March 2, 2025

When I first started Friends & Neighbors, I would go to my office on a Saturday morning and have it written and sent to mostly my constituents by about noon.

Those days are now over. I am putting this edition to bed on Saturday morning before it is to go out on Sunday. I have already started writing for the next one. 

Covering Stuart has become a full-time job since the change in commissions last August. If it isn’t one thing it’s another that they are trying to change. I imagine the budget is next on the Collins hit list. How many people will lose their jobs, I couldn’t tell you. But I will tell you the savings to any one taxpayer will be negligible. That is the Florida system.

Speaking of Stuart, so much has happened in the past few weeks that there is an abundance of coverage. We also have Martin County, Sewall’s Point, the School Board and Jupiter Island. 

David Hafner, Andy Noble, Pastor Chad, and many more have their columns this week. We have some unusual letters that you should read. And don’t forget our nonprofit section. If you know of one that is not sending us their releases and other announcements you should make sure they do. We want to publish as much about that world as possible.

Your friends and neighbors should be receiving their very own copy on Sunday’s. And if you want to become a contributor, drop me a line. 

Have a great Sunday Morning!

It is now more than 20 years since I first moved to Stuart full time. Somethings have changed but not a great deal. 

If asked I always say I am a native New Yorker. And that is true I was born there, and I still love it though more out of nostalgia than probably actuality. My father was born there but his mother was born in Pittston, PA while her siblings were born there and in Italy My grandfather came from Italy. 

My mother was born in Deland on a dairy farm. Her father was born somewhere in the Everglades as his father was. My maternal grandmother was born in Wisconsin and came to Florida in a wagon at the beginning of the last century. Her mother and father were originally from Gloversville, NY.

Can I say I am of Cracker stock? My granddad worked on the dyke as did his friend Jumper, who grandad was always talking about. It was only in the last few years I realized Jumper must have been Seminole. That makes sense too. 

My mother’s family were the Olde Florida people. There was no a/c in their home though I remember a large hearth. There was a box fan when we came to visit. They had a small farm in Hollywood in the 1950s. 

My grandfather was not very fond of my dad. Papist was the word he used. He was just as prejudiced against Black folk. I once drank out of a water fountain with a sign with the word colored over it. I got a smack to the back of my head for that one. By then they had moved to Lake City, which was the rural South then. In the early 1960s Florida was still segregated. 

More of Kanner Highway is now developed. I never knew Stuart in the bad old days of the 1970s or 1980s. My wife did because her family moved here in 1971. She only spent a few summers here since she was in college.  

I grew up with many immigrants for neighbors and family members. My working life was the same. I would often come home at night and realize that I had never spoken to anyone that was native born.

Then what does it mean to be a New Yorker, Floridian, Pennsylvanian, Wisconsinite, or for that matter a Connecticuter. Do you automatically become one when you move there or does a certain amount of time have to go by? 

When did my grandfather become an American instead of an Italian. If you asked him where he was from, he would say he was Calabrian. My grandmother, whose family was from the same village, would also call herself that. My father would say he was an Italian though he was born in New York City.

Your geographic placement is a matter of degree. After all this time I can say I am a Floridian. Some people will accept it while others will not. My grandfather became a U.S. citizen I believe in the 1920s. Is that when he became an American?  

It doesn’t really matter. One thing is for certain you become a Floridian, New Yorker or an American when you begin saying that you are. And it doesn’t matter what others think. 

Boss Collins, Sean Reed, and Laura Giobbi are “woke.” 

You ask how I can possibly say that. It is because the policies they have enacted for Stuart are right out of the bluest of the blue states’ playbook. With their new code they have copied the approach that cities in states like California and Connecticut have used for decades.

Here is what I mean. The Dems in those states say they want integration of both people of color and class in their communities. Their zoning codes have made it impossible for that to occur. Stuart has now joined some un-Republican towns and cities of the Northeast and Pacific West in furtherance of racist zoning practices.

The biggest factor in keeping people from living in communities is exclusive single-family zoning. The Boss and minions have certainly bought into that mind set. Laura Giobbi happens to live in a condo, not a house. A condo that was built taking advantage of constructing the most units possible…30 to the acre which will no longer be allowable under the Collins “Blue Code.” It will go into effect after the February 24th meeting.

Zoning came into its own in the early 20th century to make communities much more segregated. Blacks, immigrants, poor, and old are much less able to afford single family homes than Whites. No need to tell minorities they can’t live in the neighborhood…just make sure the neighborhood is unaffordable for them. 

That way racists in Blue America and Stuart can live with the fiction that they aren’t racist. In making entire swaths of the city off limit to anything but single-family homes, you are not keeping housing affordable. You are actually creating an artificial shortage and making homes less so. 

Racism runs through the new code. It is inconceivable to me that Boss Collins in his protection of the “people” of East Stuart is taking away their rights to have duplexes, triplexes, mix use, or commercial in the neighborhood. That is a right the code has afforded East Stuart for years. He had the audacity to say more than once that since that development hasn’t happened, it never will.

He has taken to re-writing history claiming streets in East Stuart were always single-family. Collins is wrong. It was quite common to have rooming houses, duplexes, and stores with apartments on the upper floors of buildings. Taking away that right from people makes sure the development of the area’s close to 80 vacant lots never occurs. 

Paternalistic Boss Collins will look after those unable to do so for themselves. But how? By making sure they can never take advantage of their property. Duette Price, a Black developer, knows what it means to cross over into Collins’ White neighborhood. The Boss will sic law enforcement on you.

Collins also claims to be a small business guy. He is all for small business in principle but don’t ask to expand your business. That wouldn’t be allowed in the Collins world. If there is a fire or hurricane that takes out Giobbi’s building under the proposed rules, they can’t rebuild the same number of apartments. Whose apartments are to be rebuilt?

Sean Reed’s business also might not fit into the new Collins Stuart. Reed has already received several variances for parking. Anymore expansion might not be possible. 

Speaking of parking, at the last commission meeting a woman wanted a permissible use to be added to a zoning district so she can open a beauty parlor. Collins was all for it. Sure, he was because the lady’s husband is his landlord by renting him parking for his office. Just more corruption that you won’t see mentioned in the Facebook world of Collins and his folks.  

Woke doesn’t begin to tell the story.      

  On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich held a community meeting at the 10th Street Community Center to discuss upcoming changes to property rights and development regulations in East Stuart. The meeting was part of an effort to gather input before a critical vote by the Stuart City Commission. However, many residents remain frustrated, fearing that the proposed changes will severely restrict property owners' rights.

The new regulations, which could require property owners to obtain commission approval for any land-use changes, have sparked significant controversy, particularly within East Stuart’s predominantly Black community. Mayor Rich expressed concern that these rules might create unnecessary barriers for property owners and stifle growth in the area. However, he also took heavy criticism from East Stuart community members, who accused the city of clear efforts at "gentrification" while not allowing adequate input or time for the community members at large to weigh in on the changes.

At the last city commission meeting, officials held the first reading of significant amendments to the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). These codes dictate how Stuart’s comprehensive plan is implemented. The second and final vote is set for next Monday, and if approved, the new LDRs will take effect immediately. Critics argue that these changes conflict with the comprehensive plan itself, raising legal concerns about their enforceability.

Residents and local stakeholders are questioning how the planning department will handle applications under these new regulations. If the comprehensive plan and the revised LDRs are at odds, will decisions be based on outdated policies or the newly adopted codes? Additionally, concerns have been raised about whether impact statements were required under Florida law before making these sweeping changes.

The process leading up to this vote has also drawn criticism. Typically, zoning and land development changes involve public meetings to gather input from residents. However, no such meetings were held in Stuart before these amendments were introduced. Instead, workshops consisted of city officials discussing changes without allowing meaningful public participation. Any dissenting voices - whether from commissioners, staff, or the public - were reportedly dismissed or met with hostility.

Some individuals who have spoken out against the changes have faced intimidation. Notably, community advocate Duette Pryce was allegedly confronted by law enforcement after voicing his concerns. Similarly, land planner Marcela Camblor faced public criticism from officials after questioning the decision-making process.

The potential impact of these regulations is profound. Opponents argue that the new rules will effectively halt development, discourage new businesses, and prevent multifamily housing construction. With limited available land in Stuart, this could lead to stagnation of growth and force younger generations to relocate elsewhere due to a lack of affordable housing.

Ultimately, Stuart residents are left questioning whether their voices truly matter in shaping the future of their city. With no clear outreach or transparency in decision-making, many fear that the city is heading toward an unrepresentative governance model that prioritizes restrictive policies over community needs. The final vote on Monday will determine whether these concerns become a reality.

A recent editorial in TCPalm cited Fort Pierce as a sleeping giant. And I agree.

I mostly try to keep this publication focused on Martin County, but every once in a while, St. Lucie and Martin Counties do intersect. I believe this may be one of those times.

There is plenty to commend Fort Pierce for. Yet it has never seemed to be able to put everything together. One of the biggest problems has been a lack of competent government. 

At the heart of the Manager-Council form that both Stuart and Fort Pierce share is how important the manager is to the life of a city. Stuart has been fortunate to have competent people leading it, but Fort Pierce has not. That has been Problem One!

