November 2, 2025

Stuart continues to be a mess.

We cover extensively in this edition what has been going on with the hollowing out of the city government by Collins, Giobbi, and Reed. They fired City Manager Mike Mortell at the last meeting ending his 20+ years as a volunteer, elected official, and employee service to a place he has repeatedly said he loves.

Since the Boss and his Politburo took the commission majority they have acted with lawless impunity. The tearing up of our Land Development Code and passing one that is in violation of state statute says it all. Their hiring and funding an environmental department consisting of an attorney that hired more attorneys is the biggest joke yet.

At least $300,000 has been spent since August when Ruth Holmes was hired. What does it say when city employees (supposedly 16 of them) are terminated to afford their cockamamie budget. It isn’t that Boss Collins didn’t have 4 more additional patronage jobs besides Ruth Holmes that he used city funds for. He went behind the city manager’s back and made sure that 4 new fire/rescue employees were hired because he considers their union his political ally.

I have been calling for the governor to remove the three before they can do more damage to the city. Now others are taking up the call including Ted Astolfi, the CEO of the Economic Council (He is speaking out as a Stuart resident.) State Representative Toby Overdorf has also taken up the cause and is looking into the criminal irregularities.

We have a wonderful edition with stories on not only Stuart but Indiantown, Sewall’s Point, and the Martin County School District.

Elysse Elder was appointed County Attorney succeeding Sarah Woods. I wish Elysse a long and happy tenure in that position.

Our columnists will give you their take on politics, nonprofits, medicine, and so much more. We are always looking for others, especially someone that can write about restaurants and food. But anyone that has a hankering to pen a piece should let me know.

So, sit back while you read this week’s edition and have a cup of coffee.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

I would imagine that we all have fond memories of childhood. One thing that most people my age remember having that the kids today will never have is freedom.

The freedom to roam. The freedom to get up in the morning on a summer day knowing that the only plan you have is no plan at all. Unlike today’s child who counts on his parents to arrange a “play date,” yesterday’s kid couldn’t even conceive of such a thing.

After school, you had about an hour or so to hang around with your friends before you were supposed to be home for homework and dinner. It was rather easy to keep yourself amused. If somebody had a spaldeen, you had a thousand different games you could play.

Box ball was the easiest. You would just stand on the sidewalk. The cement flags were your court, and you would volley back and forth the ball with the palm of your hand. If you could get to the park, you could play handball. Or there was stoop ball where you took your turn using the stairs in front of a building to throw the ball against the stairs and the other kids would catch it. Depending on where the ball landed, you would have a hit and even a home run.

There were so many games to play with that little pink ball. And guess what? There wasn’t an adult in sight. When you didn’t have a ball, someone would have kept aluminum foil used to wrap their lunch sandwich to create a ball. That was our football for “two handed touch.” If no one thought to keep their wrapping, then a pair of gloves turned into each other worked also.

If you could get to a neighborhood playground, you could borrow a basketball, a deck of playing cards, checker or chess sets, parcheesi, and maybe other board games from the person known as the “Parkey.” Somehow no one ever thought about stealing this stuff and not returning it to the “Park House.” The staff, usually consisting of one, had a desk, a chair, a portable space heater in the winter, and a fan in the summer were stationed in those brick one room buildings with closet.

Parkeys also cleaned the men and women’s rooms. They adjudicated  disagreements between kids and stopped us from getting hurt and in trouble. They even ran a program that was a cross between kindergarten and childcare.

There was no room, or the local school had no kindergarten when my time came. For an entire school year, I went to the park for class. Half the year I went in the morning and half in the afternoon. We sat on the park benches and went through workbooks and simple readers. When it was too cold out or raining, we ended up in the “Park House” on the floor doing our lessons. The same went for any games we played.

A couple of times when it was hot toward the end of the school year, we ended up going under the sprinklers clothes and all. I remember even having a graduation. I think our mothers brought cake and ice cream to that.

These parks or playgrounds were in every neighborhood. Swings, slides, seesaws, and monkey bars were standard. For the toddlers, there was a sandbox. I remember my brother, cousins, and friends pretended that the monkey bars were a ship with the bridge on the very top. At the bottom was the engine room.

Today a kid never leaves his house. There is no time to imagine something else. If a kid wants to play football he needs a uniform, equipment, coach, and team…a simple ball of tinfoil wouldn’t do.

I was never a great athlete. No one ever showed me the fundamentals. And I have no natural ability for sports. Yet as a kid I had a lot of fun without much supervision and survived.

When I woke up on a summer morning, I had no idea where I was going to end up that day. What I did know for sure was that none of the day except for meals would involve a parent nearby or taking me anywhere. I also knew I would not be spending any time in front of a TV set with an X-Box in my hands. 

A little over three years ago, the voters of Stuart elected Chris Collins to their commission. The incumbent, Merritt Matheson, was defeated by 97 votes. Even then, as Collins knocked on voters’ doors, he was lying to those he spoke with. He lied about Matheson and the rest of the commissioners’ records.

The city had been clawing its way out of the 2008 Great Recession, and for several years, projects that were on the books were stalled. As the economy continued to improve, the owners of other empty parcels also wanted to build. There was no housing available.

And what proves the point that once built the market wanted those new apartments is that every single project that was built during that period is now fully occupied. There were no foreclosures, tumbling rents, or other signs that the units were not needed or oversupply existed as was argued before each approval. The same thing happened with the limited amount of commercial space.

Collins tried to portray that more and new housing units would be a disaster. He knew better. He just didn’t care.

He claimed the traffic was increasing and saturating the roadways. Even though those roads were built for more cars than the new projects added to those roads, and the roads ended up not saturated. Most of the increase in traffic came from residents of St. Lucie County where thousands of dwelling units have been built with more to come.

To think that if you limit the number of residents in Stuart then there will be no traffic is idiotic. Yet that was the nonsense that Collins was selling. The anti-growth furor boiled over with the Kanner PUD A/K/A Costco.

That project was built on a 50-acre site that was once a farm. A farm that had abandoned farming or any use except as an illegal dump decades earlier. A farm that was very polluted and one that was in the City of Stuart after being annexed and surrounded by other commercial and residential units. Matheson, then on the commission, worked very hard with the developer and a much better project was designed due to his efforts.

All the wailing and gnashing of teeth about impending congestion and crime and vagrancy failed to materialize. I see some of the people that yelled the loudest happily shopping at Costco. Costco proved to be a non-issue.

The City of Stuart is about 7 square miles. If it is not too hot, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in an afternoon. Yet we pretend as if development is eating the town alive. That is just not true. Collins pounced on the fear that it was and lied his way to defeating Matheson.

Then his real work of destroying the city began. He is a narcissistic caricature of a populist. His idea is to make people think that by stopping all development and business, things will just be peachy. He knows better, but he chose that way to gain votes.

Collins’ populism is insidious. It takes a grain of truth and blows it out of proportion. Then he feeds on the lie. He has his minions make wildly inaccurate statements, and he then sounds statesman like when he agrees that they may be true. To me if his lips are moving…well you know the adage.

With the proposed firing of Manager Mortell, he may have gone too far. Mortell is not only a well-liked local, he is also smart and competent. This is a watershed moment. Do Stuart residents allow lies and commission incompetence to continue or do they say no?

Don’t tell me that there is no communication between Collins, Giobbi, and Reed. Things are much too coordinated for there not to be any. Sometimes, you can even see the signals going on from the dais.

With all that is wrong, you would think the governor would come in and end our misery. There are plenty of incidents that warrant their removal from office. It doesn’t seem like that will happen unfortunately.

If we are going to save ourselves, then we need to stop the termination of Mortell. He is the one person that stands between the barbarians and the gate. Plan to be there and give your two cents during public comment at the commission meeting on October 27th at 5:00. I want this to be the end of the Snake and the Politburo.

A recent post on Next Door had an increase in someone’s health insurance premium beginning in January going from $333 a month to $2310.89.

Perhaps some of you saw the post. One thing is for sure…I’ll bet that person cannot afford to pay the new premium. Then what happens?

The person will be uninsured. No doctor’s visits. If he has an accident, any savings will be wiped out. A cancer diagnosis may go untreated. This is America…supposedly the richest country in the world yet with millions of people without medical care. I am tired of it.

I have been fortunate in my life. I am not a billionaire. I watch my pennies, and if you ask my wife, she will say more than I must. Until the day she died, my mother would carefully turn envelopes she received in the mail inside out so she could use them again. I might not have fallen too far from the tree so to speak.

I believe in a market economic system. Everyone should make as much money as they can. Government should stay out of markets as much as possible except when it comes to monopolies and unfair practices. I love capitalism.

I also believe that those who have more should pay more. We should always help others. One of the ways we do that is by paying taxes. To many Americans, taxes have become a dirty word. I disagree.

Taxes paid should allow every American to have healthcare.  Everyone should be able to see a doctor, pay for medicine, and receive treatment. Some of you may think that it is socialized medicine. I would call universal healthcare another name…social medicine.

We have Social Security for seniors. We should have social housing for those who can’t afford to live in an apartment without a subsidy. I don’t mean government housing but government vouchers to help pay for housing in the private sector.

Absolutely our taxes will increase (at least for people like me.) Caring for our fellow Americans should be how we identify who we are. When I see a premium of $2300, I know that is who we are presently. And that is far from how most of us see ourselves.

I wonder if Collins, Giobbi, and Reed have any idea about the C-23/C-24 projects being built west of Fort Pierce that are part of the Indian River Lagoon South and Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

When it is completed, it will clean billions of gallons of stormwater. Stormwater that flows now into the IRL South and the St. Lucie estuary in Stuart. The Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) will have nearly a billion gallons of storage and be completed next spring. In addition, the Southern Reservoir will have an additional 19 billion gallons of storage, and the Northern Reservoir will have 10.5 billion gallons. Those are set to be completed in 2030 and 2031 respectively.

You never hear anything about this project and others from “environmentalists” at the city. That is mainly due to their lack of knowledge and information. The only place they ever go is the River Coalition Meeting, and that is politics not environmental.

Just the completion of the first project will take pressure off the Army Corps to release water into the St. Lucie from Lake Okeechobee. Dispersing stormwater so that it does not end up at our doorstep is what we want to have accomplished.

It looks like a significant improvement will happen to the St. Lucie waterway by 2031. That along with LOSUM has gone a long way in mitigating continued damage to our waterways. But there still is more to do.

If the discharges are stopped, then the next step is to clean the muck on the bottom of the river. That will require billions of dollars more. Suing Washington won’t get us that but lobbying will. Martin County has been a big supporter of this approach. It has been hugely successful.

What has not even made a difference is the hiring of Stuart’s environmental attorney. If anything in the environmental field, the county and the city no longer work hand in hand. When Ben Hogarth and Merritt Matheson were there for the city, most of the LOSUM groundwork was laid. 

That was before the days when Stuart had a dedicated attorney and consultant-lawyers. Knowledgeable staff and environmentalists accomplished that for Martin County. Now the partnership with the county is over.

Collins wants chaos and disruption. He is not looking at outcomes, just the noise for his political future. And this is a perfect example.

When Reed, Giobbi, and Collins decided to defund the BDB, they claimed that the county was collecting Stuart resident tax dollars already to pay the BDB. No reason to pay twice because county taxes were sufficient. I guess the county’s environmental department is a different creature and is somehow not part of the effort.

Consistency is not the “Facebook 3’s” strong suit and never has been.

Every year, the three state legislative officials that represent Martin County come as a body and listen to the “asks” of local government, nonprofits, and individuals.

This year it was held at the Blake Library. The number of organizations was fewer than last year as was the number of municipalities. It was much more relaxed.

I arrived at about 8:45. I was there to show support for a nonprofit. I know this won’t win me any points with Boss Collins and the Politburo, but I sat beside City Manager Mike Mortell. The only Stuart commissioner present was Mayor Rich.

