November 17, 2024

Over the past couple of weeks, the pace of new stories from both Stuart and Martin County has continued unabated.

For those of you that do not go on our Facebook page, you are missing out on our coverage of what is breaking in Martin County as it happens. Any story on our Facebook page is included in the digital newspaper but you won’t read it as it occurs. 

This coming week both the Martin County School District and the Martin County Commission will be swearing in new members. It will change the dynamics on one board and probably not much on the other. For now, I will let you guess which one is which.

We have extensive coverage of the ongoing Brightline story. We are also reporting on the amalgamation of power in the hands of Commissioner Chris “Boss” Collins in the City of Stuart. If the idea behind electing Sean Reed and Laura Giobbi was to give him reliable puppets instead of like-minded commissioners, that strategy was a success.

We have a few new columnists this week, Andy Noble and Matt Markley, CEO of Hibiscus House. And remember if you have a good idea for a column let me know, we are always looking for new writers and ideas. 

Our Non-profit section is our largest yet. So, if a non-profit you are involved in is not sending us their flyers, press releases or stories they are missing out on reaching a large market and the most influential people in our county. Have a great Sunday Morning!

Have a Great Sunday Morning!

I read in Bloomberg that the last of the meatpacking businesses on the lower Westside meatpacking district will be closing.

The district was a vivid reminder of old blue-collar New York. It went along Ninth Avenue and Hudson Street to Gavensvoort Street to West Street and the beginnings of 11th Avenue. What is now the High Line Park was a rail line with its terminus at the market. 

In 1973, my wife and I had an apartment on the sixth floor of a building on West 18th Street and 9th Avenue. Her father’s pharmacy was on the ground floor and my in-laws had their apartment on the third floor. Our little neighborhood on 9th Avenue between 14th and 23rd Street supported two butcher shops…an Irish owned one and an Italian.

The docks along the Hudson which once sustained the neighborhood had all but closed by then. The families of the Irish longshoremen still lived there. These guys were paid for not working because that was the deal to allow containerization. They still lived in the neighborhood in the projects that had been built where their old tenements once stood. 

While the Irish butcher shop catered to that clientele, the Italian took care of the rest including the Puerto Rican and other Hispanic trade. These guys were actual butchers. They would buy entire steers and pigs and break them down so that the cuts familiar from home could be bought by the people in their stores 

My father-in-law, who was known as Doc, gave preliminary care in his pharmacy to neighborhood residents long before CVS thought about having an Urgent Care in their stores. In those days, many store owners lived in the neighborhood. He knew everyone. He tried to get me a job in the butcher shops, but it just never worked out.

He also tried to hook me up in the market itself. Once you were there for six months, you made about $175 a week, much more than I was earning at the time in the Steward’s Department of the Dorset Hotel. At the market, you went to work at 10 p.m. which would then have allowed me to take more varied college courses during the day.  That never worked out either.   

Occasionally, I would walk through the market at night when I was coming home from school. It was a bustling place and just a little eerie with the winter fires burning in old oil drums to warm your hands. The streets were still made of cobblestone. There were all night diners and bars to service the workers. The prostitutes also plied their trade in the shadows. 

That New York died decades ago. It was on its last leg even when I was trying to work there. Butchers couldn’t compete with supermarkets. No need for shoppers to go to separate places for fruits and vegetables, bread, pastries, eggs, butter, or cream, and butchers and poultrymen were dying trades.

Many neighborhood people had trades and businesses. They employed other neighborhood people and taught them how to butcher or make bread. These have all gone away. Even the supermarkets that took their place have consolidated and maybe in a few more years, we will be buying our groceries from three or four conglomerates.

Convenience may not be all its cracked up to be. Imagine a college student tying to get a job in one of the largest meat markets in the world today…and considering it a good place to work. 

Where did the idea ever come from that government should be “God” free?
What government should be is free from any attempt to impose God on citizens.

Those two statements are not diametrically opposed. If a board wants to start off their meeting with a prayer, there is nothing wrong with that. It just must be made clear that not everyone is a believer, nor do they have to be to participate.

A Gallup Poll stated that 74% of Americans believe in God. It goes on to reveal that 67% think there is a Heaven, 59% a Hell, and 58% believe that the Devil exists. You are more likely to believe if you are a member of a religious congregation and as you become older. Women believe more than men, the more educated and the richer you are, the less you accept there is a higher being.

A clear majority of Americans separate their faith or lack thereof from their politics. The old render-unto-Ceaser thing is an important concept to keep in mind. Yet we shouldn’t forget the moral underpinnings of our religious tenets,

If you are Jewish, aren’t you called on to adhere to the commandments and perform a charitable act or Mitzvah? Muhammed said, “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.” The Buddha believed there was a joy in being charitable. 

I think when we become so entwined with having a blessing before a meeting, we forget the point is for grace to be bestowed on the elected officials while they deliberate. Prayer alone without the tenets of our beliefs will ring hollow. There is nothing complicated about what an elected person should do.

For Christians, it is summed up in Matthew 22:36-40: 

“’Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’ And the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

You cannot pretend to be a moral person and then make decisions that ignore those words. Our tables must be big enough to include all who are already in our home and those who wish to be part of our home. If we do not live by this, then no amount of prayer before a meeting will give the participants wisdom. 

Wisdom can be defined as living a moral life through the accumulation of knowledge. And that sometimes is a hard thing to come by.  

.There were 6 amendments to the Florida Constitution on the ballot. Two passed and four failed to receive the required 60% to be enacted. 

Both Amendment 5 adjusting the homestead exemption to compensate for the rate of inflation and Amendment 2 preserving the right to hunt and fish passed with 67.4% and 66.1%, respectively. I never understood the need for Amendment 2. No one was stopping anyone from doing either of those things. There is more here than meets the eye. Not only will we have to see how the legislature writes the enabling legislation but also how it affects property rights.

Amendment 1 which would have made school board races partisan failed 55% to 45%. We should be making all local races non-partisan, not trying to inject partisanship especially in school board races. There is an old saying that filling a pothole correctly does not have a Republican or Democrat solution…only a local one.

Amendment 6 had to do with ending public financing of campaigns for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and agricultural commissioner. It failed by receiving only 50.4% of the vote. 

Though I was in favor of both Amendment 3 legalization of recreational marijuana for adults and Amendment 4 abortion access, they both failed 55.8% and 57%, respectively. I am angry because the governor used our tax dollars to lobby and pay for commercials against the measures. Following what passes for acceptable today, the information provided in those commercials was inaccurate.

If the voters can overcome the necessary hurdles to get an initiative on the ballot, then the state should not be spending tax money because the governor doesn’t like the measure. Just like me, he has a vote and should exercise it. 

To say the least, this is what passes for democracy in the Free State of Florida…the DeSantis way or the highway. 

A recent article in TC Palm suggested that there was a “free speech” issue with Boss Collins saying he wanted me removed from the CRB and CRA earlier than the end of my term in December. It also stated that Andy Noble, an appointment by former Commissioner McDonald to the CRB and inherited by Sean Reed, was replaced. 

Reed kept telling everyone he wanted to replace Noble but never formally did. In my case, the commission would have had to take a vote to fire me. While Collins alluded to replacement, the Boss decided not to stir the pot since my appointment would end at the close of the year anyway.

The commission always had the right to replace me just as Reed had the right to fire Noble. In both cases, the reason would not have been because we were not good board members but because we criticized the Boss and his politburo as commissioners. The two of us being removed would be legal. No cause is needed but would have been because we were expressing our opinions on what they were doing as elected officials. That is why it was deemed a free speech issue.

I realized and probably Noble did too that our days as board members were numbered the moment that the votes in August were counted. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. There is no compensation with any board position while Commissioners are now over $20,000 a year with full health care and pension benefits. 

I have made sure that I was available for all the meetings that happened this year but one. My travel schedule needed to work around the meeting dates not the meetings around my schedule. There were some personal events I was not able to attend because of the dates of the meetings.

The Boss’ threats were not carried out because the manager and attorney probably saved him from his worst instincts by mentioning the chilling effects of removal on future volunteers willing to serve. Boss Collins and his minions are moving fast to make Stuart the kind of town that is anything but inviting. 

Collins may think he can put someone on the board that can do his bidding. Yet no matter who is up there, they must follow the code as written, not what they think the code is. Sure, if you are in the minority, you can vote “no” as a commissioner or a board member because the majority will save you from yourself. Once you are in the majority and you go against the code or against a state law, Stuart will be in a lawsuit and lose. Boss Collins and his crew had better think about that also.    

As the “most wonderful time of the year” approaches, so does one of our favorite events at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County—Operation Merry & Bright. 
During this annual holiday tradition, members of the community generously donate their time and treasure to support our staff in the massive undertaking of purchasing, assembling, organizing and giftwrapping toys and treats for 600 of our club members and their families. 
Taking place over several weeks, this impressive logistical undertaking encompasses nearly our entire staff and scores of volunteers before culminating Dec. 18 and in the process, transforming our Hobe Sound club into a Santa’s Workshop of sorts. That’s appropriate, because nearly every other day of the year our clubs function increasingly as workforce training centers. The curricula—tailored to every member age group—instructs on careers in bedrock or emerging industries where the prospects are vast and expanding. 

We’re especially excited about our newest workforce development program—advanced manufacturing skills with a current emphasis on electrical. This is a foundational skillset with strong market demand. Participating members learn everything from basic wiring to relay control to industrial soldering to more challenging interactive troubleshooting techniques.
The demand for electricians is high and climbing. Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipate their employment numbers growing as much as 6 percent between now and 2032. That’s more than 73,000 expected job openings that our members are being positioned to compete for and attain. 
It’s all part of our partnership with Florida Training Services (FTS). At the workforce labs at our new Stuart club, we’re offering members ages 16 to 18 lessons and certifications in several construction courses (and in some cases up to 180 hours as pre-apprentices) in additional skilled trades such as carpentry and HVAC. 
These disciplines also remain in high demand and will for years to come. BLS estimates a job growth rate for carpenters at 4 percent between now and 2033. The peak of summer—in which our AC units invariably tap out—reminds us all of the indispensable nature of HVAC professionals. Little surprise that Florida employs the highest number of workers in this field, according to industry reports. 

