I can feel it in the air.

At one time, elections especially for Stuart were between June when you had qualifying and then August was the election. Now it seems people are gearing up more than a year in advance to run.

I don’t think that is good for the residents or the candidates. The entire country is too obsessed with the horse race of politics instead of the business of government. Elected officials are more concerned with politics than the reason they were elected. We all suffer.

In this week’s edition we have a new columnist Clay Scherer, a Stuart native, who has returned after many years in other parts of the country and overseas. He is becoming acclimated to a place a bit different than the one he left years ago.

The legislature has passed bills that will alter the way the county and municipalities will do business in the future. If the governor signs one bill the ability to change codes locally will be greatly impacted. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tallahassee looked at Martin County and especially Stuart and decided to rein in what they believe is an abuse of property rights.

We will keep our eye on it and report back when the governor signs it into law. The bills passed both houses almost unanimously so if the governor does veto it probably could be easily overridden.

Since I was away it has been a while since we published. We will be publishing one edition this week and another the following. By then we should all be caught up on our government meetings.So, sit back and enjoy reading and have a hot cup of coffee.Have a great Sunday Morning!

It is amazing how fast important matters fall away from their importance.

As I write this, we have been in Italy for one week. I am sure many important things have happened in Martin County, but I am completely out of the loop. I can’t even read the Stuart News since it cannot be pulled up on the web here.

I guess that is what they mean by vacation. There should be no talk of what you do when at home. Somehow it seems appropriate.

We were in Florence when Pope Francis died. There was a profound sadness that he passed even though 80% of the population is Roman Catholic but only 30% attend church services. Most are what I would call cultural Catholics.

Many long ago left the religious aspects yet still retain those instilled habits drummed into them as children. I know the signs because I am one of them. I still genuflect when I visit a church and see the sacristy lamp burning. I am looking for Holy Water to make the sign of the cross.

We have five TV channels in our Italian hotel, and all of them seem to be devoted to the papacy of Francis and the next steps in the evolution of the Church. Why are so many non-church going Italians concerned with who will be the next pope? Are they rooting for the next pontiff to be one of their own, an Italian?

Many of the locals take one look at me and know my heritage. My Italian language skills are almost non-existent. The waiter or guide quickly reverts to English. My grandfather may have been born in Italy but even my grandmother was born in America. Several of her siblings were born on one side of the Atlantic while others were born in the U.S.

Just like I am a cultural Catholic, I am a cultural Italian. How I celebrate holidays are from the Italian side. Much of what happens now is wrapped up in the food and its preparation.

Some of the Christmas recipes are from family and others are from working in restaurants while some continue to evolve over time, changing to fit the audience and the pantry.

The same with the cultural fate of the soul. Though Roman Catholicism may have been deeply instilled in youth, the practice has gone, and only the reflexive responses are still there. It is no longer faith but habit.

That is what the Italians must feel about the papacy. Until the beginning of the John Paul II papacy nearly 50 years ago, the Throne of St. Peter had been occupied by Italians for 500 years. A Pole, German, and Argentinian had stolen what Italians considered theirs. They are not jealous once the foreign cardinal becomes the Bishop of Rome. The Italians just wish it was an Italian cardinal.

The intense scrutiny of the death of Francis and the odds-making of who the next pope will be perhaps is just cultural more than religious to the Italian people.

Those of you that have been reading Friends & Neighbors for a while realize that I have a few pet peeves. One is how restaurants charge credit card fees and how everyone expects a tip. And that includes someone who gives you a coffee to go at the counter.

I just came back from two weeks in Italy where on most credit card bills there isn’t even a space to leave a tip. If you feel you have exceptional service, you can put a few Euros on the table. And guess what…you never see is a fee to use your credit card.

If you stay within the confines of the most touristy of areas, then a waiter may tell you that a service charge is not included in the bill. This happened to me in the very touristy Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, and even there I left only the equivalent of 10% in cash. It was the only tip I left for my entire time there.

Tipping isn’t nonexistent, it just isn’t expected every time someone performs a service. One of the biggest problems faced was that ATMs only dispensed bills in 50 and 20 Euro notes. That makes it impossible to have small bills and one- and two-Euro coins needed for tipping anyway. I tried to pay my miscellaneous charges at one hotel in cash, but they couldn’t give me back 12 Euros in change since they had no cash at all.

One hotel manager explained that the government, a few years back, began a campaign to make payments done by credit cards and discourage cash. Another business owner told me that credit cards to him acted as the bookkeeper. Every time a credit card transaction occurs it is almost immediately credited to the businesses’ account. For both the government and the owner, there is less chance that an employee will be tempted to steal, or a transaction does not produce tax revenue.

Wait staff consider themselves professionals in Italy. They are paid a living wage so that they are not actors looking for that next job or school kids trying to get by. The women and men who do this for a living perfect the art of service. They are like those I knew 50 years ago when I, too, worked in restaurants.

Back then, many remained with the same employer for years. They raised families and even bought homes. Sure, there has always been tipping here but waiters knew how to provide real service like setting the table correctly and not taking away someone’s plate until all at the table had finished their meals.

Maybe we should go back to a time when credit card fees and exorbitant tipping weren’t expected.

We left for our vacation to Italy and connected through Newark Airport.

The flight was delayed leaving West Palm for several hours because of traffic control problems in Newark. Now, two weeks later we are returning through the same airport, and our flight from Newark to West Palm Beach was supposed to leave at 1:00 PM but as of 7PM we are still waiting. The purported reason was the same. Quite simply, DOGE cuts have consequences for everyday events. Or at least that has been what we have been told.

All around me sit people who are supposed to be somewhere else. They are stuck in a kind of limbo with the only ones benefiting are the concession stands. Even the United Club stopped honoring day passes even though we purchased it with our tickets months ago. It simply had too many customers trying to take advantage of its offerings.

The Trump administration was told that firing thousands of FAA employees would result in chaos. The chaos is now impacting everyday Americans. The millions of Americans who travel for business or pleasure.

Trump and Musk got it all wrong. They didn’t cut costs…they broke the government or at least this part. This isn’t a political issue. It is the difference between competence and idiocy. No one voted for chaos, but chaos is what we have.

I can’t explain why Newark is the poster child for this. As someone who until recently flew between West Palm Beach and New York several times a month for business, I am quite familiar with delays. Delays were blamed on the weather or mechanical breakdown but seldom on traffic control.

Two hours have passed since I wrote the above. We are still waiting. One flight we were on was cancelled, and we were switched to another. Will it go out? A good question. I don’t have much hope but since I have checked luggage from our trip abroad, I have a dilemma as to what to do if this flight is cancelled. We are taking a wait-and-see approach.

It is now 8 pm and the flight we are now booked on has been delayed until 10:30. Depending on where I look for information, the delays are caused by runway work, weather, (it is clear as a bell in Newark and the plane is coming from Washington where my weather app states it is also clear) or a shortage of air traffic controllers.

The controllers for Newark airport are located at Philadelphia International Airport. The ABC affiliate in New York just did a story on major disruptions caused by “very few traffic controllers.” Planes are being diverted all up and down the East Coast.

My flight that was supposed to take off at 1 pm was cancelled, and I am now boarding at 10 pm. I have seen another news story on a travel blog confirming the ABC story. An FAA official is quoted as saying that there are not enough people to handle our system.

We finally take off at around 11 pm. The plane is supposed to land at Palm Beach and then go on to Denver. Between Newark and Palm Beach takes approximately 3 hours of flying time. I can’t believe that there will be a flight then going on to Denver.

And I am correct that when we land at 2 am, there are no passengers waiting at the gate. The plane will go to Denver but the next morning. The only reason that our flight took off was to pre-position the plane in Palm Beach.

More and more Americans’ flights are delayed or cancelled. It is now a common occurrence. There are also so many more near misses of two aircraft than in the past. How long can we operate with an antiquated air traffic control system and a shortage of controllers?

This is not something unique to the Trump administration. Delays were just as prevalent under President Biden. However, they are probably getting worse now than in the past because of the chaos of DOGE and Elon Musk.

At some point, things reach a breaking point. We are probably there with the airline industry. This has been projected to happen for at least 20 years. Trump’s policies are just the straw that broke the camel’s back.

I have a lot of problems with Chris Collins’ positions and politics.

I think he is quite capable of exhibiting a temper and we see it on the dais when he has a real problem listening to any criticism. He is single-minded in pursuing his goals and will get there by hook or by crook. However, no one should underestimate his grit and intelligence.

And occasionally he exhibits a sense of humor. Recently I wrote a story (it is in this edition and corrected) where I said he won by 57 votes. I was wrong, it was 96. He texted to tell me of the error.

I texted back, “Well…a landslide” He then wrote, “It was a nail-biter. Just outside the threshold of a recount. Thank you Jesus.”

Collins should show more of his humanity on the dais. He may be too enthralled with his status of Boss. In the long run that won’t serve him as well as exhibiting a little more compassion and his sense of humor.

Chris worked really hard to be elected. He knocked on a lot of doors. He was also very fortunate about being in the enviable position of not having any baggage. Until he ran for office, he was unknown to most of us. Chris could portray himself as anyone you wanted him to be.

As he contemplates a re-election campaign for Stuart or an election for a county seat, Collins should be taken very seriously by any opponent. I believe he should be defeated. To me that means his politics should be defeated not Chris as a person. I hope we can all agree to that. 

As the sun sets on another school year, Martin County proudly celebrates the Class of 2025- an exceptional group of young individuals whose achievements, resilience, and spirit have left an indelible mark on our community.

To this graduating class: You have journeyed through your school career during a time of significant change, adapting to new technologies, evolving learning environments, and the return of in-person experiences after years marked by uncertainty. Through it all, you have remained focused, optimistic, and driven- qualities that will undoubtedly propel you forward in the next chapter of your lives.

From competitive athletes and accomplished artists to science fair medalists and student leaders, the Class of 2025 represents the diverse talents and dreams that make Martin County schools a beacon of educational excellence. Whether heading to college, entering the workforce, enlisting in the military, or pursuing technical training, our graduates are ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

I am especially proud of the Martin County 4-H graduates- young leaders who have dedicated countless hours to service, skill-building, and personal growth. Through their involvement in Martin County 4-H, these students have gained hands-on experience in agriculture, civic engagement, STEM, and public speaking. They’ve mentored younger members, represented our county at state and national events, and demonstrated a strong commitment to the 4-H pledge of using their heads, hearts, hands, and health to make the best better. Their leadership and community-minded spirit reflect the very best of that on which 4-H stands and I know they will continue to lead with purpose wherever life takes them.

Parents, teachers, and mentors: You have all played an essential role in guiding and encouraging these graduates. Your unwavering support has been a foundation upon which these young adults have built their success. Graduation is a shared triumph for families and educators alike. As we send off these bright minds, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the crucial role you played in their development and celebrate.

I extend special recognition to valedictorians, salutatorians, and scholarship recipients who have gone above and beyond in their academic pursuits. Your accomplishments reflect the dedication and rigor that define Martin County’s commitment to excellence.

Beyond their academic records, what truly sets the Class of 2025 apart is their heart. This class has championed kindness, inclusivity, and service. They have raised funds for local causes, volunteered in our parks and nonprofits, and used their voices to inspire change. They’ve shown us that leadership comes in many forms- sometimes it’s the student who helps a peer through a tough time, or the one who dares to ask big questions in search of better solutions.

To the graduates: As you take your next steps, remember that your Martin County community is cheering you on. Stay curious, be courageous, and carry the values of hard work, integrity, and empathy wherever you go. The world needs your brilliance, your creativity, and your compassion.

Congratulations to the Martin County High School Class of 2025! You have made your community proud, and we cannot wait to see all the ways you will shine. Your journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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

Figure It Out

The ability to afford to live in Martin County has historically come in a few familiar forms.

The easiest path is to bring your income and assets with you when you retire. Many do. Former executives, public-sector retirees, and business owners settle here with the means to enjoy the lifestyle without relying on the local economy. Another reliable option is to join the professional class — attorneys, financial advisors, architects, engineers, and planners. These careers often offer incomes that can keep up with the rising cost of housing, insurance, and everything else that comes with life in paradise.

A third option is to work for the government. Steady wages, reliable benefits, and long-term stability make local government and school district jobs a solid route for many residents. The pay may not be high, but the security often makes up for it.

Fourth? Commute. Many residents head south each morning to West Palm Beach or beyond, where higher-paying jobs are more abundant. The trade-off is time on the road, but it’s a route that works for those who want Martin County life without relying on its limited job market.  Why are luxury communities built near the interstate?  It is because the jobs are closer and the commute is easier.

