February 5, 2024

REMINDER

Don't forget this evening's opening presentation with Andres Duany and the DPZ CoDESIGN team takes place at the Heritage Center from 5 - 7, presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. The full schedule of meetings can be found at the official website for the project, www.IdeasforDowntown.com.

Parking can be found behind the Community Center/Pocahantas Park, on 14th Avenue, or in the overflow parking lot north of 23rd Street.

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February 2, 2024

Hello all,

Excited to report that according to Demandstar, the following developers submitted responses to the redevelopment and operations of the Three Corners site:

Clearpath, Bloomington, IN
Edgewater Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Suda, Cred Capital, Madison Marquette, Pompano Beach, FL
Vista Blue Vero Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, FL

No doubt you'll be hearing more information from Jason Jeffries soon, and we'll be sure to share it. In the meantime, as seen in Ray McNulty's Vero News story yesterday (here), The Three Corners Selection Committee tasked with evaluating the respondents based on the city's criteria has been announced. The selection committee members are:

Jason Jeffries, Planning & Development Director

Steve Dionne, Finance Director

Matt Mitts, Public Works Director

Rob Bolton, Water-and-Sewer Director

Jeb Bittner, Planning & Zoning Board Chairman

Robert Jones, Finance Commission Chairman

Vicky Gould, Chair of the 2019 Three Corners Steering Committee

What an incredibly uplifting way to welcome DPZ back to Vero Beach next week. As always, we will keep you posted with updates.

REMINDERS:

Don't forget Monday's opening presentation with Andres Duany and the DPZ CoDESIGN team will take place at the Heritage Center from 5 - 7, with the presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. The full schedule of meetings can be found at the official website for the project, www.IdeasforDowntown.com. Please visit the site, take the survey and RSVP for meetings (not required, but helpful). See Larry Reisman's TC Palm piece from this morning (here -- subscription required).

Last but not least, the city has extended the deadline to February 9 for public input in conjunction with the preparation of potential neighborhood protection and preservation policies for island and inland and beachside neighborhoods. Interested parties are invited and encouraged to provide comments here.

Looking forward to seeing you all next week,

Irina

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January 29, 2024

Greetings,

In case you missed it, I am sharing Mayor John E. Cotugno's message circulated Monday about the Ideas for Downtown campaign (pasted below).

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (actually twice if you participated in Three Corners!) to work alongside Andres Duany in shaping a Master Plan for Downtown. The team is eager to hear your ideas. Completed surveys are rolling in and we are sharing your insights and ideas with the team in real time. Let's keep those surveys coming.

Forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to get involved with what promises to be an exciting series of workshops.

Mark your calendars for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb 5, 6 and 7) from 5 - 7 p.m. and then again on Friday, February 9 from 5-7 pm for the closing presentation. You can check out the full schedule here.

For planning purposes, we kindly ask you to RSVP in case we need to shift venues, add more chairs, etc. In fact, the opening presentation has already been moved to the Heritage Center and other presentations may as well. Fortunately, the two venues are close in proximity, and we will have re-direct signs from the Community Center for those who have already signed up.

Bear in mind:

If you are new to this initiative, we suggest you start by reading up on Andres Duany's initial observations as presented to the City Council on January 18 in the "In the News" section and then check out the "FAQ/Resources" tab for links to historical studies at the website -- www.ideasfordowntown.com. If you want to drill deeper into the history, visit the Planning Department tab at www.COVB.org.
You will notice Andres is eager to hear from younger people...aka 30-year-olds who will be 50-year-olds when Downtown Vero matures. While there is a definite focus on the "under 45's," we want to hear from EVERYONE, so please take the survey and join in person as well.
When you take the survey, we do ask for your name, email address, and street address. We ask for this information to protect the integrity of the process as well as understand which Vero Beach residents are city residents (voters) and which are county (unable to vote in city elections). As a reminder, just because you have a Vero Beach mailing address does not mean you are actually a resident of the City of Vero Beach. You can check whether you are a city or county resident here.
Jason Jeffries, COVB Planning Director, is working on a list of frequently asked questions which will be posted to the website shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you may pose them here.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the site or survey, please email jonathan@iwprgroup.com for assistance.

