Coastal Zone Management

I. BOUNDARIES OF THE COASTAL AREA

The three-tier definition of the coastal area includes the following:

Waters and submerged lands of oceanic or estuarine waterbodies, shorelines adjacent to oceanic waters or estuaries, coastal barriers, living marine resources, marine wetlands, water dependent or water-related facilities on or adjacent to oceanic orestuarine waters, and public access facilities to oceanic beaches or estuarine shorelines.

Hurricane evacuation and hazard mitigation.

Estuarine water quality.

Indialantic Coastal Area Boundary

The entire Town is located on the barrier island and is within the coastal area; however, most of the data utilized for hurricane evacuation and mitigation is county-wide in scope.

The following map shows the Town and its relationship to the rest of Brevard County.

II. NATURAL RESOURCES

This section addresses the biological resources of the coastal area. The Indian River Lagoon system is addressed in the estuarine pollution section, and the beach and dune system is examined in that section. Mineral extraction does not occur in the Town, and an evaluation of the potable water supply is given in the infrastructure element.

Vegetative Cover and Wetlands

The Town is almost completely developed and can be classified

as an urban man-made community. Vegetation cover varies and includes both native and non-native species. Included in the native vegetation are: oaks, cabbage palms, scrub pine, saw palmetto, sea grape, and wax myrtle. Non-native species include Australian Pine, Brazilian Pepper, and tropical plant species.

There are a few scattered mangroves along the river, and no wetlands. Seagrass meadows and drift algae aggregations occur

in the Indian River and are shown on the vegetation map. The ecologic communities are shown on the following map and a general description on the following chart.

Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife

The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission has prepared extensive lists of the wildlife occurring on the barrier island, the Indian River Lagoon, and the offshore Atlantic waters. Since the Town is classified as urban and is almost completely developed, it would serve no purpose to include these lists and a detailed discussion of them. It is important, however, to mention that the beaches and foredunes of the Town do provide important nesting areas for green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and leatherback and hawksbill turtles.

That portion of the Indian River Lagoon adjacent to Indialantic is classified as Class III waters for recreation and propation and management of fish and wildlife and does not include shellfish harvesting.

A list of endangered or threatened species is included, and the Scrub Jay has been added as a threatened species. Finally, the most endangered mammal inhabiting the area is the Manatee which resides in the Lagoon all year.

Protection of Endangered Species

The Town already has a strictly enforced lighting ordinance along the beaches for protection of turtle hatchlings, and although the water along the river is relatively shallow, the Town should work with the County and the State in the posting of signs to protect the Manatee. Finally, the Town will work with other governmental agencies to revitalize and protect the Lagoon and the ocean dunes including the protection of sea grass beds, mangroves, dune vegetation, and turtle nesting areas.

Air Quality

The air pollutants of major concern in Florida are carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and suspended particulates. The primary sources of these particulates are automobile emissions, power generating plants, and industrial activities. Because the Town only has the former, the air quality is quite good.

Ambient air standards which measure the above mentioned pollutants have been established by the Florida Department of  Environmental Protection. The closest air quality station to the Town is the one on Merritt Island. It measures particulates for which the annual allowable standard is 60, a geometric mean. The measurement over the past ten years has been approximately 30 which would indicate good air quality.

It should be pointed out that the Town does experience, periodically, temperature inversions which may last as long as 48 hours. These inversions can degrade the air to unacceptable levels.

Hazardous Waste

There is no known large contributor of hazardous waste in the Town. Harris Sanitation, the solid waste contractor, and Brevard County require that it be separated with respect to collection. It can be expected that paint, antifreeze, and pesticides make up the bulk of this material.

III. COASTAL FLOODING

Maps showing areas subject to coastal flooding are included in the hurricane evacuation section of this element. As will be seen, the areas east of S.R. A1A and west of Riverside Drive are vulnerable to flooding in a Category 1 storm and the remainder of the Town is vulnerable in a Category 2 storm.

The future Land Use Element proposes a small amount of development in the Town; however, the largest vacant tracts subject to flooding in a Class 1 storm will be developed as parks.

IV. LAND USE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

The existing land use for the Town is shown on the Existing Land Use Map. As previously stated, the Town is almost completely developed. Development along the Indian River is residential with two small park areas. Development along the Ocean is for the most part residential with a long linear park area along the oceanfront and a newly acquired park area adjacent to it on the north side.

Water-Dependent and Water-Related Uses

The water-dependent uses which occur in the Town are the beachfront and riverfront parks, and the water-related uses are the upland support for these facilities.

Estimate of the Need for Water-Dependent & Water-Related Uses

Recreation standards show that there is more than enough beachfront and riverfront access for the residents of the Town. With the recent acquisition of land for beachfront recreation and the development of the riverfront park, it is not anticipated that additional land acquisition will be necessary.