Mortell was there because that is one of the things a city manager should do…show his face to the state’s elected officials. He didn’t say anything, and he left to go back to city hall after about an 2 hours.

He was not ostracized by any of the several hundred people there. People came up shook hands and gave him words of encouragement as most have known him for decades. He is Stuart.

In his opening remarks, Representative Toby Overdorf praised Mortell. He and the other state officials are very upset about the eminent termination of Mike by Collins next Monday night. Remember these are the people who sponsor Stuart’s appropriations in Tallahassee.

Rich presented the city’s request from the state is $1 million to go toward hardening the 10th Street Recreation Center. Right now, it is very vulnerable to a hurricane. If the city is spending millions on redoing the park, it makes perfect sense to redo the building also. I wonder if Senator Harrell will want any of her political capital to be spent on Stuart right now, especially if Mike is gone. She has known him since he was a kid.

While Stuart had only one commissioner present, the county mustered all five to be there for their request. And the request was really for the sheriff and his mental health wing. That is just good government and not Stuart dysfunction.

As time went by and speakers made their pitches for their requests, the discussions were all about Stuart by those in the room as they waited. Most were shocked by the conduct of Collins, Reed, and Giobbi. I would argue that most of Collins’s support is not Stuart residents or voters, at least according to those that respond on his page. It isn’t community leaders.  

The people there were those who are very knowledgeable about the community. These are the people who have been donating their time for years for the people of Martin County. These are flesh and blood people rather than Facebook avatars.

The last person to speak was Ted Astolfi. He wanted to know why the three legislators have not brought the actions of Collins, Reed, and Giobbi to the governor’s attention. They are forcing the city to operate with an illegal land development code going against Florida Statute.

As Ted acknowledged, he wants the state to do a glitch bill (a bill to correct the faults of this one) regarding SB 180 which prevents changing the land development code after August 2024. While 180 is in effect, we are all bound to obey the law. Collins and the others from the dais have said they will not abide by this Florida statute. This is not a minor manner. It is against their oath of office.

Most of us believe we need to obey the laws…even those laws with which we disagree. Ted believes, as do I and many others, that SB 180 went too far in taking away the ability of local government to change their land development codes. Yet the response isn’t to ignore the law but to change it.

Ted said there is no special rule that the “lawless 3” get to disregard statutes they don’t like. By doing so, they make staff complicit in their lawlessness. Ted, and an increasing number of Stuart residents, believe Collins, Giobbi, and Reed need to be removed. Are these the people we want leading us? We are asking the state for help.

You can watch Cambell’s remarks here 

You can watch Ted’s remarks here 

President Trump recently announced that the United States may begin buying beef from Argentina to help bring down the cost of beef for American families. For anyone who has noticed the rising cost of steaks or hamburgers at the grocery store, that might sound like welcome news.

Beef prices have stayed high over the past couple of years, driven by droughts, smaller cattle herds, and higher costs for things like feed and transportation. Families across the country have been tightening their grocery budgets, so any plan that could lower food prices naturally gets attention. However, while consumers may cheer for cheaper beef, America’s farmers and ranchers are worried about what this move could mean for them.

From a shopper’s standpoint, it’s simple economics: if the U.S. imports more beef, there is more supply on the market. That usually means prices go down. Lower prices could help families stretch their food budgets and make beef a more regular part of their meals again. For many households, this feels like a win. After all, everyone wants affordable food on the table.

But for ranchers, the men and women who dedicate their lives to raising cattle here in the United States, the picture looks very different. Raising cattle isn’t easy or cheap. Farmers face costs for feed, land, fencing, fuel, veterinary care, labor, and more. When imported beef enters the market at a lower price, American ranchers may have to sell their beef for less; sometimes even below what it costs to produce it.

One Texas rancher called the potential imports “a gut punch,” explaining that it’s hard to compete with lower-cost beef from overseas while keeping a family business alive. For many rural communities, cattle ranching is more than an occupation, it’s a way of life that supports local jobs.

This situation highlights a tough question: how can we keep food affordable for consumers while ensuring farmers and ranchers can make a fair living? If prices drop too much, some U.S. ranchers might be forced out of business, which could hurt rural economies and make the country more dependent on imported food in the long run.

On the other hand, if prices stay high, families already struggling with inflation continue to feel the squeeze at the grocery store. It’s a delicate balance between two important priorities: feeding the nation affordably and supporting the people who grow that food.

No matter where you live, this issue connects to your dinner table. Every time we buy food, we take part in a system that depends on both hardworking farmers and mindful consumers. Policy decisions, like whether to import more beef, can have ripple effects from the grocery store to the family farm.

As this debate unfolds, it reminds us that the food we enjoy comes from real people putting in real work every day. Whether prices rise or fall, the goal should be the same: a food system that is fair for everyone from the pasture to the plate.

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

The Many Things To Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and as we pause to reflect on what we’re grateful for this season, our hearts are overflowing. At the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, every day brings moments of compassion, connection, and community, and this time of year reminds us just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by people who care deeply for animals in need.

We are thankful for our adopters, the heroes who open their hearts and homes to shelter pets, giving them a second chance at the love and security they deserve. Each adoption represents not just a new beginning for an animal, but also the start of a lifelong friendship. We’re especially thankful for those who choose to adopt our senior pets, providing comfort and care for them in their golden years. Knowing these animals will spend their remaining days surrounded by kindness is one of the greatest gifts we could ask for.

Lori Tucker

We are deeply thankful for our fosters and volunteers, the lifeblood of our organization. Whether they are bottle-feeding kittens, walking dogs, cleaning kennels, cashiering at our thrift stores, or helping at events, their dedication makes it possible for us to continue our mission. Every moment of their time helps save lives and bring joy to animals in need.

We are thankful for our supporters, the donors, local businesses, and community members who continue to show up, share, and stand with us. Their generosity keeps our doors open and our animals safe. We are equally grateful for our digital community, those who follow, like, share, and comment on our posts. Every click and share helps a homeless animal find its way to a loving home.

We’re also thankful for the people and businesses who display our flyers, promote our events, and spread the word about our mission. Their voices amplify ours, helping us reach hearts we might not reach alone.

Jasmine Poling

We’re also thankful for each other, our team of staff who work side by side every day. We’ve become a family united by a shared purpose: to save lives and make a difference. Together, we celebrate every wagging tail, every healing paw, and every happy ending.

Finally, we are thankful that at the end of each day, we can go home with peaceful hearts, knowing we’ve helped both people and pets in our community. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate gratitude, love, and the incredible bonds that bring us all together, for both the humans and animals in Martin County.

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

“Freedom to Speak, Responsibility to Love”

Free speech is one of the most cherished rights in a free society. It allows individuals to express ideas, challenge authority, share beliefs, and participate in meaningful dialogue. In case you haven’t noticed meaningful dialogue is severely lacking in society today.  For people of faith, the right to speak freely carries not only civic importance but also deep spiritual responsibility. Scripture reminds us that the words we speak reflect the condition of our hearts: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

In a world where words can quickly divide, inflame, or wound, Christians are called to use their freedom of speech differently. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Free speech is not merely a right to defend; it is a gift to steward. Our voices can build up or tear down, bless or curse, heal or harm. When guided by Christ’s love and wisdom, speech becomes a tool for reconciliation and truth rather than anger or pride.

Throughout history, the Church has depended on free expression to share the gospel, challenge injustice, and offer hope. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles who boldly preached Christ despite persecution, faith has always required courageous speech. Yet the Christian call goes beyond defending our own voices—it includes listening to others with grace and humility. As the saying goes, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.”  True dialogue respects the dignity of every person, even those who disagree.

As society wrestles with tensions around speech—what should be said, how it should be said, and who should be heard—believers can model a higher way. We can use our freedom not to dominate the conversation but to illuminate it. We can proclaim truth without cruelty, conviction without contempt, and faith without fear.

Free speech, at its best, mirrors the divine invitation to love freely and speak truthfully. In a culture that often values volume over virtue, the Christian witness reminds the world that how we speak matters as much as what we say.  In a world where digital communication is increasingly more prominent, we are reminded that tone is often interpreted by the recipient, not dictated by the sender, no matter how many emojis you use. As followers of Christ, we must use our words to glorify God, encourage others, and bear faithful witness to the truth that sets all people free.  If we are to rid ourselves of the hate that has infected our society, we must remember that hate begets hate and love begets love.

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

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been fascinated by dreams. I can still remember the vivid nightmares that would jolt me awake, heart pounding, wondering what they meant and why they felt so real. I had one recurring dream where something was chasing me - I never knew what - and just when it felt like I was about to be caught, I would leap off a cliff … and land safely in my own bed as I woke up. Even then, my dreams were trying to help me grapple with fear, escape, and trust that I’d somehow find my way through.

We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, yet most of us underestimate what’s happening while we’re there. Dreaming isn’t just a by-product of rest; it’s a vital part of our mental and emotional health. When we dream, our brains are sorting, filing, and making sense of the day’s experiences. The first dreams of the night tend to be quick and shallow - filled with the “tenants and leftovers” of our day. The deeper into sleep we go, the richer the dreams become. In those final dream cycles before waking, our subconscious takes the stage, weaving complex storylines to help us process what our waking minds can’t yet articulate.

Some dreams are like therapy sessions we didn’t know we scheduled. Being chased often reflects something we’re avoiding in real life - a task, a truth, or a conversation. Finding yourself partially or fully unclothed can reveal vulnerability or fear of exposure. Taking a test you haven’t prepared for may signal anxiety about judgment or expectations. These universal themes show that dreams speak a symbolic language shared across cultures.

• Homes can symbolize our sense of self.

• Water often represents emotion - rising, calm, or turbulent.

• Vehicles may reflect control or direction in life.

• Animals can embody instincts, protection, or anxiety.

• Doors and stairs suggest choices and transitions.

That’s why interpreting our own dreams can be tricky. We’re sometimes too close to see the obvious. Sharing a dream with someone who knows you well - someone who can gently point out the meaningful connections - can help reveal the message your mind buried in symbolism. Dreams are often trying to help us untangle something we’re not quite ready to face in the daylight.

When we begin to pay attention, we start to notice patterns. Recurring places, characters, or emotions become signposts, pointing to what needs attention in our waking life. Dreams offer guidance, insight, and sometimes even a bit of humor - but only if we listen.

Keeping a dream journal, jotting down even fragments before they fade, can help uncover what your subconscious is working on. Over time, you might notice how your inner world mirrors your outer one — and how your dreams are quietly helping you heal, grow, and prepare for what’s next.

Much like in marketing, our dreams help us make sense of the noise by organizing stories, insights, and emotions into something coherent and meaningful.

So tonight, when you close your eyes, think of sleep not as an escape from reality, but as a creative briefing from within — a chance to understand the stories you’re already telling yourself.

Because whether in business or in our subconscious, the narrative always matters. And dreams are our minds’ way of connecting the dots that daylight can’t always see.

Do you have a recurring dream that you want to share? Email me at stacy@fireflyforyou.com

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

Psychedelics. What's the Fuss?

Psychedelics have been used since the neolithic period in human history, with documented evidence of mescaline being used by civilizations in the Americas for the last 6,000 years. Pharmacologically, a psychedelic is a substance that produces profound alterations in perception, cognition, mood, and consciousness, primarily through stimulation of one of the many types of serotonin receptors in the brain.  Most antidepressants in use today also target the serotonin receptors, so why the fuss? There are 14 distinct serotonin receptors, classified into seven major families, each with their own biological role. 

There has been much anticipatory fanfare of the potential revolution in psychiatric care should psychedelics be made legal in the US for the treatment of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.   There are anecdotal medical reports of American military veterans going to Mexico or elsewhere in search of these ancient herbal remedies, though the ancients did not use them as remedies so much as vehicles to enhance human perception of the unseen in the ethereal realm, spirit walks in cultures from aboriginal Australia to Andes.

