June 1, 2025

Summer is here!

I am a rather early riser. The first thing I do is make coffee and turn into the national news on ABC about 4 am. The local comes at 4:30 and I check the weather before returning to reading the papers. This year in May they began to give a tropical forecast not waiting for June.

Hurricane season officially begins today. Yet the heat and humidity have been with us all through May. They are predicting a more intense hurricane season than usual. But what is usual anymore? Remember more or less intense it only takes one to hit us.

In this week’s edition the City of Stuart never seems to disappoint. There are several stories regarding our friends there. While we barely touch the subject, the school board needs to come up with millions to pay the sheriff in the coming year. We will find out much more this week during the school board meeting on where the money is coming from.

Clay Scherer has written his second column for us. I hope you enjoy his commentary. We also have David Hafner, Pastor Chad, Carol of United Way, William Corbin from the BDB, and many more opinion and general information contributors.

There is our constitutional corner and nonprofit notices. If you are a member of a nonprofit in some way, make sure your organization is getting their message out through Friends & Neighbors. And again, we can always use more people that want to write for the community.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

In her weekly Wall Street Journal column, Peggy Noonan wrote about great war films but none better than “The Best Years of Our Lives” which really didn’t deal with World War II battles but rather the return home of those who fought.

I am writing this on Memorial Day. As children, my generation learned about WWII through either our fathers, relatives, or neighbors’ military experiences. I can’t remember one of those men telling the kids about the battles or blood or death. When they mentioned their service, it was some inane thing about basic training or the food or their discharges. They did say where they had served but usually with no great amount of detail.

My father was too young to have enlisted in that war, being not yet 15 when it ended. By the time he was called up for Korea, he was married with a kid (me) and was the sole support of his parents. His father could no longer work because of both “Black Lung” disease and being crippled.

The sanitized version about that war we learned through the movies. If we saw a film either on TV or at the cinema, the next day a bunch of us would be recreating the battles as we ran around with sticks, bats, and maybe a toy gun. It was hard to imagine yourself in the South Pacific when you were playing outside in New York in January.

If the neighborhood girls were included, they were the nurses, never the soldiers. When we saw the John Wayne film, “They Were Expendable” and reenacted it, many of us would insist that at least one girl be included to be the nurse played by Donna Reed in the film.

As we became older and playing war or even cowboys became less and less frequent and we turned to sports, we learned more and more about the actual wars that Americans had fought and why as students. It was a time of hyper patriotism. Ike was the guy that won the war, and JFK was a real hero, both were exemplified as the best of the nation. This was all before Vietnam which changed how many Americans treated service men and women.

Every president of what is known at the modern era served until those eligible during the Vietnam War. Truman was an artillery officer in WWI, Johnson, Nixon, Ford & Carter served as naval officers during WWII with Carter continuing to serve through the 1950s. Ronald Reagan was an army captain that, because of his poor eyesight, never left the states. 

George H.W. Bush enlisted at 18, became a naval aviator, and was shot down in the Pacific. He was the last president who served during World War II. His son, George W. served in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam era. Clinton had student deferments during Vietnam and Trump stayed out of the service with supposed bone spurs. After law school graduation, Biden received a draft notice but had a “1-Y” deferment because of asthma.

It became clear to me as I grew into adulthood that the fight against Hitler was a good fight but the one against Ho in Vietnam was not. There was moral clarity in one and it seemed a morass of corruption with the other. I looked at Korea as something in the middle.

Whether it was a western or war movie, the Duke (John Wayne) was the guy who explained good from evil to us. He made several films about WWII, none about Korea, and the awful movie, “The Green Berets” about Vietnam. I saw that one summer when I was in L.A. It was then that I thought that he should stick to westerns for his remaining films. 

By the time I was in college, Vietnam was still being fought though Nixon was in a slow retreat with the draw down in forces. Here was a war that was going on for what seemed forever. Much like future presidents Clinton, Bush, and Trump, I instinctively knew that this was not where I wanted to make the ultimate sacrifice if I could help it. Fortunately for Obama he was too young for Vietnam.

Vietnam was no John Wayne movie and with my good luck the war ended before I had to play the game for real. A few others I knew did not come back. I don’t know whether kids still make believe about playing soldiers and cowboys.

They probably are too busy with realistic video games with guys dying with missing limbs and blood saturating everything unlike the movies. In video games, no one is a hero and there is no Duke Wayne, or the Italian kid from Brooklyn, or the farmer from Minnesota or the cowboy from Texas which were always in my war movies casts.

Whether movies or video games, the reality of war can only be lived by those that participated. Something I haven’t done nor have most other Americans. On this Memorial Day we need to thank the ones that did.

The Holy Father has an American story to tell.

He is just as much a mutt as most Americans. His tale is one that many of us share. The American story of immigration is very tied to Pope Leo’s history as it is to almost every American.

Leo’s mother’s grandparents were all free people of color, based on census records, living in the Seventh Ward in New Orleans. They were Creole as mixed race people are known in the “Big Easy.” His grandfather was Joseph Martinez, who was either born on the island of Hispaniola (where both the nations of the Dominican Republic and Haiti are located) or New Orleans…the records are a little cloudy.

His grandmother, Louise Baquié, married Martinez in 1887 in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Orleans. Her ancestors were Creole which would have been a mixture of Black, Spanish, and French ancestry. Both listed their races as Black as well as White at times on official forms.

In the very early part of the 20th century, they migrated to Chicago where their daughter, Mildred, was born in 1912 and listed as White on her birth certificate as were her parents. She became a librarian, was a devout Catholic, and had a beautiful voice known for singing the “Ave Maria.”

The pope’s father, Louis Prevost, was born in Chicago in 1920. His father was a Sicilian immigrant named Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano who came here at the turn of the 20th century. He apparently was very cultured and educated because he was a teacher of languages and music.

Leo’s paternal grandmother was a French immigrant, Suzanne Fontaine. Riggitano was still married to someone else when he began living with Suzanne. His wife, Daisy Hughes, had the couple arrested for a brief time before Chicago authorities dropped the charges. In the meantime, Suzanne went to Lackawanna, NY and gave birth to a boy, whose name on the birth certificate was John Prevost. Prevost was Fontaine’s mother’s family name.

Both returned to Chicago where Giovanni Riggitano adopted the name John Prevost. In 1920, Louis Prevost was born. He was the pope’s father. So far there is no confirmation that Suzanne and John were ever married, but they lived together as husband and wife for the rest of their lives.

Louis grew up and served in the Army during WWII. He went to college on the G.I. Bill became a teacher and principal and married Mildred. They had 3 boys of which Robert was the youngest.

Ancestors from everywhere, nationalities and races mixed, a brush with the law…what American family does not have that? President Trump’s grandfather, a German immigrant, ran a brothel and restaurant in the Canadian Yukon earning the seed money for the family’s fortune. Ironic it was Canada that gave him his start having arrived in the U.S. penniless after fleeing from national service in his homeland.

The first and only American pope comes by his knack with language naturally. It may also be true because of growing up in an immigrant family, he too could live and work as a missionary in Peru. He assimilated and became a citizen of that country. Now he leads a very small independent nation, Vatican City. He is back to his Italian roots.

It is interesting how so many of us chose to ignore our familial past. Bob Prevost, now Leo XIV, is the grandson of immigrants and Creoles at that. Like many of us, he grew up in the bosom of Catholicism with our lives centered around our parishes.

For immigrants and children of immigrants, it was a warm and familiar place. Maybe the need was less so in what was to be the suburbs and rural America. In the big cities of the North and Midwest, your parish was a place of succor and, along with the political clubhouse, became the place to go for spiritual needs but also practical ones for surviving in a not very sympathetic world.

The people of Italian, Irish, and other European origins no longer need anything from their church but the spiritual connection. Does that mean they should forget their immigrant pasts and how without the guidance of the priests, sisters, and brothers, many of our ancestors would not have survived.

Leo XIV knows and remembers the Catholic Church of his youth. It was just emerging and becoming more American than foreign. What it still should be is a place for those in need to go and be helped whether they have been here for generations or just landed on American shores.

Leo’s story sounds like a very American one to me.

Remember as a kid when your parents told you to obey the rules?

The same was demanded in school, church, and even at the movies where a matron in white uniform on Saturday afternoon made you sit with the rest of the kids in a designated area. Not one of those people ever tolerated you’re not following their edicts. Severe punishment would be handed out for those who ignored them.

By the time you were working in a job, you were used to following the rules of your superiors and bosses. You may have tried to point out other ways of doing something and for a time even defied the directive because you believed you had a better way. Though if called on the carpet and you wanted to keep your job, you bent to their will.

For most of us, it was and still is important that we adhere to the law. A cop tells you something and again most of us just follow the instructions. That doesn’t mean we haven’t been driving above the speed limit or committed some other infraction, but if pulled over and given the ticket, we may complain to ourselves, but we end up paying the fine.

We may consider some laws unjust. We protest and could be arrested. Many times, in those situations, the terms on which the arrests were based are worked out between the police and protest organizers ahead of time. Both sides follow the rules, and everyone follows the protocol to make what could be a chaotic situation much less so.

Society is better if laws, rules, and procedures are followed. Even those laws with which we disagree. The old saying that if you don’t like a law, change it is very apropos. That is until now.

The Trump administration just tells the people in the government not to enforce the laws the president doesn’t agree with. Even though the Republicans have majorities in both houses of Congress whose job it is to pass and repeal laws, the administration would just rather ignore them.

It is a very dangerous precedent when the president feels that laws can be ignored. According to the Constitution, the one overarching function of the executive is to enforce the policy (and laws are policy) that Congress sets. The executive’s one chance to stop a law is the veto and he cannot ignore the law of the land.

Of course, this attitude is not limited to the current administration. It is currently so much more blatant. If Congress sued the executive to enforce the law as written, there are only two possible outcomes. One is that the courts would declare the law unconstitutional and therefore void or it would instruct the executive to carry it out.

Just as we learned as children you can’t just ignore things you don’t like. The president sets an example for the nation to follow. If the example is not obeying laws that irritate him or he believes are stupid, then why should the rest of us? We will quickly revert to the laws of the jungle and only the strongest will survive. That isn’t my idea of making America great again.

There was another school safety bill signed this year.

The strengthened security measures according to Senator Danny Burgess, the bill’s sponsor, are supposed to make parents feel that their children are safe when they are in school. Sheriffs will oversee the training and certification of school guardians and school security guards.

They are to standardize background screenings, drug testing and psych evals. Sheriffs are required to keep detailed records on the individuals, their qualifications and firearms certifications. The costs are to be paid by the security agencies or school boards.

Other standardization such as securing perimeters and access points is covered in the legislation. There are other parts to the bill, but you get the gist. It is a more secure place for our kids to learn.