Then there’s the fifth path — my favorite: start a business and figure it out.

That phrase — figure it out — is more than just a saying here. It’s a way people survive and thrive in a place where traditional job opportunities don’t always match the cost of living. If you’re not already wealthy, not working remotely for a firm in a bigger market, and not part of the public sector, chances are you’re figuring it out.

And that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might be the best thing about our paradise.

From lawn service to advanced manufacturing to pressure washing to the best restaurant in town — people are making it work and making work for others. They’re solving local problems, filling international orders, and turning side hustles into sustainable businesses. They might not show up in national rankings, but they’re the heartbeat of our local economy.

Martin County rewards the self-starter. The doer. The neighbor who knows how to fix something, clean something, or make something worth paying for. It’s a place where small businesses matter — not just because they create jobs, but because it is one of the few paths to success here.

Figure it out is the Martin County mindset. Around here, it’s how a lot of people make life and family affordable.

Bill West’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

The (not so) Silent Majority

When I was first approached to contribute to this newsletter my reaction was lukewarm at best.  I wasn’t sure what I could contribute which the audience would appreciate.  Then some community leaders, elected folks, and Friends suggested that not many local residents were born and raised here, enjoyed a successful career outside Florida, then returned to Stuart. They suggested my perspective might be interesting to share.  So here we go…

I recently relocated from Switzerland and returned to Stuart.  I am a proud graduate of Martin County Public Schools but college and career took me away permanently in 1989.  I still have family here and of course spent time in Stuart every year over the last 35 years but only now do I again live permanently in Stuart.

I’ve been local for about 7 months now and after 9 years in Switzerland several things seem strange to me.  I hope readers will appreciate a few observations that will be shared in this newsletter.

The topic has received a lot of attention, but it is absolutely true.  People here in this country (including Stuart) are angry, unhappy and seem to be mad at everyone else. This seems strange to me.  What the heck happened?  I see it in many public spaces. 

This is a real pity.  Its not healthy and I would suggest you are wasting your life being so impatient or rude.  For some reason everyone behaves like they are the most important person and everyone else is secondary.  Whether its in line at the deli counter, in a car at an intersection, or sitting at a restaurant table. 

The rudeness and inconsiderate behavior is not something I recall from many years ago.  I was surely not raised to behave that way and I hope the majority of our community was not as well.  Please accept this as a public plea to the community to consider being just a bit more patient and a bit more understanding out there.

I will bring this up in future columns but one of the biggest challenges I see is the impact of social media.  I think a straight line can be drawn from volume of social media consumed to what I would term bad behavior in real life.  Just stop and think about it for a moment.  If you spend a lot of your time online (what I will call fantasy land) you lose skills to interact with humans in the real world.  It’s that simple. Another common theme among my pieces will be the importance of critical thinking.  Don’t react.  Think.  Thanks for reading.

Clay Scherer’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Major Cory Bell (Army Corps of Engineers) gave a very encouraging update on the Corps’ Lake Okeechobee Recovery Operation at the Rivers Coalition April 24th meeting. The goal was to get the lake level below 12 feet for 90 days or 11.5 feet for 60 days, to enable the lake’s decimated submerged aquatic vegetation to recover.

On April 24th, Maj. Bell said, the lake level had fallen to 11.62 feet, and had been below 12 feet for eleven days. Even better: the Corps’ models projected the lake level would remain below 12 feet for 138 days -- well above their 90-day goal. (And as this is being written, on April 27, the level has fallen below that second benchmark to 11.45 feet, per https://eyeonlakeo.com/, Todd Thurlow’s incredible data-filled website.)

This is really good news for the St. Lucie River/Estuary:

1) Discharges to the east were stopped March 29th. They will not be resumed.

2) Barring a lake level rise above 17 feet from extreme rain events (think hurricanes), the Corps does not anticipate needing to discharge lake water to the east during the next five years. (Five years!)

Meanwhile, Eve Samples and Gil Smart (Friends of the Everglades) gave an update on bills currently making their way through the Florida Legislature, scheduled to adjourn May 2. They noted this has been a particularly chaotic session (only 53 bills out of almost 2000 have been passed), largely because the House and the Governor’s office are feuding. As a result, things are going to evolve unusually rapidly next week.

They focused on two bills:
The Protect State Parks Bills (HB 209 and SB 80). The House bill, which has already been passed, is much stronger than Sen. Harrell’s bill. They would very much like to see the Senate pass the House bill rather than the Senate bill.

Wetlands Mitigation (HB 1173 and SB 492). This would expand allowable mitigation offsets beyond the affected watershed. A Treasure Coast developer, in other words, could provide a mitigation offset via something in the Panhandle. This is obviously not beneficial for local environments, and they would like to see these bills go down in flames.

A cautionary note: The Legislature must, by law, pass a budget bill. It looks like the House and Senate will not be able to reach a compromise by May 2 – which will lead to an extended session or special session. The big problem with that is the unscrupulous rascals in Tallahassee have a nasty habit of sneaking controversial things into that must-pass budget bill at the very last minute, so the battles may not be over yet.

Finally: We learned that although legislators don’t read their emails they do count them – and the numbers do influence their decisions. So you don’t have to pen a lengthy treatise explaining your position on a bill; a terse email simply urging them to vote for or against a bill is all it takes.
 

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

We Are Renovating!

We’re excited to share that the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is embarking on a transformative journey with a state-of-the-art shelter renovation project. We recently broke ground on April 28th, that will focus on upgrading our adoption center and customer services areas over the next 16 months.

Animal Arts Design Studios from Colorado have envisioned a fantastic new design for us, and we’re thrilled to have Team Parks, Inc., a local construction and development firm, on board as our general contractor.

Our goal with this renovation is to enhance the temporary living environment for our homeless dogs, cats, and small animals. We’re focusing on creating spaces that promote their physical health, mental well-being, and overall enrichment.

We’ll also have a new lobby design, which will create a friendlier and more interactive atmosphere for potential adopters while minimizing stress for both shelter and public animals. It’s all about making those meaningful connections!

In the dog area, we will have larger kennels, upgraded living spaces, and improved soundproofing to help create a calmer environment. We’re also redesigning the current living quarters for our cats and critters to include free-roaming rooms, indoor/outdoor “catios,” and cozy cat condos.

The back of the shelter will undergo renovations to establish a new public interface dedicated to our programs, like spay/neuter services, fostering, owner surrender, and owner-requested euthanasia. This new space will provide easier access to clinical areas, allowing us to complete animal evaluations more quickly.

Ultimately, this renovation project will enhance the quality of care for both shelter pets and public animals. It will help us increase adoptions and improve outcomes for the pets in our care. With a thoughtful design, the refreshed adoption center and customer service areas will support the healthiest environment for animal care.

As we embark on this expansive and exciting project, we kindly ask for your support regarding upcoming modifications to our donation procedures. Due to limited space during the renovation process, we will request all donations (with the exception of pet food) be delivered to our thrift stores rather than our Palm City shelter. These donations include everything from new or gently used toys and Kongs, to crates and pet beds. The thrift store employees will sort the donations at their location and then transport them to our Palm City shelter as needed.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how you can support this exciting project, please feel free to reach out our Development Department at 772-600-3216 or Development@hstc1.org. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

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

Movie Jones Rides Again.

I’ve been waiting for a reason to  go to a movie theatre.

I am not inclined to leave my comfy home to watch a movie made by cell phone. Or  Nicole Kidman play characters that are beneath her. Sexual thriller indeed. All that laughing in the theaters when the “Baby Girl” movie screened?  It’s not because we’ve lost our movie manners as one critic sneered; it’s because the movie’s execution is laughable.

I decided to revive a movie habit I enjoy. I like going to see two or even three movies in a row. I booked a double feature of “Thunderbolts+” and “Sinners.”  Popcorn and a drink completed the experience. What a fun time I had. Both films are great,  in very different ways. Marvel has restarted the Avengers, as a dysfunctional wise-cracking family ensemble and “Sinners” is a genre breaking amazing standing ovation type of movie. I can’t wait to see it again.

Hallelujah!

The movies are back!

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

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—Our Community is in Crisis

We are facing a crisis—right here in our community and across the nation. Every day brings more stories of violence, economic instability, and proposed changes that impact our way of life. The emotional and mental strain on both our youth and adults has reached epidemic levels.  This is not a political statement—it’s a reality. The turmoil at the national level is deeply affecting us locally.

Federal budget cuts are threatening essential services. One of United Way’s  highest-funded partner, House of Hope, has already identified a $300,000 cut in federal funding to its programs and services.

The AmeriCorps programs—both for young adults and seniors—are also at risk. These programs play a vital role in Martin County:

• The Boys & Girls Club sponsors the AmeriCorps Young Adult Program, providing homework help, after-school support in Martin County Schools and more.
• The United Way of Martin County sponsors the AmeriCorps Seniors Program, helping adults 55+ find meaningful volunteer opportunities. This includes running the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax help to low-income residents, and supporting Meals on Wheels, school tutoring, and more.

These are real people, real services, and real lives at stake. Staff and volunteers are anxious—not just about the future of their programs, but about their jobs and the well-being of those they serve. The stress and uncertainty are palpable.  That is why this quarter’s Community Conversation is focused on Mental Health.

Join Us for a Critical Community Conversation

To address these challenges and find ways to support one another, United Way of Martin County is hosting its Quarterly Community Conversation:

When:                 Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time:                   11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Where:                      Council on Aging at the Kane Center, 900 SE Salerno Rd.
Sponsored by:       Cleveland Clinic

We’ll hear from:

• Jeff Shearer, PhD, local mental health expert, on managing stress, trauma, and uncertainty
• Rob Gluckman, Treasure Coast Urgent Care, on local mental health initiatives
• Claude Jones, DO, Cleveland Clinic, with a brief update on their Primary Care Program

This event is FREE, but registration is required for lunch planning.

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

Hurricane season starts next month. While Floridians understandably find comfort in the fact that there’s generally plenty of advance notice with hurricanes, these storms still pack plenty of surprises.

That’s what the Treasure Coast experienced last fall when 11 confirmed tornados struck during Hurricane Milton.

Moving from the Atlanta metro area, my family and I had called Martin County home for fewer than three weeks when one such tornado hit our community of Mariner Village. Although our car suffered significant damage, many of my neighbors’ properties fared far worse.

For several local businesses, recovery proved even more complicated. At the Business Development Board, our team worked tirelessly to help numerous small businesses access the resources they needed to reopen for their customers and the community. The breadth of damage from the tornados and scope of affected parties required skillful navigation of the resource-recovery system.

We resolved then that next time, we’d help equip businesses well in advance of an approaching storm.  

“Next time” is now, when there’s no storms on the immediate horizon.

From 8 a.m. to noon May 29 at Indian River State College’s Chastain Campus in Stuart, we’re hosting a free workshop entited, “Business Resilience: Beyond the Basics.” Experts will provide advice on:

• Applying for no- or low-interest economic-injury loans
• Creating supply-chain contingency plans when links between suppliers, vendors and customers break down
• Developing current business and operations plans—both essential prerequisites businesses must have to qualify for disaster-relief funding.

Storm shutters and sandbags can help save your physical property, but it takes a lot more to save your actual business.

Business Awards arriving early

The beloved annual Martin County Business Awards are moving up in the calendar—now taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. The nomination period opens May 12 through June 23. We’ve also added a new category—Workforce Development Award.

Our Pulse meetings with local business owners reveal a common pain point: Executives across industries share the same challenge—finding, training and retaining talent. Fortunately, numerous professionals in the private-, public- and nonprofit sectors are engaged in a variety of creative initiatives to upskill the workforce. Together, they’re planting the seeds that will strengthen the local economy over the long run, so we’re anticipating some exciting nominations for this award.

Other award categories include Business Excellence, Company to Watch, Newcomer of the Year, Headquarters of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Words of encouragement

At a recent Martin County Commission meeting in which we submitted our annual report, local business leaders spoke favorably about our renewed direction and enhanced services. We’re grateful to each of them. We especially appreciated the comments by Debbie Pease of Daher Aerospace, who spoke about the company’s current $30 million investment in additional aircraft manufacturing capabilities at the Stuart location.

“The knowledge, network of key contacts, and business advocacy of the BDB has really helped smooth our entry into the community and it’s played a direct role in our expanded investment,” she said. “Our experience is a testament to the return on investment that the BDB brings to Martin County.”

