January 5, 2025

The celebrations are hardly over. I bet many of us are ready to get back into the harness and begin a new year with a new story.

Here at Friends & Neighbors we are looking forward to bringing you the news with a concentration on local government. Local government is what makes the most decisions that affect your life day in and day out. It provides police, emergency services, water, and parks including education for our children. Without it much of what services we expect could not be done.

Still looking for columnists. If there is a subject that you have an expertise in and want to share with the community, I would love to hear from you. 

Another thing you should look at is our “Article” section. These are curated articles from different publications that I found made for interesting reading. I think you may too.

The last several weeks have been slim on the number of government meetings held because of the holidays. Though I did find the 1000 Friends of Florida Western Land Presentation interesting after I digested what points they were getting at. You may be surprised also.

I want to wish you a happy new year and a great 2025.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

I am in Connecticut for Christmas. 

There is an old 1945 movie starring Barbara Stanwick named “Christmas in Connecticut.” In it, she portrays a New York writer of what were then known as ladies’ advice and household stories. Her readers believed she lived on a farm with a cow, was a gourmet cook, had a child, and an accomplished husband. However, she was a fraud…unmarried, childless, not able to boil water, and of course didn’t know which end of a cow to milk.

Her Connecticut was one of farms and winter snow, farm animals and country bumpkins. The one I inhabit is far from any of that. What both have in common (at least this year) is snow. We have gone a very long time without much of it recently.

The photos were taken from my townhouse. With temperatures in the teens and twenties, I suspect the snow will be there for a while. It certainly is pretty. Fortunately, we do not need to shovel, salt, or plow. That is the best part about being in this HOA.

I am writing this on the Sunday morning before Christmas. We have finished decorating. I am waiting for my wife to go to the stores and buy our supplies for Christmas Eve and Christmas day feasts. 

We have only been in our place since the week before Thanksgiving. We have been busy seeing contractors and suppliers in preparation for a new kitchen and bathrooms. But now until the 26th we will concentrate on why we bought this place to begin with, which was to be with family. 

Our children and their families will be here. One lives down the road and the other within a few miles. Close enough but not intrusive…would be my definition of a good relationship.

I am ready to do my annual recitation of Clement C. Moore’s “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” I have been doing it now for almost 50 years since the kids were small. They still make the sound effects as they have always done. We will eat Christmas Eve and Christmas day meals that will be prepared by mostly me except for the bread and panettone by a daughter and dessert by my wife. 

As I hopefully look at the snow, Christmas tree, and family, thinking it is good to remember the reason for the Christmas celebration. It is the time to celebrate the birth of the Lord. I will do so with family, friends, and maybe people that one of the kid’s will bring for the meal. We have never turned away any guest for a holiday meal even those we will probably never meet again.

That will be my Christmas in Connecticut.

In our last edition, I wrote about the problems caused by building homes on barrier islands. Doing so just goes against Mother Nature. 

As I said then, we should never have allowed it at all. If that were true, Jupiter Island and Sailfish Point would never have been built. Martin County would have much less tax revenue. We allowed the rich to do something we couldn’t and pay the price.

A reader that prefers to be anonymous sent me a batch of photos of construction occurring on our beaches. They were not taken on either Sailfish or Jupiter Island but illustrate a problem that we are still allowing to this day. It may be too late environmentally because of the financial costs to stop construction at those two places but maybe not everywhere.

Barrier islands are meant to protect our shorelines, animal and bird habitats, and allow for grasses and plants to take root…not for man’s pleasure if he can afford it. Here are dramatic photos of what is happening today. I can almost guarantee that some of those structures won’t be there tomorrow.

A picture is worth a thousand words....

What do you do when confronted with leaving the place you called home for thirty years because you can no longer afford to live there. That is what is confronting Laurie Carr who wrote a letter that is contained in this edition’s letter section. 

She currently lives in Ocean Pointe in Stuart with her son. The complex was built to house those with fixed or lower incomes. The rent paid was means tested and was tied to a tenant’s household income. New ownership will abandon that concept, and the apartments will then have market rate rent.

Martin County has become unaffordable for many people. Ocean Pointe was one of the last places where the working poor could live. The real tragedy is that few people care, and elected officials are not among the few.

Several years ago, Commissioner Ed Ciampi talked about a “Starfish Initiative” for affordable housing but nothing came of it. Former commissioner, Harold Jenkins, began his vaunted land trust but how many homes will that produce a year? Besides with the handful the trust brings into the system, they encourage home ownership. It does not do anything for people like Carr and her son. 

The Affordable Housing Committee of the county talks about receiving grants in the low thousands of dollars to help a few residents not the millions needed. From the Feds to Florida to local government, no one wants to commit the money necessary to make sure that everyone has a roof over their heads.  As a country, we absolutely encourage people to embrace homelessness as their only alternative.

Would building more apartments help? It most certainly would. However, the market alone can’t solve this problem. If there were more developments in Stuart offering market apartments, perhaps it wouldn’t pay for Ocean Pointe to become free-market-based and lose the current tax benefits they enjoy from offering means-tested rental rates. Remember Supply and Demand!

Don’t worry though with Boss Collins and his Politburo firmly in charge, even the rich won’t be in the dying City of Stuart for long. That is what people don’t get. To have a community, it is important that you have a mix of people and housing types. Without development, there won’t be enough taxes collected in the long run to be sustainable.

It is easy to forget that those in need of a little help are individuals and neighbors. There are only so many “Go Fund Me Pages” you can have. We just celebrated Christmas and the birth of Jesus. How about we show Christian mercy toward those that need a helping hand? Or is being Christian just mean singing Hosannahs and leaving the church service personally self-fulfilled but doing none of what Jesus taught us was our Christian duty.

The presidential campaign that went on for more than two years. Does it really take a couple of years to run for president? Is that now the time it takes to run for any federal office? 

Willie Mays died this year. I never saw him play as a New York Giant, but I did as a San Francisco Giant and later as a Met in the early 1970s. He was well past his prime, but he was still the “Say Hey Kid.” 

We also lost the great Pete Rose. I did see him play when the Reds came to New York and “Mr. Hustle” lived up to his name. I think he got a raw deal. 

Jimmy Carter left us at 100. I don’t want to speak ill of the dead, but I always thought he was a terrible president. I remember the oil crisis and how it almost put me out of the G-C business because I couldn’t find gas for the trucks. Never mind how he dealt with the Iran-Hostage situation. I think a George Will column I read the day he died sums it up, “Jimmy Carter was the president who made Ronald Reagan necessary.”

He did redeem himself somewhat with his post presidency and his good works. Carter just reeked of a “holier than thou” attitude that never sat well with me. His telling us how religious he was seemed boastful instead of inspirational.