As we just saw in Martin County, there was a dispute over the cost of the sheriff providing security. It was resolved supposedly. However, one of the things the Department of Education recommended was either outside security or a guardian program. In both instances, the school board would save money. Yet isn’t it ironic that the people in charge of the training for such a program is the sheriff who would be directly responsible to train others to do what his department is now doing.

When it comes to public safety, Martin County can’t afford the Rolls-Royce to be in our driveways. For both the sheriff and fire/rescue, we need to start thinking that we should be driving a Toyota. Especially with the legislature and governor threatening to change or eliminate the property tax. The sheriff is the Rolls.

With the profusion of firearms in Florida, we will never be able to provide enough security in our schools, courts, government buildings, or malls. There are too many crazy people out there. Everyone wants to protect themselves by being armed and because of that are we any more safe? I don’t know the answer to that.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing small family farms. The policy announcement comes after Secretary Rollins took a near 100-day listening tour across the country, meeting with farmers from varying backgrounds to hear directly what their most pressing needs are.

This 10-point policy agenda addresses critical barriers small farmers face, including difficulty accessing credit, affordable land, and transitioning the farm to the next generation. It proposes reforms that will streamline government applications, expand risk management tools, improve labor resources, and invest in rural infrastructure and education.

“America’s family farms help feed, fuel and clothe the world, but they also face some of the greatest challenges in getting their farms started and keeping them running. Putting Farmers First means addressing the issues farmers face head-on and fostering an economic environment that doesn’t put up roadblocks on business creation but removes them,” Secretary Rollins said. “Today’s policy agenda is tailored specifically to support small-scale farms to thrive for generations to come.

President Trump knows America’s economic prosperity depends on the success of our farmers and ranchers. That is why we are working to ensure those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to.”

While this policy is aimed at rural communities, the ripple effects will extend far beyond the farm gate to those living in America’s cities and suburbs. By strengthening the financial and operational health of these farms, the Farmers First agenda helps ensure a stable, diverse, and resilient food supply chain for everyone. In an era of growing concern over food deserts and rising grocery prices, policies that promote local, sustainable agriculture benefit urban and rural consumers significantly.

For example, increased support for small farms can translate into more local produce at farmers markets, schools, restaurants, and grocery stores. This can lower food miles, enhance freshness, and boost nutritional value, all while reducing the environmental impact of long-haul transportation. Communities are healthier and more resilient when they have access to locally grown food.

The Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda is a timely and ambitious step toward rebalancing the U.S. agricultural system in favor of resilience, fairness, and community. For rural and urban Americans alike, the benefits could be both immediate and lasting. Whether you live on a farm, a single-family home, or in a downtown apartment, the success of small family farms is tied to the health of our shared food system and the future of our nation.

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

Hurricane Preparedness

It’s now officially hurricane season, and as a Florida resident, hurricanes are not something to take lightly. Preparing for a hurricane is a crucial task for pet owners, as the safety and well-being of our furry friends must be prioritized alongside our own.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is a disaster relief shelter, and we understand that pets are beloved members of the family. Their safety is a top priority to us during storms and emergencies.

During mandatory evacuations within Martin County, we offer a dedicated space for your pets at our shelter, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable environment while you seek shelter from the elements. Our team is trained to provide care, including feeding, cleaning, and emotional support to help keep your pet calm during stressful times. This is a free service.

We encourage pet owners to bring essential supplies such as food, medications, leashes, and any comfort items that can help ease their pets' anxiety. Our facility is equipped with the necessary resources to accommodate various types of domestic animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, so you can rest assured that your furry friends will be well taken care of.

Our humane society can only house approximately 150 animals in addition to what is currently at the shelter. Due to this limited capacity within our shelter, we encourage you to stay prepared this season and research other emergency shelters as well. You can find a list of emergency shelters at this link: https://www.martin.fl.us/Shelterlocations.

In addition, it’s important to create an emergency kit specifically for your pets. This should include essential items such as food, medications, a first aid kit, leashes or harnesses, identification tags, and comfort items like blankets or toys. Make sure to keep contact information for local veterinarians and animal hospitals readily accessible.

It's also extremely important to ensure that all pets are microchipped or have collars with ID tags that include your contact information. If your pet is microchipped, make sure to double check with the microchip company that your pet’s information is up to date. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers low cost microchipping services by appointment. Please give us a call at 772-223-8822 if you pet needs to get microchipped or you need us to scan their current microchip.

By taking these proactive measures to prepare for natural disasters with your pets in mind, you can help ensure their safety and comfort when unexpected situations arise; and we are here to support both you and your pets throughout the storm and beyond.

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

In 1969 psychologist Arthur Staats, used the term “timeout” in his research to reduce undesired behaviors in children by removing them from reinforcing situations.  His theory was rooted in B.F. Skinner’s behaviorist theory. 

Timeouts became an increasingly popular “punishment” through the 1980’s.  However, in recent years the practice has come under scrutiny because it may lead to emotional disconnection if not done properly, especially if used to shame or isolate.  The practice of isolation can be detrimental to children if not done with great care.      

The same can be said with foreign policy.  Isolation in an increasingly global world is dicey and unbiblical.  Mark 12:31 commands us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Sounds simple, until we unpack the concept of who our neighbor is. 

The most poignant example is in the parable of the Good Samaritan.  The richness of the parable isn’t fully understood until you know just how disliked the Samaritans were.  In the exchange between Jesus and the lawyer, the Samaritans were so disliked the lawyer couldn’t even utter the word Samaritan. 

Biblically speaking your neighbor is humankind.  We as people of faith are commanded to extend compassion, aid, and solidarity to all people regardless of national boundaries.  The Gospel at its core is inherently outward facing.         

But what is God’s future vision?  Well, Revelation 7:9 says, “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language…”.   Based on that piece of scripture, I suspect some people are going to be mighty uncomfortable when they see who joins them in heaven. 

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, or even yelling at the screen, but that’s heaven not here on earth.  Well…Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it…”.  Essentially none of it is ours, we are just care takers of God’s things.  Going a step further, Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19 both stresses welcoming the foreigner.  In the book of Acts the apostles are called to spread the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. 

It’s nice to say we’re a Christian nation.  It’s a lofty goal to aspire to, but I think we need to understand exactly what that means.  It can’t just be cherry picking some verses or nailing the Ten Commandments on a wall somewhere. 

The reality is what Jesus calls us to is really hard.  It was counter-cultural then, and still is today, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep working toward that goal.  No matter what you think about Christianity, Jesus’ teachings were compassionate and clear. 

Love your neighbor as yourself wasn’t a suggestion or a catchy phrase.  It wasn’t a suggestion or something that looks cute when grandma cross-stitches it on a pillow.  It was nothing short of a command.  What is the greatest commandment the lawyer asked Jesus. Jesus answered to love God and your neighbor as yourself. 

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

Join Us for the Big Reveal – June 20th!

We’re thrilled to announce that on June 20th, United Way of Martin County will host The Big Reveal, where we’ll unveil the results of months of dedicated work by local volunteers. This event marks the culmination of a rigorous and thoughtful grant review process for the 2025–2026 funding cycle.

Behind the scenes, 37 Citizen’s Review Committee members, 9 Fund Distribution Committee members, and 23 United Way Board members have devoted countless hours to ensure our donors' investments are directed to high-impact, fiscally responsible programs. These volunteers meticulously reviewed grant applications, evaluated budgets, conducted agency site visits, and asked the tough questions—ensuring every dollar goes where it’s needed most.

Many in our community wonder where the money raised locally ends up. The Big Reveal offers a clear and transparent look at how those funds are allocated and the difference they make right here in Martin County.

Becoming a funded partner with United Way isn’t easy—and that’s by design. Agencies must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to addressing real community needs. We aren’t about handouts—we invest in hand ups that empower individuals and families to thrive.

For agencies interested in becoming new funding partners, the process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI). This initial step evaluates whether a program is eligible based on several criteria, including service to Martin County residents, demonstrated outcomes, and financial accountability. If the LOI meets our standards, it moves forward to the Citizen’s Review Process. While not all programs advance, we remain committed to a thorough and fair review process that honors the trust of our donors.

We often hear that the process is rigorous—and it is. But to that, we say: we owe it to every donor to invest wisely and impactfully.

We hope you’ll join us on June 20th to celebrate the incredible work of our volunteers and the life-changing programs we proudly support.

Want to get involved next year or learn more about your local United Way?
Send me an email at chdiez@unitedwaymartin.org, I would love to hear from you.

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

The Hope and Promise of Graduation Season

In this season of graduations, there is so much to celebrate.  I had the opportunity recently to reflect on how the spirit of graduation connects so deeply with our mission at Helping People Succeed.

Our mission here is all about instilling hope, maximizing potential, and leaning into each individual's strengths to help them find their own sustainable success; and isn’t that what we celebrate at graduation? We celebrate all of those who are taking their next steps towards success. 

On May 21, I had the distinct honor of attending and speaking at our Project Search Graduation.  I’ve written about this incredible program before, but to see it come to this year’s culmination and hear every one of our graduates share their journey, their success, and their next steps with the crowd, was heartwarming to say the least.

In my remarks, I shared that Project Search is an example of a community getting it right.  It is a collaboration between us, another nonprofit organization, Cleveland Clinic, and Martin County Schools where all parties work together to place graduating students in a yearlong internship at Cleveland Clinic supported by job coaches from our nonprofit teams to ensure their success.  It is the perfect example of adults working together to do right by youth and ensure every young person, regardless of disability or barrier, has the support they need to see hope, to realize their potential, and to find sustainable success.

I could not be prouder to be a part of this work!  You can learn more by clicking here to see some snippets from the graduation and hear directly from one of the graduates.

Thank you to our partners for making this happen for our kids!

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

Put the Pedal to the Metal in Martin

Ask most Martin County residents what drives the local economy, and you’ll hear the usual answers: beaches, tourism, real estate, maybe healthcare. Few mention manufacturing. Fewer still could name a single company doing the work.

But that work is here. And it matters more than most realize.

Start with Monica Dirr.

She runs Pace Machine & Tool, a woman- and veteran-owned precision manufacturing company on Jack James Drive in Stuart. There’s no storefront, no advertising—and it’s a secure facility, so there’s certainly no walk-in traffic. But inside, Monica and her team are machining components for helicopters, aircraft, spacecraft, submarines and other defense systems—holding tolerances down to the tenth of a thousandth of an inch. That level of precision isn’t common. It is expected by only the most exacting names in aerospace.

Her team is more than capable of performance. These are seasoned tradespeople—no revolving door, no short-term help. Most have been with Monica for years. They work side by side, mentor young machinists, and take pride in what they build. This says as much about the company culture as it does about their work.

In 2023, the Business Development Board of Martin County named Pace Machine & Tool Manufacturer of the Year. The award wasn’t for size or scale. It was for quiet, consistent excellence—delivering mission-critical parts with no room for error.