But good leadership follows good policy, and policy is the province of the council. For the past several years, Fort Pierce has been lucky to have elected Mayor Linda Hudson. The difference between the two commissions is that in Fort Pierce the mayor is elected and in Stuart the position is rotated among the commissioners. In both instances, the position is a weak one, but in Fort Pierce there is some certainty for four years of the same mayor unlike Stuart that can have very different mayors from year to year.

I would also say that over the years the quality of the elected body favored Stuart over Fort Pierce. However, since the last election, I don’t believe that is true any longer. Fort Pierce now has a fairly competent board while Stuart’s has become much worse.

The newest Stuart commissioners are government illiterates. Based on social media posts during the election and after, one commissioner does not seem to know the boundaries of the city. And it appears none of them is interested in learning the mechanisms of the government.

Stuart has been punching way above its weight for some time. Fort Pierce has wasted its larger clout and shooting itself in the foot for years. The selection of a new manager will be critical to what happens next there.

Stuart has currently what could be its best manager ever. Mike Mortell has lived in the city almost his entire life. He was an LPA member, city commissioner, mayor, and city attorney before becoming city manager. There is not a street, a home, or an intersection that he does not know. He lives and breathes Stuart.
   
Because of a commission that wants to choke the vibrancy and future out of Stuart, he is a great resource that is wasted. It is shown every week and every meeting.

Fort Pierce is almost three times the population size of Stuart and it is many times bigger in area. It has a wonderful waterfront and is only steps from an ocean inlet. Fort Pierce is ready for its close-up.

Because of its commission, Stuart is becoming a has-been. It has abrogated its position as the leading city on the Treasure Coast. I intend no offense to Port St. Lucie because it is a powerhouse in every way but one. It can never have that city feel so necessary for a successful downtown because it has no city center.

A city center to have a true soul must arise organically. Stuart and Fort Pierce have it. Port St. Lucie doesn’t. 

Fort Pierce, it is time to take your place as the pre-eminent city on the Treasure Coast. Nothing around is now able to take that destiny including my hometown of Stuart.
 

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

Movie Jones

I made a list of all the television and movie award shows. CBS broadcast the NAACP Image Awards show and Netflix telecast the SAG-AFRA Awards. Both shows were hosted by skilled comedic actors whose antics created lively and enjoyable moments. Before that I watched the BAFTA Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards.  

I finally rented “Wicked” and watched it at home.  I found it silly and offensive. I could not believe the constant bullying and the entitled wicked pink princess whose whole gig is control, betrayal, and revenge. But I understand now why we still watch movies in a theatre. When the second “Wicked” comes out, I will see it in a theater. 

At the SAG-AFRA awards Jane Fonda received a lifetime achievement award.  The presentation of her life and film career was also a description of our country during the 60 plus years she has been working.  Controversial and still not forgiven by some, she and Jamie Lee Curtis vie for the title of ultimate nepo baby. She was Klute, a sex worker, before Anora was a twinkle in its creator’s eye.  She was the reporter with Jack Lemmon watching a nuclear plant meltdown.  But just as important, where can I get a copy of her wonderful gown?

Of course, the “really big show” is the Oscars in early March.  The world will be watching.  “A Complete Pain,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Conclave” are fabulous films.  They will win awards.

I must watch “Anora,” “The Last Showgirl,” “The Brutalist”; and “September 5.th” I watched this event live on tv when it happened. How sad that our tv still streams death, despair, and disease, but CBS is premiering a new daytime soap opera.  Let’s spill some tea!

Nicki van Vonno’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Understanding Canine Body Language

Understanding canine body language is essential for ensuring a safe and harmonious relationship between humans and their canine companions. By educating the public about the subtle cues dogs provide, we can prevent bites and promote better interactions.

Our shelter at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers a Lessons in Kindness program to schools specifically to teach children about canine body language. The National Institute of Health estimates that the likelihood of a child sustaining a dog bite in their lifetime is around 50%. This is why it’s so important to teach and understand what dogs are trying to tell you.

We also work with a number of professional advisors for the staff at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. These animal behavior advisors teach us that dogs communicate primarily through their bodies, using posture, facial expressions, and movements to convey their feelings. A relaxed dog may have a wagging tail held in a neutral position, while an anxious dog might display stiff body language with ears pinned back. Recognizing these signs is crucial; for example, if a dog’s tail is tucked or its body is low to the ground, it may be feeling stressed or fearful.

Conversely, happy dogs exhibit playful behaviors such as wagging tails held high and relaxed ears. They may also engage in play bows—front legs stretched forward while the rear remains elevated—indicating they are ready to interact positively.

Dogs in a shelter environment behave very differently than dogs in a home. The shelter can be a stressful place, so it’s important for our staff to understand when a dog needs extra TLC or outside time to burn off that stress. Our staff is proud to be Fear Free trained, which means they completed an important certificate program to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress and improve an animal’s emotional wellbeing during veterinary care and at the shelter. 

By learning to identify these behaviors, we can help prevent misunderstandings (both within the shelter and out) that could lead to bites. Awareness of a dog's emotional state allows us to respect their boundaries and respond appropriately. Educating ourselves and others about these signals not only enhances our bond with dogs but also contributes to safer environments for both pets and people alike.

I’m sure that every dog-lover can agree that we want what’s best for our pups. A happy dog makes a happy family companion and an upstanding resident to others within the community. If you’re interested in learning more about your dog’s behavior or signing up for low cost training classes, we encourage you to visit www.hstc1.org/training.  

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

Power and Politics

We have a major faith issue in this country.  

No, it’s not a lack of faith.  It’s the unhealthy melding of religion and politics which results in completely ignoring major tenets of Christianity for personal or political gain.  I’ll let you choose the political arena; federal, state, or local because politics is politics, and religion is religion, and the same thing gets played out everywhere.  

In politics two things are needed: money and votes.  If you have enough money and enough votes, you obtain power.  Then once you’re in power you have the ability to amass even more money, which equals more power, which can then be translated into more votes or the suppression of votes for those who don’t agree with you.  This isn’t rocket science.  It’s political science and it’s neither breaking news nor is it new.

Way back in the Old Testament the Israelites insisted they needed a king just like everyone else.  God repeatedly warned them against it.  The Israelites persisted and eventually went down the road of being ruled by kings.  

As you might expect, some were ok, and others were a disaster.  Somethings never change.  

There are two constants when it comes to power.  One constant is that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  The other, no one in power gives away power.  The only remaining question becomes how do those in power use their power?  Do they use it to help themselves stay in power and gain more wealth or do they use their power and money to help those who are vulnerable?

This is where the problem lies.  Politics is about money and power and Christianity is about giving and sacrifice.  Jesus talks about money more than any one topic in scripture, but he doesn’t tell us to accumulate more of it.  

Rather, Jesus calls us to give, particularly to the most vulnerable in society.  Jesus’ definition of power is drastically different than societies.  Jesus’ power is never used for personal gain.  Again, Jesus uses power to help the most vulnerable.  

Are you seeing a trend here?  Christianity is about helping the vulnerable, sacrificing personal gain and restoring power to those who are marginalized.  Jesus was about bringing people together despite their differences.  

Politics is very much not that.  So much in our political world today is about stoking division and maintaining the status quo that keeps them in power.  What’s most troubling, is how often it’s done in the name of Christianity or under the guise of helping the vulnerable.  

So how do we actually make politics and faith align?  Until either politicians actually understand who Jesus is and what Jesus teaches, or we decide to hold them to a higher standard nothing will change.  

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

Helping Our Neighbors: A Continued Commitment to Recovery in Martin County

As we head into spring, many of us are re-mulching, cleaning up our yards, and getting back into the rhythm of normal life such as work, family time, and maintaining our homes. 

Yet, it’s hard to ignore that for some in our community, normalcy still feels out of reach. For many of us, it’s easy to push memories of Hurricane Milton and the tornadoes that devastated our area to the back of our minds, but the reality is that recovery is ongoing for those who were hit the hardest.

At United Way of Martin County, we haven’t forgotten. We’re still here, continuing to provide support to victims of the hurricane and tornadoes. Recently, in partnership with local leaders and nonprofit organizations, we re-launched the Long-Term Recovery Group for Martin County ~ MIND (Martin Interagency Network for Disasters, Inc.). 

This agency was created after the devastating Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne and is aimed at helping residents who have exhausted all other options to repair their homes. Sadly, for many, FEMA and insurance reimbursements simply haven’t been enough to cover the full extent of necessary repairs.

There are still families who can’t return to their homes. Some are staying with relatives or have made temporary living arrangements, while others have tiny homes in their yards as they work to rebuild. Imagine this: nearly five months have passed since the tornadoes, and there are still families who cannot sleep in their own beds. This is the heartbreaking reality for approximately 40 – 50 families in our community.  But we aren’t facing this challenge alone. 

With help from nonprofit partners, local government, and generous funders, we are committed to assisting these families. Our goal is to provide a path forward for those who still need support so that they can once again find comfort in their own homes.

If you or someone you know is still struggling with home repairs or facing a gap in coverage that FEMA or insurance hasn’t covered, please reach out to United Way of Martin County. We are gathering information and resources to make sure that every resident who needs help has access to the support they deserve.

This is just another example of how the United Way of Martin County works tirelessly with our partners to mobilize resources and aid to those in need. We are here for our neighbors, and together, we can help them return to the safety and security of their homes.

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.

This month’s column is about the power of collaboration.  We are, as a community, stronger together.  I am fortunate to have been able to see this firsthand in my first few months both as a new resident and as the new CEO at Helping People Succeed.  