Thank you, Debbie. We’re happy to have helped and look forward to ensuring other great Martin County companies can thrive, hire and continue growing the local tax base—and alleviating the burden on homeowners.

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

Cleveland Clinic Expands Primary Care Access with New Stuart Location, More Physicians, and Innovative Care Models

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is excited to announce the opening of a new primary care facility at 1951 NW Federal Highway in Stuart, expanding access to high-quality, team-based care for Martin County residents.

This modern facility features eight exam rooms and three procedure rooms designed to support comprehensive primary care, including outpatient gynecologic procedures. It is home to three new primary care physicians: Kathleen Hayden, MD, Christine Erie, MD; and Amanda Valdes, MD, all of whom bring exceptional training and deep commitment to the health of our community.

This expansion reflects our ongoing investment in clinical innovation and patient-centered access. Beyond the physical space, the site incorporates Cleveland Clinic’s Clinical Access Team (CAT) model—an initiative that has redefined how we deliver timely care in primary care settings.

CAT teams, composed of physicians and advanced practice providers, are deployed to expand same-day appointment availability, support hospital discharge follow-ups, fill in for physicians during transitions, and manage complex cases requiring close coordination. This model, launched at Martin Health in August 2024 is already yielding measurable outcomes. Other Cleveland Clinic locations in Florida, in Indian River and Weston, also adopted the model.

- Drs. Kathleen Hayden, Christine Erie, and Amanda Valdes – New doctors at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s new primary care facility at 1951 NW Federal Highway in Stuart.

At Cleveland Clinic Martin Health alone, wait times for new patients have dropped to under 30 days, contributing to an 85% reduction in wait times across our Florida primary care practices. We have welcomed over 40 new primary care physicians throughout the region, including 16 in Martin County.

According to Dr. Khera, Vice Chief of the Primary Care Institute and one of the co-founders of the CAT model, “The CAT model was designed to overcome access barriers in traditional primary care and create more availability for wellness visits while opening doors for illness visits and new patients without compromising the sanctity of a traditional patient-doctor relationship.”

The CAT model is currently pending copyright as a care delivery model through Cleveland Clinic Innovations.

We are also leveraging cutting-edge technology, including an AI Scribe platform for notetaking, to ease administrative burdens on physicians and enhance the quality and accuracy of care. Many of our providers have described this tool as “life-changing” for improving both patient experience and work-life balance.

In parallel, Express Care teams, located at our Palm City and Port St. Lucie outpatient campuses, offer walk-in services delivered by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, helping to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits for common issues such as cold and flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, and other conditions.

Our work is already showing results. We’ve reduced new appointment wait times by 61% across the state, and our Medicare Annual Wellness Visit completion rate stands at 72%, far exceeding the national average of 45%. These efforts are also helping reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions by ensuring timely post-discharge follow-up.

At Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, we are committed to ensuring patients receive timely, accessible, and high-quality care. The opening of this new location is part of a larger vision: to ensure that every patient can see a primary care physician within 30 days.

These improvements are just the beginning. We remain dedicated to evolving how care is delivered—bringing more doctors, more innovation, and more access to every corner of our community.

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

Simple Terms, Big Meanings: Sorting out the Language of the Comp Plan

Remember that teacher who told you to look up the meaning of every word you didn’t know while you were reading? Of course you didn’t do it. And a lot of the time, it didn’t matter. You got the gist of it.

But when you’re reading or discussing Martin County’s Comp Plan (Comprehensive Growth Management Plan), it makes a whole lot of difference if you’re not using the right definitions of the terms at the heart of the debate. Things can get pretty confusing for citizens and even for the County Commissioners during public meetings. And really heated. And just maybe it’s because we’re using different words to mean the same thing.

So One Martin is offering a simple way to keep track of the meanings of Land Use, Zoning, and Development Regulations. Our easy to use dictionary is based on - a sandwich.

A simple sandwich analogy for Land Use, Zoning, and Land Development Regulations!

Land Use

First you have to choose what type of sandwich you’re making.  That’s the Comp Plan’s Future Land Use Category.

Think of "Land Use" as deciding the fundamental type of sandwich we want to make. Is it a deli sandwich? A veggie wrap? Or a grilled cheese?

In the context of Martin County, this translates to determining the broad categories of future land uses for different areas. For example, will a particular area be designated for agriculture, residential housing, office, retail or industrial? The Future Land Use Category establishes the overall vision and purpose for each part of our community.

Zoning

Once we've chosen the type of sandwich, "Zoning" dictates the specific ingredients and how they're arranged. For our deli sandwich, this could mean choosing roast beef, Swiss cheese, and lettuce, and specifying their order.

In Martin County, the Zoning District takes the Comp Plan’s Future Land Use Category and makes it specific. It determines what types of buildings can be constructed, their height, density, and setbacks. This is where we decide if an area will be for single-family homes or multi-family apartments, and how these structures will be positioned on the land.

Land Development Regulations (LDRs)

Finally you have to make the sandwich.

The "Land Development Regulations" are the detailed instructions for developing the land. These regulations cover the "how-to" of building development, from obtaining building permits (gathering ingredients) to ensuring proper drainage (preventing a soggy sandwich) and environmental protection (making sure the ingredients are safe). These rules ensure that the development is built safely and responsibly.

So the type of "sandwich" is the Future Land Use Category, the "ingredients" and their arrangement are the Zoning Districts, and the "construction manual" for how to make the sandwich properly are the LDRs.

By breaking down complex planning terms into digestible bites, we hope One Martin can help you be a more educated and informed citizen. With deeper understanding of these planning concepts, we can all better participate in shaping the future of Martin County, ensuring growth and development aligns with our community's vision.

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

 

Keep Martin Beautiful Scholarships: Investing in Future Environmental Leaders

Keep Martin Beautiful is eager to support future environmental leaders who will carry our passion for the planet into future generations. This year we launched a scholarship program – the first in our history –  to help graduating seniors in Martin County high schools who intend to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, Conservation or Marine Biology or a related field.

The response to our call for applications was beyond our expectations. In fact, the response was so overwhelming, and the quality of candidates was so exceptional that we decided to award both the initial $500 scholarship and also a $250 scholarship.

Cameron Burke of Clark Advanced Learning Center is our $500 scholarship recipient. Cameron has shown his leadership skills by mentoring students at SeaWind Elementary School for its 5th grade science class and Green Team Club and encouraging other students to become mentors also. He has helped teach the SeaWind students about the extreme importance of protecting our environment and has demonstrated the commitment it takes to make a difference.

Cameron has been a huge volunteer for the environment, working alongside marine biologists in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Marine Research Center, with Students for H20 and WaterFest in the City of Stuart, and numerous cleanup efforts including the International Coastal Cleanup. Cameron will be studying Civil Engineering at Florida Atlantic University in the fall.

Sarah Ladd of Jensen Beach High School is our recipient of a $250 scholarship. Sarah is currently the President of the Earth Savers Crew, a group of middle and high school students who work to support the local Environmental Studies Center through community outreach, center beautification events, and citizen science projects.

During her presidency she recruited new members, grew the membership from 20 to more than 50 students while carrying a heavy academic course load, including Advanced Placement classes in Environmental Science. Sarah’s experiences with Camp WET at the Environmental Studies Center helped to set her on a path toward the study of marine biology, which she will study at the University of South Florida this fall.

This very first year of the Keep Martin Beautiful Scholarships has been a huge success, and highlighted how meaningful this support can be for deserving students in our community. In future years we hope to expand the program so we can award a scholarship at each of our local high schools.

If you too believe in encouraging students to become the environmental leaders of the future, we invite you to be part of this scholarship effort in 2026. Becoming a sponsor brings recognition for individuals, businesses or organizations. More importantly, sponsors will make a difference in the lives of young people who will become our environmental stewards of tomorrow. Call us at 772-781-1222 to learn how you can be involved.

To learn more about Keep Martin Beautiful, its upcoming International Coastal Cleanup and other environmental projects, and the new scholarship program, contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222, email info@keepmartinbeautiful.org or visit keepmartinbeautiful.org.

Tiffany Kincaid's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats 

How Business Growth Strengthens Martin County

In Martin County, we understand a simple truth: when one business grows, we all grow. From the historic mom-and-pop shops lining downtown streets to the innovative startups taking root today, every business, old or new, adds another thread to the vibrant fabric of our community.

Our longtime businesses laid the foundation. They built trust, character, and a sense of place, giving Martin County its unique charm. The family-owned restaurants, boutiques, service providers, and local manufacturers didn’t just open their doors; they opened hearts. They created gathering places, traditions, and the kind of loyalty you don’t often find elsewhere.

Today, a new generation of entrepreneurs is stepping up, inspired by that legacy. They're bringing fresh ideas, modern technology, and new community service methods. They’re harnessing the power of digital marketing, remote work, and innovative business models not to replace what’s here, but to build upon it.

The beauty of Martin County is that it's not an either-or proposition. It's a both-and opportunity.
Both the old and the new have a seat at the table. And when we work together, we create a cycle of strength that lifts every corner of our economy.

Think about it:

• When a new café opens downtown, nearby retail shops see more foot traffic.
• When a longtime law firm expands, it hires new local talent, boosting employment.
• When a creative agency moves in, it helps legacy businesses refresh their brand, tell their story, and reach more customers.
• When established industries invest in new technologies, they set an example that sparks innovation county-wide.

Growth benefits multiple businesses; it creates ripple effects that touch families, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods.

A thriving business community means more local jobs, better services, more charitable donations, stronger schools, and a richer cultural life. It also means opportunities for the next generation to stay, build careers, and raise families right here in Martin County rather than feeling they have to leave to find success.

The phrase "a rising tide lifts all boats" isn’t just a slogan. It's a way of life here.
It’s a reminder that competition doesn’t have to mean scarcity. That success doesn’t have to come at someone else's expense. That your neighbor’s win can be your win too.

At the end of the day, we’re not just building businesses, we’re building a legacy.
 A thriving Martin County economy will outlast us all, enriching lives for decades to come.

So whether you’re an established business owner who’s been part of our story for generations, or a newcomer ready to leave your mark, know this: there’s room for you. There’s a need for you. And together, we’ll rise higher than ever before.

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

 

Tools for Team Collaboration: A Personal Perspective

My team and I are always looking for tools to boost collaboration. While there are lots of tools we can use, we tend to be Microsoft centric for compatibility and availability of add on Apps. Here are some of what we have used to helped streamline our work.

Microsoft has become a foundation for us with such tools as Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and recently, Copilot. These have significantly improved our team’s efficiency and communication.

Microsoft Teams allows us to communicate easily through instant messaging, voice and video calls, reducing the need for in-person meetings and even the disruption that a regular intercom call into a crowded room might cause. OneDrive and SharePoint have streamlined our processes by centralizing and sharing documents, making it much easier to find and collaborate on important files. Adding Copilot has further enhanced our workflow, allowing us to find what we are looking for in the massive amounts of data we have as well as advise and assist us with our work.

As I mentioned, with OneDrive and SharePoint, we can have multiple people working on the same document at the same time, not just one at a time and emailing the document back and forth. This real-time collaboration is here, and you should take advantage of it.

Another thing that we all have to take into account in this day and age is security. These applications provide enhanced security features to protect sensitive data, but it goes beyond just the Microsoft products. Multi-factor authentication and data encryption is a must in this day and age.  Protect your documents and communication channels to stay safe from cyber threats and of course there are Apps for this as well.

Another advantage of these applications is their ability to have Apps integrate with them. Teams is a great example of how you can add Microsoft or 3rd party products to extend and customize your environment exactly for your needs. Need project management? Connect project management with Teams or SharePoint. Need a time tracker or an enhanced task manager? Add an App and now you have it.

I mentioned at the top of this message you need a foundation. Building on the Microsoft foundation opens a lot of doors to improve efficiency. The beauty is the flexibility, but there is a caveat, you need to spend some time to learn what it can do for you. There are lots of training sources from Microsoft and others and I highly recommend spending a little time diving int them. Focus on what’s important to you and drive that efficiency to your bottom line. Don’t hold back or put it off. The tools are there, it’s time you start using them.

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

The annual County budget process has begun.  MCTA will attempt to break it down for you. Each department presents their wish list for the next year to the County Administrator.  After getting his blessing, each department director presents the list (known as the Capital Improvement Plan or CIP) to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).  This was done on April 22nd and all departments’ budgets were tentatively approved.  But this is not the end of the process.  They will present them again and there will be 2 public hearings in September before the final vote by the BOCC.  We will attempt to hit the highlights of each department’s ask so you know where they plan to spend YOUR money.

