April 6, 2025

There has been plenty of news since we last published. 

It seems the county is holding steady while Stuart continues to slide into oblivion. A place that stagnates is not one which will prosper. People leave as do businesses and institutions.  

The real super star of government is the show in Tallahassee with the governor and legislature. Just like what will be far-reaching changes on the federal level the same can be said for what the state is contemplating.

Florida’s economic prosperity is built on taxes derived from growth. The sales tax for the state budget and localities based on the property tax. Both forms of taxation could rapidly change. 

Those changes are being led by populism, not either conservative or liberal policy ideas. Wreck systems at your peril. Without reliable funding streams governments do not function well. 

Sales taxes are highly regressive and fund the state government. Property taxes have completely changed on how they are meant to function as to the value of real estate owned. This has resulted in more and more inequities that the state then must come up with more and more Rube Goldfarb schemes to address.   

Tallahassee is killing the golden calf of state prosperity.

Martin County has about finished the mandated EAR amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. I think there is a good chance that the state may not accept the parts where they did not change the residential capacity analysis which was not in keeping with staff’s recommendations. When state statutes say one thing it is best to abide by the state. 

As I point out in my piece, the fuss by some that was made because of transmittal to Tallahassee of the Ear prior to Capps and Vargas joining the board was nowhere in evidence at last Tuesday’s meeting. There was no one in the chamber to voice any opinion on these supposed crucial amendments.

We have all our usual contributors plus a few guest columns by the Taxpayers and Stacy Ranieri. 

Be on the lookout for our next edition on April 13th. We are publishing the 2nd of the month early since I am going away.

Now sit back relax as you read this edition.   

Have a great Sunday Morning!

On Wednesday April 2nd, I will be honored by the Council on Aging.

The prestigious Charlie Kane Award is being presented to me at their annual Sage Awards at Piper’s Landing.

I guess I am now considered old enough to be distinguished. I never thought I would make the grade in either being old enough or distinguished. I have at least one of those attributes if not the other.

I remember sometimes as a child trying to figure out in what year I could collect social security. I have no idea now why. I guess I was developing my math skills using a practical reason for doing so.

Time has a way of sliding by for all of us. I remember vividly two of my great grandparents and a little less vividly two others. I knew all my grandparents and their siblings. Therefore, I heard stories that were rooted firmly in the 19th century. My great grandfather had been a wheelwright, while his father was a wagonwright. They were both from Gloversville, New York. 

My great grandfather and great grandmother settled in Wisconsin and then later came to Florida at the turn of the last century. All in a wagon built by his father and wheels made by him. Or at least that is how the story goes. I have their photos hanging in my den.

I wonder whether anyone will remember my story in the 22nd century. They probably won’t by mid-21st century. It may seem quaint, but children and adults spoke to each other when I was a child. I don’t think they do so much now. 

Even though I hadn’t been born yet, I know family stories from the early 20th century through the 1940s. I sometimes feel more comfortable thinking about that era than today. However, we do live today and not then.

I am happy to be thought of as worthy of being honored by the Council on Aging. I don’t believe it is just because I am aged but because I have contributed to my community in a meaningful way. And I contribute to my community because I realize that if people don’t, there won’t be much of a community.

Thanks to the Council on Aging for bestowing such a great honor. I really appreciate it. And I had to wait until I was in my 70s to understand why.

In the last election, 64% of Martin County voters approved a half cent increase in the sales tax for ten years to buy environmental lands in distinct areas of the county. Indian River Lagoon South, Pal Mar, Loxahatchee and St Lucie Headwaters are the locations. Blueway areas, conservation and agricultural easements are also part of the initiatives.

The tax is expected to raise a little over $18 million a year for Martin County. It will probably be closer to $20 million a year with current projections. By passing this referendum with overwhelming support, Martin County voters came together to put their money where their mouths are about conservation.

Unlike past referendums regarding use of the sales tax, the specificity of where the land is located is instrumental in making sure that conservation efforts and dollars will only be spent in critical areas of importance. Specifically, naming the areas is a directive to the county by the voters of where purchases must be. This provides the rails to keep land acquisition focused.

By including conservation easements, the county can have the desired results without the purchase of productive farms and grazing land. Owners can continue with their family business while the public makes sure that those lands are never developed. It is a win-win for all.

In my opinion, the one thing that should give the public confidence would be the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC). This committee is made up of representatives from organizations that are embedded in the community such as environmental groups, good government groups, farmers, and real estate interest professionals. These will be the people that will keep the county honest in its dealings.

They will screen the proposed purchases and serve as primary sources, along with Martin County staff, of what properties to purchase. It is the citizens’ watch dog group that will make sure that Martin County is keeping to those areas which are outlined in the referendum. Their job will be to see that nothing untoward will be tolerated.

As the appointed member representing the Martin County Taxpayers Association to the ELOC, I will be relentless in making sure that the referendum parameters will be carried out. And I have a powerful tool to make sure the residents of Martin County are aware of any deviation. 

If we are going to preserve our rural heritage and make sure that Pal-Mar, Indian River Lagoon South, Loxahatchee and the St. Lucie Headwaters are preserved, this is the best way of doing so. It will take the members of the ELOC, but really all of us, to work toward success.    

We claim we want to have our western lands free from development and then do everything possible to encourage sprawl. This is no easy feat. Yet we manage to do just that in the name of conservation.

Many claim that every building built within the Urban Services Boundary shouldn’t be allowed. Everything is too dense. We increase lot sizes and parking requirements even to build single family homes as if cities and our CRAs are suburban instead of urban in nature.

As land and building costs become more and more expensive, density is key to keeping sprawl out of the west where land costs are cheaper. People must live somewhere, and this notion that people will go away by not allowing building through zoning and LDRs is a pipe dream.

Through preemption, the state will no longer allow local governments the authority to approve development. There are currently several bills in the legislature that will further erode local government’s ability to control local land use decisions. The siren song of local officials crying about their lack of control seems out of touch with reality. 

Good planning does not mean “no” but rather “how.” If people want to preserve development within the Urban Services Boundary, then it must be made more attractive to build there than outside. It is as simple as that.

We will either have development all the way to Lake Okeechobee and further erosion of local land use policies through preemption, or we will recognize that just saying no is not an option. 

People ask why I write so many stories on Boss Collins. It is because he makes all the news now in Martin County.

He is the star of every meeting. He never shuts up. He is outrageous in his policies. And there is nothing redeeming about him. 

Collins is a narcissist. He is the headliner of the show. He is rude and argues with people from the dais. Public Comment has turned into a public debate. Who else should I write about? 

Maybe meetings would be conducted in a business-like manner if he weren’t there. Everything is about Chistopher Collins. Staff presentations devolve into Boss Collins interrupting and as “star” knowing more than a staff member. He has become the City of Stuart. And that isn’t a good thing.

County commissioners have much more on their plates. They act responsibly. Even when I do not agree with their positions, I respect their decisions. That goes for the elected officials in other places. 

Commissioner Heard and I disagree on growth issues. Yet I have often said and written how much respect I have for her overall. I don’t think I will ever say that about Collins.

If I feel an elected official made a mistake, I call them out. They act professionally toward the public, staff, and each other. You don’t find that anymore on the Stuart City Commission.

The commission because of Collins is dysfunctional. He is so outrageous that he cannot be ignored. This isn’t about policies but temperament. 

Boss Collins is bad for Stuart. He is far from someone who believes in the concept of being a servant leader. I don’t think he cares about others, only himself. He is flamboyant in his demeanor. The Politburo does not do their constituents justice by following Collins’ lead in everything.  

And that is why I write extensively about Boss Collins. He is why Stuart is no longer a vibrant city. How could I not report on this…the destruction of a city. 

These voluntary agreements permanently restrict non-agricultural development, allowing farmers and ranchers to continue operations while conserving natural resources. Several programs support these efforts, including Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) and local initiatives like Martin County’s Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC).

Through RFLPP, eligible landowners apply for easements, and properties are evaluated based on factors like soil quality, water availability, and agricultural viability. If approved, the state purchases a conservation easement, which remains legally binding even if ownership changes.

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

Trickle-Down Trouble: How Stuart’s Growth Gridlock Is Fueling a Local Housing Crisis

In Stuart, Florida, the charm of small-town life is being tested by a growing affordability crisis - one that’s not just shaped by national policy, but increasingly by decisions made right at home.  While high federal interest rates and inflation get most of the attention, it’s Stuart’s own resistance to growth that may be doing the most long-term damage.

Affordable housing is becoming scarcer by the month.  Home prices remain high, rents are surging, and working families are finding fewer options to stay in the community.  Although the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady for now continues to keep consumer borrowing more expensive, the real squeeze is happening locally - where much-needed housing development is being stalled by a "no new growth" mindset at the city commission’s level.

Stuart’s hijacked City Commission has consistently pushed back against new housing projects and newer commercial developments, citing concerns about traffic, aesthetics, and preserving the town’s historic character.  But that approach, while well-intentioned, is creating unintended consequences. Without building new homes, demand continues to outpace supply - driving up prices and pushing out the very people who keep Stuart running:  teachers, nurses, first responders, small businesses, and younger families.

This anti-growth stance is also threatening the town’s economic future. As housing remains limited and expensive, businesses struggle to attract and retain workers. And with fewer new residents moving in, the burden of funding city services falls more heavily on the existing tax base—leading to rising costs for longtime homeowners and aging infrastructure that’s increasingly expensive to maintain.

Investor-backed purchases continue to make matters worse.  With limited housing stock and little local oversight, large firms will target to buy single-family homes and turn them into high-rent properties. Locals will be priced out - not just by Wall Street, but by a lack of local action.