As community members, you see and read in this publication each month about the many non-profit and social service agencies that we have in our community.  What you may or may not realize, is the power we have to harness our collective work as a sector for the betterment of our community.  

Earlier this year, sponsored and led by The Community Foundation of Martin St Lucie, a group of local CEOs were able to travel to Tallahassee together to meet with Senators and Representatives from across our region, speaking on behalf of the collective impact of our work on our state, region, county, and residents.  

Through these efforts, and those here locally, we were and are able to elevate the voices and experiences of our employees, clients, and community and work with elected officials to address the issues that most affect them.  People don’t always realize the role the non-profit sector can play in collaboration with elected officials.  But, our perspective from the diverse services we offer and the multitude of residents we serve, poises us to partner with our government representatives on legislative priorities, funding, and advocacy for the betterment of our local communities.

It was a pleasure to represent our county and region with my colleagues from across the non-profit sector and harness our collective voice to advocate for work that supports residents here at home.  We are stronger together, and I am proud to serve in a community that understands this!  As our local representatives return back home from Tallahassee, I look forward to this continued collaboration with them, showing that we are, indeed, stronger together. 

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

The work of economic development is never done. The same can be said for the importance of clarifying what the work of economic development entails. 

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to the City of Stuart about everything the Business Development Board offers and how we tailor our services to best suit our community. 

Fundamentals of economic development

Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) is a key pillar of economic development. While some communities emphasize and focus on business attraction through incentives, in Martin County we prioritize existing businesses and their expansion plans. This includes site-selection services, tailored market research, helping companies access capital, and brokering key introductions. 

Our PULSE program is the cornerstone of this effort. The goal is to visit local companies and gather insights from CEOs and business owners, which in turn help inform policies that can enhance economic opportunities and address business challenges and pain points.

Business retention 

Small businesses are indeed the backbone of our county with more than 80 percent of Martin County companies employing fewer than 10 people. Many small businesses—restaurants and retail outlets in particular—tend to circulate a community’s existing capital. In order to increase the value of a local economy beyond that circulation, we must attract outside capital while minimizing associated costs. 
The best way to achieve this is by playing to our strengths—working with existing “contributory” businesses. (A contributory business derives the lion’s share of its revenue from outside the local economy.) This includes aviation, marine and nearly every type of manufacturer—which happened to be legacy industries in Martin County. We’re proud to have worked with existing companies such as Hinckley Yachts, Pursuit Aerospace and French aircraft manufacturer Daher on their expansion goals. 

Business attraction

While marketing and attraction efforts only account for about 20 percent of our focus, we’ve also helped bring job creators to the region. Examples include Grind Hard Ammo, a $90 million capital investment in Stuart and Indiantown that reshores the production of ammunition; IM Group, an Italian textile company that established its North American headquarters in Jensen Beach; and Power Systems Manufacturing, which is returning to Martin County to create aviation engines after leaving in the 1990s. 

Business climate

We also aim to uphold our community as a business-friendly environment. This means, among other forms of advocacy, putting on a host of programs and events—all free to attend—that help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with a variety of needs. 

Examples include connecting business owners with financing resources and ways to secure capital, helping local manufacturers expand their networks and access foreign marketplaces, and organizing detailed, multi-week courses that help entrepreneurs launch startups. 

Stronger results

The BDB provides services that cater to the core layers of our economy—legacy industries, expansion of existing businesses, targeted business attraction, and sound business climate. The results are a more fortified economy with greater opportunities for the future and a more diverse tax base that’s less reliant on the ever-changing winds of residential development.

That’s a message worth sharing, a goal worth pursuing and—along with the help of our many partners—an outcome that’s well worth producing.

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

Comprehensive Cancer Care Close to (Winter) Home 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it’s also an awareness month for multiple myeloma (a blood cancer) and kidney cancers. While these types of cancer are different and require different approaches, patients affected by these diseases can find hope, expertise and advocacy at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center in Stuart. 

Patients benefit from going to a cancer center that brings together multiple specialists and a wide net of support for each person’s needs. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health has seen its comprehensive cancer services grow to include surgical, radiotherapy, chemotherapy infusion services and the addition of integrative services that help cancer survivors continue to thrive in the long-term. 

Today, the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin North helps patients from all over the Treasure Coast and beyond, navigate their cancer journeys. 
Recently, Mr. Ed Pagani, from Stuart and New York, made a decision to continue his cancer journey in Stuart. 

                                  Ed & Claudia Pagani

Ed and his wife Claudia live in Rochester, New York, and in Cape Cod for the summer. They spend winters with us in Stuart. They happened to be here in April 2024 when Ed got up one morning and felt tired and weak. He attributed the symptoms to his AFib heart condition and announced he was going back to bed. 

Claudia wisely decided it was time to go to the Emergency Department at Martin North Hospital. Ed shared he was seen expeditiously, and images were taken. In the next 24 to 48 hours, Ed was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

Needless to say, cancer can be a shocking diagnosis for anyone. For someone who is otherwise healthy and athletic it was especially shocking. At 72, Ed was thinking about enjoying his retirement, not spending time in a medical facility. He and Claudia started thinking about how to tackle cancer and still live the life they chose to live.  

He was already planning to return up north where he sees doctors in Rochester, New York. He also goes to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis while he's there for the summer. 

The thing that touched me was that Mr. Pagani could’ve chosen to stay up north to receive his treatment. He made a decision to continue with his plan to spend summers up north and winters in Florida. He is lighthearted in his approach: “I'm just trying to live my life around chemo treatments.” 

Ed added: “I received great care and incredible attention to detail while at Martin North. I think it's great that we have a cancer center right in Stuart. I know people who travel an hour and a half south to receive chemotherapy infusions for many treatments in a row. I like that the services are offered locally, and I’ve received excellent care at Martin North.” 

Patients like Mr. Pagani are simply trying to live their lives despite cancer. Cleveland Clinic is here for all patients, and we come to work every day to make sure they do get to live their lives in new, thriving ways. 

The Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center offers expertise, technology and a one-stop for consultations, second opinions, genetic counseling, infusion, radiation oncology and survivorship services. 

On the radiation oncology side, the cancer center uses leading-edge technologies to offer the latest in radiation therapy, including IMRT, Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery. These are radiation techniques that use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver highly focused, high-dose radiation. 

The precision with which the radiation is delivered allows for the treatment of tumors without overexposure to nearby healthy tissue. Because of the higher dosages, patients need fewer treatments, between one and five, compared to the traditional 25 to 35 treatments. They also experience fewer side effects. 

To make an appointment with cancer specialists at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, call 877-463-2010. 

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

It’s Time to Do Beautiful Things! 
The 2025 Great American Cleanup Kicks Off in March

What can you do in the space of three months to Keep Martin Beautiful? That’s our local challenge as part of the national 2025 Great American Cleanup (GAC). GAC runs from March 20 to June 20 this year. That’s twelve weeks to make a visible impact in our community, and we hope you'll join us in making this our best year yet!

Pick up Litter
Keep America Beautiful estimates that there are 50 billion pieces of litter across the country. In Martin County, we’ve become very good at picking up litter from our roadways and waterways. But there’s always more litter! How much can you find and dispose of properly in three months? Remember to always fill out a cleanup report form so we can keep track!

Clean a Trail, a Park or a Playground
On your own or with a group of friends or colleagues, could you set your sights on a nature trail or recreation area that needs a good cleaning this spring? Keep Martin Beautiful is here to equip you with the supplies and spread the word about your cleanup event in case you need more volunteers to help you. 

Recycle Right
Do you have hazardous waste in your garage, like old paint and cleaning fluids? Visit Martin County’s HazMobile and recycle it correctly – not in the landfill! And maybe those clothes you don’t wear any longer could find a new life if you donated them to a thrift store – not the landfill! There’s a complete list of what to recycle and how to do it right on Martin County’s website.

Plant Trees or Flowers
The Great American Cleanup isn’t just about cleaning. It’s also about beautifying. Planting trees or flowers are easy ways to improve an area. If you’re looking for other beautification ideas, listen to the podcast “Do Beautiful Things” at the Keep America Beautiful website, www.kab.org/do-beautiful-things-podcast/. 

Help Improve a Neighborhood
Always start at home, taking time during the Great American Cleanup to be sure your own property looks its best. Then check out the efforts being made by groups and organizations throughout our community who are involved in larger projects to revitalize a neighborhood that can use a little TLC. You’ll find a list of local projects and events that you can participate in at keepmartinbeautiful.org/great-american-cleanup. 

Remember that Keep Martin Beautiful can help you find or coordinate an event, provide supplies, spread the word, and keep a record of what we’ve achieved by working together to keep Martin County beautiful. 

For more info contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222, email info@keepmartinbeautiful.org or visit keepmartinbeautiful.org.

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

Sea Turtle Season

Florida may not have crisp autumn leaves or snow-dusted winters (and honestly, our northern friends can keep those), but we do have our own special seasons.

There’s Tourist Season, Birding Season, Hunting Season, and let’s not forget—Fishing Season, which is pretty much year-round. But one of the most magical, awe-inspiring times of the year?

Sea Turtle Season.
Every year, thousands of sea turtles make the incredible journey back to Florida’s beaches to nest. Some, like the mighty leatherback, travel thousands of miles just to return to the very beach where they were born. Here in Martin County, we’re lucky to host three of the world’s seven sea turtle species: the loggerhead, the green, and the leatherback.