Last but not least, we urge you to take the survey ASAP so that the team has as much advance intelligence as possible.

And now....the Message from Mayor John E. Cotugno

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A MESSAGE FROM

MAYOR JOHN E. COTUGNO

On behalf of my fellow council members and staff of the City of Vero Beach, I am excited to announce the Ideas for Downtown community engagement campaign with DPZ CoDESIGN is officially underway.

Andres Duany and the DPZ CoDESIGN team will arrive one week from today for what promises to be an exceedingly future-forward Downtown Master Plan Charrette, and we are eager to hear your ideas, both in person during the week-long charrette and online at www.ideasfordowntown.com. I encourage everyone in our community to get involved and take part in the process.

The outgrowth of a months-long process, this Charrette serves as the pre-cursor to adopting a new downtown master plan -- a plan very much designed for the future. And a plan that will appeal to the next generation who want to live, work and play in downtown. You'll see a lot of focus on how to make downtown more livable and on how to create more attainable housing in order to receive, attract and retain younger community members. You'll also see a lot of emphasis on shaping a place distinct in character from Ocean Drive or Three Corners.

Start by taking the survey. Then, mark your calendars for daily presentations and Q&A from 5-7 p.m. beginning Monday, February 5 through Friday, February 9 at the Vero Beach Community Center (2266 14th Ave.). Note: there will be no public presentation on Thursday, as the design team will be preparing their drawings for Friday's closing presentation. The full schedule can be found at on the website at www.ideasfordowntown.com

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Vero Beach community for your ongoing input, support and engagement on important issues facing our city. Your voices and feedback play a crucial role in shaping our priorities and decision-making.

Sincerely,

Mayor John E. Cotugno

City of Vero Beach

January 29, 2024

January 25, 2024

The Ideas for Downtown website and survey have officially launched!

IdeasforDowntown.com

Visit www.ideasfordowntown.com, take the survey, register for regular updates, and then forward this e-mail to your friends, colleagues and neighbors who want to share their ideas with Andres Duany and the DPZ CoDESIGN team as they work alongside the community to shape the future and design of Downtown Vero Beach.

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January 23, 2024

Reminder to attend tomorrow's Neighborhood meeting (not to be confused with ideas for downtown master plan with Andres Duany).

This will be a great opportunity to get to know and ask questions of Jason Jeffries, Planning & Development Director about potential changes to neighborhood protection policies.

These are two meetings set for tomorrow for citywide residents to share their concerns about encroachment -- or any kind of development -- taking place in their immediate neighborhoods.

There is meeting a at 2 pm for island residents and 6 pm for mainland residents.

If you'd like to submit questions in advance, simply reply to this email and I will forward to Jason.

See locations below:

NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION

On Wednesday, January 24 join these meetings to share your thoughts about Neighborhood Protection.

Beachside Neighborhood Meeting

2:00 p.m. -- Bethel Creek House, 4405 North A1A

Mainland Neighborhood Meeting

6:00 p.m. -- Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Avenue

Neighborhood and protection policies serve to:

Preserve the character and quality of neighborhoods with an emphasis on maintaining unique character, identity and livability. They may include regulations on building design, density and use (commercial vs. residential, etc.), as well as guidelines for preserving historic buildings and landmarks.

These policies serve to:

Ensure compatibility and harmony. They may include zoning regulations that separate incompatible land uses, such as residential and industrial areas.

Protect natural resources and the environment. Think wetlands and water bodies. They may include restrictions on development in environmentally sensitive areas, requirements for green spaces and open areas, and regulations for sustainable building practices.

Enhance public safety and wellbeing of residents. Including regulations on fire safety, building codes, access to public amenities and provisions for emergency services.

Overall, these policies help to create and maintain a balanced and sustainable land use pattern that meets the needs of the community while protecting the environment and preserving the quality of life in neighborhoods.

