December 21, 2025

The end of another year.

When I was in grade school I imagined the world 65 years later. It was the time of the “Jetsons,” “Lost In Space,” and “The Outer Limits.” Yet nothing on TV ended up representing the world of today. We are still travelling in cars stuck in traffic. A hamburger is made the same way, and my 2025 stove still cooks my food like my mother’s 1960 stove did if only with more BTUs.

What has changed? President Trump is right about one thing girls don’t need thirty dolls. And boys can do with a little less too. We received one big toy and a couple of smaller ones for Christmas.

One year I think I got something called the “Blue and the Gray.” It was civil war battle soldiers with cannons, tents, a bridge, and a farmhouse. It probably set my parents back $20. There was one black & white television, a couple of cheap radios, a record player, and no other electronics in our homes.

Because there was so little in the home, as kids we found our entertainment at the movies, at the ball game, in the playground or mostly at church. Movies were a quarter for kids during the day, ball games were about $2, and the church was free. This time of year, we spent a lot of time there.

Christmas was and is a special time. For me it was a time of cheap toys, dragging a tree home from the street seller, and singing Christmas carols. We sang them not only in church but at home, in school, and just a group of us outside our building. We rehearsed to sound better not only for the choir but for ourselves.

It seems that we were not as much observers as participants in life. All year long, groups of us would sing songs from the radio, from records, or what we heard from others. Just like we weren’t passive observers as much as active participants.

In our last edition of 2025, our columnists give you their views on their nonprofits, politics and the holiday season. Look at Stacy Ranieri’s column for some new words for 2025. We report several stories from Martin County and Stuart that should interest our readers.

I hope you are getting into the season and have festivities planned. From our columnists, behind the scenes friends, Polly, and myself. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Kwanza, and Channukah. See you in 2026. Happy New Year.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

I am a person who makes lists. I started doing so when my 8th grade math teacher, David Rosenstein, gave me two important life lessons.

He took one look at my handwriting and said it was as bad as his. When I confessed that I couldn’t read what I wrote after a day, he told me his secret which was when in school he rewrote his notes at night, and it acted as a form of studying.

I began doing the same thing using block print lettering. When I went to high school the following year, I received a portable manual typewriter as a gift. From that time through grad school, I dutifully went home and typed my notes from class.

The second piece of advice he gave me was to keep a “To Do” list. Lists are something I do even today. When I was in business, I had many lists to keep things straight. When I began in the real estate business, I kept that list on a legal pad on my desk. This was years before desktop computers. As I started to manage properties every building had its own list.

As I climbed the management chain, sometimes owning or managing more than one company at the same time, I had lists. The companies became larger, and I had a list for each department. I don’t think I could have managed to keep everything straight without the lists.

I am ashamed to admit this, but I even had a Polly list. She hated it. My wife thought at times she was being treated as an employee. I don’t think that is true, but I can understand her point.

In some way or fashion, everyone keeps a list. The Bible is full of passages outlining lists of genealogy. It is said that the roll (which is another name for a list) will be called up yonder on judgement day. At least there is a hymn to that effect.

To millions of children, this is the time of the year where one man’s list is very important. He is a fat merry old elf known as Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, or by a dozen other names throughout the world. He is keeping a list and checking it twice to find out who has been naughty and nice.

Every one of us has some form of a list and may keep it no other place except our heads. It is how we keep track of what we are to do and what we expect others to do. In most cases, it is very sublime and mundane. As we end the year, shouldn’t we make sure that we purge our lists of those things that are never going to be realized.

It may be time to cross off all the items that we have accumulated throughout the year that are not in keeping with the celebration of the birth of Our Lord. It is a time when we embrace peace and joy. Ill thoughts and wishes hold us back from embracing the goodness of the season.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

At the turn of the 20th century, many city dwellers lived in single room occupancy (SRO) apartments.

The tenants were mostly single and wanted affordable housing. They shared a kitchen and bathroom with their neighbors. Some had sinks in the individual rooms for personal hygiene. People didn’t take a daily bath as they do today.