Officially running from March 1 through October 31, Sea Turtle Season is a legally designated timeframe, set by Florida Fish & Wildlife, to protect these marine dinosaurs. But let’s be honest, Nature runs on her own timing. At the time of this writing, over a week away from the official “start” season, there are already three recorded leatherback nests. 

In 2024 alone, Martin County recorded over 16,000 sea turtle nests—that’s roughly one every eleven feet. Imagine walking the beach in the summer, knowing that beneath the sand, tiny turtles are growing, preparing for their great dash to the sea!

How Can You Help?

During Sea Turtle Season, we follow three simple rules to keep our beaches clean, dark, and flat:

Keep It Clean – Pick up trash, beach toys, and chairs. A plastic bag or forgotten beach chair can easily become a deadly obstacle for these gentle giants.

Keep It Dark – For millions of years, baby sea turtles have used the moon’s reflection on the ocean to find their way home. Artificial lights from condos, streetlamps, and even phone screens can disorient them. So, let’s turn off the lights, avoid flashlights on the beach, and kindly remind visitors to do the same.

Keep It Flat – Sandcastles are fun, but they can be major roadblocks for hatchlings. Deep holes? Even worse! A mother turtle or a tiny hatchling could fall in and struggle to get out. Before leaving, fill in holes and smooth out the sand—because sharing the beach means making it safe for all.

Want to See a Nesting Turtle?

Witnessing a sea turtle nest or a hatching is pure magic! To maximize your chances, join a guided nesting walk with experts who know just where to look. Check out local groups like Ecological Associates Inc., Environmental Studies Center, Florida Oceanographic, Hobe Sound Nature Center, and Inwater Research Group for summer turtle walks.

With greens and leatherbacks listed as endangered and loggerheads considered threatened, every effort counts. For part of the year, we’re lucky enough to share our beaches with these wonderful creatures. Let’s do our part to keep them coming back, year after year.

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

Business Efficiency Means Growth, Accomplish This with AI for a Win – Win

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

On February 18th, the school board voted (3-2, with Russell and Moriarty dissenting) to move ahead with their plan to cut the retiree health insurance subsidy for current employees. While current retirees and those in DROP or retired by year’s end will be protected, many life-long MCSD employees, including administrators, bus drivers, and teachers, will all be adversely affected if the board gets their way.

As if taking away health insurance from folks when they need it wasn’t enough, the board further demonstrated their disregard for employees by moving up the vote prior to the Public Comment portion of the meeting so they didn’t have to listen to the will of the people when they made their decision. The vote to cut retiree benefits concluded just three minutes before teachers spoke, which was incredibly disheartening to the teachers in the audience who came out specifically to speak on the issue.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that MCEA members were unexpectedly (and repeatedly) admonished by board chair Amy Pritchett for attempting to stand behind our union vice president Kelly Coleman while she spoke, holding large pieces of paper with pictures of teachers and their families. Because SO MANY of our members run extra-curricular programs, hold second (and sometimes 3rd) jobs, coach, and/or tutor after school, they are unable to attend these early afternoon meetings. We felt it was important for the board to see who would be hurt by their decision. 

The board chair’s contentious attitude and the way she publicly chastised and disparaged teachers for exercising their first amendment rights made it abundantly clear that she does not care about her employees, leaving many in the audience to shake their heads. 

When finally allowed to speak, Coleman's message was simple, and it was echoed by all the teachers who spoke so passionately and eloquently on the subject: taking away the retiree health insurance subsidy will hurt the people you are supposed to look out for. 

Furthermore, our veteran teachers closest to retirement will seek positions elsewhere that pay more so they can adequately save and plan for retirement. It will be harder for the district to recruit veteran teachers to replace them because our salaries are not competitive enough and there will be no retirement benefit to offer in lieu of low wages. Newer teachers will also exit the district in search of a brighter future, and student scores will begin to fall. Soon, our district rating will drop, and Martin County will begin to lose its luster. 

I think our board should remember that teachers’ working conditions are our students’ learning conditions, and that which is done to the least of us is done unto thee. 

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

Having Fun With Your Computer

Let’s go down a different road for a change. Let’s have some fun with your computer even if you're not into gaming. 

First, consider diving into the world of creative software. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even free alternatives like GIMP and Inkscape can be incredibly fun to explore if you have an artistic bent. You can create digital art, edit photos, design graphics, or even learn animation. The possibilities are endless, and you might discover a hidden talent or a new hobby.

Another great way to have fun is by exploring music production. Software like GarageBand, FL Studio, or Ableton Live allows you to create your own music, mix tracks, and experiment with different sounds. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, making music can be a deeply rewarding and enjoyable experience.

If you're more into writing, start a blog, author stories, work on that novel you've always wanted to write or maybe a screenplay. There are plenty of writing software options out there, from simple text editors to more complex programs like Scrivener that help you organize your thoughts and structure you’re writing.

For those who enjoy learning, the internet is a treasure trove of educational content. You can take online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy on virtually any subject you can think of. Whether you want to learn a new language, pick up a new skill, or dive deep into a topic you're passionate about, there's something out there for you.

If you're a fan of movies and TV shows, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ offer a vast library of content to keep you entertained. You can also explore YouTube, a personal favorite,  for a wide variety of videos, from educational content to comedy sketches, vlogs, and more.

Do you want an interactive experience, consider joining online communities or forums related to your interests. Websites like Reddit, Stack Exchange, or specialized forums can be great places to meet like-minded people, share ideas, and learn new things. You can also participate in virtual events, webinars, or online meetups to connect with others.

Lastly, don't forget about the joy of organizing and personalizing your digital space (oh joy). You can customize your desktop, organize your files, and set up a system that works for you. This might not sound like fun at first, and I will attest to that, but having a well-organized and personalized workspace can make using your computer a much more enjoyable experience.

The key is using the tool in ways that you find stimulating and exciting. There are a lot of ways to have fun with without gaming. Whether you're creating art, making music, writing, learning something new, watching your favorite shows, or connecting with others online, there's something for everyone. So go ahead, explore something new, and have some fun!

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

ARC OF THE TREASURE COAST EXPANDS TO SATISFY UNMET NEEDS IN
PORT ST. LUCIE, UNVEILING HOME TO THE NEW T.I.P. COMMUNITY CENTER

 PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. – The ARC of the Treasure Coast is pleased to announce it has purchased and closed on a building in Port St. Lucie that will house its new T.I.P. Community Center. The property at 451 SW Ravenswood Lane was formerly the Vista Gardens Ballroom.
The facility will be home to the ARC of the Treasure Coast’s Therapeutic Intervention Program (T.I.P.) which will benefit hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The program is designed to improve quality of life by focusing on building essential skills for independent living, work, and education using tailored therapies, unique student training opportunities, and a safe, inclusive space. It will be the only program of its kind in Port St. Lucie.

Monday through Friday during regular business hours the facility will be used for ARC programs. After hours and on weekends, the T.I.P. Community Center will be available to rent for events like weddings and banquets, weekly club meetings or church services.
ARC of the Treasure Coast also owns and operates Alice’s Family Restaurant in Stuart, which could serve as a source for catering any of the events mentioned above.

 Thank you to everyone involved including many of our community partners Sen. Gayle Harrell, Rep. Dana Trabulsy, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie and the City of Port St. Lucie as well as our generous donors.

For more information about renting the community center, please call (772) 283-2525.
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About ARC of the Treasure Coast: The ARC, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services.  ARC provides support, assistance, and training that enhances the abilities of children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MARTIN COUNTY’S ‘REACHING NEW HEIGHTS’ ANNUAL BENEFIT SORES TO SUCCESS

An Evening of Inspiration, Entertainment, and Impact at the Jupiter Island Club

Ed Ciampi, Sarh Ciampi, Liz Ciampi

Stuart, Fla., (February 19, 2025) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) hosted its highly anticipated "Reaching New Heights" Annual Benefit on January 30, 2025, at the exclusive Jupiter Island Club. The evening, chaired by Kathy Parsons, BGCMC Board Chair, celebrated the transformative impact of the Clubs while raising critical support for programs that empower local youth.

"The evening showcased the multiple avenues and opportunities- in and out of the Clubs- through which our kids can reach the new heights that both inspire and redefine what's possible for their future," said Keith 'Fletch' Fletcher, President and CEO of BGCMC. "This game-changing work- and the event to celebrate its impact- are made possible through the unparalleled effort, support, dedication, and leadership of our board and community supporters." 

Donald Wermlinger & Carol Webb

Guests were welcomed with a lively jazz trio during the cocktail hour, while a selection of passed appetizers was served by both Jupiter Island Club and BGCMC’s Culinary Program members. Two of the appetizers were prepared by BGCMC’s Culinary team, giving members a chance to showcase the skills they’ve developed through the organization’s Workforce Development initiative. 

Martha Howell, Hyacinth Bailey, Eula Clarke, Dennis Clarke, Margaret Bromfield, Julian Holmes

The event featured a dance performance by BGCMC members to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," choreographed by the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. The performance embodied the evening's theme, reinforcing the idea that youth can achieve their dreams with opportunity and support.

Andrew Kennedy and Kirsten Kennedy

Guests were inspired by speeches from Kathy Parsons, Event Chair and BGCMC Board Chair; William Reeve, guest speaker, 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee, and son of the legendary Christopher Reeve, and Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC.
 

