December 15, 2024

This is our last edition for 2024.

It has been a very challenging year. Many things politically have changed for this county…some for the better but especially in Stuart for the worse. Our commercial community suffered months of not being able to open stores and businesses while the commission ultimately did nothing to change the code. If it were your livelihood, how would you greet the new commission majority?

In 2025 we hope to bring you even more up to date news. There is a story on Chris Collins where he attempted to have a citizen arrested for the mere act, he drove down his street. It was reported the next day on our Facebook page. No other news outlet cared to report what could be an illegal abuse of power.

If you are following the page, you will get breaking news that means something. 

In this edition we thoroughly cover the Wawa approval and tell you why that happened. We explore how Chris Collins is using his position to take advantage of citizens with which he disagrees. And we ask about his obsession with his own personal environmental attorney and why if the discharges are so harmful he hasn’t done anything about it.

We have all our columnists, our large nonprofit section, and announcements from our governments.

I hope you have a great holiday, and we will see you next year.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

We always try and remember Christmases as being nothing but fun family holidays. 

I don’t know whether every Christmas I ever had was or not. As the years have gone by, my memory states they were. Yet probably that statement is far from realty. 

My wife tells a story about how she had just moved to Chicago for her first job right before the holiday. Her roommate flew home to Philadelphia to be with her parents. Polly’s mother wouldn’t give her the money to make the trip to Florida, claiming she should have planned better. She spent Christmas Day in the only place where she didn’t need to spend money not to be alone, a CVS in Downtown Chicago, roaming the aisles. It profoundly changed how she views holidays and friends or acquaintances who might not have a place to go.  Our dinner table is often a very eclectic mix of folks because of that.

I guess as a kid you would have disappointments. Yet so much was wrapped up in our local parish that it was a busy time of the year. One Christmas one of my older and bossier cousins decided to enact Jesus and Mary arriving in Bethlehem and the manger scene. She had plenty of brothers, sisters, and cousins to boss around and play all the parts. 

I somehow became Joseph. Her doll miraculously appeared at the birth of Jesus as a substitute. We sang “Silent Night” as the big finale. The entire play took place outside in the cold December night air. Since we all lived within close proximity, a smattering of adults was there too. It was truly a sidewalk birth.

My first Christmas in my own studio apartment was different. I hadn’t married my wife yet, but we were engaged. She lived with her parents on the third floor, I was up on six. Later we would share that apartment for almost five years together.

Her parents were very good to me. I ate at their apartment every night after work and school. I helped put up their tree, but not having one in my home was sort of a letdown. 

One night I picked up what was a 30” tree from the corner of 9th Avenue and 19th Street from the same French-Canadian Family that came with a truckload of trees each season. Today when they come, they have campers to live in. Then they sort of slept in the truck and somehow survived those weeks between Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas Eve (sooner if they sold their load).

Most of my apartment was furnished with castoffs. For some stuff, I went to a small NY 5&10 chain called Lamston’s which had a store on 23rd Street and 8th Avenue. That is where I bought my string of lights and ornaments. Christmas seemed more complete to me then.

For years, I went to someone else’s house for the holiday…whoever was acknowledged as the family patriarch. Now they all come to mine, and I have turned into the aging patriarch. Even with all the work and the cooking and the cleanup, Christmas never seems out of control. That is one of the benefits of age…seemingly in control of one’s environment.

For those who are not old time Catholics or Latin scholars, the above phrase is from the Catholic prayer, The Confiteor, and means “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” 

I hope you will forgive my error. 

For those of you that didn’t catch it in the last edition, my sin was I spelled School as Skool. A few of my readers decided that it was a very grievous sin that they needed to post on Facebook about. I guess to publicly shame me.  So therefore, allow me to seek forgiveness.

How did a typo turn into a rant about what some think my politics are and could only be construed as such by people living in their parents’ basements eating Cheetos. My progressive left leaning self didn’t misspell the word out of some political belief but rather a simple typo. The kind of mistake that is made in every publication every day. If those that exist only on Facebook wanted to point out a correction, they only needed to send a quick email, and I could have fixed it sooner.

While not having very much respect for those that learned a few political phrases from a book of stock phrases, let me tell you a couple of people I do respect even though I don’t agree with their stances at times.

The first is School Board Chair Amy Pritchett. She sent me an email asking that I use a different photo of her. And I will. More importantly she pointed out that I spell her name incorrectly at times. I sincerely apologized for the error. She responded “Only Jesus walked on water…” A sense of humor in a skool board official. 

The second one is Chuck Winn. Here is a guy who served in the army from ranks private to colonel and fought in Vietnam. Regardless of anything we may disagree about, you can’t deny that he loves the United States and came close to dying for it. He and I do agree on the letter he sent, and I published.

The third, believe it or not, is Stuart Commissioner Laura Giobbi. Our ages and backgrounds are so similar that we may be related. I believe her policies are horrible. Yet she stepped up and ran for office to implement those beliefs. 

All three didn’t sit and stare at a screen all day and pretended it was the real world. They didn’t make asinine remarks as if they were still in junior high. They decided to do something.

Those three show what it means to be the adult in the room. I will still write about how I perceive things. I don’t equate respect with agreement. That doesn’t mean we are enemies. 

Winn once said in a meeting I was attending with him, “You always know where Tom Campenni stands. He doesn’t pull punches.” Chuck, truer words were never spoken. 
 

It is easy for an elected official to ask for special treatment.

A cop pulls the official over for speeding and she says something like, “I am a commissioner.” Saying that can be construed as trying to obtain special treatment. Or the old chestnut, “do you know who I am?”

Sometimes you are given perks like free tickets to an event such as the Air Show. Should an elected official take the tickets? Is one ticket alright so the official can say he represents his constituents by going? How about taking two so a spouse joins? 

Temptations surround elected officials. There is a dollar cap that one uses but ethics shouldn’t be able to be bought. Then there is what happened because of Commissioner Collins’ behavior last week.

Was he given special treatment because he was allowed to communicate directly with either Chief Tumminelli or the Sheriff about an incident I write about in the Stuart section of this edition. What happens to the rights of the regular citizen when confronted with someone attempting to wield the power of the state against that regular citizen?

I can tell you that what Chris Collins did was not ethical or perhaps even legal. I don’t care who you are, we are all a little scared of what could happen if the police are involved. Imagine several cars and officers responding not to a 911 call but one you received from your boss (the police chief) to go to a scene. If you are black as the citizen about whom the call was made, you know that sometimes things like this go astray.

Collins didn’t call 911 as if it was an emergency. Instead, he called the police chief on his cell phone as if the police were the private security firm of Collins. He didn’t believe it was an emergency rising to 911 status. It was Collins that flagged down the supposed threat by waiving his arms and standing in the middle of the street several doors down from his house.

 There isn’t any emergency when a guy is simply driving down a block looking at properties. In my opinion, Collins abused the office. He was harassing an ordinary citizen and doing so with coercive power of the state.

No elected official should hold an unfair advantage against a regular citizen. Nor should public employees be placed in a spot that makes them feel that they must do something because an elected official wants them to do something. There should be a broad ranging discussion about this incident regardless of any lawsuit or ethics complaint. It can’t be allowed to happen again.   

When did an undergraduate degree turn out to be vocational training?

Perhaps it was when community colleges, historically serving as feeder schools for state university systems, began expanding what their mission was. It could have been when college degrees started to become mandatory for things like becoming a police officer. Since the end of World War II when the government began paying tuition for returning GIs, the nature of a degree has changed.

At the turn of the 20th century, very few people pursued undergraduate degrees. Those who did were from the moneyed classes. If you were from the New England elite, you attended Harvard or Yale. The purpose of your studies was not to prepare you for employment but rather to allow you to mature before joining dad at the family business.

To become a lawyer In the 19th century, most would apprentice themselves to a practicing attorney and “read the law” while performing clerical tasks…no college degree needed. Even to attend medical school, there was no requirement to have an undergraduate degree. As the 19th century became the 20th century, that no longer was true.

Undergraduate education went from studying philosophy, Greek, Latin, history, and English to how do I make this quarter of a million-dollar tuition bill pay. In the process students, faculty, and society forgot the reason for higher education in the first place which was to teach people how to reason, mature, and think. 

                                           Sorbonne Paris France                                                

Public and private institutions are jettisoning courses like sociology because they don’t see the value, or they believe it imparts too much indoctrination. But the facts suggest that our problems with alienation and political partisanship are precisely because we do not have a common set of values and a shared language for expressing thought.

Two of the Founders, Jefferson and Hamilton, were avowed political enemies. Yet they had studied the same texts, Bible, and works of literature so they could base their disagreements in a common framework. John Quincy Adams was proficient in 8 languages. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams five. FDR knew German, French, and Latin besides English. Since FDR, only two presidents were able to be conversant in another language, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter both in Spanish.

I believe the biggest gift we can have is an education that teaches us how to think. It isn’t being a lawyer, doctor, or candlestick maker. Those are trades and training is very necessary. Learning how to think and express oneself is the mark of an education. Undergraduate school should not be thought of as a place to learn a trade for the degree to be valuable. 

After the excitement of the holidays settles down, reflections on the year rush to mind and resolutions sharpen into focus. For Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, there’s a lot to celebrate and anticipate. 

Some highlights from 2024:

Opening a new club: A long-planned effort that began in earnest in 2018 finally materialized this fall with the opening of our flagship Stuart club. The new facility at 551 S.E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., spans 48,000 square feet (39,000 under air) and features a gym that doubles as a performing arts center and 14,000 square feet of workforce development training labs, a commercial kitchen, even a golf simulator. 

Special AmeriCorps launch: Each year, distinguished speakers address our incoming BGCMC AmeriCorps mentors at the swearing-in event. This year’s keynote was a very special honoree: Melora Norman, who’s not only principal of Indiantown Middle School but also a member of inaugural AmeriCorps cohort sworn in by President Clinton in 1994. 

Tasting is believing: The BGCMC culinary team and accompanying food truck, Fork in the Road—in which our members operate every aspect except driving—continue to capture the hearts and tastebuds of the community. Conceived nearly eight years ago, this program is producing budding chefs and savvy entrepreneurs while equipping them with the knowhow to bring healthy eating habits into their family homes. Next time you need a caterer, call 772-545-1255 or visit BGCmartin.org for an experience your guests will remember!