Most tenement housing shared bath facilities with neighbors. This is not the type of housing I am writing about today.   Tenement apartment buildings ranged from sleazy housing to middle-class apartments.

It was only in the 1960s that SROs were all looked upon as slum housing for the indigent. In its prime, there were more blue- and white-collar workers housed in SROs than in traditional apartments. It was very acceptable housing and had no stigma attached to living in these buildings.

A recent article in The New York Times outlined how the N.Y.C. housing crisis could find a partial solution with this type of housing. Councilman Erik Bottcher of Manhattan introduced a bill to allow new construction and conversion of office buildings into SRO facilities. Cities in the U.S. and the rest of the world are looking into these units as a possible affordability solution.

Because rents are so high, two or more single uninvolved people rent conventional apartments now. They share the kitchen and bathroom. This use takes away housing from families who cannot find an apartment. People currently living in shelters could transition to permanent housing if SROs were more plentiful since it would be more affordable to find a room than an apartment.

I owned and managed SRO facilities in the 1990s. Our biggest problem was the government and rent control. I had people paying $28 a month and they had the room forever.

Government regulation and outdated zoning rules are the biggest obstacles to constructing new housing of any sort. The excessive controls and regulations in New York and other cities resulted in eliminating SRO housing as an alternative for many people. These types of units would be ideal for most young people starting out.

If local governments believe SRO apartments or any other type of reimagined housing can help solve the current crisis, then it should be tried. The problem becomes that in protecting tenants, they overregulate the units to death. The government did it once and could do it again.  

If you have never experienced poverty, even temporarily, you have no idea the feeling of hopelessness and dread some face. The anxiety and worry that goes through a mother and father’s mind when you are being dunned by landlords, electric company, and other bill collectors. Should you give a little on all your bills or pay the rent and let the rest wait?

To millions of Americans, these are not trivial matters. These decisions are made every day by the working poor or those that are unemployed. Unless that situation has happened to you personally or someone you know, all the stories in the world won’t convey the situation.

According to an article in The New York Times, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the following, “The American people don’t know how good they have it.” That was when he was speaking about our current economy including those complaining about the cost of living. Though a billionaire today, he grew up the son of solidly middle class small business owners in Conway, South Carolina. Yet his public statements lack empathy for those struggling to make ends meet.

While policies may be political, I don’t think attitude is. Rather it is class that makes a person less able to understand someone’s plight. For the most part when you are speaking about people that have billions of dollars in net worth, they have become completely removed from the reality of what most Americans’ lives are like. Bessent could utter the words he did because he never had an idea about making a rent payment or his wealth has made him forget.

To the wealthy, making ends meet is a reflexive notion. They can either be like Elon Musk and Donald Trump who are not known for their philanthropy or Bill Gates and Warren Buffet who donate millions. That doesn’t mean that either Gates or Buffet are any more understanding of a poor person’s predicament. The latter two just feel an obligation to use their wealth for the betterment of all. Think of it as Noblesse Oblige.

I would suspect Buffett, born in Omaha and the son of a businessman and congressman, is probably the more grounded of the four. He still lives in Omaha and resides in the same house he bought in 1958 in a very middle-class neighborhood. His neighbors while far from poor are not billionaires. Buffet is part of his community even attending local football games.

Accumulating massive wealth is not wrong or immoral. Yet there is a problem with forgetting that our society needs cohesion to function. Now that we are at the end of another year, what do we want to stand for?  What is our commitment as a society to each other?

“And Again I say to you: it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 19:24

As of December 15th, there have been 392 mass shootings in the U.S. this year according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Believe it or not, that is substantially fewer than last year. The Gun Violence Archive has the number for 2024 at 523. I guess that is progress.

Last weekend two students were killed and nine injured at Brown University in Providence. The authorities had a person of interest but apparently, he wasn’t the shooter, so they let him go. The shooting will eventually be solved with an abundance of man hours not to mention the loss of life and the emotional toll of this one random act on so many.

Not to be out done by Americans, an antisemitic father/son pair killed 15 Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Australia. The country has very strict gun laws, and I suspect they will become tougher in the wake of this tragedy. The Australian response, unlike any time in the United States, has always been to tighten the guidelines for gun ownership.  An Australian who is a Muslim and from a Syrian immigrant family passing by disarmed one of the attackers.