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

Due to our mission and commitment to strengthening the local economy, the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) welcomes opportunities to share more about our mission, efforts and services.

Thanks to our Pulse visits, diverse programming, and annual awards ceremonies—sold-out events six years running—we’ve expanded our network, forged new partnerships and secured key achievements on the economic-development front.

Still, some people remain unfamiliar—or even skeptical—about the work of the BDB. So, we’d like to directly address the more common questions, misconceptions, and even the criticisms.

What does the BDB even do?

Our primary focus is business retention. Through Pulse visits, we meet with the leaders of local contributory businesses. (These are businesses that derive the majority of their revenue from outside the area and then inject said revenue into our economy.) We then let their insights inform solutions to widespread challenges. Examples range from assisting companies in their expansion efforts, to helping manufacturing companies navigate costly new federal regulations to our ongoing efforts addressing the widespread issue of talent development.

Do BDB retention efforts really prevent companies from leaving Martin County?

A variety of factors go into any company’s decision to leave the area. Sometimes, the factors are beyond our control; many times, they’re resolvable. By building trust with key business leaders, understanding their challenges, and producing results, we’re often able to help them find the solutions they need. The simple fact that an agency like ours is empowered to prioritize the concerns of local businesses creates a lot of goodwill—which can factor heavily into whether or not a local company relocates elsewhere.

Does the BDB try to attract businesses to our area?

Yes, but to a much lesser degree. Business retention is our first priority. After all, as recognized by the International Economic Development Council, 80 percent of net new local job growth comes from existing businesses.

However, we also prioritize the attraction of businesses in targeted industries that offer higher-skilled, higher-wage opportunities. We work with the Martin County Industrial Development Authority, which can provide tax-exempt loans at competitive rates for projects in select sectors. To enhance the overall business climate, we also organize and implement programs, seminars and special events and initiatives—such as informing local businesses on how to access foreign markets or attain much-needed capital.

Speaking of business attraction, weren’t those companies coming here anyway?

Circumstances vary, but oftentimes, no. Martin County intentionally maintains a low profile and that contributes greatly to our quality of life, so we only pursue prospects that complement the community’s values.

Why do we need the BDB when we have several chambers of commerce?

All five of the chambers are our deeply valued partners. They do excellent jobs creating, among other things, opportunities for their members to network and grow their businesses. We work mostly with contributory businesses—primarily in the manufacturing industry and oftentimes in the aviation and marine sectors—which are big in Martin County. These types of businesses serve markets outside our area and tend to rely less on chamber events for customer acquisition.

Some say the BDB is a threat to the county’s comprehensive growth management.

That’s a complete misunderstanding. Martin County’s award-winning comprehensive plan outlines the community's vision, protects our quality of life, upholds an orderly planning process, and recognizes that our success lies in “maintaining a strong and vibrant economy that is free from overdevelopment.”

Doesn’t the BDB advocate for more development—especially residential development?

Actually, no. The BDB focuses on helping existing businesses, first and foremost. We also support industrial development and sustained job creation. In fact, our efforts help the county increase nonresidential ad valorem tax revenue, which can alleviate the need for tax increases on local homeowners.

Some say the BDB is just a pay-to-play scheme.

That’s grossly inaccurate. While we enjoy both private and public sector support, the overwhelming majority of our services and programs are free and fully dedicated to strengthening the whole local economy. Everyone benefits from a stronger local economy.

Some say the BDB is a waste of county tax dollars.

The per-dollar value is a testament to the wisdom of the investment. Founded more than 35 years ago, BDB is contracted by Martin County to perform business retention and expansion services for $465,000 per year. Our business expansion efforts alone have attracted tens of millions of dollars in capital investment. We help diversify our local tax base with additional commercial revenue. This is good economic sense and sound tax policy. Consider: A homesteaded house is taxable only up to three percent, while businesses are taxed up to 10 percent. This illustrates the importance of cultivating a healthy commercial-industrial tax base. 

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

The May Rivers Coalition meeting was cancelled due to a conflict with another event. Which gives me an opportunity to reminisce a bit…

A few years ago a friend of mine, a member of the Martin County High School senior class of 1970, asked me “Do you know what we did for the first Earth Day back in 1970?”

“No.”

“We staged a mock funeral for the river.”

My jaw dropped. Fifty long years had passed; we were STILL staging mock funerals for the river. In spite of the strenuous efforts of a lot of extremely dedicated hard-working people during those five decades, nothing had really changed.

Until it did.

The transformation was driven home at a Rivers Coalition meeting a few years ago by then-director of the South Florida Water Management District Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch. She told us “There has been a cultural shift at the SFWMD.” 

Then she added something I never, ever, expected to hear.

“There has also been a cultural shift at the Corps of Engineers.”   

This was stunning. Both agencies were now specifically including both aquatic and human health factors as a major part of their decision-making process. It wasn’t just gallons of water any more.

An ongoing dialog between parties who hadn’t been on the best of speaking terms began. The Executive Director of the SFWMD and high-ranking members of the Corps of Engineers now regularly attend our monthly Rivers Coalition meetings, listen carefully to our concerns, and address them directly and honestly. Their decisions don’t always go the way we’d like (they have other stakeholders to answer to) – but they’re definitely taking human and aquatic health issues into their decision-making process now.

 So after fifty long years the pendulum has finally started to swing in the estuary’s favor. There’s a long, long way to go yet, and a lot of hard work still lies ahead of us. But as Col. Booth of the Corps of Engineers told us recently: “Every year, things are getting better.”

Somewhere, I think Maggy is starting to smile.

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

Early Cancer Detection and Advanced Care

Breast cancer is a condition that affects millions of women each year, but early detection and advanced treatment options can dramatically improve outcomes.

Donna Frazier, a resident of Sailfish Point in Hutchinson Island, Florida, recently experienced this firsthand. Her story is one of resilience, proactive care, and the importance of early screening.

Donna, a retired Chief Nursing Officer from Mercy Hospitals in St. Louis, moved to Stuart, Florida, with her husband in January 2020. The couple receives care at the Cleveland Clinic Stuart Family Health Center on Kanner Highway. It was during a routine screening mammogram at this facility that Donna’s journey began.

Early Detection
In September 2024, Donna underwent a screening mammogram, which revealed abnormalities. She was referred for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. In October  2024, she followed up with Dr. Raul Arroyo’s Physician Assistant. A biopsy was performed by Dr. Arroyo at Cleveland Clinic Martin North and the results showed Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).

DCIS is the earliest stage of breast cancer, classified as stage 0. It is non-invasive, meaning the abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and haven’t spread to surrounding breast tissue or other parts of the body.

While DCIS is highly treatable, Donna’s case presented additional challenges. Tests that included genetic testing revealed her cancer was triple negative, requiring more decisive treatment.

Donna expressed gratitude for the care she received during this phase, noting the professionalism and compassion of the team, from ultrasound technicians to Dr. Arroyo and his staff.

“Dr. Arroyo is a great physician, and everyone at the surgery center was wonderful,” she shared.

Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy
With this information, Donna underwent a lumpectomy, a breast-conserving surgery that removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. This procedure is often paired with radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. In mid-March 2025, Donna began radiation therapy with Dr. Jorge Castillo at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. She received 16 treatments over approximately three and a half weeks.

Donna praised Dr. Castillo for his thoroughness and expertise. “Dr. Castillo was wonderful. He sat down when he met me, had clearly reviewed my chart, and provided a perfect synopsis of my case along with discussing my treatment plan.”

Throughout her radiation treatments, Donna observed efficiency, kindness, and expertise from the Cleveland Clinic team. She became familiar with staff members like Chris, Larry, and Christian, all at the cancer center, who played an integral role in her care.

Managing Side Effects and Staying Active
Radiation therapy can cause fatigue and skin irritation, but Donna navigated these challenges with proactive measures. She experienced fatigue after her 13th treatment but continued to play tennis in the mornings, demonstrating remarkable resilience. “I played about three hours of tennis early in the morning, then rested before my radiation treatments,” she said.

To manage skin irritation, a common side effect of radiation therapy, Donna followed advice to apply aloe and Aquaphor daily, which helped keep her skin healthy during treatment.

She also highlighted the importance of navigators and genetic counseling, which were offered by Dr. Arroyo and Dr. Castillo’s teams. Donna’s family history of cancer played a role in her decision-making. Although she doesn’t have a personal history of cancer, several relatives, including her brother, father, and extended family members, have battled the disease.

Neighborly Advice
Donna’s advice to women is simple but powerful: prioritize routine mammograms and early detection. “There’s a lot of value in early detection. They can find cancer when it’s less invasive. Every woman should get her mammograms on time. Have your questions ready, be comfortable asking them, and do your treatment in a way that’s comfortable for you.”

She also emphasized the importance of self-care during treatment. “Give yourself permission to take time for yourself, and if you’re having radiation therapy, take care of your skin.”

Advanced Radiation Oncology
Donna’s treatment highlights the advanced radiation oncology modalities offered at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. The cancer center uses Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for various cancers, including head and neck, rectal, prostate, and lung cancers. VMAT is a cutting-edge form of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) that delivers customized doses of radiation while rotating around the patient’s body.

This approach ensures precise targeting of tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Introduced in 2007, VMAT represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering patients effective therapy with fewer side effects and improved quality of life.

In some cases, radiation oncologists offer advanced radiation oncology techniques, including Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI), which targets the tumor bed rather than the entire breast. This approach minimizes side effects and improves overall quality of life for patients.

You're invited to Thrive On, June 6, 2025 at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center in Stuart. We celebrate cancer survivors and their loved ones with music, food and inspiration at this free event. To register, call 772-223-5945 ext. 13736 or visit Thrive On.

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

The (not so) Silent Majority

Last month I introduced the topic of social media and human behavior.  Let me share a few considerations about today’s social media.  To me its quite simple and straight forward.  It’s fantasy land and as long as you as a reader/consumer of it realize that then everything is fine.  It’s entertainment, enjoy it.  Once you begin to believe some of the things from social media or even worse, take an action based on something from social media that’s when the potential for trouble emerges. 

For clarity, I am not referring to all social media, but when someone’s cousin said they heard something from a Friend who saw something, this can get way out of hand.  I don’t know why or when people stopped thinking about what they are reading/consuming before believing it but much of what I see today is pure manipulation of our citizenry. 

There is little difference between the social media of today and what used to be the magazines at the checkout counter of the grocery store.  Think about it.  Those large format, color magazines would have eye catching, crazy pronouncements on the cover to get your attention.  “Elvis lives next door”, or “JFK files reveal the truth” as examples.