In 2025, we’re planning to:

Help students perform better: It’s our fifth year partnering with Martin County School District to place AmeriCorps mentors in elementary and middle schools with the greatest need for assistance in math, science and literacy. We’ve since recorded as many as 90 percent of elementary students improving their literacy skills and nearly 80 percent of middle-school students performing better in literacy and math. In 2025, we plan to help hundreds more children across Martin County achieve similar results. 

Broker dream career introductions: The state-of-the-art workforce labs at our Stuart club offer members generalized introductions to a variety of careers as well as immersive apprenticeships with on-the-job training and placement opportunities. Fields include electricians, HVAC, carpentry, computer coding, drone piloting, fashion design and more. Next year, we plan to expand business partnerships and our course offerings in healthcare, construction services, entrepreneurship and more.

Begin building a new club: Well, not a new club, per se, but we do plan to rebuild—completely—our Hobe Sound club. We’re currently in the early phases of working to completely redesign and recreate our original club, keeping pace with the new construction, technology and features now in operation in Stuart. 

Everything we do—and everything we set out to do—for the children we serve is impossible without you. So to our generous community, thank you for all you do, and we wish you and yours a blessed and prosperous holiday season. 

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

A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer by S. Omar Barker

I ain’t much good at prayin’, and You may not know me, Lord —
For I ain’t much seen in churches, where they preach Thy Holy Word.
But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin’ after cattle, feelin’ thankful when it rains.

Admirin’ Thy great handiwork.

The miracle of the grass,
Aware of Thy kind Spirit, in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend
Can look up at the stars at night, and know we’ve got a Friend.

So here’s ol’ Christmas comin’ on, remindin’ us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain’t a preacher, Lord, but if You’ll hear my prayer,
I’ll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.

Don’t let no hearts be bitter, Lord.
Don’t let no child be cold.
Make easy the beds for them that’s sick and them that’s weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we’re after,
And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.

I’ve seen ol’ cows a-starvin’ — and it ain’t no happy sight;
Please don’t leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy Good Christmas Night —
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet
I’ll do my doggone best to help you find ’em chuck to eat.

I’m just a sinful cowpoke, Lord — ain’t got no business prayin’
But still I hope you’ll ketch a word or two, of what I’m sayin’:
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord—

I reckon You’ll agree—

There ain’t no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain’t free!
So one thing more I ask You, Lord: just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future Sons of Man!

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

Seasonal Affective Disorder

As we approach the holidays, we need to remember that this is not a joyous time for everyone.  

Some people suffer from what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year.  It seems to happen when there is less daylight.  It is felt that due to less sunlight there are changes in our melatonin levels and our serotonin (the happy hormone) levels.  

Less sunlight can also interrupt our circadian rhythms which can lead to problems with sleep and mood changes.  Because there are more hours of darkness this leads to more melatonin being produced. This has been found to be linked to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

SAD is rare before the age of 20 and its incidence increases with increasing age.  It is much more common in women than men.  There are two types of SAD…  Fall onset … which is also called winter depression. Symptoms begin in the late fall to winter months and ease up during the summer months.  There is also Spring onset which is also called summer depression.  This type is much less common. 

The most common symptoms of SAD include increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, social withdrawal, grouchiness and anxiety, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, excessive fatigue, decreased sex drive, weight gain, decreased ability to focus, cravings for sweets, and headaches to name a few.  These symptoms tend to start around the same time each year. 

The treatment for SAD is different than treatment for other depressive disorders in that it usually includes light therapy.  If you are unable to expose yourself to more sunlight you can purchase a light box which can mimic sunlight. 

This type of light is felt to cause a chemical change in your brain that lifts your mood and ease other symptoms of SAD such as being tired all the time.  The light box should provide an exposure to 10,000 Lux of light (Lux is a measure of brightness) with minimal exposure to UV light. You should expose yourself to the Lightbox within the first hour of waking up in the morning and sit in front of it for about 20-30 minutes.  The light box should be about 16-24 inches from your face.  You should keep your eyes open but don’t look directly into the light. 

Other treatments include more traditional treatments for depression including cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications.  This is a diagnosis that should be made by a mental health professional who can also help you devise a treatment plan. 

Other things that one can do to help ease symptoms of depression include setting realistic goals.  Don't try to accomplish everything at once.  Break large tasks into smaller ones and accomplish what you can.  

Try to be with other people and be social.  It is better than being alone and isolated.  Do things you enjoy whether going to the movies, gardening, or something else that brings you joy.  Do something nice for someone else.  Acts of service have great rewards! Stay away from alcohol and other drugs.  

Self-medicating does not usually have the expected outcome and can make depression worse. Get regular exercise.  Endorphins generated during exercise can improve your sense of wellbeing. 

Delay big decisions until the depression has lifted. Try to be patient and focus on the positives. This may help replace negative thinking that is part of depression.  

Most importantly if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself seek help right away…but even if your depression isn't as severe as that it is always a good idea to reach out for help.

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

I am glad that this year is coming to an end. Not because it was a bad year, in any way, but because much of the uncertainty we felt in 2024 will be behind us. Christmas and New Year will be a time to celebrate the past and ring in a bright new year.

My word for 2024 was gratitude. I tried to live everyday grateful for the many gifts that I have received in my lifetime. The attitude of gratitude gave me an ability to look at all aspects of my life as gifts and opportunities. The fluctuations in the housing market, the political uneasiness and bizarre weather conditions all lead to a deeper understanding of just how special each and every day is to me. It reminded me that alone I am powerless over many of the challenges in life but when I ask for help and listen for guidance - anything is overcome able and understandable. 

I am grateful that I took on new partners this year that challenged me to work harder and help more people. We moved families closer to grandchildren, into larger (or smaller) homes, sold Mom and Dad’s home when it was time and showed new homeowners how to buy a home to raise their children in for many years to come. Each and every home had its own story and every customer had their reasons for buying or selling. The great part about our job is hearing the stories and helping find solutions. 

I believe 2025 will be a great year for homeownership and people looking to move to Florida. Economists from the National Association of Realtors and the Homebuilder Association all agree that now is the perfect time to buy. Inventory appears to be less than needed for many years to come. The demand for newer housing and the desire to find a deal and fix it up is still an American dream. Interest rates are expected to drop in Q-1 and new construction should be on the rise. 

I do not know what my word for 2025 will be but I have a few I am considering. Will it be prosperity, or will it be excellence, maybe passion. Whatever word it is for me I sincerely hope you find your word for the coming year and it brings you joy and happiness like “gratitude” brought me in 2024.

I wish every reader and our publisher a Happy Holiday and a Prosperous New Year. 

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

Bring a Pet Home for the Holidays

This holiday season, why not consider adopting or fostering a homeless animal from the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast? 

Our Home for the Holidays program is in full swing, and we are hoping to empty the shelter this year! Ultimately, we hope this seasonal fostering program will help find permanent homes for our shelter pets, or at the very least, give them a break from the shelter.

Many families consider adopting a pet during the holidays, which can be a wonderful gift for both the animal and the new owner. However, it’s essential to approach this decision with careful consideration. Potential adopters should ensure they are ready for the commitment that comes with pet ownership—providing a stable environment, proper training, and ongoing care. Our adoption staff can help go over everything you need to know about bringing a new pet home.

In addition, adopting a long-term resident animal from shelters is a compassionate choice that can significantly impact the lives of homeless pets. Long-term residents are animals that have been in the shelter for an extended period, often due to factors such as age, breed, or special needs. Some of our animals have been waiting for a home for over a year. These pets are frequently overlooked in favor of younger or more "adoptable" animals, leaving them in shelters longer than necessary.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is waiving adoption fees on all dogs and cats over 1 year old until January 3rd. All of our pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. By adopting, you contribute to a meaningful change in the lives of our homeless pets while experiencing the joy of companionship that comes from welcoming a new furry friend into your home.

Can’t adopt? Don’t worry, there are numerous ways individuals can support the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast during the holiday season. Donations of food, toys, blankets, or monetary contributions can significantly impact the lives of homeless pets awaiting forever homes. Volunteering time at our shelter is another way to make a difference; helping socialize animals or assisting with daily tasks can improve their chances of being adopted.

This holiday season presents an opportunity not only for joy but also for compassion towards those who cannot speak for themselves—our furry friends waiting in shelters for someone to choose them as part of their family. Please consider adopting or fostering today. The animals would love to spend the holidays on a cozy couch instead of a kennel. To see all animals that are available for adoption, please visit www.hstc1.org. 

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

Can Holiday Traditions Change?

December is a month of holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and New Year’s Eve. 

Missi & Santa 1968

As the years have gone by, I have found that our holidays have changed. My house looked like a winter wonderland when my children were young and enjoyed the magic of the season. When my children were in college they were not always at home for each holiday. When they got married, they were lucky to get an extended family to also celebrate with. As my parents got older and passed, it changed the family holiday dynamics. Ut now, I get to share the delight of the holidays with my grandchildren.

When I was a young girl living in a Jewish household, we never had a Christmas tree. My mom had a “Hanukkah chair”, where she would stack the gifts, (it wasn’t very festive, but it did occur each year). We celebrated Hanukkah and my mom would save a few gifts to be opened on Christmas with our friends. 

My husband was not Jewish, so I had my first Christmas tree at 21 years of age. It was not very personal and looked like it belonged in a department store. I have always had a real tree since then and it is full of a variety of ornaments that have meaning to me.  I would call that a “tradition” for me.

Missi & Santa In A More Recent Photo

Once I had children, I decided that we would no longer “travel” around to all our family members’ homes. If you wanted to see us, you had to come on over! Now that has all changed. My children have children, so we are the ones who travel to visit them in the morning but then we do meet for brunch at our home.

We have added some new fun events to our holiday traditions. I am involved with the Festival of Giving at the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. We go to the Palm City Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Village the first week of December to kick off the season. Then, we attend the Stuart and Hobe Sound Christmas parades. I am looking forward to volunteering at Wreaths Across America at Fernhill Gardens on December 14th. We are adding ICE at Gaylord Palms this year. 

I am also going to go to my granddaughter’s pre-school class to do a reindeer craft.  It is fun to add new traditions that can be repeated annually. There is always cookie baking and decorating the yard with the holiday blow ups that keep multiplying each year. My family takes the time to donate toys, clothing, and food to local charities to help our community members.

Back to the original question of “can holiday traditions change?” Of course they can!! Traditions grow and change as your family grows and changes. The most important part of the holidays is the love shared between family and friends. That is the joy of the holidays and the best tradition of all!