Such are only some of the professions in which our club members can explore career options, gain hands-on experience, earn certifications, even get job placement opportunities. Once armed with the insight and knowledge of skilled trades, the power to put them to work on their behalf rests in their capable hands. 
The emergence and evolution of our workforce development programs provides the perfect backdrop to this year’s Operation Merry & Bright. Thanks to the kindness of our community, we get to help ensure our members enjoy the blessings of the holiday. Thanks to your support for our workforce labs, we’re able to prepare them for career success knowing they’ll one day secure such blessings on their own. 
Hopefully, they’ll also apply BGCMC’s principles of character, citizenship, and community—and remember to look back and offer a helping hand to those coming up behind them.    

Keitch Fletcher's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Agriculture is the cornerstone of civilization. It is the foundation upon which societies have been built and sustained throughout history. 
The development of agriculture enabled humans to produce a stable food supply, create communities, support larger populations, and foster the growth of complex societies. With the ability to cultivate crops and raise livestock, ancient civilizations could establish permanent settlements, leading to advancements in infrastructure, trade, and cultural development.
Agriculture is crucial. The founders of our nation knew that, and they held it in high importance. If you wonder how I can so confidently say this, visit Washington, D.C. and look at the details etched in stone on the historic buildings. Even the pillars right above the first block laid in U.S. Capitol display ears of corn. George Washington laid that block himself.

But now here we are generations later and I fear that knowledge is fading. We have become complacent with a steady, dependable food supply. We are so comfortable with our food supply that we discard anything that is not perfectly shaped even though nutritionally it is just as good (I will save our nation’s extreme food waste for another column). 
We have become disconnected from where our food comes from. Many, when asked from where does food come, will say food comes from the grocery store. I am not naïve enough to think they truly believe food is grown at the grocery store, but I do believe they have no deeper knowledge than to think it probably came from some farm somewhere and somehow it ended up on the shelf.
This is a good thing that is creating a big problem. Our farmers are so good at their jobs that we do not need to worry if we will have food. But at the same time, we have people with little to no idea how or where their food is grown and so they are easily manipulated by those who wish to prey upon their lack of knowledge.
Images of apples with needles sticking out of them and farmworkers walking through fields wearing hazardous materials suits, the vilification of the word “chemicals”, these are some tactics that are used to scare you from eating foods. More cunning approaches include labels on products that try to convince you one way of growing food is healthier than another. In this war, the losers are those who struggle to afford food and end up overspending because they just want to provide the best for their families. 
Thanksgiving began in 1621 by the Puritans as a feast to celebrate their first harvest in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was attended by the Puritan men, women, and children (commonly referred to as the Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag tribe. The feast lasted for three days and consisted of deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring a day of Thanksgiving and Praise and that is the tradition most families celebrate today.
I ask this of you, as you celebrate Thanksgiving in your own way, please give thanks for our abundant food supply and take heart in knowing farm families are working hard to grow your food so you can focus on other pursuits. Also know those families eat the same foods that they grow and sell, so don’t let others scare you into making a purchase you cannot afford. And remember, without our food supply we would not have this great civilization. Instead, we would all be hunting, gathering, and farming and would not have the time to create the great advancements in science, health, and the arts that we all enjoy. 

David Hafner’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Rob Ranieri’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

What’s the deal with seed oils?

As with many other trends, the general public seems to get a lot of their information on social media.  Recently there has been a big push on Tik Tok to stay away from seed oils because they are toxic… so what is the truth?  

Back in the 1950s a cardiologist by the name of Ancel Keys claimed that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oil will reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol.  Shortly after, the American Heart Association recommended that polyunsaturated fats (PUFA’s) should replace saturated fats like butter, tallow and lard. Subsequent use of these oils skyrocketed.

However newer research has debunked this theory and in fact the higher omega 6 intake from industrial seed oils has been shown to increase the risk of many chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and others due to causing increased inflammation in the body. 

Seed oils are highly processed.  Industrial manufacturers use high temperatures, chemical deodorizers, and petroleum-based solvents to extract the oil from the plant seeds.  This process strips the oil of nutrients and anti-oxidants while creating harmful trans fats.  Industrial manufacturers also add synthetic chemicals like TBHQ, BHA and BHT in efforts to extend shelf life and prevent oxidation.  These known carcinogens have been banned in Europe but sadly are allowed in our food source here in the US. 

The most common seed oils used in the US include Canola oil, Corn Oil, and Cottonseed oil to name a few. 

Back in the day before modernization and industrialization of farming humans would eat a diet that contained a 1:1 ratio of Omega 3:Omega 6 fatty acids.  Now we are consuming up to 20 times more omega 6’s than omega 3 fats.  Diets higher in Omega-6’s , particularly linoleic acid are linked to higher risk of chronic inflammation which causes cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s diabetes, obesity and other neurological and psychiatric issues.

Seed oils high in omega 6 are highly reactive and susceptible to rancidity. Consuming large quantities of seed oils creates an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body.  This leads to what is called oxidative stress which is known to be the root cause of many disease processes.  It is also felt that the high omega 6 levels lead to infertility in both men and women. 

Seed oil crops are frequently genetically modified.  GM crops are often sprayed with harmful herbicides like glyphosate which was classified as a possible carcinogen in 2015. 

Seed oils are found in ultra processed foods such as fast foods, or prepackaged foods in the grocery store. Keep in mind they are also added to foods marketed as healthy including protein bars, frozen foods, whole grain crackers and bread.

So what should you do?  Obviously eat a healthy diet and stay away from ultra processed foods.  If you are cooking use an oil that is high in omega 3 fatty acids instead of Omega 6’s, such as extra virgin olive oil which should be used for low heat cooking, and avocado oil for high heat cooking.  These are not seed based and therefore do not go through the same type of processing with bleaching and deodorizing, so they remain unrefined and even have nutritional benefits. 

It is probably unrealistic to eliminate seed oils from your diet.  When you are home try to purchase foods that have simple ingredients. Try to eliminate ultra processed foods from your diet.  If you eat well at home, it will offset the times when you eat out and don’t have a handle on every ingredient you are consuming. 

Michele Libman’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Prior to last week's election many of my friends and clients would ask me what effect the election results would have on local home sales. 

Although I had my preferred candidate in this election, I often attempted to be cautious with my answer. Too many of my friends and peers had very strong opinions on the election outcomes. Frankly, presidential elections have only a minor effect on the Florida real estate market. The election of 2024 had many people on edge, and they were financially paralyzed from fear of the various outcomes. As a result, homes did not sell quickly, and showings were sparse. 

My standard answer to the question was, “only time will tell.”  I further said that if HE won the election, I believed many buyers would feel better about the economy and it would give them the confidence to purchase that new home or upgrade the old one. I then stated that if SHE won the election, I believed that many buyers in high tax states would begin shopping in Florida, and like states, whose tax structure was more favorable to many homeowners. 

As I stated earlier, only time will tell. My fellow Realtors and I have seen an uptick in inquiries, showings and even sales, in the last week. I had several homes that have had multiple showings in the last week. These homes had very few showings prior to the election. I cannot attest to the demographics of the buyers, but I suspect the majority are just glad to have this contentious election behind us. Some believe that Florida has some good bargains that have accumulated over the last few months. It is a great time to buy a Florida/Treasure Coast home. Sellers should see the average days on the market decline slightly now and in the new year. 

Locally, there are some recently enacted policies in the City of Stuart that may negatively affect the real estate market. I know friends and homeowners that are deeply disappointed that the city voted to un-support the Brightline station. Many were looking forward to the convenience of a local station. I would have been able to walk to the station from my home. It is not dead, but it is certainly wounded. 

I want to congratulate all the candidates that ran for office no matter their platform or their party. Public service, as an elected official, is an extremely important and difficult job. I commend them for their willingness to serve and wish them the best whether they won or lost. 

John Gonzalez’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a joyous occasion filled with family, friends, and of course, plenty of food. However, for pet owners, this holiday can also bring challenges in keeping pets calm and safe amidst the hustle and bustle. Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth Thanksgiving with your furry companions.
Firstly, it's important to manage your pet's environment when guests arrive. Create a quiet space where your pets can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by new people or noise. This could be a separate room equipped with their favorite toys and bedding.
When it comes to food safety, it's crucial to know which foods are safe for pets and which ones should be avoided. While small amounts of turkey (without seasoning or bones) can be a treat for dogs, many Thanksgiving staples like onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate are toxic to pets. Always keep an eye on what guests may feed your animals – well-meaning family members might not know these dangers.
Cooking safely around pets is another vital aspect of Thanksgiving preparation. Ensure that hot dishes are kept out of reach and that any leftovers are stored securely after the meal to prevent any accidental ingestion. Also make sure cats can’t jump up on the stove or knock over any candles.

As family members gather around the table, introducing new people to your pets should be done gradually. Allowing your pet to approach visitors at their own pace helps reduce anxiety and fosters positive interactions. Many small children do not yet understand how to properly visit with a pet. Keeping an eye on and supervising children’s interactions with your pet is important to prevent bites or any unwanted reactions. 
Lastly, consider microchipping your pets if you haven’t already done so. With more people in the house during the holidays—and potential escape routes—having your pet microchipped ensures they can be quickly identified if they wander off or get lost amidst the festivities. It is just as im
Our shelter at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers low cost microchipping every day of the week. You can simply call us at 772-600-3203 to schedule an appointment. We can also scan your pet at our shelter for free if  you need to know their ID number or need assistance updated their microchip. Please note that our shelter and thrift stores will be closed on Thanksgiving day, and we will be closing at 2:00pm the day prior. 
By taking these precautions during Thanksgiving with pets, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved while ensuring that your beloved companions remain calm and happy throughout the celebrations. We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!  