Dr. Evany Goldman, Alexandria Anderson, Elisabeth Glynn, Stephanie Quirantes, Betsy Rogers, Brandon McAllister, Dr. Chirag Choudhary 

Fletcher reflected on the profound impact of the Club’s programs and the life-changing opportunities they provide for its members. He emphasized that reaching new heights begins with building strong foundations, instilling faith in oneself, and creating a desire for more—especially for children who often struggle just to survive. He reminded guests that the Club’s mission is not just about support but about transformation, empowering youth to overcome obstacles and inspiring them to forge a higher mindset that allows them to climb and move mountains for others to follow.

As the evening came to a close, guests were treated to beautifully packaged cookies prepared by BGCMC's Culinary Program, along with a special end-of-night gift, leaving them with a lasting impression of the club's impact.

                                 Andrew Hunt, Robin Hunt, Steven Andrade, and Carl Mistretta

The "Reaching New Heights" Annual Benefit not only celebrated the incredible achievements of BGCMC members but also reinforced the organization's mission to inspire and empower the next generation. For more information about BGCMC's programs and ways to support its mission, visit bgcmartin.org or contact the Administrative Office at 772-545-1255. 
 

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MARTIN COUNTY:
For over 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs to guide and inspire young people aged 6-18. With strong partnerships with local schools and communities, the clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities, and academic support, preparing members for successful futures in various fields.

House of Hope’s Gala Electrifies the Night to Support its Mission 

STUART, Fla.- House of Hope’s 3rd annual Cirque de Soirée on February 1 was nothing short of electrifying. 

Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club was transformed into a neon paradise, with high energy, vibrant colors, and dazzling entertainment. Winged dancers from Jewelz Entertainment circulated among the guests, while a living “red” carpet and floating Champagne Diva created a buzz of excited awe. 

- Jeffrey Pedersen, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Cory Pfister, and Timothy Pfister.

The talented Soul Survivors Band from Chase Music 2.0 provided favorite songs and exciting dance rhythms, and auctioneer Elliott Paul added to the energy in the room with a fast-paced auction of unique items to benefit House of Hope. The atmosphere and decor that wowed the attendees was designed by the creative minds at House of Hope, who were supported by ECP Event Rentals and Design and the fabulous team at Piper’s Landing

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped create this amazing evening,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri, “including our Presenting Sponsor, the Pedersen Family Foundation, who consistently provide unwavering support for our mission.”

The event raised more than $160,000 for Project HOPE, a program that provides essential resources like case management, financial assistance, job search support, and healthy food distribution to community members who need it the most.

“Our goal was to make sure that our guests enjoyed the event,” Ranieri said, “but our wider intention, as always, is to assure that House of Hope is there to help the people in our community who are experiencing hunger and hardship and give them the resources they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.” 

Steve Diez and Carol Houwaart-Diez

Sponsors of Cirque du Soirée include the Pedersen Family Foundation, Apogee, Immanual Lutheran Church, St. Lucie Jewelry & Coin, Michele Bragg, Ashley Capital, Premier Realty Group, Davies & Company, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Deborah Lovequist, Re/Max of Stuart, Lucido & Associates, One Martin, Hans Vanderlip of Re/Max of Stuart, Firefly Group, Jensen Beach Garden Club, and Hooks Construction.

Ranieri expects the demand for services from House of Hope to continue to increase in early 2025, particularly as a result of the recent tornados that devastated portions of the community. “The participation of event sponsors, in-kind sponsors, attendees, staff and volunteers in this event will help keep our services available to all who need them.”

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, and 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.

Treasure Coast Home & Hurricane Expo

Martin County, FL. - The Treasure Coast Home & Hurricane Expo is making its way to MidFlorida Event Center, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, bringing together homeowners, industry experts, and hurricane preparedness professionals for an afternoon of learning, innovation, and community connection. This highly anticipated event will feature the latest in storm protection solutions, home improvement products, and expert advice to ensure families and properties are ready for hurricane season.

The expo will take place at MidFlorida Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St Lucie and is presented by All Area Roofing & Construction and DreamWorks Companies, with Exclusive Media Sponsor CBSNews 12. It will be offering attendees the opportunity to connect with leading professionals, explore cutting-edge products, and gain insights into preparing for severe weather events. Visitors can expect product demonstrations, and direct access to trusted experts in home safety, storm protection, and recovery solutions.

“This event is more than just a showcase of products—it’s about empowering homeowners with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to safeguard their homes and families,” said Jimmy Collins, Treasure Coast Home & Hurricane Expo Committee member. “We’re proud to bring together so many companies and professionals who can help make homes stronger, safer, and more prepared.”

What to Expect at the Expo:
Innovative Home & Storm Protection Products: From hurricane shutters to smart weather tech solutions.

Expert-Led Demonstrations: Learn tips and strategies for emergency preparedness, home retrofitting, and storm-proofing your property.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with trusted contractors, insurance providers, and storm readiness professionals in one convenient location.

The Home & Hurricane Expo offers something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, new to storm preparation, or just interested in exploring innovative home improvement solutions.

Admission is $10 that includes 2 beverages and access to the leaders of the industries that protect you and your home. Attendees can visit StuartMartinChamber.org for more details, exhibitor and sponsorship information, along with updates leading to the event.
Join neighbors, community members, and local businesses for this essential event focused on safety, preparation, and resilience.

About the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce:
The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in the community. Playing a significant role in the economic climate, the Chamber’s purpose is to inform, unite and promote the business. The Stuart/Martin Chamber acts as the front door to the community offering maps, welcome guides, visitor information and a community event calendar. For business members, the Chamber provides opportunities for leadership, networking, advertising, and essential advocacy locally, in Tallahassee and in D.C.

Impact100 Martin Prepares to Award $100,000 Grants to Local Nonprofits in April 

Stuart, FL – Impact100 Martin, a dynamic group of generous women philanthropists, is preparing to award its $100,000 Impact Grants for 2025 to local nonprofits at a Grants Award Celebration on April 9th.

“We’re excited to be in our eighth season of awarding Impact Grants,” said Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter. “By the conclusion of the 2025 grant cycle, we will have invested more than $2.2 million and helped to change the quality of life and philanthropic landscape in Martin County.”

Impact100 is built on a simple structure strongly based on membership involvement. Each member donates $1,000 in one year. The funds are pooled to create grants in the impactful amount of $100,000 each. The number of grants awarded each year is dependent on membership numbers. Local nonprofits propose significant projects or programs, which are then vetted by the Grants Committee, and the members themselves determine which proposals best address identified needs within the community.

Impact grants are awarded within five categories: Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment, Preservation & Recreation.  

For 2025, Impact100 Martin received 31 Letters of Intent and advanced nine of the projects from Martin County nonprofits to the semifinalist stage. They are Banner Lake Club, Project LIFT, Friends of the Everglades, Kiwanis Club of Stuart, Florida Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, The Arts Council dba MartinArts, House of Hope, Safespace, and NAMI Treasure Coast.

At the Grants Awards Celebration in April, the finalists from this group will present their project to the entire Impact100 Martin membership for a vote. 

“As we grow to 500 members, our impact in the community continues to grow,” Cotter said. “Our members care deeply about their community and the impact we have had over the past seven years. They are prepared to make Season 8 our most impactful ever!”

Tickets are still available to the Grants Award Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. on April 9 at Temple Beit HaYam in Stuart. The public is welcome to attend, although only members of Impact100 Martin are eligible to vote. Member tickets are $30; guests, $35. To register for the event, go to the Impact100 Martin website www.impact100martin.org.  

To learn more about Impact100 Martin, membership opportunities, and the impact that $1.8 million in women’s philanthropy has already had on Martin County, go to www.impact100martin.org. 

ABOUT:
Impact100 Martin is a nonprofit organization with a mission of creating positive, lasting change in the community through collective giving. Founded in 2017, it is a chapter of the national Impact100 Movement founded by philanthropist Wendy Steele to transform communities through the power of women’s philanthropy. It is a member-driven organization that Awards Grants in $100,000 increments each year to local nonprofits in the areas of Arts & Culture; Education; Family; Health & Wellness; and Environment, Preservation & Recreation. Detailed information about membership, grants, and community impact is available at the website www.impact100martin.org/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Impact100MartinFL

Treasure Coast Community Singers presents “A  Celebration of American Folk Music”

Your Treasure Coast Community Singers are excited to kick off the second half of their 2024-2025 season with the concert presentation of “ A Celebration of American Folk Music.” Folk Music, throughout history, has told the story of cultures, communities and families. Director, Dr. Doug Jewett brings it alive with a modern flare of four-part harmony and the masterful accompaniment of Pianist Carol Paul.

Come join us in sharing the songs that we all remember including “If I Had A Hammer”, “This Land Is Your Land”, “To Everything There is a Season,” and many more. The Youth and Middle School Choruses are performing as well and will be joining the adult chorus to sing, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”. 

On March 15th, “A Celebration of American Folk Music” will be presented at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 Savannah Rd., Jensen Beach. The encore Concert presentation is March 16th held at Ross Hall, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 701 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart.  Both concerts begin at 3:00 p.m. 

Purchase your tickets Today at www.tccsingers.org.

Save these dates!! April 5th and 6th the TCCS Chamber Chorus along with the Middle School Chorus is presenting Rutter’s “Mass of the Children.” More info to follow!