Director and Actor Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered in their home by their son. Nick Reiner was a drug addict who has been in and out of rehab many times. President Trump posted this to his social media account:

  “Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS,”

The president did express sympathy for the Brown University incident. The president and so many others express sympathy and then do nothing to try and stop future violence.

Often mental health is used as an explanation for the violence, but our politicians continue to cut mental health services.  The same politicians often say that if the attacker didn’t have a gun, he would use a knife. That is what happened at the Reiner household so they may be right.

I am sure by the end of the year there will be at least one or two additional mass shootings. At this time of year there are people under even more stress than usual. Mental illness, stress, and the readily availability of guns all contribute to a shooting occurring.

Peace on Earth and Good Will toward Man.

With constant notifications and calendars that always seem to overflow, the greatest gift we can give one another, especially during the Christmas season, is intentional, unplugged time together that reminds us of what family is all about.

For many, Christmas evokes memories of baking cookies together, telling stories passed down through generations, or sitting quietly by the tree enjoying the glow of the lights. Yet as our lives grow busier and screens have become nearly unavoidable, those moments of simple connection can easily slip away. This year, let us choose to rediscover the value of slowing down, stepping away from digital distractions, and being fully present with the people who matter most.

Intentional family time does not have to be elaborate. In fact, the most meaningful moments often come from the smallest actions, like sharing a conversation during a family meal, playing a board game, going for a walk through a decorated neighborhood, or reading a Christmas story together before bed. These pauses in our daily routines offer a chance to reconnect, to listen more deeply, and to build memories that last far beyond the holiday season.

Children especially benefit from unplugged time. When we set aside screens and stress, we create space for them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and feel seen. Families who regularly carve out screen-free moments often report stronger communication, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of unity. For adults, these intentional breaks can reduce stress, improve patience, and remind us of our own need for genuine connection.

As we embrace the joys of the holiday season, it is also a natural time to look ahead. The start of a new year brings with it the promise of a fresh chapter. If you are like me and hope to fill your time with more balance, more gratitude, and more togetherness, making family time a priority is one of the most meaningful resolutions we can set.

A family time resolution does not have to be complicated. It might mean establishing one device-free dinner with the whole family each week, planning a monthly family outing, or choosing one evening where everyone gathers to share stories, play games, or simply enjoy each other's company. These commitments, small as they may seem, can shape the rhythm of a home and strengthen bonds in lasting ways.

The beauty of intentional time together is it reminds us that connection does not require perfection. You do not need a magazine-worthy holiday setup or a flawlessly planned schedule. What matters is showing up and being present and willing to share the moment.

As Christmas approaches and the New Year peeks over the horizon, consider giving your family the gift that does not wear out, break, or get misplaced: your time. Turn off the screens, set aside the never-ending to-do list, and step into the simple joy of being together. In these moments you may find that the season shines a little brighter and the year ahead feels a little more hopeful.

Our presence, after all, is the most meaningful present we can give each other. Merry Christmas!

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

Celebrating the Holidays with a Shelter Pet

While many families are celebrating Christmas morning at home, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is celebrating right alongside the animals who are still waiting for theirs. The holiday season at our shelter is filled with compassion, creativity, and a shared commitment to making sure every animal feels loved, even if they haven’t found a home just yet.

Each December, HSTC launches its Home for the Holidays program, offering $25 adoptions on all pets from December 1 through December 23. This initiative helps remove barriers to adoption and gives more animals the chance to spend the holidays curled up on a couch, under a Christmas tree, and surrounded by a family of their own. For many pets, it truly becomes a holiday miracle.

However, for those animals who don’t get adopted in time, Christmas is still celebrated in a meaningful way at the shelter. Although HSTC is closed to the public on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the care never stops. Shelter staff arrive behind the scenes as early as 6 a.m. to ensure every animal is comfortable, cared for, and surrounded by extra love.