Frank Valente's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

We’re all in this together

For most of my life, I began every day with the Pledge of Allegiance, first as a student and then for 34 years as an educator. When I began my career as the Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, we started every meeting and event with the Pledge of Allegiance. I believe that as united Americans, it is an important act to remember who we are. We are all Americans.

The past several months has been stressful for everyone, regarding the elections. There were so many races and amendments to research and make decisions that were personal to each of us. I imagine that not many citizens had every vote go the way they had hoped. Yet here we all are, in this amazing country together to strive to create a positive environment for our children and a secure future for all.
Many years ago, Target had commercials that said, “We’re all in this together.” I know that our society will move forward and remember that this is true. It starts with small gestures by everyone. Be kind behind the wheel on the roads. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Smile and use your kind words to those you care about as well as strangers. 

I have recently retired from my position as the Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. Now I am volunteering and enjoying my time as a Mimi to my two grandchildren. I am doing my best to be considerate of working people by not being in the grocery store at 5:00PM or on the weekend. I am not scheduling doctor’s appointments at the end of the day or early in the morning, saving those appointments for those who work during the day. I get my special coffee after the morning rush and do my best to stay off the roads during rush hour.
These are just a few ideas that I can easily implement to show my respect to our workforce. I have worked most of my life, and I now want to be thoughtful and considerate to my local working community members. 
Remember, “we’re all in this together.”

Missi Campbell’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

It is November 12th and in past years I would be writing about how good the mackerel, bluefish, jack crevalle, and pompano bite is along our local beaches. 

The truth is not what anyone wants to hear because it stinks. The water temperature today in thirty feet of water off Jensen Beach was back up to 81 degrees according to my “Check the Waves” app. That fact along with the constant easterly winds at 20 to 25 mph along with the weeds and dirty water we have had since October, are all contributing to our poor surf fishing. 

Adding insult to injury is the latest forecast of another potential storm headed our way next week. Enough already!!! Last October and early November produced some excellent pompano and whiting action along the Martin and St Lucie County beach accesses with the hope we are going to have a late start to our season. A couple of cool or cold fronts with some northerly wind would certainly help push the pompano down our way from the Daytona and Melbourne area due to a drop in the water temperature. 

The one positive note in our area is the continued abundance of sandfleas at most beaches so if you need to put some in the freezer, get your rake and get up there. There have been a few shots of mackerel and pompano in the river but even that has been less than spectacular. I want to give everyone a date to circle on your calendar if you need to add any tackle, rods, reels, apparel, or Fishbites to your arsenal and that is Saturday December 14th . That is this year’s date for the Snook Nooks Annual Tent Sale. 

This is the biggest sale of the year and draws hundreds of Anglers. Alec Baker, the Snook Nooks GM, has ordered and built up his inventory to a level that is incredible. Factory reps from Penn, Daiwa, Van Staal, Shimano, NLBN, Tsunami, and of course Fishbites will all be onsite with price reductions and specials that only happen once a year. This is the Snook Nooks 75th Anniversary Tent Sale and it’s lining up to be the biggest yet. 

The address is 3595 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach and it kicks off at 8 am. I will be under the tent all day if you have any questions about anything. Please stop by and say hello.

Paul Sperco’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

DEAR SANTA

Sydney Thomas' opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Gene Zweben’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

.Primary Care for
Your Physical, Mental and Social Health Needs

Taking care of your health is essential at every age, but especially as we grow older. Making your way through physician appointments, prescriptions, and diagnostic tests can be tiring at times and even confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone.
At the Council on Aging Martin County, we were seeing people struggle to find a medical home where their whole health could be taken into account – physical, mental, and social – and where they could feel like a partner in their own care. We realized that sometimes a patient needs more than a traditional prescription or treatment. They may need something else entirely.
Loneliness, for example, can affect a person’s health both physically and mentally. Opportunities for socialization are the obvious cure. This isn’t the sort of prescription you can fill at the local pharmacy, but it’s critical for maintaining a healthy life.
Day Primary Care is our answer. Opened as the Joseph C. and Ann S. Day Primary Care Center in 2013, Day Primary on our Kane Center campus has established itself as a healthy lifestyle solution for seniors – and for adults at every age.

First of all, our medical providers are skilled practitioners with years of experience in delivering high quality health care. Our Clinical Director Katie Diamond, for example, is a Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.
More than that, though, at Day Primary, patients are treated as individual people with all of their complexities. We allow longer time for patient appointments than the average medical office, and we are available for urgent visits if patients require an immediate appointment. Our providers help patients manage chronic health conditions and coordinate with family members and other healthcare professionals.
Because Day Primary is part of the Council on Aging Martin, we can also address the aspects of care that go beyond testing and prescriptions. For those who need nutritional help, for example, we can sign them up for our Meals on Wheels program to bring them a hot meal once a day in their own home or give them the option of Senior Dining at one of four off-site locations. 
For those who need socialization, our Kane Center offers a wealth of programs where people can exercise, engage in games or crafts, and make friends. Those with special needs for supervised programs can enroll in our Adult Day Club. For concern with memory issues, our Memory Enhancement program is also located at the Kane Center.
Finally, we are able to offer resources to caregivers, supporting them so they can support the ones they love.
You can learn more about Day Primary at our website www.coamartin.org. We’re accepting new adult patients at 772-223-7864.

Karen Ripper's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

A Sanctuary of Hope: How One Shelter is Transforming the lives of Abused and Neglected children                                                                                                                                                        

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and cared for. Yet for many children in our community, the reality is much darker. 
Whether they are victims of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or have been neglected by the very people who should protect them, these children face unimaginable hardship. But for those who are admitted to the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter, a beacon of hope shines through the darkness. 
Located in beautiful Jensen Beach, Hibiscus Shelter is more than just a temporary place to stay. It is a sanctuary designed to provide both immediate safety and long-term healing for children (infants to age 12) who have been abused or neglected. Established in 1989, the Shelter has grown to become a trusted institution, offering not only a roof over the heads of vulnerable children, but a host of holistic services aimed at helping them rebuild their lives. 
When children arrive at the Shelter, they are greeted with warmth and compassion by Sanctuary-trained staff who understand the trauma they have endured. The Shelter provides a safe and welcoming environment with living space designed to make children feel at home. The space is decorated in bright colors, with toys, books, and comforting items to help ease the transition from fear to safety. For many children, this is their first taste of stability after being exposed to neglect or abuse. 
Though safety is just the beginning. Children who enter the Shelter often carry invisible scars that can take years to heal. To help them overcome these emotional wounds, we offer specialized therapeutic services. Trained counselors work with each child individually to address the trauma they’ve endured. Therapy may include art therapy, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy, allowing children to process their emotions in healthy ways and begin to heal. 
Education is a key focus at Hibiscus Shelter. Children receive individualized academic support, including tutoring and a literacy program, ensuring that their learning is not disrupted despite their difficult circumstances. An education liaison collaborates with the school district and children to ensure they stay on track with their schoolwork.  For many children, school can be a place of refuge, a chance to experience normalcy and distraction from the turmoil in their lives.
In addition to academic support, the Shelter offers enrichment activities designed to foster personal growth. Music, art, sports, and outdoor activities give children a chance to explore their talents and interests, boosting their self-esteem and helping them discover new passions. These programs teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline and creative problem solving. 
For every child who walks through its doors, Hibiscus Shelter offers not just a temporary place to stay, but a chance at a life filled with hope, love, and possibility. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a path forward, and with the right help, a brighter future is within reach.
For more information or to schedule a tour of the Shelter, visit us at www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org  or call (772) 334-9311, ext. 121.

Matt Markley's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

In Stuart, Florida, recent actions by certain city commissioners highlight how personal agendas in local governance can jeopardize a town's future. 

At the center of the controversy is Commissioner Christopher Collins, who, by supporting aligned candidates Sean Reed and Laura Giobbi in August 2024, secured a majority bloc on the five-member Stuart City Commission. This coalition recently made the contentious decision to withdraw Stuart from an already-completed agreement with Brightline for a local train station—threatening economic growth, jobs, and regional connectivity. Fortunately, the Martin County Commissioners have decided to proceed, voting unanimously to commit $15 million to fund the station and effectively remove the Stuart City Commission from future decisions on the matter.
 
Brightline’s high-speed rail network has proven to be an economic asset across South Florida, attracting tourists, creating jobs, and stimulating local commerce. Cities with Brightline stations often see enhanced property values, business investments, and improved transit options. Stuart initially shared in this vision, with the station promising substantial economic benefits. However, Collins, Reed, and Giobbi opted to undo this agreement, citing vaguely framed concerns about “protecting the town’s character.”

The Martin County Commissioners, recognizing the stakes, stepped in decisively to secure the project. Their unanimous vote to allocate county funds bypasses the Stuart City Commission’s objections, ensuring the project moves forward and signaling robust support for regional growth and economic opportunities that the city commission had cast aside.

This issue of governance driven by narrow, potentially self-serving motives highlights the risks when civic leaders mix personal interests with public policy. Collins and his allies have reportedly grounded their campaign in personal convictions and “mandates from God.” When officials prioritize ideology or personal gain over broad public interest, the community risks losing out on opportunities that benefit all. Governance should be based on transparency, inclusivity, and objective analysis, especially regarding major economic decisions.
 
While the Martin County Commissioners’ intervention has secured the Brightline station, Stuart’s future still relies on leadership committed to ethical decision-making, growth, and accountability. The county’s decisive action serves as a reminder that elected officials must be transparent and prioritize community welfare, not personal interests. For Stuart, the path forward depends on leadership that embodies integrity and an inclusive vision for sustainable development.

Any Noble's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

By James Longo

Licensed Pharmicist For 42 Years

What is the role of Pharma versus PBMs in pushing prices higher?
 
Big Pharma has merged from about twenty-five companies in the 1980s to approximately 10 today. 

They make their money by developing drugs under patent which gives them exclusivity. The companies then market the drugs extensively to demand incredible prices. Example--Ozempic at a thousand dollars a box. A brand-name drug has about ten years on the market before it comes off patent.
 