In the mid 20th Century, psychedelics entered the American mainstream culture through the social disruptions of the 1960’s with youth seeking intense sensory distortions and feelings of transcendence from the social ills of the day by way of mind-altering psychedelics.  The term psychedelic (Greek etymology:  clear, manifest mind) was coined by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond in a 1956 letter to Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World.  Interestingly, Huxley’s 1931 dystopian tale described Soma, an intoxicant used to control the masses; Huxley used the psychedelic... fly agaric mushroom as his inspiration for Soma.

The psychedelics most discussed in academic circles today are psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT (dimethyltryptamine).  All three of these substances are classic hallucinogens.  They have been used historically to induce religious and transformative experiences.  The anecdotal reports from those who have accessed psychedelics outside of the US are that these substances induce a deep philosophical, religious type of experience outside of time and space, leaving the user with a decidedly positive mood and a sense of sacred otherworldliness.  The experience can go from dissociative euphorigenic to frank psychosis.  Huxley intuited the darker side of these hallucinogens, as they can subdue the ego in the service of the collective.  Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes this as a chemical induction of the evolutionary hive switch, which allows us to switch between living for individual purpose and common purpose, as in nationalism or religious membership.

Psychedelics are substances on the DEA schedule I, meaning that they are highly controlled and not approved for medical use due to risk of addiction and unfavorable health outcomes, and yet there is a growing movement endorsing their use for compassionate care of victims of trauma with PTSD.  As the US often looks to the European Union for comparison of health outcomes, it is noteworthy that the EU has similar restrictions on psychedelics.  Recent EU trials, however, are demonstrating favorable safety profiles with middling efficacy for target symptoms. 

The DEA and FDA are federal agencies whose mandates are to protect public health from predatory pharmaceutical practices which may be detrimental to population health.  Despite the recent loss of confidence and trust by the public in these agencies, they do serve the public good, though periodic review is necessary.    

Good science and ethical research ought to be inviolable for the public good. Yet, we have seen recent instances of monied interests getting a free pass on the science to claim the designation “medical”.  By comparison, the public voted to make marijuana medical; marijuana did not become medical by virtue of medical research, but in spite of it.  In fact, the overwhelming preponderance of medical literature demonstrates all the harm that marijuana is causing.  Marijuana becomes medical by the will of the voters to allow the marijuana industry not to be subject to the investigational rigor of other pharmaceuticals.   I fear the same may happen with psychedelics.  While these substances are fascinating in their effects, they may also create false hope.    We should continue with sound medical research, and we should accept the results.  There was once a time when X-rays were a treatment for acne, but that did not work out well as radiation is carcinogenic.

Dr. Louis Velazquez​’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

The (not so) Silent Majority  - October 2025

Wow!  A lot has happened in Stuart over the last two weeks.  The city commission has probably made one of the worst decisions in its history.  I say that in regard to the process and how the decision was made, putting aside for a moment the subject of the decision. 

Surely all of you will have read much more about the commission’s decision to fire the city manager, Mike Mortell, than can be represented here.  It is  hard to believe that the most recently elected commissioners led the way.  This is the opposite behavior for which we voters trusted them.  I cannot imagine where their motivation is rooted.  It doesn’t make sense.  It just feels like a really poor decision.

We expect our elected officials to follow procedure and be good decision makers.  That is the most important.  Being a good decision maker.  To me this means accessing as much information as you can before having to decide.

This is how every businessperson, professional, or other working person in our community does it.  I didn’t see any evidence of this over the last two weeks and certainly not at the last commission meeting.  There was no transparency, no fairness, and in the end, no reason.  It doesn’t make sense.  This is definitely not good decision making.

As a citizen of Stuart, I am really disappointed in the commission.  I have shared meals with all of them but one and I thought I knew them.  It appears I was wrong. Humm. 

Maybe I was the poor decision maker?  Perhaps I was too hasty, based on the information I collected, to conclude they acted with good intentions and are looking out for the greater good?  I will have to re-evaluate.

Based on the handful of discussions I had with attendees sitting near me, I don’t think anyone in the room, regardless of their opinion of the city manager, agreed with the process.  This is not behavior associated with good leadership or good decision making. 

My hope is that over the next few days or maybe weeks, the commissioners will digest the feedback they are surely receiving and learn from this.  Of course, you can’t go backwards and undo this, but you can admit to yourself the mistake and learn from bad decisions.

You can re-evaluate.  I think it will take a lot of re-evaluation and a lot of good decisions in the future to earn back the trust and support of the community.

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

Cooking Class

I had some adventures on a long birthday weekend with my daughter. The visit was joyous and bittersweet and there may be compromising pictures. Coming home required a lot of adulting activities, including getting a replacement driver's license. The cats needed a lot of cuddling. Then there is cleaning out the refrigerator and shopping for food. Ah life. 

Cooking my own meals get s old. I've tried pre-packaged meals and order delivery services. And eating at restaurants.  But I have learned it is better to buy fresh and cook. 

As a former recovering cook, I accepted the pot roast challenge. It takes seven ingredients and a decent cooker, and some mashed potatoes on the side.  Unfortunately,  a jazz riff in my head turned it into a mélange of canned peas and carrots, mushroom and cream of chicken noodle soup, and canned tomatoes and tomato soup. It was very messy, and undercooked.

I redeemed it the next day by completing its cooking with fresh-cut carrots and celery,  and a side of mashed potatoes. 

Ah Life!

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

Cleared for Takeoff

You can hear the hum of propellers at Witham Field if you listen close enough. Soon, you might also hear children laughing. The old Grumman cafeteria, once filled with factory workers and flight engineers, is becoming something else entirely — a training ground for the next generation.

It is called the REACH Center. The name stands for Reimagining Education and Career Help. The facility is preparing to open its doors as a regional hub for skill-building and industry partnership. Inside, local employers, educators, and workforce organizations will share space and purpose — aligning training with the real jobs that sustain Martin County’s economy. Aviation, manufacturing, marine services, and health care will all have a place within its walls.

Across the field, another kind of classroom is taking shape — the Outdoor Aviation Education Center. It will be where curiosity first takes flight. The design blends play with learning: runways painted into the pavement, tower slides shaped like control towers, and shaded pavilions that double as hangars for imagination.

Students will visit on field trips and see aircraft rise from the runway just beyond the fence. They will learn about flight by feeling it — running down a painted taxiway, leaning into the wind, tracing the forces that make a plane lift. Lift, thrust, drag, and gravity will no longer be words from a textbook. They will be motion, energy, and sound.

Families will come on weekends to explore the exhibits. Interpretive signs and QR codes will tell stories of Martin County’s aviation heritage — of the people who built, flew, and maintained aircraft here — and how those same skills live on in today’s economy.

The Outdoor Aviation Education Center is more than a playground. It is the first mile of a career path that begins with wonder and leads to work. From that spark of curiosity, students can move on to middle-school career exploration, aviation programs at Spectrum and Jensen Beach, and later, advanced training at the REACH Center. Each stage builds on the last.

Together, these projects form a complete runway — one that begins with imagination and ends with opportunity. The REACH Center will equip residents for the jobs of today. The Outdoor Aviation Education Center will inspire the workforce of tomorrow.

At Witham Field, a playground and a classroom will soon share a horizon. One introduces flight; the other prepares for it. The future of Martin County has been cleared for takeoff.

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

Stuart’s Political Meltdown: The Costly Obsession to Oust City Manager Mike Mortell

  The City of Stuart is once again on the brink of chaos.  On Monday, October 27, 2025, the city commission will vote on whether to fire City Manager Mike Mortell, a 20-year public servant widely credited for keeping the city financially sound and administratively stable.  The move - led by newly elected Commissioners Sean Reed, Laura Giobbi, and Christopher Collins - has sparked outrage among many residents, business leaders, and even a few state officials.

The controversy began at the October 13th commission meeting when Commissioner Reed abruptly called for Mortell’s resignation, offering no clear reason other than, “I wasn’t on the commission when he was hired.”  Mortell, visibly stunned, replied, “I have been available, and no one has called me to discuss terminating me or to tell me why.”

Under Mortell’s employment contract, termination without cause triggers 20 weeks of severance pay to taxpayers - about $85,000 - plus the costly search of recruiting a replacement likely via an executive search firm.  Taxpayers would be left footing the bill for a firing that remains unexplained, and many wonder what’s the motivation to misuse public dollars so carelessly while exposing taxpayers via the City of Stuart to employment-related litigation?

When pressed, Commissioner Giobbi vaguely cited “trust issues,” refusing to elaborate with details.  Collins hinted at “more serious issues,” without specifics, but later admitted he wasn’t aware of any.  Public records requests by local WPTV found no complaints or disciplinary actions placed within Mortell’s historical employment file with the city.  Even Mayor Campbell Rich confirmed he was unaware of any performance concerns and praised Mortell’s longstanding leadership.

Meanwhile, community support for Mortell is mounting.  Several residents voiced frustration and disbelief following Reed’s call for resignation.  Local real estate agent John Gonzalez said he was outraged after watching the meeting online.  “I was watching it online and was furious,” he said.

Resident Robert Martin echoed those feelings too. “I couldn’t understand why someone with all of Mike’s experience and everything he’s done through the years would be discounted like that,” Martin said.

Supporters point to Mortell’s two decades of proven service as evidence that he’s the right person for the job.  “All of these departments work and run very, very well, and when you unceremoniously fire the leader, what’s going to happen?” Gonzalez asked.  “I hope we don’t have chaos between the ranks.”

In response, Gonzalez organized a rally in downtown Stuart to show commissioners that residents stand behind Mortell.  “There’s a lot of people in the city of Stuart that love him, respect him, and like the job he’s doing,” he said.  Local business owner Jeff Bowers joined the rally, adding, “He (Mortell) has been such a part of the fabric of this community and has done so much for Stuart.”

Adding to tensions, these same three commissioners - Collins, Giobbi, and Reed - are also the ones who have fiercely opposed the Brightline expansion project in Stuart, directly defying the Martin County Board of Commissioners, which supports the project and is working to secure a $40 million federal transportation grant to fund the new station.  Their opposition to growth and development mirrors their effort to oust Mortell, an experienced administrator known for balancing progress with fiscal responsibility.  City Manager Mike Mortell had even previously brought up to his bosses Collins, Giobbi, and Reed whether the City of Stuart Commission had violated the Interlocal agreement previously with Brightline?  Could this be part of Collins, Giobbi, and Reed’s agenda and personnel vendetta with Mortell?

The city commission agreed to revisit Mortell’s employment again at Monday October 27th’s meeting, making this an ongoing favorite agenda item of the commissioners, but the political damage may already be done.  What began as a personnel issue has become a full-blown crisis of confidence.  If these three specific commissioners proceed, the real cost won’t just be $85,000 in severance - it will be the erosion of trust in City Hall, potential wrongful termination litigation by Mike Mortell, enormous unnecessary costs to recruit and replace Mortell, and the loss of one of Stuart’s most respected leaders.

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

Did you know that October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month?  While here at Helping People Succeed, we recognize, work on, and celebrate integrating our neighbors who have a disability into competitive and sustained employment, signing Certificates of Appreciation to honor our 62 employers who partner with us in this, really made me reflect on the importance and impact of this work!

Today, I want to highlight how important it is to our local community to recognize the need to increase opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce.  Sometimes people aren’t aware that individuals with disabilities have plenty of skills and knowledge to utilize in a variety of jobs.  There is a direct economic impact to employing our neighbors with disabilities.

Helping People Succeed, in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, has committed to the work of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace through supported employment services for decades.  We are proud to have our participants working across our county: from restaurants to hospitality to schools to businesses large and small.  If you are a business owner or employer, I urge you to consider contacting us to see if you have roles that may be suitable for some of our participants. 