Hurricane season was long. Milton ended up spawning tornedos that devastated the Treasure Coast. From my house, I watched one spin right along the water hoping it wouldn’t cross the river and hit us. How many new residents have no idea what would happen if we really did have a “Francis/Jean” season? I am thankful that the post Andrew codes are in affect. 

I could talk about the political plague that has engulfed Stuart’s City Hall, but I won’t. I have plenty of opportunity to do so in other parts of the publication and in many more editions to come. 

I can’t believe a quarter century has passed since the crisis of New Year’s Eve 1999. Many thought that the world would end. Computers would all malfunction because of the rollover from 1999 to 2000. It was a big dud. That didn’t mean we didn’t take precautions. We, like so many others, were relieved but also irritated that we had to spend thousands of dollars to prepare for something that did not happen.

Let’s have a toast to 2025!   

By Nancy Smith

In the modern history of the City of Stuart, there was one glorious, shining, hallelujah time.

A time when hundreds, perhaps thousands of people came together for no other reason than to do good for their community, and in the space of perhaps three years, turned a dying city center into the jewel of Martin County.

I mention this now because just lately I've run into too many of our people who don't know the story of this vibrant downtown Stuart that attracts them like bees to a bloom. They have no idea from what depths it sprang during the 1980s. Or who was responsible for its salvation. 

I can tell you in two words: Joan Jefferson.

Many people participated in downtown Stuart’s renaissance, it’s true. But I can tell you honestly that without Joan and her architect husband Peter, downtown Stuart today might look like one of those seedy towns vaguely played like background music in a William Faulkner novel. Or worse, it could have come under a wrecking ball, replaced by a quarter mile of souless, four-story condo blocks. And, by the way, it just so happens, Joan celebrated her 86th birthday on Dec. 20.

Downtown wasn't a ghost town in the late 1980s, but it was close. You couldn't give a business away. Stuart Department Store had gone, Greene's soon after that. And the shabby Lyric Theater, leaky roof and all, had become a sad advertisement for a city center in decline.

Luckily, the Jeffersons -- and their friends Ann and Dr. David MacMillan -- were ahead of their time.

Vital downtowns are places where people live and work, Joan and Peter told me. And much to my surprise -- I thought they were nuts to attempt it -- they put their money where their mouths were. Together with the MacMillans, they pooled their money to buy and remodel the historic Post Office Arcade on Osceola Street.

"We'll live upstairs," Joan said. "Peter can have his business downstairs and we'll turn the rest of the place into shops." And that's what happened. Ann MacMillan turned one of the shops into what became a thriving independent bookstore.

You had to see the state of the downtown area and the long-vacant Arcade to understand the financial risk involved. But the Jeffersons and the MacMillans made it happen, just as they said they would.

But it was Joan, elected city commissioner and then mayor at just the right time, who was the catalyst for the metamorphosis.

Certainly she and Peter shared the vision -- it wasn't Joan's alone. This couple was larger than life. They had the gift of being able to look far into the future, beyond the whiners and naysayers, and see plans finished. I sometimes felt as if they simply willed the galleries and the restaurants and the trendy boutiques to rise from the drear and the cobwebs. If they said something great was going in at this corner or that location, it usually did. I was among the lucky ones who lived it.

But it was Joan who was at the center of city government. As mayor, she kickstarted the whole works. And she and City Manager Jack Noble, and later David Collier, clicked. Joan and city staff and architects and planners all over town clicked.

I never knew anybody who could create excitement like Joan.

When the police department needed exterior renovation and money was scarce, not to worry -- Joan mustered literally hundreds of volunteers for a day-long fix-up. It turned into a love fest. As Karen Hendry, the city's director of development told me, "Everybody should have that much fun."

Said Sue Hershey, who served on the City Commission during some of that "shining time" -- "It showed people how much is in their hands, how much is possible when we work together. It just made people fall more deeply in love with their city."

But the real foundation of downtown redevelopment was the Duany Plan, a blueprint for revitalization and mixed-use development devised by urban planner Andres Duany of Miami.

The Duany Plan was about creating a walkable city, a pleasantly landscaped city where people could live and work and play, where everything essential was a stroll away.

In less capable hands, with fewer positive attitudes, it would have been discouragingly complicated to implement. But cheered on by the City Commission, residents were determined to strengthen the presence of downtown as the major county seat component, pushing for a needed new courthouse to be built downtown. It required an urban code and an architectural code. It required saving the 1937 county courthouse -- now the Courthouse Cultural Center. It required a Roosevelt Bridge redesign, individual street coding and park improvements.

All of it was accomplished -- often, as in the case of the Peter Jefferson-designed gazebo near Confusion Corner, with nothing but volunteers.

It also required grants. Lots of them. For everything from distinctive pink sidewalks to landscape improvements to a riverwalk.

The grants came in, one after another. The city's creative financing -- bold certainly, controversial definitely, but never risky -- covered much of the rest. And what that left begging, individual donations filled in.

Through all this, through the trips to see waterfront development in Beaufort, S.C. and Bayside in Miami, through the charettes and the walking tours and the public meetings, it was Joan Jefferson's energy that powered this city's renewal.

Stuart has become a classic redevelopment model, studied by such organizations as the Congress for New Urbanism.

Yes, there were battles along the way. This is Martin County after all, where nothing gets done without a piercing shriek. Some people believe the Jeffersons left town for Highlands, N.C. because the ill will of some of the shriekers reached them in the end. But Joan says no, that's not it at all. They'd owned their mountain home for 25 years before they moved into it. "I would've stayed in Stuart forever," Joan told me in 2002. "But Peter had had enough of the Florida architecture thing. He wanted a change. Now he designs for mountain life and he's very into it." 

When the Jeffersons left town, a lot of life left with them. Their energy was boundless. Their Christmas parties, for instance, were second only to Willie Gary's. The Garys catered theirs -- but Joan spent days ahead preparing a vast spread of food for a cast of hundreds. She was famous for it. That's how so many remember her -- holding court at home, with the friends she made along the downtown redevelopment trail. A generous, intensely intelligent, talented person who drew people to her and enhanced the life of a whole city.

Some 25 years ago Editor Tom Weber and The Stuart News editorial board praised the City Commission and staff for choosing to name a street after Joan Jefferson. And not just any street, the gateway to downtown. 

So celebrated was Joan's Stuart legacy that Florida Secretary of State Jim Smith brought her to Tallahassee to head Florida Main Street, the state agency that oversees revitalizing downtowns.  

Joan and Peter returned to Martin County some nine years ago. Though Peter died soon thereafter, Joan remains in their Palm City home watching the vast changes taking place in downtown Stuart. 

