Good Morning from Florida's Indian River Lagoon
Good morning from the Wabasso Bridge along Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Today is Monday August 17, 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: 9AM
Air Temperature: 83 with a high of 92
Humidity: 78%
Wind Direction & Speed: W at 5
Tide Stage: Low at 9 AM and high at 2PM
Moon Phase: First Quarter - rise at noon and set at 11 PM
Water Conditions: calm and flat with decent clarity
Today's Lagoon Life:
Today I'm heading to do some water quality sampling for ORCA and I went to the wrong location so I'll meet them in the lab later. While I'm out though I stopped by the Environmental Learning Center for a bit and then went around the corner to film under the Wabasso Bridge.
Lagoon Living Tip of the Day:
Keep a Pair of Binoculars Near the Door
You don't need to be a serious birder to appreciate binoculars around the Indian River Lagoon.
A dark shape on a distant piling becomes an osprey finishing breakfast. A cluster of pink across the water becomes a group of roseate spoonbills. Something breaking the surface farther offshore might reveal itself as a dolphin instead of a mullet.
Keep an inexpensive pair somewhere handy rather than buried in a closet.
The lagoon rewards people who look twice. 🦅🐬
Wildlife & Nature
In my video today I give a good overview of the difference between red and black mangroves. While filming I saw cormorants hanging on the bridge footers drying themselves.
Today's Lagoon Spotlight
Featured Community Do-Gooder: The Source
Today's spotlight takes us to The Source in Vero Beach, an organization that's been helping people experiencing homelessness and hardship in Indian River County since 1995. What began as a small outreach operation has grown into a comprehensive organization providing food, hygiene services, counseling, case management, employment programs and pathways toward housing and long-term stability.
One of their most interesting innovations is the Dignity Bus, a converted motor coach containing climate-controlled sleeping pods. The Source says it created the nation's first Dignity Bus, providing people experiencing homelessness with a secure place to sleep year-round while they work toward greater stability.
But this isn't simply about providing a meal and a bed.
The Source operates employment-focused programs including Community Works, Dining with Dignity, Dignity Hospitality and Dignity Jobs. Community Works, for example, provides paid opportunities for members to help clean and maintain public spaces around Indian River County while gaining work experience, income and confidence.
Since January 1, 2026, The Source has focused its services specifically on Indian River County residents as part of an ambitious effort to make homelessness here rare, brief and quickly addressed, rather than a long-term condition.
💙 How You Can Help
The Source accepts donations and community support, and you can also request a tour to see its programs firsthand.
I particularly like this organization for our Do-Gooder series because it illustrates something important about the place we call home. Lagoon Living isn't only about dolphins, fishing and beautiful sunrises.
A healthy community takes care of the people living along its shores, too.
Learn More
Lagoon Lifestyle & Real Estate
Don't Forget to Check the Age of the Water Heater
Buyers usually ask about the roof and air conditioner, but the humble water heater tends to hide quietly in the garage until it decides to introduce itself.
Check its age, condition, location, and whether there's evidence of corrosion or previous leaking. A water heater isn't usually a deal breaker, but knowing that replacement may be approaching helps you budget realistically after closing.
In Florida real estate, the little mechanical things rarely get glamorous listing photos. They still get invoices. 🏡🔧
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 Space Coast & Treasure Coast along the Indian River Lagoon
ChrisNorrisRealEstate.com
SebastianLagoonLife.com
YouTube: @ChrisNorrisRealEstate