Despite growing demand, there’s little movement from Stuart’s city leadership to re-evaluate this stagnant approach.  Stuart has an opportunity to shape growth thoughtfully - to preserve its charm while also building a future that includes all residents.  But without a shift in strategy, Stuart will see increasing pressure to cut costs and/or increase local sales & property taxes on its residents.

Stuart’s housing crisis isn’t just trickling down from Washington’s inertia - it’s being reinforced by decisions made in its own backyard.  And, unless local leaders are willing to confront that reality, the cost will continue to fall on the very people Stuart was rebuilt for in recent decades.

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

Questioning Forgiveness

As Spring moves towards Easter, I have been contemplating forgiveness. Are some things too hard to forgive? Does forgiveness heal the transgressor or the victim? Can I forgive?

When someone reaches out and asks to contact you, do you agree?  If this person was someone who hurt someone you loved,  do you accept, or do you turn to the Book of Common Prayer and pray for the Church in Sudan while you contemplate your response?

Over the years, I learned an old friend was not trustworthy. So many times my confidence was breached and used to hurt people deemed deserving of retribution. One was my husband. Do I miss this person? Yes, I know the pain my friend has endured in her life, and I grieve for her. But do I forgive?

Do the birds forgive?  Does the rain? I think both may be oblivious to me.

What would the one aggrieved say?

One he might forgive and the other, he would understand. I leave it to those wiser than me to know which is which. 

Regardless, he would be doing yard work. Hurricane season is approaching and it’s going to be windy, and dry.

Get prepared.

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

Misty’s Pals Pet Therapy Team

Our shelter at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is extremely fortunate to have nearly 100 certified pet therapy dogs on our team. These teams (a therapy dog with their handlers) are called Misty’s Pals. Misty’s Pals volunteers go to various places like assisted living centers, schools, court rooms, events, and much more to spread all the love and TLC that these furry faces have to offer. When people see our dogs, their faces instantly light up with joy.

It's very important to understand the difference between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), Service Animals, and Therapy Animals (like our Misty’s Pals dogs). This is often misunderstood, and knowing the difference between the three is crucial for recognizing the animals and unique roles and benefits.

Emotional Support Animals are primarily companions that provide comfort to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks related to a disability; their presence alone offers therapeutic support.

Service animals, on the other hand, are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) can be recognized as service animals. These highly trained companions perform tasks such as guiding visually impaired individuals or alerting those with hearing impairments. They often spend years of training before becoming certified service animals.

Therapy animals, like our Misty’s Pals volunteers, are also distinct from both ESAs and service animals. The goal of our pet therapy program at HSTC is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. We provide specific pet therapy programs to target the elderly, the sick and injured, special needs children, and more. Therapy animals often work alongside certified handlers who facilitate interactions between the animal and people in need of emotional support.

Each type of animal serves a vital role in enhancing well-being but operates under different guidelines and purposes. Understanding these differences helps ensure that individuals receive appropriate support tailored to their needs.

If you have a dog that you think would be an excellent therapy dog through our Misty’s Pals program, please reach out to us! Misty's Pals volunteers are required to attend and pass a Basic Obedience class and then attend a Pet Therapy Class.  The Pet Therapy Class prepares you and your dog to be evaluated for a national therapy dog organization.  This is to ensure that all volunteers and dogs are properly trained in this volunteer field. We do not certify service animals or ESA pets, but we can help point you in the right direction if you inquire. Please visit our website at www.hstc1.org/pet-therapy for more information. 

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

Confession: I love reality TV.  

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

It’s hard to believe that in a few short days, people across America will be filing their taxes. In our community, United Way of Martin County, in conjunction with AmeriCorps Seniors, hosts the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

This program provides tax preparation from IRS Certified Preparers and is designed to assist individuals and families in our community that have an annual income of less than $63,000.  

The unique thing about this program is that it is FREE to anyone in Martin County that qualifies by their income. Annually, we prepare and electronically file over 350 returns for residents of our community. These individuals and families come from all walks of life and are so grateful for this service.

The site coordinator, Debbie C., is a former IRS employee and has been volunteering her expertise and professionalism to this program for over 18 years. In fact, all the individuals involved in preparing taxes are volunteers who undergo a rigorous training process. The United Way team provides oversight, in-kind office space and all the administrative work behind the scenes such as managing client appointments, fielding phone calls and assisting every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening during tax season. Yes, just like paid tax services, we schedule appointments for our clients so we can dedicate the time and volunteers needed to assist.

This program saves Martin County residents, on average, $248 in tax preparation fees and a total of about $86,800 for all the returns. The saved cost allows clients to use the money to pay bills or for other basic needs.

This year, we have had a diverse range of working individuals, families and seniors who have benefited from our program. The VITA service has also been complimented with Ride United for those seniors who no longer feel comfortable driving at nighttime or who are recovering from surgeries.

We are so proud of this service and the collaboration it takes to make the program available to and for our community. So here is my ask of you… If you are number savvy and want to give 3 hours (or up to 9 hours) a week, consider becoming a tax preparer! We're limited in how many people we can assist due to the high volume of calls we receive. By expanding our team of volunteer tax preparers, we can serve more individuals in need of assistance.

If you are interested in receiving this service next year, please call starting January 15, 2025, to schedule your appointment. Appointments book up quickly and are on a first call, first serve basis. 

For further information about the United Way of Martin County, please visit our website at www.unitedwaymartin.org or contact our office at 772-283-4800.

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

Supporting Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is recognized globally as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Did you know Helping People Succeed is the provider of Healthy Families Florida program in Martin County, with an over 99% success rate preventing abuse and neglect in the families we serve.

At Helping People Succeed, we celebrate every client’s growth and transformation. Today, we want to introduce you to Ana, a participant in our Healthy Families program.

When Ana became pregnant with her son at the age of 18, she knew she wanted to be a part of Healthy Families. She knew the effectiveness of the program because when she was 10 years old, her mother had enrolled in Healthy Families after giving birth to Ana’s youngest sister.

Ana saw the significant impact it had on her family.  Prior to her family’s involvement in Healthy Families, Ana witnessed her parents’ struggles and the impact that had on her younger siblings.

But during their participation in the program, Ana saw how her parents changed and how much more loving and involved they became. She also saw how much better prepared her sister was for school and for life, having had the benefits of the program from birth.

Because of the impressive strides and successes she achieved through participation in Healthy Families, Ana was invited by both Healthy Families to be a panelist for the Florida Coalition for Children and by the United Way of Martin County to speak at an Awards Luncheon. Ana bravely shared her personal story and the impact of Healthy Families in reducing abuse and neglect. Ana is a role model for others. 

 Healthy Families is an evidence based, nationally accredited home visiting program for expectant parents and parents of newborns experiencing stressful life situations that could result in abuse or neglect. The program improves childhood outcomes and increases family self-sufficiency.

Parents voluntarily participate in Healthy Families so they can learn how to recognize and respond to their babies' changing developmental needs, use positive discipline techniques, cope with the day-to-day stress of parenting in healthy ways, and set and achieve short- and long-term goals.

This April, I urge you to think about how you support the creation of happy and healthy childhoods for all children in Martin County!

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

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell

The core mission of the Business Development Board of Martin County is, put simply, to make the local economy more robust and resilient. To further position us for success in achieving this task, our board of directors just got a lot stronger—and so did our structure for adding even more top talent around the table. 

Our board of directors—composed of representatives of key industries and partner organizations alongside at-large positions—includes an applicant from the public who’s appointed to the BDB board by the Martin County Commission. Further, a designated member of the county commission—currently Commissioner Blake Capps—sits on our board as its liaison while serving in a nonvoting capacity. 

We recently updated our documents to enable our additional government partners—the City of Stuart and the Village of Indiantown—to function the same way. Both the city and the village can each appoint one qualified member of the public to serve on the BDB board. Meanwhile, one representative from the city commission and one from the village council serve on our board as nonvoting liaisons. This makes the structure uniform, ensures representation, provides oversight, and prevents politization.

Recently, we welcomed new board member—and Village of Indiantown appointee—David Powers. A native of Indiantown, David’s broad career includes multiple senior leadership positions in the propane and natural gas industry before launching with partners his own real estate company. 

David’s extensive local knowledge and community involvement—which includes previous leadership service on the BDB board—will prove vital. It’s especially relevant in our expanded partnership with the red-hot Village of Indiantown, where nearly 255,000 square feet of diverse new manufacturing operations are undergoing review or fully approved and in the construction phase.

Also new to our board is at-large member Steve Hartz, CEO and founder of Value Tool & Engineering. The Palm City manufacturing facility of his Indiana-based company specializes in creating customized tools and fixtures for the aerospace industry, including manufacturing precision parts for the defense industry. 

Further, Steve—who founded and operated four charter schools in Indiana to educate and cultivate a manufacturing workforce—is highly active in our local talent development efforts. Last year we interviewed Steve for our Speaking with the CEO feature and appreciated his urgency about preparing the local job market for future opportunities in manufacturing. 

“For a long time, people thought you could engineer everything here and build it in China,” Steve told us. “But I think people didn’t realize, it’s not the engineer that has control, it’s the manufacturer.”

Reshoring opportunities in manufacturing is a national priority that Indiantown is well positioned to embrace. By working with existing and expanding manufacturing operations, readying the local workforce, and supplying high-caliber leadership experienced in enhancing both, the BDB is helping install the building blocks that are essential to fortifying the local economy. 

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

Colonel Brandon Bowman, Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, updated the Rivers Coalition on the status of the Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation at the March 27th meeting. 