I have long lamented what a seldom-tapped storehouse of Stuart history my friend Joan is. But, wait! That was before Treasure Coast Newspapers columnist Blake Fontenay interviewed her extensively for his just-released book, "Saving Stuart, Florida." Blake did his homework. Joan’s role in Stuart revitalization is well represented. The timing of the book is perfect for a transformational former mayor’s 86th birthday celebration. 

Nancy Smith is the retired executive editor of Sunshine State News and from 1977 to 2005 served in various roles from reporter to managing editor for The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News. She lives in downtown Stuart.

Nancy Smith’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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

By the time you read this, you will have already made your New Year’s Resolutions (perhaps broken a few) and are looking toward 2025 with anticipation and a new attitude. 

Once again, this past holiday season, I witnessed firsthand how generous this community is in helping others.   Corporations, small businesses, and individuals supported those less fortunate here in Martin County by donating their time, talent and treasures.  

One of the things that amazes me is the giving spirit in this community.  Just when I think I have seen it all, I meet new volunteers and donors and it provides me with a renewed sense of appreciation for our generous community members.  Between Christmas and New Year’s, I had the opportunity to take some much-needed time off to spend with my husband and kids.  It made me realize how fortunate I am to have my family and to live in this beautiful community we call our paradise.

However, I did have the opportunity to think about 2025 and what your local United Way will be trying to accomplish.  My hope is that we can come together as a community to create a future in which all Martin County residents have the opportunity and access to thrive.  Community leaders, government officials, businesses, nonprofits and philanthropists working together to make Martin County the best it can be.  Working on true collaboration with each other to address serious issues like workforce housing and mental health challenges.

Once again I encourage everyone to take a few hours to read a book entitled “Toxic Charity.” (If you need a copy, I have one you can borrow.)  I have read this book a few times and it helps to change the way non profits and others can think about assisting others which can lead to amazing results.  To do this, we all have to be on the same page.  Imagine a community where we work to give a hand up, not a handout.  We work toward lifting our ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) population so that they are no longer working and living paycheck to paycheck.  Martin County has the resources to make this happen for our community.  

It will take all of us to make bold moves, work with each other, and set aside individual interests to put our community first.  Perhaps I have had too much time to think and plan, but a new year is a perfect time to re-set and re-think what is to come.  I hope this is a New Year’s Resolution that we all can keep. 

As always, if you have questions or need more information about United Way of Martin County please feel free to reach out to me at work, 772-283-4800, via email, chdiez@unitedwaymartin.org or our website, www.unitedwaymartin.org.

Carol Houwaart-Diez’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

New Beginnings

I remember New Year’s Eve as a kid, trying desperately to stay awake to watch the ball drop at Times Square.  

As the ball began to descend the crowd would begin their countdown.  As the count approached zero, the excitement was palpable as people blew their cheap plastic horns and confetti began to flutter to the ground as the new year was ushered in.  In hindsight, I’m not really sure I understood the excitement.  

Even now I’m not sure I understand the excitement.  Maybe that’s because the idea of being awake at midnight seems more like torture than a reason to celebrate.  Maybe it’s because I’ve come to understand that flipping a calendar to a new year is more of a nuisance remembering to write the new year on documents than it is a new beginning.  

However, for some the new year sparks new beginnings.  People make their resolutions to eat better, join the gym, quit smoking and a myriad of other self-improvement pacts.  According to a Forbes Heath study 23% of people quit their resolutions after the first week, only 36% make it past the first month, and 90% don’t last the year.  

So much for new beginnings, the reality is changing habits is hard.  Beginning and maintaining a regular exercise routine or changing eating habits is a massive undertaking.  Kudos to the 77% that make it past the first week, the 64% who make it past the first month and the 10% that make it through the year.

A new year can serve as a time stamp to measure change but flipping a calendar doesn’t automatically flip some internal switch to elicit change or growth.  Lasting change seems to be most sustainable after we experience something powerful in our lives.  Major life changes or medical emergencies often spark more permanent lifestyle changes.  I do recommend seeing a doctor for a medical emergency. As a pastor, plug in a relationship with God as a life changing event and I’m all in.  

A life of faith can pull you into a community that supports you during difficult times.  It can give you a greater sense of peace.  It can give you a greater sense of purpose.  A life of faith won’t exempt you from the trials and tribulations of life, but it can change you.  

If you’ve started a new journey in 2025, I pray it is fruitful.  If it’s not, give yourself some grace.  Change is hard.  If you haven’t started a new journey in 2025, maybe you can look to begin or continue your faith journey.  Unlike that pack of Oreos, bag of chips or pack of Reese’s, Jesus will never lead you astray.  

Happy New Year.  Let’s make a difference in 2025.

Chad Fair's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

                                 Business Development Board Award Winners

Martin County Commissioner Stacey Hetherington and Kelly Johnson

- Tania Rogers and William Corbin

Award Winner Suzy Hutchenson and Helping People Succeed's Board & Employees

William T. Corbin's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Dwight D. Chenette's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Happy New Year from our team at Helping People Succeed!  The top of the year feels like a great time to share a story of joy, community, and connection.  I hope this inspires you to connect in the new year!

As you likely know by now or have read in my past couple of columns, I recently relocated to Martin County from Atlanta to become the new CEO of Helping People Succeed.  As part of my transition, I have been meeting and greeting many friends and supporters, old and new, of our amazing organization.  

As we were reviewing those who I should meet with, one name came up, Mr. Adams, to which my team member said, “Oh, you won’t be able to meet him because he lives in….”, and then she paused as she realized that the end of that sentence was “ATLANTA”.  She knew that I was planning to come back to Atlanta for the holidays, so we quickly realized that is was actually quite possible for me to meet Mr. Adams!

So, I gave him a call; I had never spoken to him before; we were unsure if he was aware that Suzy, our longtime CEO was retiring, and we weren’t sure where the call from a stranger would lead.  But to my luck, he answered his phone, and what followed was a most joyful phone call and an invitation to visit while I was back for the holidays.

The day after Christmas, I found myself in-route to Mr. Adams residence in Atlanta where we had the most joyful time connecting all the dots that brought us together.  As he said, “it’s really all coming together, isn’t it?”  See, Mr. Adams has been a longtime friend and supporter of Helping People Succeed, even though he has always lived in Atlanta.  

His niece had worked for our organization, and once a year, he would visit for a couple of weeks and he found himself intrigued with our organization, because as he says, “there’s really not another like it”. He was impressed with the model, and how the organization didn’t just offer one type of service; rather it existed to truly help people succeed, finding creative ways to serve the community and fill voids.  

He said he was so impressed by how the organization lived out its mission, how passionate those who worked here were, and how it was truly a one-of-a-kind organization.  And so, for decades, Mr. Adams became an ardent supporter, all the way from Atlanta.