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

It is December 9th  and we have finally had a couple of real " cold fronts". 

The water temperature dropped into the 70's and our surf action has picked up. Some pompano, Spanish mackerel, and big whiting are making an appearance and anglers are catching some fish. The not so good news was the size of the pompano and the numbers. 

Normally the first pompano schools that we see in late September are all in that nine-to-ten-inch range and are throwbacks. This season has been anything but normal and we are still seeing bunches of these "September" fish. All signs point to a late season so that is what the hope is . 

The last couple of days have been better for keepers so let’s hope that trend continues. The early morning bite from 7 to 9 has been ok and then it’s just a pick through the morning and afternoon. The whiting on the other hand are some of the biggest I can remember catching at this time of the year and that has been a pleasant surprise. 

I truly believe they are the best eating fish in Florida and when you can catch 8 to 10 in that pound and a half range, you have yourself a fantastic fish fry. We are catching them on the long rods 70 to 100 yards off the beach on EZ Flea Fishbites tipped with a sandflea. 

Fishbites has introduced two new baits, Electric Chicken EZ Flea and Ghost Shrimp. I have fished them the last two days and everything is hitting them pompano, croakers, whiting, and jacks. The whole key is reaching them so leave the 7 footers home and break out the 10 to 12 footers and give your baits a launch. 

I use the Florida Surf Anglers Over The Bar 13 foot surf rods and I have to tell you, distance is not an issue. Distance and bite detection are key when you fish during the winter. The whiting do not slam the bait like the pompano so keeping an eye on the tips of the rods you are using pays off. 

My Over The Bar rods have great action on the tips and the light biting whiting and croaker are easily detected. The other piece of tackle that will save the day and put fish in your cooler are The Sinker Guy Sputnik Sinkers. Your bait needs to be stationary in your presentation and this time of year we see wind, a rougher surf, and current that will move your bait with a standard 4-ounce pyramid sinker. 

I like the 4-ounce Sputnik as it holds like a 5-to-6-ounce pyramid. If you fish from a boat the winter Spanish mackerel run is on in the Pecks Lake area down in Hobe Sound. If you are not a commercial mackerel captain, just take what you need for your smoker or the grill as these fish are down there in numbers. It is a late start to the season but at least we finally have some fish starting to show. 

Here are some beaches that have been producing in Martin County. Tiger Shores, Stuart Beach, Santa Lucea, and of course Hobe Sound. The season is upon us, and I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season. 

Good luck and catch em up.   

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

The Stupid & Religious Will Save Our World

It’s all about the married birth rate, baby! I hope that creeps you out as much as it creeps me out.
I was encouraged to focus on the holidays for this article, but I am respectfully steering wildly off course. There’s too much happening in public education right now, and as someone who’s dialed in, I’m concerned.

The changes we’re seeing in public education have little to do with government efficiency or states’ rights and far more to do with increasing the “married birth rate,” which conservative leaders have identified as a pressing issue to address.

How can I be so sure? Because policymakers and leaders have directly told us so through their detailed policy handbook, Project 2025.

In November 2024, The Heritage Foundation, author of Project 2025, published an article outlining how including religion in schools and reducing access to post-secondary education will improve the birth rate

The Heritage Foundation argues that pushing religious education into public schools will encourage people to marry earlier and start having kids, thereby increasing the population. Taxpayer dollars are already being used to purchase Bibles in Oklahoma, and chaplains are now allowed to counsel students in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. As someone who believes in the separation of church and state, I find this alarming.

The Foundation also states that limiting access to post-secondary education opportunities will encourage people to start families earlier. Their logic? Offering too many people access to higher education through loans and subsidies harms the birth rate. Shut down the U.S. Department of Education, and you eliminate many of those opportunities.

Who does this hinder? The wealthy? Men? We all know the answer to that.  
Still unsure if this is the plan? Let’s look to Elon Musk. Musk advises that stupid, poor, and religious people will have more babies.

Well, that’s not exactly what he said. However, Musk—who will more than likely be in charge of a new federal department overseeing government efficiencies (DOGE)—has been focused on the declining birth rate for years. He once stated, "A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far." In 2021, he was also quoted as saying, "The more religious, the less educated and poorer, the higher the birth rate. Low on religion, high on education, and high on income, that has the lowest birth rate."

It’s all right there—and it has nothing to do with efficiency.

As you see changes sweeping through public education, and potentially Martin County, think less about saving money and more about how dumbing down America will create uneducated, baby-making worker bees.

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.

Care for the Caretaker: A New Program for
Dementia Patients and Those Who Love Them

Being the caretaker for someone with dementia is hard work. Even though it’s done out of love, it’s draining physically, mentally, emotionally, and sometimes financially. 
We’re therefore excited to be one of organizations selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare program designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. 

The program is called GUIDE -  Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. Our staff at Day  Primary Care has already begun working with dementia patients and their caregivers throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Northern Palm Beach to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care.

The goal of the program is to enable people to stay safely at home and out of the hospital or a nursing home. That requires lots of education, coordination with the patient’s primary care physician and other providers, a rich array of community resources to draw on like Meals on Wheels and the Circle of Safety Bracelet, and a strong layer of support for the caregiver.

The program starts with a full assessment and memory screening at Day Primary, followed up with a safety visit to the home for those who meet the criteria for moderate or severe dementia. Caregivers are then matched with our Care Navigator - someone to talk with 24/7 who can help with specific issues like transportation or who can simply listen, with compassion and understanding. The Navigator can help with the all-important task of coordinating care among many providers and making sure that the patient and the caregiver are always at the center of the care plan. 

We know that caregivers often neglect their own mental and physical health, but they can’t keep giving help if they aren’t healthy and supported. Through the GUIDE program, patients on Medicare can receive up to $2500 a year for respite care. This extra bit of financial help enables caregivers to take temporary breaks and renew their health and spirit. They can use the funds for in-home help or for more frequent assistance like our Day Club on the Kane Center campus. These funds, and the GUIDE program, are not available to patients enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or hospice.

We know how difficult it can be for individuals with dementia and their families to find the resources they need and to feel confident in the choices they’re making. Our participation in the GUIDE model is enabling us to bring our community even more ways of caring for loved ones with dementia and supporting their caregivers. We invite you to reach out to Kelley Pekarsky, Nurse Practitioner, at 561-320-7451 for more information.

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

A Gift of Hope—Santa’s Elves Program Brightens the Holidays for Abused, Neglected and Abandoned Children                                                                                                                                                 

The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, togetherness, and the magic of giving.  

Yet for many children in our community who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment, the holiday season can be a painful reminder of what’s missing—love, stability, and security.  For these children, Christmas may seem like just another day, full of uncertainty and hardship.  But through the kindness of strangers and the spirit of compassion, something wonderful happens every year: the Hibiscus Santa’s Elves program.

Santa’s Elves is a heartwarming initiative designed to bring holiday cheer and meaningful gifts to children at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter who are facing unimaginable challenges.  The program is driven by the Hibiscus Guild whose members have been deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children since 1992.  The guild partners with residents and businesses to ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, feels the warmth of love and care during the holiday season.  

What makes Santa’s Elves so special is the personal touch.  Rather than just handing out generic gifts, the program ensures that each child’s wish list is fulfilled.  Whether it’s a warm blanket for a child who’s lived in foster care, a toy for a toddler who has seldom had the chance to play or an art kit for a child hoping to express themselves, the gifts are not just material items—they are symbols of hope reminding children that they are seen and valued.  

The guild volunteers who make the magic of Santa’s Elves come alive do so without seeking recognition.  They quietly go about their work finding donations, wrapping presents and coordinating with donors and businesses.  The true gift they offer is the gift of dignity.  For children who have been through so much, receiving a gift can restore a sense of normalcy and joy that is often missing in their lives. 

For more information or to schedule a tour of Hibiscus 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.

A City at a Crossroads: The Consequences of Stuart’s Political Shift

 Stuart, Florida, often lauded for its charm and fiscal ingenuity, finds itself at a political crossroads. The recent election of Laura Giobbi and Sean Reed, led by incumbent Commissioner Christopher Collins, has shifted the dynamics of the Stuart City Commission and cast a shadow over decades of progress in forthcoming years. The trio’s approach to governance appears increasingly disconnected from both Stuart’s electorate (voters) and the Martin County Board of Commissioners, who are circumventing Stuart to continue forward the most-prized Brightline train project, raising significant concerns about the city’s future.

For years, Stuart has thrived under a growth-minded and fiscally prudent leadership. Its past leadership leveraged unique opportunities, including an extraordinary settlement with the St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M Company, facilitated through Morgan & Morgan law firm. This national class-action lawsuit, which involved numerous public water utilities, garnered attention from the Wall Street Journal and positioned Stuart at the forefront of innovative municipal water cleanliness changes otherwise unattainable. Former Mayor Troy McDonald played a pivotal role in organizing and seeking this achieved settlement, ensuring Stuart maintained its fiscal soundness while strategically reinvesting in the city’s future for decades-to-come.

However, the August 2024 election unseated McDonald in favor of Sean Reed, a political newcomer handpicked and orchestrated by Collins. This marked a significant turning point. Under Collins’ orchestration, the new majority have embarked on a path that threatens to dismantle many years of progress. Their anti-development and anti-growth stance have made zoning for new commercial and residential projects increasingly onerous, stifling opportunities for economic and community development passing by daily. In fact, their continuation of this approach and strategy will jeopardize Stuart’s tax base and ensure increased property taxes with a diminishing economic development landscape.

This ideological shift could have long-term repercussions. By discouraging development, the commission risks alienating investors and stalling essential projects that could enhance Stuart’s appeal and livability. Such actions undermine the balanced approach of previous administrations, which carefully managed growth while preserving the city’s unique character.

Equally troubling is the apparent disconnection between the commission and Stuart’s residents. A growing perception suggests that Collins, Giobbi, and Reed prioritize a narrow agenda over the broader interests of the community. The decision to distance themselves from the Martin County’s Board of Commissioners exacerbates this divide, potentially isolating Stuart altogether within regional decision-making processes.

The implications are clear: Stuart’s hard-earned reputation as a forward-thinking and fiscally responsible city is at real risk. 