The operation was implemented back in December to lower the lake level enough to let sunlight penetrate the murky water and let the lake’s submerged aquatic vegetation, a critical component of bass spawning and habitat for critters at the bottom of the food chain, recover. (The submerged aquatic vegetation has been decimated during the past few years, plummeting from 37,500 acres to just 3000; the “ideal” level is 30,000 acres, but they’d be happy to see it get back up to 11.000 acres as a starting point.)

The Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation, Col. Bowman reported, is going quite well; so well, in fact, the Corps was able to stop discharging water down the St. Lucie Canal on March 29th. He added they are not scheduled to resume discharges during the rest of the recovery operation – which generated a hearty round of applause from the audience.

Where are we now? The current lake level is 12.72 feet, and the goal is to get it below 12 feet for 90 days or below 11.5 feet for 60 days. “We are very, very positive we can achieve that”, said Lawrence Glenn of the South Florida Water Management District.

Then we got even more encouraging news: If the current operation is, indeed, successful. Col. Bowman does not foresee another one, with its accompanying discharges down the St. Lucie Canal, for five years. Discharges to the east during that time would be required only if the lake rose above 17 feet.

Finally, Col. Bowman indicated he plans to take a more active role in the Rivers Coalition meetings, intending to attend three meetings a year. He also noted he received over 2900 emails about the recovery operation (“most of them negative”) and saved each and every one of them. We have thus come a long, long way from the time, not all that long ago, when the Corps was considered to be unresponsive to any environmental concerns and their representatives met a hostile reception at Rivers Coalition meetings.

It’s been a long, hard road, but now that everybody seemingly is working together there is bona fide hope for the environmental future of the St. Lucie Estuary. But we still need to keep the pressure on…

Walter Deemer's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Bringing state-of-the-art urology care to restore health and help patients thrive 

Your urinary system includes your bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. When you’re healthy, you may not give these organs much thought. But when urologic cancer disrupts this system’s functions, it can affect your whole life.

Urologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the management of cancers affecting the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive organs.

Urologic oncologists are specialists who deal with cancers such as bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, as well as penile and testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting men aged 15 to 35. When diagnosed and treated early it has an excellent cure rate. Prostate cancer also has good cure rates when treated early. 

We are fortunate to have a urology specialist like Facundo Davaro, MD, a urologic oncologist at Martin Health. He is based at the Cleveland Clinic Family Health and Wellness Center on Kanner Highway. We were able to attract him to work at Cleveland Clinic because we offer academic rigor, collaborative patient care and research opportunities. He has access to consultations with multiple tumor boards and to collaborate with colleagues across the globe to establish comprehensive treatment plans. 

“I knew that joining Cleveland Clinic would afford me the opportunity to participate in complex cancer care and challenging surgical cases,” Dr. Davaro said. “I chose my specialty because I like helping patients with cancer and can dedicate my time to treating complex cases and to the surgical management of cancers, which offers good chances for cure.”

Dr. Davaro sees patients of all ages and treats various cancers, including prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancer. He is motivated by patient well-being and helping his patients make decisions about their care. 
Treatment for urologic cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies – all of which are offered at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. 

During the initial appointment with his patients, Dr. Davaro tries to educate them about their condition and spends as much time as needed to ensure they are on the same page regarding treatment options. He believes in individualized care and aims to incorporate research into his practice. For instance, he plans to use ctDNA and artificial intelligence models to personalize treatment based on each patient's genetics and tumor characteristics. Dr. Davaro finds the advancements in medicine, such as artificial intelligence and genetic testing, exciting and hopeful. 

In particular, he performs robotic surgeries, which involve innovative techniques to ensure effectively removing cancer cells while maintaining a good quality of life for the patient. Dr. Davaro also offers focal therapy for prostate cancer, which minimizes side effects while effectively treating the disease. He wants all patients to know that they can come to his clinic knowing that they are there for a cure, while also ensuring that they can maintain their quality of life.

Many people are hesitant to pursue urologic cancer treatment because of the fear of losing their independence. However, today's treatments offer a better chance for a cure and fewer side effects than what was available just a few years ago. Dr. Davaro believes in maintaining hope for patients and reassuring them that they can cure or control their disease while minimizing its impact on their lives.

Follow-up care involves monitoring patients after treatment to detect recurrence or complications while helping patients lead a normal and thriving life.

Dr. Facundo Davaro at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health in Stuart, Florida, completed his medical education at George Washington University School of Medicine. He pursued his internship in general surgery and his residency in urologic surgery at St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He further specialized in urologic oncology through a fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. He has worked at Cleveland Clinic since mid-2024. 

His special interests include:
- Hematuria
- Bladder cancer and bladder removal (cystectomy)
- Elevated PSA and prostate cancer
- Renal mass and kidney cancer
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Complex open urologic surgery
- Testicular cancer
- Penile cancer
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Minimally invasive benign prostate hyperplasia procedures.

Dr. Facundo Davaro sees patients at the Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center at 3801 South Kanner Highway in Stuart, 877-463-2010. 

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

I recently watched the limited series Adolescence on Netflix and was very moved by many of the themes within the series.  These themes included the influence of social media on our children, mental health, bullying and societal pressures, but the theme that stood out and impacted me the most was the focus on parent-child relationships.

We know our parents are in a crisis. The stress that parents are under today impacts not only their mental health, but also the mental health of their children.  Research shows that these stressors have a ripple effect, negatively impacting children’s long-term outcomes. This means we aren't just talking about the challenges of today; we’re also looking at the well-being and potential of the next generation. The U.S. Surgeon General recently highlighted the significant stressors impacting the well-being of parents and caregivers in his report Parents Under Pressure. This research represents real families, real struggles, and real lives being deeply affected.  

Adolescence described how complex and challenging these relationships are for parents that are often working and trying to navigate their own generational trauma, while trying to understand their children’s lives.  It highlighted the communication gaps that often exist between teens and their parents and how parents form expectations for their children and feelings of loss and shame when those expectations do come to fruition.

There are many strategies that parents can take to support their teens including actively listening, offering emotional support, setting appropriate boundaries and guiding and praising their child.  Parents also need to model positive behavior and seek support for their own emotions, recognizing parenting is one of the hardest jobs they will have in their lives.

The content of Adolescence is very heavy and may be triggering for some people, but I think it is worth viewing from the perspective of how complex it is to raise a child in today’s world.

Anne Posey's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C.

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

Doing Business with Heart 
How Martin County Entrepreneurs Are Leading with Purpose

There’s something different about doing business in Martin County. Maybe it’s the salty air or the slower pace, but when you look around, you’ll notice something special — businesses here aren’t just trying to make a buck. They’re trying to make a difference.

n a world where algorithms, automation, and analytics often dominate the conversation, Martin County reminds us that the heart still matters. Here, you’ll find shop owners who know your name (and your dog’s). You’ll find wellness coaches who host free workshops just to give back. You’ll meet entrepreneurs who built their brand not just on a product or service but on a purpose.

It’s not just marketing fluff. It’s a movement where business owners actively choose to lead with empathy, generosity, and integrity. And spoiler alert: it works.

Customers can feel the difference. When your mission is rooted in service, and your brand is built on relationships, you create more than a transaction — you create trust. And trust? That’s the ultimate currency in business today.

Stroll through our local farmer's markets and boutique shops, or even scroll through some Martin County social feeds, and you’ll see it: purpose-driven business in action. These people show up for their community — whether sponsoring a youth sports team, donating to local charities, or simply listening to their customers' needs.

As someone who’s worked with businesses across the state, I can tell you this culture isn’t the norm. It’s a Martin County thing. And one we all should be proud of. 

We’re in a place where collaboration beats competition, and you’ll find unlikely partnerships blooming between dog groomers, coffee shops, accountants, and artists. Because here, we understand that when we lift each other up, we all rise.

And look — we’re not saying it’s always easy. Leading with heart means showing up, even when you’re exhausted. It means staying true to your values, even when the market shifts. But it also means building something that lasts. Something you’re proud of. Something your community is proud to support.

So, if you’re a small business owner wondering if kindness, purpose, and service still have a place in today’s marketplace — spend a day in Martin County. You’ll see that not only is there room for heart-led businesses… they’re thriving.

And if you're already one of them? Keep going. You’re not just growing a business — you’re growing something way more powerful: impact.

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

Upgrading from Windows 10 before October is crucial for several reasons. 

Firstly, security is a major concern. Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates after October, which means that any vulnerabilities discovered after this date will not be patched. This leaves your system exposed to potential threats such as malware, viruses, and cyber-attacks. So, you say, I don’t have anything anyone would want. I’ll be blunt, hackers want your money, and they can get it pretty easily if your system isn’t being patched for security. We patch systems, sometimes nightly, just to keep up. No security patches and you will, not may-be, but will be attacked.

Secondly, performance improvements come with new operating systems. Things like providing faster boot times, improved system responsiveness, and better overall performance. This can be particularly important for businesses that rely on their computers for daily operations. But there is a catch many older systems are just to old to upgrade to the newest OS. You may have to plan on replacing that ageing system that you work on every day. 

Compatibility is also a key factor to consider. As software developers release new applications and updates, they often won’t support their products on end-of-life operating systems. I can’t tell you how many times a client will tell us their application worked yesterday on an old OS just to find out that the application was upgraded and now it won’t work. We often get the same question, can’t you just make it work? The answer is usually no. Previous OS emulation doesn’t’ work as well now that the software developers have an out. They just say the OS is end-of-life and we don’t support it anymore. 

Another important reason for upgrading is access to new features. Microsoft continually adds new features and enhancements to its operating systems, providing users with a better overall experience. These features can include improved user interfaces, new tools and applications, and enhanced functionality. 