I find it more than coincidental that now, here I am, all the way from Atlanta, charged with and committed to leading the organization into its next chapter after 60 years of service.  As Mr. Adams and I spoke, we learned that not only did we have this fateful connection, but I also had been the principal of the elementary school where his own children attended, and I was the principal of some of his nieces and nephews!  And it doesn’t stop there; we then learned that his niece and my daughter attend the same college, Elon University in North Carolina, and they are set to meet when they return to school this semester!

I cannot help but replay Mr. Adams words in my head “it’s really all coming together, isn’t it?”  Because that’s what this work and this life is all about; people coming together near and far to connect, build community, and support one another.  I find that this is what Helping People Succeed is all about as well. 

We are connectors, we are community builders, and we are support to anyone who needs it.  I find it fitting that during this holiday season, I found my way to a most amazing person who I lived near in Atlanta for 20 years, but it took my move to Florida to connect.  Life is funny like that; so, let’s stay open to connection, to community, and to service as you never know where it may lead you!

Kara Stimpson's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Recycle Right! The Secrets to Effective Recycling in Martin County

There is always more to learn and more to do to Keep Martin Beautiful! So, I was really excited to attend the annual Keep Florida Beautiful Conference this fall to find out what other affiliates across the state are doing and hear about best practices to make our own efforts even more effective in Martin County.

One hot topic was “contamination” – the problem that’s caused when recycling is done wrong.
Each county in Florida has its own recycling procedures based on the recycling companies they contract with. What’s considered a good candidate for recycling can vary from county to county. Is a pizza box okay to put into the recycling bin? Is an old book? It depends.

What’s absolutely certain is that putting an item into the recycling bin that doesn’t belong there contaminates the items around it - and that’s bad! Instead of doing one’s part to save items from winding up at the landfill, someone who recycles improperly actually increases the amount of waste heading for the local landfill.

Here are some tips to be a thoughtful and effective recycler in Martin County.. 

Martin County contracts with Waste Management for its curbside recycling program. A comprehensive list of what can be recycled curbside is on Martin County’s website here: Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste | Martin County Florida. 

It’s a long list and includes plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard and paper, including magazines, catalogs and paperback books.

The website also lists items that should NOT be included in your weekly recycling. Things like clothing, paper towels, plastic bags, waxed cardboard, Styrofoam, and food-contaminated containers.

So, that greasy pizza box with some cheese stuck on it? NOT RECYCLABLE.  An old hardcover book? No.  A paperback novel? Yes! 

And absolutely no hazardous waste materials whatsoever should be put in your recycling bin ever. Things like aerosol cans, batteries, paint cans and light bulbs are all considered household hazardous waste.

In Martin County, we’re fortunate that those hazardous waste materials have a safe place to go. You can dispose of them at the county’s Hazardous Waste Disposal Center in Palm City or at the HazMobile at one of the locations listed on the county’s website. And it’s free!  

There are also locations within our community, including Publix, Target and Best Buy, where items like plastic bags, electronics and Styrofoam are collected. 

Let’s start off the New Year right and be better recyclers. It’s just one of many ways you can do your part to help keep Martin County beautiful!

Reilly Weidner's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Chriss David’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Rishi P. Singh's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Is Small Businesses Falling Behind in Technology

Early Indicators
Small Business is falling behind. To be competitive, efficient, and offer good customer satisfaction you have to keep up and it’s sad to say many small businesses struggle to stay current. Recognizing the warning signs that your small business might be falling behind in technology is crucial for taking corrective action. Here are key indicators to watch for:

1. Outdated Hardware and Software
One of the most visible signs of lagging technology is the use of outdated hardware and software. If your computers, servers, or other devices are more than 4 years old, they won’t support the latest applications and could be prone to frequent problems. Similarly, using software that no longer receives updates, or support can expose your business to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities.

2. Slow or Unreliable Internet Connection
High-speed, RELIABLE, internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity for operations. Don’t even question this, get the right speed and look at failover services. Think of who uses the internet in your business, multiply that by down time then multiply that by what you pay your staff. That is the tip of the iceberg in losses in today’s connected world. 

3. Lack of Cybersecurity Measures                      With the prevalence of cyber threats, robust cybersecurity measures are vital for protecting business data. If your business lacks firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, or a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, you are at a high risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. Get expert advice on how to protect the business, you can’t do this on your own anymore, it’s just too complicated.

4. Inefficient Business Processes
Technology should streamline and enhance business processes. If your operations involve manual data entry, paper-based systems, or redundant tasks, you are missing out on the efficiencies that modern technology can provide. Implementing tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, project management software, and automated workflows can significantly improve productivity and accuracy.

5. Poor Online Presence
A strong online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. If your website is outdated, not mobile-friendly, or difficult to navigate, potential customers will turn to competitors with more polished online interfaces. Additionally, a lack of engagement on social media platforms or poor online reviews can indicate that your business is not effectively leveraging digital marketing strategies.

6. Customer Complaints and Feedback
Pay attention to customer feedback regarding your technology. Frequent complaints about slow service, inadequate online support, or difficulties with your website or app are a red flag. Customers expect businesses to utilize technology that enhances their experience, and failing to meet these expectations can result in lost business and reputational damage.

7. Resistance to Change
This, is in my opinion, is the biggest reason Small Business falls behind in their technology. A resistance to what we don’t know. If you or your employees are reluctant to adopt new tools or processes, I can guarantee you are in a business that is being left behind. Encouraging yourself and a culture of innovation and improvement is key to staying competitive.
Do any of these warning signs ring a bell? If they do, then take the first step to make the business better. If you work where you see any of these things, drop a hint and show them this article. You are not alone in this and the sooner it gets worked on the better for all. By investing in modern technology, staying informed, and fostering a forward-thinking culture, small businesses can maintain their competitive edge and ensure long-term success.

Eric Kiehn’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

By John Grant 

President of Seniors Across America

Give Struggling Seniors a Better View of the Future

Legendary star of the silver screen Ingrid Berman once said, “Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better.”

That may still be true for some; however, today the sky-high cost of groceries, insurance premiums, healthcare, and rent are making the view of the future not so bright for a growing number of seniors. That’s especially true in Florida.

Seniors make up 22% of Florida’s population, that’s about 4.5 million over the age of 65. In just seven years that number is projected to increase more than 10 percentage points. And while Florida remains the No. 1 retirement destination, change is on the horizon.

According to a new study, the price of rent has more than 35% of Florida seniors “feeling pressured” to move, which is nearly three times the national rate. 

Another source of financial strain for seniors on a fixed income is homeowners’ insurance premiums which went up 20% between 2021 and 2023. That rate is unsustainable for most folks and especially for retirees on a budget.