While there have been improvements to disability employment over the years, people with disabilities still face significant barriers to inclusion in the workforce.  There is a gap in the employment rate for people with disabilities and those without.  This represents untapped potential that our team stands by to support when we place a participant in a job.  Supporting the individual and the supervisor, our employment consultants are experts at making successful placements for the individual and the employer.

As I reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I think about our collective responsibility to foster inclusive workplaces.  As a community, we can continue to break down barriers and embrace the talents of workers with disabilities.  This not just changes workplaces; it transforms lives and creates an even stronger community for everyone!

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

Thanks to the abundance of instructional videos on YouTube, husbands everywhere—yours truly included—are a lot handier around the house these days when it comes to home repairs.

Of course, it’s all relative. Sure, I’ll try my hand at hanging a ceiling fan or changing the garbage disposal. But if a real electrical or plumbing issue arises, I’m calling in the experts because some jobs require actual knowhow, and the right—if not the latest—tools.

The same is true with the business of economic development. The right economic tools equip us to better assist existing and new businesses and accomplish our objectives of strengthening Martin County’s economy by attracting capital investment, stimulating job creation and diversifying the tax base.

Although not yet officially adopted, the recently refined Martin County Economic Toolkit consists of five key initiatives. Each one is informed by experienced economic-development professionals, shaped by insights derived from our Pulse meetings with local businesses and—most importantly—tailored to reflect the values of our community.

Each element in the toolkit was crafted to support resilient, higher-paying industries that align with Martin County’s strategic economic goals. By helping support industries such as advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing (which incorporate 3D printing technologies to create specialized industrial components) and energy-efficient innovations that produce sustainable building materials, we can make our job base more resilient and attractive to future employees.

Further, by diversifying the taxbase with more industrial and commercial contributors, the pressure on homeowners is eased. Elements include:

• Opportunity Fund offers grants—in the form of reimbursements—to businesses that undertake large-scale projects in targeted industries that are primed to make significant and lasting positive impacts on the county’s economic landscape.
• Local Closing Fund provides financial assistance, again, in the form of reimbursements, to cover funding gaps during the key phases of critical projects that will positively impact the ad valorem taxbase, drive job creation and support infrastructure development.
• Expedited Permitting aims to accelerate the approval process for eligible projects in key targeted industries that contribute to the county’s strategic economic goals.
• Training and Workforce Grants provide financial support, also in the form of reimbursements, for professional development of employees.
• Industrial Development Authority Bonds offers tax-exempt, lower-cost financing for large-scale projects making major capital investments.
• Ad Valorem Exemption Program is a voter-authorized program (re-approved countywide in 2020 by voters for a 10-year period) that enables companies in targeted industries that create 10 or more jobs at above-average wages to apply for tax relief. The exemptions apply only to improvements to real property and tangible personal property and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each application aligns with the county’s established economic development goals.

Eligible companies must be “Martin-sized” at fewer than 500 employees and commit to sizeable capital investments. The positive local benefits must be measurable.

Although not onerous, the application process and compliance and reporting requirements associated with each initiative are extensive. There are even clawback provisions to protect taxpayers.

Such safeguards provide overall balance and assurance to both the business community and the community at large. Afterall, the task of fortifying the local economy for the future—while protecting our quality of life—is too important to undertake without experience, knowledge and the proper tools.

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

Alex Dew, FWC Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Program Director, was the featured speaker at the October 23 Rivers Coalition meeting. Their goal: Eliminate invasive plants from all of Florida’s waterways. His focus was on Lake Okeechobee, but since invasive plants on Lake Okeechobee don’t directly impact Martin County I’m not going to get caught up in the weeds.

Amy Eason, Martin County’s Environmental Resource Engineer, discussed the recent king tides, which are the abnormally high tides created when a full moon is closest to earth. The full moon was foreseeable. The heavy rainfall accompanying it was not. The result: October’s king tide was 2.4 – 2.8 feet above normal, which caused quite a bit of flooding in low-lying areas.  

The next full moon/king tide will be November 5. Hopefully, the dry season will make itself known between now and then and next month’s flooding won’t be as bad.  Unfortunately, there’s nothing feasible that can be done to mitigate the effects of king tides; dealing with the (usually-minor) flooding they cause would be prohibitively expensive.

Meanwhile, Lake Okeechobee is currently at 13.88 feet, a full 2.19 feet less than a year ago. Its’ seasonal peak is expected to be around 14 feet. Higher-than-normal lake levels in recent years kept sunlight from reaching the bottom, which decimated aquatic plant life. This year’s Lake Recovery Operation was implemented to help that critical seagrass habitat to recover. Things thus appear to be unfolding very promisingly in that regard.   

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

Early Detection Saves Lives:
Cleveland Clinic Martin North Leading with Robotic Bronchoscopy for Accurate Lung Cancer Detection

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, there is hope—early detection and diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives.

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health recently refurbished its bronchoscopy lab at Martin North to offer the most accurate lung cancer detection tools to members of our community. By understanding the importance of screening and advanced diagnostic techniques, such as robotic bronchoscopy, we can empower community members to take charge of their lung health.

When lung cancer is identified in its early stages—when it is small and hasn’t spread—it is much more likely to be treated successfully. Regular lung cancer screening is recommended for certain individuals, particularly those who smoke or have smoked in the past, even if they don’t have any symptoms.

“Unfortunately, symptoms of lung cancer often don’t appear until the disease is more advanced,” Corbin Hodder, DO, a pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health says.  Even when symptoms do occur, they can be mistaken for other conditions, like infections or the long-term effects of smoking. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.

If you experience symptoms that could be related to lung cancer, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Bronchoscopy: A Powerful Tool for Lung Health
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps doctors diagnose and treat lung conditions with precision. During a bronchoscopy, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways. Equipped with a camera and light, the bronchoscope allows doctors to view the airways – even in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs – and collect tissue samples for analysis.

Bronchoscopy offers several advantages including accurate diagnosis, identifying lung cancer and determining its stage, helping to target the treatment, and providing essential information for personalized care.

In addition, Dr. Hodder and his team can use bronchoscopy to monitor treatment progress, allowing doctors to track how well treatments are working.  And robotic bronchoscopy is considered minimally invasive – it’s a safe procedure with low risk of complications.

There are different types of bronchoscopy:

 1. Flexible Bronchoscopy: Uses a standard bronchoscope with biopsy tools to collect tissue samples.

2. Navigational Bronchoscopy:

     -Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy: Uses electromagnetic guidance to reach hard-to-access areas in the lungs.

     -Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy: This is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique where a robotic arm integrated with CT imaging that enhances precision and control during the procedure.

3. Linear Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy: Specialized bronchoscope to evaluate lymph nodes in the middle of the chest.

At Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, we use robotic navigational bronchoscopy to biopsy lung nodules and employ linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy to sample lymph nodes for cancer staging. These advanced tools help ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Additional Techniques for Lung Health
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): This technique is especially useful for diagnosing lung infections in immunocompromised patients. By flushing a targeted area of the lung with saline solution and analyzing the collected fluid, doctors can identify specific infections and provide appropriate treatment.

Interventional Bronchoscopy: This procedure is performed to address symptoms caused by tumors or obstructions in the airways. While it does not cure cancer, it can improve breathing and quality of life by removing blockages, cauterizing bleeding tumors, or placing stents to keep the windpipe open.

At Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, we want to empower patients to learn about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and advanced diagnostic tools like robotic bronchoscopy. Knowing that the tools are available in our own community, individuals can make informed decisions about their health.

If you have concerns about your lung health or are at risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor about screening options and diagnostic procedures. Together, we can take proactive steps to protect your health and well-being. Let’s work together to create a future where lung cancer is caught early, treated effectively, and lives are saved.

Dr. Chirag Choudhary's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

On Tuesday, September 9th, MCEA President Matt Theobald stood before the school board during the impasse hearing over last year’s contract, and, as the board voted to remove 25 year old contract language in an obvious attack on the union, he reminded the School Board Chair that she said she was “waiting and waiting and hoping and praying” that the teacher’s union was going to fail. That Friday, September 12th, Matt Theobald was removed from the classroom for seemingly unrelated remarks he made on a family member’s social media page in what can only be described as a coordinated attack.

On Friday, October 10th, the teachers of the Martin County School District fought back! With 76% of all the ballots cast, the teachers voted overwhelmingly to reject the ratification of the contract language imposed by the board at that September 9th impasse hearing.

On Tuesday, October 21st, close to 100 teachers and community members, dressed in black, attended a school board meeting in a display of solidarity with their president to fight back. Many from the community stood up and spoke out in support of Matt and his first amendment rights, pointing out that he has never interjected his own personal beliefs into the classroom in his nearly 17-year career. However, there were many teachers in attendance who chose not to speak for fear of retribution. Still, the board received the message loud and clear… Attacks against the teachers’ union and their president will not stand!

Upon conclusion of the board meeting, President Theobald secured a small victory when the board voted in 3-2 decision to refer his case to the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), where an impartial administrative law judge will preside. The date and time of the hearing have yet to be determined. Until then, Theobald remains suspended, indefinitely, without pay

While Theobald’s case is still pending, one thing is absolutely certain. The Martin County Education Association isn’t going down without a fight.

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

Calling All High School Seniors: Keep Martin Beautiful Scholarships!

My young daughter is playing with her food – but not in the way you might imagine! She recently discovered the book Play with Your Food, which shows how imagination can turn a banana peel into an octopus or a pepper into a cartoon face.

Since then, she’s been busy creating a whole menagerie from our vegetable bin, using peppercorns, black-eyed peas, and a few trusty craft supplies to bring her creatures to life. It’s become a wonderful mix of learning, laughter, and creativity — and such a welcome change from plastic toys.

Great things can start with the simplest ideas. This may not make her an environmental steward just yet, but for a toddler, it’s a small, joyful step toward connecting with the natural world.

I may never know what first inspired last year’s scholarship winners to care so deeply about the environment, but when the Keep Martin Beautiful Board reviewed their applications, it was clear that the same spark of curiosity and wonder had grown into genuine commitment.

That makes me very excited to introduce this year’s KMB scholarship process.

Keep Martin Beautiful is offering two academic scholarship opportunities for Martin County students for 2026-2027. To be eligible for the $500 scholarship, an applicant must:

• Be a graduating senior from one of the four high schools in Martin County in 2026.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through academic excellence, volunteer service, or meaningful community engagement.
• Plan to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Conservation, Marine Biology, or a closely related field. 

If you’re a high school senior or know one who is passionate about environmental stewardship, don’t miss this opportunity.  Students can submit their applications by accessing XELLO via their ClassLink accounts. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Visit, martinschools.org/page/scholarships-for-after-high-school for more information.

 To learn more about Keep Martin Beautiful, its environmental projects throughout the community, and the scholarship program, contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222, email info@keepmartinbeautiful.org or visit keepmartinbeautiful.org.

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

How Businesses Are Tackling IT Expenditure as a Top 5 Cost Driver

In 2025, IT spending surged to unprecedented levels, with global expenditures projected to exceed $5.74 trillion. This places IT firmly among the top five cost centers for business across all industries. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses have to rethink how they manage technology budgets to stay competitive without compromising operational efficiency.

If you use IT, then here are some areas that you should consider on how to manage these costs.

Smarter Vendor & Contract Management

One of the initial focus areas for a business is streamlining vendor consolidation and enhancing contract oversight. Did you know that up to 30% of software spend is wasted due to underutilized licenses and overlapping services? By reviewing software, tracking usage, and aligning tools with business goals, you might be able to rein in some runaway costs.

