PALM BAY, Fla. – The Indian River Lagoon has been in peril over the last year. Manatees, dolphins, pelicans, fish and other habitat that call the estuary home have washed ashore.
The die-off has left fisherman and recreational users of the lagoon demanding answers from local lawmakers on what they're doing to fix the environmental treasure.
"Find out what the problem is and then have the proper people come in and take care of it," said Brevard County resident Carol Cunningham-DeVoe.
Her husband, David, said, "We love coming here. They really need to do something about that before it gets out of hand."
Brevard County commissioners say they've heard the concerns that residents have been expressing over the past year. So, Thursday night they are sponsoring a workshop, focusing on ways to tackle the declining health of the once pristine waterway.
A panel of federal, state and local lawmakers, along with area environmentalists, will be in attendance, taking questions from folks concerned about the lagoon.
DeVoe said, "They need to spend money, get involved and figure out what they can do about it."
According to county officials, it may take billions of dollars to get the Indian River Lagoon back where it once was. They say restoring the river's filters, like clams and oysters, along with reducing pollutants and the removal of muck, are just some of the steps they need to take as soon as possible.
Thursday night's meeting started at 6 p.m. at the Ted Moorehead Lagoon House and is scheduled to end at 9 p.m.
Watch Local 6 News and refresh ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.