Support is another aspect to consider. Once Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for the operating system. This means that if you encounter any issues or need assistance, you will not be able to receive help from Microsoft.

Finally, upgrading to the latest version of Windows can help future-proof your system. As technology continues to advance, older operating systems may struggle to keep up with new hardware and software requirements. By upgrading, you can ensure that your system remains compatible with future advancements (think AI), allowing you to take advantage of new technologies as they become available.

Upgrading from Windows 10 before October is essential for maintaining security, improving performance, ensuring compatibility, accessing new features, receiving support, and future-proofing your system. Don't wait until it's too late – make the upgrade today to ensure that your computer remains secure, efficient, and up-to-date.

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

Martin County Taxpayers Association (MCTA) has been looking at county expenses and income for many years. The county department that costs the most is the Fire Rescue Department. The 2025 adopted budget for that department is $66,350,658. 

The only other department with a larger budget is the Sheriff but that department is not under the direct control of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). We will address that department in a subsequent article.

The budget for Fire/Rescue in 2019 was $43,763,566. The 2025 budget is more than a 50% increase over 2019. The population has grown from 158,500 in 2020 to 163,300 today which includes the City of Stuart and Sewall’s Point which have their own Fire/Rescue Department. The cost increases are no longer sustainable.

The upper echelon at the department have explained the increases are because of more people on the roads from neighboring counties which mean more accidents and the explosion of growth in senior facilities. The cost-of-living index has increased by 25% over the 2019-2025 period. Funding comes from the general fund, an MSTU, fees, and grants, all of which are not increasing as fast as the expenditures allocated for the department.

When a private or public entity finds itself facing an intractable management problem, it is wise to hire outside consultants. The outside consultant can see whether there are more best practices that the department and the BOCC can apply to give the people of Martin County a better bang for their buck. After all these years with increases in personnel, equipment, and facilities, Martin County is still not meeting a standard level of service according to Chief Cianciulli.

MCTA is not looking for scapegoats or blame. Let us be quite clear we have not lost faith in the department’s leadership, the administration, or the BOCC. However, the MCTA believes that the BOCC should engage an outside firm to perform an efficiency review of the entire department.

Only an outsider can take an unbiased look at the protocols and levels of service with a new perspective. They can advise on what would be the best practices today. An outside consultant has the wherewithal to look at the Fire/Rescue operation with fresh eyes and the expertise that comes from a breath of knowledge of other departments’ best practices. 

Every commissioner realizes that our taxpayers cannot continue with these levels of financial increases. There needs to be a realistic review as to how we can provide the highest level of Fire/Rescue service possible but within manageable financial parameters. The old rhetoric of asking “what a life is worth” at budget time is a tired tug on emotion not an answer to a very pressing problems…sustainability.

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

Assisting Seniors on the Treasure Coast

On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a category 3 hurricane. The storm’s winds spread out far beyond the center of the storm affecting much of east central Florida. A tornado outbreak caused 19 confirmed tornadoes, which damaged many homes and businesses, and led to several deaths.

In response to the damage, the Milton Recovery Program was established October 22, 2024. The Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. (Agency) received $65,000 in donations from various organizations, including the Florida Blue Foundation, Florida Emergency Fund, Walmart, and Elevance Health. The Agency Board of Directors approved matching all donations dollar for dollar, bringing the total recovery fund to $130,000.

The Agency connected with its lead service providers for St. Lucie and Martin counties to administer these funds to those in need and entered Memorandums of Understanding with the Council on Aging of St. Lucie (COASL) and the Council on Aging of Martin County (COAMC). Covered services included temporary housing, consumables, first month’s rent, insurance deductibles, home improvement, moving costs, and assessments and case management. The maximum benefit under the program was $5,000. 

Spanish Lakes Country Club, a 55+ living community in Fort Pierce, was severely impacted by the storm. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) worked with the Agency to stage an area where seniors could access supplies immediately after the storm. Volunteers from COASL and the Agency helped distribute supplies and assist seniors in need. Within Spanish Lakes, the Agency found 20 people that were already on the waitlist for services and needed help. These individuals were assessed and prioritized for services.

COASL continued to perform outreach in Spanish Lakes and other impacted communities. The funding helped seniors with groceries, appliances, moving costs, roof repairs, mobile home purchases, offsetting insurance deductibles, air conditioners and awning replacement. COAMC also identified seniors that were in need and assisted with fencing and AC unit replacements. 

To date, more than $91,000 has been used to help seniors recover. Each recipient expressed their gratitude, sharing how the program made their recovery easier and faster. The Milton Recovery Program made a meaningful difference thanks to collaborations between the Agency, DOEA, COASL, COAMC, and generous donors.

The Agency is here to support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers in Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. For assistance, call the Elder Helpline at 866-684-5885. Know us before you need us.

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

Manatee 

If you’ve ever seen a manatee in person, it’s readily apparent why they’ve earned their nickname. Large, slow, and perpetually munching on grass, the sea cow lives up to its moniker by consuming roughly four to ten percent of their body weight— that’s thirty five to one hundred pounds of food— daily.

While they’ve been known to much on mangrove leaves, a manatee’s favorite food is— like its bovine counterpart— grass. There’s even a seagrass named for them: manatee grass, or Syringodium filiforme if you’d like to get science-y. One of the most straightforward ways to identify manatee grass is to simply roll it between your fingers. Much like the animal for which its named, manatee grass is round.

During the winter months, their large, gray forms are easy to spot in warm, shallow areas. Marinas, shallow creeks, and the outfall of power plants are great places to do some manatee spotting. If you’ve never gone before, be on the lookout for what looks like a very large, very gray floating potato. 

One of my favorite things to do with out of town guests is to take them around, either on land or by boat, to do some manatee spotting. There’s nothing quite like seeing those button eyes and whiskered snouts stick out of the water— it makes it nearly impossible not to squeal with delight.

As we edge closer to summer, and the water warms up, manatees begin to move. They’ve been spotted as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, though some stay in Florida year round.

How can you help?
We can help the manatee by following two simple rules: Slow Down and Be Seagrass Savvy.

Slow Down— Manatees are generally slow moving, and this makes it difficult for them to get out of the way of our fast boats. Manatee zones are put in effect in areas where there’s less space for the manatee to maneuver, generally where the channel necks down and there’s nowhere else for the gentle giant to go. One of the easiest ways to help manatees is to honor the slow zones, and always keep an eye out for a whiskered snout, gray back, or even one of their “footprints” where their paddle-shaped tails create a ripple on the surface.

Be Seagrass Savvy— As Gill from Finding Nemo says, “All drains lead to the ocean.” So, too, do all of our lawn clippings and fertilizer-laden runoff make their way into the river and create conditions that make it hard for seagrass to grow— and we know manatees need lots of seagrass! When you can, make the choice to avoid fertilizers.

We get to share our waters with these curious, adorable creatures. Let’s do our part to make sure they have a home here, and we can continue to enjoy them for many years to come.

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

Unleash Your Inner Picasso (Even If You Can't Draw a Stick Figure!)

I call myself a “Saturday morning artist.”  That’s because, when I’m not running my public relations firm during the week, I spend Saturday mornings painting at Alizarin Crimson Art Studio where my teacher, Georgia Abood, has been guiding my oil painting for twenty years. I’m so humbled when I share my work on Facebook (like my Octavia painting) and I receive compliments.  

Inevitably someone will say they’re not an artist. They can’t even draw a straight line. People envision “artists” as folks with berets, paint-splattered smocks, and the uncanny ability to conjure masterpieces from thin air. But here's a secret: we're all artists. Yes, you included!

Forget the pressure of creating something museum-worthy. Art isn't confined to canvases and clay. It's about expression, creativity, and bringing a little bit of magic into the world. And guess what? That magic comes in a million different forms.

Think about the sheer joy of whipping up a delicious meal. That's art! The careful selection of ingredients, the dance of flavors, the presentation that makes your guests' eyes light up – that's a culinary masterpiece. You're a food artist, crafting edible experiences that nourish the body and soul.

Are you a singer, belting out tunes in the shower or serenading your pet? That's art! Your voice, your interpretation, the emotion you infuse into every note – that's a symphony of self-expression.

Do you love to dance, moving to the rhythm of life? Or a writer, weaving words into captivating stories? That’s artistry at work too! 

Or perhaps you find joy in transforming old furniture into something beautiful and new. The vision, the craftsmanship, the ability to breathe new life into vintage objects makes you an upcycling artist!

And let's not forget the gardeners who cultivate vibrant blooms, the coders who build digital worlds, and the photographers who captivate us with their images. They're all artists, each contributing their unique brand of creativity to the tapestry of life.

The point is … art is about passion, not perfection. It's about finding what sparks your soul and letting that spark ignite your creativity. So, ditch the self-doubt, embrace your inner artist, and start creating!

Don't worry about drawing a straight line. Focus on the crooked lines that make your art uniquely yours. Embrace the mess, the experimentation, the sheer joy of creation. Because in the end, the most beautiful art is the art that comes from the heart.

So, go forth and create! Whether you're baking a cake, singing a song, or simply arranging flowers in a vase, remember - you are an artist, and the world is waiting to see your masterpiece.

Stacy Weller Ranieri's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Friends & Neighbors Want your Submissions. If you are not receiving our notifications please let us know. Every non-profit in the county should be sending us their press releases, notices, and announcements. I hope you will join other nonprofits in placing your information here.

Catch the Wave of Hope Attends Two Important Training Events
By Jackie Holfelder

Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH), the Treasure Coast-wide nonprofit with the stated vision to be an empowering voice and defender of those who are experiencing or have overcome sexual exploitation, recently attended two important training events.