Once off-patent, the generic houses can manufacture the medication but like Big Pharma mergers and sales have left us with few players. Competition in generic drug pricing isn’t what it used to be. The two biggest generic houses are owned by Big Pharma. 

Novartis owns Sandoz and Pfizer owns Mylan. Two other big players are owned by Indian family firms, Sun and Aurobindo. Almost all generics are made overseas coming mostly from China, India, and Israel.
 
Prescription insurance companies are also part of Big Pharma. Each of the companies have their own Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM). Aetna has CVS Caremark with 33% of the PBM market. Cigna owns Express Scripts (24%). United Healthcare/Optimum has (22%) of the market. Humana/Humana (8%) with Prime Therapeutics/Magellan (5%) and Medimpact(5%).
 
The PBMs make their money by the Premiums you pay.  

Then by Rebates from drug manufacturers to get on the PBMs formularies. This is a way drug manufacturers assure market share. If it’s not on the formulary, the prescription needs Prior Authorization which means the prescriber must explain to the PBMs why he is prescribing it. 

Third the PBMs by the pricing of drugs. All prescriptions are priced by a formula contracted with the PBMs. It usually is a cost plus a fee. When that cost plus a fee is less than the prescription copayment which the pharmacies are contracted to collect. The PBMs electronically instruct the pharmacy to collect. 
When that copayment is greater than the price formulary price then in audits they can claw back the difference. Example Price formula says we should be paid $8, and the copayment is $10 the PBM can clawback $2 months after they paid for that prescription. Who gets the $2? The patient sure doesn’t. The PBM does. It is my understanding this sets up an accounting nightmare.
 
Insurance increases the price of goods and services. As soon you allow a third party to be the payor the patient isn’t shopping by price and will tend to over-use services. I already paid. I might as well get my money’s worth. If you want $100 diapers develop diaper insurance.
 
The culprits for high prices are few players in the pharmaceutical industry, along with few players in the prescription insurance business, along with business practices of the PBMs. This includes taking manufacturer rebates removing competition and added to human nature when not having to pay for products directly definitely increase the price of prescriptions.

James Longo’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

ARC of the Treasure Coast Joins Broad Effort to Observe
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

ARC of the Treasure Coast continues to celebrate in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Access to Good Jobs for All."
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it started as a week and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all nature of disabilities.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, ARC of the Treasure Coast engaged in a variety of activities to educate its staff on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts included the recent Stuart Martin Chamber breakfast on October 29th, Project SEARCH Adult Model program and collaborations with community partners such as Cleveland Clinic/Martin Health, St. Lucie County, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Florida Family Care Council, Martin County School District.
"ARC of the Treasure Coast is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Keith Muniz, President and CEO of ARC of the Treasure Coast. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages—during October and throughout the year—by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM.
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About ARC of the Treasure Coast: The ARC, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services.  ARC provides support, assistance, and training that enhances the abilities of children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential

Where Are They Now, During this National Adoption Month?

Port St. Lucie – Five families will emerge from a small courtroom in St. Lucie County next week, newly created through the bonds of love and adoption. They will be the most recent of CCKid’s projected 75 total adoptions for the 2024-2025 year – a success by any measure. 

But not all children in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast – the area covered by CCKids child-welfare community – will have won the adoption lottery this year. 

Three children featured on CBS 12’s Forever Family segment aged out of foster care this year without an adopted family. One more turned 18 the year before. Now young adults, Mya, William, Haleigh and Gerald are officially out of foster care. 

All were featured on the adoption news segment over the past few years, having made a decision to seek family from the airwaves. They were all teens when their segments first aired, and some were aired more than once. 

Mya, a cheerful, loving girl whose segment first aired when she was 13, loved to help her house parents cook. She was interested in science and African American history and said she saw herself pursuing a future in criminal law. She turned 18 in 2023. 

William described a love of graphic design and a proclivity toward engineering. He aged out of care last month. 

Gerald, who turned 18 in August, used his time on the show to crack jokes: 

“Where do fish keep their money?” he asked. The answer, of course, is in a riverbank

. 

They all had one goal: To be the child someone wanted to raise as their own. 

Finding adoptive homes for teens isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Since Forever Family first began working with CCKids and its adoption provider Children’s Home Society, five of 11 local teens featured on the show have successfully found homes. 

In total, 24 of 39 children of all ages featured have been adopted. 

So what happens to Mya, William, Haileigh and Gerald and young people like them who don’t find their forever homes by age 18? 

Thanks to Florida’s Independent Living Program and CCKids’ Road to Success Staff, young adults can continue to receive resources, guidance and financial support through age 21, or, for those with developmental challenges, 22. 

But nothing replaces family. 

CCKids is nearing the end of its yearlong 25by2025 campaign to recruit 25 foster homes by January. So far, only about half of that goal has been met. 

If you have ever thought about fostering or adopting a child or a teenager, now is the time to act. Call (772) 873-7800, and ask for Jerra to get started. 

Sing In the Holidays with Treasure Coast Community Singers

Sing in the holidays with “Seasonal Melodies from Stage and Screen”, presented by your Treasure Coast Community Singers!  For 22 years, under the direction of Dr. Doug Jewitt, your largest volunteer organization has been dazzling you with concerts of professional quality. This year’s holiday concert is no exception. TCCS is presenting music from your favorite holiday movies and plays which are sure to spark your memories and fill your heart. They will transport you onto the screen of the Polar Express, Home Alone and White Christmas to name a few.  The Youth  and Middle School Choruses will be performing “Stage to Screen” memories from The Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Charlie Brown’s Christmas. TCCS will be accompanied by Master Pianist Carol Paul.  This performance will bring you to your feet singing in the holidays.
There are two concerts. The first presentation is Saturday December 7th at Stuart Congregational Church, 3110 SE Aster Lane, Stuart. The Encore presentation is December 8th at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Rose Hall, 701 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart. Both concerts start at 3pm. Check your calendar now!  Share this concert with your friends and family! This is the perfect Christmas gift for those you love!  To purchase tickets, go to www.tccsingers.org 
 TCCS is sponsored by the Arts Council of Martin County, St Lucie Cultural Alliance, Women Supporting the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. TCCS is a Platinum GuideStar rated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

    Helping People Succeeds 
2025 Art for Living Calendars on Sale Now!

It’s that time of year when Helping People Succeed distributes its popular Art for Living Calendars, available for residents and guests at local business outlets, including Barnes & Noble Book Store in Jensen Beach. Looking for that perfect gift? Helping People Succeed's 2025 Art for Living Calendar reflects the beauty we have right here on the Treasure Coast! Each month is represented by one of our talented local artists. The calendars sell for only $25.00 each. 

Our featured artists this year include: William Kramer, Charles T. White, Susan Clifford, Pamela Patterson, Pat Hoshino, Kirsty Smith Innis, Dan Mackin, Laura DeBerard, Marian Vitale, Holly Cannon, Mallo Bisset, Elisa Peppe and Don MacIntosh.
 
We are also thankful for our underwriters: Dale Forbes, Snook Nook, Ildiko Insurance Advisors, LLC, Hoskins Turco Lloyd & Lloyd, EW Consultants, Leonardo & Company, Stuart Business Systems, Water Point Realty, Mary Kay Buckridge, Oral-Facial Surgical Associates, All Creatures Animal Hospital, Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Seacoast Bank and Aycock Funeral Home. 

The calendars are available for sale at the Helping People Succeed office, 1601 NE Braille Place, off Savanna Road in Jensen Beach as well as throughout the Treasure Coast. For a complete listing of outlets where you can purchase a calendar – visit our website at hpsfl.org.

Calendar Artist Artwork will be on display at the Trinity United Methodist Church October 4 through November 8, 2025. The church is located at 2221 NE Savannah Rd, Jensen Beach, FL - 10 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 10 am to 12 pm on Fridays.

You can also view the original work of arts on the Second Floor Art Gallery at the Elliott Museum from mid-December, 2024 through April of 2025. The Museum is located at 825 NE Ocean Boulevard and is open daily. 

Serving our community for 60 years, Helping People Succeed helps develop healthy families in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties by providing numerous parenting, mental health and behavioral support programs. Helping People Succeed also provides support services designed to enable adults with special needs to fully participate in volunteer and employment roles in our community.

For more information, visit our website at hpsfl.org or contact Jeraldine Guaba at 772.320.0836. 

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition Creates Fun Event 
to Welcome the New Year

Stuart, FL – The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition invites the community to ring in the New Year with a burst of joy and a celebration of new beginnings this New Year’s Eve. 
This first ever New Year’s Eve event will be held at the exclusive Manor on St. Lucie Crescent from 8 pm on December 31 until 1 am on January 1st. The evening includes cocktails and delightful libations, elegant food and beverage stations, live entertainment, and a silent auction, all to benefit the work of the nonprofit Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
Healthy Start is excited to create a New Years’ evening event that’s open to the public in Martin County. “We’re all about new beginnings,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich, “so it seemed like the perfect idea to create a signature celebration to welcome the new year with the movers and shakers of the Treasure Coast.”
Sponsorships from a Premier $7500 level through a Sparkler $600 contribution are currently available. Individual tickets are $200 a person.
Proceeds will benefit the mission of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, with its vision of every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved.
For more information, sponsorships and tickets, visit the website https://NYE25.givesmart.com.

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition supporters know how to throw a party, as evidenced by the burst of streamers at the organization’s gala last spring. The team is ready to do it again at a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Manor on St. Lucie Crescent. Tickets are now available at https://NYE25.givesmart.com.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition
Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care. 

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children. 

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost. 

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook. 

THE 16TH ANNUAL SWINGING FORE THE ARC GOLF TOURNAMENT
BENEFITS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ON THE TREAURE COAST
 
Palm City, FL. – Golf enthusiasts helped ARC of the Treasure Coast score a win with the 16th Annual Swinging Fore the ARC Golf Tournament held at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City, on Saturday, October 26th. Proceeds from the tournament benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
 
The winning team from Alex Haigh Realty included Alex Haigh, Nunzio Ciampi, Pete Oakley and Josh Birmingham.

