Holiday Hosting? Here’s How to Stay Lagoon Loyal
A guide for Brevard County homeowners to protect the Indian River Lagoon during the busiest season of the year
The holidays in Brevard County are a special time. Cooler mornings, full driveways, and backyards buzzing with visitors all mean more time spent outdoors. But this joyful season also brings extra activity around our homes, and even small changes indoors and outside can influence the Indian River Lagoon.
More guests can mean more lawn prep, more kitchen cleanup, more septic use, and more foot traffic near the water. The good news? A few simple hosting habits can help keep our lagoon clean and healthy all season long.
🎯 Why the Holidays Matter for the Lagoon
- Florida welcomed 142.9 million visitors in 2024, setting a new state tourism record.
- In just the October–December quarter, 33.1 million trips took place statewide.
- Brevard County’s tourism economic impact topped $4.6 billion in 2023
(Source: flgov.com)
That means thousands of additional people spending time near and around the lagoon — using restrooms, walking pets, preparing meals, and enjoying the outdoors. When this activity is multiplied across neighborhoods, it can increase nutrient runoff, strain septic systems, and add extra pressure to local waterways.
✅ 5 Easy Holiday Practices That Protect the Lagoon
1. Mind Your Septic (or Sewer) 🛠️
More guests often mean more laundry, more dishes, and more showers — all of which can stress a septic system.
If you're on septic:
- Avoid “laundry marathons” or running multiple water-consuming appliances at once
- Never flush wipes or feminine hygiene products
- Avoid pouring fat and grease down the sink
- Try to space out showers and laundry on hosting days
- Haven’t pumped in 3–5 years? It may be time to schedule service
👉 Find a licensed septic contractor in Brevard
On sewer? Great, but still keep oils, fats, and grease out of the system to avoid sewer blockages and backups.
2. Limit Irrigation and Runoff 💧
A little prep goes a long way toward keeping rainwater and any nutrients in your yard, where they belong.
- Skip watering before a rain
Wet soil can’t absorb more water. Extra irrigation simply pushes water (and any fertilizer on your lawn) toward groundwater and storm drains and, eventually, the lagoon. - Don’t blow leaves into the street
Grass clippings and leaves wash into storm drains, where they break down into nutrients the lagoon doesn’t need. Mulch them into your lawn or bag them for pickup instead. - Use mulch, rain gardens, and swales
These landscape features help stormwater soak into the ground naturally and filter out pollutants before they reach the lagoon. - Use less fertilizer (or skip it this season)
Cooler weather slows lawn growth, meaning your yard may not need added nutrients. Using less fertilizer – or none at all – keeps extra nitrogen out of the water.
Not sure if your lawn needs fertilizer? Try a soil test! A soil test reveals your yard’s pH and nutrient levels, helping you avoid wasting time and money if fertilizer is not needed. Kits are available through the UF/IFAS Soil Testing Laboratory or your local extension office.
If you do choose to fertilize this winter, look for:- Zero phosphorus
- At least 50% slow-release nitrogen (See how to read a fertilizer label).
These steps help protect the lagoon while giving your yard only what it truly needs.
3. Be Shoreline Smart 🐾
If your home sits on the lagoon, pond, or a canal, your shoreline is one of the most important filtration zones on your property.
- Keep natural vegetation
Mangroves, shrubs, grasses, and other native plants trap runoff before it reaches the water. - Keep yard waste upslope
Leaves and grass clippings near the water wash in easily and release nutrients as they decay. A no-mow zone along the water can help keep plant debris in your yard. - Pick up pet waste
More guests = more visiting pets. Scoop it right away to keep bacteria and nutrients out of the lagoon. - Create a “no-step zone”
Foot traffic compacts soil and damages shoreline plants. A small buffer keeps the edge stable and healthy.
4. Skip the Theme Park, Show Off the Lagoon 🌿
Your guests traveled all this way. Give them a glimpse of the real Florida:
- Kayak or paddleboard on the lagoon
- Take a nature walk
- Join a local fishing guide for a fun day on the water
- Watch dolphins and manatees from a public dock or pier
- Sip morning coffee during a lagoon sunrise
These moments can create unforgettable memories – and connect your guests to the place you love.
5. Give Experiences, Not Stuff 🎁
Experience-based gifts reduce waste and support lagoon-friendly activities during the holidays. They’re also a great way to introduce guests to the natural places that make Brevard special.
Consider gifting:
- 🚣 Kayak rentals or guided tours
- 🦉 Nighttime paddling adventures
- 🌴Eco boat tours
- 🎣 Fishing charters with local captains
A meaningful gift for your guests — and for the lagoon.
🌿 Favorite Nature Walks & Drives in Brevard
Looking for ways to show off Florida’s natural beauty without leaving town?
- Sams House at Pine Island – Merritt Island
- Coconut Point Sanctuary – Melbourne Beach
- Black Point Wildlife Drive – Titusville
- Ais Trail Park – Palm Bay
- Maritime Hammock Sanctuary – Melbourne Beach
- Samsons Island Nature Park - Satellite Beach (boat accessible)
- Thousand Islands Conservation Area - Cocoa Beach (boat accessible)
All are free, beautiful, and perfect for all ages.
💬 Final Thought
As you gather with loved ones this season, remember: the Indian River Lagoon is part of your home, too.
By hosting responsibly and sharing the magic of our environment, you help preserve a vital piece of what makes Brevard so special.
Here’s to hot cocoa, cool breezes, and a cleaner lagoon in the new year. 🌊💙
— The Lagoon Loyal Team