As residents of Stuart and Martin County observe this shift, it becomes crucial to remain engaged and vocal. The city’s trajectory should not be dictated by a select few but guided by the collective vision of a community that values progress, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful growth. Stuart’s future depends on its ability to reconcile its past achievements with its present challenges, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a beacon of small-town success.

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

Samantha Suffich C.E.O.

The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition is very concerned about the decision of Cleveland Clinic to discontinue maternity services at its Martin North Hospital at the end of March 2025. This decreases our community’s level of maternity care access and moves Martin County in the direction of becoming a maternity care desert. 

A maternity care desert is dangerous. Pregnancies are unpredictable. What may start out as an inconvenience when a pregnant mother must go out of the county for the actual birth of the baby, becomes life-endangering for both mother and baby not to have ready access to obstetric services if an emergency occurs during pregnancy. 

There are more than 1,240 births in Martin County each year. This number has been steady for the past ten years and reached a high of 1,298 in 2022. We are concerned for all of these families who will have to navigate this dramatic shift in access to maternity care each and every year, 

Driving Distance Increases Risks.  Cleveland Clinic’s decision means expectant mothers will have to travel beyond their home county to deliver their babies.  According to the March of Dimes, the farther a woman must travel to get maternity care, the higher her chances of having health problems and complications for her baby. The ideal maximum distance a pregnant woman should have to drive to a delivery room is 30 minutes or less. Martin County pregnant moms will be bumping up against this maximum distance and will need to consider traveling out of county to Jupiter Medical Center or St. Lucie Medical Center as an alternative to the hospital system in their own community.

In addition to the potential health risks, this is also extremely distressing news for pregnant women and their families as it will cause financial strain and increase prenatal stress and anxiety. 

It also shifts potential care to our already overburdened emergency medical service infrastructure.  If there is nowhere within Martin County to deliver a baby, emergency rooms will be the location of last resort.

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition will be here for our moms and babies, as we have been since our founding over 30 years ago. In early 2025, our MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move will bring prenatal care to expectant mothers in neighborhoods where families struggle with transportation and access to care. Our doula program continues to be a stable foundation for prenatal education and birth support for families wherever their baby is born. And our maternal safety team will continue to work with all healthcare providers and community partners to make sure that every family receives the respectful care they need and deserve.

Our unwavering commitment to every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved may feel more daunting with Cleveland Clinic’s withdrawal from the field, but we are dedicated to our community with a renewed vision of hope where we can redefine maternity care for Martin County’s families in the near future. 

Samantha Suffich’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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Roses and Rose’ Luncheon: A Stunning Success!
By Jackie Holfelder

Not only was Catch the Wave of Hope’s (CTWH) Roses & Rose’ Paris Luncheon a smashing success, it was a dazzingly beautiful event from start to finish!

On October 24, Hudson’s on the River (the Presenting Sponsor) was overflowing with pink posies, fabulous fascinators, and some of the Treasure Coast’s most vibrant women.

They were on hand – all 170-plus of them – to lend their support to Catch the Wave of Hope in its mission to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children through awareness and education, while providing restoration to survivors.

Although the mood was joyful, the seriousness of the cause was never far from attendee’s minds as they bid on such luxury items as a Louis Vuitton purse, med spa packages, an over-the-top Stuart "staycation package", and a glamorous tea party for 12, to name just a few.

A popular fundraising item was “Survivor Story Roses.” One hundred of these beautiful blooms, each connected to the name of a survivor of human trafficking or exploitation, were sold for $10 each.

A special, one-of-a-kind "golden rose" was purchased for $2,500 and then donated back to CTWH to sell yet again – this time for $2,600. Both purchaser/donors chose to remain anonymous.

In total, more than $60,000 was raised to support Catch the Wave of Hope.
A guest speaker shared the powerful story of her young daughter receiving therapy services and therapy funding from CTWH, allowing her to begin healing from her horrendous experience.

Committee members included Fida Georges, Chair, and Kelly Laurine, Bonnie Gorman, Paul Wolfgang Ganieany, Amanda Cischke, Catherine Bailey, Nicole Vosters, Delia Templin, Diane Marcum. Kamila Wolser, Lady Lunn, Michelle Campolong, Mallory Mitchell, and Gia Skoch.

Catch the Wave of Hope collaborates with other service providers to prevent the duplication of services and to fill gaps in services that are not currently available to survivors. They take a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to everything that they do and build the organization based on feedback from the community and those they serve.
To learn more, visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org

Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MARTIN-ST. LUCIE AWARDS $5.9 MILLION IN GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS IN FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie has announced that it awarded a record $5.9 million in grants and scholarships from July 2023 through June 2024, The Foundation’s largest annual philanthropic investment to date.  Over 81 percent of this funding was invested locally in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties.

“Our Foundation’s home is on the Treasure Coast, and we focus our philanthropic efforts here,” says Elizabeth A. Barbella, President & CEO.  “We are grateful for the generosity of our Fundholders and donors, and for our partnerships with local nonprofits that improve the quality of life for all of us on the Treasure Coast.  Together, we’re here for Good.”

The Community Foundation’s grant funding spanned a wide range of initiatives, including health and human services; the environment; arts, culture and preservation; animal welfare; and faith-based organizations.  Scholarships totaling over $700,000 were awarded.  The Foundation’s new Disaster Relief Fund was also activated, aiding at-risk populations in preparation for and recovery from Hurricane Milton.  Click here to access the complete annual report.  

To learn more about how The Community Foundation is here for Good, visit www.tcfmsl.org, or call 772-288-3795.

About The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie 

The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie impacts communities through inspired philanthropy, strategic innovation and leadership.  Founded in 1988, The Foundation is the largest community foundation grantor to Martin and St. Lucie Counties.  Together with its Fundholders and partners, The Foundation invests over $5 million annually in local nonprofit organizations, creating important, lasting changes for the enrichment and betterment of our community.   For more information, visit www.tcfmsl.org or call Elizabeth A. Barbella, President & CEO, at 772-288-3795.

Kara Stimpson joins Helping People Succeed as President and CEO
By Jackie Holfelder
 

Kara Stimpson, the new president and CEO of Helping People Succeed, had an ah-ha moment two years ago while she was touring Florida colleges with her two youngest children.

Stimpson says, “We were so enjoying ourselves, driving up the coast of Florida, visiting campuses and soaking in the beach vibe. At one point we stopped at a Publix and while I was waiting to check out, I thought to myself, ‘I could do this. I could definitely move to Florida permanently.’

The Philadelphia native shared her thoughts with her son and daughter who said, “Why not? We’ll all be out of the house. Go for it.”

Returning home to her job as Chief Impact Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (Georgia), Stimpson began searching in earnest and – as fate would have it – learned that Helping People Succeed was seeking a CEO.

And, after a successful series of interviews, Stimpson came on board on November 12, taking over the role that Suzy Hutcheson has made her own for almost 50 years.

“In the short time I’ve been here, it has become clear to me that Helping People Succeed provides transformational work in the community for the people it serves.  The incredible team here lives out our mission every day.  I could not be prouder to be in a position to carry on and grow this important work,” says Stimpson.

It's the perfect fit for someone who has wanted to be a teacher from the very youngest age. After a highly successful career that began in 1999 in North Carolina and Georgia schools, Stimpson’s job at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta was the perfect launching pad for her new role.

As Chief Impact Officer, she was responsible for the strategic growth and development of the organization’s programs and for overseeing the tactical day-to-day operations of IT and Program departments.

She has dual BAs in Education and English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an ME in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and earned her Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University.

Glenna Parris, Gift Planning Officer of the 501(c)(3) organization, says “It is an honor to have Kara join our Helping People Succeed family. We look forward to having her be a part of the philanthropic community in which we all live.”

Stimpson, the mother of 24-year-old Andrew, 19-year-old Jayden, and 18-year-old Mia is adjusting to living that Florida seaside lifestyle that lured her such a short time ago. She and Ace, the cat the family adopted during Covid, are enjoying their new lifestyle.

Heidi Bosley, chair of Helping People Succeed’s Governing Board of Directors, stated “Hiring Kara was the culmination of a year-long process to find just the right person to fill the position held for so long by Suzy Hutcheson.

“The Board believes that not only will Kara fill those shoes, but will lead the growth and successful future of Helping People Succeed.”

Helping People Succeed is proud and honored to be celebrating 60 years of service to the community and is thankful for their support of its mission: Helping People Succeed transforms lives through education, counseling, training, and employment. For information, contact Glenna Parris at 772-320-0778.

VIM Volunteer Appreciation Party 2024
November 15, 2024
Yacht & Country Club of Stuart

The Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic family gathered at the beautiful Yacht and Country Club of Stuart for their annual VIM Volunteer Appreciation Party, celebrating another incredible year of service.

With over 80 extraordinary volunteers, this event was their chance to say a heartfelt thank you for the invaluable time, expertise, and compassion these individuals pour into caring for our Martin County neighbors in need. The evening was filled with laughter, gratitude, and camaraderie. It was a celebration of the extraordinary healthcare heroes who make it all possible.                                               Bob & Ruth Cea, Judi Powell, &                                                                                                               Robert Truckenmiller                                                                                   

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office at vim@vimclinic.net or call (772) 218-9366, x216.

Cathy Delahay, Mary Bromberg, Sylvia Stewart, Dr. Linda Kardos, & Kathryn McClain

Mary & Dave Fields and Mary & Jordan Bromberg

Photos by Mia Cruz

Invest in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today – Martin County PAL End of Year Giving

As the year comes to a close, we at Martin County PAL are reminded of the profound impact our programs have on the lives of the youth we serve. Our mission is to build healthy, productive leaders of the future, and every child who participates in our athletics, leadership development, and empowerment programs is a testament to the power of opportunity and guidance.

Whether learning discipline and perseverance through athletics or developing confidence and life skills in leadership workshops, these young individuals are gaining the tools they need to grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Each child’s journey is a reflection of their resilience, determination, and potential for greatness.

This year, we ask you to join us in investing in their future. Your year-end gift allows us to expand our programs, reach more youth, and provide life-changing opportunities to develop strong, inspiring leaders.

Please visit www.martincountypal.org today to make your donation. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to succeed and thrive.

2025 Florida Ranches Calendar on Sale Now – A Perfect Holiday Gift Celebrating 20 Years of Tradition and Environmental Stewardship

Palm City, Fla. – Just in time for the holiday season, the highly anticipated 2025 Florida Ranches Calendar is now available for purchase as the perfect holiday gift for anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of authentic “Old Florida.”