Of course, if you picked up the magazine and flipped to the section about Elvis, there would be an interview with a couple of neighbors (maybe in Topeka) who swear that Elvis lives on their street and maybe even a photo of guy who looks like Elvis as “proof”.  The story might go on about the possibilities and implications.  Does any of this sound familiar?  But almost nobody believed what was in those magazines and more importantly, didn’t take any action.  Because it was for entertainment.  It was pure fantasy land. 

Back then we called it sensationalism.   The magazines were trying to get our attention with bold, crazy stuff on the cover.  Social media today is no different.  Think about it.  However, the danger today is that significant numbers of consumers are believing what they read and taking action on it.

I really worry about the young generation and the older, retired generation.  It’s my sense that they are the most vulnerable populations to misinformation, especially from social media.  The young because they are new to everything and learning their way in life and therefore a bit more trusting perhaps.  The older generation because they are used to believing what they see in print (even if its online) and I believe have more difficulty discerning the truth or at least the source of the information and potential bias.  A bit more skepticism might serve them well.

Think about it.

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

Importance of the Older Americans Act…

As the federal government grapples with the 2026 budget and policy decisions which affect Americans, seniors need to remain a priority.  Florida is home to more than 6.3 million seniors (over the age of 60) and represents more than 28% of the state’s population.  By 2030, one-third of Floridians will be 60 or older.  As we age, the need for support continues to grow.  The most effective plan is to have seniors age in place at home and community-based settings.

When Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965 there was a third, less recognized program called the Older Americans Act (OAA). OAA represents a national commitment to assist older adults to age at home.  When older adults remain at home rather than entering a nursing home, it is more cost effective and promotes a higher quality of life.

The federal OAA funding flows through Florida Department of Elder Affairs who contracts with the Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. (Agency).  The Agency is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, support and advocate for the well-being and independence of seniors, adults with disabilities and their caregivers.  The governance and oversight of the organization is provided by a board of directors from the local community.

The Agency receives approximately $10 million in OAA funding to support critical services for seniors. The funding supports the following:

Nutrition: Congregate and home-delivered meals, ensuring older adults have access to nutritious meals.

Transportation: Providing transportation options for older adults to access appointments and other activities.

Home Based Services: Personal care services supporting activities of daily living.

Caregiver Support. Support and resources to family caregivers who provide care for older adults.

Health and Wellness Programs: Promoting healthy aging through evidenced based workshops.

Adult Day Care: Providing daytime care and activities for older adults who need supervision or support.

Elder Abuse Prevention: Services to prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The Agency has an established network of providers who provide home and community-based services to qualifying seniors and caregivers.  In the Treasure Coast Lead Agency providers include the Kane Center/Council on Aging of Martin County, Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Okeechobee Senior Services and Senior Resource Association in Indian River County.

The Agency also operates a helpline staffed with specially trained professionals who provide vital information and resources to older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.  The Helpline may be reached tollfree at 1-866-684-5885. 

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

Keep Martin Beautiful

Pack Your Conscience: Smart Travel for a Beautiful Planet

Planning your summer adventures? Don't forget to pack your thoughtfulness for the environment! It's easy to overlook good habits like recycling when you're away, but every little bit helps protect the beautiful places we visit, including Martin County.

Being an eco-conscious traveler isn't just good for the planet; it enriches your trip. Here are some simple, fun ways to be an environmentally aware adventurer:

Travel Green Essentials:

• Hydration Hero: Always bring a refillable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics.
• The Tote That Travels: Carry a foldable shopping tote for all your purchases, ditching plastic bags.
• Recycle Like a Pro: Be a recycling detective! Look for bins everywhere, from airports to hotels.
• Resourceful R&R: Conserve resources by reusing towels, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights and electronics when you leave.
• Green Your Grooming: Pack eco-friendly toiletries, especially reef-safe sunscreen, to reduce chemical and plastic waste.

Beyond the Basics: Elevate Your Eco-Adventure!

• Mindful Munching: Pack your own snacks in reusable containers and support local, seasonal dining. Politely decline plastic straws.
• Conscious Commuting: Walk, bike, or use public transport. If renting a car, choose a hybrid.
• Souvenir Savvy: Prioritize experiences over things. If you buy, choose ethically sourced, handmade items from local artisans.
• Be a Responsible Tourist: Respect wildlife, stick to marked trails, and learn about local culture and environmental efforts. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles.

At Keep Martin Beautiful, we practice what we preach! Even our office move was eco-friendly: we donated usable items to House of Hope’s Thrift Store, recycled everything possible, reused boxes, and stayed hydrated with reusable bottles.

It takes a little extra thought, but it's well worth the effort!  

We are excited to share our new address is 2676 SE Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart. There's still time to volunteer for the Great American Cleanup (through June 20) or adopt a road and pick up supplies from our new location.

Safe travels this summer! Let's keep Martin County beautiful, and inspire others to do the same, one thoughtful trip at a time.

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

How AI Can Empower Local Businesses to Compete and Thrive

Running a local business has never been for the faint of heart. Between balancing budgets, marketing your services, and serving your customers with heart and hustle, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But here's the good news: Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants or billion-dollar corporations. It’s now accessible, affordable, and, if used wisely, a true game-changer for small and local businesses.

Think of AI as your 24/7 teammate. It doesn’t get tired, it doesn’t need a coffee break, and it’s excellent at doing the repetitive stuff that eats up your time. From automating your emails and scheduling your social posts to analyzing your customer data and helping you make smarter decisions, AI can help you work on your business instead of getting stuck in it.

Let’s break it down.

1. Smarter Marketing (Without the Overwhelm)
 One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is getting noticed. With AI tools, you can now generate engaging content for your emails, website, and social media in minutes. No more staring at a blank screen, wondering what to post. Some platforms can even suggest the best times to send content based on when your audience is most active. It’s like having a digital marketing assistant without the payroll cost.

2. Better Customer Service
 Ever feel stretched thin trying to answer every customer message or comment? AI-powered chatbots can now handle common questions on your website or Facebook page, even while you sleep. They provide quick responses, book appointments, and collect customer info, so when you do step in, you’ve already got the context. It's efficient and keeps your customers feeling cared for.

3. Personalized Experiences
 Big businesses have used customer data to tailor experiences for years, but now you can too. AI tools can help track your customers' preferences, buying patterns, and behavior. That means you can send them special offers or recommendations that matter to them, building loyalty and repeat business.

4. Streamlined Operations
 From managing your inventory to scheduling your staff, AI can help optimize the day-to-day stuff. Some tools even predict when you’ll need to reorder supplies or when your busy seasons are coming, so you can plan ahead without the guesswork.

5. Affordable Insights, Real Results
 What used to cost thousands in consultant fees can now be done with a few clicks. AI can analyze your sales trends, website traffic, and customer feedback, providing you with real-time insights to inform your decisions. It’s not magic, but it sure feels close.

The truth is, you don’t need to be a tech expert to take advantage of AI. You just need to be open to learning and willing to test small changes that free up your time and grow your business. Start with one tool or task, see how it goes, and build from there.

Local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. With AI in your corner, you don’t just survive, you adapt, grow, and thrive.  Would you like to know what tools are out there to use? Drop us a message that you would like to know, and what you want to do with it, and we will write an article to help.  

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

The 2024-25 school year has come and gone, and Martin County teachers have once again taught an entire year without a contract. However, we took a major step closer to resolving that situation a few weeks ago when a Special Magistrate issued his recommendation to resolve the issues presented during our impasse proceedings with the School Board.

The Magistrate’s ruling represents a thoughtful approach to collective bargaining, and his recommendations are both fair and reasonable. Even with the recommended compromises, we feel this outcome is a major affirmation of MCEA’s priorities, and a clear validation of our efforts on behalf of our educators. 

Here are the decisions regarding the four issues we are at impasse over:

Preservation of Unpaid Presidential Leave (Article XI.2.I): The Magistrate rejected the School Board’s proposal to eliminate this long-standing provision, recognizing its value in supporting strong union leadership and collaborative labor-management relations. This victory ensures that the MCEA President can continue to serve full-time, without compromising contractual rights.

Allocation of Remaining Raise Pool to Healthcare Relief: The Magistrate recommended that the remaining $28,003.33 in the salary 'Raise Pool' be used to increase the one-time lump sum Medical Insurance Supplement, helping all members offset rising healthcare costs–a suggestion MCEA actually proposed in the last bargaining session.

Campaign Leave: The Magistrate recommended removing the rarely used Campaign Leave provision (Article XI.2.F) proposed by the Board.

Stability for Western Zone Teachers: The Magistrate supported maintaining the $3,100 Western Zone Supplement for all teachers at Indiantown Middle and Warfield Elementary Schools. While our grandfathered educators experienced a modest reduction from their previous supplement, MCEA exhausted every available avenue to restore the full amount; however, this outcome protects hard-fought gains for current and future Western Zone staff and preserves equity moving forward.

Under Florida law, the School Board now has several options:

If they accept the decision, it becomes binding, and these terms are incorporated into the contract. 

The Board may reject all or part of the recommendation. If so, both the Board and MCEA will present their positions to the public during a legislative hearing–where the School Board can unilaterally impose their “last best offer” on unresolved issues. 

Negotiate: At any time, both parties may mutually agree to settle before imposition.

This recommendation shows that when we are organized, informed, and persistent, we win. It also shows what is possible when both parties work together. We ask our supporters in the community to stay engaged–we may need your voices at upcoming School Board meetings. Your presence makes a difference.

We thank you for your unwavering support throughout this process. This is not just a recommendation–it is a resounding affirmation of the power of collective action.

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

This article is dedicated to my mother Barbara who passed on Mother’s Day at 91. Without her support and belief in me, the milestone we are today would never have happened.

40 years and counting… That’s the way I like to look at it. That’s how long C&W has been serving the Treasure Coast. Companies in our industry come and go in the blink of an eye yet I am excited to say that come June, we will be 40 years old.

Back in 1985, when personal computers were still a novelty and the internet was just a vague concept, I had a vision to provide innovative solutions to people and businesses. Bill Gates wanted to put a PC on everyone’s desk, and I was happy to help him do it.

Over the years, we’ve grown by adapting to new technologies and a changing IT landscape. It’s often said that “technology is outdated the moment you buy it,” and we’ve seen that firsthand by. Early on, we were among the first to offer cloud services. Today, our expertise extends to cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, and much more.

Looking back, I think the key to 40 years has been our core values and a team that follows them. In this get ahead at any cost world, it is servant leadership that stands out. Serving you is one of the most important reasons we are still here. We like to say, "It is all about you."  Being all about you, we know that we must keep up with the future and we do that by adding new individuals with new ideas. Us old-timers get to leverage our experience; the new people get to run with those ideas.

This principle really applies to any business. If you see your business as just a means to a paycheck or a comfortable lifestyle, burnout is almost inevitable. Eventually, you sell or retire. But if you approach a business with the mindset of “What can I achieve? What can we achieve in helping others?” it shifts your entire perspective. That shift is powerful. It’s like a secret ingredient for success. It was one of my mother’s greatest strengths throughout her life.