ARC 2024 Winning Team Alex Haigh Realty

A big thank you goes out to Schumacher Auto for sponsoring our Hole-In-One prize with a beautiful 2025 Chevy Tahoe. While we did not have any winners of the car, we did have a Hole-in-One by Jason Wobeser who won a brand-new driver!
 
This event helps fund the services provided by ARC of the Treasure Coast including summer camps and After-School programs for children, day training programs, community inclusion services, transportation, intensive behavioral services, and Advanced Employment Services for adults.
 
Special thanks to Boar’s Head our Tournament Sponsor. Additional sponsors included Sailfish Marina, Regency Wealth Management, CTS3 Solutions, Florida Insurance Trust, Jordan Dynamics, Guardian Fleet Services, Flora Fine Foods, and many others. We also want to thank everyone who donated numerous auction items. 
 
The event was a huge success!
 
About ARC of the Treasure Coast: The ARC, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services.  ARC provides support, assistance, and training that enhances the abilities of children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential.
 

ARC 2024 Hole in One Car Prize

CCKids Releases 2024 State of Our Children

Port St. Lucie – Communities Connected for Kids released its 2024 State of Our Children, and, despite the threat of a looming deficit, the kids are alright.

In fact, the number of children entering care slowed significantly during the past 12 months, bringing the total number of children in care down by 18 percent, while another significant decrease was realized in the number of children sheltered (generally speaking, the first step to being removed from home.)

Numbers continued to go in the right direction regarding children leaving care. CCKids saw a 15 percent increase in the number of those children who left foster or group care to return home or who were adopted.

And because a $2.4 million deficit is expected by 2025, the new Early Services Engagement Program was set up through a special legislative appropriation - a move that means the program could be launched outside CCKids' existing budget. The program will help prevent children from entering deeper-end services and is expected to pay for itself within two years, potentially lowering costs throughout the system.

CCKids' financial challenges are due to the way state funds are distributed among Florida's child-welfare lead agencies. The model is designed in a way that financially punishes agencies that are successful in key indicators, such as the number of children moved to permanency or who are prevented from entering deep-end services.

Currently, the state Department of Children and Families is working with CCKids and the state's other lead agencies to design a different funding model.

Referendum to Buy Natural Lands in Martin County 
Passes with Nearly 64% of the Vote
Voters approved a half-cent sales tax to raise funds to be used to purchase lands to protect water quality, natural areas and wildlife habitat in Martin County, beginning January 1, 2025.

Martin County, Fla. – Martin County is a special place to live and unique among communities along Florida’s coast. Voters took decisive action on November 5 to preserve its character and protect its natural resources for generations to come by approving a one-half cent sales tax for conservation efforts.

The Martin County Forever referendum, which passed with nearly 63.93% of the vote, is a clear demonstration of the community’s commitment to protecting natural lands, water quality, and wildlife. Funds raised through the sales tax will go towards purchasing land from willing sellers in strategic areas that benefit our local ecosystem. This critical measure will generate over $18 million a year for ten years and enable the county to leverage that revenue to obtain grants from state and federal funding sources. Targeted lands include approximately 46,000 acres with ecological significance. The four regions include properties in the Blueways Program (undeveloped parcels “in town” along the water); Indian River Lagoon South; Pal-Mar; and the headwaters of the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers, the Indian River Lagoon watershed, and Pal-Mar.

“Martin County voters have spoken. We’ll now be able to move ahead with identifying the specific properties available for acquisition,” said Jim Snedeker, Chairperson of the Martin County Forever Campaign Committee. 

“While those of us who worked on this initiative over the past two years are certainly celebrating this success, we know we must remain vigilant and ensure the funds that are raised are spent the way voters intended,” Snedeker added. 

“But for right now, in the moment, we are overjoyed.  This is an environmental legacy we are creating for our kids, our grandkids and future generations in Martin County. The vote and this victory speaks volumes about our community’s values and commitment to a sustainable, healthy environment.”

Aerial Shot of Halipatiokee Regional Park

The Martin County Forever Campaign Committee offers a heartfelt thank you to all of its dedicated volunteers, to The Firefly Group for running the campaign, and to the many local organizations, environmental groups, and community advocates who supported the referendum. Their collaboration and efforts were instrumental in the sales tax referendum passing. Some of the key supporters include 1000 Friends of Florida, Audubon of Martin County, The Conservation Fund, Keep Martin Beautiful, Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Florida Wildlife Federation, Friends & Neighbors of Martin County, Friends of the Everglades, Indian Riverkeeper, Rivers Coalition, River Kidz, Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Trust for Public Land, and Vote Water Florida.

This significant win for conservation reflects a collective vision for Martin County, where natural beauty, clean water, and abundant wildlife remain integral to our identity as a community,” added Snedeker.  “The passage of this referendum marks the beginning of a decade of meaningful change, making it possible for Martin County to continue to be a special place, different from the overdeveloped cities and counties to the north and south of us. We have more work to do, and we look forward to the challenge.”

Pinot & Picasso, Celebrating 
Helping People Succeed’s Diamond Jubilee Year!
By Glenna Parris

Pinot & Picasso, An Evening of Fine Wine and Art, will be celebrating their Diamond Jubilee Year on Saturday, November 23, 2024 to benefit Helping People Succeed. 
Graciously hosted once again by Bill Lichtenberger, the soiree kicks off with cocktails from 5:30 – 7:00 pm., followed by dinner with select wine pairings and entertainment at the elegantly appointed Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club.
The silent auction will have a little something for everyone and the live auction, led by auctioneer Reed Hartman, will give guests an opportunity to bid on a fishing charter with the award-winning captain VJ Bell and the 61’ Unbelievable.  
Guests will also meet and greet local artists as Helping People Succeed unveils it’s 2025 Art for Living Calendar. This year’s artists include William Kramer, Charles White, Susan Clifford, Pamela Patterson, Pat Hoshino, Kirsty Innis, Dan Mackin, Laura DeBerard, Marian Vitale, Holly Cannon, Mallo Bisset, Elisa Peppe and Don MacIntosh. Their artwork will also be on display and for sale with proceeds to benefit Helping People Succeed.  

Hue-Yun, a world class harpist and pianist, will perform throughout the evening and guests will also be able to view a one time showing of a private collection of Picasso’s original work and other unique pieces. 
Tickets are only $250 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. 
The mission of Helping People Succeed, which has been improving lives on the Treasure Coast for 60 years, is to transform lives by realizing potential, creating hope and building futures through education, counseling, training and employment. 
For more information, contact Glenna Parris at 772.320.0778 or gparris@hpsfl.org or visit www.hpsfl.org. 

Education Foundation of Martin County expands staff
 
STUART, Fla. — The Education Foundation of Martin County — Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner — has expanded its staff with the addition of two full-time employees and one temporary employee whose position has become permanent. Jinara Reyes has been named the new resource development coordinator, Candice Tedesco is the new program coordinator, and Pamela Amsbaugh works as the bookkeeper.

Jinara Reyes

 
These staff additions are made possible in part from a grant provided by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
 
“We are so grateful for the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ continued partnership and support as we continue to grow as an organization,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “The addition of these team members will strengthen our ability to deliver our mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. We couldn’t be more excited!”

Candace Tedesco

 
Reyes is responsible for raising funds to support Martin County’s students, teachers, and schools from individual and corporate benefactors. She also strives to drive community engagement to further excellence in education throughout the Martin County School District. Her broad experience in fundraising includes leadership solicitations, annual giving, major donor stewardship, events, prospect identification and solicitation, and financial reporting. Before joining the Education Foundation, she was the donor advancement manager, development events/corporate giving manager, of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
 
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in astronomy and Master of Business Administration from Boston University. She resides in Palm City.
 
As the program coordinator, Tedesco is responsible for bringing the Foundation’s programs to life. Her focus is on planning, organizing, and executing initiatives that align with the nonprofit’s mission. Previously, she was director of vocational services for ARC of the Treasure Coast. A dedicated educator and advocate, she has spent over a decade championing the needs of individuals with disabilities.
 
Tedesco’s journey began as a paraprofessional while studying special education and organization at Indian River State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in organizational management. She resides in Port St. Lucie.
 
Amsbaugh’s role is in handling the organization’s accounting and finances. Her entire career has been in accounting and finance. She began as a bookkeeper, handled accounting software installations and tech support, and then worked as a controller at Medtronic PLC for 20 years before moving to Kent Management for three years and then retiring. She has been with the Education Foundation since October 2023 in a temporary role, which is now permanent.

Pamela Amsbaugh

 
Amsbaugh earned her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University’s School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. She resides in Port St. Lucie.
 
About the Education Foundation of Martin County
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.

Publix

Seacoast Bank

Live United Award

Photo Credit Liz McLinley

Cover-Ups Are Much More Than Beachwear

More than a new exhibit, “UFOs - Denial, Disclosure, Discernment,” the Elliott Museum is offering an invitation to embark on a fantastical journey down the rabbit hole of mysteries. The World Premier exhibit opens Sunday, December 1, 2024, and will be available for an unprecedented 273 days, closing August 31, 2025.
UFOs have captivated human imagination for generations and some of the biggest and most well-known names in ufology will be hologram guests during the exhibit.  They will bring their own captivating stories and insights to enlighten everyone who visits. From tales of unexplained encounters to lively discussions on belief and skepticism, the Elliott is eager to share this enthralling experience with each guest. 
This out-of-this world exhibit has been created in-house and is the dream of Rob Steele, President & CEO of the Historical Society of Martin County, the umbrella 501(c)3 organization for the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge. The exhibit will be bold and most likely serve to give the Elliott a new and exciting image in the community. The more than 4,000 square foot exhibit is bound to make a lasting impression on all who visit and may help guests spark their curiosity and explore the unknown with the Elliott. 
This universally intriguing exhibit is sponsored by Henry & Rachelle (Rocky) Grady and Bill and Carole Hauke and may be experienced at the Elliott Museum, 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, (Hutchinson Island) FL seven days a week, 10am to 5pm with a few noted closures for holidays. Rob Steele, President & CEO, rsteele@hsmc-fl.com, welcomes comments. For individual tickets, group ticket information or any additional information, contact Guest Services, 772.225.1961, or visit www.hsmc-fl.com, … or has been suggested, “ET Phone 772”.