Today we focus on Parks and Recreation.   For a relatively small county, Martin has some fabulous amenities in this regard.  However, it may come down to pickleball courts vs fire stations this year.  Fire/Rescue wants 3 new fire stations which including staffing and equipment will cost around $45 million dollars in total.  Parks and Rec doesn’t have a huge budget, and they are asking for an increase of $200,000 over last year’s, which will bring the capital improvement portion of their total budget of $19,255,689 to $7,122,700.  When compared to Fire/Rescue’s total budget $66,350,658 it’s a drop in the bucket. 

Unfortunately for Parks & Rec they are the low hanging fruit when belts need to be tightened. 

Parks & Rec Director Abbate’s plans for 2026’s new projects include development of what was once the Heritage Ridge (in Hobe Sound) driving range.  Pickleball courts are a real possibility there.  Mr. Abbate plans to give a face lift to Pineapple Park in Jensen Beach as well.  The Jensen Beach restrooms/café building burned down last New Year’s Eve and must be rebuilt.  This entire project will cost at least $4.5 million.  True within a year or so, the County will receive insurance money.  However, it is never enough to cover rebuilding.  Wojcieszak Park in Pt. Salerno will get 4 long anticipated soccer fields.  In what seems to be never-ending golf course improvements, Sailfish Sands must receive new irrigation pumps, motors and pump houses in order to finally make improvements to a part of the course.  The Frances Langford Park building had a fire in the attic causing $275,000 worth of damage.  Simultaneous to this repair, Mr. Abbate plans to finally refurbish the bottom floor which has been vacant for 10 years.  Also in Jensen, the Vince Bocchino Community Center needs help. 

All this while maintaining the other park buildings, paving, equipment, fiber and security. 

Director Abbate claims that some of these assets (the County has $100 million in assets not counting the mooring fields, water park, cafes or golf course) are net money makers.  But those net money makers have their own Fixed Asset Replacement Budgets (FARBs).  Sailfish Sands according to Mr. Abbate has made $636,000 in net profit.  While Phipps Park Campground has brought in $623,000 net.  The ever-popular Seaside Café has garnered approximately $1.2 million net. 

Last year’s accomplishments were notable.  The department installed concrete pads at Phipps Park Campground, the 1.5 mile long boardwalk in Indian Riverside Park and fountain and the Sandsprit Park Boat Ramp renovation (grants were used for some of the boat ramp work).

With 26 playgrounds and about 72 parks, this department has a lot on its plate.  That’s when not interrupted by hurricane or fire destruction.   Director Abbate estimates that they complete around 100 projects a year.  He also stated that there are $4 million worth of tasks that could be added to the list. 

MCTA credits Commissioner Hetherington for being the only commissioner to ask some tough questions of the Director.  She is also correct when implying that a new P&R Master Plan needs to be reviewed as soon as possible.  The last review was done in 2016.  With the volatile economic times we have been experiencing, MCTA wonders if a 10-year Master Plan should be shortened to a 5-year Master Plan.  In fact, every department should be scrutinized perhaps by an outside, objective entity every few years to be sure the efficiencies are there.  Sometimes one cannot see the fire for the smoke.   Currently Mr. Abbate does his best to determine the recreational needs of the County based on input from the Community.

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

For as long as I can recall, I've worked best under pressure. From exam cramming to submitting a proposal just before the deadline, there’s something about a ticking clock that sharpens my focus. I always get things done, and done well, but I used to wonder if there was a better way. "Why not start sooner?" I’d ask myself. If that inner dialogue sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Then I read Adam Grant's "Originals," and something shifted. Grant challenges the notion that procrastination is inherently negative, suggesting it can actually fuel creativity. Suddenly, my lifelong habit started to feel validated.

Grant highlights how many innovators, from Leonardo da Vinci to Martin Luther King Jr., were known for their delays. They didn't rush into things; they let ideas simmer and evolve. This "delaying gratification," as Grant calls it, isn't inaction; it's a form of incubation.

Think about it: when we rush, we often grab the first solution that pops into our heads. But when we procrastinate strategically, we give ourselves time to explore alternatives, consider different angles, and ultimately, arrive at more innovative solutions.

Grant doesn't advocate for perpetual avoidance, of course. He distinguishes between harmful procrastination, which is simply putting things off, and strategic procrastination, which is about suspending action to allow time for deeper thought. It's about letting ideas marinate until they're truly ripe.

Another fascinating attribute often associated with this type of positive procrastinating personality is a greater inclination towards nonconformity. Procrastination, in certain instances, can manifest as a subtle, perhaps even unconscious, form of rebellion against external authority or against tasks that are perceived as unpleasant, unengaging, or fundamentally meaningless. Individuals who engage in strategic procrastination tend to be driven by a stronger sense of intrinsic motivation. They are more likely to follow their own internal compass, guided by their own values and insights, rather than blindly adhering to established routines or externally imposed expectations. This independent spirit can be a significant driver of original thought and action.

For me, this newfound perspective on procrastination has helped me be less critical of myself. I now recognize that the way I approach projects might be a sign that I’m wrestling with complex ideas, allowing them the necessary time to germinate and mature. 

Recognizing this potential has shifted my internal dialogue from self-reproach to curious observation of my own process. It’s about trusting that the initial delay might lead to a more insightful and original outcome than a rushed start. This doesn't excuse perpetual avoidance, but it reframes thoughtful postponement as a potential stage in the creative process.

For me personally, Grant's views on procrastination have given me permission to see my tendency to delay not as a failing, but as a creative asset. Perhaps, just perhaps, my best ideas are still brewing. And maybe, just maybe, yours are too.

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

 

ARC OF THE TREASURE COAST’S NEW YORK CITY-INPSIRED
FUNDRAISER BRINGS BIG APPLE APPEAL TO MARTIN COUNTY
 

STUART, FL. –  The 22nd Annual “Start Spreading the News” Evening of Entertainment hosted by ARC of the Treasure Coast was a big hit thanks to the Big Apple theme. This past Saturday night, hundreds of people enjoyed a spectacular evening at the newly renovated Hutchinson Island Marriott on Ocean Blvd in Stuart.

ARC of the Treasure Coast President & CEO Keith Muniz and his wife Marie

Guests dressed to the nines, sipped on Cosmos, danced the night away and feasted on NYC-inspired fare, while enjoying a number of live performances from world renowned artists Michael Ward-Bergeman with the Vancouver Philharmonic, Wings to Fly Dance Company and Motown Ross Brown. The exclusive after party included casino games and carnival fun.

                         Rembrandt Award Recipient Elizabeth Barbella

All proceeds from the event, including donations made from silent and live auctions, will help support more than 950 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on ARC of the Treasure Coast programs including job training services, after school and summer camp initiatives.
Emcee Alex Haigh and Auctioneers Keith Trowbridge and MJ Thiboult were outstanding.

​             Rembrandt Award Recipient - Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie

Congrats to Elizabeth Barbella and the Community Foundation of Martin/St. Lucie, recipients of the Rembrandt Award.

Thanks to our Title Sponsor Treasure Coast Provisions and Indian River Provisions as well as our many other community partners who supported this event through their sponsorships.

Our Planning Committee and ARC Directors as well as our board members succeeded in making this one of the premiere events in Martin County.  To everyone, a big thank you for your support.

Together, we can empower special individuals in our care to achieve their fullest potential.
###
About ARC of the Treasure Coast: The ARC, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services.  ARC provides support, assistance, and training that enhances the abilities of children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential.

 

Council on Aging Honors 7 Martin County Seniors with Sage Awards
 

Stuart, FL – The Council on Aging Martin County honored seven Martin County seniors at the 9th annual Sage Awards Celebration in April, proving that age is not an indicator of impactful community involvement. 

Members of the Board : Past Chair Nicki Schoonover,  Bert Giscombe, Board Chair Dr. Neil Boland,  Elizabeth Abeytta- Price,  Gregory Nuttall, Heidi Lahti, Chuck Cleaver, CEO Karen Ripper, Bill Clifford.

All seven honorees have an impressive record of accomplishments for all they did throughout their working lives. Each of them is also creating a legacy of service to the community in their senior years.

At the Sage Awards Celebration, Council on Aging CEO Karen Ripper noted that the honorees come from various walks of life but they share a remarkable demonstration of leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep compassion for others. 

Honorees: John Glynn Jr., Anthony Anderson, Dr. Jordan Bromberg, Nick Blount, Gertrude Rodgers, Kristal Wion Eckhardt, Tom Campenni.

The 2025 Sage Awards Honorees are: Gert Rodgers, Chairman’s Award, an accomplished healthcare administrator with a passion for quality care for all and a tireless advocate for seniors and issues of aging; Tom Campenni, Charlie Kane Award, the founder and publisher of the community digital newsletter Friends & Neighbors; Nick Blount, Community Service, a long-time leader and volunteer for causes and projects that improve the life of the community; Tony Anderson, Education, a former teacher and school board member and an energetic champion of education; Kristal Wion Eckhardt, Arts & Culture, the founder of the highly successful drama department at Martin County High School and now an active member of the arts community; Jordan Bromberg, MD, Health Science & Medicine, a revered medical practitioner on the Treasure Coast and now the Medical Director for the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic; and John P. Glynn, Jr., Military & Veteran Support, a veteran himself who is driven to honor the men and women who have served their country. 

“We honor all of our honorees for using the wisdom, talents and treasures they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them,” Ripper said. 

Craig and Elizabeth Price, May Smyth and Liz Flynn

Dr. Reza Khatib, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and resident of Palm City, was the Presenting Partner Sponsor for the Sage Awards Celebration. Honoree Sponsors include Betsy Herold, Craig and Elizabeth Price, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, and The Community Foundation Martin - St Lucie. Sage Sponsors include Dadko Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, HBK CPAs & Consultants, Nancy Goethel, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®- Vice President of Investments at Raymond James,  N. Schoonover & Associates, Inc., Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James, South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, and Water’s Edge Health Care. Rehabilitation. Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove. 

“As we applaud the 2025 Sage honorees,” Ripper said, “we also pledge to continue our work to ensure that all of our seniors are able to maintain vibrant and purposeful lives, aging with dignity and a sense of belonging.”

Michael and Diane Dadko, Board Member Steven McGovern, Jeannie McCall, Board Chair Dr. Neil Boland, Honoree Gertrude Rodgers, Michele Davidson, Jill Burton, Board Member Bert Giscombe, Shawn Perrigo.

For more information about the Council on Aging Martin County, visit www.coamartin.org or call 772-223-7800.

 About the Council on Aging Martin County
For seniors, their families, and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is their trusted and comprehensive hub for senior resources. We work with the community to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness, and hunger. Together, we help seniors live a safer, healthier, and happier life.

From our Adult Day Club, Day Primary Care Center, case management, and memory enhancement programming, to our nutrition and exercise classes, games to improve memory, concerts and social events, the Council on Aging’s Kane Center on Salerno Road is a beehive of activities. Services also take to the road – like Meals on Wheels, providing a hot meal and a warm smile to more than 500 homebound and needy Martin County senior residents in their home each day, or Senior Dining Centers at locations throughout the county in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus brings knowledgeable and compassionate staff directly to seniors in local neighborhoods.

For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. Stay healthy. Be active. Eat well. Get help when you need it from the Council on Aging Martin County. Please visit us in person, online at coamartin.org, or on social media, and learn more about the many services of the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help

 

 

Free workshop aims to help small-business owners recover more quickly after natural disasters

STUART—Thriving in Florida’s business climate means surviving the various potential disasters associated with its dynamic environment.

Yet, small-business owners often find themselves confronted with so many daily duties and unforeseen challenges that they postpone—perpetually—preparation for what they don’t want to happen.

But operating a small business amid South Florida’s weather patterns requires expecting the unexpected. That’s why the Business Development Board of Martin County is hosting a free workshop so business owners of every kind can gain the knowledge essential to protecting their company, their employees, and their investments—whatever comes their way.

Business Resilience: Beyond the Basics takes place from 8 a.m. to noon May 29 at Indian River State College’s Chastain Campus in Stuart.

The program will address, among others:

• Perils of unpreparedness: Too few business owners know that a business plan, operations plan and current books are essential to qualifying for disaster-relief funding.
• Step-by-step navigations: Detailed instructions on applying for no- or low-interest economic-injury loans.
• Supply-chain contingency plans: Expert insights on the importance of knowing how the scope of a disaster can impact your suppliers, vendors and customers—and how to build viable backup options.