I.T. Done Right Since 1985 might be our slogan, but I think the sub slogan would be bringing new technology and excitement to our clients and customers. A number of my contemporaries in other businesses are thinking about their exit strategy. Yet my perspective is different. My perspective is asking myself, “Where will this company be in the next 40 years?”

With a good foundation and adhering to our core values, we will be providing servant leadership just like we are now. We might be on the 3rd generation by then, but we will still be going strong.

Life gives us only a brief window to lay the foundation for the long game. Whatever your industry, keeping that perspective front and center ensures there will always be much to celebrate. We have left our mark on well over 100,000 businesses and individuals in our 40 years, that’s something to celebrate… Thanks Mom!

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

This piece in the Budget Process series of articles covers Law Enforcement.  Sheriff Budensiek is not looking for an increase in the Capital Improvement portion of his $109,694,732 annual budget.  (Keep in mind that the entire county’s annual revenue stream is $672.7 million).  As far as capital improvements next year,  Law Enforcement will spend $4,989,528 or the same as this year.

The priorities for next year are replacement of their fuel depot built in 1987.  Holding only 4 pumps, it is inadequate for a 380-vehicle fleet.  It has also deteriorated to the point that the canopy had to be pulled off before it blew off. 

A new shooting range complete with observation catwalk and canopy would enable deputies to train for more real-life events such as clearing a school.  God forbid.   Currently they travel to Arkansas for such training.  Commissioner Ciampi suggested that charging other community law enforcement ie. Jupiter Island, Sewell’s Point etc.to use the facility could produce revenue.  No word on how much it costs to ship our deputies to AZ or how often they go.  But the shoot house will cost $4.3 million.  In 5 years they’d like to replace newly installed modulars at the range with hardened classroom buildings at a cost of $8 million. 

Their logistics and operations center is over 50 years old.  It houses a body shop and fleet maintenance.  Because it is inadequate for today’s fleet, at a cost of $65,000 they lease storage space, leaving some assets out in the weather and off site which hinders accessibility.   To this building, they would like to add a fire range for correction officers practicing for annual recertification.  These officers currently have to drive out to the shooting range.   The logistics center is also where deliveries are offloaded.  It is a ¼ of the size needed.  

These buildings will eventually, albeit incrementally, cost $16 million.  Money is being saved up and they don’t foresee a need for new revenue in order to accomplish the project.

Last year’s accomplishments include the Marine Operations facility at Sandsprit Park, a K-9 operations facility and hardening the jail entrance which a Camry drove through last June. 

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

Hurricane: An Origin Story

June 1 officially marks the beginning of hurricane season here in Florida. The season, which lasts until November, underlines the time of year when these massive storms are most likely to occur. If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that the peak of the season doesn’t really strike until the beginning of September— and it’s always a good idea to be prepped ahead of time. 

Hurricanes are a tropical phenomenon catalyzed by heat; they thrive in warm air and warm waters. The warmer the water, the more potent the storm. As Ms. McFee, my high school science teacher says, “Hurricanes are Earth’s way of cooling herself off.” As if Earth were merely cooling herself off with delicate mister fans instead of the tempests we experience.

There’s also the famous “Butterfly Effect:” a butterfly flapping its wings in Africa could, theoretically, create a chain reaction of air movement. The infinitesimal amount of air displaced by the fluttering of dainty wings grows, moving further west into the Atlantic where it continues to strengthen into a gyre of roaring wind that carves its way through the Caribbean and North America.

Long before spaghetti models, the Indigenous people of the Caribbean understood their power. The Taino recognized a god named Juracán who often worked with Guabancex, the goddess of wind and storms. Juracán was not just a god but was said to be the storm itself; his body, the howling wind and driving rains. He would rage ashore, leaving piles of destruction in his wake.

The Taino also knew that with great destruction comes the opportunity for creation. For great change to occur, for something new to flourish. They knew that these storms were part of life, part of the cycles of nature, and built their lives accordingly around this force. They came to regard Juracán as an opportunity for rebirth.

Across the Gulf of Mexico, the Mayan revered Huracán, a god who wiped out humanity twice before settling on our current form. Scholars debate the link between Juracán and Huracán, but both are widely accepted as the roots of the word we use to describe these swirling masses of destruction: hurricane.

These names and stories are more than mythology—they’re lessons. They show how people have weathered these tempests for generations. Hurricanes aren’t new. 

Neither is human resilience. 

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

Some old buildings are simply that – old buildings. But some are in a completely different category: integral parts of our history, filled with stories about the people who went before us, and therefore profoundly worthy of preservation.

As we celebrate Martin County’s 100th birthday this year, it's an especially poignant time to reflect on the historical buildings in our area and what they mean to us. For many, they are a living link with the past, reflecting how generations before us thought, lived, and worked. We can read about history, of course, but how truly exhilarating it is to stand in a place like the House of Refuge and vividly imagine what life was like on the untamed Treasure Coast, when settlers were few and terrifying shipwrecks frequently tossed crews into the unforgiving ocean.

Our very own House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, still magnificently standing at 148 years of age (built in 1876), is the last of its kind from a network of ten such stations that once stretched along Florida's Atlantic coast. These havens provided food, medical attention, and safe shelter for shipwrecked sailors and travelers. Its remarkable endurance is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Martin County Historical Society, the dedicated Soroptimists of Stuart who spearheaded its initial preservation in the 1950s, and the continuous generosity of countless donors and volunteers who have maintained it over the years. It's actually County property – meaning you and I own it! That makes it our collective responsibility to preserve this irreplaceable landmark so that future generations can experience this tangible link to our rich maritime history.

The Golden Gate Building in Stuart is another cherished architectural gem, reflecting the Mission/Mediterranean Revival style popular in our region during the 1920s land boom. Constructed in 1925 as the centerpiece for the ambitious "Golden Gate" residential development, it served various roles, including a post office and even the town hall for the short-lived municipality of Port Sewall. After decades of neglect and falling into disrepair, this iconic structure was saved from demolition in the 1990s through dedicated community efforts. It was ultimately purchased by Martin County in 2002 and, after extensive restoration, now serves as a vibrant community hub: the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment, managed by House of Hope. This center provides vital resources like literacy classes, job training, and health education to the community.

A special shout-out to my friend Saadia Tsafarides, "Godmother of Golden Gate," who has been a tireless advocate and grassroots organizer, leading the charge for the neighborhood's preservation and revitalization. Her profound dedication was recently recognized with the "Preservationist of the Year" award, a well-deserved honor for her unwavering commitment to saving this historic landmark.

If you’ve enjoyed a concert at the historic Lyric Theatre, shared a meal at the charming Seminole Inn, or admired the grandeur of the Mansion at Tuckahoe while strolling through Indian Riverside Park, you too have experienced the invaluable efforts of those who protected and preserved our shared heritage.

However, these historic sites must be preserved properly, or they risk becoming mere movie sets or theme park attractions. The materials used in their preservation have to be accurate to the period, not something you might pick up at a big-box store. The individuals who undertake this work are true craftsmen and artists, not simply repairmen. They are charged with ensuring that what existed then exists now, as closely as possible, maintaining the authenticity and integrity of these irreplaceable treasures.

We owe it to future generations to do the right thing by our historical buildings and preserve their legacy – a powerful promise to make to ourselves as we celebrate Martin County at 100.

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

Payne Family Honored with Topaz GEM – Going the Extra Mile – Award

for Outstanding Foster Parenting

Stuart — Communities Connected for Kids is proud to recognize the Payne Family as the latest recipients of the Topaz GEM – Going the Extra Mile – Award, which honors foster parents who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, compassion, and commitment to the children in their care.

The Payne family has provided a loving and nurturing home to many children over the years, and their impact continues to shine—especially in the lives of two children who were in their care for more than two years.

“Throughout the placement, the Payne family not only advocated fiercely for the girls but also built a strong, respectful partnership with the girls' biological family,” said Alexis Armstead, a licensing and placement specialist with CCKids’ recruitment provider 4Kids of the Treasure Coast. “They supported the successful transition to the girls’ grandparents’ home, showing unwavering love every step of the way.”

The Payne Family remains actively involved in the girls' lives—babysitting for the grandparents and offering support whenever needed. Their commitment to long-term connection is a testament to the deep, authentic bonds they form with every child who enters their home.

“We were honored to be a part of our girls’ story and humbled that their family continues to allow us to be a part of that story,” Ms. Payne. “We hope our experience can inspire others to get involved in this amazing journey called foster care.”

This kind of unwavering dedication to fostering not only meets the basic needs of children—it enriches their lives with dignity, joy, and genuine care.

The Payne’s were recognized with a personal phone call from CEO Carol Deloach, a plaque and a gift card.

Communities Connected for Kids is the Lead Community Based Care Agency, overseeing and coordinating foster care, adoptions and protective services in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast. For more information, visit us at www.cckids.net.

The Treasure Coast Community Singers wrapped up their 22nd season with a rousing concert of patriotic and religious music on May17th and 18th.

The chorus was joined by the Treasure Coast Fife and Drum Corps, the color guards from Knights of Columbus #10718 from St Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound and the Navy JROTC Unit from St Lucie West Centennial High School to honor our Veterans. Additionally, thanks to TCCS members, 90 tickets were donated and distributed to various veterans’ organization along the Treasure Coast!

Also at the concert, five scholarships were awarded to local graduating seniors. One dollar of every ticket sold throughout the season, donations from patrons and guests and the generosity of TCCS members makes these scholarships possible. Thank you to all of you who have made this program possible. This is the first year we have been able to award five scholarships!

Hibiscus Children’s Center
Keeping Kids Safe  

Treasure Coast -   June is National Safety Month!  This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventing injuries and promoting safety in various aspects of our lives. One crucial area that demands our attention is the safety of children, as they are the most vulnerable members of society and our most precious resource. 
 

Over 40 years ago, Hibiscus Founder LaVaughn Tilton was deeply affected by the lack of safe placements for abused children removed from their homes and had a vision of communities where children could grow up free of abuse.  Since that time, thousands of children have received safe haven at the Tilton Family Children’s Center in Jensen Beach and Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach. Children arrive at Hibiscus scared and traumatized. Every day, they are welcomed by caring staff and volunteers and have received over 475,000 nights of safety since 1985. Children are provided critical services including mental health, educational, medical, trauma-informed care, career training and hope for a brighter future.