Shoreline Land Use Conflicts

The primary land uses on the shoreline are single family residential use and recreation use on the Indian River and single family, multi-family and recreation use on the ocean. It is not anticipated that there will be any land use conflicts.

Recommendations for Siting Water-Dependent and Water-Related Uses and Minimizing Shoreline Land Use Conflicts

The parks located on the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean are already in place and should not cause any adverse effects. The park on the Indian River is currently being developed for passive activity and the new oceanfront acquisition adjoins the existing oceanfront site.

Areas Needing Redevelopment

There were no dilapidated structures inventoried in the Town, but there were several residential structures that were classified as deteriorating.

There are no plans for neighborhood redevelopment, and it is not anticipated that any structures will need to be condemned.

Economic Base

The Town of Indialantic is a low density small residential community. It has a limited amount of commercial and professional activity which is located along S.R. A1A and U.S. #192.There are a few small motels but there is no large orientation toward tourist development. The economic base of the community is tied to that of the mainland which has the large employment centers primarily consisting of high technological firms, the regional mall, and the Melbourne International Airport.

Analysis of the Impact of Projected Development

Approximately 32 acres of land remain to be developed in the Town, and this figure represents 5 percent of the total area. There are scattered vacant lots in both the commercial and residential area of the Town; however, a number of the vacant lots in the residential area are lots with only fifty feet of frontage. By the Town Zoning Ordinance, these lots are substandard.

In any event, it cannot be expected that the additional development of vacant land will have any adverse impact on the environment, so long as it is in general conformity with existing Town Code requirements, since the vacant area is so small and scattered among existing development. The Future Land Use Element contains a more detailed discussion of projected development.

V. ESTUARINE POLLUTION

The Indian River Lagoon forms the western boundary of the Town. It has an average depth of 5 to 9 feet, and is approximately 1.6 miles wide in this area. The City of Melbourne abuts the lagoon on its western side opposite the Town.

This section of the Indian River is classified as Class III waters which is for recreation and the propagation and management of fish and wildlife.

The Town has five existing outfalls which enter the Indian River, two north of the Melbourne Causeway at Second Avenue and Wayne Avenue and three south of the Melbourne Causeway at Tenth Avenue, Orlando Boulevard, and Miami Avenue. The Florida DOT has an outfall at 5^th Avenue. These locations are shown on the following map.

Current Conditions

Water quality is affected by both point pollution (sewage treatment plant discharges and drainage outfalls) sources and non-point (stormwater runoff) sources. In urban areas, such as the Town, stormwater pollution can come from such sources as lawn trimmings, animal feces, gas and oil from motor vehicles, septic tank seepage, and fertilizer.

Brevard County has divided the County into water quality segments which are shown on the following map. The Town is adjacent to Segments I-9 and I-10. In 1977, the County 208 Plan showed that both segments were considered to be in poor condition primarily because of intensive urban development, storm-water runoff, sewage treatment effluent from mainland plants, and discharge from Crane Creek in Melbourne and Turkey Creek in Palm Bay.

The Brevard County Office of Natural Resources maintains extensive testing programs in the Indian River, and a 1994 report showed that these two segments have not improved in quality.

The Brevard County Coastal Management Element will address these segments in detail and because the Water Quality is a multi-jurisdictional problem and because the Town has only six stormwater outfalls and no sewage treatment plant outfalls, an extensive discussion is not presented in this element.

Known Point Sources of Estuarine Pollution

The known point pollution sources in the Town are the six stormwater outfalls which were previously listed. There are no sewage treatment outfalls.

Non-Point Sources of Estuarine Pollution

The Brevard County 208 Study gives an in depth analysis of his topic. Also, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation prepared a study in 1983 - 1984 entitled Florida East Coast Basin Assessment Report which contained an analysis of pollution in the Indian River. Another report was prepared by the County Natural Resources Division in 1995 entitled, State of the Indian River Lagoon: An Analysis of Long-term Data Sets 1987 - 1994.

Impact of Proposed Land Uses and Facilities on Estuaries

New Point Sources

There may be one additional outfall constructed by the Town. This has been proposed at Oakland Avenue; however, no permit application or final plans have been initiated.

Increases in Estuarine Pollution from Non-Point Sources

Since there are only about 32 acres of undeveloped land within the Town, it cannot be expected that much impact will be created by new development. The following table shows the projected land use by category for the time periods 1987 - 1995 and 1995 - 2010. This land use is then used in the next table to estimate the increase in total pounds per time period of selected components of urban stormwater pollution. These estimates were developed by using figures established in the Brevard County 208 Study.

TABLE I
Increases in Acreage of Selected Land Uses
1987 - 1995 and 1995 - 2010

Source: Future Land Use Element

 

TABLE II
Additional Non-Point Source Pollutants
1987 - 1995 and 1995 - 2010

Source: Brevard County 208 Plan

At present, all new development is required to retain the first one inch of rainfall, and this is estimated to be approximately 90 percent efficient for watersheds of less than 100 acres. Since the remainder of the development in the Town is of the infill type, it can be assumed that the projected development will meet this criteria. The following table illustrates the pollutant loading with 90 percent treatment.