TCCS thanks The Arts Council of Martin County, Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, Women Supporting the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts for their continued support.  TCCS is Gold Guide Star rated.  The organization is a 501(c)3, non-profit group.

Kick up Your Heels at the Ranch Roundup: A Taste of Olde Florida
Family-friendly Event at Adams Ranch Supports Treasure Coast Hospice Treasured Pets Program

STUART, Fla. Feb. 14, 2025) – The Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation invites guests to kick up their heels at an exciting new event, the Ranch Roundup - A Taste of Olde Florida, on Saturday, March 8, from 11 am to 3 pm, at Adams Ranch, 26001 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce. The family-friendly event will pay tribute to Florida’s ranching lifestyle of yesteryear. Proceeds will benefit the Treasure Coast Hospice Treasured Pets Program.

Ranch Roundup will transport attendees back to Florida’s early rural days amidst the natural beauty of Adams Ranch. Experience an authentic western-style afternoon of music, food, and ranch-themed fun, including live music by The Tom Jackson Band, a catered lunch from Carter’s Grocery and Adams Ranch Natural Beef, and a mini Beer Garden sponsored by Sailfish Brewery. In addition to taking a ranch tour, testing their skills riding a mechanical bull, or donning their finest western attire for the costume contests, guests will enjoy a variety of ranch-style games, demonstrations and more throughout the day.

“Treasure Coast Hospice is thrilled to once again partner with the Adams Family to create a truly memorable event,” said Agnes Palmer, Foundation Director. “The Ranch Roundup Committee invites the community to dust off their boots and come out to support our unique and much-loved Treasured Pets Program, which brings immeasurable comfort to patients and their families.”

Treasure Coast Hospice’s Treasured Pets Program assists hospice patients with the care of their beloved pets. The volunteer-run program helps maintain the general health and well-being for the pet at a time when it may be difficult for the patient and family to do so. Trained volunteers deliver pet food, play with and walk the pets, and transport them to and from their groomers and veterinarian appointments. Relieving the strain of caring for a pet allows family members to focus on their loved one while patients find comfort in knowing that their furry companions are being cared for and will not be left without a home in the future.

“For so many of our patients, their pets are cherished family members. But life-limiting illness makes it difficult if not impossible for them to care for their beloved companion animals,” said Lisa Gunggoll, Director of Volunteer Services, which oversees the Treasured Pets Program.

“Thanks to a dedicated group of compassionate volunteers, along with financial support from the community, Treasured Pets offers peace of mind and unique support to our patients and their four-legged friends.”

The Ranch Roundup committee members include Cindee Adams, Eileen Emery, Ally Fowler, Lisa Gunggoll, Lori Gunn, Jimmie Anne Haisley, Quinn Haisley-Wheeler and Ronnie Rossetti.
Event sponsors joining Carter’s Grocery, Adams Ranch Natural Beef and Sailfish Brewing Co. are Thomas Hay Feed, St. Lucie Battery and Tire, Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Visiting Angels, Estate Trust and Elder Law Firm, Aycock Dignity Memorial and Haisley Funeral Home.

Tickets to the Ranch Roundup are $40 per adult, $50 (includes samples and two beers at the Sailfish Brewing Co. Mini Beer Garden) and $15 for children (5 – 16). Western wear is encouraged but not required. For information about sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit www.TreasureHealth.org/RanchRoundUp.

Treasure Coast Hospice is a non-profit community organization of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support services to patients and families at the end of life.

Founded in 1982, Treasure Coast Hospice has grown to serve more than 4,000 patients annually in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Thanks to the generous support of our community, the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation is able to fund comprehensive hospice and grief support programs for Treasure Coast Hospice, including three Inpatient Units for those who need a higher level of care, the specialized pediatric program Little Treasures, music therapy, massage therapy, virtual reality experiences, individual and group bereavement services, and Camp Good Grief for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
To learn more about Treasure Coast Hospice, visit www.TreasureHealth.org.

 Bahama Mama Mia 2025 – An Unforgettable Evening Awaits!

Martin County PAL is thrilled to invite you to Bahama Mama Mia 2025, an exclusive pop-up event inspired by the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. On May 1st, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, guests will experience an elegant evening filled with live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an incredible luxury raffle featuring two exclusive getaway trips.

Adding to the excitement, the event location will remain a mystery until the day of the event. Ticket holders will receive the exclusive venue details at 3 PM via text and email, heightening the anticipation for this unforgettable night.

Guests are encouraged to dress in Amalfi Coast Chic, embracing the effortless sophistication and Mediterranean charm of this stunning destination. Think breezy linens, stylish prints, and timeless coastal elegance as you prepare to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience.

As part of this extraordinary evening, we are raffling off two luxury vacations, giving attendees the chance to win a dream getaway! This is your opportunity to enjoy a night of indulgence while supporting Martin County PAL’s mission to develop, healthy productive leaders of the future.

Tickets are limited, and this event is expected to sell out quickly. Secure your spot today and don’t miss out on the ultimate Bahama Mama Mia experience! Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to gain premium exposure while supporting a meaningful cause.

To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorships, visit www.martincountypal.org. For additional information, please contact madison@martincountypal.org

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at Bahama Mama Mia 2025—see you there! 

THE HOUSING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
ANNOUNCES THE THIRD ANNUAL HOUSING HEROES LUNCHEON ON MAY 14

A Conversation with Jonathan Vilma, retired NFL player & Affordable Housing Advocate
 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Housing Heroes Luncheon on May 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

One of the anticipated highlights of this year’s event will include a conversation with Jonathan Vilma. He is best known for playing with the NFL’s New York Jets and winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010. Recently, Vilma has made a name for himself in a new industry - affordable housing.

With a passion for making a difference, Vilma founded Trè Bèl Housing, a real estate company. He has now set his sights on tackling the affordable housing crisis in Florida. Vilma grew up in Coral Gables and played for the University of Miami Hurricanes.

Affordable housing remains a top priority for the state of Florida with heightened awareness and interest among investors and developers. The Housing Leadership Council educates, advocates, and supports sustainable housing opportunities for all residents of Palm Beach County and our luncheon showcases the local leaders in this endeavor.

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About the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County: The Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County is a coalition of community leaders working to sustain the economic viability of the County by supporting financially feasible and sustainable housing opportunities for all residents through education, policy research and initiatives, advocacy, and facilitating partnerships.
 

Remember when the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) amendments were being “passed” back in October, and there was a big deal made by some that they shouldn’t be voted on beng sent to Tallahassee to approve because a new commission would be elected, and they might be changed. Staff said it was just meant to meet a deadline and that it would need another vote by the commission.

Well, guess what? Several of those EAR Comp Plan amendments were on for discussion today. The public was nowhere to be seen. One person hung around to speak. 

That doesn’t mean there were no fireworks between the commissioners…especially Heard and Ciampi. Heard wanted to have a workshop. Ciampi said this meeting was a workshop. He kept asking for her specific objections instead of Heard just saying she couldn’t support it. 

Then Ciampi said something that really defines the differences between the two when it comes to development decisions. It is the trust that is placed in staff’s opinions and recommendations. Commissioner Heard is much more challenging than Commissioner Ciampi.

That doesn’t mean she doesn’t think staff are capable. It is more along the lines of trust but verify. Sometimes her way of grilling staff comes off as high handed.

I have also seen Ciampi ignore staff recommendations when it suits his purposes. That is politics. Staff are also much less sensitive to politics than the commissioners.

After all the hand wringing about not giving the new commissioners a chance to weigh in on the EAR amendments, most of the weighing in was by Heard. The ammendments were all voted to move forward to the March 25th meeting when final votes will be taken and any changes will be adopted.  

Chancey Bay PUD would result in the construction of 9 homes on a little more than 18 acres on Connors Highway in about as far west as you can go and still be in Martin County. 

The location is very close to the Lake and seeing the lake over the dike is why the owner was asking for a PUD. The zoning is residential and two acres. The setbacks more than meet the requirements. Then why a PUD except straight zoning?

The LDRs allow homes with that zoning to go up to 30 feet. However, the Comp Plan caps them at 40 feet. They were asking to be allowed to go to the maximum height allowed in the Comp Plan. 

Commissioner Heard said she didn’t like exceptions. A motion was made by Ciampi and seconded by Hetherington to accept the increased height. It passed 3-2 with Heard and Vargas dissenting.

To read more on this story read the following one.

Commissioner Heard:

I want to thank you for asking how the LPA voted on the Connor Road Project. As an LPA member I take what I do very seriously. So, to ask for how we voted and why validates the reason we take the time to serve.

In the scheme of things this is a small project and will not change the county. As I have written before, I see my job as making sure that staff is following the codes, zoning and comp plan with their recommendation. It is not up to me to substitute my judgement for what is in those documents that commissioners have passed.

When there is a PUD it could be because of an exception. The height limit was the exemption since the Comp Plan states one thing and the code another. My judgement is what is needed in those instances. 

I was asked by the applicant and her representative to meet. When they were explaining the reason for the PUD it was so that they could put a balcony on that extra space to look at the Lake. They told me twice they would not be using it for enclosed living space. I thought then it would be valid. Three floors of occupied space and the rooftop with appropriate cover as outdoor space.

This isn't a townhouse but a 2-acre property. Therefore, livable space does not have to be concentrated vertically. 40 feet in height is not accommodation for a view but rather a work around the LDRs.  