Hibiscus Children’s Center Seeks Passionate 
Childcare Workers to Join Our Team!

Treasure Coast – If you are passionate about helping children and making a meaningful impact in their lives, Hibiscus Children’s Center wants you.  The organization is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect

.

As part of the Hibiscus team, childcare workers play a crucial role in delivering compassionate care, ensuring children feel safe, valued and loved.  Hibiscus provides a safe haven and life changing services to children living at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter in Jensen Beach and teens at Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach.  These services include mental health counseling, tutoring, a literacy program, career internships and vocational training.  
In addition to competitive compensation, Hibiscus offers great benefits including a $1,500 sign-on bonus, fully paid health insurance, a 401(K) plan and paid leave.  Hibiscus also supports a collaborative workplace where employees are valued and have a voice.”

Shelter Staff Playground

“Hibiscus staff make a profound difference in children’s lives every day,” said CEO Matt Markley.  “Our frontline workers don’t just help children survive, they help them thrive. We believe in creating a supportive environment not just for kids, but for our incredible staff as well.”
If you are interested in becoming a champion for children, please visit us at:  HibiscusChildrensCenter.org to apply online.  To be considered, you must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 21 and ideally have one year’s experience working with at-risk children.   We look forward to hearing from you!  

The RFQ bids for a high-speed passenger rail station have been returned to the county. They will be making their selection at next Tuesday’s commission meeting.

There was only one bidder that met the criteria and that was Brightline. That was a surprise…Not

It basically is the same agreement as before except that the county’s portion for the station will be still only up to $15 million. The rest will come from grant funding. If there is not enough grant funding available for the balance of the project cost by June of 2027, then Brightline will not have to build a station in Martin County and the company shall be released from that obligation under the settlement agreement. 

It is pretty much the same deal as before except Stuart is no longer a party. Brightline, in addition to the grants, will be looking at Florida Development Finance revenue bonds to finance part of the project.  But all is subject to further discussions with the company.

What the commission is being asked to do is just allow staff to begin negotiations with Brightline. Nothing is a done deal at this point. As we have seen even when there is a done deal, it may not count for much because Martin County can do what Stuart did and back out. That is probably unlikely. The county commission can’t afford to act like children with a budget of nearly ten times that of Stuart. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see pro and against members of the public on Tuesday at the meeting. You will hear hysterics from both sides. Just remember if the final agreement limits the county’s exposure to $15 million, then the return on investment is phenomenal. 

Martin County business owners will have new sources of income. Real estate taxes will go up as will sales and use taxes. Our residents will be able to go to Orlando or Miami without getting on I-95.

I know Boss Collins will find it displeasing because it will mean people come to Stuart. Businesses will do better. People will come here to have a good time. 

The Boss will be beside himself if Stuart develops a reputation for dining and entertainment stretching from Orlando to Miami. How will he keep us sheltered from those outside influences? In his mind, we may become a Sodom and Gomorrah. I have an idea…don’t call the station Stuart but rather call it Martin County. The out of towners won’t know where they are. 

I urge the commission to vote yes.

Written & Published November 9th

It seems that the county and “Mr. Be A Man Buy Land” have finally come to an agreement to swap land and, in some cases, buy out “The Man.” It probably is a good deal for both. I will write more of that after the settlement is approved.

You know who it isn’t a good deal for…the residents of Trailside. According to Trailside’s president, the shooting continues, the harassment continues, and the hooping and hollering continue. No one cares about them

. 

The sheriff, the county commissioners, their state representative, FWC, and SFWMD have all turned a deaf ear to the hazardous conditions. You know who is also to blame, the homeowners of Trailside. They left it to one woman to be complainer-in-chief.

Kyla Shay, the president, did all that she could with a few others helping at times, but they never had real backing from the residents. Trailside is one of the few developments in Martin County that has 20-acre ranchettes. Perhaps at one time, the lots were for more moderate-income people. Today they are all worth at least a couple of million. 

From the beginning they should have hired an attorney to make sure their rights were protected. However, most of the owners did not want to pay the money it would cost. Guess what? They got what they paid for, which is absolutely nothing.

When Kyla and the few others attended commission meetings and other meetings with staff, the sheriff or FWC, Kyla began to be perceived as just a big complainer. Therefore, easy to ignore. Another whiner who had to be listened to during public comment.

Maybe this settlement will make things calm down. It will depend on what happens with the little lot owners who think they bought a wilderness and can play Daniel Boone with live rounds instead of a quarter acre next to people’s homes.
 

COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024

The commission had Brightline on their agenda for this meeting. It is imperative that this be buttoned up before mid-December if they want to catch the grant cycle.

The same pro and against factions filed into the chamber and spoke their minds. Sometimes I may not agree with someone, but I understand where they are coming from. It is hard to understand the opposition in this case.

Boss Collins, from the Stuart Commission, in Stuart meetings kept referring (he was in the audience here but did not speak) to the 2018 settlement. In that settlement, the county agreed to pay $15 million toward the station. Though some may believe differently, Brightline in never agreed to pay $15 million or anything toward a station in Martin or St. Lucie County in that settlement. Almost seven years later and in a period of enormous inflation, the county’s maximum exposure is still at $15 million. 

Why won’t the opposition acknowledge that very fact? Everything else is on Brightline to obtain. If they want to do it through grants, loans, revenue bonds or fares, that is their concern not the county’s. When you go into partnership with someone, why would you care where they come up with their money to do the deal? It in no way influences your participation.

Without Stuart’s participation, the CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Program) grant that has been counted on will probably be only 50% of the station cost instead of 80%. That leaves the county probably paying more than they would have if the three-way agreement had been kept by Boss Collins. To the opponents of a station, it is just their visceral hatred of anything that will make living here better while not changing anything that they object to.

What has been glossed over and what is very central to the county’s participation is that beginning next year, the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge will be paid off. That will free up enough transportation tax dollars to pay a loan for $11.8 million of the $15 million of the county’s portion. That leaves only $3.2 million that will be needed. That is less than the $4 million the county paid last year to buy a piece of property in Palm City to remove it from the tax roll as a sop to a few residents.

When using transportation tax dollars, that money can only be used for transportation projects. Why was it alright to pay for a highway bridge but not for a railroad station? The future for mid-range travel is going to be by rail. We can’t drive our way out of traffic. 

Michael Syrkus could have a real future in politics. He came close to being a county commissioner. He could be a good one, but he insists on ignoring facts. Syrkus said that the county was not following their own policy by accepting a bid from only one bidder. That is not true. 

It is infinitely better to have more than one, but often there is only one because of the nature of the project. In this case, there is no other company with access to the tracks. This was completely the expected outcome.

The reason for the RFP was because the county cannot rent their owned land without going through a competitive process. Stuart as a municipality can do so. That is why they were asked to participate in the first place. The county can transfer property to another government without the need to seek outside bids.

As second reason was for years people have demanded a garage Downtown. This was a way to leverage grant funding to that. The railroad would have ended up maintaining and collecting the parking fees but if they were like their other garages the price would be quite reasonable. Brightline would also have paid for the maintenance of the facility. 

The county commission voted unanimously to proceed. Once again, the adults made an adult decision. They also have the opportunity not to proceed if the grants do not come in within two years. They have their way out.

If you look at the statistics which people love to ignore, 5.5 million visitors come to Martin County each year. 1.1 million are from South Florida. 530,000 are from Orlando. We are already a perfect weekend destination. How many more will a station bring with at least 8 trains stopping per day as the new agreement calls for?

At present, Brightline does not want commuters but rather long-term riders. And I hope it works. However, I have seen a couple of iterations of Brightline strategy. This is only the latest. I do foresee a day when Brightline will be a commuter line. That will be an economic game changer for Martin County. 

For those thinking that the new commissioners will kill Brightline, I disagree. Blake Capps is a businessperson, and he will easily grasp the idea. Probably Eileen Vargas will be a no. I have a feeling that she shares the same point of view as Boss Collins. But that will be a 4-1 vote and a victory for economic development.

One of the joys of this job is reading the emails of elected officials and their staff.

The above sentence is a joke. I do it in hopes of finding out something that is not known. There is almost never a smoking gun, nor do I learn anything more than I knew before. But to keep everyone honest, someone must do it.

After reading several hundred commissioner and manager emails regarding the Stuart Zoning In Progress (ZIP), I uncovered very little that is new. But two things did pop out at me. One is Sean Reed either has no one writing to him about this subject, or he is not communicating using his city email address. Nothing was in the two folders that had his name on them. I inquired of the clerk, and she is double checking to see whether there are any emails.

There really aren’t that many people writing to complain about not being able to move forward with their projects. There aren’t very many people complaining during this period. People may be doing so in person or by phone.

One person who is facing bankruptcy over the ZIP are the owners of Ramey Rug. They have been pillars of our community for more than 40 years. Because of the ZIP, they lost the buyer for their property who said he would never do business in Stuart because of Boss Collins and his politburo of two, Reed and Giobbi. 

Boss Collins will never approve anyone living in Stuart in new housing that isn’t single family. What does it have to do with a commercial store? The thing is he may say he is a small businessperson but that can’t be true because his attitude is to let people who have worked hard and contributed to the community their entire lives lose everything because he doesn’t understand what he is doing or worse doesn’t care. 

I had lunch with another small business owner who can’t rent an office in the building the business owns because renovations would need to be done. They are ready to sell everything and buy outside the city limits. Does the Boss care…probably not.

And he doesn’t care about Seacoast Bank, a hundred-year pillar of our community. They want to build a new office building to house their corporate employees. Seacoast is now a large regional bank. If they can’t build here, they will take hundreds of jobs and leave. But the Boss doesn’t care. 

Some of those employees will probably want to live in Stuart. Es ist verboten in Collins’ town. New residents need to be scrutinized because they may bring ideas that the Boss doesn’t want. He even had the temerity to inform Denny Hudson, the grandson of the bank’s founder and a resident his entire life, that he didn’t understand Stuart. 