TABLE III
Additional Non-Point Source Pollutants
For Projected Land Use 1987-1995 and

1995-2010 At 90 Percent Treatment

Source: Brevard County 208 Plan

Analysis of Needed Remedial Actions

Since the Town has no sewage treatment facility which operates within its corporate boundaries, no marinas, and no agricultural interests, remedial action will be necessary primarily with respect to drainage outfalls and support of regional solutions to the pollution problem.

The Town will continue to work with the County, the DEP, and the SJRWMD in determining the quality of the water which is discharged by the five stormwater outfalls. After the quality is determined, the Town will need to evaluate measures that it can take to improve the quality. Such measures may include the installation of baffle boxes such as the one at Watson Ave., improving the swale system along roadways, or increasing the filtering potential of the perforated pipe street drainage system.

Also, the development along the Indian River consists of two mall park areas and developed single family lots. The Town should consider working with the property owners in making sure that grass clippings and other trash are not thrown into the River and that the lawn fertilizer used is the type which has the least effect when it runs off. Although this is a small area and the impact would be small, this sort of problem has a tremendous overall impact on the quality of the lagoon.

Finally, the Town needs to support the State Surface Water Improvement Program (SWIM) in its effort to continue its restoration study of the Indian River Lagoon. This study will establish restoration needs, implementation actions, and priorities.

 

State, Regional, and Local Regulatory Programs to Reduce Estuarine Pollution

State pollution regulation is largely vested in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The FDEP regulates dredge and fill of waters of the state and adjacent wetlands. Dredge and fill permitting is done in accordance with similar federal permitting. FDEP also regulates discharges of pollutants into natural or artificial bodies of water. FDEP establishes water quality standards, sets minimum treatment requirements, issues permits, licenses operations of wastewater treatment plants, administers construction grants for sewage treatment plants and regulates discharges of stormwater. A special permit program can be used to obtain long term permits for dredging deep water ports. FDEP and the water management districts regulate the withdrawal, diversion, storage, and consumption of water, with the water management districts responsible for most of the permitting and operational aspects.

FDEP certifies the siting of power plants and must consider the cooling water needs and environmental impacts of the proposed power plant.

The FDEP is also involved in controlling estuarine pollution. The FDEP is responsible for selling or leasing state owned submerged lands if the sale or lease is not contrary to the public interest. The proposed use of the conveyed or leased submerged land use must not interfere with the conservation of fish, marine or wildlife, or other natural resources. Deeds or leases may contain restrictions on dredging and filling.

The FDEP is also responsible for managing the aquatic preserves within the State. These preserves are state-owned submerged lands which the State wishes to maintain in an essentially natural condition. Special requirements pertain to the sale or lease of state-owned submerged land within the aquatic preserves.

The FDEP also regulates exploration, drilling, and production of oil, gas, or other petroleum products including drilling in estuaries.

The FDEP is responsible for the prevention and control of pollutants spilled into or upon coastal waters, estuaries, tidal flats, beaches, and lands adjoining the seacoasts of the State.

FDEP is the chief land purchasing agent and land manager for the State. The State, through several land acquisitions programs, often purchases environmentally sensitive lands which are vital for estuarine water quality.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers an arthropod control program (mosquito control). This program sets limits on the types and amounts of oil and chemicals used to control mosquitos. Special exceptions to State dredge and fill requirements are given to mosquito control projects. The program provides financial aid to counties or mosquito control districts.

The principle regional agency involved in controlling estuarine pollution is the St. John's River Water Management District. The District is responsible for the flood control and drainage structures and therefore responsible for the quantity and timing of much of the freshwater delivered to the estuary. The District is also responsible for certain regulatory activities delegated from FDEP. Chief among these is stormwater permitting. The District is also assigned responsiblity for regulating agricultural activities in wetlands under the Warren Henderson Act.

The District has a land acquisition program, the "Save Our Rivers Program," which allows the District to purchase environmentally sensitive lands and, by preserving them, improve the quality of the freshwater entering the systems.

The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, along with the Department of Community Affairs, have some control over land use and development regulations through local comprehensive plan reviews and the development of regional impact (DRI) program. Should the comprehensive regional policy plan call for stringent controls of pollution, then the consistency requirements between the regional and local plans would invoke strong local controls of pollution. The DRI process can require reviews of the impact of

large developments on significant State and Regional resources such as aquatic preserves or outstanding Florida waters. The impacts can be mitigated through conditions on the development order issued by the local government. The Regional Planning Council has appeal rights if the Council feels that the development order doesnot adequately address the Regional concerns.