“Fires, flooding, hurricanes, and as we all recently found out—even tornadoes—pose very real threats to people, property and overall public safety,” says William Corbin, BDBMC executive director whose Stuart community endured a direct tornado strike during Hurricane Milton. “While there are things homeowners can do to prepare, business owners’ responses must go beyond shutters and sandbags. That’s where the Business Resilience workshop steps in, providing actionable strategies every CEO will want to know.”

Numerous nationwide studies show as many as 40 to 60 percent of small businesses permanently close their doors after widespread disasters. Common contributing factors include failures to back up essential data and financial information, lack of proper insurance, and unrealistic estimates about their abilities to withstand extended interruptions in supply chains, vendor payments and making payroll.

“Natural disasters wreak havoc in countless ways,” says Corbin. “Even if there’s no loss of life, the loss of property and time that it takes to recover can impact individuals’ lives in major ways and really hurt the local economy. We’re especially appreciative that so many of our partners embraced the importance of participating in this workshop and sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. A more resilient economy is to everyone’s benefit.”

While the BDBMC works closely with light manufacturers and legacy industries such as aviation and marine, the strategies shared in the workshop remain relevant for every business owner regardless of specialty.

Presenters include the Martin County Emergency Management Agency, FPL, FloridaMakes, CONNEX, South Florida Manufacturers Association, Small Business Development Center at IRSC, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, CareerSource Research Coast, Solar Energy Loan Fund, and several other subject-matter experts across the private sector.

About the Business Development Board of Martin County

The Business Development Board's mission is to lead economic development by supporting local contributory businesses, attracting investment, and fostering job creation. Organized as a 501(c)6 not-for-profit public-private partnership, the BDB's vision is to foster a strong Martin County economy characterized by a diversity of businesses and a grown and sustainable tax base. To learn more, call 772.221.1380 or visit bdbmc.org. 

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/adea58c9973e46e0a75f578bc8ab5740

 

These GEMs May be New but Their Sparkle is Strong

Port St. Lucie – Communities Connected for Kids recognized two more members of staff this month for extraordinary work. Evan Hunsberger and Edith Raya received this quarter’s Going the Extra Mile – or GEM – Award.

Hunsberger just celebrated five years at CCKids as the organization’s director of human resources – a position his colleagues say he has filled with generosity of spirit, sensitivity and humor. He was nominated for the Ruby Award by CCKids St. Lucie County Manager Lorrene Egan. 

Egan said she nominated him for his expert assistance in onboarding CCKids’ new Early Services Engagement Program, while other staff members lauded him for his sensitivity when handling more delicate personnel issues and for his sense of humor while emceeing quarterly staff meetings.

Denise VOY

“Evan has assisted in the development of multiple new programs at CCKids over the past few years, and he does so with such kindness,” Egan said. “He continues to make himself available to all and will assist anyone in need.” 

Raya, a case manager in St. Lucie County, received her GEM award in the Emerald Division, which recognizes the work of case management staff. She was nominated by Joyce Edwards, a St. Lucie County case management supervisor.

Evan

“Edith has been with CCKIDS for approximately two years, but her impact has been nothing short of remarkable,” Edwards said. “From day one, she has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, a positive attitude, and a deep commitment to our mission

“She has quickly adapted to her role, showing initiative, creativity, and a strong ability to collaborate with her colleagues. Whether it’s going above and beyond to support families, or stepping up to assist where needed, she consistently exceeds expectations.”

Edith Raya

Edwards added that Raya’s dedication and passion are evident in the way she approaches her work, always putting the needs of the children and families we serve first.

Hunsberger and Raya will be recognized by the CCKids Board of Directors during its April Board meeting. Each will receive a $100 bonus and a plaque.

 

Traveling Planetarium Brings the Universe to the Treasure Coast!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast is excited to introduce our brand-new Traveling Planetarium! Part of our growing Mobile Museum Outreach Program, the inflatable dome brings the magic of space directly to schools and community venues, offering interactive programming for elementary through high school students.

Recently, families at Jensen Beach Elementary experienced a special Planetarium Night, sparking excitement and curiosity about science and astronomy.

To expand this amazing program, The Children's Museum is looking to purchase a used Sprinter van to transport the larger exhibit. We’re almost there—only $10,000 more is needed to reach our $50,000 goal!

The Traveling Planetarium is projected to officially launch for the Fall 2025-2026 school year.

Thank you for helping us inspire young minds across the Treasure Coast and beyond!

 

Florida Baseball Club Hits a Homerun for Treasure Coast Youth Baseball

The Second Annual Jackie Robinson Youth Baseball Tournament was a huge hit in Palm City recently. The 12u round-robin tournament, hosted by Florida Baseball Club (FBC) was held at Hidden Oaks Middle School’s recently renovated ballfields on SW Martin Highway.

Sabrina Zambrano of South Fork High School performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem to kick things off.

The festivities slid into high gear when five-time Major League Baseball All-Star Michael Brantley threw out the first pitch to his youngest son, Max, during opening ceremonies.

Brantley, a Ft. Pierce native, played for the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians during a successful 15-year professional career, which included a Silver Slugger Award and finishing third in the 2014 MVP race in addition to his All-Star appearances.

Nearly 80 young players participated in the weekend events which featured teams from surrounding areas including Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach and Wellington.

Ultimately, Florida Baseball Club’s Blue Team took home top prize in the Blue Division. Port St. Lucie Police Athletic League claimed victory for the Red Division.

Congrats to the runner’s up Wellington Colts and Vero Beach Venom.

The FBC could not have picked a better weekend to play ball nor a better venue than Hidden Oaks ballfields.

With the help of community partners, the McNicholas Family Foundation and Florida Baseball Club have been instrumental in revitalizing baseball fields throughout Martin County.

To learn more about how to get involved in the Florida Baseball Club, visit www.floridabaseballclub.org 

 

Announcing the Treasure Coast Community Singers End of Season Concert “God and Country”

The Treasure Coast Community Singers are proud to present their end-of-season concert, titled “God and Country.” This highly anticipated event will take place on May 17th at the beautiful Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 NE Savannah Rd. Jensen Beach.  The encore presentation on May 18th, will be at Pittenger Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 701 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart.  Both concerts begin at 3:00 p.m. 

The Treasure Coast Community Singers are known for their exceptional talent and dedication to our community. Under the direction of founder Dr. Douglas Jewett CEO, they have prepared a diverse program that includes beloved hymns, stirring patriotic songs, and other inspiring pieces that reflect the themes of 'God and Country'. This concert is a testament to their commitment to enriching the cultural life of the Treasure Coast community through the power of music.

The concert promises to be a remarkable celebration of music, spirituality, and patriotism, bringing together the community in a harmonious tribute to faith and nation.  It offers attendees an afternoon filled with soul-stirring melodies and exciting harmonies. Whether you are a long-time supporter of the Treasure Coast Community Singers or a newcomer to their concerts, 'God and Country' promises to be an event that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.

Purchase your tickets Today at www.tccsingers.org. Come witness the magic of your Treasure Coast Community Singers as they close their 22nd season with grace and passion.

TCCS is sponsored by The Arts Council of Martin County, St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, Women Supporting the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  TCCS is Gold Guide Star rated.  The organization is a 501(c)3, non-profit group.

 

Impact100 Martin Awards Half a Million Dollars in Grants to Local Nonprofits

Stuart, FL – Thanks to the members of Impact100 Martin, half a million dollars in grants to local nonprofits will make their impact felt in Martin County in 2025.

Impact100 Martin is a dynamic member-driven organization of women philanthropists who each contribute $1,000 a year to make a difference in their community. The funds are pooled to create grants in the impactful amount of $100,000 each. Grants are awarded annually within five categories: Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment, Preservation & Recreation. 

“Our members are amazing,” said Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter. “Their excitement about what our grants have achieved over the past seven years and their determination to improve the quality of life for all of our residents resulted in us exceeding our goal of 500 members. That positioned us to award five $100,000 grants for the first time, pushing us over the $2 million mark in our short history.”

Presentation of the grant finalists and membership voting for the final five recipients took place at Temple Beit HaYam on April 9, 2025.

The projects receiving $100,000 Impact Grants this year are: Banner Lake Club, Banner Lake Connections; Project LIFT, Buildup: Empowering Martin County’s Next Generation of Skilled Workers; Friends of the Everglades, Everglades Edudome Experience – Young Friends of the Everglades; House of Hope, Preserving Healthy Food for Our Community; and SafeSpace, Security and Safety Upgrades at Martin County Domestic Violence Shelter.

Thanks to the members of Impact100 Martin, half a million dollars of philanthropic dollars will flow into the community in 2025. Five local nonprofits each received a grant in the amount of $100,000 to carry out projects that will make a positive impact throughout the community.  Photo credit: Liz McKinley

“We’re especially proud,” Cotter said, “of the diligence our members show in diving deep into the needs of the community and assessing both the impact and sustainability of each project. Each member has a vote, and our members have demonstrated that they take their vote very seriously.”

Founded in 2017, Impact100 Martin has now awarded a total of $2.3 million in grants to local nonprofits. All of the projects that received awards in past years, as well as those receiving grants for 2025, are described on the Impact100 Martin website, www.impact100martin.org.

To learn more about Impact100 Martin, membership opportunities, and the impact that $2.3 million in women’s philanthropy is having on Martin County, go to www.impact100martin.org.

ABOUT:

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

 

STUART, Fla. – House of Hope is the grateful recipient of a $100,000 impact grant from Impact100 Martin to help the nonprofit begin a new initiative in its efforts to provide nutritious food to the hungry.

House of Hope’s award-winning project will create a food preservation program, adding freeze dryers, food dehydrators and shrink-wrapping machines to House of Hope’s food processing capabilities.

Currently House of Hope grows fresh produce at its Growing Hope Farm in Palm City, receives bulk donations of food, and prepares healthy meals and sauces in its Elizabeth Lahti Nutrition Center in Stuart. By adding food preservation equipment, House of Hope will be able to take full advantage of bulk donations, reduce food waste, increase healthy food options for its clients and partners, and significantly increase the shelf-life of healthy food items.

The food processing equipment at Growing Hope Farm has made an impact on the amount of fresh produce that House of Hope is able to offer its clients and food bank partners.

“Our commitment to provide nutritious food has resulted in enormous dividends to the community, the clients we serve, and our food bank partners,” said Rob Ranieri, House of Hope CEO. “All food produced with this new equipment will be available at no cost to the almost 3,000 low income individuals who access our four client choice food pantries in Martin County, as well as the 11,000 individuals benefiting from our food through food bank partners in Martin County and another 5,000 served by food bank partners in St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties.”

House of Hope has high expectations for the food preservation program. It means nutritious meals will be easier to store, have a longer shelf life, be easier for clients experiencing homelessness to manage, and offer exceptional emergency preparedness options for clients.

Always looking for ways to increase the revenue needed to support its mission, House of Hope sees new opportunities with this program.

“We’re truly grateful to the members of Impact100 Martin for seeing the potential this project has to impact our current services,” Ranieri said, “and what it can mean for the future. We’ll be able to package food to sell to the public, which will generate revenue to support our other programs. We’ll also be pursing agreements with local restaurants and markets to sell House of Hope sauces, herbs, pickled vegetables, dried fruits, vacuum sealed fresh produce and other products made with the equipment purchased with this grant award.”

As the equipment becomes operational, House of Hope will offer training classes for individuals to learn new processes for home use, again expanding the impact. People with low incomes will have an opportunity for free training classes that  can  help the participants make the most of the health and food storage capacity of their own kitchens.

House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri gratefully received a 2025 impact grant award to fund a new initiative in bringing nutritious food to the hungry. From left to right, Impact100 Martin member Brigite Babine, Rob Ranieri, Impact100 Martin member Sue Whittington, House of Hope Development Manager Amy Belisle, and Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter.

“It’s an extraordinary achievement that Impact100 Martin is investing half a million dollars into our community this coming year,” Ranieri said. “We’re honored to be one of the recipients, along with Banner Lake, Friends of the Everglades, Project LIFT, and SafeSpace. Together with them and our other nonprofit partners, House of Hope benefits greatly from the generosity of our community as we work to  improve the lives of the people we serve.”

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

 

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $460,000 IN SUMMER GRANTS TO 21 LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Funding Support Vital Summer Programming Across Palm Beach and Martin Counties

West Palm Beach, FL (April 14, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has awarded $460,000 in Community Impact Summer Grants to 21 nonprofit organizations serving the region. This announcement follows a highly competitive grantmaking cycle in which 40 applicants sought more than $1.7 in funding. The Community Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that creates partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to solve the region’s chronic and emerging issues. Over its 52-year history, the organization has provided grants to more than 3,400 nonprofit partners.