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January 22, 2024

Important upcoming dates at a glance

Tonight: January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; Beethoven, Shostakovich and Dvorak. Trinity Episcopal Church Purchase tickets here.

Tomorrow: January 23 at 9:30 a.m. City Council meeting @ City Hall

January 18 -- 1:30 p.m. -- Andres Duany at Joint Council and Planning Meeting

January 24 -- 2:00 p.m. -- Beachside Neighborhood Protection Input Session

January 24 -- 6:00 p.m. -- Mainland Neighborhood Protection Input Session

February 5 - 9: Ideas for Downtown DPZ CoDESIGN Charrette (More details tk)

Tonight at 7:30 is the opening Concert for The Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society; The church is nearly sold out for this performance, but there are still seats available. Purchase tickets here.

REPLAY AND MEDIA COVERAGE OF PLANNER ANDRES DUANY'S OBSERVATIONS OF DOWNTOWN VERO BEACH.

Check out Andres Duany's observations during kick-off of the Vero Beach Master Plan here.

Looks like we have another standing ovation plan in the works!

Then read the media coverage. Larry Reisman's opinion piece here. Nick Slater's reporting here, and WPTV Television here.

Mark your calendar for February 5 - 9. More details to follow.

Ideas for Downtown website and surveys from the city are set to be launched this Friday.

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January 17, 2024

Reminder:

Join Andres Duany in City Hall Tomorrow @1:30 P.M.

for

Ideas for Downtown Kick-off

Hello all,

Join Andres Duany tomorrow, Thursday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall for the joint City Council / Planning and Zoning workshop.

Andres and the DPZ CoDESIGN team want to hear your ideas as they prepare for the launch of the Ideas for Downtown Charrette scheduled for early February. Attend in chambers at 1053 20th Place or click here to watch via Channel 13. As always, we will be sharing the replay.

The Ideas for Downtown campaign will launch with a dedicated website and surveys soon. For now, mark your calendar for the Ideas for Downtown Charrette, scheduled for Monday, February 5 through Friday, February 9. There will be full-day workshops and meetings every day -- open to the public. More schedule details will be announced soon.

The team wants to hear from everyone, especially downtown neighbors, business and property owners. If you haven't already, please share your contact information and ideas with us here so that we may assist DPZ in organizing stakeholder meetings throughout the Charrette process.

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January 16, 2024

Hello everyone,

Sharing important upcoming dates at a glance -- more details below:

Tomorrow, January 17 -- 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- Downtown Farmers Market

January 18 -- 1:30 p.m. -- Andres Duany at Joint Council and Planning Meeting

January 24 -- 2:00 p.m. -- Beachside Neighborhood Protection Input Session

January 24 -- 6:00 p.m. -- Mainland Neighborhood Protection Input Session

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN KICK-OFF

As you know, we kick off the DPZ CoDESIGN Downtown Master Plan initiative this Thursday, January 18 at 1:30 p.m. Andres Duany will present his observations as we prepare for the launch of the Ideas for Downtown campaign. You may click here to watch via Channel 13.

As always, we will be sharing the replay. Also, don't forget to note February 5 - 9 for the actual Charrette. More details soon.

CALLING ALL DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS

If you are a downtown property owner, neighbor or business owner, we want to make sure we have your contact information as we assist DPZ in organizing stakeholder meetings during the Charrette. Click here to share your information.

NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION

On Wednesday, January 24 join these meetings to share your thoughts about Neighborhood Protection.

Beachside Neighborhood Meeting

2:00 p.m. -- Bethel Creek House, 4405 North A1A

Mainland Neighborhood Meeting

6:00 p.m. -- Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Avenue

Neighborhood and protection policies serve to:

Preserve the character and quality of neighborhoods with an emphasis on maintaining unique character, identity and livability. They may include regulations on building design, density and use, as well as guidelines for preserving historic buildings and landmarks.