Ava (name changed) was eight years old when she was placed at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter.  Although she felt scared and alone, the Hibiscus team of caregivers immediately assured Ava that she was safe. Over time, Ava began to feel more secure and learned to trust the staff and volunteers. Mental Health Counselor provided therapy to help Ava heal, feel more confident and learn to cope with the trauma she endured. After leaving Hibiscus, Ava was placed in foster homes for several years. Ava returned years later to the Hibiscus Village and felt hopeless and alone. The years of moving from foster home to foster home and the difficult circumstances that surrounded her family had taken its toll. The staff worked with Ava to help her realize how valuable she was and that she had the potential for a better future. Slowly, Ava began to envision the life she wanted to have. She concentrated on school and was involved in sports. Her determination to get her life back on track was evident in her willingness to work hard in school and with her therapist who provided the tools to handle her anger and hurt appropriately.  Ava participated in the Career Pathways Program which assists teens in preparing for the future. When Ava turned 18, she was equipped with the life skills, career knowledge and resources she needed to succeed and was enrolled in college. Ava shared, “I don’t know what I would have done without Hibiscus. I would not have made it here and on the road to a productive life”.

We would love the opportunity to share more with you about how you can get involved and help children!  For more details, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org or contact Michelle King, CDO, at mking@hcc4kids.org. 

Camp Spark 2025 – Martin County PAL

Looking for a summer camp for your child that goes beyond games and crafts? Camp Spark 2025 is where purpose meets passion. This isn’t your average day camp—it’s a trades-inspired experience packed with real-world learning, leadership development, and hands-on skill-building that empowers youth for life.

Camp Spark is open to boys and girls ages 11–14 and focuses on everything from law enforcement and fire training to career skills, athletics, and mentorship—all in a safe, structured environment led by positive role models.

New this year: Culinary fun meets culture with Italian cooking and pizza-making, giving campers a hands-on taste of the culinary world while learning teamwork and creativity in the kitchen.

• Only 3 weeks left this July, with limited spots each week
• 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily (lunch included)
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This is your child’s chance to explore future career paths, build confidence, and develop life skills that matter, without ever feeling like they’re in a classroom.

Register now at www.martincountypal.org or reach out to info@martincountypal.org for details. Let’s make this summer count—one spark at a time!

 Special Olympics Florida Hosts State Summer Games at Walt Disney World Resort

More than 3,500 participants from across the state will attend the event held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the USTA National Campus

WHAT: Special Olympics Florida will host its annual State Summer Games on May 16 and 17. The two-day event will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort and the USTA National Campus. More than 3,500 participants will compete in seven different sports: track and field, basketball, soccer, bocce, cycling, cheerleading, and tennis. 

Media is invited to cover the event. Please see details below. 

WHERE:  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 

700 South Victory Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747 

WHEN:   May 17 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  

MEDIA OPPS: Athletes and representatives from Special Olympics Florida will be available for interviews.  

MORE DETAILS: More details about the State Summer Games can be found on the Special Olympics Florida Events page.  

RSVP: Media planning to attend or seeking more information should contact Jim Stratton, Special Olympics Florida Communications Director: jimstratton@sofl.org or 352-630-3285. 

(Media can also cover the Opening Ceremonies of the Games on May 16 at 7:45 p.m., but Walt Disney World will be distributing B-roll and interviews from the Opening Ceremonies to local media that evening. If interested, please let Jim Stratton know for coordination and planning.) 

About Special Olympics Florida: Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition, crucial health services, and life-changing leadership programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It serves more than 75,000 Special Olympics athletes annually, at no cost to athletes or their families. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org. 

24th Annual Robert F. Novins Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Over $210,000 for Volunteers in Medicine Clinic

Stuart, FL – May 18, 2025 — The 24th Annual Robert F. Novins Memorial Golf Tournament & Reception was a resounding success, raising over $210,000 to benefit the Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic of Martin County. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our dedicated sponsors and the inspiring leadership of our event hosts.

Carl Newton, Andy Spears, Wayne Klick, Nick Blount

Carson Novins, along with his sisters Beth Novins and Jeffrey Hartt, served as gracious hosts for this year’s tournament. Their ongoing commitment to honoring the legacy of Robert F. Novins has helped the event grow into a powerful force for good in the community. Over the past 13 years, the tournament has raised more than $2 million for the Clinic.

Dairy Queens, Eva DeLattre, Paula Rimer, Kim Lamb, Liz Tapper

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose support makes this event—and the mission of VIM Clinic—possible,” said Mary Fields, Executive Director at VIM Clinic. “This legacy of compassion and community truly embodies the spirit of Robert F. Novins.”

This year’s tournament also celebrated the winning team of Pedro Knade, Megan Pierce, John Wolfner, and Matt Glass, who took home top honors on the green.

Megan Pierce, Carson Novins, John Wolfner, Matt Glass, Pedro Knade

All proceeds from the event go directly to the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, which provides free medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of Martin County. Each donation ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to compassionate healthcare services when they need them most.

The organization is already looking ahead to next year’s 25th Anniversary celebration of the Robert F. Novins Memorial Golf Tournament—a milestone event that promises to be the most meaningful yet.

For more information about supporting VIM Clinic or participating in next year’s event, please contact Volunteers in Medicine Clinic at (772) 463-4128 x 211 or visit vimclinic.net/golf.

About VIM Clinic:

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

Every time I write about the Business Development Board, I am compelled to mention that I was not a supporter when I was a city commissioner.

Even now, I am not yet ready to embrace fully how they operate. However, I absolutely agree with their mission of bringing new businesses to the area and making sure existing ones can continue doing business here and hopefully expand.

The fundamental question is how much value are we willing to place on companies being in Martin County and employing residents? For a county resident with a spouse and a couple of kids, a good paying job is priceless. If you moved here to retire, sit in your gated community, and go to the club, you don’t really give it too much thought.

Is an organization devoted to expanding businesses and jobs worth anything to the Martin County taxpayers living their life in retirement? Maybe not…

What is the role of government in bringing people and industry to the county? Should it just make sure that there are amenities such as safe schools and clean parks? That is what I believed for a number of years and am now just coming to realize that the government does have a role to play.

The BDB needs to be a three-legged stool with industry, government, and civic organizations such as chambers of commerce all contributing money, time, and talent. For the first time, the organization may now be on track.

Leadership was never the BDB’ s strong point. With the hiring of William Corbin, that may be changing. He has a systematic approach to achieving the organization’s goals. Martin County is never going to be home to a Fortune 500 Company. But there are plenty of businesses that can be located here and would be very successful.

There are still some weaknesses that need to be addressed which I noticed when I attended my first BDB Executive Board meeting recently. Anyone can attend because it is a sunshine board and open to the public.

The staff were very professional in their presentations. The board members were all very professional in conducting the meeting. What they are not is politically savvy. And when you are still receiving the bulk of your funding from the government, you had better become that, or you are at a great disadvantage.

If you read Friends & Neighbors, you know there is a battle raging. Stuart commissioner Boss Collins has a campaign to take over the county. He has effectively done so in Stuart with his Politburo consisting of Laura Giobbi and Sean Reed. He already has a county commissioner in his stable and is getting ready to run against another one.

I am not going to go into why he is a fraud and just plain bad for Martin County. I do enough of that writing about Stuart. But he has no compunction about spreading falsehoods if it advances his cause. Giobbi, his acolyte, went from being pro-BDB to anti-BDB in the same Stuart Commission meeting because Collins gave her a nod.

The city commission then stopped its BDB contribution. I tried to do that for years when I was a commissioner but was unsuccessful. It was a different time with different commissioners. Because I was not friendly to the BDB, I never attended a meeting, nor did I try to influence any vote. Not so for the Collins Crew.

Collins has also taken to posting outright fabrications against the organization. At the same time, because of the bylaws Stuart (Collins) still has a representative on the BDB even though they no longer contribute. What is wrong with that picture?

Staff at the executive board meeting today strongly suggested that the bylaws be changed and Stuart no longer have a vote on the board. The board was afraid it would look bad. That is utter nonsense.

When you are threatened and bullied, the only thing you can do is fight back. This board is not fighting back. That is a mistake.

If Collins is elected to the county commission, the BDB is done. Just as it is starting to get its act together, it will be over. Saying nothing is not an option, it is a weakness. Boss Collins will exploit that weakness.

Unlike the executive board meeting, this is the one where decisions are supposed to be made.

It started out with the board recognizing a new investor, Truist Bank. So far this year, private investor income has reached $73,500 from a budgeted amount of $80,000. Sponsors were targeted to be $82,100 but so far in 2025 it is $12,500…way below expectations. The organization has $30,000 budgeted from municipalities but only Indiantown has paid.

Stuart decided not to contribute this year. More about that in a moment. Martin County has contributed the bulk of the money at $465,000. The BDB is about $90,000 short of its budget goal.

The Business Development Board has a 2025 budget of $657,000 and is running a lean operation. The only government that is effectively using the organization is Indiantown. The BDB is far from a panacea, but for as long as it is around, it can help not only existing businesses but new ones.

If Martin County decided to take its contribution and make the organization part of the county government, I am not so sure it would be a bad idea. Some believe that private businesses wouldn’t trust the government to work with them and keep their plans under wraps. I don’t really buy that argument. It is currently done all the time at all levels of government.

Perhaps one of the problems with the BDB is its unruly governing structure. There are 19 individuals listed as board members. Yet in reviewing the list, the four at the end are not board members but appointees by two municipal governments, one is appointed by the county government and the last their legal counsel.

The three government entities also have voting members that they appoint to the board. Nothing wrong with that except The City of Stuart is no longer an investor. Boss Collins stated that Stuart taxpayers are Martin County taxpayers and therefore do not need to be a participant.

In many cases I can buy that reasoning but in this case, I don’t think that is correct. If a new business moves to Stuart, the city will receive real estate taxes, utility fees, business taxes and other income. So, while Martin County contributes $465,000 for any benefit received, the city contributes nothing for any benefit received.

If Stuart wants to be a deadbeat and get away with it…so be it. What I don’t understand is why the BDB would give them not one but two seats at the board table when they are not investors. We both know that the Boss and his Politburo member, Giobbi, have no problem biting the hand that feeds them.

Collins has been castigating the BDB on social media while Giobbi sits at their table. When I was looking at her at the meeting, all I could think of was Judas at the Last Supper. But not one other person at that table was ready to say anything, forget about casting her out.

Like I have said before, if you don’t believe in an organization’s mission, you shouldn’t behave as if you do. Being on the board expressly signifies that you do believe in the mission. It is hypocritical. But as we all have seen, that is no problem for Collins and the Politburo.

The foreign secretary for the old Soviet Union, Andre Gromyko, would sit on a block of ice if a Soviet leader told him in pursuit of their goal. More and more, it looks like Collins can call on his “Gromyko” to do the same thing. I don’t understand why the BDB allows the free ride to continue.   

More than a decade ago, the commission chamber filled with residents complaining about the Jensen Beach PUD, known as Pitchford Landing. The project is located on Indian River Drive near the roundabout by the Jensen Beach bridge. The current owner of the parcels is now asking for them to be rezoned.