“We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of the Florida Ranches Calendar! This legacy edition brings together captivating images and compelling stories that offer a glimpse into the lives and landscapes of Florida's ranchers,” explains Stacy Weller Ranieri, President and Founder of the Firefly Group, the marketing and public relations firm that publishes the calendar. 

The calendar was first introduced in 2005 to be used as an educational tool to raise public awareness about the critical importance of ranching to the state’s economy and the role ranching families play as Florida’s oldest environmental stewards. It was a collaboration between the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Carlton Ward Jr.  

Carlton Ward Jr., an eighth-generation Floridian and National Geographic Explorer, is founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Campaign and Wildpath and uses photojournalism to create stories and campaigns to inspire conservation of Florida’s nature lands.

The first calendar featured photographs from Carlton as well as Florida ranch icon Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. who passed in 2017.  Carlton then served as the primary photographer for the next 15 years. An annual photography contest was launched several years ago to include photos from multiple perspectives. Recently, members of Carlton’s team at Wildpath have been capturing many of the images featured in the calendar.

Through it all, the Firefly Group has served as the quarterback and publisher of the calendar. 

The importance of cattle ranches for conserving Florida could not be clearer than in the 2025 calendar. Most of the ranches featured are newly protected by conservation easements funded by the State of Florida with investment resulting from the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act of 2021.

“After twenty years focusing on Florida ranches, I am more inspired than ever and forever grateful to all the ranching families who are keeping wild Florida alive and who allow me and fellow photographers the privilege of sharing their stories,” shared Carlton Ward, Jr.
Celebrate 20 Years with the 2025 Legacy Edition – Available Now

The calendar has become a favorite holiday gift for businesses and individuals throughout Florida and frequently sells out.

Order your copy of the 2025 Florida Ranches Calendar at floridaranchescalendar.com and share a piece of Florida’s ranching legacy with family and friends. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this year’s special edition – a gift that resonates with beauty, history, and purpose.
For more information, visit floridaranchescalendar.com, follow the calendar on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/FloridaRanchesCalendar and instagram.com/floridaranchescalendar.

Over its 20-year history, the Florida Ranches Calendar has been made possible by the support of nearly 150 different sponsors, including ranches, environmental organizations, state agencies, and consulting firms, making this milestone edition a true celebration of the partnerships that have sustained it.  

This year’s sponsors include: Heritage Sponsor, Live Wildly; Gone Country Sponsors, Deseret Ranches, Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services - Fresh From Florida, Florida Crystals, Palm Beach Aggregates, Phillips/4G Ranch, Roggen Clyne Development; Frontier Sponsors, Adams Ranch, Ashley Capital, Balmoral Group, Florida Cattlemen Association, Florida Cattlemen Foundation, FPL, Lykes Bros, Southport Ranch; and Saddle Sponsors, Arcadia Stockyard, Blackbeard Ranch, Bonnie Landry & Associates, Dean Mead, Flatwoods Consulting, Florida Conservation Group, Florida Cracker Trails Association, Florida Mineral & Salt, Fraiser Family Farm, Kitson & Partners, Lucido & Associates, National Wild Turkey Federation - NWTF,  Strickland Ranch; and our Production Partners; Carlton Ward Photography, Family Lands Remembered, the Firefly Group and Wildpath.

The 2025 Florida Ranches Calendar, 20th Anniversary Legendary Edition is now on sale

UFOs HAVE LANDED AT THE ELLIOTT!

By: Linda Prange, Vice President Development
The Historical Society of Martin County

Carole Hauke and Jools Theriault

More than 200 excited, some theme dressed, guests recently enjoyed a private opening of The Elliott Museum’s World Premier of its newest exhibit, “UFOs, Denial, Disclosure, Discernment.” The Main Gallery was fully draped with no “peeking allowed” while VIPs enjoyed hors oeuvres and an open bar while excitement and anticipation built. After a heart felt welcome by Rob Steele, President & CEO and Linda Prange, Vice President Development, the curtains dropped, exposing the magic and mystery of the more than 4,000 sq. ft. exhibit for all to explore and enjoy. 

The exhibit features three AI hologram experiences with J. Allen Hynek, Stanton T. Friedman, and Steven M. Greer. Using more than 60,000 pages of information AI interaction has never been easier or more fun. Crop circles, a detailed information timeline from the 1950’s to the present, interactive sightings map, insights into multiple government projects such as Project Blue Book and more add to the enthralling experience. Whether a UFO “believer, non-believer or undecided,” the exhibit is bound to challenge, engage and enthrall at each turn. “UFOs, Denial, Disclosure, Discernment” is an invitation to embark on a fantastical journey down the rabbit hole of mysteries that have captivated the human imagination for generations. 

                        Steve and Elizabeth Barbella Bunny Webb and Harold Levy

Joe Endress, Rocky Grady and Paula Endress

Created in-house, this out-of-this world exhibit is the dream of Steele, President & CEO of the Historical Society of Martin County, the umbrella 501(c)(3) organization of The Elliott Museum and The House of Refuge. “UFOs, Denial, Disclosure, Discernment” is proudly sponsored by Henry and Rachelle (Rocky) Grady, Bill and Carole Hauke, Juan Cano - WTH Creative Studio, Jools Theriault - Jools Graphics, Josh Hamrell - ZseniAI, and Cheri Steers. 

The Elliott Museum is located on Hutchinson Island, 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL and open Monday through Friday, 10:00am-5pm daily with a few noted closures for holidays. Avoid possible ticket lines by purchasing tickets on-line, https://hsmc-fl.com/exhibits/##. For group ticket or additional information, contact Guest Services, 772.225.1961, or visit https://hsmc-fl.com/. 

                            Bob Weissman, Sally Kurtz, Suzi Beers and Bill Lichtenberger

Photos By Liz Mckinley

QUANTUM FOUNDATION MAKES $500,000 GRANT TO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR PALM BEACH AND MARTIN COUNTIES' AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND RESEARCH LIBRARY (AAMRL) PROJECT
Funding will Support Architectural Design and Planning for AAMRL on Historical Roosevelt High School Site in West Palm Beach
 

West Palm Beach, FL (December 3, 2024) – Quantum Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant to Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties' newly established African American Museum and Research Library (AAMRL) Fund. The grant will support architectural planning and design for the project. Quantum Foundation's mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and community members to solve the region's chronic and emerging issues.
 

Earlier this year, Community Foundation received approval for funding from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to plan and develop a new African American Museum at the historic Roosevelt High School site (1601 N. Tamarind Ave) in West Palm Beach. The AAMRL will celebrate and preserve African American history and culture in West Palm Beach, the state of Florida, and beyond. The project will include exhibit space, a research library, and extensive opportunities for community engagement through lectures, educational programming, workshops, seminars, special exhibitions, cultural programs, oral history projects, research opportunities, and youth programs.
 

“Over the past five years, we have strategically supported projects and programs to enhance the physical and social conditions for residents in Coleman Park,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “These neighborhoods, which reflect the lowest life expectancy in Palm Beach County, are home to some of the most extraordinary cultural landmarks. While we’ve made strides, there is still much work to be done in addressing the underlying systems that impact this community. We are proud to support the African American Museum and Research Library, which serves as a powerful reminder of our shared history and furthers our ongoing commitment to this area.”
 

"The Palm Beach County African American Museum and Research Library initiative would not be possible without the generosity and support of partners like Quantum Foundation," said Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO of Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. "Quantum Foundation's $500,000 grant, dedicated to architectural planning and design, represents a crucial first step in creating a lasting cultural institution that will preserve and celebrate African American history for generations to come."

                                            Danita DeHaney and Eric Kelly

According to DeHaney, the AAMRL will stand as a transformative anchor institution in the historic Coleman Park neighborhood, fostering community pride, economic growth, and cultural vitality while honoring the area's rich African American heritage. This initiative is a collaboration between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, The School District of Palm Beach County, and various community stakeholders.
 

Once home to West Palm Beach's two all-Black high schools, in recent years, the Roosevelt High grounds became the Roosevelt Full-Service Center. The Roosevelt Center, owned by the The School District of Palm Beach County, became a community center with neighborhood resources, services, and alternative school programs on site.
 

The School District has already commenced phase one of the Roosevelt Center renovation project. Phase two of the project will provide for renovation of the buildings at the Roosevelt Center that will house the research library and for construction of a new 20,000 square-foot two-story building to house the museum.

For more information or to donate to Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, please visit yourcommunityfoundation.org/give-now/.  
 

About Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties 
Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at yourcommunityfoundation.org.  
 

About Quantum Foundation
Quantum Foundation is a health foundation that was formed from $135 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $170 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $175 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities. Learn more at quantumfnd.org.
 

“VIM Clinic’s Dr. Jordan Bromberg Shines at TEDx Port Saint Lucie Event”

STUART, FL, November 1, 2024 – Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic is proud to announce that Dr. Jordan Bromberg, Medical Director at VIM Clinic, recently took the stage at the TEDx Port Saint Lucie "EMERGE" Conference, held on July 25th, 2024, at the River Walk Center in Fort Pierce. The event provided an opportunity for community members to engage with bold new ideas and form connections that will help drive positive change locally and globally. 

                                    Dr. Jordan Bromberg at the TEDx Port Saint Lucie Event

Dr. Bromberg’s talk, “Bridging the Healthcare Gap,” addresses the question: How can we make healthcare truly accessible to everyone? He discusses the challenges faced by underserved communities and offers practical, actionable solutions for closing the healthcare gap. 

His talk, along with those of other speakers from the conference, has been published on the official TEDx YouTube channel, which reaches over 40 million subscribers worldwide. VIM Clinic encourages everyone to watch and share this powerful talk, which captures their mission to provide quality healthcare to our neighbors in need.

                 VIM Clinic Staff, Mia Cruz, Mary Fields, Dr. Jordan Bromberg, and Mrs. Mary Bromberg

About VIM Clinic: 
Since 1995 Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been providing free health care to qualified, uninsured Martin County residents. Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is located at 417 SE Balboa Avenue in Stuart, Florida. For more information, please call 772.463.4128 or visit Volunteers in Medicine Clinic online at www.vimclinic.net.

Why is there so much misunderstanding regarding the deal between Martin County and Brightline?

Is it that people can’t let go of their preconceived notions and prejudices?

