Good Morning from Florida's Indian River Lagoon

Good morning from Pelican Landing along Florida's Indian River Lagoon.  Today is Friday August 14, 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:  11:30 AM
Air Temperature:  87 - high of 89
Humidity:  73%
Wind Direction & Speed:  SW at 2 MPH - NOT ENOUGH!!!!!
Tide Stage:  High at noon and Low at 7PM
Moon Phase:  New.  Rise at 8:45 AM and set at 9:30 PM
Water Conditions:  Calm and flat.  Like a bathtub

Today's Lagoon Life:


No wind and the bugs are out.  Gnats and no-see-ums wont fly if you have a 5 MPH+ breeze but less than that and they are all over you!

Lagoon Living Tip of the Day:

Learn to Recognize a Bait Ball

Every once in a while, the lagoon suddenly seems to boil.

What you're often seeing is a school of small baitfish packed tightly together as larger predators feed beneath them. Then the birds notice. Pelicans start diving, terns arrive overhead, and sometimes dolphins join the commotion.

When you see it, stop what you're doing and watch.

You are witnessing the lagoon's food web in action, from tiny forage fish all the way up to some of its largest predators.

And if you happen to have a fishing rod nearby, well...the lagoon has just sent you a rather obvious memo. 🐟🐬🦅

 

Wildlife & Nature

I threw the cast net 5 times today and caught pinfish in 3 of the 5 casts.  It looks like pinfish provide some parental care as there are clearly parents and baby sized ones together in my net.  The other animal doing well this AM are gnats.  Yowsa!

 

Today's Lagoon Spotlight

Featured Community Do-Gooder: Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program

Today's Do-Gooder is a neat one because instead of tackling a single problem, Grand Harbor Community Outreach helps dozens of local organizations tackle theirs.

The Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) that has been supporting people in need throughout Indian River County since 2002. Its volunteers raise money and then carefully evaluate local nonprofits to determine where those dollars can make a meaningful difference.

And they've built quite a track record.

The organization reports distributing more than $7 million since 2002, working with more than 30 nonprofit partners. For its 2025-26 grant cycle alone, it awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to local organizations. Corporate sponsors cover its modest operating expenses, allowing 100% of tax-deductible donations to go to partner agencies.

What I especially like is how seriously the volunteers take the grant-making process. Teams review applications, visit organizations in person, examine community needs and then make funding recommendations. In other words, they're not simply writing checks. They're trying to understand where a dollar can do the most good in Indian River County.

💙 Why They Matter

Organizations like this create a multiplier effect.

One group may help feed a family. Another mentors a child. Another helps someone find housing. Another provides healthcare or services for seniors.

Grand Harbor Community Outreach helps strengthen all of those different pieces of the community at once by helping effective local nonprofits fund their work.

That's a wonderful reminder that being a community Do-Gooder doesn't always mean being the person on the front line. Sometimes it means making sure the people on the front line have what they need.

Learn More

 

🌐 Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program

 

Lagoon Lifestyle & Real Estate

Look at the Trees Before You Look at the Landscaping

A beautiful Florida yard can sell a house, but mature trees deserve a closer look.

Notice whether large limbs extend over the roof, whether roots are lifting driveways or sidewalks, and how close major trees are to the house, pool enclosure, or septic system. Also look for dead limbs and trees that appear unhealthy.

At the same time, don't automatically view mature trees as a liability. Well-placed shade can make an outdoor space dramatically more enjoyable in August and help reduce the afternoon heat hitting the house.

The question isn't simply, "Does this property have big trees?"

 

It's "Are these the right trees in the right places?" 🌳🏡

 

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