Soil and water conservation districts are established pursuant to State law but are usually countywide in area extent, and they have their own taxing authority. The purpose of these districts is to control soil erosion; such efforts assist in maintaining estuarine water quality by reducing the sediment loads of waters flowing into the estuary.

The Town, through its police power, regulates various activities which impact estuarine water quality including zoning, subdivision of land, stormwater retention, and tree and landscaping ordinances.

VI. BEACH AND DUNE SYSTEMS

Beaches

Indialantic has approximately one (1) mile of beachfront, and beach widths average about 150 feet. Brevard County erosion statistics indicate that between 1972 and 1985 there was a shoreline advance of approximately 2.82 feet per year. It is believed, however, that much of this increase was a result of the 1981 Beach Renourishment Project. More recently, however, it has been estimated that there has been a decrease of 1-2 feet per year.

Dunes

Sand dunes occur behind the beaches in all areas except in the area behind the Surfrider Condominium and the Atlantic Shores Motel and the northern end of the oceanfront park. The dunes maintain a 16 to 18 foot height throughout the one (1) mile stretch of ncorporated area.

Impacts of Coastal and Shore Protection Structures on the Beach

The primary shore protection structures are seawalls located behind the Surfrider Condominium, the Atlantic Shores Motel, and the northern end of the oceanfront park. It is thought that these structures reflect wave energy and generally increase beach erosion. There are no other coastal or shore protection structures in the area. See the following map.

 

Existing and Potential Beach Renourishment Areas

The entire area of beachfront is in need of a beach renourishment effort, and it is hoped that the State and the County will participate financially in such a program if it is available. It should be mentioned that, during the 1984 "Thanksgiving" storm, the shoreline receded approximately 21 feet countywide with a volumnmetric loss of 6.35 cubic yards per foot.

Analysis of Beach and Dune Protection Measures

Beach and dune protection is carried out by both state and local government. The State, through the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Beaches and Shores, administers the coastal construction control line to ensure that the proposed development has minimal impact on the beach and dune system and that the development can survive a major storm. As a part of the permitting process, thirty (30) years of erosion must be considered, and the law prohibits (with limited exceptions) construction of buildings that will be in the water in thirty (30) years. The jurisdiction of FDEP is limited to those areas seaward control line.

In the Town, the control line is at a minimum, the east right- of-way line of S.R. A1A thus making all property east of S.R. A1A within the FDEP jurisdiction.

The Town does not allow littering on the beach or driving on the beach. Also, the Board of Adjustment reviews all proposed beachfront development that comes within the jurisdiction of FDEP.

Since the Town does not currently have many seawalls or revetments, it is hoped that this trend will continue; and if the 1972 to 1995 figures remain true for erosion, it is possible that, at least, the status quo can be preserved.

VII. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES OF THE COASTAL AREA

There are no sites listed on the National Register; however, there are two prehistoric archaeological shell middens which have been located on the Existing and Future Land Use Maps. Both sites are currently developed with single family homes.

VIII. HURRICANE EVACUATION

Current Situation

A hurricane evacuation study was prepared by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC) in 1984 and updated in 1989. A draft behavorial survay and analysis was completed in 1998 by ECFRPC. Much of the information given here is from these studies.

Using the SPLASH computer model, the ECFRPC estimated the potential amplitude, extent, and duration of hurricane-produced surges for the Brevard County coastline. To ensure that all probable hurricane movements were modeled, three different types of hurricanes were examined: landfalling, exiting/crossing, and paralleling. The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale as to category of storms is given below.

SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

Category 1.     Winds of 74 - 95 miles per hour
                             Storm surge 4 - 5 feet above normal

Category 2.     Winds of 96 - 110 miles per hour
                              Storm surge 6 - 8 feet above normal

Category 3.     Winds of 111 - 130 miles per hour
                              Storm surge 9 - 12 feet above normal

Category 4.     Winds of 131 - 155 miles per hour
                              Storm surge 13 - 18 feet above normal

Category 5.     Winds greater than 155 miles per hour
                              Storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal

 

Identification of Population Within Vulnerable Areas

The population-at-risk that must be evacuated from vulnerable areas is the total population residing in the high hazard area which is the entire barrier island for all categories of storms. In Brevard County in the South Beaches Area (Pineda Causeway to Sebastian Inlet), a total of 47,980 persons have been identified as residing in areas subject to saltwater flooding in 1995. This, of course, includes the entire population of the Town of Indialantic including peak non-residents. The table for the population requiring evacuation is shown below.

TABLE IV

Population Requiring Evacuation
1995

* Peak Population

The evacuees will seek shelter through a variety of means: some will leave the county; some will stay with relatives or friends; some will go to a hotel or motel; and some will rely on public shelter. The ECFRPC study found through survey results that in Brevard County approximately 4.6 percent of the population evacuated would seek public shelter.