Proactive Hardware Lifecycle Planning

Instead of reacting to equipment failures, businesses are adopting data-driven upgrade cycles. This approach extends device lifespans, reduces emergency purchases, and spreads costs predictably. Standardizing hardware and implementing recycling programs also contribute to long-term savings.

Cloud Optimization Strategies

With cloud services now a staple, unmanaged cloud costs can quickly spiral. Companies are using analytics to monitor usage, right-size resources, and shift workloads across public, private, and hybrid environments. This ensures cloud infrastructure supports performance without draining budgets.

Managed IT Services for Predictability

Outsourcing IT support through managed services has gained traction. These services offer expert support, proactive maintenance, and enterprise-grade security—all for a predictable monthly fee. This model transforms IT from a reactive expense into a strategic investment and offers a full stack of expertise for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee.

Financial Planning & Contingency Funds

Maybe the most important. Forward-thinking businesses are building, usually with the help of outsourced services or vCIO services, proper IT budgets. They are working in contingency buffers into these budgets—typically 5–10%—to handle emergencies or seize growth opportunities. Quarterly reviews and alignment with business objectives ensure that every dollar spent on IT drives value.

Managing IT costs in today’s digital-first world isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter decisions. By embracing strategic planning, automation, and expert partnerships, businesses are turning IT expenditure into a driver of innovation and growth, rather than a financial burden. IT can’t be looked at as just a cost center anymore. If done right, it may not become a profit center, but it should at least become a neutral cost benefit.

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

Rethinking Invasive Plant Control in Our Waterways

Herbicides and pesticides are bad for our waterways. Right?

Many of us have seen the videos of spraying in our wild waterways and spoken out about the potential harm to fish, birds, and other wildlife.

So why are governing bodies spraying chemicals in our waterways?

There are two primary reasons:

1. To protect native plants from invasive species

2. To keep waterways navigable (required by law)

The aquatic plants being sprayed are invasive, meaning they do exactly what it sounds like: invade. With no natural predators and ideal Florida growing conditions, these plants spread rapidly, choking out native species and rendering boating channels impassable.

Why Spraying?

Studies by the state of Florida, UF, and others consistently show that spraying is the most cost-effective removal method. When Florida paused spraying statewide for three months in 2019, it took managers three years to regain control—using significantly more chemicals to combat the explosion of invasive growth.

Research supports that strategic spraying in small quantities maintains control while using fewer chemicals overall than letting invasives proliferate.

At the state level, there is oversight. On Lake Okeechobee, both Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and Army Corps require contractors to be licensed and equip their boats with GPS trackers attached to pump valve monitors. They receive daily maps showing not only where contractors traveled, but exactly where spraying occurred.

However, municipalities and HOAs also spray—often without the same GPS monitoring and oversight that the state uses.

The Hidden Problem

State-level spraying is well-managed and cost-effective—but what happens after?

Native plants remain unharmed; photos show sprayed areas where invasives are brown and dead while natives stay green and thriving. That's good news.

The bad news? When invasives die and sink, they create muck—detrimental to seagrass, fisheries, and overall water quality. It's an environmental version of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Better Solutions Exist

Is there a solution that removes invasives without harming water quality? One that removes both the plant and its nutrients?

Yes. We could continue spraying, then return later to hydraulically dredge the remaining muck, removing excess nutrients and restoring optimal conditions for native vegetation.

Or there's mechanical harvesting. Brevard County's 2025 Project Plan Update lists vegetation harvesting as one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce nutrients—removing the entire plant and its nutrients in one step.

Spraying does what it's meant to do: removes invasive plants. But it doesn't address the system as a whole. Protecting water quality requires either an extra step—removing the muck—or a different method altogether.

Water management is complex, influenced by land inputs, invasive plants, and muck accumulation. What's needed is a more holistic approach that considers both invasive control and long-term water quality—not just the bottom line.

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

A Month of Gratitude and Honor in Martin County

November is synonymous with giving thanks and honoring those who have served our country. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans and to express gratitude for the many partnerships that strengthen our communities. In Martin County, the American Red Cross is proud to work alongside dedicated community members, government agencies, emergency management teams, and local organizations in wonderfully collaborative relationships that help us serve more effectively.

One such partnership is with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, where we’ve introduced the Prepare with Pedro program to youth in kindergarten through second grade. This engaging initiative teaches children about emergency preparedness in a fun and age-appropriate way. To learn more, check out this short YouTube video via this link or QR code shown below.

Beyond Pedro, the American Red Cross South Florida Region offers a dynamic Youth and Young Adult program designed to empower future leaders. Through Red Cross Clubs, Ambassador Programs, and internships, young people can volunteer, develop leadership skills, and support humanitarian efforts. These programs encourage youth to promote disaster preparedness, assist military families, and engage in community service.

Red Cross youth volunteers also learn how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, mobilize communities, and create positive change. They build friendships, explore new interests, and grow as leaders—all while making a meaningful impact. Volunteering today can be the beginning of a lifetime of service.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, volunteering with the Red Cross connects you with others who share your commitment. Learn more and sign up today: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer

November is also bustling with activity in Martin County. Join us at the Annual Stuart Air Show, where Red Cross representatives will share disaster readiness tips, volunteer opportunities, and information about our support for the military community. The Red Cross has a long history of assisting service members and their families, and we’re proud to honor their sacrifices—not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

We’re also gearing up for the holidays with our Holiday for Heroes initiative. Help us spread cheer by contributing to care packages for deployed troops and local veterans. Visit our Holiday for Heroes site to learn how you can get involved.

To the Martin County community—thank you for your continued support and collaboration. You help make our mission possible. Stay connected by following us on social media @sflredcross, and don’t forget to share our updates to amplify preparedness and response efforts throughout our community.

Traci Mitchell's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

The Martin County Taxpayers Association has examined the Economic Development Toolkit that will be presented to the Martin County Commission at the November 18th meeting.

If we are going to have a dynamic and resilient economy, we must have the right tools to attract businesses. The Taxpayers Association believes the toolkit goes a long way in doing just that. It goes a long way to promote a diversified and sustainable environment.

Outlined in the plan as part of the toolkit are Comprehensive Incentive Programs. They consist of the following:

1. Opportunity Fund: This program is focused on supporting capital investments for targeted industries. There are grants that commit to large-scale projects with a lasting impact on the county. According to the county the businesses will be in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and green industries.
2. Local Closing Fund: The county recognizes that there may be financial gaps even after subsidies are applied this fund assures that projects can move forward.
3. Expedited Permitting: What can happen in government is that businesses become mired in government red tape. This program ensures that businesses in key industries can quickly move from planning to operation. It is a shame that all individuals and businesses are not treated the same way.
4. Training and Workforce Grants: The businesses in this program could not operate without a skilled workforce. This program provides financial support for employee training. It also helps address critical employee needs such as transportation and childcare.
5. Industrial Development Authority Bonds: These are tax exempt financing for large scale projects requiring significant capital investment.

There are specific requirements for each program within the toolkit. This will ensure that the targeted business meets Martin County’s economic objectives. The incentive allocations will be different with each business based on meeting objective criteria such as job creation and average wage levels. This will ensure that the county is receiving the highest possible return of investment. Every incentive must be approved by the Martin County Commission before being applied.

Within the toolkit is an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program. It was first approved by the voters in 2010 and reauthorized by them in 2020. The exemption is approved on a case-by-case basis by meeting the eligibility criteria

Martin County has placed in effect stringent eligibility requirements. Ultimately to be entitled to any of the incentives, the County Commission must sign off on the project, which gives us a level of comfort in moving forward with this toolkit. There are clawback, continuous reporting provisions, and other safeguards built into the system.

The Martin County Taxpayers Association endorses the adoption of the toolkit. However, with any government program we would like to make sure that it is something that is useful for its intended purpose. In that light we urge the county to mandate as part of its approval a provision for having staff evaluate the program’s effectiveness after a period of two years.

The BOCC can then know whether the kit should be tweaked or abandoned.

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

By: Rosie Portera, M.S. CCC-SLP Co-President 

Protecting Democracy: The People’s Voice in Florida

On October 21, individuals and organizations from across Martin County gathered to meet with their state representatives, sharing the issues they care most deeply about and seeking legislative support for them in Tallahassee. The event also served as an opportunity to express appreciation for the positive local impacts these lawmakers have achieved.

While it is often said that “all government is local,” it is essential to remember that the decisions made by our state representatives extend far beyond county lines—they affect all Floridians. Among the most significant topics discussed was redistricting, presented by the League of Women Voters of Martin County (LWVMartinCounty.org). Though often overlooked, redistricting profoundly influences how effectively citizens’ voices are represented in government and how fairly their votes count.

The League of Women Voters highlighted three key legislative priorities for the upcoming session:

1. Reject Mid-Cycle Redistricting.
   In 2010, Florida voters approved the Fair Districts Amendments, demanding that political boundaries be drawn without partisan intent. Legislators are urged to uphold these constitutional standards and to reject any efforts to redraw districts mid-cycle for political advantage.
2. Fully Fund Election Administration.
   Fair and secure elections require sufficient resources. Lawmakers must ensure that the Secretary of State and local Supervisors of Elections receive the funding necessary to conduct efficient, transparent, and accessible elections statewide.
3. Oppose Barriers to Voting and Voter Registration.
   Voting is a fundamental right. Legislators are called upon to oppose any bills that make it harder for Floridians to vote or to register to vote.

Florida has a history of legislation that weakens the will of the people. In 2000, the state enacted closed primaries, restricting participation. In 2018, voters approved Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to most non-violent felons, yet in 2019, the Legislature imposed additional financial and procedural hurdles before those individuals could vote.

Despite declaring the 2020 election “the smoothest and most successful in any state,” Governor DeSantis and lawmakers passed legislation in 2021 adding numerous restrictions—limiting ballot drop boxes, increasing vote-by-mail requirements, and imposing excessive regulations on civic groups like the LWV that assist with voter registration, the League's primary work.

Most recently, House Bill 1205 further restricted the citizen-led ballot initiative process, threatening Floridians’ constitutional right to propose and decide issues directly.

In a healthy democracy, the role of elected officials is not to silence voters but to empower them. Upholding accessible elections, honoring voter-approved amendments, and protecting citizen led initiatives are essential to preserving the will of the people—and the integrity of Florida’s democracy.

Rosie Portera's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

ARC of the Treasure Coast Charity Celebrity Pro-Am a Gamechanger

PALM CITY, FL – The ARC of the Treasure Coast’s Chairty Celebrity Pro-Am was the Ace-in-the-hole for the organization’s 17th Annual Swinging Fore the ARC Golf Tournament.

Golfers teed up for a beautiful day on the links at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. They were there to raise money for ARC of the Treasure Coast, a local charity assisting and supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The winning team included Rhett Butler, Kerry O’Donoghue, Scott Squire, John Berthea, and (Pro) Matt Doyle. Thanks to all the teams who participated. And thank you to all our sponsors who made the event such a great success.

This event helps fund the services provided by ARC of the Treasure Coast including summer camps and After-School programs for children, day training programs, community inclusion services, transportation, intensive behavioral services, and Advanced Employment Services for adults.

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ARC of the Treasure Coast: is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting and supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, educational, vocational, behavioral, and other related healthcare services.

News at Banner Lake!

March for Breast Cancer Awareness at Banner Lake Club

On Thursday, October 23rd, students from the Early Learning Center and the Academy joined together in a heartfelt celebration of women and breast cancer awareness. Dressed in pink, the children proudly marched from the ELC building to the Academy building, carrying handmade signs and spreading messages of hope and support. When rain arrived, the celebration moved indoors to the multipurpose room, where Mrs. D led the students in engaging games and activities. The event concluded with smiles and sweet ICEE treats enjoyed by all.

New Partnership Spotlight!

We’re so excited to share that we’ve launched our Book Buddies Program in partnership with our friends at Hobe Sound Early Learning Center!