These policies serve to:

Ensure compatibility and harmony. They may include zoning regulations that separate incompatible land uses, such as residential and industrial areas.

Enhance public safety and wellbeing of residents. Including regulations on fire safety, building codes, access to public amenities and provisions for emergency services.

Downtown Farmers Market

The Downtown Farmers Market returns tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17 from 4 - 7 p.m. along 14th Street.

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January 9, 2024

Let's get 2024 started with some exciting news and important dates -- open up your calendars!

But first, on behalf of our community, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Claire Higgins (Engel & Völkers) and Baerbel O'Haire (The O'Haire Group | Merrill Lynch), the two remarkable women who make Let's Talk Vero possible. Their commitment to powering civic engagement will have a lasting impact on Vero Beach now and for years to come.

New York's Lincoln Center is Coming to Town:

For the 2024 season, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is proud to bring a lineup of world-renowned musicians to Vero Beach.

Introduced to our community by local architect Scott Johnson during the Three Corners envisioning process, we have three-world class concerts taking place at Trinity Episcopal Church. Check out the photos and fantastic coverage in 32963 here. Get your season tickets before they sell out! We'll be sure to send reminders.

Ideas for Downtown

The City of Vero Beach will begin the process of developing a downtown master plan this month. World-renowned architect and urban planner, Andres Duany and his team from DPZ CoDESIGN, will lead a charrette very similar to the Three Corners process, where they will actively be seeking your ideas. Expect a dedicated website, surveys and more announcements later this month. In the meantime, block out February 5 through 9 on your calendars for the charrette. More details soon.

Andres Duany and Xavier Iglesias will be here next week for key stakeholder meetings on January 17, followed by a presentation and joint meeting with City Council and the Planning & Zoning Board in chambers at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 18.

Coffee with the Mayor this Friday at Riverside Theater.

Main Street Vero Beach will host Coffee with the Mayor this Friday the 12th at 8:00 a.m. at Riverside Theater. Mayor Cotugno will be talking about the "why" behind the master plan initiative. Come on out, make new friends, celebrate the new season and get engaged. Open to all -- please RSVP here.

Downtown Farmers Market

The Downtown Farmers Market is returning Wednesday, January 17 from 4 - 7 p.m. along 14th Street. Thank you to Barbara Ruddy for her unwavering enthusiasm and for funding the music!

Look Both Ways -- Cross Walk Art

Thanks to Vice Mayor Linda Moore and Off Island Studios, get ready to experience some fun cross walk art beginning early spring -- sneak peek below. Keep an eye on the Edgewood area in the Vero Beach Arts Village. Special thanks to the volunteers and the Vero Beach Mural Project, who will be providing paint.

As we close out 2023 and welcome 2024, we would like to thank all of you for your amazing letters, comments and engagement over the past year. You've inspired us so much. If you have any ideas or suggestions for content, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Also, this is a good time to prune our lists. If you no longer wish to be engaged in growth and development issues in Vero Beach, please hit the unsubscribe button below or reply to this email with the word "unsubscribe."

Best regards,

Irina & Jonathan

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December 13, 2023

Downtown Farmers Market Debuts

Today

Farmers Market, Twin Pairs Outcome and Downtown Master Plan

The Inaugural Downtown Vero Beach Farmers Market

TODAY

Wednesday, December 13

4 - 7 pm

In the heart of downtown

at the intersection of 21st Street and 14th Avenue

Hello all,

The day you have been waiting for has arrived. Later today from 4 - 7 pm is the inaugural farmer's market right in the heart of downtown, and it's all thanks to you for making your voices heard!

Special thanks to Claire Higgins of Engel & Völkers Real Estate and Baerbel O'Haire of The O'Haire Group, Merrill Lynch for powering the work that brought this to fruition. And to Matt Haynes of Main Street Vero Beach for listening to your feedback and making this a reality.