Using a 4.6 percent shelter need, this would mean, in 1995, that in the South Beaches area about 1,710 persons might seek public shelter. In the Town of Indialantic, during a Category One storm, about 65 persons would seek public shelter, and during all other category storms, about 123 persons would seek public shelter.

The following conclusions can be made in developing a workable evacuation plan:

- The vast majority of the households (88.2 percent) would respond either immediately or rather promptly to an evacuation order.

- Thirty percent of the owned vehicles would not be used during an evacuation, thereby helping to reduce the traffic problem.

- While the needs for general (bus or taxi) transportation service and specialized transportation (handicapped)service are a small percentage, these demands could become a logistical problem involving thousands of persons within an already strained situation. The general transportation problem, however, can be resolved through increased education, citizen cooperation, and advanced private arrangements.

- The indicated shelter space needs cannot be met; however, it is hoped that education efforts will help people to understand that public shelter is the last alternative that they should choose.

- A clear minority of the population has experienced the direct hit of a major hurricane, and some of the respondents have a misconception that they were in a major hurricane.

The Hurricane Evacuation Study identifies the shelter inventory in South Brevard County. There are 9 primary shelters and 6 back-up shelters totalling approximately 15,000 square feet. With the previous public shelter evacuation total of 1,710 persons from the South Beaches alone, it is obvious that the shelter capacity could be strained. Also, if fifty (50) percent of those persons who said that they would seek shelter in a hotel or motel decided to do so in Brevard County, the existing capacity of hotels and motels would not be sufficient to accommodate the evacuees.

The ECFRPC reached two conclusions from this assessment:

- Provisions must be developed for "passing through" those evacuees unable to be sheltered in Brevard County to other inland counties.

- Ongoing efforts should be made to identify and secure additional public shelters within the County.

Principle Evacuation Routes

The preceeding maps indicate that during a Category One storm that portions of the Melbourne Causeway (U.S. 192), the Eau Gallie Causeway (S.R. 518), the Pineda Causeway (S.R. 404), and S.R. A1A would be subject to storm surge flooding thereby increasing the need for a timely evacuation effort. The Town of Indialantic is to evacuate by using the Melbourne Causeway (U.S. #192). The survey conducted by the ECFRPC indicated that 88.2 percent of the population would evacuate within the first 5 hours if ordered to do so, and approximately 6 percent would refuse to evacuate.

Transportation and Hazard Constraints and Evacuation Times

The behavioral survey response indicated that, after the order was given, 49.1 percent of people would evacuate in the first 2 hours; 39.1 percent would evacuate in 3-5 hours; 9.1 percent would evacuate in 6-10 hours; 0.9 percent would evacuate in 11-15 hours; and 1.8 percent would evacuate in 16+ hours.

Evacuation times can be reduced or minimized by the following:

- Early identity of the storm characteristics
- Identification of evacuation senario confronting the region
- Identification of evacuation time needed
- Adaptation to actual conditions including public behavior, early arrival of heavy rains, and change in characteristics of the storm
- Making sure that the citizens know what to do through public information program

Groups with Special Needs

With respect to evacuation, the primary special needs group in the Town would be the elderly and the handicapped. The ECFRPC study estimated that approximately 3.6 percent of population would need transportation and approximately 1.6 percent were registered with the police departments or emergency management.

Future Situation

The projected peak population for the town is 3,420 persons in 1995, 3,573 persons in 2000, and 3,879 in 2010. Because the high hazard area includes the total barrier island and because the Melbourne Causeway is subject to flooding in a Category 1 Storm, the entire population would have to be evacuated. The following tables indicate the population totals needed to be evacuated and the public shelter demand based upon the 4.6 percent figure previously used. Estimates are given for 1995, 2000 and 2010.

TABLE V
Projection of Population Requiring Evacuation
1995, 2000 and 2010

TABLE VI
Projection of Public Shelter Use
1995, 2000 and 2010

Category of Storm 1995 2000 2010

Using the above figures, it can be estimated that the need for public shelter at 20 square feet per person for the residents of Indialantic would be 2,440 square feet in 1995 and 2,540 square feet in 2000, and 2,760 square feet in 2010.

The transportation network will still include the previously mentioned roadways, and it is doubtful that the evacuation situation will change very much until an additional bridge is built to the south.

The special needs segment of the population, the elderly, will increase over the years and will have to be evaluated as to means of evacuation.

IX. POST DISASTER PLANNING CONCERNS AND COASTAL HIGH-HAZARD AREAS

Following a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane, there is a period of rebuilding. Certainly, the normal reaction is to rebuild the structures and use the land to at least the conditions which existed prior to the storm. Rebuilding to prestorm conditions, however, may prove to be a problem and could result in repeated damage in another storm.