Every other week, some of Banner Lake Academy’s amazing 3rd and 4th grade students will be visiting HSELC to read alongside our oldest VPK students. This special connection not only helps strengthen early literacy skills, but also builds confidence, mentorship, and the joy of learning together.

Seeing older students step into the role of “reading buddies” is inspiring, and we know our little learners will cherish the extra encouragement and friendship.

Here’s to growing readers, leaders, and a stronger community — one story at a time.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR PALM BEACH AND MARTIN COUNTIES
CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF GEORGE ELMORE IMPACT FOR GOOD INITIATIVE

Elmore Has Donated $10.3 Million to 26 Nonprofits to Support Their Immediate Strategic Needs and Long-Term Sustainability

West Palm Beach, FL (October 20, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties today announced the launch of the George Elmore “Impact for Good” Initiative, a transformative effort that provides 26 nonprofit organizations with critical resources to meet both immediate strategic needs and long-term sustainability goals. The initiative is made possible through a $10.3 million gift from the Elmore Impact for Good Fund, held at the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations, and community members to address the region’s chronic and emerging issues. The Impact for Good reflects Elmore’s deeply personal and thoughtful investment in nonprofit organizations that align with his vision and longstanding commitment to community impact. Each of the 26 nonprofits – personally chosen by Elmore – received a six-figure gift structured to maximize its impact.

“This community has given me everything—it’s where I built my business, raised my family, and made my home,” said Elmore. “My hope is that this gift not only says thank you, but also inspires others to keep it going. If we all do a little more good for more people, the ripple effect will be immeasurable.”

Danita DeHaney, George Elmore, Marti LaTour

Elmore, a longtime philanthropist and Community Foundation Legacy Society member, was also honored as the Foundation’s 2024 McIntosh Award Recipient, which recognizes outstanding community contributions. An entrepreneur at heart, Elmore founded Hardrives of Delray, Inc. in 1953 and helped pave the roads that shaped South Florida’s growth. As the region developed, Elmore followed in the footsteps of leading local families like the Flaglers, Kenans, and MacArthurs, planting his own seeds of philanthropy. His service on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors (1984–1991 and 2010–2019) reflects his decades-long commitment. Today, Elmore continues his philanthropic work alongside his partner, Marti LaTour, who joined the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2024.

“George Elmore’s generosity has shaped our community for decades, and with Marti by his side, his impact continues to grow,” said Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “The Impact for Good Initiative represents exactly what philanthropy should be—thoughtful, strategic, and deeply human. We are honored to partner with George and Marti in creating a lasting legacy for these 26 nonprofit organizations.”

The 26 recipient organizations are: 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, Boy Scouts of America (Gulf Stream Council), Business Development Board Foundation of Palm Beach County, Center for Technology, Enterprise & Development, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University Foundation (The Runway), Florida Atlantic University Foundation (Brain Institute), George Snow Scholarship Fund, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Lynn University, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Palm Beach State College, Place of Hope, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, School of the Arts Foundation, South Florida PBS, The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, United Way of Haywood County, and United Way of Palm Beach County.

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties 

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The Foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the Foundation has distributed nearly $275 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the Foundation supports initiatives that improve education and youth, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at yourcommunityfoundation.org.  

Army Mom Honors Veterans and Sons with Monarch Country Club Walk

PALM CITY, FL — For most people, Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect, and offer thanks. But for Lori McNicholas, it’s also a way to give back and honor her two sons, who both serve in the U.S. Army. Matthew 27 is stationed in North Carolina; Mitchell 25 is based in Italy.

Unable to spend the holiday with her boys, McNicholas has turned her love for them and her gratitude for all who serve into something meaningful for her entire community.

The Monarch Veterans Walk/Ride is now in its second year, the event will take place Sunday, November 9th at 9 a.m. at the Monarch Country Club in Palm City. Veterans, families, and supporters will gather at the clubhouse. Boy Scout Troop #823 from the First United Methodist Church in Stuart will lead the half mile walk through the Monarch development.

“This is all about the veterans, many of whom have never had this kind of recognition or thanks,” said McNicholas. “My two boys are currently serving in the Army, and our family is deeply patriotic and proud to live in a community that stands behind our veterans.”

Last year, more than 100 neighbors joined the walk. McNicholas remembers being especially moved by one participant, Vietnam veteran Bob Truckenmiller, who told her it was the first time he had ever been honored in such a positive way. When he returned from war decades ago, he said he was met not with gratitude but with hostility. The walk, he told her, made him feel valued and celebrated for his service.

Moments like that are why Veterans events are important for communities all around the country.

“I can’t be with my boys right now,” she said, “but I can do something that honors them and every veteran who has worn the uniform.”

What began as a small neighborhood tribute has become a heartfelt community tradition, a modest celebration for a major sacrifice. It’s a reminder that gratitude can be the bridge between home and service, between sacrifice and remembrance.

As the nation prepares to honor its heroes on Veterans Day, Palm City will once again take that small but meaningful walk, one step at a time, to simply say, “thank you.”

Dr. Reza Khatib, 95 Years Young, Celebrates a Legacy of Medical Research and Philanthropy

Stuart, FL – At 95 years of age, Dr. Reza Khatib can look back at an incredible legacy as an outstanding neurosurgeon, an acclaimed researcher on brain issues, and a beloved world-class philanthropist. 

Dr. Khatib celebrated his birthday festivities with friends, colleagues and his dear family from Iran.  They all joined him for a joyful party at Harbour Ridge in Palm City in October.  

His friend Dr. Amir Manbachi, an interdisciplinary academic in neurosurgery, biomedical engineering and ultrasound from  Johns Hopkins, played the Persian Tombak, a drum carved in one piece from a tree trunk with a drumhead made from goatskin. The guests who were able joined him in singing Happy Birthday in his native Farsi.  Everyone else then joined in English.

In keeping with his generosity, Dr. Khatib offered each guest a gift -  an accounting of his best advice for living a good life, and a reminder that Dr. Khatib is still busily pursuing his dreams of a cure for malignant brain cancer.

Dr. Reza Khatib, center, and guests celebrated the 95th birthday of this renowned neurosurgeon, brain researcher, and philanthropist. His generosity has improved the quality of life for residents of the Treasure Coast and the entire international community.

Dr. Reza Khatib is an acclaimed retired neurosurgeon who has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for his thoughtful generosity, leadership and impressive contributions in bettering community life, institutions and organizations.

His influence on the Treasure Coast community is significant. He donated funds to the Council on Aging’s Day Primary Care program, for example, to provide patients the opportunity to receive specialized diagnostic PET scans to check for Alzheimer’s disease. These tests are not covered by insurance. His generosity has helped many patients learn if they had been incorrectly diagnosed and to confirm a more accurate diagnosis at no cost to the patient. The project is part of an extensive, ongoing Alzheimer’s disease research initiative with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Dr. Khatib is also the founder and driving force behind the Khatib Bridge and Education Center in Stuart. At his nonprofit facility, members who formerly drove to West Palm Beach for sanctioned bridge matches can now participate close to home.

In 2017, the Council on Aging Martin County named Dr. Khatib as the Sage Award Honoree in category of Health Science and Medicine. Since that time, his energies have been largely devoted to finalizing a series of self-sustaining contracts, working with Johns Hopkins, Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, to subsidize the continuing search for a cure for glioblastoma and other malignant forms of brain cancer, an effort that has been a lifelong priority for him.

Dr. Khatib first decided to become a neurosurgeon as a boy of 10. Over the next 50 years he and his late wife Georgie built a thriving practice, an international reputation and the retirement fortune that has allowed for his philanthropic pursuits. In his hometown of Mashad, Iran, for example, the Khatibs established the Clinic and School for the Indigent and instituted Mashad’s first Hospice for the Terminally Ill.

Dr. Khatib’s skill, talent, intelligence, positive energy and generosity over his 95 years have resulted in contributions to medicine, science and the overall well-being of the local and international communities of which he is a part.

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

About the Council on Aging Martin County

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

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

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

The Hobe Sound Nature Center hosts a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration that honors South Florida’s wild and not-so-spooky habitats and wildlife at The Pine School!

WHO: The Hobe Sound Nature Center

WHAT: Annual Creepy Creature Halloween Event

WHEN: (UPDATED TIMES) Friday, October 24th, 2025 from 4 – 6 pm

WHERE: (NEW LOCATION) The Pine School - 12350 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

The event promises an unforgettable evening full of activities for all ages, including:

• Meet and greets with our animal ambassadors
• Delicious bites and treats from the Dune Dog Cafe and Kona Ice food trucks
• Glitter tattoos and face painting
• Festive Halloween portraits by local artist Hope Reese
• Classic games and spooky crafts
• A nocturnal animal (plushies) scavenger hunt with prizes
• An up-close visit with a Martin County fire truck and team of dedicated firefighters

“We’re absolutely thrilled that our beloved Creepy Creature celebration can go on this year, thanks to the generosity and partnership of our friends at The Pine School,” said Dr. Jill Griffin, Executive Director of the Hobe Sound Nature Center. “When the government shutdown forced us to close our gates, we feared this decades-long community tradition might have to be canceled. We are beyond grateful that families will still be able to experience the fun, the animals, and the wild wonders that make this event such a special part of our community’s fall season.”

The event is open to the public and free of charge, though donations are appreciated to support the Nature Center’s education and conservation programs. Costumes are encouraged, and all activities are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

For more information, please visit: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/creepy-creature-feature

About the Hobe Sound Nature Center

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works in cooperation with the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge to educate and inspire people of all ages about South Florida’s critical habitats and wildlife.

Elysse Elder was really the only candidate for the position of county attorney.

It wasn’t because the deck was stacked in her favor. There were two other finalists, but they found other jobs before the end of the process. In fact, when the search began, I didn’t believe she was a shoe-in. By the end, she had won over a super majority.

Elysse is a hard worker and will have no trouble burning the midnight oil. Sometimes that is necessary but not always. I hope she keeps that in mind.

I don’t think there is anyone in private practice who knows the Martin County Zoning and Land Development Codes better than she does. Having worked with her on the LPA for the past couple of years, I would testify to that. I think most people in her field would also say the same thing.

She also understands parliamentary procedure. Elysse is a stickler for having meetings conducted in the right way. Anything the commission passes will be procedurally correct.

Here is where she will have to prove herself…to me at least if not some of the commissioners too. At times she may interrupt commission discussion instead of letting things play out on the dais. One of the prerogatives that a commissioner has is policy. Policy decisions because of the sunshine laws can only happen at a public meeting.

Commissioners say foolish things sometimes in public. Elder needs to let the debate happen and only become involved if the commission majority wants to go in an illegal direction but not in one with which she disagrees. The sainted (though still alive) former county attorney Stephen Fry was the best at being quiet at a meeting. Sarah Woods was not bad at it either.

I would also remind the new county attorney that she is the managing partner of a law firm. Elder should not be in the weeds with every contract, negotiation, and application. She should have good attorneys under her who are specialists and dare I say understand parts of the law better than Elder.

And lastly, talk to the commissioners. Elder needs to consider herself the rainmaker for the firm. The five biggest clients need her constant attention. Elysse should take another page from the Fry playbook that I have heard from commissioners that were around then. He met with each of them on the agenda before every meeting.

Elysse has some work to do with Commissioner Heard. I wasn’t in the courtroom when Heard was on trial and the last thing we need to do is re-try her. Elder is either the greatest actress, or she was sincere and almost in tears when she apologized at the meeting. Their relationship is for the two to work out.

She is being paid $294,461 in salary and benefits. Perhaps that is not enough to attract the best candidates and that is why she was the only finalist. I can almost guarantee with her knowledge she can make more money in the private sector. Elder must really want this job.