The average annual retirement income is a little more than $31,000. Of the Florida retirees who own or finance a home, 34% of their average income is spent on homeowners’ insurance. That same expense takes up just 8% of seniors’ income across the nation. 

We all know the privilege of dying old is denied to many. But America’s elderly should be able to retire with dignity and that’s not the case with more than 17 million seniors living at or below poverty level, leading to homelessness.

Florida seniors are struggling and thankfully our state offers programs to help lower prescription drug costs, utility bills, and home healthcare for our older population. Counties across the state have started approving and building more affordable housing for seniors, which is encouraging. But clearly more needs to be done, now. 

State and national lawmakers must do better. Society must do better too because caring for our seniors is one of our greatest responsibilities as a nation and should be one of our highest honors.

While we wait to see how state lawmakers will help seniors in the legislative session next spring, we as individuals can do something now, especially during this season of giving. 

If you can afford to help a senior, please do. If you don’t have the funds, drop off a meal to an elderly neighbor or just lend them an ear and spend some time talking with them. These small gestures are priceless to someone who is lonely and isolated.

Never forget the timeless saying that still rings true today. “Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”

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

Festival of Giving Celebrates First Year at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

Adult Pajama Party wrapping up Festival of Giving on November 22, 2024 ​From Left to Right Pete Sicoli, Brookelle Ngo, Presenting Sponsor Steve Ngo, Tracey MacLeod, Mike MacLeod, Kevin Staten, Gina Staten, Brooke Heffner, Laurie Laramie, Sean Heffner 
(Photo credit MaryAnn Ketcham)

This year, The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast proudly hosted the Festival of Giving, bringing the beloved event home after 16 successful years with Tykes and Teens under the name Festival of Trees and Lights. At its new location, the Festival embraced a refreshed mission and direction, championed by the vision of Executive Director Tammy Calabria.

Adult Pajama Party wrapping up Festival of Giving on November 22, 2024 
From Left to Right Alyssa Neely, Lourdes D'aragona, Nicole Vaughn, Alexys Rivera, Rihanna Vaughn, Adult PJ Party Sponsor Christine Rigg, Dyanne Davis
(Photo Credit MaryAnn Ketcham)

Many small but impactful nonprofits in our community often lack a physical platform to share their mission. The Festival of Giving was created to spotlight and support these organizations while simultaneously raising funds and awareness for the Museum’s numerous programs. Through this event, the Museum reaffirms its mission to provide all children, regardless of abilities, the opportunity to experience the joy of imagination and play alongside their families and caregivers while also enhancing their educational experiences both in the classroom and at the museum. 

Photo 3 A Breakfast Story - Chamber Networking Breakfast on November 18, 2024
from Left to Right Scott Proctor, Sue Whittington, Carrie Proctor
(Photo Credit Sue Whittington)

The Festival invited local nonprofits with missions centered on children, families, and education from the five counties the Museum serves: Okeechobee, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach, to participate.  43 nonprofits, including the museum, participated in 2024.  

Participants, including local businesses, community members, and nonprofits, decorated and donated 72 stunning trees, wreaths, and centerpieces, many paired with additional gifts valued at hundreds or thousands of dollars. The event was an unprecedented success in its inaugural year at the Museum, raising over $57,000, with just over $22,000 distributed among 43 participating nonprofits.

Photo 4 Adult Pajama Party wrapping up Festival of Giving on November 22, 2024
from Left to Right Kenya Reinhardt, Angela Kacprowicz
(Photo Credit Angela Kacprowicz)

Each nonprofit received funds based on the proceeds generated by their donated items, offering vital support to smaller organizations that often lack substantial grants or government funding. Beyond financial aid, the Festival created opportunities for awareness, connection and collaboration among nonprofits and attendees. Jenny Fee, Community Outreach Representative for Treasure Coast Hospice, described the event as "a thoughtfully strategic collaboration of tender & generous hearts." She highlighted the meaningful connections made, including how one nonprofit’s mission, Team Miranda Strong, directly impacted a Treasure Coast Hospice staff member whose child is battling asthma.

The Festival of Giving united the community and amplified the voices of many nonprofits, setting the stage for years to come.  Guests attending the Festival often commented on how many incredible nonprofits they were unaware of in our community.  They were not only overjoyed by the beauty of the Festival but by the impact one event was having on so many.

In addition to a week of guests having the magical opportunity to enjoy the Festival, the museum kicked off the week with a Council of Chambers Networking Breakfast, hosted a Let's Hear It event in partnership with WPTV, enjoyed a visit with T.A. Walker for his segment Shine a Light on WPTV, family night and wrapped up the week with an adult cocktail party with the recommended attire of holiday pajamas!

Chamber Networking Breakfast on November 18, 2024
From Left to Right Krystel Kaminski, Brianna Apostolopoulos
(Photo Credit Hope in Gray) 

The success of this year’s event was made possible by generous sponsors, including presenting sponsors Gina Staten, The Ngo Group, and Illustrated Properties; breakfast sponsor Colorado Pawn & Jewelry; family night sponsor Florida Blue and cocktail party sponsor Elder Home Care Services.  The event was further supported by numerous businesses and individuals with huge hearts.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Festival of Giving will run from Wednesday, November 12, to Saturday, November 22, with extended dates and hours to accommodate more visitors and performances by local groups. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.

For sponsorship opportunities or to donate a tree, wreath, or centerpiece to benefit a nonprofit of your choice for the 2025 Festival, please contact Event Coordinator Christina McIntosh at 772-225-7575 ext. 205 or christina@childrensmuseumtc.org. Planning for 2025 has already begun!

The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie Spearheads Disaster Relief 

As we look forward to the new year, for most of us the ravages of Hurricane Milton are solidly in our rear view mirror.   Yet for many, the devastation of the hurricane and its tornadoes remains a daily fact of life.  The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie, through its Disaster Relief Fund, was there before the crisis and continues to help Treasure Coast residents meet their basic needs and repair residences damaged by the storm.

The Community Foundation established its Disaster Relief Fund to proactively address urgent community needs during times of crisis.  Supported by our Fundholders and donors who understand the importance of preparedness, this Fund enabled The Foundation to help residents prepare prior to the hurricane, and act swiftly in its aftermath.  

Several area nonprofits were provided with emergency kits to distribute to at-risk families prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall.  Key “boots on the ground” organizations were vetted and pre-approved for immediate grants to facilitate a quick response to those most affected by the storm.  

Immediately following the hurricane, The Foundation issued grants to local nonprofits that were assisting with emergency housing, structure repairs and food distribution.  We also partnered with community leaders to assess ongoing needs and allocate resources strategically.  That work is still ongoing, as we continue to find living solutions for many who lost their homes.   