Sarah Marie Henry, executive director of CTWH, was a guest speaker at Soroptimist International of St. Lucie’s Human Trafficking Symposium. Henry discussed the "Toll of Human Trafficking" and shared information about the mission and local efforts of CTWH in fighting trafficking and exploitation/sextortion. 

Agent Daniel Ruiz from Homeland Security, Sarah Marie Henry, Executive Director of Catch the Wave of Hope, and Kathy Blanton, president of Soroptimist International of St. Lucie.

Special Agent Daniel Ruiz from Homeland Security shared the speaker’s podium with Henry, discussing that agency’s ongoing work to combat human trafficking and discussing cases occurring here in the Treasure Coast.

Elizabeth Pantano, RN & Senior Community Health Nursing Supervisor, St. Lucie Health Department and Sarah Marie Henry, Executive Director of Catch the Wave of Hope.

The event was hosted by the Health Department in Port Saint Lucie. 
Henry also collaborated with the St. Lucie Health Department at Allapattah Flats K-8, educating more than 50 school nurses, health paraprofessionals. and CNAs on human trafficking 101, sextortion, child exploitation, and assessment.

Attendees were equipped with the tools to care for a potential survivor in the school system and how to make a report.

Catch the Wave of Hope is available to do a presentation or educational meeting at your organization, business, or community on the Treasure Coast. Call 772-291-2222, email info@catchthewaveofhope.org, or visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org.

Registration Now Open for 2025 1K for Kids & Story Stroll;
Free Shirts to the First 100 to Register!
 
 

Stuart – The 2025 CCKids 1K for Kids & Story Stroll will take place this May 17 in a new venue - the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and newly expanded Pioneer Park.
 

As in past years, free event shirts will be given to the first 100 people to register.

"This is an important event for us, and we are so grateful to the city of Port St. Lucie for allowing us the opportunity to use such a beautiful space," said Christina Kaiser, CCKids Community Relations Director. "We think the gardens alone will bring people out to the event."
 

The 1K for Kids is a special event that celebrates local foster homes while also serving as an education and recruitment tool for the broader community as part of the CCKids' 25in2025 campaign to add 25 foster homes by the end of the year.

2025 marks the event's fourth year and is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 17, at Port St. Lucie's newly expanded Pioneer Park and neighboring Botanical Gardens. 

The route will wind around succulent plantings, hanging orchids, a butterfly garden and much more. Along the way, there will be stories of children and families in the foster-care community brought to life through QR codes. 

Additionally, anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent will have the opportunity to connect with a recruitment specialist. 

The event also will feature celebration stations where families can learn how to be an important connection in a child's life by supporting foster care efforts without actually becoming a licensed foster home, Kaiser said.

"Like the starfish washed onto the beach whose life is saved by one small act of kindness, it only takes one connection to change a child's life," said Kaiser, referencing the campaign's starfish imagery. "You can be a foster parent, but if that's not possible, you can be the connection."

If you’re interested in signing up, please register at www.cckids.net or by texting (772) 528-0362. Please note, you must be present to claim your shirt.

CCKids, Community Polish Off Child Abuse with Manicure Movement

Port St. Lucie – Communities Connected for Kids will ask the community to “polish off” child abuse during the month of April by joining  the non-profit’s annual Manicure Movement. 

The campaign officially launches Friday, April 4, on Wear Blue Day, another April event that raises awareness for the prevention of child abuse.  They are both part of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, observed nationally during the month of April.

It’s easy to be part of the Manicure Movement, said Christina Kaiser, community relations director for CCKids, the nonprofit that oversees the child-welfare community in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. 

Just pain one fingernail blue – the color of child-abuse prevention – to represent the one in five children who experience abuse by 18.

“We want people to know that child abuse is happening right here, in our community, and we want nothing more than for it to end,” Kaiser said.

Community groups and business also can participate in the initiative, she said.

“We have manicure kits for any businesses or groups that want to organize their own Manicure events,” she said.

 Text (772) 528-0362 for more information or to receive a kit.

 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! 

     kicking-Jackie Rea, Colette Beland, Beth Garcia Svopa and Jennifer Sardone-Shiner

Andrew Kennedy and Beth Garcia Svopa

Colette Beland, Andrew Kennedy, Beth Garcia Svopa, Carson Proctor, Jackie Rea and Jennifer Sardone-Shiner

Humane Society of the Treasure Coast celebrates 70th anniversary at  Paws and Claws Gala 

STUART, Fla. — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) has been serving shelter animals in Martin County for 70 years, which was a great cause for celebration at its Paws and Claws Gala, the HSTC’s premier fundraiser. Held on March 8 at the Pittenger Center at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, the event raised $250,000 for the animals in their care.

Misty’s Pals Volunteers Bobbie Moran with KeyLee and Linda Malone with Sophie

Four Misty’s Pals Teams, each comprised of a trained pet therapy dog and owner, greeted guests upon arrival to the event, which was presented by The Catsman Foundation.

During the gala, the silent and live auction raised $140,000 with supporters bidding on packages featuring everything from art, jewelry and dining excursions to spa escapes, vacations and unique experiences. Auctioneer Elliot Paul conducted the live auction and cash shout out, which featured a $50,000 matching gift from The Catsman Foundation.

Michael and Mindy Pitonyak, Kay Ziegler, Diane Coakley, Allola McGraw and Raymond Thill

Journalist Taylor Hernandez emceed the event and addressed the humane society’s accomplishments. She then introduced Frank Valente, president and CEO of the HSTC, who spoke about breaking ground on the humane society’s new shelter renovation project, followed by officially signing a contract with Team Parks President Ryan Strom. Renovation details will be coming soon.

Glenn and Eilleen Dempsey of The Catsman Foundation

A series of congratulatory videos from supporters also played before guests enjoyed chef-prepared cuisine expertly crafted by The Chef's Table. Then guests danced the night away to the music of The Chase Band.

Jennifer Campbell, Cindy Greenspan and Monica Olsen chaired the gala with voluntary support from committee members Dixie Church, Diane Coakley, Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Kimberly Izzolo, Shaun Kelly, Allola McGraw, Lisa Patricelli, Sarah Ralicki, Alison Shade, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.

“The Paws and Claws gala was a fabulous way to celebrate our 70th anniversary,” said Community Events Manager Alyssa Bean. “We are grateful to our generous sponsors and all of the people who attended to show their support.”

In addition to The Catsman Foundation, additional sponsor support came from Integrity Garage Door Services, Apex Pavers & Pools, Stuart Magazine, TC Palm, Transmarine Chartering, Inc., JetLoan Capital, WPBF, Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James and Acentria Insurance. 

                                                        Ryan Strom and Frank Valente

About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call 772-223-8822

Photos By Doreen Poreba

Molly’s House, a beloved Treasure Coast nonprofit, is actively engaged in reimagining its mission while remaining true to its roots. 

Molly’s House was established by generous community members in 1996 as a home away from home for family members undergoing treatment at Martin Health System hospitals. It grew out of an outpouring of love after the death of Molly Sharkey at just 18 years old from a rare type of leukemia.

It was Molly’s dream to have a hospitality house in her hometown, similar to a Ronald McDonald house, that would be available to any family who has a loved one being treated for care at area hospitals. Donors and supporters made that possible. 

“We’ve built a beautiful legacy of families in crisis coming together at Molly’s House and helping each other on the journey through a family members’ illness,” said Molly’s House Executive Director Katie Bartlett. “But healthcare has changed over the 28 years since Molly’s House was established. We need to change as well.”

In 1996, patients with serious illnesses typically stayed in the hospital for days or even weeks. Their families, especially out of town families, needed a place to stay that would be close to the medical facility, warm, welcoming, and affordable. Molly’s House was the perfect solution.

Patients now spend less time in the hospital but may return for outpatient procedures on a frequent and perhaps grueling schedule. “We’re finding that it's the patients themselves who need a place to stay,” Bartlett said. “Traveling to and from a heavy schedule of cancer treatments, for example, or scheduling rides every day can add an extra layer of stress and exhaustion for patients, especially for patients from rural communities with limited access to healthcare. Staying at Molly’s House gives them the rest time they need and the emotional support of our staff and volunteers.”

Joe Endress, Molly’s House Board Chair, and Molly’s House Executive Director Katie Bartlett 

 Joe Endress, Molly’s House Board Chair, agrees. “Our board members are very aware of the emerging needs of patients and families in our greater community,” Endress said, “and we’re committed to creating new ways to serve them.” 

Bartlett told the story of one recent Molly’s House guest who lived in Okeechobee and needed eight weeks of chemotherapy at Stuart Oncology. Her grandson was her sole source of transportation, but he had a full time job. “Thanks to Molly’s House,” Bartlett said, “her grandson didn’t have to quit his job to be her driver. As a guest in our house for those eight weeks, she was able to receive all of her treatments without any interruptions. Our volunteers made sure we coordinated her rides, provided her with groceries, and extended the warmth and love of the entire Molly’s House community.”

The board and staff of Molly’s House will be working with their community partners throughout the spring to refine the services they offer within the beauty of the vision of a home away from home. For example, Cleveland Clinic Martin recently conducted a community health needs assessment that identified access to care as a problem, particularly for the elderly, low-and-middle-income families, veterans, and families experiencing housing insecurity.  Molly’s House will be working with the Cleveland Clinic Community Advisory Council as one of the community partners addressing this and other pressing needs. 

For more information about Molly’s House, visit www.mollyshouse.org, follow Molly’s House on Facebook, or call 772-223-6659. 