“We’re proud to support these 21 organizations whose summer programs will positively impact local children, families, and communities,” said Julie Fisher Cummings, Chair of the Community Foundation’s Community Impact Committee, which oversees the competitive grantmaking process. “These grants reflect the Foundation’s deep commitment to strengthening nonprofits on the front lines of change.” 

The 2025 Summer Grant recipients include:

• Boca School for Autism
• Breakthrough Miami
• Children’s Health and Mentor Program
• Common Ground Community Development
• Esperanza Community Center
• Grandma’s Place, Inc.
• Livingston’s Way – Wavemakers Program
• Love, Hope & Healing Inc.
• Martin County Police Athletic League
• MCA Total Experience
• Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
• Palm Beach Children’s Chorus, Inc.
• Paths and Gateways
• QUANTUM HOUSE INC
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association
• Sounds Of Success Music Corporation Charity
• Synergy Camp Inc.
• The Boca Raton Museum of Art
• The Milagro Center Inc.
• United Way of Palm Beach County
• YMCA of South Palm Beach County

Grants will be distributed in April, empowering these organization to launch or expand summer programs ranging from academic enrichment and mentorship to arts and wellness. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded 18 summer grants, continuing its upward trajectory of community investment.

The Foundation’s competitive grantmaking process ensures that awarded nonprofits align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. The process is overseen by the Community Foundation’s 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Firefly Group is Glowing with the Return of Nancy McCarthy

PALM CITY, Fla. – The Firefly Group is glowing even brighter and thrilled to welcome back Nancy McCarthy to its award-winning public relations and marketing team as Senior Vice President and Chief Spark Strategist.

McCarthy first joined The Firefly Group in 2009, playing a key role in its early days. She started as a public relations specialist and, within five years, advanced to vice president. In this role, she led communications campaigns for businesses of all sizes and industries as well as government agencies and some of the most well-respected nonprofit organizations on the Treasure Coast.

Since then, she has continued to make a significant impact in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, honing her expertise at Florida Power & Light Company, United Way of Martin County, and, most recently, leading internal communications at TBC Corporation. Her return marks a milestone as Firefly expands to deliver next-level results for its clients.

“Returning to Firefly feels like coming home – now with even more experience under my belt,” McCarthy said. “I’ve always had a heart for the nonprofit space, and I’m thrilled to be back at a firm that not only champions local causes but helps businesses shine brighter, too."

The Firefly Group founder, President and Chief Illuminator Stacy Weller Ranieri was eager to welcome McCarthy back to the firm, whimsically referred to as “the jar.” 

“Nancy’s the rare kind of spark starter who blends strategy and precision with creativity and focus. We’re thrilled she’s back at Firefly, and we can’t wait to see the illuminating ideas and glowing results she’ll bring to our clients and our team.”

For information about The Firefly Group, visit www.fireflyforyou.com, email info@fireflyforyou.com or call 772-287-5272.

 

VERO BEACH, FL –  Art was in the gimlet eye of the beholder at the “Celebration of Creativity” Art Show held on April 6-7 at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, Florida. 

Hosted by Orchid Island’s Art Club, the highly anticipated cultural extravaganza featured over 130 original framed artwork for sale by its members, including Mary Lou Bedford, Bruce Behrens, Polly Behrens, Diana Bickford, Christiane Casella, Muci Clemens, Loretta Curley, Kathleen Dunlop, Tim Gow, Carolyn Greifeld, Cornelia Gundlach, Henry Hamilton, Jacki Harding-Chernoff, Jay Hill, Terry Lansburgh, Robert Larsen, Yvette Lepera, Lou Lower, Ruth Martin, Reggie McCormack, Didi McCormick, Laurie McGrath, David McLean, Shelley Morrison, Nancy Ofstie, Janet Ramer, Cree Scudder, Cas Skrzypczak, Judy Stach, Ann Starkey, Mary Stewart, Dede Trefts, Diane VanVliet, and Julie Whitney. Artwork prices ranged from $125 to $8,200. 

The annual art show also featured an artwork pop-up featuring 24 paintings for sale benefiting The Learning Alliance. On April 7, Orchid Island Art Club Members and Committee presented a $2,400 check to the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Marie O’Brien. 

The Art Show Committee included Event Chair Mary Stewart and Co-Chair Ann Starkey, Nancy Ofstie, Muci Clemens, Lou Lower, Ruth Martin, Reggie McCormack, Laurie McGrath, and Judy Stach. 

“We are thrilled to host our annual art show event which benefits local nonprofits like The Learning Alliance,” said Rob Tench,  General Manager of Orchid  Island. “Supporting the community through philanthropic efforts is so important to our members.”  

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero  Beach. For more information, visit OrchidIslandFL.com.  

 

 

STUART, FL – The United Way of Martin County, in partnership with the Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND), proudly announces the appointment of Cher Fisher as the Project Coordinator for Long-Term Recovery in Martin County. This critical role is solely funded through a grant from the American Red Cross, designed to strengthen local disaster response capacity and provide ongoing support to residents in need.

With extensive experience in community services and disaster response, Fisher will lead efforts to assist individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Milton and the accompanying tornadoes, helping them rebuild, recover, and regain stability. In her role, she will work one-on-one with affected residents, guiding them through the recovery process and connecting them with essential local resources and community partners who can assist.

Cher Fisher, Project Coordinator for Long-Term Recovery in Martin County

“We are pleased to welcome Cher to our team,” said Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, President & CEO of United Way of Martin County and Board Chair of MIND. “Her work will be instrumental in ensuring that our neighbors who endured this devastating storm receive the long-term care and coordinated support they need to rebuild their lives.”

The long-term recovery initiative, made possible by the partnership with the American Red Cross, aims to help survivors access services such as home repairs, infrastructure restoration, and financial assistance. In addition to aiding in current recovery efforts, the project also includes the development of systems and protocols to enhance Martin County’s resilience in future disasters.

How to Get Help:

If you or someone you know was impacted by Hurricane Milton and needs assistance in navigating the recovery process, support is available. Residents are encouraged to contact Cher Fisher directly for personalized guidance and referrals to trusted community organizations ready to help.

Cher Fisher

Project Coordinator for Long Term Recovery

MIND – United Way of Martin County

Phone: 772-283-4800, ext. 2205

Email: cfisher@unitedwaymartin.org

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About United Way of Martin County
Since 1972, United Way of Martin County has been dedicated to creating long-term social change and providing support to residents. With a mission to improve the education, financial security and health in Martin County, United Way invests in impactful programs that enhance quality of life and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about United Way of Martin County, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org.

About the Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND)

The Martin Interagency Network for Disasters is a collaborative coalition of local organizations and governmental agencies dedicated to coordinated disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery efforts in Martin County.

 

Spring Highlights at Banner Lake Club

Other Past News

• Traveling Nutrition Garden with House of Hope
• Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches and Birdies for Charity Program
• Kennedy Space Center Field Trip April 17th
• Modular Grand Opening at the Banner Lake Early Learning Center April 22nd

Future News

• Graduation for 3rd Grade Step Up and VPK

We’re proud to share that Banner Lake Academy is expanding! Starting this fall, we will be adding 4th grade, followed by 5th grade in Fall 2026. This exciting growth allows us to provide our students with a complete elementary school experience, continuing our commitment to nurturing young minds right here in the Banner Lake community.

 

Spellbinding Success: Harry Potter-themed gala raises $185,000 for Martin County students

PALM CITY, Fla. — More than 200 people stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter at this year’s Evening of Excellence | Bids for Kids event, which benefits Martin County students. Hosted by the Education Foundation of Martin County and presented by Morganti, this elegant gala fundraiser took place on Saturday, April 5, at Harbour Ridge Country Club.

The Harry Potter themed event, with decorations of Potter’s wizardry strewn throughout the room, raised $185,000 to assist the Education Foundation in enriching and enhancing the quality of education in Martin County’s public schools.

“This event is the place to be for those who support Martin County’s students,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “We couldn’t present this fun-filled affair without the support of our sponsors, bidders, auction donors and attendees. We are so grateful!”

With more than 500 silent auction items, it’s known as the largest of its kind on the Treasure Coast. Guests bid on items that included gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters, and restaurant certificates as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Volunteer auctioneer Tom Melander conducted the live portion of the Bids for Kids auction as guests enjoyed dinner. Vanessa Molina-Council of Citrus Grove Elementary School, this year’s Teacher of the Year winner, encouraged attendees to raise their paddles high during the bidding process.

Joshua Perry the 2024 Teacher of the Year winner from Crystal Lake Elementary School, and Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County, handled the Call to Action bidding process, which raised money that is earmarked to support new teachers during their first few years of entering the profession.

Event sponsors were the Morganti Group, presenting sponsor; Hedrick Brothers Construction; Keiser University; Jeanine Webster, CFP & Mel Nobel - The Travel Guy; Gehring Group – A Risk Strategies Company; UDT; Paul Jacquin & Sons Construction; Proctor Construction; Harvard Jolly PBK; AT&T; Laviano & Associates – Real Estate Professionals; Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital; Tami Karol Insurance; Florida Power & Light Company;  Anthony D. George, Jr., P.A.; Florida Combined Life; Renaissance Learning; Napoli Orthodontics; WM (Waste Management); Food Shop, Inc.; Taryn & Kevin Kryzda; Beauchamp, Sang, Gonzales & Philpott, P.A.; PNC Bank; Fox McCluskey; Briana Lawson Foundation, The Hyde Group LLC; and SwissMango.

For information, about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at 772-600-8062.

The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.

 

Hibiscus Children’s Center Hosts Open House to
Mark Milestone in Child Welfare  

Treasure Coast - Hibiscus Children’s Center recently marked a major milestone—40 years of unwavering commitment to protecting abused, abandoned, and neglected children. The Tilton Family Children’s Shelter hosted an open house to celebrate this achievement, welcoming the public, agency board members, including founding member Dan Braden, as well as new and long-time supporters to join in the commemoration of this important occasion.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the shelter, which has offered safety, stability, and hope to children for four decades. A memorable highlight of the event was a powerful testimonial video from a former Hibiscus youth, Dave Miller, who shared his personal story of abandonment and how Hibiscus changed his life.  Today, Dave is married, has two children and owns a business in the Chicago area.

CEO Matt Markley reflected on the organization’s remarkable four decades of service, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone and honor the visionary legacy of founder LaVaughn Tilton. For 40 years, Hibiscus has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of children, offering the support and resources they need to heal from trauma, overcome challenges and build a solid foundation for a brighter future.  Our dedication to the mission has never been stronger and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by us since 1985.”

Over the years, Hibiscus has grown into a nationally recognized leader in child welfare, delivering transformative services that impact the lives of over 1,600 children and families each year. Their offerings span primary prevention and intervention, mental health counseling, educational support, medical care, career guidance and training. 

To date, the organization has provided more than 475,000 safe nights for children, empowering countless individuals to envision and pursue a brighter future.

To discover more about the organization and find out how you can contribute to its mission, visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.

 

 

 

During a presentation about what needs to be done to award a contract to maintain the House of Refuge, the commissioners got into a tussle over whether expending the funds was worth it. Both Vargas and Heard began peppering staff with questions about how come it was going to be so expensive. They also wanted to know about using more modern materials that would hold up better and be less expensive.

When they were told that by using those new materials, the historic designation would be in jeopardy, it seemed they either didn’t comprehend what they were proposing or didn’t care. Ciampi was angry when Heard and Vargas didn’t appear to want to spend the money on one of the truly historic buildings in Martin County. Capps and Hetherington weighed in on the side of preservation.

Martin County does have old buildings. It doesn’t have many historic ones. The House of Refuge happens to be one of those few historic buildings. The Arts Council of Martin County, now MartinArts, has been trying to get the government, especially at the state level, to buy into the proposition that the old Martin County High School on East Ocean is historic. Historic enough for it to be worth north of the $20 million price tag to rehabilitate.

That building is just old. The House of Refuge is historic. It is owned by the county and operated by the Historical Society. There is a duty not to alter its composition or character to save a few bucks.

And I believe none of this argument was necessary if staff had done a better job explaining where the bid amount of $1,792,011 was coming from. The way it was presented, it seemed that it was being allocated out of ad valorem. That is true but not out of current tax collections.