As the recovery process continues, one thing remains clear:  The strength of a community lies in its ability to come together, prepared and united, to weather any storm.  The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie is committed to continuing its work in disaster readiness and resilience.  We are here for our community, and we are here for Good.

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.   To learn more, visit www.tcfmsl.org or call Elizabeth A. Barbella, President & CEO, at 772-288-3795.
Photo Caption:  The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie is partnering with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity of Martin County to repair residences damaged by Hurricane Milton. 

By Keith Muniz/President & CEO of ARC of the Treasure Coast

ARC of the Treasure Coast Needs Help to Transform the Lives of Some Special People

When the state approved a $1M dollar grant to fund the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Center in Port State Lucie, the ARC of the Treasure Coast team was ecstatic. This is a project that will benefit hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The TIP Center will be an innovative resource, offering tailored therapies, unique student training opportunities, and a safe, inclusive space for personal and professional development. Designed to improve quality of life, the center will focus on building essential skills for independent living, work, and education, unlike any other in St Lucie County. 
 
The state funding and another $ 625,000 in charitable contributions were needed to get the project started. However, another $975,000 is required to secure the facility and complete the mission. And time is of the essence. Closing on the property is currently planned for January 2025, but more funds are needed before that can happen. 

ARC of the Treasure Coast is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers more than 950 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities along the Treasure Coast. We provide comprehensive services, including residential, vocational, and educational programs, behavioral and healthcare support, life skills training, after-school services, and specialized programs. 

We offer these vital services to Northern Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties. With a team of 240+ trained professionals, ARC of the Treasure Coast ensures individuals with disabilities can live, work, and thrive in their communities.  

All that we do is not possible without the generosity of others, and we are so grateful for the support of our neighbors all year long. 

If you would like to give to this worthy effort, please reach out to me at kmuniz@arctreasurecoast.org. 

This center promises to transform and enrich the lives of all those who participate in, manage and donate to the project. 

On behalf of everyone at the ARC of the Treasure Coast, we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!  

Celebrate the Gift of Health at the VIM Gala 2025 ‘Old Havana Nights’

Stuart, Florida, December 5, 2024 – Mark your calendars! Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic announced that its VIM Gala 2025, themed "Old Havana Nights," will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the prestigious Willoughby Golf Club, starting at 6:00 PM.

This vibrant event will celebrate the Clinic’s legacy of providing free, compassionate health care to uninsured, eligible residents of Martin County since 1995. Bill and Carolyn Michaud will serve as chairs, as guests enjoy an evening of fun and surprises, fine dining, and live music by the Euphoria Band.

For over 29 years, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has made a difference in our community, providing more than 9,500 patient visits and delivering over $9.9 million in medical care last year alone. Every donation and sponsorship raised through the gala directly funds essential services, including doctor visits, diagnostic care, medications, and referrals to specialists.

"This event honors the years of impact and the incredible support of our volunteers, donors, and partners. Thanks to their generosity, we can continue to give the gift of health," shared Mary Fields, VIM Clinic’s Executive Director.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. To purchase, please email gala@vimclinic.net or call Mia Cruz at 772-463-4128, ext. 211. You may also visit their website at vimclinic.net/gala.

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic Gala Committee –
Pictured: Mia Cruz, Vickie Dodds, Judi Powell, Jordan Bromberg, Katie Makemson, Mary Fields
Not Pictured: Anne Cooling, Linda Evans

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic Gala Chairs – 
Pictured: Bill and Carolyn Michaud

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.

Caregivers Caring for Dementia Patients Get Help from
 Council on Aging Martin County

STUART, FL - Caregivers of dementia patients face physical, mental, emotional and often financial challenges to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable. The Council on Aging Martin County now offers a program, called GUIDE, that helps the caregiver as well as the patient and even provides funding for respite care.

“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,” said Council on Aging Martin President and CEO Karen Ripper. “Our GUIDE program enables us to bring our community even more ways of caring for loved ones with dementia and supporting their caregivers.”

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 education, coordination with the patient’s primary care provider and specialists, 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.

Kelley Pekarsky, DNP, APRN, is the Clinical Navigator to help community members learn about the new GUIDE program at the Council on Aging Martin. The program assists individuals coping with dementia and their caregivers. More information is available from the Council on Aging Martin at www.coamartin.org and at 772-223-7800.  

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 the Day Club on the Council on Aging’s Kane Center campus. These funds, and the GUIDE program, are available to Medicare patients throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Northern Palm Beach but are not available to patients enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or hospice.

Those enrolled in the program also have access to a 24/7 hot line. “Having someone always available to listen can be very meaningful to a caregiver,” said Kelley Pekarsky, Nurse Practitioner at the Council on Aging Martin County’s Day Primary Care Center and the program’s Clinical Navigator. “Thanks to the GUIDE program, there is always somewhere to turn, and someone who can give support and knowledgeable advice.”

For more information about the program, call 561-320-7451, call the Council on Aging Martin County at 772-223-7800, or visit the website www.coamartin.org.

About the Council on Aging Martin County
The Council on Aging Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs. 
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. The Council on Aging Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org

House of Hope’s Cirque du Soirée Gala Goes Electric for 2025 

STUART, Fla. – House of Hope’s glamorous gala, Cirque du Soirée, presented by Pedersen Family Foundation, is going electric this year! With a reputation for surprising and delighting its guests, the 3rd Annual Cirque du Soirée is promising an unforgettable evening with an exciting atmosphere, fantastic entertainment, exquisite food, and an opportunity to change the lives of people in need in Martin County.

This annual event takes place on February 1, 2025, at Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. The gala is a celebration of the generous community of support that has enabled House of Hope for over 40 years to empower area residents to overcome hunger and hardship. 

“The gala has earned the reputation of being a terrific evening of fun and fellowship,” House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri said. “At the same time, it has a very serious purpose – to remind us that helping others is a continuing challenge and it requires high energy and commitment from all of us every day.” 

Soul Survivors Band is returning to the event this year to provide the lively soundtrack to a great evening of dancing and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a full gourmet dinner, open bar, and lots of unexpected experiences to make the evening memorable.

House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri, center, is joined by members of the Pedersen Family Foundation, the Presenting Sponsor for Cirque du Soirée 2024: Cory Pfister, Timothy Pfister, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Kenny Gould, and Jack Waldroup.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit House of Hope’s Project HOPE (Helping Others Progress through Empowerment). Through Project Hope, individuals and families can receive food, access the clothes closet, meet with case managers to locate needed resources, obtain financial or housing assistance, and chart a better future with workforce development and self-improvement programming. Project HOPE strengthens families, prevents homelessness, equips students to learn and grow, improves health, encourages employment, and changes lives for the better.  

