TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
FROM: Gustavo Vergara, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Asst Director
Johnathan Billings, Ocean Rescue Captain
DATE: December 11, 2025
SUBJECT: 2025 Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation “SEPF” Award
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BACKGROUND
While completing the process of approving the Drown Zero Life Saving Stations at all County owned beaches, Staff was made aware of a program that provided free wheelchairs to agencies to improve beach accessibility. Staff was given the contact for Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation “SEPF”, Inc. SEPF is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization which was Founded by Ron and Lynne DiMenna, who hope that through education and public engagement, the programs and activities the Foundation supports will sustain the surfing lifestyle and protect Florida’s beaches for generations to come. SEPF generates revenue for their charitable work from the sale of Endless Summer Specialty License Plates. Mr. Billings contacted Jacquie Youngs from SEPF on November 18, 2024, inquiring about their program and whether they indeed provided these items at no cost to agencies throughout Florida. SEPF confirmed they had such a program and could provide such chairs if the County was interested. Staff expressed interest in accepting the chairs if they were donated by SEPF. SEPF also mentioned that through their grant program, the County could apply for a 2026 grant to receive an ATV to improve the County’s ability to safeguard the public on County beaches. The County received the wheelchairs last year and have been used regularly by beach patrons. The relationship with SEPF has been very positive.
ANALYSIS
On November 17th, 2025, Indian River County Ocean Rescue was chosen as a recipient of a grant reward for 2026 from Surfing Evolution & Preservation Foundation (SEPF) in the amount of $6,619 for a 2x4 ATV.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding, in the amount of $6,619, will be appropriated via budget amendment to the MSTU Fund/Beach Parks/Automotive account, number 00411672-066420, along with the corresponding grant revenue.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
25-0344, 3/11/2025, - Acceptance of Three Beach Accessible Wheelchairs from Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation “SEPF”
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully requests that the Board of County Commissioners accept this grant from Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation and allow staff to use the funds to purchase an ATV to be used for guarding County beaches.