If you look at the CIP sheet presented (here )

it appears that everything but the grant for $262,000 was ad valorem. For accounting purposes, that is the way the funds are allocated. Yet the entire amount minus the grant is coming from Property Management FARBs. FARBs are accounts where money is accrued for fixed asset replacements.

The money to do the work was not coming out of this year’s tax revenue but rather from accounts that have specifically been set aside for that purpose. According to OMB Director Stephanie Merle, the accounts where the funds would be withdrawn were as follows:

Historic Facilities FARB $500,000, Countywide Public Building Farb $1 million, Public Building Resiliency $61,000.

I noticed that something needed more explanation because the sheet stated the expenditure would not affect ad valorem. That made me reach out to Merle who gave me the information. Commissioners could have done the same instead of arguing about where the funds were coming from.

Ciampi made a motion to appropriate the funds, and it passed 3-2 with Heard and Vargas dissenting.  

The Business Development Board made a presentation at the April 22nd BOCC meeting.

I have not been a proponent of the organization in the past. I thought it wasted a huge amount of money. My mind though is being changed by William Corbin who has been the BDB Executive Director for the past six months or so.

Corbin has displayed a streak of professionalism that has not been there before. While he and his team can make a difference in keeping the businesses we have, I am not so sure that they will be able to bring large employers to Martin County. It isn’t because of their abilities but rather Martin County’s schizophrenic reaction to having new businesses relocate here.

We saw that when Heard, Vargas, and Capps refused to approve an expansion of Sunrise Grove. They believe there is already too much industrial space in the county. Are you kidding me?

The expansion would have been for a couple of hundred acres surrounded by the existing Sunrise Grove on 3 sides and I-95 on the other. It is currently zoned for ranchettes. Like that would ever happen!

The BDB also let the commission know that it was going to ask for $20,000 more next year. The reason being that Stuart will no longer contribute $10,000 and to cover general inflation. According to Corbin, the BDB is now only 67% funded by the government, down from 75%. 

Heard wants to see more private investment buy in and better metrics to measure success. Those are both worthy goals and could prove helpful.

Commissioner Vargas was also skeptical but not very constructive in her comments. She was a font of hackneyed phrases like “tightening our belts” and the truly illustrative words “conserve taxpayer funds.” Which commissioner is going to say, “let’s frivolously spend those tax dollars.” Vargas needs to have a few operational suggestions to make things better.

The BDB uses what they call Pulse Visits to literally take the pulses of existing businesses to see what they need to stay in business or expand. If the BDB can keep the doors open for some operations in Martin County, they will be a success. We are not going to be St. Lucie County, but we can target to keep and gain high paying jobs in Martin County from more ancillary companies.

So maybe by this time next year, I may be a proponent of the organization if they keep progressing along. Though they do need to have more private investors and rely less on direct government payments.

The Treasure Coast Mall opened in 1987, and it was the place to be. At the same time, it emptied the Martin Square Mall in Stuart. There is only so much need for retail. With the rise of internet shopping, the mall originally developed by Edward DeBartolo looked ragged by about 2016 when Simon Property Group took over.

There was some real concern about the Treasure Coast Mall going bankrupt and with it the taxes being paid to Martin County. The county staff began running scenarios on how to repurpose the place. By 2018 Commissioner Doug Smith, in whose district it is located, decided to work with Simon to develop a way to keep the place going.

The Simon Group wanted residential development to go along with retail. The parking lots are extensive and much more than what is needed. With redevelopment, garages could be built making room for other structures.

Smith, with his district funds, decided to hire the Treasure Coast Planning Council to come up with scenarios for the redevelopment. Smith, in accordance with the rules, ran it by county legal and comptroller to make sure county funds could be used. He then announced his intention to use those funds to proceed.

Should it have been done? That is a hard call because an unproductive piece of property could have a devastating effect on the county. Should creating a plan take forever? Definitely not but I understand that the former commissioner never met a plan that couldn’t be improved and tweaked.

How the mall study came up at the commission meeting was a totally unrelated matter having to do with the council and their planning for a CRA change that was before the commission. Vargas began to rant about studies costing money.  Is she angry that Smith, now gone, left less money in the district fund she inherited because of this?

What you can’t do is be mad at the Treasure Coast Planning Council for something they were tasked with doing. And as noted earlier, the former commissioner was the hold up. Let’s get the plan finally wrapped up and in the hands of the District 1 Commissioner, staff, the commission and the public.

Simon Properties can bring in a developer and just move forward under Live Local. We need housing. Will Commissioner Vargas feel better with several thousand new housing units on the site? Most things are not done in a vacuum, and neither was this.

 

 

The Stuart Costco opened and 1000 people were in line, some as early as 5:00 AM on opening day.

For all the naysayers who kept telling anyone who would listen that people didn’t want the store, they have now been proven wrong. People were flocking to the site to sign up for membership cards to begin buying cheaper gas days before the grand opening. People shouldn’t be surprised by the outcome.

I have been told that by opening day 6000 new Costco Members had been added to their rolls from the area. Even now there is a line to purchase membership in the store. And yet there have been no major backups or traffic concerns.

All along, the emails that were received by the City of Stuart overwhelmingly supported the project. While there was a small minority that didn’t want it and even a smaller subset that tried their darndest to sabotage it, there were commissioners who saw through it all and weighed the overwhelming benefits of it moving forward.

When I first came to Stuart 30 years ago, there was nothing along Kanner Highway from the I-95 exchange to almost Martin County High School. Those who were born and bred here can tell more stories about what was once considered the end of the town’s limits. The point being Martin County has changed quite a bit.

Did citizens really believe that a 50-acre old farm site within the city limits would never be developed? The only way that was going to occur was if it were placed in conservation. One of the lead proponents of not having anything built on the parcel was a family member of the farmers who actually sold the land. All her family had to do to avoid the development was to continue farming or donate the land to the city or county for a park instead of cashing out and making money.

In the last week or so in South Stuart on Federal Highway, a project was pulled by Mario Murgado and his partners to build a few new luxury car dealerships and an intense multi-family project on the rear portion. The rear backs up onto the Willoughby Country Club and the residents living there were not pleased. After a long process including going before the LPA, the developer decided to pull it for now instead of risk defeat.

The two projects are a lesson on what a no growth commission achieves and what a smart growth commission did achieve. Commissioner Merritt Matheson, along with the other then commissioners, ended up having the developer of the Costco site agree to more than twenty conditions including building and dedicating a through road to alleviate congestion to the city, creating a park around a retention pond that was made to have the shape of a natural lake, a reduction in the number of apartments to be built, a traffic light if approved by FDOT which it was, and many more beneficial items.

By contrast, the current commission was willing to say just one word to the Murgado project developer …no. There was no bargaining, no reasoning, only no. I can almost guarantee what comes next.

Murgado will wait and see what comes out of this session of the legislature. The bills pending are all good news for him. It appears Tallahassee is tired of Martin County’s way of stopping any project possible. It may even have a particular dislike for Boss Collins and his Politburo and their special disregard for property rights.

Even if none of those bills pass, Murgado will play the Live Local card and wedge as many apartments as possible into the back of the property. And guess what? There will be no commission meeting on the subject. The only thing that will need to happen is administrative approval by the Development Department.

When confronted with a wall, people tend to go over or under, but they don’t stand there and allow themselves to be stopped. The difference between Matheson and the man that beat him by 96 votes, Boss Collins, is that one is a statesman and the other an ideologue. Matheson made a deal that resulted in a project that the community obviously wanted…one that will bring millions of dollars into the coffers of the city and county. Collins on the other hand deprived the city of millions and probably will be the single most contributing factor to having a much worse project move forward.

There will be an election in less than two years where Collins will be running either for re-election to the city commission or for a county commission seat. Either jurisdiction cannot afford to have a performative official instead of a real one. We elect commissioners to govern which includes sometimes making hard decisions. Not ideologues to make points.   

For those of us who have been watching the legislature in Tallahassee for a while, we know this is a dangerous time of the year.

Legislators are readying their pet bills and filing them quickly. Those bills that have been sitting around are receiving new scrutiny and life as the session draws to a close. Many will attempt to pre-empt local control especially in the development area.

I can’t say it is unexpected because some local governments like Stuart and to a lesser extent Martin County decided it was in their authority to do away with landowners’ property rights. Of course, we aren’t the only local governments to do so, but because of the arbitrariness of what Boss Collins and his Politburo have done and are doing, Stuart has become the poster child for why Home Rule, at least in this area, should be curtailed.

For all the time I have been involved and speaking to our legislators, one thing stands out. If you mention Martin County and Stuart to almost every person in the capitol, a joke is made about us being unreasonable regarding property rights. I would say Stuart now is known for being the place where being a developer is right below a thief or murderer in the pecking order.

Legislators like to control as much as possible. The 1967 Florida Constitution enshrined Home Rule as an absolute right. It did give the legislature the ability to pass statutes that pre-empt that right. The Florida Legislature has been busy carving away ever since.

Which brings me to a list of bills which would stop local governments from changing or preventing development in their jurisdictions. SB 954 would prevent local zoning being used to stop certified recovery residences. CS/CS/HB 943 would require local government to authorize multifamily and mixed-use residential if classified as affordable or workforce housing including no limits on height and density that aren’t currently in the code. Developments will be approved administratively not go to any appointed or elected board.

HB 1535 will prohibit making LDR or Comp Plan changes. All the changes that have passed since August of 2024 would be invalid. It also states that the local government cannot make any changes until October 1, 2027.

Any changes that were made must be rescinded if a letter is received written by any resident or business owner demanding that the local government does so. If the local government has not done so within 14 days, then the Court shall issue an injunction preventing the enforcement of such regulations, declare the changes void, and award attorney fees to the resident or business owner. The bill sunsets in 2028. The companion bill has already passed in the Senate 37-0.

Obviously, none of us knows if any of these bills will pass both houses and be signed into law. But it should begin to tell us something about the disparate perspectives our elected officials in Stuart and to a lesser extent Martin County have and those of the state. They are on different planets.

Friends & Neighbors has several hundred readers in Tallahassee and even some in the Washington DC area. The buffoonery of the Stuart Commission majority is known outside our area. Our government may be local but the news they are making is not isolated to the Treasure Coast.

I don’t believe it is just Friends & Neighbors either. Every time some developer is shafted, they are talking to people in Tallahassee and Washington. Pull the stunt like Collins and his crew did with the Brightline station, and their escapades are known in Washington. Senator Harrell is not likely to forget Boss Collins throwing a tantrum and disparaging her last year. Payback is nothing new.

We will see whether the payback will be now or later. Rest assured…it is coming. And when a needed appropriation is requested, don’t be surprised when there is no one in either Washington or Tallahassee to carry the water for the city receiving it.

The second meeting was held at the 10th Street Center regarding the changes that the Boss wanted to make to the Land Development Code. Guess what?  The decision on what was to be made had already been determined long before the meeting.

After the residents spoke, it appeared most of what was said made no difference. There was no open mind on the commission dais. This was just going through the motions.

If the commission was listening, what the residents wanted was the code they had before last year’s adoption of the East Stuart code. The semi-form-based code adopted last year is a good one with plenty of freedom for the landowner to do a variety of things with his property. Perhaps it was the fact that the owner didn’t need to come and ask permission from Collins and the Politburo that irked the three commissioners. 

However, if the reason for the meeting outside of City Hall was to allow for community input, then go with their input. Collins, Giobbi and Reed ignored what the community told them. It is a paternalistic attitude.

So now nothing will be accomplished. Many community people will remember being ignored. And the last neighborhood to have some autonomy in the city lost it that night.

Kimberly McHardy Grant’s family have been involved in East Stuart for decades. They have lived there for decades. She believes as an owner of property she has the right to profit or not from how the land is used. 

She has not been a fan of the way the LDRs were amended in the neighborhood. Nor was she pleased with the level of discourse at the meetings held at 10th Street or I would assume at City Hall. She believes it is not the way that commissioners should conduct themselves.

At the last commission meeting this was what she said at public comment:

“My comments relate to the unseemly behavior that has been displayed by a member of this Commission. It’s very disheartening to see, in this small town where I was born and raised, the level of pettiness and disrespect that is promoted by elected officials. As public officials there is a code of conduct that should be upheld, however, I see consistent indications that it is not. In November of last year, there was dialogue about what to do with the current code…whether to amend it or completely do away with it. Not surprisingly, one commissioner agrees with the latter. In the words of this commissioner, “None of us need to be telling any of the others of us how to behave or communicate differently.” I beg to differ. And I’m assuming others agree because the City Manager found the need to put this item on the agenda due to input from community members. The current code of conduct states that Commissioners will:

• Fully participate in City Commission meetings and other public forums while demonstrating civility, respect, kindness, consideration, and courtesy to others and will
• Serve as a model of leadership and civility to the community;
• It comes down to respect. Respect for one another as individuals and respect for the validity of different opinions, respect for the democratic process, and finally respect for the community members we serve.