At the meeting I again asked why the extra height, and I was told they would not promise to limit it to unoccupied space. I then wanted to place a condition that it would not be enclosed. My fellow board members except one did not think it was important.

I don't expect us to agree, however I am glad you asked for our reasons for not approving. Ignoring us makes it so you will not have dedicated members on the board.  I take time to read my agenda packet and ask questions of staff, or speak to an applicant if they want, or to the public. 

Thank you for recognizing that.

At the February 10th meeting of the Stuart City Commission, there was the first reading of significant changes to the LDRs.

The Land Development Codes are supposed to reflect how elements of the comp plan are implemented. At next Monday’s meeting, when the second reading occurs, Boss Collins and his rubber stamp Politburo members will vote for the new LDRs and they will be adopted. Stuart will then be in violation of the comp plan which is illegal.

How will applications going into the planning department be judged? Will it be by the comp plan or the LDRs which are in conflict? Who will be the first one to sue the city for enacting codes that may be unenforceable? Was there a need to have impact statements before adoption as defined by Florida Statute?   

It really doesn’t matter whether you agree with Boss Collins about closing the city or not. What has occurred is wrong. It is the antithesis of good planning. 

Usually when you want to change zoning and LDRs, the first thing done is to hold public meetings to solicit the residents’ ideas. Not one meeting has been held to listen to residents. Even with what were called workshops where Boss Collins lectured staff and commission on his changes, any one commissioner, staff or public who spoke against a change was argued with as if they were the enemy.

Duette Pryce spoke out and subsequently drove down Collins’ street, it resulted in the Boss having more than a half dozen officers descending on him. During one of the commission meetings, Collins attacked Marcela Camblor, a land planner and developer, for dare to speak out against Collins’ usurping of the process.  Pryce is Black and an immigrant while Camblor is an immigrant and a woman. Three categories that the Boss feels should not be messing in his government or how his city runs.

And what are these changes Collins wants to see? It is nothing less than the end to new businesses, the end of almost all new buildings except for single family homes, and of course his big bugaboo…multi-family development. Collins tells us that the citizens want to stop development. If that is true, then why won’t he allow open forums to discuss his plan with the acquiescence of Giobbi and Reed. 

There are roughly 9600 homes in the city. The vast number of them are in single family neighborhoods already. Including East Stuart, there are about 250 empty parcels where more can be built. Since 2014, 25 homes have been built. This tells me that the demand for single-family homes has been met either because of price or desire. 

Is Boss Collins really saying no one else new can move here? Is that what the residents want? We don’t know because there has been no outreach to any of them. The city’s children must go somewhere else to live when they become adults. Does he want Stuart to be one large, gated community.

But isn’t that the way we end up with an unrepresentative government? Boss Collins lives in his Facebook world. How many of his Facebook followers live within the city? That is the world the Boss inhabits. The page has open borders where anyone can express an opinion as to Boss’ brilliance without having any stake in the game. Stuart businesses and residents will be paying the price.

Boss Collins has the audacity to insinuate that East Stuart property owners can’t make the right decisions about the land they own. His repeated statements that he needs to limit what the property owners can do to prevent gentrification are illogical. 

Families have owned property in East Stuart for generations. Through all that time, they have had the ability to do just about anything they wanted with their land. Duplexes, businesses, offices, apartments, and even single-family homes had a place. That is about to change with the dictates of Boss Collins removing those rights from the landowners.

His reason is he wants to prevent “outsiders” from coming in and gentrifying the neighborhood. Collins uses the example of a Starbucks being built close to the proposed Brightline station as what he is protecting East Stuart from. Really? Oh, and there may be an apartment or two that goes above the store to provide housing for residents so that they don’t have to move to Port St. Lucie to live. Another problem.

In his role as benevolent White leader, Boss Collins will save the Black folk from buying a latte or having a place to call home. Not only is it patronizing, it is downright racist in its implication. The only way anything from a new building to a new business on a piece of property in East Stuart has been able to occur is if the landowner wanted it to occur. That will no longer be the case under Collins’ code changes. If enacted, many owners will have to seek permission of the Boss and his Politburo for any development other than building a single-family home while spending thousands in development fees.

I am sure that Collins would like to take even more property rights away from East Stuart landowners, but the state and U.S. Constitution prevents it. No one should be bamboozled with this nonsense. It is nothing but a ploy to stop people from determining their own economic and societal future.

If someone wants to lease their land to Starbucks and receive an economic benefit, they should be able to do so. If a family that has owned a piece of property for three generations wants to build a triplex to house the family or others, they should be allowed to do so. Boss Collins wants to take those rights and decisions away because he doesn’t believe that East Stuart owners can guide their own destinies.

I don’t believe that and neither should you. 
   

While the East Stuart neighborhood became the focus of last Monday’s meeting, the vote taken will cause irreparable damage to the entire city that will reverberate for at least a decade.

None of the changes that were passed are about anything more than what Boss Collins sees as his ability to control Stuart. And when I say control, I mean control. I could talk about Reed and Gobbi but why? Like the U.S. Congress, both have abrogated their individual duty toward the electorate. They are bobble heads.

The meeting was packed with East Stuart residents and landowners. They should have been there six months ago when Collins instituted his plan to change landowners’ ability to do what they wanted with their property. For that matter, every neighborhood in the city should have turned out to thwart the Collins’ plan.

During any commission meeting, especially public comment, the commission is supposed to listen to the speakers and take what they say into consideration when making decisions. Boss Collins can’t shut up. He is like a two-year-old that has no ability to control himself. 

When he isn’t making side comments to the air or arguing with Mayor Rich, the Boss is intimidating and confronting the public when they speak. During this meeting, he most vehemently confronted East Stuart resident Jospeh Cooper for not buying into the Boss’ ridiculous assertions that he was protecting the residents of East Stuart. Collins was shouting at Cooper not only because he disagreed with him but because Cooper is a builder and contractor. 

As a side note I believe Cooper has the making of an ethics complaint against the Boss. He should file it. I would give the same advice to Marcella Camblor that had similar experiences earlier with the Collins antics.  

While never overly friendly to occupations like Cooper’s, Stuart City Commissioners weren’t disrespectful either. Collins behavior reminds me of my time speaking to New York City Community boards which was a required part of the process to make any substantial changes in the city.  It was also a period when having anything to do with providing housing was perceived negatively, and so my presentations were generally adversarial. Collins is an anti-free market individual that doesn’t want to have anyone developing anything.

All this talk about giving residents more control is a smoke screen. There is now a myriad of uses that a landowner in East Stuart can do without going hat in hand to the commission for approval and spending thousands for the privilege. With the end of the present code, all decisions will not be in the hands of residents but the Boss and his Politburo.

It is true that there will be a blue sign that goes up so that surrounding property owners will know something is brewing, but community notification can be accomplished without concentrating all the decision making in Boss Collins hands. You can write in the code that anyone looking to develop a property must have a neighborhood meeting. Notification can be made by mail and posting a sign on the property.  This will avoid having to come before the commission for approval if the planned use meets all the zoning criteria.

At this meeting, we saw that most property in the neighborhood is held in the hands of several long-time owners, many currently living in East Stuart. The better solution would be to let everyone come together so that things can be explained among friends, neighbors, and relations. I guarantee what Collins wants to do is seize the freedom that the people of East Stuart have now under the guise of protection. It will be his vision not the neighborhood’s.

Currently because of the vote taken on Monday, East Stuart is the only neighborhood that has freedom. Because of the turnout from that neighborhood the other night, a vote for taking away the rights of the people was delayed but not stopped. The entire rest of the city lost those rights Monday night when the commission voted 4-1 with Rich dissenting to proceed with new LDRs. 

Only Rich thought about the power that was going to be concentrated in the hands of the commission, and he voted to give away some of his to the people. It was admirable but useless in the Boss Collins onslaught. 

There were some who believe that their projects in other parts of the city will still have a chance of success. The city manager, attorney, and staff will be able to somehow slip it through. That is ridiculous to believe after all that has happened. 

All you need to do is ask the guys who wanted to build a hotel on Federal Highway. No matter how you look at it, they had a right by zoning. The Boss stopped it by fiat and took away someone’s property right.

A meeting will be held in the next month in East Stuart regarding this. Everyone needs to attend…not just East Stuart residents. When will all residents protect their property from the Collins’ confiscation?   

How long is a promise good for?

That is really the fundamental question that current school board retirees and future ones are asking. Forever is a long time but that is what teachers both past and present want the district to do regarding the funding of their healthcare. Should they?

The board has decided it seems to fund retirement for those current retirees and those who retire by June 30, 2025. That will result in a cost of millions of tax dollars. But I agree with the board here that the funding at these levels should continue. People counted on it and some now are in their 60s, 70s, and older.

Those who retire after that date probably won’t get that same supplement. For retirees over age 65 and on Medicare, the district would no longer pay for supplemental insurance. I can understand the board’s reasoning. Compensation across districts is more comparable than it was in the past, which was one of the reasons the district offered this perk. No other districts around us pay for supplemental insurance either. And I can’t think of any private company that does.

I believe the board is supportive but not ready to give away the taxpayer store. Both Moriarity and Russell voted against moving forward with a change to the benefit. Did they do it to curry favor or because they felt it was the right thing to do? I will choose to believe the latter at least for now.

