Good Morning from Florida's Indian River Lagoon
Good morning from Sebastian Saltwater Restaurant, Marina, and Lodge along Florida's Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian FL. Today is Monday November 9, 2026.
Welcome to today's Lagoon Life Report, where we explore the weather, wildlife, waterfront communities, parks, local food, and everyday moments that make life along the Indian River Lagoon so special.
Lagoon Conditions
Time: 4 PM
Air Temperature: 78 with a high of 79 that already happened
Humidity: 70%
Wind Direction & Speed: 10 NE
Tide Stage: 10 AM high and 4:40 PM low
Moon Phase: New moon - rise at 10 AM and set at 6 PM
Water Conditions: Getting lower and better clarity
Today's Lagoon Life:
The pelicans are back which means bait fish are back. The salinity dropped to 7 PPM last week with the 2 feet of rain we got but the lagoon take a licking and keeps on ticking!
Lagoon Living Tip of the Day:
🌊 Lagoon Living Tip of the Day: Give Your Lawn a Fertilizer Vacation!
After last week's extraordinary rainfall and flooding, your lawn probably doesn't need another dose of fertilizer.
Heavy rain can wash excess nitrogen and phosphorus from yards into canals and the Indian River Lagoon, where these nutrients can contribute to harmful algae growth and poor water quality.
Today's tip: Wait until the ground dries out before considering fertilizer. Never fertilize saturated soil or when heavy rain is forecast. A healthy lawn shouldn't come at the expense of a healthy lagoon.
Wildlife & Nature
The 10' gator is still about but I cant get a pic of it dang it. The pelicans have returned which is nice and I saw 2 manatee in my marina Sunday morning. Lots to come from there!
Today's Lagoon Spotlight
💚 Indian River County Do-Gooder: Hibiscus Children's Center
Protecting our community means protecting its youngest residents, too.
Hibiscus Children's Center provides safe haven, mental health services, abuse prevention and life-skills support for vulnerable children and families across the Treasure Coast, including Indian River County.
Its Supporting Families in Crisis program helps families experiencing difficult circumstances before those challenges become more serious. The organization also provides therapeutic services and support for children affected by abuse and neglect.
Why they matter: Sometimes the most powerful way to change a child's future is to help their family today.
Official Website: https://hibiscuschildrenscenter.org/
Lagoon Lifestyle & Real Estate
🏡 Real Estate Tip of the Day: Florida Amendment 3 Passed. What Does It Mean for Your Property Taxes?
Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on November 3 with approximately 62% support. The constitutional amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and could significantly reduce property taxes for eligible homeowners.
Here's the biggest change: Florida's homestead exemption for non-school property taxes increases to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments afterward.
That doesn't mean every homeowner saves the same amount. Savings depend on a property's assessed value, applicable tax rates and eligibility. School property taxes remain subject to the existing exemption rules.
Today's tip: Your 2026 property tax bill won't change because of Amendment 3. The new benefits begin with the 2027 tax year, and lawmakers still have implementation details to address.
Learn more: Indian River County Property Appraiser
We'll explore the other important provisions throughout the week, including the five-year waiting period for certain new Florida residents, protections for rental and commercial properties, and what the amendment could mean for local government services.
Thinking About Life Along the Lagoon?
Whether you're planning a visit, considering a move, or simply enjoy following life along Florida's Indian River Lagoon, I hope these daily reports help you experience one of Florida's most beautiful regions.
If you're looking for local insight about waterfront living or real estate anywhere along the lagoon, I'd be happy to help.
Every report is another chapter in the story of life along Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Thanks for following along.
Chris Norris
Broker Associate | Treasure Coast Realty
Serving Florida's Treasure Coast along the Indian River Lagoon.
ChrisNorrisRealEstate.com
SebastianLagoonLife.com
YouTube: @ChrisNorrisRealEstate