I find that these rules are broken on a consistent basis. I admonish members of this Commission to re-examine the rules by which you are governed. The level of pettiness that is displayed is appalling and unbecoming of elected officials. An enforceable code of conduct is highly recommended.”

                                                             Adam Smith

When you ask that something go on the agenda as a discussion item, you would think that there would be a discussion. That is except in the City of Stuart.

Because of one constituent writing one email regarding the sounds emanating from one venue, Commissioner Giobbi asked for a D&D to be placed on the agenda at the preceding meeting regarding the “Noise Ordinance.” Both Reed and Collins agreed, so on the agenda it went. Yet how important was it ultimately.

There always must be a delicate balance between residents and businesses to address concerns of each when they are neighbors. Back in 2014, I was the commissioner that wanted to have the noise ordinance addressed. It wasn’t just a matter of music but the ambient sound.

A sound committee was formed with each commissioner appointing one representative. They met several times and one of the members was a sound engineer. Their recommendation was to have a sound level in the evening of 65 dB.  For some reason, one of the commissioners at the 2nd reading decided to change it to 80 dB. It passed 3-2 with me and one other voting against. The two dissenters believed it was too loud.

Since then, it has remained at that level. Would this have been a chance to revisit the 10-year-old ordinance? I don’t know but if a commissioner makes staff go to all the trouble to put it on an agenda, at least have the discussion.

Because of the protagonist against amplified sound, the issue has always come down to Terra Fermata not about any concepts regarding the quality of life in the city. The discussion should not be about the elimination of one business. Yet that is what happened.

Terra and their loyal supporters filled the room. So much so that Reed, who lives a block from Terra Fermata, said he didn’t want to change anything even before the item was called. When it finally came up, Collins and Clarke reiterated their support for no change. Giobbi hemmed and hawed and quickly abandoned any pretense of discussion.

She did say that she wanted to hear from those who weren’t supporters of the music venue. So, they opened it up to public comment even though there was no motion on the floor. Mr. Steinberg, the one speaker who had written the lone email which started this, went through his version of why the venue was not up to code. According to both the city manager and attorney, that is not the case.

The only two other public speakers were supporters of the venue. That was the end. There was no motion from Giobbi, no real discussion only commissioners saying, “no problem here.” There was no serious policy discussion. I guess once Collins decided not to support it, Giobbi decided not to go against her boss.

In the future, let’s not have an agenda item unless the commissioner who brought it up is prepared to explain why it was worth the time to do so. And one email from one constituent doesn’t rise to that level. 

I have been away for a while and haven’t had a chance to look at and write about all that has gone on. But someone who never fails to give me something to write about is Laura.

In speaking about the noise ordinance and her obsessiveness about a business in East Stuart that in fact makes no noise, I wrote about how the city staff and Giobbi went to the East Stuart business at least 20 times. She took it to mean that I was claiming she went there 20 times, and I can see how she could mistake what I wrote.

So, to be quite clear, I don’t believe she went there more than two or three times. The rest of the visits were by city staff. You can read her remarks here 

Her quest based on the complaint of one resident that the sound ordinance be revisited fell on deaf ears with the rest of the commission. Even Giobbi’s undying subservience to Boss Collins brought nothing but a rebuff of her attempts that resulted in her backing down. Her compatriot in the cult of Collins, Sean Reed, said almost from the beginning of that meeting that he lived across the street from Terra Fermata, and he was not going to support anything that would lower the vibe.

Laura just can’t help herself. At the April 28th meeting, Manager Mortell mentioned that the BDB now has changed their bylaws so that the elected representatives from Martin County, Indiantown, and Stuart cannot be board members. This change allows them to speak with BDB board members and not break sunshine.

Each of those commissions now must appoint a citizen representative to sit on the BDB with the caveat the individual had been in business for at least six months. The other two entities have already done so but not Stuart. Giobbi was trying to explain what the procedure was.

Collins kept saying that since the commission had given her the BDB assignment, she should pick the citizen representative. Sorry Chris, that is not how it works. I checked with BDB staff, and the commission as a body must appoint. This should be no different from any other citizen appointment.

At the last BDB board meeting, Giobbi took some heat from the board members for Stuart’s refusal to continue to give $10,000 annual support to the organization. When I was a commissioner, I voted against the BDB receiving any funding. I was the lone no vote and I never went to any board meeting since I could not support the city’s financial support of the organization

I didn’t think it would be right to criticize the BDB, deprive them of funds, and then try to call the shots for the organization. Laura, along with Reed and Collins, voted not to fund the organization. It is hypocritical to say on the one hand that there is no value in the BDB and on the other be anxious to be involved in their decision-making process.

For some reason, Giobbi is still going to BDB meetings as if she is a supporter. When confronted by the other members and asked why she is anti-business, she has no answers that make much sense. She was even asked if she had one pro-business vote on the commission she could point to. Giobbi said she didn’t know her voting record and couldn’t come up with any. That is because, with a little over six months into her term, there aren’t any.

When the question persisted, her big comeback was if she is going to be treated that way she won’t go to the meetings. I don’t think that would really cause the BDB board to be upset.

If Giobbi really doesn’t believe in the BDB, she should just say so and own her vote to defund it. She should not be going to the organization as if she and Stuart’s commission believe in their goals. Unfortunately like her partners in crime, Reed and Collins, a good way to describe one of their actions in general is to recall Janus, the god with two heads. In this case, is Laura looking forward or backward or both.

 

 

A while back, I wrote about the dissension between a few board members and the manager on the town commission. One of the commissioners said I got it wrong when it appeared to me that he was looking to make a change in managers. He emphatically said from the dais he was not.

When I write something about a meeting, I am reporting what happened at the meeting and my impressions. And my impression then was that Daniels was being given a hard time by the two newest commissioners, Tidikis and Barile. After watching the April 22nd meeting, it still is.

That doesn’t mean that either Barile or Tidikis are wrong in what they are doing or asking. It is a clash of their interpretation of how managers should manage. Daniels was hired by a different commission at a different time.

At this meeting, Barile was questioning whether Daniels had changed the minutes from the last meeting. Not the approved minutes but the unapproved ones that were scheduled to be voted on at the meeting. The minutes of a meeting are not a verbatim transcript of every word that was said but rather it can just be a record with the votes taken and a brief synopsis of what was discussed.

The clerk who takes the minutes reports to the manager and not the commission. In this case, Daniels wanted to look at the minutes before they went out with the agenda packet to the commission and correct spelling and grammar. I suspect there must be more to the story than what was discussed because the clerk was not at the meeting. That is highly unusual since she was to receive a proclamation for Clerk Appreciation Day.

The point is Daniels has control over the staff. If he wants to look over things before they go out to the commissioners, then he is doing his job. At the meeting, the commission can make any changes to the proposed minutes before adoption. If approved, they become the official record. The recordings that we watch are just that …recordings, they are not official anything.

Tidikis requested information 2 weeks ago. He should have had it. The contract price that they had already approved was $500,000 over the projected price that the engineer’s estimate provided several months ago. This contract should have been approved within 90 days, or it would go back out to bid if the contractor wanted to increase the price.

There was some legal wrangling earlier between the town’s law firm that held it up. Tidikis asked for an explanation of the “variance” in actual price and estimate. The engineer should have had the figures, and the manager should have made sure he did. But they did not.

Many of us have done extensive work on an existing home or even built a house. The architect gives us an estimate of what the job should cost. Lo and behold, the contractors’ bids come back, and they are higher than the estimate. You chose one of the bids, and then you draw up the formal contract. You may ask the architect to explain why his estimate was not correct, but whatever the answer, it doesn’t change the contractor’s price.

It is obvious to me, and I believe anyone who attends or watches the meetings, that there is a tension that wasn’t there before. Mayor Kurzman is trying his best to make everyone get along. It seems with every passing meeting it becomes harder to do.  

Penny Townsend was recently re-elected as mayor by her fellow commissioners. It was a wise move.

She has proven herself to be someone that can most times forge a consensus of the commission on the dais. Townsend tries to be inclusive. When needed, she can tone down the rhetoric from other commissioners that is usually unwarranted and unproductive.

Even at this meeting we saw exchanges between commissioners that could have gotten out of hand. The mayor knew when to be forceful but at the same time allowed the dialogue necessary to come to a consensus. That is not easy with her current commission.

Should the Board of Adjustment become advisory?

Field and Scott would say yes. Field, a recent convert to that position, believes that the BOA is mostly unaccountable. Scott also believes that. While Scott came to the commission with that point of view, Field has come to believe it because of the recent approval of employee housing at the Jupiter Island Club.

Joe Taddeo has the opposite view. He believes the BOA should remain with its current responsibilities. He believes it can be reformed and made to work better.

There is no dispute between the commissioners that the board, instead of following what is in the codes, believes that they have more leeway than in fact they do. There was no dispute that staff do not give them recommendations. Without technical help it is hard for “civilians” to know whether the code is being met.

There are 7 criteria that must be met to receive a variance. A variance is to alleviate the hardship that literal interpretation of the code would create. The need for a variance can’t be caused by the applicant himself. Or if the applicant wants to expand his footprint because he wants a larger house.

To pursue a variance request, staff need to spell out whether the codes are being met. If you look at any staff report for the county, they state how many of the criteria have been met when something is before the boards. Staff have expertise that lay people do not.

Scott’s insistence that the commission should be the deciding body is the way it is done at every other government in the county. That would be fine if the commission met on a regular basis at the same time each month. Now even with very little on the agenda, the meetings can stretch five or more hours. If you add the work of the BOA, LPA, and the Impact Review Committee, they should be prepared for two commission meetings per month.

Another point was that the decisions of the BOA are currently appealable to the commission but only with the existing record and no new evidence being submitted. Taddeo believes if the BOA becomes advisory, the only place for review of the commission’s decision would be through the courts. In some respects, it is no different since the courts are already part of the appeal process

The Scott/Field motion to make the board advisory was defeated 2-3 with Taddeo, Warner, and Townsend voting no. Warner is not yet ready to throw in the towel and may be looking to consolidate boards. But she wants more discussion.

All agreed that the appellate process is not working. One idea was to have any commissioner be able to initiate a review of a BOA decision by the commission. That would need refining otherwise I can envision Scott automatically doing it with every BOA decision.

Clearly the commission is not yet ready to make a final decision. What they can institute immediately are staff reforms as outlined above. Also, all board members should be educated about what their duties are and how much leeway they have in interpreting the code. Because of a lack of education, they may be far exceeding their authority. Education and staff taking a more active role can be done immediately and may solve the current problem.

A global settlement was reached in the multi-party lawsuit between the town, the Testas, and those looking to build homes at 306, 310, 322 and 332 South Beach Road. It also includes the action against Mayor Townsend and her husband for breach of the Public Records laws.

The houses can be built but are smaller than what was first proposed. The global settlement, as it is known, will make Ordinance 376 void and unenforceable. The ordinance was the one that the four property owners relied on with a water setback line that this commission wanted changed. The Waterfront Setback line will change due to the work that Cummins Cederberg has done.

There were Exhibits to the settlement that have not yet been released. The information I have is from the meeting only. (The documents were released too late to be incorporated into this newsletter.)

It took a while, but it looks like the property owners can build their homes, the Testas were able to insert language into the code that will give more notice when changes are going to be made, the mayor and her husband are off the hook, and the town can put all behind it.

Tom’s Articles

From Medium

"There Really Are Repercussions"

Here

From Martin County Moments

"The Three Vitos"

Here

"Stuart Costco Proves A Success"

Here

Other Articles

Capitol Dispatch: "Cromwell Doctor Ordered To Leave Country, Despite Being U.S. Citizen"

Here

Florida Phoenix: "Florida judge extends block on Floirda immigration law that lrd to arrest of a U.S. citizen"

Here

The Wall Street Journal: "U.S. Delays Hospital Payments as Medicaid Scrutiny Intesifies"

Here

The Capitolist: "Florida AG opens first Office of Parental Rights in U.S."

Here

The New York Times: "What's Behind the Makor Delays Snarling Newark Airport"

Here

The Washington Post: "Congress needs an expansion. A 'high line' could make it possible."

Here

The Washington Post: "Fearing paper on evolution might get them deported, scientists withdraw it"

Here

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