House Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1391 Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway Lagoon House
Requester:	Ted Moorhead		Organization:		Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway Corridor Advocacy Group
Project Title:	Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway Lagoon House		Date Submitted:		01/26/2000 2:26:03 PM
District Member:	Bill Posey		Service Area:		Regional
Counties Affected:	Brevard, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Volusia
Recipient:	Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway Corridor Advocacy Group		Contact:		Ted Moorhead
	2571 Vernon Drive, N.E.		Contact Phone:		(321) 723-2031
	Palm Bay 32905
Project Description:
The Lagoon House is to be a center for public information on the intrinsic resources of the entire Indian River Lagoon region. It would be located atop a twenty foot bluff, a short drive from I-95 on divided four-lane roads to Ais Lookout Point on U.S. 1 in northeast Palm Bay, where one would see a breathtaking view of the Indian River and two miles across to the ocean beaches. To the north and south is an old Florida hardwood and sable palm hammock filled with Ais Indian middens. The Lagoon House is bordered on the west by a FDOT retention pond shaped like a natural water body with sloping banks planted in native grasses. A pier would be constructed reaching out into the waterway for an up close and personal experience with the Indian River and for an opportunity to see dolphin breech, or manatee roll or mullet jump, wading birds feed on the flats, and pelicans and ospreys dive for fish. Visitors could sit in rocking chairs on the broad porch of the Lagoon House and enjoy the breeze and view. Going inside one would find abundant information on the rich history of the area going back thousands of years when the Indians enjoyed seafood on the banks of the river, leaving shells and pottery shards. Spanish explorers beginning with Ponce DeLeon met the Indians in 1513, starting a progression including the English pioneers; the steamboat era when the waterway was the highway; the building of Flagler's railway; early development and the coming of America's space ventures. Included would be an interpretation of the natural resources of this National Estuary, believed to hold more species than any other water body in North America. A huge topographical map would provide instant information on where to go to fulfill any interest one may have for bird watching, fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, historical viewing, scenic vistas and family experiences of the real Florida. A quiet area would be available for viewing an informative video or attending a fascinating presentation on Florida's ecosystem. The structure itself is envisioned as a two-story, 6400 sq ft Victorian structure with a 10x80' porch.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
The land proposed for this facility is currently controlled by FDOT for the construction of a retention pond. When completeed, the property will be turned over to the City of Palm Bay for management. The City Council has endorsed the concept of Lagoon House and is negotiating an agreement with the Marine Resources Council (a 501(c)(3)corporation) for operational responsibility. This project will promote economic development by increased ecotourism throughout the entire Indian River Lagoon Region. Natural resource conservation through dissemination of information will result in residents and visitors having an increased understanding of and value for the environment.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Educate school children, tourists, and residents regarding preservation, conservation and resources of the Indian River Lagoon, an estuary of National Significance, and its surrounding six counties. Respond to the many needs of residents and visitors alike who would like the opportunity to learn more about the Indian River Lagoon and the historical significance of the site.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$500,000
Total cost of the project:		$1,000,000

Request has been made to fund:			Construction
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?					Yes
	Cash Amount:	$4,800		In-Kind Amount:	$1,806
Was this project previously funded by the State?					No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?					No
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?					No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?					No
Is there a documented need for this project?					Unknown
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?					Yes
	Hearing Body:	Brevard Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:	12/16/1999