Swing by from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. to enjoy live music from Purr Box, an upbeat atmosphere and an assortment of produce and products from vendors below:

In Other News:

Downtown Master Plan and Twin Pairs: Super excited to share the announcement of DPZ CoDESIGN -- the same designers for Three Corners -- as planners for the new Downtown Master Plan. A week-long

Charrette process, similar to the one you participated in for Three Corners, is slated for mid-February 2024. You will be hearing directly from the DPZ team and their PR consultant, Impact Campaigns, in the new year. As always, we will keep you apprised as well.

On a related note, the final vote on Twin Pairs took place yesterday -- option 4 was voted 4-1. You can see all options that were considered here and watch television news coverage here and here.

The final Twin Pairs outcome is very much a compromise; neither proponents nor opponents got what they wanted. But the decision paves the way for the community to collaborate again with DPZ on designing a master plan to achieve all the things our surveys say you want -- more walkability, better retail, more outdoor cafes, aesthetic enhancements, and more.

Final EAR/Comp Plan Workshop Today -- if you can make it in person at the Intergenerational Recreation Center (address: 1590 9th St SW). Meetings will take place at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with the option to attend the 6:00 p.m. meeting via ZOOM (link).

In case you missed the last meeting, you may view a replay here.

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December 13, 2023

Downtown Farmers Market Debuts

Today

Farmers Market, Twin Pairs Outcome and Downtown Master Plan

The Inaugural Downtown Vero Beach Farmers Market

TODAY

Wednesday, December 13

4 - 7 pm

In the heart of downtown

at the intersection of 21st Street and 14th Avenue

Hello all,

The day you have been waiting for has arrived. Later today from 4 - 7 pm is the inaugural farmer's market right in the heart of downtown, and it's all thanks to you for making your voices heard!

Swing by from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. to enjoy live music from Purr Box, an upbeat atmosphere and an assortment of produce and products from vendors below:

In Other News:

Downtown Master Plan and Twin Pairs: Super excited to share the announcement of DPZ CoDESIGN -- the same designers for Three Corners -- as planners for the new Downtown Master Plan. A week-long

On a related note, the final vote on Twin Pairs took place yesterday -- option 4 was voted 4-1. You can see all options that were considered here and watch television news coverage here and here.

In case you missed the last meeting, you may view a replay here.

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December 11, 2023

Big Day Tomorrow:

All You Need to Know

for Tuesday, December 12

Hello all,

So much going on tomorrow Tuesday, December 12 -- here is everything you need to know:

9:30 a.m. - Regular City Council Meeting

1:30 p.m. - Special Call Meeting

Final SR60/Twin Pairs lane repurposing workshop
City Council votes on one of four scenarios -- see the options in detail (Agenda pg. 15-24)
View full agenda here

4:30 p.m. - State of the City at CURFEW

Mayor Cotugno will update on all key city matters, including recap of the day
Commissioner Moss will provide a countywide update
More details and RSVP here

Reminder for Wednesday, December 13

11:00 a.m. - Comp Plan/EAR Workshop

Intergenerational Recreation Center (1590 9th St SW)
View the previous Comp Plan/EAR Workshop replay here

6:00 p.m. - Comp Plan/EAR Workshop (also via ZOOM)

Intergenerational Recreation Center (1590 9th St SW)

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Inaugural Downtown Farmer's Market

Intersection of 14th Ave. and 21st St.

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December 5, 2023

Next State of the City

One Week from Today

Tuesday, December 12

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

State of the City

with

Mayor John Cotugno

and

Commissioner Laura Moss

Tuesday, December 12

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. -- Cocktails

5:30 p.m. -- Presentation

CURFEW

1932 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Hello everyone,

Eat, drink, gather and -- most importantly -- engage, this coming Tuesday, December 12 for State of the City at our newest downtown restaurant, CURFEW (formerly Southern Social).

As you know, December 12 is the big day when City Council conducts a special workshop and makes its final decision on how to proceed with Twin Pairs. John Cotugno will provide a recap for those of you who are unable to attend the City Council meeting in chambers (December 12, 9:30 a.m.), and Laura Moss will give us an update on County matters.