If you are opposed to the idea of having a station, then probably nothing will change your mind. But that doesn’t mean you have the right to pollute your conversation with spurious facts. And the facts are easy to ascertain. 

The documents are out there to read. I included them in Friends & Neighbors several times. They are on the county’s website also. 

The cost for the station and infrastructure and estimates varies widely depending on what is included. As currently imagined it is about $45 million dollars. According to every agreement and the RFP, Martin County would only be responsible for up to $15 million or roughly a third. They are leasing the land for the parking and station to Brightline for a nominal amount of $12 per year. The lease with options will run for 120 years. 

The county’s responsibility of up to $15 million is the same exact dollar figure that was provided in the original settlement agreement in 2018. After 6 years of inflation, you would need $18,780,000 in today’s dollars.  

Another argument you hear from opponents is that Brightline was going to pay half the cost in the original settlement agreement. The person saying that is either ignorant or is lying. I have read the original settlement offer and subsequent agreements, and nowhere is it written that Brightline would pay half. If an opponent insists on that as their answer for being in opposition, tell them to show it to you in a document signed by the parties. 

Further, with the most recent RFP accepted by Martin County, the county will pursue grants for the necessary funds to complete the project as the lead agency. If by June 30, 2027, Martin County has not entered into a grant agreement for all the necessary funds above $15 million, then Brightline may terminate the lease. If for some reason Brightline wished to kick in funds for the construction, they could but they are not obligated to do so.

If a station is built, Brightline would be obligated to maintain the station. The estimate is $2.3 million per year in 2024 dollars. They would also pay taxes and insurance.

Those are the facts. 

If you are against having the station because you believe the trains will go away if there is no station…that won’t happen. No matter what, the trains will come barreling through Martin County. 

If you don’t want the station because you think it will bring car traffic…that is an oxymoron. 

If you think the train station will be a homeless magnet, it is unlikely.  When opened, it will be staffed. Do you really believe that Brightline wants the homeless in front of their business and would tolerate it? A Brightline station is far from a downtown Greyhound depot.

I also heard that criminals would take the train from down south to rob unsuspecting residents. I won’t even dignify that illogic statement with a response.

After reading this, I hope you take away that if you are opposed to a station, let it be for reasons not marred by lies and wild accusations. You may be opposed because of the same thinking that situated I-95 five miles from town and ended up encouraging sprawl and more car use. 

You may be opposed because you think it will change the character of Stuart. How soon it is forgotten that the only reason the city exists was because of the railroad.

You may be opposed because you are afraid it will bring outsiders here. With the highway, turnpike, and the vaunted comp plan, we still only grow by 2% or less each year and have for many years.

Martin County deserves better from its citizens than those rationales. 

From Martin County Moments

I wrote this and it was sent to each county commissioner a few days after the LPA heard the Wawa application.

Dear Commissioner:

As a member of the LPA, I want to give you my impression of the proposed Wawa on Locks Road and Kanner Highway. You will not see a recommendation from us in your agenda item

This is a very simple application that has turned into a cause celebre basically because of much bad information, a lack of knowledge as to what the LPA is, and the inadequate time between the LPA meeting on Thursday night and you seeing it on Tuesday morning’s meeting. More time would equate to more time to find solutions to questions poised.

Most of the public has no idea what to expect from LPA meetings. The blanket statement from the public that they do not want the use has no bearing on whether this goes through or not. The applicant is not asking for a use or zoning change which would leave open the possibility of denying the application. This is straight zoning. 

If it had been just a run of the mill fast food user instead of a gas station, it would have been approved administratively. It is the county’s code that requires it to go before the LPA and the commission even though it is a by-right project.

The applicant did ask that an architectural accommodation to be made that would allow faux windows to be used on the façade instead of real ones. The reason was that they needed more wall space for coolers. If not allowed, then the applicant would have the coolers with glass on the outside wall. It would result in a less pleasing look but in no way stop the applicant from proceeding.

The other was that the Development Director, at his sole discretion, could allow the plantings and drainage ditch to be replanted. The applicant, as I understand it, is providing more open space, plantings, and an easement to the county. I felt, as an LPA member, that staff then had taken that aspect out of our hands, so it was not in my consideration.

There is a problem with the stacking of vehicles of 12 cars or 400 feet on Locks Road. It can be problematic and would block at least two driveways. A solution should be found to alleviate neighborhood concern. I believe staff, working with the applicant, can find a work around.

I made a motion to recommend approval to the commission with the conditions of not allowing the architectural accommodation and finding a solution to the stacking problem. It failed 2-2. So, you will see no conditions. I am writing this so you will understand my reasoning and have those ideas for your consideration.    

We had a new member last night. Unfortunately, there is no orientation as to what a member of the LPA is supposed to consider in determining whether to vote to recommend or not. I think that leaves some thinking the powers we have (and you have) are infinite. Ours are very prescribed and truly advisory.

In every instance when looking at an application, I look to state statute, the LDRs, zoning, future land use, and the comp plan to see whether the application should be approved. For example, there are criteria that must be met to grant new zoning and land use. If the burden is met, I cannot vote against an approval recommendation. 

It does not matter whether I believe the project is good or not…only whether or not the applicant has met the criteria. As I have said over and over, the commission is the one that makes the rules. My job is to make sure that staff are following them when they make their recommendations. 

Too often, board members would rather substitute their reasoning for the code’s. That is not our job. The applicant and the public must have confidence that the same rules will be followed by all. 

In this instance though, the public complained about the cueing on Locks Road. I read the traffic studies and knew how critical that problem can be. That is why I mentioned solving the problem in my motion. Unfortunately, our new member, I believe, thought he was going to stop the project by voting against the motion. Again, why it is so important for board members to understand their responsibility.   

What that vote accomplished was you not even hearing what would be points to consider at Tuesday’s meeting. The board system can be improved so that the public, applicant, and commission are truly using the LPA tool to its best extent instead of checking the box. That is the way you will see more public disillusionment at the processes

What was surprising was not that Wawa was approved but how many people felt that it shouldn’t.

Both Kanner and the surrounding area have grown considerably denser and more suburban in the past 60 years. Some remember it as a quiet rural neighborhood of homes off a two-lane country road. Commissioner Hetherington said she remembers when those homes were cattle ranches.   

Since 1967, the parcel on Locks Road and Kanner Highway was zoned for a possible gas station. It was no secret, nor should it have been one. Kanner Highway is now a six-lane major highway. It is very close to the exit of I-95. Did the surrounding neighborhood think it was going to somehow be a park?

This means the commissioners had no choice but to approve the use. It was a by-right use. If it had been any other allowable use, it would not have gone before the commission. Because it is a gas station, it must go before the commission. That is also part of their rules. In my opinion, one that should be changed.

Unfortunately, there is not enough education of the public regarding what the commission actually has the authority to stop. This is not something that they had any authority to stop. 

I believe that Blake Capps is going to be a good commissioner. He may end up in the Harold Jenkins mold of being the “straight shooter” on the dais. He spoke about road concurrency and how, under Florida law, the stacking problem was Martin County’s to solve and not the parcel owner. I think that there could have been some more jawboning at the staff level for the applicant to help out, but it was too late by this time. 

Capps suggested that going forward staff come back with the 500-foot rule that a few counties have. That rule states that there can be no gas stations within 500 feet of a residence. I think that may be a little problematic going forward.

Both Capps and Heard want to use impact fees to add another turning lane. There isn’t much room, but it would hold another 5 cars. Capps made the motion to approve the station, and the vote was 4-1 with Ciampi dissenting. Capps made a second motion to see about using impact fees to create a turning lane and that passed 5-0.

In my opinion, Ciampi’s no vote is not defensible. He has announced that he is not running for another term as commissioner. Perhaps that means he may seek another office, and he wants to avoid alienating potential voters. I think in this case by voting no, it was a going against his oath of office. It was clear the only choice was yes.  

For some time, the county has been contemplating what to do with fire/rescue stations in Western Martin County. 

Their solution is primarily one additional station and two new relocated stations. Where they go is critical to cover western growth now and in the future. In order to help do that, the county commissioned a study by Metro Forecasting Models.

The study’s report begins with hardly a revelatory statement; “Increases in density are directly correlated with higher demands for Calls for Service (CFS).”
They then go on and zero in on three stations. Their analysis identified the following needs:  a new fire station in Western Palm City, relocation of Tropical Farms (Station 22), and relocation of Indiantown (Station 24).

According to Martin County’s own comp plan and expectations, the Level of Service (LOS) target is to have calls answered within 8 minutes in urban and suburban areas and 20 minutes in the rural parts of the county. Currently, they are failing in both those categories. Right now, there are no stations in western Martin County except Indiantown and Tropical Farms which is right off Kanner near I-95. The station on Mapp Road by the Palm City Bridge is handling calls in Western Martin County.

What the analysis also lacked was the inclusion of any traffic accidents. When a fire unit responds to an accident on a highway, the time can be even longer for them to be ready to dispatch to the next call. There is no doubt that Newfield with a couple of thousand new units near the St. Lucie County line will need a station nearby. 

The department determined that the location in Newfield itself would not adequately service areas outside the development. The new Western Palm City Station could more adequately do that. The station itself will need to meet the LOS standards and help Station 21 in the Palm City CRA meet their standards.  

With the future growth of Terra Lago, Indiantown will also need to have more units for Indiantown. Again, this makes perfect sense. Indiantown is growing by several thousand rooftops and will need adequate service. Martin County’s Indiantown Station 24 is just inadequate for what is exploding in that part of their service area.

Tropical Farms is currently locked into a residential community. There are constant complaints about noise. They also need to expand their service area so that they can improve their LOS to the 8-minute mark by an estimated 12%.
Then came the politics of the meeting. Heard began with the familiar refrain that development doesn’t pay for itself, and Vargas immediately got on board by stating that developers should donate land and build the stations. Did the commissioners forget that every new house, apartment, commercial and industrial space pays a fire impact fee just for that purpose? 

In both Terra Lago and Newfield alone, that impact fee amounts to millions of dollars. As part of the PUD process, Newfield had to negotiate with the county to provide things for the public benefit. That was the time to get anything out of them that was possible in addition to impact fees.

I spoke with people familiar with the Terra Lago project, and I was told they were willing to give a parcel of land for the station and perhaps contribute toward construction. I do know that Indiantown’s Interlocal Agreement with the county for providing fire/rescue services only has about 4 years left. There needs to be a much longer agreement for the county to spend any money on a new station for Indiantown.