Tickets sell out fast. They’re available now at hohmartin.org/soiree. Sponsors of Cirque du Soirée are assured of prime seating at the event, recognition in event-related communications, and the satisfaction of helping House of Hope care for individuals and families throughout the community. Sponsorship opportunities at varying levels are available at  hohmartin.org/soiree.

 To learn more about House of Hope or make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673.

About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 26,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.  

The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being. 

House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The Guardians of Martin County have often been vilified as a bunch of Jupiter Island do gooder conservationists. Sometimes this has been true but not when it comes to a workshop conducted under their auspices about Martin County by 1000 Friends of Florida titled a “Western Lands Study.”

To be honest I was underwhelmed by what really was a presentation rather than a traditional workshop. It was held on December 11th at the Morgade Library. In my mind and I know in others that were there, a study means looking at what properties are undeveloped and what to do with them if anything. This was not that.

I was a little disappointed that something like that did not occur. Instead, it went over some very familiar ground. Urban Service Districts, land conservation easements, and densities were the main gist.

The presenters talked about the importance of the comprehensive plan and how every community needs “meaningful predictable planning standards for the development and use of the land.” On the slide shown below, I don’t believe there was one thing that I and I dare say many people would disagree with.

Tell me what anyone from Sarah Heard to any “build baby build” developer could disagree with in that slide.

In another slide, 1000 Friends stated that Florida’s population is expected to increase by 12 million residents by 2070. Martin County is projected to grow to 220,000 by 2040 from 162,000 today. Using Florida standards, that is puny growth. It is still 60,000 more people. 

“The way that Martin County absorbs additional residents and utilizes effective land use planning strategies will determine the health of its environment, the quality of life of its residents and ultimately the strength of its economy.” Who among us would disagree with that statement.

Their conservation scenario has us not going outside the USB at all through 2040.

In a conventional 5-acre tract, we are currently at 3.09 people per acre. For us to accommodate future growth and stay put, we need to accommodate 4.01 people per acre. That means we are speaking about building duplexes, accessible dwelling units, and multi-family development all within the USB. That is what preserves our agriculture, wildlife corridors, and sensitive lands in Western Martin County.   

They are also promoting something called conservation subdivisions.

This slide looks to me like the original Rural Lifestyle plan. Only it doesn’t always have to be for the rich. Why wouldn’t it work in middle class development also?

1000 Friends writes that how we develop our urban areas determines how much of our rural western lands we can preserve. The Boss Collins idea of building only single-family homes in Stuart and in other urban areas will result in us becoming St. Lucie County with thousands of tract homes indistinguishable from each other except by their silly development names such as Swamp Lands on the Creek or Lakeside in View. Is this what we want for our western lands?

We will raise more revenue by using density in our urban cores as illustrated by their chart:

1000 Friends is not a member of the development community. They aren’t builders’ and realtors’ lobbyists. Yet they have come to some conclusions that make perfect sense. 

Our population is growing. Martin County cannot wall itself off from the rest of the world as if it is its own nation. But we can develop using smart techniques that are universally accepted. We all need to come to the realization that saying no is not smart planning. Our governments need to accept density within the municipalities and CRAs so that our rural lands can remain. 

It took me a little while to understand that it isn’t an accounting of land but rather the idea of developing land through comprehensive planning that matters for the western lands. Thank you to both the Guardians and 1000 Friends for the lesson.

You can see the slide show here 

In his social media, Boss Collins has suggested that I portray him as like Vito Corleone, a character from “The Godfather.” But he isn’t the fictional Vito, and Vito wouldn’t have called the cops on a guy driving down the block. I would just say that Collins has an inflated ego and perhaps believes his own social media posts about himself. 

I remember seeing the movie, “The Godfather” for the first time. I waited online with my fiancée for a 10 pm show at a long-ago-closed single screen movie house on the Upper Eastside. It was a magnificent movie and a very sanitized version of what that life was.

A mafiosi’s power always was because he was willing to use violence and death to keep people in line. It isn’t a secret that most of us are restrained by our inner voice telling us what is right and wrong. We have limits as to how far we are willing to go in pursuit of our goal.

Though the whole thing about honor and protection of the weak in that world sounds good, that was never why a godfather existed. They inhabited a world where they would do anything to make a buck including extorting the weak. One of their biggest rackets was making everyone in their territory kick up money to the godfather. That included little shopkeepers, business owners and the poor…or their livelihoods, or perhaps even their live could go away. 

I don’t believe that Boss Collins is a godfather by any stretch of the imagination, and he knows he isn’t either. Any power he derives is because he was elected by 57 votes. To understand how few people decided that race, there is an automatic recount if you come within ½ of a percent of your opponent of the total votes cast. There was no recount.

I have also been told some of his posts refer to his “political” trials like those of Jesus. That is a really inflated view of yourself.

Boss Collins is just a little man who we see in all his insecurities acting as if he is so important. The power he has exhibited is the ability to wreak havoc on the livelihood of local businesspeople, contractors, and working people. If he was the godfather, he would be taking his piece off the top to keep them in business and not try to bankrupt them with his ZIP.

And comparing yourself to the Lord and his trials shows that Collins is either possessed or mad. In my writing, I use the term Boss as a pejorative, Collins may think it shows his virility. My portrayal is of someone pathetic not powerful. Boss Collins is not even the proverbial big fish in a small pond. He is the result of voter apathy. 

A story I have been following shows how much influence Boss Collins has in the City of Stuart.

That was demonstrated by the number of police, both uniformed officers and detectives, who responded to a recent incident that was instigated by the Boss. I wrote previously about it (you can read the story here  The video, audio, and police report are now a public record which I obtained and make available to you below.

It shows a paranoid Collins who is standing in the middle of the road waiving down Douette Pryce at least a half a block from his residence. The Boss in a T-shirt and shoeless claimed that Pyrce was taking photos of him and his children. No such photos were found on Pryce’s phone.

Pryce was driving in the neighborhood to take photos of duplexes which Collins is busy trying to make illegal in the future. For those that don’t know, Pryce is a retired U.S. Army veteran who makes his living buying, selling, and developing small infill projects throughout South Florida. He currently lives in Sewall’s Point with his wife and children. Pryce immigrated to the U.S. and is Black.

Collins summoned a police response after provoking this incident not by calling 911 but by dialing the police chief directly. Chief Tumminelli asked if Collins wanted the police to respond and he said yes. And they did respond. I counted 5 uniformed officers, one detective, and the chief in the videos. 

This could have had a bad outcome. Two things saved it from becoming a much more serious incident. The professionalism of the police responders and the calmness of Douette Pryce. 