The vulnerability of certain areas to damage by hurricanes or other storms should not be ignored, rather it should be used to revise land use and capital facilities plans in order to make the community safer and reduce the inconveniences and dislocation caused by storms. In order to respond quickly after a storm with alternative land use and capital facility plans, it is necessary to examine in advance the areas, structures, and facilities most likely to be damaged and provide alternates to current land use plans and facility sites which can be adjusted following a storm event

Coastal High-Hazard Areas

These are areas which have historically experienced destruction or severe damage or are scientifically predicted to experience destruction or severe damage from storm surge, waves erosion, or other manifestations of rapidly moving or storm driven water. Although the entire Town is in the high-hazard area, the area seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) V zones is the most vulnerable. That area is shown on the following map and it includes most of the land lying east of S.R. A1A.

Existing Land Use Conditions

Portions of S.R. A1A, Wave Crest Street, and street ocean access points are located within this area. Also, the oceanfront park which is owned by the Town and the recently acquired oceanfront park (County-owned) are within the high-hazard area.

There are approximately 22 single family residential structures, 10 motel structures, 26 multi-family structures, and 11 commercial structures. For all practical purposes, the total 60 acres east of the CCCL is developed.

During Hurricane David, the 1984 Thanksgiving weekend storm, and Hurricane Erin, the primary damage in the high-hazard area was to the seawalls at the oceanfront park and those behind the Atlantic Shores Motel. No buildings sustained significant damage.

Projected Future Land Use Conditions

The vacant land currently located within the high-hazard area is zoned for Tourist use which allows development as hotels and motels at 25 units per acre and multi-family at a maximum of 20 units per acre. The Land Use Plan calls for the same designation so it is not expected that the relatively small area of vacant land will develop much differently. See the following Future Land Use Map.

State and County proposals for the high-hazard area will include the addition of turn lanes on S.R. A1A from 5^th Avenue or U.S. #192 south to the Town limits and the development of the new oceanfront park.

Post-Disaster Redevelopment Alternatives

Certainly, the area most likely to be severely damaged in a storm would be the developed barrier island which would include the Town of Indialantic. As previously mentioned, the Town is almost built-out and is totally within the high-hazard area. The uses have been inventoried and are primarily residential in character.

Following a major storm which destroys structures in the high-hazard area, the Town has to decide how and if these structures should be rebuilt.

Of course, the first alternative would be to purchase the land thereby not allowing the structure to be rebuilt. This is a costly alternative and probably one the Town could not afford. The second alternative would be to simply allow the owner to go through the current process for development seaward of the coastal construction control line. In this process, the owner goes to the Town Board of Adjustment and then to the DNR. If permits are granted by the DNR, then the Town grants the building permit. This would appear to be the most viable alternative.

Other structures which could be damaged would be the new park area and the existing oceanfront park. The new park area is primarily passive in nature and a rebuilding of structures would not be a problem. The existing oceanfront park has a seawall at its northern end and careful consideration to alternative measures should be given before permitting its rebuilding.

Wave Crest Street which parallels S.R. A1A may wash out, but it should be rebuilt in order to provide for ocean access away from S.R. A1A.

Finally, the other residential area with seawalls should be looked at carefully. If the current seawalls are destroyed, the State should evaluate alternative measures before permission is granted for their rebuilding.

X. PUBLIC ACCESS

The following parks or facilities provide access to the saltwater beaches and the Indian River.

These facilities are located on the following map and, also, addressed in the Recreation and Open Space Element.

According to the 1995 State publication entitled Outdoor Recreation in Florida, the median population served by one mile of sandy beach shoreline is 100,000 persons. Since the Town already has 0.53 miles of beach shoreline excluding the river access, it can serve a population of approximately 53,000 persons. With the estimated population in the year 2010 being 3,225 persons which is close to build-out of the Town, it is extremely doubtful that additional oceanfront or riverfront purchases will occur in the Town.

It is understood that users of the facilities include out-of-town persons; however, it is not financially feasible or practicable for the Town to assume any additional burden for providing ocean or river access.

Future Needs

The beaches located within the Town will be a part of the County-wide plan to provide for ocean access. The Town does have two additional parcels which may be developed for scenic overlooks. It does not have any marinas, public boat-launching ramps, or fishing piers, and although these facilities would be nice to have, the Town does not have the area available for their development. It is possible that the State could provide for a fishing pier and boat ramps in conjunction with the Melbourne Causeway Bridge, but it is felt that this should be a State effort.

XI. COASTAL AREA INFRASTRUCTURE

The following summarizes the existing and needed infrastructure serving the coastal area. This information is analyzed in greater detail in the Transportation Element; General Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage, Potable Water, and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Element; and earlier sections of this element.

Existing Facilities

Roads, Bridges, and Causeways

The network of roads serving the Town are shown in the Transportation Element. The level of service with respect to capacity may be a problem in the future with respect to S.R. A1A from 5^th Avenue south to Melbourne Beach as will Riverside Drive north of 5^th Avenue and 5^th Avenue.