That is how a place just dies. The Boss is ignorant, or uncaring or just plain mean. In Collins’ case it may be all three. Two years ago, when Collins appeared, development applications dried up almost immediately. Now with the add-on of the politburo of Reed and Giobbi, business is going away too. 

Once a place has a reputation, it is hard to turn it around. Boss Collins may get his wish. There will be no new residents, businesses, or taxpayers. Yea, but the Boss will remain the Boss of a shrinking and irrelevant city.

Another four hours of a ZIP meeting, and we are seeing some clear patterns emerging. Boss Collins never cared about office, industrial, or commercial uses as they relate to zoning. By the end of this meeting, that was abundantly clear.

Based on the emails I read, Laura Giobbi thought it was appropriate to have either an evening or Saturday workshop. She wanted to hear from people who work and are unable to attend a daytime weekday meeting. This is the first time since being elected she said something that the Boss hadn’t endorsed first.

Frankly, it was a very good suggestion. Boss Collins immediately said no and that ended any discussion about holding a meeting when citizens who work or have other commitments could attend. So far, the attendees have been businesspeople and other development and construction professionals. They know the harm he is doing and are not shy about speaking out.

The people that Collins says he speaks for (because he knocked on doors two years ago) are not in the chamber. He won by 57 votes, that is short of the mandate he keeps telling us about. Developer/planner Marcella Camblor wants to know exactly who the people are that he claims want these changes. They clearly aren’t in the chamber. She demanded to be given their names so she could speak to them.

Boss Collins doesn’t need to explain himself to anyone. The people are clearly behind him. Whoever those people are.

Mayor Rich brought up the fact that many parking lots are not full now even with the current parking requirements. I have never seen the lot at any Publix full. Yet they need to build to a standard that the Boss has claimed he wants to make more rigid. 

The directors of two builders’ associations spoke and indicated that they would love to meet to give the commission their ideas. Boss Collins doesn’t need experts. He is all-knowing without ever having read a planning textbook or having any practical experience. “No thanks” was the responses from the Boss to the experts.

Next, someone who wanted to open a pizza shop in the old office building next to the Supervisor of Elections Office made a plea along with his architect, Dan Braden. Collins wanted to know if they could make an exception in that case. Mortell tried to explain that they could not process the application because it would require a use change from office to some other use appropriate to a restaurant which was not clear from the discussion. 

The parking calculation is different from one use to the other. If it is the same footprint, Collins wanted to know if it mattered. At the last, meeting Boss Collins killed the deal in the old Winn Dixie shopping plaza because of the ZIP and was unwilling to give an exception which only required a driveway being added on the existing parcel. Millions of dollars were on the line….Collins said no.

Why was he trying to move heaven and earth for this guy. It seems very similar to what he did with the skateboard park, …. Collins took the $500,000 state grant from the Guy Davis project, a decade in the works, to give the money to someone who seems like a buddy for the skateboard park…a park for which the buddy was going to raise the money last year through private donations. 

But the commission lifted the ZIP in this instance…maybe accommodate the pizza man. It was a 5-0 vote, but it will be more expensive going forward because it looks like it should be done through a PUD.

When they finally got to parking calculations for different uses, Boss Collins finally said that the current table is all fine except for the residential uses. 

The entire city has been shut tight so that he can try and make doing any residential development in the city impossible. The Collins Commission has imposed a ZIP across the entire city. The almighty Boss has single handedly made every business, building and home in the city come to a complete standstill for improvements so he can destroy multi-family development.   

Even when commissioners were at odds in the past, no one was more equal than the others. With the Collins Commission, the four others don’t count. Rich and Clarke are ignored. Giobbi is afraid to say anything that Collins hasn’t endorsed. Just look at her idea for a Saturday meeting so more citizens could attend which Collins killed with a word. 

And Reed doesn’t add anything. It appears he is two steps behind and speaks just to say something. Some people believe they can reason with him. That hasn’t happened yet and will never occur. He is joined at the hip with the Boss. 

Boss Collins wanting to scrap the Duany plan which is only for Downtown, how we define office and commercial space usage, was just a ruse. It was all about the residential. Currently, there are no multi-family residential parcels in the city. If you want to develop a new project, you will have to come before the commission in a PUD. That means the commission could just deny the use of multi-family.

When this is done, every lot owner in the city may have suffered a substantial loss of their ability to use the property they own. That is what happens when a small little place like Stuart, Florida elects someone like the almighty Boss Collins.    

Let’s Create More Government

Boss Collins, the guy who claims to be a “small government” person, is launching his very own “Department of Environmental….” I leave the complete name out because the duties have not been fleshed out yet.

Mr. Stuckey, a Stuart attorney but nonresident, has been advocating for a charter officer to be an environmental attorney to bring suit to clean up Stuart’s water. In his comments to the commission, Stuckey envisions the attorney as a one-man law firm to sue the Feds and State. That would be a real David and Goliath story. One lawyer against the entire administrative state comprised of thousands of lawyers, legal assistants, scientists, and entire departments.

Collins probably saw how fraught the political climate would be for him in two years when, after a million bucks or so, nothing had been accomplished. He switched tactics after consulting with Manager Mortell that the charter already states that there should be a city attorney, but it doesn’t say there can’t be two. 

A very fungible number of slots. There doesn’t need to be a referendum to create another charter position. And the Boss gets to have his very own department to manipulate. The commission will have their own environmental law firm with the city manger out of the loop (which I am sure he is glad about).

Boss Collins now wants the attorney with his staff to investigate all water and environmental issues but not necessarily take anyone to court.  The staff seems to be an attorney, paralegal and a current employee who is a government liaison person who will transfer to the new department.

If you are a city taxpayer, you may be wondering why you are going to pay for an attorney to investigate those issues within the city? Some may have the idea that there is this vast amount of water within the city limits. There isn’t. The part of the St. Lucie River that lies within the city’s borders goes from approximately the Palm City Bridge to the Sewall’s Point Bridge and not all of that since there are unincorporated areas in there as well. 

The river itself is under the management of the Florida DEP for the most part. It is not owned or managed by the City of Stuart. Since the city has no part in the management of the river, the Boss Collins “Department of Environmental…” would have none. 

Even the creeks are managed by state agencies. The waters are tested by them and any time the city wants to do a project they must go to the state first. The Boss mentioned they could monitor the BMAPs (Basin Management Action Plans), but those too are state functions. In other words, the most that Collin’s people could do short of litigation is report to the state, the city or a business for not doing something.

Boss Collins kept saying he wanted his people or his lawyer to report to him. And make no mistake with his two Politburo members, Giobbi and Reed, bowing to his supremacy and Clarke and Rich in the minority, the department is the Boss’s.
And everything that comes out of it is his.

The Boss has taken over the item so much that he will now speak at the Rivers Coalition instead of Stuckey on this very point. He is doing this without the commission giving him authority to do so. Boss Collins is the city, and the city is Boss Collins. 

It seems Stuckey has been shunted by Collins to the back bench now that his usefulness is over. Fame is fleeting when you compete with a guy who wants lots of it. All that Stuckey accomplished is to feed the ego of the guy. 

Once this department forms and a million dollars has been spent that could have been used for roads, first responders, or parks, only two outcomes could happen…a doomed legal action costing many millions more or Collins is unseated by the voters. 

There will be an agenda item on the December 9th meeting calendar to move forward. 

At a recent meeting Commissioner Giobbi was displeased that I wrote that she had not attended a special meeting of the commission. She was supposed to be on TEAMS, but it wasn’t going very well. 

I wrote that after a half hour that she dropped off completely including from the regular city broadcast. She said I should check my sources better. Well, there were no sources, only me listening to the meeting that was recorded. Someone asked if she was still on, and the answer given was no.

She was up north tending to her sick adult daughter at the time. If I had known that I probably would not have mentioned her at all. And as a father and grandfather I know how your child’s illness can be hard on you no matter what their age. I understand Laura’s daughter is doing better.

What I wrote is what occurred at the meeting. There was no special source that I had. Criticizing an elected public figure (though in this case I don’t believe I did that) the bar is very high for both slander and libel. 

I am publishing her comments below even though she read them from the dais. That way you can read what she said. I am proud of Laura for preserving her remarks by giving them to the clerk. She learned that any piece of paper being read from on the dais becomes a public record.

Perhaps if she called me to sit down for a cup of coffee, I would be glad to explain why I left city government. As she indicated, I have many friends in government and there is a reason for it. I would be glad to tell her if she is interested. 

Come on Laura, two old Connecticut Yankees should get along.

Here are her remarks:

 STATEMENT MADE AT 11/12/24 COMMISSION MEETING IN RESPONSE TO MY ABSENCE FROM THE 10/28/24 Commission meeting.

As you may or may not be aware, my daughter had emergency surgery several weeks ago and I was in Connecticut during that time.   First, I want to thank the staff for all their concerns and assistance during my family emergency.
I want to thank all of those in Stuart and surrounding area who reached out to me for prayers and a speedy recovery for my daughter.
I want to address all the negativity that took place here in this chamber and on social media. items that have been stated in the Friends and Neighbors recent opinion piece.  First I want to say I agree with Mr. Campenni, one has the right to say whatever one wants to, BUT that does not make it the RIGHT to do so AND the wisdom to know the difference.   To date I have ignored Mr. Campenni opinions of me , since I would have to value his opinion  (which I do not)  for them to mean anything to me.
But he recently skated on the fine line of libel and slander, and that I will not ignore.  While I was away I was signed onto one platform by the staff for the initial ZIP meeting, due to some technical issues the staff asked that I switch to another platform (which I did), while staying on the initial platform for audio only.  Due to technical issues at my location, I thought it best to sign off the initial platform and I remained on the secondary platform for the remainder of the ZIP workshop.   I would suggest that Mr. Campenni update his contacts at City Hall so that in the future he can have access to the entire and true story
I find it ironic that a past commissioner brought up “making staff jump thru hoops” when he had to resign under issues involving a city employee.  AND the current commission went into a rant and rage about a commissioner demoralized an employee when the current commissioner was demoted for despairing remarks about our men in BLUE.    Word of caution to all of us; we live in glass houses do not be so quick to throw stones………………………

Incumbents Kaija Mayfield (798 votes) and Frank Fender (786 votes) were returned to the commission for another four-year term. 