I want Elysse to know that in the future I may say critical things about her opinions and work. It is far from personal. And when I see that she did something good I will write about that also. Good luck and we will be seeing each other soon.  

The vote was 4-1 with Heard dissenting.

He was elected to the position five times. Crowder was first appointed acting sheriff in 1972 when Governor Askew removed Sheriff Roy Baker for various and sundry offences. The legendary James Holt was then elected in 1973 beating Crowder for the job.

Before becoming a deputy, he was a dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Department and became a Stuart Police Officer and their first detective. When he went back over to Sheriff Holt’s department, he rose through the ranks eventually winning the office in November 1992.  Holt died in 1992 while in office, and the governor appointed Crowder to assume the post early.

Crowder instituted modern methods, and when he did not run again in 2012, Will Snyder was elected to the office for three terms. Snyder had run against him previously and lost. That did not stop Crowder from hiring him. Gestures like that were emblematic of the man I knew and admired.

What really solidified my respect for Bob Crowder was when he ran against Allen West for Congress. There was a debate at the Hobe Sound Bible College between them. West was insulting and belittling. He was a guy who moved to the district just to run. At the end, Crowder went over to shake his opponent’s hand, West turned his back and walked away.

Crowder remained a gentleman throughout the race even as the rhetoric by West became harsh. That probably was the beginning of today’s toxic political environment. West won the primary but lost in the general.

When I ran for office, I was a little worried because I had heard a rumor that Bob may have been running for that commission seat. I approached him to ask. He wasn’t. Instead, Bob endorsed me and threw a meet and greet.

Bob eventually moved to the mountains. I heard he was not doing well for the last few years. The way I would describe him was as the consummate gentleman. Bob was just a class act.

It didn’t take long to see where this was headed. Any hope that there would be a different outcome was dashed once Reed opened his mouth.

During commissioner comments, Reed sounded like one of my kids when they were in middle school. He complained that he was being threatened and intimidated by a telephone call by one of his constituents though he wasn’t physically afraid. Then why did he call the police and open an investigation? I will be writing more about this once the official investigation is closed, but anyone that has been around Stuart will get a big laugh out of it.

During his comments, Collins made his best impression of Rodney King and pleaded with all of us to just get along. This is from the guy that insults, degrades, and makes fun of anyone who does not agree with him. Snake Collins is the guy who speaks with a forked tongue and out of both sides of the smirk on his face.

After the preliminaries of a few agenda items, the main event began. The chamber and the hallway were packed with mostly Mortell supporters.

City Attorney Lee Baggett introduced the item with a brief synopsis of Florida Statute regarding removal of a commissioner. The reason that needed to be explained was because the contract stated that those would be the same reasons for terminating the city manager.

Baggett said the commission has the absolute right to terminate Mortell for cause or no cause at all. The difference has to do with the obligation to pay severance. If the termination is for cause, they wouldn’t have to pay the severance. If the termination is for no cause, severance is owed according to Mortell’s employment contract. Did they have any reason except Reed’s infantile statement that he wanted to appoint his own manager?

Bagget outlined the reasons for termination given in the statute: Malfeasance, Misfeasance, Drunkenness, Neglect of Duty, Incompetence, Permanent Inability to Perform Official Duties, Conviction of a Felony. If for cause the commission would have to show a factual reason and have a hearing so that Mortell could defend himself.

Reed was driving this boat. Two weeks ago, and in his interview with TC Palm, Reed had said that campaign signs (I am assuming his) were picked up from the public right away by Code Enforcement and thrown out. The code states that the signs shall be returned to the candidate upon request.   

Anyone that has ever run for office in the city has had their signs picked up and brought to the city garage. They usually are stored behind the dumpsters where the candidate can come and pick them up. No big deal…. the cost of doing business. I guess he has been seething for more than a year even though he won.

Reed also claimed that he wasn’t being told the truth by the manager. I don’t know about that, but he failed to give any examples. I can hear my kids when they were in middle school saying how unfair their lives were. Gee…the teacher expected them to be held to standards and do their homework.

The newest reasons that Reed gave were that Mortell was ticketed for a suspended license and that his wife (a licensed real estate professional) brokered a lot split. As to the suspended license, I understand that Mortel had paid a fine on a ticket, but it hadn’t been received in time, so they suspended his license. The license was reinstated.

Steven Vitali, a local attorney and owner of the Colorado Inn, explained in public comment it was his lot. The lot split was approved by the commission 5-0 without any discussion. Lindsay Mortell, Mike’s wife, told Vitali that she had a client who wanted to buy the lot several weeks after the commission approved the lot split. Really nefarious. Sean and his Facebook information sources must have gone some to ferret out that information.

Reed made a motion to terminate Mortell without cause, appoint the finance director as acting manager, and it was seconded by Giobbi.

Then came the public comment and it was at least 80% in favor of Mortell. Mortell is known as a fair and competent attorney. After practicing law in Martin County for more than 30 years, not one attorney who had opposed him spoke of anything but his being a good advocate for his clients and an honorable opponent.

One after another, the people of Stuart and Martin County spoke about Mike in glowing terms. Even those whom he had code enforced or had been sued by him in private practice or as the city attorney. People who knew him since childhood or only since last year spoke of him highly and did not endorse the commission majority’s pending action.

Who were his detractors? The usual suspects who have been malcontents forever. People who are best left alone without mention. Without mention because the spotlight is what they crave. You can find the entire meeting here 

Then it was Mortell’s turn. His harshest criticism was reserved for Reed. He said he was ambushed (which is against the code of conduct) a few weeks ago when Reed stated he wanted to discuss his contract. And then called for his resignation. When TCPalm called him out on that, Reed claimed asking for Mortell’s resignation was discussing his contract.

Mortell then addressed the Hamiltons, the owners of the 1895 Church which has been an ongoing problem since they were included in a state grant program to fix what they claimed was their home. At the same time, Mike said the couple obtained a $41,000 SBA loan for what was claimed to be their office. Mortell said he wouldn’t let the city be a party to fraud.

Reed was constantly calling Tallahassee about the Hamiltons. He was so convinced that Mortell and his staff were creating a problem that Reed insinuated himself into the process so much so that the commissioner was way over the line. The state refused to speak to Reed any further.

Mortell said he followed the will of the commission. When there was a pro-Costco commission, he made sure that it was done. Once this commission told him to stop supporting Brightline, he did. Someone had said he was not playing ball. He dared anyone to show him where he had not.

Mortell went easy on Collins, but he did leave a road map for investigators if they choose to follow. Mike claimed he was told that if he left, the “Facebook 3” would not bring out the dirty linen of the lot split and suspended license. That is the definition of extortion, Sean.

He went easy on Giobbi by saying that she didn’t even realize she was breaking the law when she told staff to break the law. That in and of itself is pretty damning. Bless her heart.

And the crux of the matter is that at the direction of Reed, Giobbi, and especially Collins, the entire city is in violation of state statute. Every time that the LDRs are used, that is one more violation. When will it end…only with Collins, Giobbi, and Reed being removed.

When it came time for the commission to speak, the “Facebook 3” had no further comments. Commissioner Clarke made a valiant defense against the motion. She was the best that I have ever seen her.

Mayor Rich stated that department heads are worried about when it will be their turn to be fired. He met with each of them, and no one could say something ill about Mortell. It wasn’t fear on their part because they knew Mike wouldn’t be their boss for very long.  

The vote in favor of dismissal was 3-2 with Rich and Clarke dissenting.

This is how we now govern… by Facebook. The “Facebook 3” couldn’t care less about the people who spoke. They only cared about how many hits they receive for their posts. Social media determines the outcome while flesh and blood constituents mean nothing. All the world belongs to a social media stage.

Mike Mortell was sacrificed so that the “Facebook 3” could have more hits on their social media pages.

There were about 100 people at the Rally for Mike Mortell at Maria’s in Downtown Stuart on Wednesday, October 22nd.

What struck me was that most of the people that came knew each other. I looked around and I could see people I knew from government, the nonprofit world, neighbors, and friends. Some I hadn’t seen in years. Others it had only been hours since we last spoke.

There were people I had disagreements with over the years. Others who had been fellow board members and still are. Chuck Geary, a prominent local attorney, placed my title insurance on the first house I bought in Stuart 25 years ago. Mike Braid is a New York real estate guy who I didn’t know there even though we knew many of the same people. I met him in the Black Marlin about 15 years ago.

I saw Thelma Washington, the head of Gertrude Walden Childcare where I had served on the board. I spoke with Merritt Matheson who had been my appointment to the LPA for a while when I was a city commissioner and then he became one and eventually mayor. John Gonzalez, who is a columnist at Friends & Neighbors, organized the rally along with Ted Astolfi, the CEO of the Economic Council.

I could name many more rally attendees because Stuart is a small and intimate place. And that is something Reed, Giobbi, and Collins just don’t get. They live on their computers and tablet screens. They are afraid of real life.

Have you ever seen them anywhere that you go? The three are apparitions, phantoms, and specters. They seem to have appeared out of nowhere. No history in our city. Then one day, they were here.

Unlike his commission majority, Mike Mortell is everywhere and has been for his entire life. He has paid his dues to Martin County. As a teenager he spent a summer working on Doctor Harrell’s home construction and painting projects with Doc’s wife, Gayle, supervising and pitching in. He practiced law with JD Lewis as one of his mentors.

He ran for city commission and was elected. He became mayor. And he lost an election to Jim Christie years later. Jim’s seat was the one that I won when he retired. I spoke at Jim’s funeral.

When Mortell’s first wife passed away, he quit government because he had two young boys at home to father and now mother. Mortell went back to government as city attorney and then city manager. Until elected, what jobs did Giobbi, Reed, and Collins do for anyone but themselves.

In one short year they have made Stuart the laughingstock of Florida. Their arrogance and imbecility are a stain to everyone that attended the rally yesterday. Not because of what they have done to Stuart and are going to do to Mortell but because they have done nothing else.

Mike Mortell will be fine if they fire him. The City of Stuart not so much. Even now Mortell wants to remain as city manager. I don’t know too many others who would. This was the statement that he wanted read at the rally:

I have spent my entire adult life working for, or in partnership with, the City of Stuart. It has always been my goal to serve this community with integrity and dedication. My desire is to continue working for the City Commission and to demonstrate that, as City Manager, I faithfully follow the will of the Board and implement the policies it adopts.

The City Manager position should never be influenced by politics or misinformation. Unfortunately, it appears that certain individuals may be attempting to use false or misleading information to influence the City Commissioners by creating political division and undermine that principle.

I am humbled by the community support, and it reinforces everything I have always said about the Stuart Community. If you have the opportunity, I would request that you ask our elected officials to leave politics out of the administration of the City and allow me to continue serving, so that I can demonstrate once again that my only directive has always been, and continues to be, advancing the best interests of the City of Stuart and faithfully executing the policies established by this Commission.

Collins, Giobbi, and Reed are busy on their Facebook trying to make out that Mike and all their enemies are developers’ pawns. Isn’t that getting kind of old…everyone who isn’t praising the three to high heaven is painted as the developers’ friend. They have had the commission majority for a year now. Besides passing an illegal code in violation of state statute, what else have they done? They have brought chaos, hatred, and maleficence to the City of Stuart.

As is evident, the people who rallied for Mike Mortell are somehow interconnected with this place called Stuart. We have crossed paths dozens of times. And do so every day in innumerable ways.

I know that on a few days’ notice, Gonzalez and Ted Astolfi were able to have residents, businesspeople, professionals, and employees to come and show their love of Mortell. The “Facebook Trio” can only make little memes and videos and think that is governance. What a joke! And more and more of the people are seeing just how destructive their policies are.

Mayor Campbell Rich met with Environmental Attorney Ruth Holmes to speak about her possible conflict of interest. She is employed by Stuart and has an interest or employment in the law firm of Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau & Rubin, PA. as “Of Council.”