Sanitary Sewer Facilities

The Town is on the Brevard County South Beaches system which will have adequate capacity to allow full development of the Town. All areas are currently served by sewer lines.

Potable Water Facilities

Water service is available throughout the Town, and this service is provided by the City of Melbourne. Melbourne currently has capacity at its source to serve the Town, and the South BrevardWater Authority is presently involved in an effort to secure an additional water supply source.

Drainage Facilities

The Town does have a master drainage plan which hopefully can be fully implemented over time as funds are available.There are currently five outfalls which are maintained by the Town and one which is maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Coastal or Shore Protection Structures and Beach Renourishment Projects

A beach renourishment project was carried out in 1981, and it extended from 5^th Avenue south to Melbourne Beach. Another project is scheduled to begin this year and will extend from Cape Canaveral south to Satellite Beach. The project for the Town and Melbourne Beach should begin in 2002.

The only shore protection structures exist at the north end of the oceanfront park and behind the Surfrider Condominium and the Atlantic Shores Motel.

Future Needs

Roads, Bridges, and Causeways

One of the most important projects that could be completed to relieve the traffic congestion problem in the Town would be the construction of a new bridge/causeway to the south of the Town connecting the mainland and the South Beaches.

Sanitary Sewer Facilities

The improvements to the County South Beaches Treatment Plant will be more than adequate to meet the future growth of the Town.

Potable Water Facilities

No new facilities are planned; however, the Town should support the effort of the County in finding an additional water supply source. An analysis of water needs and sources is contained in the Infrastructure Element.

Drainage Facilities

The Town should work toward the implementation of its master drainage plan making sure that all environmental concerns are met.

Coastal or Shore Protection Structures and Beach Renourishment Projects

The Town should consider supporting appropriate efforts which will help renourish the beaches within its jurisdiction.

XII. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES

Goal 1: Ensure that growth which occurs in the Town does not damage or destroy the function of coastal resources, protects human life, and limits public expenditures in the high hazard area.

Objective 1: Protect, conserve, and enhance remaining coastal wetlands, living marine resources, coastal barriers, wildlife habitat, and estuarine quality.

Policy 1.1: The Town will implement Objective 1 by participating, as deemed appropriate by the Town Council, in area wide governmental programs to protect, conserve, and restore remaining coastal wetlands, living marine resources, coastal barriers, wildlife habitat, and estuarine quality, including Marine Resources Council programs, the SWIM program, programs for the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation Protection, Florida Department of Natural Resources Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, and Brevard County Office of Natural Resources Management.

Policy 1.2: Review Continue to implement the landscaping and lot clearing ordinance to make sure that native vegetation is protected as much as possible from destruction by development activities.

Policy 1.3: Ensure that air quality meets acceptable DER standards by requesting periodic monitoring by the State.

Policy 1.4: Review Continue to implement stormwater management ordinance to ensure that the maximum protection to the Indian River Lagoon has been given and insure that the Town's goals, objectives and policies areconsistent with those of the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.

Policy 1.5: Continue to Participate in County-wide beach and dune renourishment programs.

Policy 1.6: Protect natural reservation areas identified in the recreation and open space element and designate maintain the designation of the Indian River Lagoon and beaches and dunes as environmentally sensitive areas.

Policy 1.7: Continue to utilize enforce the current water shortage ordinance which is consistent with the St. Johns River Water Management District policy for conservation.

Policy 1.8: Continue to enforce the Turtle Protection Ordinance and keep the designation of Bird Sanctuary for the Town. Also, restrict activities known to adversely affect the survival of endangered species including the Manatee.

Policy 1.9: Continue to protect and conserve the natural function of existing soils, fisheries, wildlife habitats, ocean beaches and shores, estuarine marshes, and water recharge areas through the adopted land development regulations.

Policy 1.9.1: The Town will support the County in its efforts to manage hazardous waste in order to protect natural resources. By December 31, 1991, The Town will continue to utilize its procedures for providing for emergency response and cleanup capabilities for uncontrolled or accidental discharges or releases of hazardous wastes through its Police and Fire Departments.

Objective 2: Provide criteria for prioritizing shoreline uses giving priority to water-dependent uses.

Policy 2.1: The first priority for water-dependent uses shall be recreational facilities.

Objective 3: Establish construction standards which minimize the impacts of man-made structures on beach or dune systems.

Policy 3.1: Construction standards for buildings and man-made structures shall be those established by the State and approved by the Department of Natural Resources unless further restricted by Town standards. This will continue to be a part of the building permit procedure.

Objective 4: Limit public expenditures that subsidize development in Coastal High-hazard Area

Policy 4.1: Since the high-hazard area already has the necessary infrastructure, only funds for maintenance of these facilities will be expended.