Tropical Farms has the lowest percentage of calls answered within the LOS at 55%. If you break it down by inside or outside the USD (Urban Service District), then only 33% of the calls outside the USD get response within the 8-minute time frame. There is no doubt that it is necessary to have a better location.

It takes about 3-5 years to build a station and costs $8-$10 million to do so. While there is only one completely new station that needs to be staffed with equipment and personnel, the call volume would suggest more of each would be needed at both locations. The only vote taken was to accept the report. 

You can see the presentation here 

My term on the CRB and the CRA will expire upon the appointment of a new at-large-member. My name was still being shown on the agenda item for reapointment without any new member. I thought it was only fair to remove myself from contention. Here is my email doing so.

Dear Mr. Mortell and Ms. Kindel:

As of the end of my term, I do not wish to be considered for reappointment to the Community Redevelopment Board.

I want to thank you and the commission through the years for allowing me to serve on the board. It was also my pleasure to be the chair for three years, nominated the last two times by Board Member McChrystal, Commissioner Collins appointee. The board also elected me to be one of the civilian members of the CRA for several years.

With that said, I fully expected the majority commissioners to have a different at large appointee. The at-large appointee is someone that is not representing any one commissioner but that of the entire city including those that may not reside within Stuart but are property or business owners.

Whoever you appoint to this seat, the person should be one that believes in the mission of the CRA. The CRA is a special place with special rules that must be followed such as the one to do away with blight within its borders. You don’t do that by shutting down economic development.

I would say whoever takes this seat should not be afraid to criticize other board members in their capacity as commissioners. As you noticed I never criticized any commissioner for their ideas as a member of the CRA Board. That doesn’t mean I gave up my right to express my opinion as a citizen to an elected official with matters not before the board.

I do realize I have a larger platform to express my views than the average citizen. That took work on my part to do so. Having such a platform comes with responsibility and I take that seriously.

Once again thank-you for the opportunity to serve the city I live in. 

Ever since Boss Collins and his politburo took over, Stuart has changed. I don’t know anyone who would say it is for the better.

Douette Pryce, a Stuart developer, has been an outspoken critic of the Collins ZIP. According to Douette, he often drives around neighborhoods in Stuart and throughout South Florida looking at potential projects. Pryce told me he was driving on Flamingo Avenue, the street on which Collins lives, and the immediate blocks looking for duplexes. 

According to Pryce, Boss Collins was waiving his arms in the middle of the street several doors down from his house, forcing Pryce to stop. At the time, Collins had Stuart PD Chief Tumminelli on an open phone line listening to the conversation. The chief asked if the Boss wanted the police to respond and he said yes. Several cars did respond, and they questioned Pryce. 

Collins stated that Pyrce had been driving on a public street and took photos of his children and home. Pryce told me that there were no photos of either on his phone. The police found no reason for this to go any further and Pryce left.

Subsequently Pryce, his wife, and his business partner met with the city manager and briefly with the city attorney at City Hall to discuss the incident. From every indication, the immediate anger passed. 

Later that day Boss Collins first spoke to Tumminelli and subsequently directly to Sheriff Snyder and indicated he wanted to file a complaint of stalking against Pryce. Interestingly, he didn’t go back to Stuart PD who would have jurisdiction over the matter. In fact, the chief was completely blindsided by Collins’ move and decided after a brief consultation with the city manager, to have the sheriff take over the investigation entirely instead of doing it jointly.

I was told by a few people that last night after the Christmas Parade, Collins and Snyder were in conversation. While I can’t swear it is about this, I can’t believe it was about anything else.

This is not the first time that Boss Collins has made a complaint about “people driving down his street.” One of the complaints turned out to be someone looking over the neighborhood because they were thinking about buying a home on the next block. Another time Collins confronted someone, who happened to be former County Commissioner Doug Smith, who was with his wife and daughter visiting a friend of his daughter’s. And there was a complaint that Jim Gallegos, a supporter of his opponent in the election, was taking photos from the public right of way. 

Like what happened with Pryce, there are no records of 911 calls. It appears the Boss uses the direct pipeline to Stuart Police Department Chief Tumminelli. And I will assume there is no record of Collins call to Snyder regarding filing criminal charges against Pryce.

Is this an abuse of the system? As an elected official, you get to know the most important people in the county. You have their cell phones. It is easy to reach out.

The way the city government works is that commissioners are supposed to go through the city manager and not directly speak to department heads which include the police. It is in the charter. For years, that protocol has not been strictly enforced by the managers. Stuart had a more casual approach to lines of communication. But the city had more responsible commissioners who did not abuse the leeway given.

There is nothing illegal about anyone driving down a city street. You don’t need to have a purpose or explain why. You don’t need to be a resident to do so. Everyone is welcome.

You can take photos of homes. You can take photos of people, including children, when they are in plain view. It is perfectly legal and the right to do so has been upheld in numerous court cases. However, according to Pryce, he took no photos. 

Boss Collins making a criminal complaint of stalking seems to be unjustified. I believe much more is needed for the charge to be valid. Collins would have to show more than a few drive-by sightings on a public roadway. Collins was the one who accosted Pryce several doors down from his home. Is that harassment?

In the more than 20 years I have lived in Stuart, I had occasion to call the police, but I used the non-emergency number. The only time there was a true emergency, when an intruder broke into my home while we were there, I dialed 911. The police arrived in under two minutes.

Boss Collins has abused his office by the direct calls to both the sheriff and police chief. Ordinary citizens can’t just do that and have results whether subject to a crime or not. As an elected official, Collins should be leading by example not by showing how much power he has over other citizens.

I am sure Douette Pryce, an army veteran, successful businessperson, and respected resident of the Sewell’s Point community will be fully exonerated. Pryce may have had grounds to file a lawsuit regarding the ZIP. After this, don’t be surprised if another lawsuit hits Collins personally for harassment. 

Pryce is Black and an immigrant. And from the very beginning, Boss Collins has shown disdain for East Stuart and Black residents. Most recently by high jacking a state grant that was to be used for the master plan for Guy Davis after a decade long community outreach and ended up with the completely unvetted skateboard park that was never part of the plans.

Stuart is being controlled by a mad man who apparently must stare at his outside cameras all day. Are we going to wait until the paranoid Boss escalates a confrontation with the very possibility of harm to an innocent person just driving down a public street? There is enough for the Ethics Commission to take an interest and investigate these abuses. 

At the November 25th Stuart City Commission meeting, I was surprised by the inaction of the commission on a simple Martin County request.

Martin County asked for a letter of support regarding the FRA grant application for the Brightline station. It didn’t ask the city to contribute any money, any services, or fill out any forms. The letter would go in the packet with the county’s application. 

Many civic and business organizations have signed and given letters. I have signed two on behalf of two organizations that I am involved with. It is what we do as part of the community to help neighbors. 

On numerous occasions, Stuart has asked Martin County to send letters of support for city projects and grant requests. It is a courtesy that has always been extended. I don’t know of another instance when it has been refused.

There was an excellent possibility that Martin County would have received an 80% grant of $45 million for the station and parking lot if Stuart had been part of the agreement. There was still a possibility of that happening if the city had just written a simple letter of support. I am told that the grant now is more likely to be 50%.

80% of $45 million is $36 million in grant aid leaving Martin County Taxpayers to fund $9 million of the station cost. If the grant funding is 50% that will lead Martin County on the hook for the entire $15 million pledged if the station goes forward. That is money that will come from taxpayer dollars.

It is true that those dollars that the county has budgeted can only be used for transportation projects. Perhaps Boss Collins forgot that roads are transportation…even some roads within the city. He also must have forgotten that Stuart taxpayers are also Martin County taxpayers.

Here is something else the Boss may have forgotten. There are many things the city and its residents look to Martin County to help with. One of those things will be quiet zones. If the county does not include the city crossings in its application for funding to enact the zones, Stuart will always be listening to the sounds of Brightline.

As the saying goes, one had washes the other…except in Boss Collins’ realm. 

During commissioner comments, Boss Collins began praising Police Chief Tumminelli, Sheriff Snyder, and their departments about their speedy response to what happened with Duette Pryce though he never mentioned his name. (See story above.)

He equated Pryce to a possible assassin considering what happened recently with President-Elect Trump. His version of events was different from both Pryce’s and, to some extent, the police report. He said Pryce was creeping down the block in his car taking photos. According to Duette, he was driving slowly to look at duplexes, but there are no photos on his phone, and none have been mentioned by law enforcement.

Not that it matters because it is perfectly legal to take photos of anything in public view from the public right of way. In fact, another “trespasser” on Collin’s block a couple of years ago was a professional photographer taking photos of what he believed were code violations. This man, in his seventies, was accosted by the much younger and larger Collins demanding to know what he was doing.

It was nice to know that the Boss said he didn’t believe a patrol car should be stationed at the foot of his driveway. The taxpayers of the city are pleased to hear he is not demanding such action. The Boss seems to feel persecuted and under siege by the citizenry that may not appreciate his point of view on matters such as the ZIP. 

You can read his exact comments here 

I don’t know whether Lilly Pryce would have spoken during public comment or not if Collins hadn’t mentioned anything. But Ms. Pryce did. She said her husband, Duette Pryce, was surrounded by several police cars and 3 or 4 unmarked cars including the chief. She is terrified now of the police and said it was a misuse of force. 

According to her, it was a false “red flag.” Her husband was just driving down a public street in the middle of the day. She wanted the commission to investigate this abuse of power. At least Collins had the good sense not to interrupt her.

Marcella Camblor, a friend and business partner of the Pryces, said she drives down that very street four times a day because her kids are in school nearby. She said that Duette Pryce was going to be at the meeting to speak about the ZIP, but he is now terrified to be at Stuart City Hall. He was watching the meeting from her office down the street.

Boss Collins erupted at Camblor. I guess to the Boss, public comment means that he gets to comment too. He called her assertions ridiculous. Marcella went on to say that Collins’ behavior is having a chilling effect on people wanting to speak out at public meetings. 

Next up to speak was Raj Patel, the owner of the proposed new Colorado hotel. He related the time when he was confronted by Boss Collins in a parking lot claiming that Patel was driving his Acura down Collins block. Patel said he doesn’t have an Acura. He drives a nicer car.

Patel said that Boss Collins must have a problem with skin color. Meaning I guess that both Pryce and Patel have dark complexions. Collins again began shouting that it was ridiculous. Again, proving that public comment can only be given if you agree with the Boss. 