The other incumbent, John Tompeck (613 votes), was beaten by Frank Tidikis (644 votes), who is an active and concerned citizen. For several years, Tidikis has been a critic of the town’s sewer conversion from septic and road work. He was looking to run last year for the seat vacated by James Campo.

In that instance, since former commissioner Vinny Barile, who has very similar views as Tidikis was running, he decided not to do so. That avoided splitting the vote against challenger Diane Kimes. Barile won the seat and returned to the commission.

Tompeck lost by 25 votes. Both Mayfield and Fender won with the largest number of votes. The three hardly ever disagreed on issues. Why Tompeck lost probably has more to do with personalities than anything else.

Johnny Colson came in last with 550 votes. The winners will be sworn into office on November 12th.

Frank Tidikis took his place on the dais after beating out incumbent John Tompeck for the third seat up this election. Congratulations to Frank for his win. 

John Tompeck had quite a bit of knowledge when it came to water and sewer systems. He was the head of the Fort Pierce utilities before retiring a few years ago. Tompeck, though only serving one term, was thoughtful in his decision making. 

There was a complaint about a Pod Container in a driveway. Commissioner Kurzman wanted to see if there was a way to have a time limit on how long it could remain. The discussion went back and forth. Mayfield asked the question whether this was really a problem needing commission attention or just an occasional one. It will come back with some changes for another stab at first reading.

Then Tidikis had some suggestions he wanted to explore. The first was publishing the ordinances to be discussed with a brief explanation in the Spotlight Brief. He wanted to have a place on the town website where people could track their work orders or complaints. He also wants to see about distributing the agendas seven days in advance of the meetings. Tidikis also suggested going back to the workshop format for one of the meetings a month.

It is good to see how “fresh blood” will bring new ideas. The suggestions about the ordinance being in the Brief and putting online complaints to be tracked is also transparent. I suspect that what Frank T. doesn’t know is that the town, by Florida statute, is not even allowed to take a complaint from someone about a neighbor unless the complaining party is revealed to the supposed wrongdoer. 

The agenda being distributed 7 days prior to the meeting is another good idea in theory but may not be in practice. If there are two meetings a month, it would mean that a week after the last meeting, the next meeting’s business must be finalized. That could be really a tight turnaround and be more harmful that helpful at times. 

As to workshops instead of meetings, the commission needn’t forego its current two meetings per month. If the Commission really wants to discuss an issue and give the public a chance to participate, it can be accomplished during a regular meeting with that portion operating under a workshop setting. Both need to be advertised anyway. By not having two meetings per month, the Commissions can only vote on things once a month. And is there really a need for 12 workshops a year?

What Tidikis was 100% right about was the number of ordinances that the commission has passed over the last few years to supposedly fix problems could be a problem itself. For example, at this meeting Kurzman wanted to pass an ordinance regarding Pods in driveways. Commissioner Mayfield asked if this is a real problem or just a one-off? 

Tidikis asked whether the town is over regulating? Maybe the town is. Making something illegal should not be the first thing that pops into a commissioner’s mind. Enforcing small infractions brings ill will. This is where an hour-long workshop contained within a meeting would make sense. 

Tidikis has vast private sector experience. Now he needs to take a deep breath as he enters the public sector. What most newly minted elected officials don’t realize is how government is different than what they are used to seeing. Frank will catch on. It will just take a little time.

Ocean Breeze Really Close

The Town of Ocean Breeze had three seats up for election to their council. 

With all the ballots counted except those from military overseas, the top vote getter was newcomer George Ciaschi with 227 votes. Incumbent Sandy Kelley came in next with 183 votes. Then we have a horse race.

For the third seat, Janet Galante had 172 votes, incumbent Gina Kent 171 votes and Gail Bologna 170 votes. Nothing is official until the Canvassing Board certifies. I was told at the Supervisor of Elections office that right now, there is no recount scheduled. 

Earlier in the year, Elizabeth Ann Reese resigned from her seat. The council has been operating without a full board since then. If nothing changes, Galante will join the council beating out her opponents by one and two votes. 

Both Ciaschi and Galante live in the resort while Kent and Reese reside in the new part of town,  Seawalk Development.  

In most of Martin County, staff have been known to disregard public input at times. If you ask citizens in Jensen Beach or Palm City or Port Salerno, they will probably agree with that statement. A bureaucrat knows what they think is the best approach and so staff listens and then does what it wants.

People may not like it, but they shrug their shoulders and accept the disrespect. On Jupiter Island the populace is not so fast to grin and bear it. When your name is Marshall Field, you are not likely to roll over so fast. Especially for county staff trying to build a new ocean rescue station.

Vice-Mayor Field said that the building, which is at the foot of Bridge Road at the beach, was the gateway to their homes. In one respect, that is absolutely true. When you speak about gateways to a home that concept is very much different on the Island than in Rio.

The county did make some changes to the drawings, but those changes fail to meet the town’s expectations in two ways. One is the county didn’t hold any meetings on the Island to gather any of the residents’ opinions. They did have a letter of support from the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce…not exactly Jupiter Island people. 

The second is, to put it as crudely as Commissioner Scott, “What is in this for Jupiter Island?” Any new building needs to be approved by the town. Unlike the school board that does not need permits to build things, the county does. I guess Scott is looking for some sort of quid pro quo.

Mayor Townsend wanted to know whether the team had spoken to the people that usually gather there to meet and have coffee in the morning. She didn’t believe what was now proposed in the drawing for outdoor space was very pleasant. Those were the only altruistic words uttered since the morning gatherers are coming from off the Island. 

Clearly more outreach needs to be done. A few of the suggestions would require more money than what the county would usually spend. Should the town chip in some funds to make the gateway more in keeping with the neighborhood? Good question. Perhaps the town commission should designate one of their own to work with the county to come up with a more acceptable design. 

There also needs to be a county staff meeting with Jupiter Island residents. The town contributes a substantial amount of funds to Martin County in taxes. If it is a little more expensive, look at it as a return on investment. 

Blake Capps will take his seat soon. He is not only Hobe Sound’s commissioner but also Jupiter Island. He could make some of his district funds available. There is a way around it if everyone can work together.

You can see the presentation here 

This line is a solution looking for a problem. It also represents a problem looking for a solution.

Several years ago, a commission made up of different commissioners changed the line to allow for building homes where they couldn’t be built before. Some people own land or bought lots in anticipation of using the new line to site their waterfront homes. A few residents challenged the new lines in the courts.

The affected property owners then sued to be allowed to use the new line to build. It has been a mess ever since as to what should be done. Millions of dollars in property rights are at stake. 

This entire episode shows what happens when you have big egos and too much money to throw at a problem. Compromise is a dirty word to everyone involved except the lawyers. The longer the court cases go on, the more the attorneys make. They seem to be the only winners.

What would happen if you allowed the property owners who had the right to build (until they didn’t) to now bring their plans to fruition? Would the entire eco system be destroyed? They wanted to proceed with good intentions but became embroiled in politics, unreasonableness, and stridency. I am sure that lots were not bought, and plans created to screw the other residents.

In the next few months, the consultant the town has retained will complete the work on the waterfront setback line. The project is more encompassing than just that one element. The town has received millions of dollars in grants to do beach enhancement. How will that affect this exercise?

Whether as a resident or environmentalist, you are for remaining with the old or the more liberal interpretation of the line, everyone should once again park their egos at the door and do what is right…compromise.

You can see the report here 

Commercially, our stores have already begun the Holiday Season. That is nothing new. What is new is that Halloween has turned into this juggernaut of decorating and parties for people of all ages. The day after Halloween, I noticed neighbors had Christmas decorations up around their houses. 

There was no time for the holy days that surround Halloween…All Saints’ Day or, where most of us will be remembered, the next day on All Souls’ Day. Originally the three were known in the Christian calendar as Hallowtide. The feast days were to capture and remember all the dead regardless of their heavenly status.    

The U.S. has only one uniquely American holiday and that is Thanksgiving. I guess you can call Independence Day American. Though other countries celebrate their own July 4th type celebrations when they threw off their colonial status. One of the biggest celebrations in the U.S. now is Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo commemorating Mexicans defeating the French and the beginning of their liberation from foreign rule. 

Thanksgiving should mean more than football, turkey, and the start to the holiday season. We should be taking the time to think about all we have to be grateful for by being in this country. Some will wrap that thanks into a religious context while other Americans will take a more agnostic approach and celebrate the miracle of America.

To me the best part of Thanksgiving is a blending of cultures through the cuisine of the participants. The newer the American, the more diverse the food on the table from the Central American pupusas, to Polish pierogi, Nigerian Afara rice, to my own Lasagna. Include a roasted, barbequed, or deep-fried turkey, and you have Thanksgiving.

Even the turkey was unknown to the Pilgrims before coming here as were lima beans and corn. Now they are staples on some Thanksgiving tables. The Europeans didn’t have cranberries for sauce until the Wampanoags explained that the berries could be eaten.  

It is less than a month between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Can we give our American birthright a little time to celebrate and respect itself. We don’t need to jump into “Jingle Bells” directly from goblins and ghosts. Maybe if we took the time to be with family and friends in thanks, our politics wouldn’t be so fractured.

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"Hellhole Both Domestic & Foriegn"
 

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From Martin County Moments

"is This Now Acceptable Behavior"

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Other Articles

Time Magazine: "I Taught For Most of My Career. I Quit Because of Chat GPT"

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The Economist: "The best, and worst, places to live in the Americas" 

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Florida Phoenix: "The rise of flesh eating bacteria is a true Florida horror story"

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The Washington Post: "U.S. gun deaths in some U.S.states comparable to conflict zones study finds"

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