About Molly’s House
Molly’s House is a nonprofit hospitality house dedicated to providing affordable, temporary accommodations for patients and families traveling for medical care. Located in Stuart at 430 SE Osceola Street, Molly’s House offers a home-away-from-home environment filled with comfort and compassion. It was founded by generous community members in 1996 and continues to serve the Treasure Coast with compassion and care.

If I were going to describe Blake Capps’ philosophy, it is to change things as little as possible. If he were a judge, he would be a big believer in Stari Decisis, the legal doctrine that once something is decided, there is reluctance to make “new law” by overturning established precedent. In easier terms to understand, Rowe v. Wade would still be the law of the land if he were a Supreme Court Justice.

With the EAR amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Blake offered the motion for the all-important Chapter 4, the Future Land Use Element, that needed to be passed before most of the other EAR amendments could move to a vote. He made sure that the changes the staff recommended were not implemented, feeling that the tried-and-true methods for establishing population counts were working just fine. 

He did not want to allow the sharing of infrastructure by different land use and wanted to keep the county’s 10- and 20-year plan horizons that are now in statute but remove the additional 15 year one. Hetherington brought up the point that if two different land uses share infrastructure, it would prevent the added cost of, for example, two roads having to be built servicing the same property. The elimination of shared infrastructure could in turn make property owners use SB 102 which would bypass commission approval by allowing for residential development on industrial land.

Capps said he hadn’t thought of that and changed his motion eliminating not sharing infrastructure. It was seconded by Hetherington and passed 3-2 with Vargas and Heard dissenting. 

The rest of the amendments passed with some discussions…most by a 5-0 vote. But when Heard voted no, Vargas voted with her. In some respects, the two are inseparable. It sounds like the Stuart Commission with Collins and Giobbi. Only Heard is no Collins for sure. I just hope Vargas is no Giobbi. I don’t believe she is.

Interestingly, with all the earlier nonsense that people didn’t want the county to move forward with even voting preliminarily before Capps and Vargas were seated, there was no one in the audience to say a word about the EAR amendments. 

That is because the ones stirring up the trouble didn’t really care about the amendments, only about the show. It was as if the two lame duck commissioners, Jenkins and Smith, were not still commissioners until their term was up. There was a flood of emails and public comments regarding how the commission was doing something improper.

I think it was more of the famed Martin County difference. I have come to believe the difference means people have hysteria, followed by the supposed end of the world, followed by complete indifference. There were good reasons to pass these amendments as written. In a few instances, there could have been legitimate reasons to debate some of the language. At least Heard provided some pushback and had some valid points. The people behind Facebook pages couldn’t even bother showing up.

Martin County has had a fair with rides forever. 

It appears that much of Martin County is tired of the incompetence of the Fair Board. They are looking for alternatives and Indiantown has stepped up. 

Indiantown is looking to return the show to its roots. Old-fashioned rides, attractions, and animals being shown. The rides will not change…only the venue and who will put on the show. A show that has lost its luster under the current management. 

For some time now, most county commissioners have known that the Martin County Fair Board is just not capable of moving to the new fairgrounds in Indiantown. The death scene of the fair board has been going on longer than the one Mimi faced in Puccini’s opera, La Boheme. The Village of Indiantown has decided to take advantage of the situation and hold what they term a “Heritage Festival.”

Indiantown has contacted Deggeller Attractions, a Stuart-based company, that was the ride and attraction vendor at the fair for years before being let go by the fair board a few seasons ago. If they come to agreement with the village, Deggeller’s rides would be at the festival. The festival will be held at Timer Powers Park and not the new fairgrounds. Thus, the need for Park’s policy revision which staff is seeking in this agenda item.

For all intents and purposes, the Martin County Fair Board is a failed entity. Their lease for the current fairgrounds in Stuart is up next year. After that, they will probably fade into the recesses of memory. What will arise in their place is the question.

If it happens to be the Indiantown Festival, so be it. The county should not be placing obstacles in their way to achieving success. The Martin County Fair Board in statute has special liability protections that Indiantown does not have, which is the reason for the agenda item addressing liability issues in county parks.

The opposition to the staff’s proposal by Heard and Vargas is unreasonable. If the different departments, including legal, determine that liability can be dealt with in an Interlocal Agreement, why not let Indiantown put on a show for the county?

Vargas probably does not understand the background. She came on the scene recently and doesn’t have much knowledge about the players or the history. She should be using the county staff more to learn. 

Heard knows the players and history. Whether it is at the fairgrounds or a park, if Martin County owns it and something happens there will be a lawsuit. What can be done is minimize risk by having the appropriate insurance as determined by risk management and the legal department.

The vote to adopt the new policy was 3-2 with Heard and Vargas dissenting.  

AgTEC was a creation of King Ranch in 2010 after the decimation of the citrus industry by disease. 

At one time, King Ranch was the largest landowner in Martin County. Their business was ranching and farming not development. In 2022 after some feeble attempts to develop an industrial park, King sold to Ashley Capital. 

Commissioner Heard suggested that it wasn’t developed because there is too much industrial land available. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, while Martin County sits on its hands, neighboring St. Lucie County is creating a booming industrial and jobs corridor adjacent to the property. So much so that St Lucie County will be providing water and sewer to AgTEC.

I can support the idea of no development outside of the Secondary Urban Services Boundary. I can even support no more free-standing USBs. AgTEC is already a free-standing USB. And the 205 acres that were going to become part of AgTEC is an enclave with I-95 bordering one side and AgTEC the other. Access is almost exclusively through AgTEC

When this land use came into being, I-95 was not even built so the idea of having ranchettes was feasible if not practical. Now it is neither. The question is, can a landowner be asked to pay taxes on something that cannot be developed with the existing land use.

I believe there is a broad consensus about having no new independent urban services areas. But we need to make sure those that exist can develop and provide jobs and taxes to Martin County. We should also be able to agree that the development of industrial space takes time, money, and a government ready to help. In the brief time that Ashley has owned the land, they have navigated both state and federal agencies to procure the permits needed to go to the county for land use changes and actually be ready to build.

Capps was the swing vote to combine the two properties so that the 205 acres is not an unproductive enclave. He bought Heard’s argument that there is no more need for industrial space. I am disappointed in the commissioner for not calling on his years of business experience to see what the problem is. It takes forever to go through the federal, state, and county red tape. Commissioner, you are one of the reasons for the time it takes to get the required approvals, not the landowner.

The second agenda item on this property and vote were to change the name to Sunset Groves and add auto manufacturing to the permitted uses. That passed 3-2 with Vargas and Heard dissenting.

It is incomprehensible to me why local officials wonder why they are preempted from making land decisions. This is a perfect example of pigheadedness. That enclave is undevelopable with current zoning. Why would anyone want to come to Martin County and provide jobs and be treated like that. 
   

Boss Collins had an ethics complaint filed against him by Duette Pryce.

It goes back to the incident when Collins called the Chief of Police to try and have Pryce arrested for driving past his home. The police arrived (it appears everyone on duty responded) only to leave with no one in handcuffs. We covered it extensively. You can read the story here and see the video tapes.

I knew about the complaint being filed but at the time I did not report on it because, unlike a court case which is open to the public, this is not. It was not something to report until the complaint was resolved. The ethics complaint was dismissed. I was told that since Collins received no economic benefit, there was nothing to decide. 

Of course, if you look at what could constitute an ethical complaint and violation against a public official in Florida, two things stand out immediately and are listed in the guide published by the Ethics Commission: Misuse of Public Position and Abuse of Public Position. You can see it here  I would say calling out the police force to do your bidding are both of those things.

Pryce’s complaint against the Boss has been dismissed. So, at least for now, he is in the clear. Pryce could bring a court action, but I am going to give Duette some unsolicited advice. Leave it alone. That is the same thing I advised the county to do with the Brightline Interlocal Agreement. Ignore the Boss. He thrives on chaos and controversy. 

He too shall pass from the scene. I just hope it is soon. There was no economic benefit to Collins, I guess everything today is judged by money. If you didn’t try to get your wife, daughter, or grandmother on the city payroll, you didn’t do anything wrong. There is just no place for ethics in modern Florida government.    

The Stuart City Commission had a special meeting at the Stuart Recreation Center on 10th Street to discuss changing the East Stuart Land Development Codes.

There was an overflow crowd that filled the room outside the auditorium. While most of the people were from the neighborhood, many were from other neighborhoods of Stuart and even some Martin County residents. They came to listen, learn and speak. What was at stake was whether the residents and property owners of East Stuart would decide their own economic and neighborhood fate.

I can’t think of a more complicated subject than planning and zoning. What makes it even more difficult in East Stuart is that many of the lots are small and ownership is not always discernable by what deeds say but by heritage. It is a shame that politics and, at least to me, a commission philosophy that has no historic or economic basis were discussed.

There were different codes, charettes, and discussions through the years. But from everything I ever heard and listened to, it was always about restoring what East Stuart had been in its heyday. Not trying to make it something it had never been. And what it had never been was a single-family neighborhood exclusively. 

During segregation, East Stuart had more than 60 businesses. It was self-contained and operated almost as a parallel city. There were apartments, retail stores, rooming houses, churches, commercial enterprises, and offices. 

For many of us who have settled here from the North even in the last 50 years, we think that segregation was over in 1954 with the Brown decision. It wasn’t until 1970 that Martin County Schools were finally desegregated. The people of East Stuart continued to shop in a thriving neighborhood until every commercial establishment in the county was integrated. 

It wasn’t only the commercial establishments either that became open to all. Old time Floridians may not have liked it, but as Port St. Lucie developed many East Stuart children moved to modern homes and apartments there. Many still come back to attend church, which is the only viable private institution that still functions for the entire community.