As a commissioner, Rich had a duty to find out about that. She is his direct report along with reporting to the other commissioners. Rich has every right to speak to her about what she is doing. Nothing that he did should be looked on as controversial. Nor should their conversation have been “telegraphed” to the other commissioners which she did.

Telegraphing under sunshine would mean telling other commissioners what she and Rich discussed when the other commissioners were not present. It is illegal and there are civil and criminal penalties associated with such conduct.

How do we know she did it? At the last meeting Collins, Giobbi, and Reed said she had spoken to them about her conversations with Rich on the record which was televised and recorded. By saying anything to the other commissioners about her conversation with Rich, Ruth Holmes has committed a serious violation of the statute.

What isn’t so clear is whether Collins, Reed, or Giobbi are in violation. By not reporting the violation, they may have run afoul of the law. Why has the Stuart Commission become a hot bed of illegal activity? Look no further than the lawlessness of those three.

The lawless commissioners accused Rich of being a rat. That very way of speaking proves that their reign in Stuart is more akin to the mafia than a government. Just by saying things like that, Rich may have an ethics complaint against them.

If I were Rich, I would file an ethics complaint against the three commissioners for their social media posts that absolutely defamed him plus what they said on the dais. I would also file one against Holmes. What is going on in Stuart is the breakdown of the city government that is being precipitated by Collins, Giobbi, and Reed and their actions.

Giobbi’s assertion that Rich should only speak to Holmes after consulting with them shows you how far the city is from accepted norms. The attorney is supposed to be an employee of all commissioners not just the ones that claim to like her.

At the same time Reed’s anger over department heads not speaking to him is completely misplaced. According to the charter department heads report to the manager and that is who Reed should direct his questions to. The manager can say that Reed could have a meeting with individual department heads but it would be his discretion not theirs.

I am surprised that someone with Holmes experience would not know better. That is what happens when you become mixed up with lawbreakers. You become one yourself. Ruth needs to get away while she still has some sort of reputation that is not completely besmirched.

At the school board meeting most of the time was taken up with public comment.

Public comment that was overwhelmingly in favor of placing Matt Theobold back in the classroom. For once it seemed many of the people who spoke in favor of that outcome stayed and listened to the decision of the board. The follow-through that is so important anytime you are there in support of an outcome.

No matter what, the fate of Theobold was not going to be decided this afternoon. The question would be whether to hear the case. Nevertheless, the public comment I believe was instrumental in what the board decided to do. And I believe it is the best decision they could have made.

There were no new arguments. Most cited Matt Theobold’s unblemished record. I think it is important to consider. Another was that he has certain 1st Amendment rights. That is true but those rights are not without restraint.

If he was not the president of the union, would he be treated this way? Some of the speakers believed it was all about curtailing union representation. If Theobold was a ruby red Republican and made comments about a Democratic martyr, would he be suffering the same fate?

A few mentioned the social media pages of school board members, especially the chair and her involvement in starting Moms for Liberty. There is no doubt that the board is closer to Charlie Kirk’s ideology than Matt Theobold’s.

In my opinion this is very political in nature. Further it is management taking advantage of their labor opponent. It was never about the education of Martin County children.

An interesting question was whether the superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Theobold was unbiased or was it clouded by his personal politics and beliefs? Did Maine decide based on dealing with a union president that is clearly tenacious that it would be better to eliminate him. Or did he read the board and knew what they wanted.

Theobold’s attorney requested that the board refer the matter to the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) to assign a judge to hear the case rather than the school board. School Board Member Powers believed that they should hear the matter. Her motion to do so was seconded by School Board Member Moriarity. It failed 2-3 with Russell, Pritchett, and Roberts dissenting.

Another motion was then made by Roberts and seconded by Russell to have DOAH hear Theobold’s termination. It passed 3-2 with Moriarity and Powers dissenting. That was a smart decision.

It gives the parties time to cool down. It removes politics from the hearing. The hearing will be more impartial.

As I have written a couple of times now, Theobold should have thought about the post. His comments were not incendiary, but I believe inappropriate for someone in his position. The president posts far worse rhetoric constantly. But Theobold is no Trump so he couldn’t get away with any of it.

There is only one standard that applies in this case. Did Theobold fall below the professional standards of the Education Department for teacher behavior? That is going to be a tough call.

We probably won’t even have a hearing until late January or February at the earliest. Does that mean that Matt will be re-instated or be paid prior to a decision being reached? I think not. This is a real conundrum. How will he pay his mortgage and feed his family?

This is what happens when politics enters every facet of our lives. Christian values are much easier to tout when you agree with someone. There seems to be a lack of compassion coming from the good people of Martin County.

It seems that Town Manager Bob Daniels can’t get anything right. At least that seems to be true for two commissioners.

Commissioner Barile accused Daniels of bringing an ordinance forth that the commission didn’t ask staff to work on. In truth, Daniels saw a problem with the way an existing ordinance addressed a situation when an applicant appeals a building official’s decision when a waiver of the code has been denied. As a good manager, he presented the board with a solution. Perhaps saving them legal fees going forward.

Now it would be up to the chairman of the Building & Zoning Adjustment Board to arrange the appeal meeting and notify the rest of the members of the board and the applicant according to the existing ordinance. No chairman should be responsible for setting meeting dates and sending notifications.

The other thing the proposed ordinance does is to have the appeal heard by a special magistrate instead of the board. This would only apply to decisions of the building official and not the BZA Board.  It seemed very reasonable, and this fix happened after a recent appeal.

The original ordinance goes back to before there was a town manager. Now that one exists (and has for many years), administrative functions should be his responsibility and not that of boards. Apparently, this is the first time an appeal has occurred in quite some time, so it is not something of great urgency. Yet should be attended to.

It seemed that commissioners didn’t fully read their packet because the fix did not apply to all variances and waivers only to those denied administratively. There was some consternation over this since Commissioner Tidikis felt that it was taking away authority from the volunteer board. The time to file the appeal was 30 days from the administrative decision. The fee was raised from $750 to $2000.

The original ordinance confused variances from waivers. Waivers are minor changes from the code. Variances are for those instances when the applicant has hardship meeting the code.  So those would continue to be heard by the board.

The building official can grant a waiver only when there are building encroachments of one foot or less into the setback and when concrete equipment pads do not encroach more than three feet into the setback.

Both Tidikis and Barile were testy about why it wasn’t discussed first. Finally, Commissioner Mayfield said she doesn’t understand the problem. If Daniels had said he wanted to change the ordinance and had nothing in writing, then they would have said they couldn’t decide because there was nothing in writing.

Tidikis complained about not having the old ordinance and the new ordinance side by side. In the packet were the strikethroughs and added language superimposed on the existing ordinance. That is what is done across every state and local government for transparency. Nothing unusual about that.

They also didn’t like the fact that the fee went up substantially. Whether there is a magistrate or the Appeals Board, there is a town attorney present. For a two- or three-hour session, that alone can be a couple of thousand dollars. If the commission wants to subsidize the appellant, then they can leave the fee as it is and do so.

The board tabled this for the next meeting so they could study what they already had in their possession before this meeting. Don’t commissioners meet with their managers anymore before a meeting to go through agendas?  

Another meeting and another presentation on septic-to-sewer conversion and South Sewall’s Point Road.

I haven’t written about this very much in a while because the same discussion repeatedly occurs. It is not newsworthy. The town engineer goes through the same points, and the commissioners ask the same questions.

The same arguments are made. For example, does Martin County Utilities force you to hook up. Joe Capra, the engineer, says no and Frank Tidikis, the commissioner, claims yes.

And back and forth it goes. While I would like to report something new, there really isn’t anything. The price to hook up to a grinder system is between $8,000 and $12,000. That is not new, but it is a fact. Grinder systems are what the county is offering.

Commissioner Tidikis would like people instead to put in the Advanced Treatment Systems septic tank. Unfortunately, there are no grants for those systems. While they work, they cost about $30,000 and require a maintenance contract. I can’t figure out whether he dislikes the idea of municipal sewers, or whether he believes that these systems are better even though ultimately, they may cost more.

Joe also provides information about grinders, force mains, directional drilling, and the status of the road work. Is it Phase 2 or Phase 1 or another phase that is being worked on? The movie “Groundhog Day” comes to mind. 

Look, they have done an amazing job of aligning the stars, the moon, sun, and earth in finding OPM (other people’s money) to pay for their infrastructure, but it is no longer news.  I may come back to this when one phase is finally completed to let you know.

However, as an update, Sewall’s Point has asked that the county commissioners have a joint meeting with them.

Will it result in more hookups or a conventional sewer system over the grinders? Maybe the first but I don’t think the second. Martin County Utilities Director has said that the 700 plus hookups are all there is for now. I don’t see the county commission countermanding their director.

But you never know. This is something that is news.

It appears the Indiantown Council majority have little enthusiasm for purchasing the property in the rear of the present village hall.

Karen Onsager does think it is a great idea though. She carried the discussion at the last meeting. Mayor Dipaolo had been the one speaking to the current owners for years trying to convince them to sell to the village. Council Members Waters-Brown, Williams-Palmer, and Perez were quiet when discussing the project.

The contracted price is $375,000. That is more than the appraised value of $200,000. However, the current owners had an additional $175,000 in development costs included in what they wanted the price to be.

The village had already signed a contract. It was now coming to the end of the due diligence period. Attorney Vose said he didn’t need a motion except if they wanted to cancel.

At some point all the land around the village hall will be built. The village will need more room to expand offices and will really have nowhere to go. Under the previous administration, they bought property near the one and only food market in Indiantown. Mayor Dipaolo has a buyer for that at $2.3 million. The village will be holding the note until they can provide water with the completion of the water plant so the new owner can build.

That was never the right place for the village hall. Since they have established the current village hall on Osceola Street, the need for more space has only grown. Village Manager Kryzda has said with the new residents and businesses slated for the village, she will need more employees.

Though not needing one, Onsager made the motion to move forward. There was silence for what seemed like an eternity until Williams-Palmer seconded the motion. It passed 5-0. 

Defining Deviancy Downward

Defining Deviancy Downward was the title of a paper written by Daniel Patrick Moynihan in 1993. I am not writing about the subject matter of that paper, but I am stealing the title to describe what is going on in the City of Stuart.

According to the “Cambridge Dictionary,” deviant behavior refers to actions or behaviors that violate social norms or expectations. Social norms are unwritten rules that guide behavior and are considered acceptable by certain social groups or cultures. The norms that we used to have for the City of Stuart government are no longer being followed by Boss Collins and his Politburo.

Those three have exhibited deviant behavior from what has been the social norm. Their deviance is part of their breaking of formal enacted laws. Did anyone ever think that the commissioners would be instructing the staff to break state statute? But here is something far worse…the very entities entrusted with making sure that local governments are not lawless have done nothing.

Sunshine, Public Records and now state statutes are being ignored by the three without penalty. Does the state expect the public to suffer just because the voters were the ones that voted for these lawbreakers to be our elected officials? I can’t believe that is right. Contrary to those sitting City Commissioners say, they received the votes of a minority of residents but a majority of those who voted. That is a big difference.

If the three were embezzling funds, would state government claim their elected status as a reason why they could not step in? In his comments, Manager Mike Mortell, who they terminated at the last meeting, laid out a roadmap detailing their illegal actions. He should be interviewed by the appropriate authorities.

Stuart is a small insignificant place. We have been incorporated for 111 years, and in Florida history, that is ancient. It doesn’t match the intricacies or big city problems of a place like Miami or Tampa. That is the point of my title!

If we allow lawlessness here, is that what defining deviancy downward means? Political fights and arguments are nothing new in Stuart or anywhere else. Consciously breaking state statute and now attempted extortion on top of all is where Stuart stands today. It is criminal behavior and only the state can correct this deviant criminal behavior.

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