Now that Campbell Rich is remaining as mayor, he needs to adjourn the meeting when the Boss goes off the rails. And yes, I absolutely believe that Collins is prejudiced. He proves it every time he confronts someone who doesn’t look like him. 

As the first order of business, Giobbi made a motion to elect Boss Collins as mayor. It was immediately seconded by the Boss himself. 

Clarke wanted to know whether it was Kosher for Collins to second the motion given that it was about him. City Attorney Baggett, as the parliamentarian, ruled that is was. Clarke just said that it was unusual. And she is right it is.

Reed thought protocol would dictate that Rich remain since he had not been voted in by his peers. Rich was elevated to the seat when Troy McDonald lost in August. Reed is right that would be how things are done. Or at least how things were done before Boss Collins was elected.

The motion failed by a vote of 2-3 with Reed, Rich, and Clarke voting no.

Clarke made a motion for Rich to be mayor. It was seconded by Reed. The vote was 4-1 with Collins voting no. Did Giobbi decide to follow protocol and vote for Rich because it was the right thing to do or did, she just make an error? The outcome wouldn’t have changed no matter what. Giobbi’s vote is up to you to decide.

Giobbi then made a motion to elect Boss Collins as vice-mayor. It was seconded by Clarke. The vote was 5-0. This vote did follow what had always been protocol in the past. 

The Army Corps has been releasing water from Lake Okeechobee for the past few days and will continue to do so for months. Discharges have not happened for the last couple of years because of the work done by the Corps and others including former commissioner Merritt Matheson.

Now they have started again. All along, the City of Stuart was the only entity that could stop the discharges according to Collins’ legal advisor Mac Stuckey. According to that reasoning the discharges are so severe that our quality of life is impaired by them. We need to make them stop the discharges. That is the reasoning of Collins and his crew.

I agree the discharges do affect our water quality, and by the time the discharges are over, the ecosystem will once again be severely impaired. So, during this first time in a while that Lake “O” water is spilling out of the locks, what has Boss Collins decreed? The city needs to wait till it has its own attorney on staff to act.

The discharges are happening now. They are happening even though LOSOM just went into effect which is supposed to be the governing document. Release into the St. Lucie is a last resort. I don’t think the Corps has followed those guidelines.

Here is the problem with the idea that we need to wait until our own attorney comes on board to begin a suit. The damage is happening now. You need to establish that Stuart has standing to sue the Corps. If your argument is that the city is suffering irreversible harm, any opposing attorney is going to ask why there was no effort to get a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) to stop the discharges while they were occurring. The answer can’t be we were waiting to hire an attorney who was a city employee.

There are dozens of firms that are capable of at least attempting to get a TRO. While that is happening, the city could still pursue hiring the attorney and he/she can take over the case once hired. But doing nothing may come back and hurt the cause later.

The real problem is Stuart will never prove standing to bring a suit. What are the damages the city suffered because of the discharges? There needs to be a link established not just a feeling. This is just one more fantasy of Boss Collins. 

The trouble with his insistence on hiring his own attorney for this position is it feeds his ego and not any real need. That is why the position reports directly to Boss Collins and not the manager or the city attorney. In the next year, there will be lawsuit after lawsuit all because of Collins and to a lesser extent Giobbi and Reed and their policies.  It will not be a good time, and it is a direct result of Boss Collins being elected.

The job description for Collins’ very own environmental attorney can be found here 
 

The ZIP and what the city is trying to do is a mess. 

All you have to do is look at the agenda item and see the inconsistencies. There has been no attempt to introduce any serious studies or documents to help guide the commission. There is no competent evidence for anything that is being proposed. I question even to know what is being proposed and why?

A letter has already been sent to the commission from one property owner ready to sue. I am sure there will be some more. Boss Collins is trying to stop multifamily development but there currently is no land zoned for it. That means no multifamily housing can be proposed without a property owner going before the commission to ask for land use and zoning changes. The commission could just say no.

If multi-family is gone, then why this entire charade. Mostly it is because Boss Collins perhaps at first didn’t understand the LDRS and zoning maps. Now it seems like a vendetta.

Since there is no more land zoned for multi-family, he has placed his eyes on mixed use, duplexes, and single families. It seems to me he is deathly afraid of people in East Stuart being able to build anything and more people of color moving in. Lots are smaller there and with his fixation against even a duplex or mixed use (an apartment over a store), he is condemning many in that neighborhood to not using their property to the highest advantage.

Only Chris Collins, the great white hope, can protect the people of East Stuart from the advantages of being next to a Brightline station (another one of his hatreds). Boss Collins said from the dais that even though the people of East Stuart wanted mixed use, he will protect them from their own desires. And he also stated they haven’t done anything for 60 years, so they are not about to do so now. Why not prevent people from doing so in the future?

Laura Giobbi, who happens to live in one of the densest developments in the city, spoke about wanting affordable housing. She is doing everything possible to make sure that affordable housing is never built. At least Collins tells you right out that only the most exclusive homes should be built in Stuart.

Collins will protect the people from making any money off their properties in East Stuart and, for that matter, other parts of the city. He is the last great hope to protect us from ourselves.

Now that so much has been made clear, the code changes will be written and come back probably in late February. I predict they will pass 3-2 and when the lawsuits come in the credit should go to those that voted in the affirmative.

To show how utterly ridiculous the ZIP was the Boss now has exempted strictly commercial property from it. That means for more than three months projects have been stalled and placed to the side while Boss Collins played with people’s livelihood and lives.

And not one change was made…the City of Stuart under the reign of Boss Chris Collins.

The town attorney swore in two new council members, George Ciaschi and Janet Galante following their win in November. Mayor Karen Ostrand was also sworn in for another term. Congrats to all three.

President Sandy Kelley stated that she would not run for reelection for that position though she was nominated. Kevin Docherty was then nominated and elected president unanimously. Kelley was unanimously elected vice-president.

Ocean Breeze has an unusual government set-up where the mayor, who is elected by the voters, has no seat on the town council. She is the chief administrative officer because there is no manager who plays that role in most other municipalities. There are six members of the council, also highly un unusual because it is an even number. Though ties are not common, in a 3-3 vote any motion would fail. 

The council was asked to send a letter of support for the county regarding the Brightline station grants. Stuart denied that request. This passed 4-2. They will be adding a request of their own for Quiet Zones. 

The county is much more likely to include them than they would be for Stuart who would not give them a letter of support. I guess Stuart will be swinging in the wind when it comes to many things going forward. 

Jupiter Island is a barrier island. Like all barrier islands they are meant to protect the mainland from the full force of ocean waves and currents. They promote the growth of bays, lagoons, and marshlands. They provide critical habitat for marine and avian animals. This is all according to NOAA. Islands do that through the natural accretion and depletion of the area shoreline.

That is why it is so hypocritical for the residents and people of Jupiter Island and Hutchinson Island to claim to be environmentalists. If anything, by the very nature of projects such as beach renourishment, the purpose of having a barrier island is being thwarted. With that in mind, we can look at the dispute regarding where the Coastal Set Back Line and all the other lines as being anti-environmental. There should be no buildings at all so that Mother Nature can protect everyone.  

There is just too much money involved to allow the natural ebb and flow of sand on Jupiter Island and elsewhere. We behave as if any building on a barrier island is justified. The answer of course is no. It is perceived to be a very cool place to live regardless of the impacts. It is almost as if property rights are an oxymoron. Barrier Islands should be undevelopable and owned by all of us.

Unfortunately, that ship sailed long ago when the government allowed all platting and sale of lots and building to have occurred. Now people have rights bestowed on them through the U.S. Constitution.  We are then in a battle to hold back the sea like King Canute. 

The board kicked around whether the policy be set before the final report on the setback line. Should more buildable lots be created. How many will become non-conforming?

How should the need to have more sand added be evaluated considering this. What happens when the ability to find sand that is acceptable to state and federal agencies is no longer possible? Interesting to speak about property rights issues when all the property may end up in the ocean. 

The LPA has met to distill public comment and work on the setback line. Attached is what that organization has produced. You can see it here 

No one can wear the badge of environmentalist and then live or own a home on the beach on a barrier island.

We have come to the end of another year. 

I want to thank you for being loyal supporters. Our readership has increased and that is why so many government officials take us seriously when we ask for information or an interview. The readers benefit by finding out what is going on behind superficial headlines.

Will Snyder is leaving, and John Budensiek is coming in. I hope to forge a good relationship with John. It is important that the sheriff is as nonpolitical as a political office holder can be. 

In my opinion, Commissioner Capps is off to a good start. Commissioner Vargas, as newer to the county dynamic, needs to find her footing. I hope we can have a good relationship. She took down a political legend, Doug Smith, and she deserves respect.

In Stuart, there may be hope for Sean Reed. For the first time, at the last city commission meeting, I saw him have a little backbone by making sure that Rich stayed as mayor in the coming year. We may never see eye to eye on some matters, but that doesn’t mean he can’t begin to understand the nuances of his role as a commissioner. Even if he believes in no more new multi residential development, did it make any sense to stop commercial rehab projects from going forth for over three months? His action along with Giobbi and Collins cost businesses substantial money and time and nothing changed. I hope he understands that and his job as commissioner. 

Indiantown saw the last of the original office holders leave with Susan Gibbs-Thomas. Karen Onsager, who took her place, should be a good replacement. I haven’t met her yet, but I hope to next month. 

There are a few new council members that were elected in Ocean Breeze. Both should remember that old saying “how it was done in New York doesn’t translate to how it is done here.” Learn the ropes a bit before plunging ahead with your ideas. Though Martin County and New Yorkers speak the same language, the words may have different meanings.

Frank Tidikis, the new commissioner from Sewell’s Point, has been around for a while. He has some strong beliefs but again he should remember he is one of five. Others have just as strong beliefs.  The old saying about eating the elephant one bite at a time should apply.

Brian Moriarty was elected without opposition for the school board replacing a long-time member. I hope that he will stop, take a breath, and understand a school system is different than any other organization. New chair and first term board member Amy Pritchett should not be speaking at other government meetings unless she represents the school board in my opinion. By becoming involved in other matters, she is bringing her board into controversy that has nothing to do with her role as a school board member. She didn’t give up her right to have opinions when elected, but there are protocols that should be adhered to.

Those are my final thoughts for 2024. See you in 2025. 

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