While planning is hard, the results the neighborhood wants to achieve should not be. Boss Collins and his acolytes on the commission, Sean Reed and Laura Giobbi, have already ended the property rights of owners in the rest of the city. It is now almost impossible to build any apartments. Anything more than an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is all but outlawed. 

In East Stuart that isn’t true yet. It is close to happening, but there still is a sliver of hope that those in the historic Black community won’t lose their property rights. 

I hope East Stuart won’t let Collins, with his scare tactics, take away their right to have a business, offices, and apartments and yes, a single-family home in the neighborhood. And maybe an East Stuart property owner would want to have a duplex or even a triplex for their children and grandchildren to live in instead of Port St. Lucie. That will not be allowed under the Collins Code. 

Perhaps someone will want to open a neighborhood deli as is common in most cities. A store to buy a quart of milk or a sandwich next to single family homes, so you don’t have to drive to Publix for everything. That wouldn’t be allowed either under the Collins Code. 

The Collins Code wants to recreate suburbia…not a neighborhood for people to live and gather as they did in East Stuart in the past, present, and will again in the future. But not if the Collins Code is adapted. The Collins Code is setting everything up for gentrification. 

Anyone who can’t afford a home will not be able to live there under the Collins Code. No businesses to employ residents can open under the Collins Code. There will be no basic services for people without a car…no convenience store, beauty parlor, or restaurant. That sounds like gentrification to me. That is the Collins Code. 

One of Collins biggest fears is that East Stuart could become Abacoa with 4 story buildings. If that were true, it could already have been done right now and hasn’t. Because it is not true. There are currently common-sense setback boundaries that prevent all the dreaded imagined fears from happening now. 

The people of East Stuart have the power to stop changes which will take away their rights to have the community they want. If someone decides to have a four or five apartment complex, isn’t that good that people can come home to East Stuart and afford to live there. 

Collins, Giobbi, and Reed want no new anything. Their plan gives them the power to decide by having the property owners spend several thousand dollars to ask the commission for permission to build on their own land. That doesn’t seem to be in East Stuart’s best interest.  

I trust the property owners of that neighborhood and every neighborhood to act in their own best interests. Boss Collins doesn’t know East Stuart (remember at the meeting he couldn’t even pronounce the street names correctly). He just wants to make sure he and his friends can play Sim City with your lives and decide your fates. 

No decision was made that night. The resolution was tabled. It is not dead or even on life support. The vote will take place at a later time.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, a grandmother was in her East Stuart home, eating her dinner and watching TV when a bullet struck her in the head killing her.

Her killer was Lonnie Bee Smalls, 21 years old at that time, living in Indiantown. Smalls fired his shots at a parked car carrying a pregnant woman who was shot and her boyfriend also injured. The woman’s sister, a passenger in the Chevy Malibu, was left unscathed.

Smalls was suspected from the start. The detectives on the case just had to link the evidence to him. For a young man, Smalls has a long record. He is what is known as a career criminal. 

Mattie Jones, the dead woman, had recently retired. She had lived in the house down the street from the 10th Street Rec Center for years. Ms. Jones was a neighborhood fixture.

The problem is Lonnie Bee Smalls is a neighborhood fixture too. Drugs and guns were his calling card. This shooting was no random act but a calibrated assassination attempt on the people in the car. He and his pal parked their car several blocks from the scene and then crept up and fired. A bullet went astray, and Jones was dead.

Smalls faces a mandatory sentence of life behind bars. Ms. Washington, though, is still dead. And nothing can make that right. 

The selection committee for Stuart’s new environmental attorney position convened to discuss the resumes received and create a shorter list of candidates from those who applied. 

They went from 16 to 7 finalists for the commissioners to interview. Not much of a winnowing down since it seemed the only qualification to proceeding to the finalist stage was a committee member liking a candidate.

The committee was comprised of local attorney Mac Stuckey, retired TCPalm columnist Ed Killer, Florida Oceanographic head Mark Perry, Vice-Mayor Chris Collins, Stuart Human Resource Director Roz Strong, Stuart paralegal Ryanne Cavo, and City Attorney Lee Baggett. Chris Collins is the only actual resident of the city among the group. 

I guess the actual taxpayers (Stuckey does own real estate within city limits) and voters aren’t qualified to be on the committee. This committee was the brainchild of Collins, including those who were chosen to be members. The idea for the position, with much prodding from Stuckey, was a Collins goal. So good, bad, or indifferent…the attorney is the Boss’ baby.

I am not going to critique the finalists here. If I were looking at the resumes, there would be a couple that I would want to interview. Though the inherent weaknesses in the process and position are easy to see.

The devotion that Collins and the Politburo have to the environment is tangential at best. At just the last meeting, they blew off remediation of the old city dump. Why? Collins stated reason was Stuart needed a place to dry out hurricane material before carting it off to the dump. Ha?

The real reason is that the brownfield developer was not only going to remediate the toxic site and spend their money to do so but also build industrial space. It would ultimately employ people, pay taxes, and be good for other small ancillary businesses. That would have been millions added to Stuart’s bottom line, including giving good jobs to the real residents of Stuart.  

Apparently, economic development along with residential units should never be allowed to occur in the Boss’ view. Think about it for just a moment…instead of taxpayers spending millions of dollars to remediate dangerous chemicals leaching into the water tables and eventually into the river, someone else was going to spend their money to do what is and will be at some point a required cleanup. 

Where are all the people who claim to be environmentalists? The Costco site was bad because those evil developers cleaned up an old agricultural business with leaching drums and chemicals so they could build the retail and apartments on a clean site. I could continue but what would be the point of showing the hypocrisy of so many including Collins and the Politburo.

Back at the dump site, Ashley Capital was going to pay the city the appraised value for the property and give the city another place to truck their hurricane debris to dry. In one of his “in my opinion” moments, Boss Collins put a kibosh on it. Be careful when he says those words because they are a signal of his orders to the other Politburo members.  

That is why it is hard for me to take this environmental attorney position seriously.  Because these are the “In Name Only” environmental commissioners. They will have bragging rights for the price for an expensive direct employee that they control instead of the city manager. That person will supposedly hold a quixotic battle with the polluters (including the Stuart Commission, I guess) if no court fighting is needed. From what I can see, there is only one applicant with enough litigation experience to handle court proceedings. If needed they will have to go to an outside litigation firm.

The job is to drive around and look for environmental problems. They can supervise testing, advise staff, educate the public, and of course do the commissioners’ bidding. In effect an expensive ego booster to the Boss and Politburo.

You can see the resumes and application of the finalists with the marketing brochure for the position here 

During the 1930s at the height of the Great Depression, both federal and local governments had make-work projects.

As a child, I remember my grandparents’ stories about how at times they depended on these government jobs to make ends meet. My grandfather would sweep streets or shovel snow for New York City. Grandad in Florida ended up working on one of the biggest WPA projects, the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee.

Stuart now has a way to employ lawyers. It is called the environmental lawyer ordinance. The ordinance allows the city commission to hire an attorney as an employee which will report directly to them and advise them on environmental matters. The cost, all in, will probably exceed $300,000 a year. My grandparents probably made $5 a day.

The job is so amorphous that the person could probably go and picnic at the Locks a couple of days a week and be perfectly within their scope of work. This is an ego play by Boss Collins. He can now say he has his very own environmental attorney and no other city in Florida, if not the nation, has one. Just remember he is bragging with your money.

Each commissioner will meet with each candidate individually chosen by the selection committee for 30 minutes session with a 15-minute break. The Florida candidates will be at City Hall in person, and the two out of state attorneys will be interviewed on Zoom. All interviews will be on April 22nd. The commission will convene a meeting at 4 pm to discuss. It is not expected that they will choose that afternoon.

On Friday, March 28, Stuart Police Chief Joseph Tumminelli officially notified the city manager of his retirement effective June 6, 2025.

He has been a Stuart police officer for 28 years rising through the ranks where he became chief in 2018. A native New Yorker, Tummo, as he is affectionally known, is a cop’s cop. Though Stuart is a small department in a small city, it is a microcosm of policing as if it were a much larger entity. 

While Stuart is a relatively safe place, it still has all the problems that affect America. Crimes involving drugs, gangs and guns can be found, and societal turmoil is all around the city. For example, on Saturday, there was an officer involved shooting at the Sierra Condominium on Monterey just one day after Tumminelli notified Manager Mortell of his retirement. 

In that incident what appears to be a psychotic individual charged an officer with a 10” knife resulting in the officer shooting and killing the individual. The first such fatality in almost a quarter of a century. Though still under investigation, the incident caught on camera shows the officer acted appropriately. It is symptomatic of the stress that he and all officers face while on the job.

Tumminelli has been a fine leader of Stuart PD. It is interesting that with only two years in his job as chief, he effectively retired by entering the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program). In the state of Florida, upon filing for that status, the employee is considered retired. Instead of benefits accruing to his retirement account, the money goes into an interest-bearing account for the employee who receives a lump sum payment upon retirement. 

Originally going into DROP required the employee to retire within 5 years. It was extended to 8 years. In general, if the employee has enough time at his job and is of sufficient age, which varies by job classification, the employee can begin collecting his pension at a young age. Joe is on the five-year track to retirement.    

Some government employees can walk away with $1 million plus a good amount for their pension payment each month. We have seen how extraordinary government pension benefits have nearly bankrupted states like New York and Illinois. It appears Florida is following in their footsteps.

Joe Tumminelli served for nearly 30 years. He is going out on a high note. Thank you for your service, Chief.
  