Policy 4.2: The Coastal High-hazard Area which represents the entire incorporated area, is the evacuation zone for a Category 1 hurricane as established in the ECFRPC Hurricane Evacuation Study update, 1999.

Objective 5: Prepare a future land use plan which directs population concentrations away from Coastal High-hazard Areas where feasible.

Policy 5.1: Review existing zoning to ascertain the impact of density on both existing and future development and reduce the density if feasible. The Town shall not increase the density or intensity of land use within the Coastal High-hazard Area.

Objective 6: Maintain or reduce hurricane evacuation times.

Policy 6.1: Work with Brevard County to insure that hurricane evacuation is planned for in a safe and expeditious manner.

Policy 6.2: At the beginning of each hurricane season, coordinate with Brevard County Emergency Management to insure that  residents are informed about evacuation procedures.

Objective 7: By July, 2002, the Town shall prepare post-disaster   redevelopment plans which will reduce the future risk to human life and public and private property from natural hazards.

Policy 7.1: Work with all other public bodies which provide infrastructure to the Town to insure that their post-disaster plans are sound.

Policy 7.2: Utilize the existing building permit process and regulations for rebuilding any structures demolished during a storm. This would include approval by the DNR DEP and by the Board of Adjustment of the Town.

Policy 7.3: The Town will work with the County to determine cleanup and repair activities following a major storm. Immediate activities will include repairs to infrastructure, removal of debris, and the stabilization or removal of structures deemed to present a hazard to public safety.

Policy 7.4: Within two (2) months after the occurence of a major storm event (Category 3 hurricane in the Town), the Town Local Planning Agency will initiate an evaluation of those areas where there is significant property damage or erosion and in those areas that have a record of repeated property damage or erosion to determine what actions, if any, should be taken to limit redevelopment or redirect redevelopment to other areas. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the Local Planning Agency shall recommend to the Town Council any appropriate amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and amendments to the Town land development regulations.

Policy 7.5: The Town will review and amend its Comprehensive Plan accordingly to reflect applicable mitigation report recommendations provided by State or Local agencies.

Policy 7.6: The Town, in cooperation with the County and other incorporated municipalities, shall support the development of a county-wide Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) by participating as an active member of the Brevard County Working Group for LMS Development.

Policy 7.7: The Town shall amend the comprehensive plan to include appropriate mitigation initiatives and enhancements identified in the LMS such as policies, programs and projects to reduce potential damage from natural disasters.

Policy 7.8: The Town shall amend the comprehensive plan to include appropriate short-term recovery directives and long-termredevelopment strategies identified in the LMS.

Policy 7.9: The Town shall protect the lives of residents by ensuring designated evacuation routes are well marked and maintained; by basing land use decisions on the availability of adequate capacity on designated evacuation routes necessary to evacuate residents in a safe and timely manner; and by educating residents regarding hazards such as evacuations routes, shelter availability, safety procedures and incentives for or benefits of preparing homes for disaster events.

Objective 8: Maintain the amount of existing public access to the beach and enhance this where possible.

Policy 8.1: Improve the access point at Tampa Avenue.

Policy 8.1: Work with the County in the development of the newly acquired parcel located on the north side of Watson Avenue.

Policy 8.2: Continue to preserve and enhance the existing access points to the beach.

Objective 9: Identify and preserve any historical resources that have been documented to actually exist.

Policy 9.1: Work with local entities the State to identify by markers the "Tradewinds" and the "Bahama Beach Club" properties (Structures no longer exist.)

Objective 10: Establish standards for levels of service, areas of service, and phasing of infrastructure where applicable.

Policy 10.1: Utilize existing level of service standards identified in other elements of the Comprehensive Plan.

Objective 11: The Town shall support the goals and objectives of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) dated May, 1996.

Policy 11.1: The Town shall participate in the development and maintenance of a monitoring network which will provide adequate and reliable data and information on water quality.

Policy 11.2: The Town shall support the effort of the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission to protect the threatened and endangered species of the Indian River Lagoon.

Policy 11.3: The Town shall participate in the effort by the St. Johns River Water Management District to protect and restore seagrass integrity and functionality in the Indian River Lagoon.

Policy 11.4: The Town shall prohibit all new point-source discharges into the Indian River Lagoon in accordance with the Indian River Lagoon Act.

Policy 11.5: The Town shall implement appropriate recommendations contained in the IRLNEP CCMP and the SJRWMD Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plan to reduce the amount of non-point source pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon.

Policy 11.6: Consistent with Goal I of the IRLNEP CCMP and Goal I of the SJRWMD SWIM Plan, the Town shall reduce the amount of non-point source pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon by applying for SWIM funds and Section 319 Grants to improve the efficiency of pollutant removal by existing stormwater management facilities and to construct new regional stormwater management facilities.

Note: The Policy in Rule 9J-5.013(2)(c)2., Florida Administrative Code, is not applicable.