ACE Hardware Promotes Year-Round Lagoon-Friendly Lawn Care in Brevard County
Protecting the Indian River Lagoon, One Lawn at a Time
As part of Lagoon Loyal’s ongoing recognition of community partners, ACE Hardware stores in Titusville, Indialantic, and Indian Harbor Beach are being spotlighted for their leadership in protecting the Indian River Lagoon.
These local stores participate in Brevard County’s lagoon education efforts by displaying Lagoon Loyal materials and helping residents understand how simple lawn care choices—like using slow-release fertilizer, collecting yard debris, and following the county’s fertilizer ordinance—protect waterways year-round.
Fertilizer Use in Brevard County: Why It Matters All Year
Every year, from June 1 through September 30, Brevard County’s fertilizer ordinance prohibits the use of nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers to prevent nutrient pollution during the rainy season.
Now that the summer ban has ended, homeowners can resume fertilizing—but how and when they do it still matters. Applying fertilizer before rain or using more than plants need can wash nutrients into storm drains and groundwater. Because Brevard’s high water table connects directly to the Indian River Lagoon, excess nutrients quickly reach the water, fueling algae blooms that block sunlight and harm seagrass, fish, and manatees.
That’s why these ACE Hardware stores continue to share lagoon-friendly information year-round—helping customers understand how responsible lawn care supports lagoon recovery.
ACE Hardware: Education and Example
At the Titusville, Indialantic, and Indian Harbor Beach ACE Hardware stores, Lagoon Loyal educational signage explains the fertilizer ordinance, when fertilizing is allowed, and how to maintain a healthy lawn without excess nutrients.
Store staff also answer questions and share tips on lagoon-friendly landscaping. From recommending slow-release fertilizers to discussing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ options, they’re helping customers make informed decisions that benefit both their yards and the lagoon.
Additionally, during the fertilizer-free summer months, these ACE Hardware stores take extra action by pulling all nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers from their shelves. This proactive step helps prevent customers from purchasing and applying products that can wash into storm drains and ultimately the Indian River Lagoon during the rainy season. By offering lagoon-safe alternatives and clear guidance, the stores demonstrate their commitment to both compliance and community stewardship.
“A lot of people aren’t aware of the fertilizer ban when they come in,” said Blake Conneely, Assistant Manager of the Indian Harbor Beach ACE. “We educate them about the lagoon and explain why we don’t sell [certain fertilizers], and they’re usually very understanding and supportive.”
Spotlight on Brevard’s Lagoon-Friendly ACE Locations
Titusville ACE Hardware
Serving northern Brevard and communities near the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, the Titusville ACE has become a trusted hub for lagoon-friendly information.
“As a lifelong Titusville resident and someone who spends time on the water, I know how important the lagoon is to our way of life,” said Bill Pastermack, owner of ACE Hardware Titusville. “That’s why at ACE Hardware, we proudly chose to do what’s right—like pausing fertilizer sales during the summer ban. It’s not just good business—it’s the right thing for our community and our environment.”
Island ACE Hardware - Indian Harbor Beach
Located close to the lagoon, this store helps customers connect healthy lawns with healthy waterways.
“We care about the lagoon—a lot of our employees and regular customers fish and use the lagoon,” said Assistant Manager Blake Conneely. “The cleaner the water, the better for everyone.”
Indialantic ACE Hardware
Serving a barrier island community, this location reinforces how small actions add up for lagoon health.
“We don’t offer high-nutrient fertilizers during the ban,” said staff member Shawn. “We make it clear to customers that we want to help the lagoon.”
Everyday Lagoon-Friendly Tips for Homeowners
Whether you’re tending your lawn this fall or preparing for next spring, these simple practices protect both your yard and the Indian River Lagoon:
- ✅ Skip fertilizer June 1 – September 30. The rest of the year, if you choose to fertilize, use products with 0% phosphorus and at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.
- ✅ Keep a 10–25 foot buffer with no fertilizer near canals, ponds, or the lagoon.
- ✅ Wait to fertilize if rain is expected in 1-2 days to prevent runoff.
- ✅ Collect grass clippings and leaves—never blow them into streets or storm drains.
- ✅ Water wisely. Overwatering increases runoff and nutrient pollution.
- ✅ Plant native or Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ species that thrive with less water and fertilizer.
These small changes, multiplied across thousands of homes, can make a measurable difference for lagoon restoration.
Local Businesses as Partners in Lagoon Protection
The Titusville, Indialantic, and Indian Harbor Beach ACE Hardware locations show how local businesses can lead by example. By providing lagoon education and promoting responsible lawn care, they’re helping build a community that values the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
As we move into the cooler months, Lagoon Loyal reminds residents that lagoon-friendly choices aren’t just for summer—they’re for every season.
Being Lagoon Loyal means protecting the health, economy, and beauty of Brevard County—365 days a year, for generations to come.
The Lagoon Loyal Business Spotlight is an educational recognition series highlighting local partners who support lagoon protection through community practices and public education.