Don Calderone, the district’s Director of Risk Management, once again was back in front of the board to discuss the upcoming employee health care renewal. 

For several years, the district has had Florida Blue as their provider. Gabrielle Swan from the Gehring Group, the district’s consultant, explained the different options from the 3 insurance company finalists. The three companies were Florida Blue, Cigna, and United Health. 

As compared to what the district is paying in 2024/2025, Florida Blue would increase prices by 9.9%, Cigna 7.9% and United Health Care 2.2%. Because of coverage differences, insurance can’t just be picked by price alone. It is also what the companies will cover, deductibles, and network of providers along with many different considerations.

The district kicks in $6500 per employee…a figure that has been constant for the past several years. There are also other subsidies for classes of employees which can change. Everything above $6500 is paid by the employee.

One of the important things that the board wants to include is one plan where no employee payment is necessary, a zero-employee-contribution plan. For healthier people, especially those without dependents, this is a good option. Both Cigna and Florida Blue can offer it with some manipulation. The board believes that the employee zero option plan is a recruitment tool.

The Insurance Committee (I am a member) eliminated United Healthcare because of the network, out-of-state retirees, and changes to coverage. The committee voted to then look at the other two and voted 9-5 to recommend Cigna to the board.

As far as the public is concerned, there is really no difference as to whether one insurance is chosen over the other. The per employee contribution limits exposure of the public is the same. It should be a choice of those covered. Which brings me to question why the board itself takes so much time and staff research to make a decision that should be more in the hands of the employees.

The board can offer Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) which lets individuals chose their plans and the board can pay the $6500 toward those. The Union too should bargain for increases in benefits and they provide healthcare components to their members that the unions represent. Now they are just supplicants asking the board to do what they believe is right.

If you want to take a deep dive into the offers you can go here 

It appears the town will go ahead with optical speed lines on the curve in the area of Mandalay on South Sewall’s Point Road. 

Since the commission had already reduced the speed on the road because of the construction, they did not feel it was the right time to further do so. The optical speed lines will start before the curve and continue after it. The lines which are horizontal give the illusion that the lane is narrower than it is. That causes the driver to slow down.

They are an inexpensive way of seeing whether this will reduce speeding. The motion was made by Mayfield and seconded by Tidikis. At some point, the commission may take another look at reducing the speed limit in the future.

Manager Daniels has negotiated with FPL to assume responsibility for the decorative streetlights around town. 

Presently the town maintains those poles. This has led to some confusion with FPL about who should replace burned out bulbs and other problems. This has resulted in considerable delays to restoring the functionality of lights since FPL crews would not service the poles because the town owned them.

Originally the cost to the town would have been a one-time charge of $55,000. This has dropped to $40,000 because some of the work will be done by contractors working on the Phase 3 resiliency project. A motion was made by Mayfield and seconded by Fender to sign an agreement with FPL not to exceed $40,000.

After going one year without a lobbyist in Tallahassee, there have not been good results in obtaining grant money.

Last year the commission decided not to continue with the contract of Gallo Pavo, a smaller lobbying firm. At that time, the commission I believe made a mistake by terminating the contract. The commission decided that they would do their own lobbying with staff support. Tallahassee is a 6-hour drive.

The only way Sewall’s Point receives funds to do projects is through grants. No matter how good their relationships are with local legislators, it is not enough. Often it is the relationships with staff members in the administrative as well as the legislative branches that are most important. You need someone whispering in their ears every day.

It was decided without representation it wasn’t the best thing. Remember the town uses state grants to match federal ones. And waiting a year to proceed can add exponential cost to a project. 

Daniels learned that the governor was holding up 2024 applications due to a dispute with the legislature. The lobbyist presented to the commission is Capital City Consulting at a price of $5500 per month for one year. According to the town manager, they worked for Jupiter Island last year with the controversy over Form 6.

Vinny Barile, an old Tallahassee hand, said that when he goes up with the League of Cities, he is not lobbying for individual town projects but rather more global policies that affect cities. Even if you happen to be there when your project is being considered, at most you have 2 minutes to make your case and often 30 seconds to speak during committee meetings.

There is a reason why corporations and some governments have several different lobbyists in the state capitol. It is because it works. Mayfield made a motion to hire them for one year at $5500 per month and was seconded by Barile. It passed 4-1 with Tidikis dissenting.

Tidikis stated he would not vote for engaging the lobbyist because he doesn’t approve of the grant for one of the projects for septic to sewer. While I can understand his opposition to the project, it was approved by the commission. Therefore, it has already been accepted by the majority. Everyone needs to get behind the town for the greater good once a vote is taken whether the commissioner’s point of view prevails or not.

This was the first meeting after the election where the three incumbents ran unopposed. It was time to vote for a new mayor and vice-mayor.

Penny Townsend has been a very good presiding officer. She has navigated between the sometimes-testy commissioners with inclusiveness and understanding. On the present board, she is the longest serving commissioner and stepped in as mayor at a very contentious moment.

Now it was time to either elect a new one or keep Townsend as mayor. Joe Taddeo nominated Vice-Mayor Marshall Field for the top spot. Patsy Warner did the same for Townsend.

Anne Scott gave a speech that she wanted to be mayor indicating that she was coming to the end of her long public service. (I wonder of that means she is not running again.) She told the other commissioners about her service on other boards. And she would like to go out with the title of mayor. She then nominated herself. 

When the vote was taken, Townsend received two votes (Warner & Townsend.) Field received two votes (Taddeo & Field.) Scott received one vote (Scott.)

The town attorney who was conducting the election said he was instructed in case of a tie a coin toss would decide. The commissioners didn’t believe it was appropriate. They then had a runoff between Field and Townsend.

The ladies stuck together and voted for Townsend. While the gentlemen did likewise and voted for Field. Mayor Townsend was reelected.

The vote for vice-mayor was again equally divided along gender lines. Anne Scott was elected vice-mayor with the votes of Townsend, Warner and her own. Field who had been nominated by Taddeo received two votes from himself and Taddeo.

A couple of things have come together to illustrate whether boards should be advisory or remain independent. 

The Jupiter Island Club was granted approval by both the Board of Adjustment and the Impact Review Committee to expand a non-conforming use and make a building even larger. When the commission brought the matter up, it sent shock waves at the club. There is this individual matter but also the greater one. Should the commission have no say in boards’ decisions.

Anne Scott has been all over this since being elected. She believes that the boards should be advisory, and the ultimate decision should be in the elected commission’s hands. This would mean a big change to the way the Island is governed.

Nowhere else on the Treasure Coast is the elected body a passive observer to development decisions. An applicant can appeal a decision from a board to the commission and ultimately to the courts. But a commission cannot decide to step in without an appeal to look at a board’s decision. 

Jupiter Island has many board people whose feelings would be hurt if their rulings were only advisory. Unlike other places, most of the members are used to making tough decisions. They spend time not only reading their packets but visiting the sites. Much thought and work go into the process. 

The main weakness of them having the final say is that board members are not elected. They may answer to the commission who appointed them but not the voters. Scott’s contention is not wrong. Who do the people go to for recourse if a decision they feel is incorrect.

If they live within 1300 feet of a subject property, they have the right to intervene. Scott has done so in the Jupiter Island Club matter. A proposed ten-thousand-foot building would catch her eye for sure. 

Taddeo, a board member for years, feels different. He has primarily two reasons. One is that board members have acquired expertise over the years. Second is whether the commission can do the hard work necessary to now take the advisory opinion and make the final determination.  

The commission is composed of club members with the exception of Taddeo. I guess some commissioners are clubbier than others. It would be ironic if the non-member is the one who may rescue the Jupiter Island Club from its own members. 

At this point, no commissioner felt it made much sense to enter into an agreement with the club. If, as stated, they will be undergoing a 10-year plan for the redevelopment of the property, then it may be a good idea to sit down with staff and have a PUD. The commission seems determined to not allow the non-conforming use to become even more non-conforming.

You can see the letter from the club’s attorney here 
 

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Tom’s Articles

From Medium

"President Trump Is A Man Of His Time"

HERE

"America's Freedom Status Is Narrowed"

Here

"Our Economy Is On A Quick Road Downward"

Here

From Martin County Moments

"The Florida Legislation Steps On Local Taxation"

HERE

"Boss Collins Pretend Environmentalism"

HERE

"And So They Came"

HERE

"Stuart Police Chief Retires"

HERE

Other Articles

Florida Phoenix: "Senate OKs sweeping autism bill as Capitol focuses on developmental disabilities"

HERE

The Washington Post: "Disabled Americans fear losing protections if state's lawsuit succeeds"

HERE

Florida Phoenix: "Entire Fl-Dem congressional delegation warns Trump to avoid cuts to huuicane forecasting"

HERE

Paul Krigman Substack: "Is the Sleeping Giant Awakening?"

HERE

The Washington Post: "Private equity firms consolidating homes for disabled"

HERE

The New York Times: "Trump Tries to Use White South Africans as Cautionary Tale"

HERE

Wall Street Journal: "Trump's Tariffs Have McKinley Turniing in His Grave" 

HERE

The Washington Post: "Why Europe is going 'car free' "

HERE

Wall Street Journal: "What the Science Actually Says About Fluoride in Drinking Water"

HERE

The Washington Post: "Everything you need to know to keep your teeth healthy"

HERE

The Washington Post: "Disabled Americans fear losing protections if states' lawsuits succeeds"

Here

TCPalm: "Doge fired Fort Pierce Forest Service emplyee despite praise for protecting Florida Trail"

HERE

The New York Times: "Why Are Cats Such A Medical Black Box"

HERE

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