Project: BLACKOUT
Brevard County restricts nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer from June 1 through September 30. Project: BLACKOUT helps residents see the rule, understand it, and follow it.
The crisis
Fertilizer applied during the rainy season can move through streets, driveways, and storm drains into the lagoon. Extra nitrogen and phosphorus fuel algal blooms, block sunlight, and weaken seagrass beds.
Seagrass is a primary food source for manatees. In 2021, more than 1,100 manatees died in Florida during a severe mortality event tied to habitat and food loss.
The ordinance
Brevard County's summer fertilizer ordinance is already on the books. Project: BLACKOUT turns the rule into a visible public habit through clear reminders and partner outreach.
The ordinance appears in Brevard County's code for fertilizer management.
The date range covers the rainy summer window when runoff moves quickly.
The rule applies to lawns, landscapes, and turf during the blackout period.
Public visibility helps residents make the compliant choice before they buy or apply fertilizer.
Approach
Project: BLACKOUT uses a practical sequence: measure awareness, place reminders, build partnerships, then measure again. The work is designed for a future student team or county partner to continue.
The first survey documents how many residents know about the ordinance before outreach begins.
Tags bring the June 1 to September 30 rule into the aisle where people choose lawn products.
Storm drain reminders connect neighborhood runoff to lagoon health at the curb.
Flyers, social posts, and partner notes explain the rule without technical overload.
The second survey checks whether outreach increased recognition and intent to comply.
The team collects templates, partner notes, and evidence so the project can keep running.
Why manatees
The fertilizer ordinance reduces one preventable pressure on the lagoon. When fewer nutrients reach the water during the rainy season, blooms have less fuel and seagrass has a better chance to recover.
Impact plan
Project: BLACKOUT tracks awareness before and after outreach, then pairs the results with retail participation, drain marker placement, and public materials delivered.
Wave 1 captures recognition of the ordinance and the blackout dates.
Retail tags and drain markers put the message near buying and runoff moments.
Wave 2 compares recognition and intent after the campaign is visible.
Team
Project: BLACKOUT is a Brevard County student initiative built for practical compliance outreach, transparent evidence, and continuity after the first team graduates.
Survey design, public messaging, partner communication, and project documentation.
Hardware and garden retailers can host shelf tags near fertilizer displays.
Materials are organized so a later team can continue the work without rebuilding from scratch.