The original project was very intense and dense. It had commercial and multifamily contained within the13.7 acres. Fortunately, it never got off the ground. What few buildings currently located there, such as the Hoffman Restaurant, are non-conforming and could not be built today without variances. The allotted time for the PUD to come in with a site plan and build has expired.

Every lot needs to have zoning use. An expired PUD zoning doesn’t mean anything. A new PUD agreement could be negotiated between the owner and county, but at present there is no site plan attached to negotiate about. The Owner is asking for RS-5 Low Density Residential District zoning. The permitted residential uses are single-family detached and modular homes. The other category requested for the property situated along the water is Limited Commercial, which is the least commercially intense use.

There was no site plan at this stage. The commission is not supposed to consider anything except whether the land use category is appropriate. Water and sewer hookup is not material to this decision. Unfortunately, Commissioner Eileen Vargas is either ignorant of what her duties are regarding zoning hearings or like many other elected officials believe they do not have to follow the rules.

She suggested tabling the item until water and sewer to the property could be worked out. Her harping that this was what our residents expect is not material to this agenda item as Ed Ciampi kept saying. If she hasn’t bothered to learn procedure, Vargas can’t be effective as a commissioner. She becomes one more voice not knowing how to move their goals forward.

Terry McCarthy, the applicant’s attorney, was becoming irritated (not a natural state for him.) The county’s attorney, Elysse Elder, reminded Vargas several times that zoning must be taken on its own and cannot be conflated with what a site plan would show. Commissioner Capps, a trained attorney, said that zoning cannot be conditioned on utilities. Capps moved approval of staff’s recommendation.

The other four commissioners recognize the value of hooking up to water and sewer with Chair Heard the biggest proponent. Vargas seems to believe that she is in the mold of Heard. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Sarah Heard is very knowledgeable and strategic. She is not someone who is in favor of most development. She knows when she can oppose something and when her opposition is pointless or not permitted. Opposing the rezoning of these parcels is not accomplishing any stated goals. Vargas’ reasoning is purely political in nature.

What was originally going to be built was something that Heard voted against. From a density perspective, the rezoning is a win. At some point, perhaps a site plan will come back and at that time conditions can be placed if it is a PUD.

If homes are going to be built because of the new zoning, they must hook up to sewers if available. Problem solved. Vargas’ approach is her political problem in search of a solution not an environmental one.

The rezoning passed 4-1 with Vargas dissenting.

County Attorney Sarah Woods announced that she will be retiring from Martin County for the 2nd time.

And once again the commission will have to look for her replacement. The last time, they were unsuccessful in finding one. Which shows that they would be happy with the familiar than going outside their comfort zone. After a brief six months of retirement, Woods returned.

Administrator Donaldson recommends putting together a screening panel of the sheriff, county clerk, a county department head, a private attorney, and Donaldson.

It was obvious who Donaldson’s and Woods’ favorite candidate was. Woods even said she recommended her deputy, Elysse Elder. I am not so sure that most commissioners agree with that recommendation though she will be acting county attorney during the search process.

The commissioners’ recommendations regarding who should serve on the selection committee are not quite the same as Donaldson’s. They went back and forth, and it was decided that the commissioners would individually give input to Donaldson on committee membership.

Commissioner Heard stated that the makeup of the panel favors internal succession which seemed to be one of the few points with which commissioners agreed.  If that is the case, the commission is looking to go in a different direction than staff.

The commission should be looking for a managing partner for the law firm known as the Martin County Attorney’s Office. A managing partner should not be bogged down with the minutiae of contracts, or land use, or risk management. It is up to the attorneys in the office handling those matters to be the subject matter experts in their individual fields.

The county attorney has five clients to manage…the commissioners. That person should be making sure that the clients have answers to their questions. If the county attorney needs to second guess the office attorneys, then the county attorney has made the wrong hires.

It doesn’t mean that the county attorney shouldn’t be knowledgeable about the law, but it does mean that the position is supervisory in nature. He/she is the one who holds the clients’ hands and makes sure they are in the loop so that they can make informed decisions. 

Just like the county administrator doesn’t need to have a wealth of knowledge about how to fight fires to supervise Fire/Rescue, the county attorney doesn’t need to know employment law to manage the attorney within the department who is responsible for employment-related issues.

Martin County has become way too complex for one attorney to know everything about everything. The next attorney needs to look at their position in this more managerial way. The commission should be wanting their attorney to manage the department’s assistant attorneys and give them cogent legal advice.

The New Chief Is “Z”

Flamur Zenelovic has been named the new Stuart Police Chief.

Zenelovic started his career in Stuart (1995 to 2003) but then decided to move to Rochester, NY to be closer to family. He spent nearly 2 decades with that city’s department until his retirement. That is when he came back to Stuart and rejoined Stuart PD as Support Services Captain in April 2023.

I guess as a kid the name Flamur was not an easy handle to carry around. For that matter neither is pronouncing Zenelovic. Our new chief is known affectionately as “Z.” 

It is never easy to follow in someone’s footsteps. David Dyess was an inspirational leader, yet Chief “Tummo” Tumminelli managed to place his imprint on Stuart PD. I am sure “Z” will bring his own take to the job. Stuart has always been lucky in that regard.

Chief Joseph Tumminelli will officially retire tomorrow after thirty years with the department. 

The Commission has done it now. They have offered the new environmental attorney job to Ruth Holmes.

With this hire, they have committed to spending about a half million dollars a year on a department that currently has no defining parameters except they are not going to litigate. Mac Stuckey, the godfather of this plan (or lack of one), said one thing that is 100% correct. The danger to the estuary is dumping fresh water into the river. This causes the salinity of the river to change, the lagoon dies.

Of course, highly contaminated water from fertilizers is a problem. Also, harmful sewage from either leaking septic systems or runoff into the river. Rainwater contributes to the change in salinity. There are multiple problems. Lake “O” isn’t the only thing.

We have an environmental attorney, now what? The City of Stuart has about a mile or so of riverfront about 25 miles from Lake Okeechobee. The rest is in the county. How do you prove where the contamination occurred? And if you do, will Ms. Holmes bring a suit? Every attorney interviewed stated they would need to hire an outside firm to do that.

This new department may dwarf the amount that the county spends on this problem. Boss Collins has said many times that Stuart residents pay taxes in the county also. Are we just duplicating services or is it a way to assuage the ego of Collins and his Politburo. So much for his stewardship of residents’ tax money.

This is not personal to Holmes. She is probably a good attorney who is sincere in her task. It is just an ill-defined task. A waste of money is a waste of money. In the years to come, the cost will be hundreds of thousands of dollars, and for what? I guess we will figure it out later.

I will keep my eye on this huge waste of resources, and I will report on what Holmes is doing. As I said before, maybe the attorney can sue the Stuart Commission for having a toxic dump inside the city limits that it has not remediated. Hey, it is a start.

Commissioner Giobbi at the May 12th meeting called me an enemy… twice. Not a political opponent or someone who disagrees with her point of view but an enemy. Come on Laura.

Let me disabuse Laura of another incorrect notion she has…that I am from Brooklyn. It is untrue. I’ve lived in Manhattan and Queens but never Brooklyn. It is not that I don’t like the place. I have owned and managed real estate there. I once had a contracting business in Greenpoint, and my daughter has lived in that part of New York City for more than 20 years. I even belonged to a Sons of Italy Lodge in Bensonhurst.

I just want to set the record straight. I am not a Brooklynite and never have been. Poor Laura is so desperate to paint me as an enemy that she would even resort to geographic name calling. Tch Tch!

I have been told Laura and I both have homes in Connecticut. If that is true, there is at least one connection we can share.

With that out of the way, I want to turn to a remark she made about our local legislators. If I heard her correctly, she called on them to step down from their seats because she disagrees with their stances on things such as Senate Bill 180 which will drastically reduce Boss Collins and her ability to remove people’s property rights.  

Laura, one of the reasons the bill was passed unanimously in one chamber and 37-1 in the other, was because of actions like the unreasonable anti-property rights stance the Boss and you, as a member of his Politburo, espouse. It cost the city thousands of dollars in staff time during your moratorium discussions. Everything that you did will all be overturned by the bill enactment when the governor signs this veto-proof measure.

Both Boss Collins and you talk about saving taxpayers money. Everything you have done since being elected has only made the city’s fiscal matters worse. Coming up is budget time where you intend to cut programs so that people will say you are fiscally responsible. Of course, it is all about Chris’ ability to call himself a fiscal conservative in his upcoming campaign.  

The way to be fiscally responsible is to increase revenue by having more business and residents contributing. That is not a tax hike but a real tax cut to existing taxpayers. You have done everything to oppose that from happening. Collins and you are into subtraction and not addition of Stuart’s income streams.

You and Collins are only one reason for anti-home rule measures being passed. There are other reasons for it. Mainly many constituents are fed up with the arbitrariness of locals thinking they can trample over people’s rights. Stuart under your regime is a prime example of it.

Laura, you are a public figure. You ran to represent me, even if to you I am an enemy. Imagine thinking of one of your taxpayers and constituents as that. Again…Tch, Tch!

You are not my enemy! You are an elected official who I don’t believe is acting in the best interest of the city. I will continue to oppose your actions but not necessarily you the person. If all it takes to get under your skin is a critical article, then you have chosen the wrong job.

And as an aside, you are paid more than $20,000 a year to do the job. That doesn’t count your medical and retirement benefits and all the other freebies you receive such as free VIP tickets to the Air Show. I used to give the tickets away to city employees and contribute about half my city pay to local charities. How about you and the Boss start by giving back some of your pay instead of laying off your employees. 

Commissioner Giobbi is walking back her remarks about me made at the May 12th meeting. She claims she meant to use it as a segway to a constituent email about sending legislators to Tallahassee who have the best interest and welfare of their constituents as their agenda.

Now that is not what I heard and of course anyone can go and listen to the recording. Laura, are you suggesting that you didn’t say all that stuff about Brooklyn and so forth….?

Nevertheless, I am glad she is now going to leave me alone and go after Gayle Harrell, John Snyder, and Toby Overdorf. In her mind, they are not working in the best interests of Martin County and Stuart residents. Before Giobbi could find Stuart on a map, Gayle Harrell has been bringing home state resources for us. Toby, who no longer even represents the city, still believes having an office within its boundaries has some benefit. And Snyder, who was born here, is right there helping the county and city with our needs.

If Laura is not writing her own material, whoever is must be a political idiot. It is inconceivable to me why any elected municipal official would say something so preposterous from the dais. Unless Giobbi is a Democrat seeking state office, she is making sure that no one carries Stuart’s water in the capitol.

Giobbi should go back to knocking me…it is much safer than picking a fight with a Tallahassee legend in the case of Harrell and a soon to be one with Snyder.