In the “stand your ground State of Florida,” what would have happened if Pryce had perceived Collins waiving him down in the middle of the street as a threat and shot him. Remember Collins didn’t see Pryce on his property but rather the Boss flagged down Pryce’s car in an intersection at least a half a block from Collins’ home. 

At the same time if the officers thought that Pryce was a threat, it could have been Pryce who was shot. Professionalism was evident from the main responder, Officer Cory Lee, right up to the chief when he was on the scene. Boss Collins is plunging the city into chaos with his behavior.

Collins to me seems to be a good candidate to live in a gated community. That would probably mean he couldn’t keep his yard the way it currently is, just look at the tapes. He would be much closer to not having a Black guy like Pryce drive down his block…the kind of successful man that faithfully served his adopted nation, is respected by his peers, and quite frankly seems to be very successful in his second career.

Boss Collins thinks very highly of himself. There are rumors he wants to run for county commission in two years. He wants to make sure the entire county can experience his particular style of government. You know…chaos, confusion, and favoritism. That favoritism for FOBC (Friends Of Boss Collins) which includes a half million dollar state grant that was hijacked from the decade long planned Guy Davis improvements. 

You can see the police report and tapes here 

Dave Kurzman has been on the commission for several years. He has been vice-mayor but never mayor…until now. In fairness to his former and present colleagues, it isn’t that they would not have selected him. He has always passed on the opportunity. 

Commissioner Mayfield expressed interest in serving as vice-mayor and then mayor the following year. It did not seem that her fellow commissioners were eager to grant her request. Commissioner Tidikis made a motion to elect Kurzman mayor and Commissioner Barile vice-mayor. It was seconded by Kurzman. The vote was 5-0

Even though a veteran of the dais, Dave was off to a rough start presiding over the meeting. It will take a meeting or two to find his bearings. Congrats Dave!

It appears to me that the new commission will have many 3-2 votes especially with sewer and water issues. Mayfield and Fender will be on one side and Tidikis and Barile on the other. Kurzman will become the swing vote in many instances.   

Martin County Utilities gave a presentation about connecting to their sewer system. 

This is considered Phase 1, and there are 160 homes ready for hookup. It is a grinder system. The utility will close the septic system, install an underground basin and then a grinder style pump which will allow the waste to be small enough to be pumped to the lateral mains in the street. There will be a slight increase of $3 or $4 per month on residents’ electric bills for the use of the grinder.

If a resident converts in the first year, it will cost $7,000. After the year, it will cost $10,000. The utility won’t make a homeowner convert unless his septic no longer works. At that point, the homeowner has no choice. The Health Department will not issue a permit to repair or replace a septic if there is a system available. The typical fee would be $50 per month.

You can see the presentation here with the letter that went out to the homeowners here 

Stringers Becomes The Catch

At the October 22nd meeting, the owners of Stringers wanted to take the rear portion of the restaurant and make a package liquor store. They also wanted to change the name of the restaurant from Stringers to The Catch and have a less expensive menu. The commission was critical of the package store.

The restaurant is too big. It probably could seat the entire town in two seatings. Currently drop by past 8 in the evening and you may have the entire place to yourself. I always found the food good, and I would hardly call it upscale dining. But it was too upscale according to ownership, so it will now have cheaper and more fun family type menu items.

The commission was afraid that the package store would bring the wrong element to Sewall’s Point. The last time around, they kept mentioning trying to prohibit liquor sold in little bottles as if alcoholics from the Treasure Coast would be descending on the town to get their nips. They wanted to have the place open as a breakfast spot, as if they knew the business better than the restaurant owners did.

After discussion that night, the commission approved the store. Luckily, they did not have a say over the menu, or they no doubt would be offering their advice on those choices including menu price. Tidikis motioned to move forward with no drive through-window and no set hours. It cannot be sold to another entity without coming back to the commission.  The vote was 5-0.  

Josh Kellam of the Garcia Group gave the council an update regarding Terra Lago.

When completed, it will have 2500 homes consisting of single family, townhouses, and apartments. There will also be 50,000 square feet of commercial space, plus an assisted living facility. The first residents will be moving in June or July of 2025. 

Currently, Meritage and Ryan are the builders on the job. Home prices are starting in the low $300,000. They will range to the high $300,000s depending on size and amenities. The homes can be anywhere from 1500 to 2400 square feet.  The town houses will be in the $200,000s. That would be a very affordable project.

Kellam also mentioned that the Garcia Group had a meeting at Indianwood to address the complaints regarding dust blowing from the construction site. There were no residents at this meeting making any complaints. It was a problem that apparently is now under control.

When completed, the new homes will be responsible for a substantial diversification of the village’s tax base. The development as presently planned will probably double the population. Interestingly, while Stuart has decided to hide in plain sight, Indiantown seems to be the future of this county and Stuart the past. 

The council also approved a contract with “Deggeller Attractions” to have a festival at Timer Powers Park on January 25th. There will be free parking and admission according to Manager Kryzda. Food, drinks, and rides are not free.

Deggeller provided the rides at the Martin County Fair forever, but they were unable to reach an agreement with the Fair Board to continue. I understand that Deggeller is now fully automated for tickets and paying for the rides. The Fair Board balked at that way of doing business.  

Indiantown is calling itself a festival and not a fair. If they add an agricultural component, it is a distinction without a difference. Last year, the Fair was a disappointment to many. It was held together by the 4-H kids and their work. Life abhors a vacuum. The Indiantown festival may just be a result of that.

There are still some kinks to work out with insurance between the county and village. I am sure that this will be done.

After consideration by the council, the new meeting time will be 6:00 pm.

.

Tom’s Articles

From Medium

"The Miracle of Vaccines"

Here

"Drain The Swamp Is So 2016"

Here

From Martin County Moments

"Certainly No Vito"

Here

Other Articles

News Service Of Florida: "Bill Cotterell: Curtailing Sex Ed Is A Big Mistake"

Here

Delish.Com: "Grocery Prices State by State"

Here

The Wall street Journal: "Hold On, Elon amd Vivek:Firing Federal Bureacrats Isn't the Solution"

Here

The Wall Street Journal: "in a Test of Adult Know How, America Comes Up Short"

Here

Bloomberg: "The Revival of Notre-Dame Cathedral Is A Showpiece of Medievel Carpentry" 

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The Wall Street Journal: "JetBlue's Turnaround Plan: First Class Seats and Fewer Routes"

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The Wall Street Journal: "Travelers Going to Europe Next YearWill Have to Register Online First"

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The Department of Data: "What’s America’s largest ethnic group, and why did we get it wrong for so long?"

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The Wall Street Journal: "The Fall of Florida's Zombie Unions'"

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The Wall Street Journal: "What the Science Actually Says AboutFluoride in Drinking Water"

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