One teacher who wanted to retire at 50 but was too young to enter the state retirement system was waiting until age 57. During public comment she said that she may not be able to retire at that age now because she is not eligible for Medicare for another 8 years. You know most Martin County residents could never retire at 50 or 57. Some can’t do it at 67 or even 77. That is a bad example to gain sympathy.

How long does a promise last? It mostly comes down to how long you can afford to honor it. 

The Boys & Girls Club that is located on Martin Luther King is on school district property. 

That means it goes against school board policy and their lease for them to serve liquor at their events. The club is requesting a change in their lease to allow them to do so when they cater or use the premises for events. Further it may be against both local ordinances and state statutes to sell or serve alcohol on school property. 

Having the premier club on school board property is a great idea. Most times it benefits both the Boys & Girls Club, the Martin County School District and especially the students of JD Parker and Stuart Middle School. That doesn’t mean there is always a work around. I believe this is one of those times.

Superintendent Maine is doing his due diligence on the matter. The board chair and school attorney will be consulted and then a decision will be made. It seems right now the answer to modify the lease will be no.

Superintendent Michael Maine has asked staff to align the FTE (Full Time Equivalent) budget with the enrolled students in Martin County schools.

Every student is allocated an amount of money that goes to the school that the student attends. For instance, if someone is slated to go to JD Parker but transfers to Treasure Coast Classical, their FTE goes with them to the new school. The FTE for the year 2024/25 is $8959.00 per student.

Since COVID, the district’s enrollment has been down. There are fewer students today than in the past. Martin County will receive less funding from taxes and state money because the anticipated growth with new developments hasn’t occurred in addition to the COVID outcome.

This makes it hard to keep programs and staff for a shrinking population. The district has tried to attract new students from other districts, but it will never be enough to offset our decline. Besides St. Lucie County is becoming a very good district and parents, except on the district edges which may be closer to Martin County schools, would probably prefer to keep their kids there.

Maine also mentioned that Florida’s teacher retention rate is 77% while the district’s is 87%. The supposed shortage doesn’t appear to be a Martin County problem since we are doing so much better than the state. It may mean something if teachers begin leaving the district as some have indicated because of retirement benefit changes.

Maine is doing the responsible thing by covering his options. You can’t spend more money than you collect. We are now seeing what happens when you don’t allow enough growth to pay for programs that parents and students may want but can’t afford. Martin County is only now seeing that fact. As time goes on, we will be left behind to our neighbors to the north and south more and more in what our schools and curriculum look like.
 

Joe Capra is skilled at many things, making presentations is not one of them.

This has nothing to do with his skills as an engineer, a project manager, or the “King of Grants.” All of which he excels at doing. But explaining what he is doing is a problem. It showed at this meeting. 

What Capra does is complicated. Every type of grant has its own qualifications and requirements which makes explaining the nuances difficult. Even someone who is an accomplished presenter would have difficulties. There is the added burden of Joe seeing the entire problem but individual commissioners at times looking at the one thing they are concerned with instead of the big picture. 

For example, raising North Sewall’s Point Road is in the town’s master plan. The road is owned by the county. Vice-Mayor Barile is focused on the town not having to pay any money toward it. Looking at the flooding that is occurring and will occur, Capra realizes that the road will have to be raised to avoid even more flooding to surrounding properties. Then is Joe wrong for trying to work with the county to accomplish the bigger goal regardless of road ownership?

Commissioner Tidikis is very concerned with a maintenance schedule for the town’s drainage system. He stated he wants to see it and he has been asking for it for several months. There is no doubt that a written document should be produced outlining when maintenance work is to be done. I guess Tidikis doesn’t want things falling through the cracks. 

I would imagine Manager Daniels would want the same thing. I am surprised that there isn’t a written schedule somewhere. Tidikis would like to see it for policy reasons, but the day-to-day carrying out of town maintenance is Daniel’s job.

Joe did run through the Resiliency Vulnerability Assessment that is required to be completed by statute. If it isn’t done, then certain grants will not be available to Sewall’s Point. The assessment shows that the town is facing more and more flooding.

You can see the presentation here 

Martin County staff presented the Local Mitigation Strategy which by statute must be produced by the county in conjunction with the local governments. It doesn’t just look at flooding but also any incident that may occur and how Martin County is going to handle it from drought to wildfires. You can see that presentation here 

This also ties in with the commissioners’ priorities. If you look at what they think is important it isn’t different from what Capra and the county listed. The manner in which the goals become accomplished is what needs to be figured out.

The goals can be found here 
 

It was one of the more productive meetings the Jupiter Island Commission has had recently.

Commissioner Scott wants to acquire South Beach Road. North Beach Road is already owned by the town. It appears that she is concerned that someday the county, the owner of the road, will place parking spaces in the right-of-way which would be allowed without input from the town. There didn’t seem to be much of an appetite from other commissioners for the purchase and or transfer.

There was a discussion about density analysis during the EAR update. The commission didn’t seem to agree on what they wanted it to accomplish. Is it a true analysis of what the future will hold with the town built out or a tool to prevent further building on empty parcels. The consultants believe the town’s population will drop from 788 to 732. 

Would that mean there will be more people that aren’t staying for more than a month or two in the winter? Most current residents aren’t here in the summer. The discussion sort of trailed off without a definitive path.

There was the first reading of a leaf blowing ordinance that will prohibit gas powered leaf blowers from being used. Electric ones are not to be no more than 65 decibels. There is a one-year grace period before the ordinance takes effect. Great idea, and I sincerely hope other Martin County municipalities take notice.

The authority of the Board of Adjustment (BOA) and the Impact Review Committee (IRC) were called into question at the meeting. Apparently, the BOA approved the Jupiter Island Club knocking down a 1500 sq feet non-conforming building and will allow a 9000 square feet non-conforming building to be built according to Scott. She promptly called for the board to become advisory only.

Field, who had been a champion of the independence of the board, joined Scott in her condemnation. He was looking for a way for the commission to exercise oversight without making the board advisory only. A motion was passed for the staff to bring something back to the board.

Scott stated that there are 7 criteria that must be met by the BOA to grant a variance. She didn’t believe any had been met by the club. The IRC which also looked at the application when challenging the variance were told by staff that they need not be concerned with it since the BOA had already granted the variance.

The board only received one side of the story however and that was from the applicant. Staff hadn’t prepared a report, though the director had said she had told each board member in private that she didn’t believe the criteria had been met. It was compounded by who the applicant was…The Jupiter Island Club.

It was mentioned that some believe that the LDRs did not need to apply to the club since it is a commercial venture. It may be more than that. The club is the club. On Jupiter Island there are club members and then there are those who do not belong. The only current commissioner, not a member, I believe is Taddeo.

I have sat on two LPA boards, as well as a CRA, CRB, and commission. I have looked at many development applications. I think I am knowledgeable when it comes to analyzing these things. However, if I didn’t have a staff report to go with the application, I could never make sure that the applicant was following the intricacies of zoning, LDRs or the comp plan. For all my experience, I am still not a professional who went to school and has a degree.

No board should be a rubber stamp for the development staff. If only the applicant presents his side that was likely prepared with the use of legal, architectural, and other development professionals, I would never see the full picture and do a good job in analyzing both sides. They call it quasi-judicial for a reason.

Anne Scott is right…these boards should be advisory. Their advice should be taken very seriously by the commission.  Unfortunately, when it is advisory, commissioners tend to ignore their board’s opinions. Both bodies are obligated to do their jobs.

However, the commission is the decision maker. I just don’t know whether the Jupiter Island Commission is ready to have two meetings or more a month to deal with the applications. If not, the system they have is better than the alternative.

Qualifying for the March 18th election is over as of February 28th.

Penny Townsend, Patsy Warner, and Joe Taddeo were the only candidates and thus elected unopposed. 

Warner and Taddeo will have four-year terms, and Townsend will have another two-year term. There will not be an election on March 18th.

There was some surprise that other people did not choose to run. Both Warner and Taddeo were appointed to the commission last year to fill the unexpired terms of two commissioners that resigned. 

Congratulations to all three for standing up to serve their community.  

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Tom’s Articles

From Medium

"Chaos, Meanness, Revende, and Insults"

Here

"Hard Lessons"

Here

From Martin County Moments

"Under Collins Stuart Commission Is Woke"

Here

"Harrell & Snyder Step Up"

Here

Other Articles

The New York Times: "A Mandate for Boston's Suburbs: Make Room for More Apartments"

Here

The Economist" "Do tariffs raise inflation?"

Here

Florida Phoenix: "Lawmakers propose constitutional term limits for county commissioners, school board members"

Here

Wall Street Journal: "Fashion Turned on Fur. Now Everyone Wants It."

Here

The New York Times: "Home Builders Say Trump Tariffs Are Raising Construction Costs"

Here

Time: "What the FAA Layoffs Mean for Air Safety"

Here

The Washington Post: "The White House's wildly inaccurate claims about USAID spending"

Here

The Economist

Here

Florida Phoenix: "Poll: Majority of Floridians don't support shanging the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America'

Here

The Wall Street Journal: "How Zoning Ruined the Housing Market in Blue-State America"

Here

The Washington Post: "In chaotic Washington blitz, Elon Musk's ultimate goal becomes clear"

Here

The Economist: "New York City commits to involuntary commitment'

Here

Florida Phoenix: "To block another golf course debacle, Fkorida lawmakers try protectig state parks"

Here

The New York Times: "The Radical Legal Theories That Could Fuel a Constitutional Crisis"

Here

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