I did not ask for copies of her remarks on May 12th. I should have. Here is the copy of this week’s remarks.  

It seemed that the May 27th meeting was a two-hour gripe session.

Mortell was trying to get clarity regarding what to do with the windfall of money from Stuart’s portion of the environmental land sales tax. While the county must follow the language of the referendum entirely, the same is not true for municipalities. There will be about $2 million per year for the city. The only caveat according to Attorney Paul Nicoletti, who was substituting for Lee Baggett, was that it must be used for capital items only.

Mortell gave several suggestions regarding things to spend the money on such as tree canopies, drainage projects, creek maintenance, and storm water. Collins wanted to spend the money to make a trailhead at Haney Creek where there is the 2-acre parcel on U.S. 1.

I don’t think it would be a bad idea except Mortell said one of the reasons no one has ever agreed to build anything there is because they would have to spend $750,000 on a lane decelerator plus other improvements mandated by FDOT. The city would have to make a trail inside Haney to get to the proposed trailhead. The Boss is just afraid of any construction anywhere within city limits.

I was always under the impression that the environmental attorney could be paid for out of those funds. But Nicoletti stating that only capital improvement needs could be paid from those funds would eliminate that. Let’s face it…with the Collins crew in charge and no new revenue coming in, there is going to be a shortage of funds.

Giobbi, anxious to prove her “social” bonafides, spoke about helping the homeless not by building housing or providing services but by collaborating with the county to have a central person so that different nonprofit groups can have someone to speak to. She said there was no money to do anything else.

When both the mayor and Mortell said the county has a dedicated person, Giobbi looked surprised. The Administration Human Services Director at Martin County is Michelle Miller. Anyone who is involved in this issue knows who she is. I am on the County’s Affordable Housing Committee for which she serves as the staff person. Mayor Rich is on another consortium of private charities trying to alleviate this problem.

Commissioner Giobbi then had the idea of forming a group of other city officials to fight preemption. The mayor reminded her that such a group already exists. It is called the Florida League of Cities and has been around 103 years. He then went on to explain that in the last session they were instrumental on the CRA and Sovereign Immunity bills being fought. Both Mortell and Nicoletti said the same thing in the nicest way possible.

Giobbi then began to speak about how our legislators are anti-home rule. One of the reasons why a bill like SB180 which will prevent local government from changing their comp plans and land development codes is sitting on the governor’s desk is because of Boss Collins and Laura. They tried to take away people’s property rights. This bill is the result of that. Collins’ and Giobbi’s constituents lobbied to be protected from arbitrary and capricious actions by local officials. They should both just look in the mirror to see why Tallahassee is 

doing what they are doing.

Laura and Chris wonder why they are a target in Tallahassee when they call for people to vote against current legislators from the dais. They need to keep that type of politics out of city commission meetings. Maybe Chris is running for another office but how about Laura? Even if both are doing so, politics has no place up there.

I call on the mayor and city manager to stop ad hominem attacks from commissioners while meetings are happening. The public is tired of this stuff. How about these guys take care of business and stop blaming others for their sad situation?

There is no easy answer. But we are all to blame because as a nation we no longer can agree on what an education is.

In Martin County there are several recent examples of where scholarship takes a back seat to other interests. The two that stand out in my mind are the resource officers and the Martin County High School pool. In both instances, funds that would be better spent on education directly are being used for non-education purposes.

Last week we saw the school board and sheriff clash over who was responsible for paying for resource officers. The state passed along an unfunded mandate to local districts by requiring beefed up security due to the tragedy at Margaret Stoneman Douglas several years ago. Tallahassee currently allows an allocation of $1,667,144 for the district’s “Safe School Allocation.”  

The new contract between the sheriff and the district is around $8 million in total with the sheriff paying about $3 million, which includes about $800,000 for the crossing guards. It is unclear where the increased funds are coming from on both sides. They still have not made the funding public either because they don’t want to say or they haven’t figured it out yet.

All of us want to keep our children safe. However, the blame for the need for this amount of security is because of choices we have made as a state to not curb gun violence. We would rather spend money on guards, gates, and security protocols. Education is sacrificed to the politics of guns, hiring, and consultants.

The second example of putting everything before scholarship, we have the Martin County High School pool. That is where every interest except the students has been placed ahead. In a county of this size, we are more concerned with adults having a place to swim than kids.

I am a big supporter of community pools. Every regional park should have one. There is not one in the county where the public can go and swim for free. Because of that, the high school pool is being treated not as a school asset but for the enjoyment of adults.

Since the school board made a conscience decision not to have a pool at either South Fork or Jensen Beach High, the Martin County pool is it. At some point, the kids from the other high schools should be using Martin County as their practice location rather than the pool at Sailfish Splash…for which there is a fee.

Every fourth grader should be mandated to have swimming classes. This is Florida where no kid should be a non-swimmer. That pool can be open from morning to night for the exclusive use of students.

Why should school tax dollars be used for the benefit of adults? The school board should stop any outside use. And having to care for that pool should be looked upon as no different than the maintenance of any school property.

Even saying the above, is a pool as important as basic learning? The answer of course is no. However, if you are going to have a pool, it should be for the exclusive use of the kids within the school district.

Some would say that there was an understanding 50 years ago that the public could use the facility. That may be true but there were less than 50,000 residents then. There were fewer individually-owned pools and fewer ones in homeowner associations. Nothing is the same forever. 

The first thing that seemed rather odd to me at the May 27th commission meeting was the fact that Commissioner Tidikis was still parsing the meaning of words from earlier meetings.

Words are important. And the context in which they are used is important. But sometimes a word is just a word.

In the April 22nd minutes, there was an email that was written by the town manager to the clerk stating that before the unapproved minutes went out, he or the finance director should approve of the draft. Tidikis wanted the minutes to reflect that the town manager used the word “approve.”

Daniels explained approve in that context meant to approve the form and proofread for errors. Daniels agreed the minutes should be changed to reflect the word approve. To move on, everyone agreed about “approve” so the minutes could be approved. This is the approval that counts, the commission’s approval. Everyone got that.

They also discussed the roadway survey for South and North Sewall’s Point Roads regarding speeding. After the discussion, it seemed they decided to move on without any changes from the data collected from residents. You can see the information and resident comments here

The owner of the property at 7 Morgan Circle wants to build a 9,000 sq. foot house. It seems the neighbors do not object to the size but to the wall being built.

Similarly, what is the definition of a wall and who approves it? After an hour discussion where neighbors, owner, staff, and commissioners weighed in, we know a wall is not a wall as some would define it and it definitely does not mean necessarily a retaining wall.

There is also the matter of whether the owner is putting in a pool. The owner stated that there was no plan to do so now. And it was not on the site plan. The applicant said if later he wanted to put in a pool, he would need a variance to do so because of setbacks. That means it would come back to the town for approval. The looks of disbelief by some commissioners continued as if he was going to slip one over on the town. Of course, they all have pools.

After a while, the building official said that the DEP must give their approval because of wetlands, etc. and approve where a wall would be located. However, that is immaterial by law as to whether he can receive a building permit. For the edification of the commissioners, the building official read the town’s code regarding it all.

The commissioners did not understand why this was before them. Daniels said they wanted it on the agenda so they could discuss it…and discuss it they did. Sending the entire matter back to staff where a building permit will probably be issued and there will be no C/O issued until Florida DEP has had the hearings which include the neighbors.

There was no need for approval by the commission to go forward.

For several years with Fire/Rescue leading the way, the county has attempted to have a new lifeguard station built for the public beach on the Island.

None of what they wanted to do was very attractive. Anywhere else in Martin County there would have been pushback that county staff would have ignored. It is harder to do that on Jupiter Island.

Even having a public beach is perceived as a problem for some in the town. The facilities that were acceptable for the staff in the past are horrendous for today’s sensibilities. Having the employee toilet and shower open in their staff kitchen and dining area may have been alright when only men were employed but with a co-ed staff not so much so. The staff building will now be up to today’s standards.

The design of the new public toilet and open pavilion is much better than before. County Administrator Don Donaldson did the presentation himself. Four commissioners were complementary about the efforts put forth by the county. One was not.

Commissioner Scott wanted to know what was in it for Jupiter Island. She doesn’t understand why it has to be done. The other commissioners looked embarrassed for her though she showed none whatsoever.

The beach is owned by the county. It is the only county public beach in South Martin County. Hobe Sound residents deserve access to the beach just as much as those living in Stuart, Jensen, or Rio.

Imgine being on an island all alone. No riffraff to bother you. No cars parked close to your house to disturb you. Or nighttime fishermen throwing their lines into the surf. At least one person on Jupiter Island would like that.

You can see the beach presentation here 

Even on Jupiter Island, there seems to be a pecking order.

The landowners on the ocean side of Beach Road would like nothing better than to remove the rights-of-way through the abandonment process so that the west side of Beach Road owners can’t easily have access to the beach. When one of the west side owners asked that passageways be left open, Commissioner Scott cried “there was a leak in the shade.” I believe she was referring to the attorney/client sessions having to do with the global settlement of the town’s lawsuits.

Commissioner Field shot back that at least for one of the passageways, there had been talk earlier about the matter. The other commissioners agreed with Field that no one broke any sunshine rules.

The crux of the matter is every Jupiter Island taxpayer pays Beach Restoration Taxes. The Island buys and pumps sand for beach renourishment. If half or more of the island can’t enjoy the beaches, why pay to maintain them?

I am sure there will be more on this. Could another lawsuit be brewing?

With the global settlement there could be peace and harmony back in the town. The waterfront setback line will go back to the one before it was changed by the last commission. Before it can be changed in the future, special notification provisions must be followed.

All litigants will cover their own legal costs. It is a pity that so much had to be spent to get to this point. You can see the entire settlement here with exhibits.  

Tom’s Articles

From Medium

"A Complicated Blood Line"

HERE

"The Future Is...."

Here

"The MAGA Future Is Now"

HERE

Other Articles

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The New York Times: "A.I.-Generated Reading List in Chicago Sun-Times Recommends Nonexistant Books"

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The Economist: "MAGA's assault on science is an act of self-harm" 

HERE 

Wall Street Journal: "Miami Beach's Historic Art Deco District Collides With Push for More Housing"

HERE

The New York Times: How Father Bob Became Pope Leo

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USA Today: "Property Tax Revolt"

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The New York Times: "How Trumps' Search for a New Air Force One Led to Qatar's Jet"

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Wall Street Journal: "They Were Ecery Student's Worst Nightmare. Now Blue Books Are Back"

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The Washington Post: "I loved the 'All In The Family' theme song. Now I actually get it.

HERE

The New York Times: "Europe Built Trains. America Built Highways and Regrets."

HERE

The Washington Post: " 'No tax on tips' could backfire amid growing tip fatigue"

HERE

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