One of the most joyful traditions at HSTC is the shelter’s Christmas tree. This year, the tree was playfully decorated with a construction theme, a fun way to acknowledge the shelter’s current construction efforts. Beneath the tree are piles of donated presents from generous community members who made sure the animals wouldn’t go without on Christmas morning.

On Christmas Day, the dogs are brought out one by one to choose their own gift from under the tree. Watching them sniff, paw, and proudly parade around with their chosen toy is a heartwarming reminder of just how special these moments are. Their excitement fills the space with laughter and joy, even within the kennel walls.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. Cats receive brand-new toys and special treats to enjoy, while the shelter’s critters are given fresh greens and enrichment items tailored just for them. Every animal, no matter their species, gets something to brighten their day.

While a kennel can’t replace a cozy home, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is dedicated to making the holiday as special as possible for its homeless friends. Through love, thoughtful traditions, and the support of the community, Christmas at HSTC is a reminder that hope is always present, and that every animal deserves to feel cherished, especially during the holidays.

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

Every December, dictionaries unveil new words that officially earn a spot in the English language. Most of them start as memes, jokes or social media fads. But once enough people use them, the dictionary powers simply shrug and say, “Fine. It counts.”

This year’s batch is especially quirky, and a few of them earned an immediate test run at the Firefly office.

Here are the most entertaining new additions.

skibidi (pronounced “SKIH-bih-dee”)

Added to Cambridge, this word can mean cool, bad, or absolutely nothing at all. It’s basically a verbal shrug, used mostly by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, often leaving the rest of us nodding politely and hoping context will save us.

delulu (pronounced “deh-LOO-loo”)

Also added to Cambridge, this playful shorthand for “delusional” is used when someone believes something despite all evidence to the contrary. Online-born, surprisingly versatile, and often used with affection rather than judgment.

bed rotting

A Gen Z term for intentionally spending extended time in bed doing absolutely nothing productive. Not sleeping, exactly. More like scrolling, snacking, watching comfort shows, answering texts, and generally refusing to engage with the outside world for a while. Despite how it sounds, bed rotting is not about laziness. It is about rest, recovery, and opting out of constant productivity. Think of it as radical permission to recharge, preferably under a blanket, with your phone at a low brightness setting.

deinfluence

A term popularized on TikTok and now firmly in the cultural lexicon, a deinfluencer does the opposite of selling. Instead of urging you to buy the latest must-have product, they explain why you probably don’t need it. Sometimes it’s about saving money. Sometimes it’s about sustainability. Sometimes it’s just refreshing honesty. In a digital world built on persuasion, deinfluencing has become its own quiet rebellion, and one that feels particularly relevant in marketing conversations right now.

And drum roll please for my favorite “word” of all.

6-7 (pronounced exactly as “six seven”)

Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year, and possibly the most confusing entry on the list. 6–7 is a Gen Z/Gen Alpha slang expression used to react to almost anything.  It’s a verbal placeholder that means nothing and something at the same time.

The word 6–7 is usually accompanied by a hand gesture. Both hands are held out and loosely bounced or wiggled, like a physical shrug. With the gesture, 6–7 communicates mild confusion, playful indifference, “whatever,” or “I don’t know.”. And somehow, this makes perfect sense to the people using it. The randomness is the point.

As an early Gen X-er, I first saw it explained on CBS Sunday Morning, bravely tried it out at the Firefly office, and was met with a pause before one of my younger staff members said, “You’re kind of… unintentionally slay.” I am taking that as a win, even if I needed a translation!

Closing Thought

Language has always been a living thing and constantly evolving.  New words aren’t just trends. They reflect how we think, feel, and connect with each other and can make us laugh - or roll our eyes - in the middle of a chaotic week.  

Whatever they look like, these odd little additions remind us that communication is never static. It is playful, human, and always in motion. And no, you are not delulu, sometimes it means nothing at all.

Have you come across a weird word that you’ve started using? Share it with me at stacy@fireflyforyou.com

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

Holiday Cheer, Hoosier Football, and a Little Treasure Coast Hope

 As the calendar turns toward Christmas and Hanukkah here on the Treasure Coast, it feels like the right moment to take a breath, lower the political blood pressure just a notch, and remember why so many of us chose Martin County - and Stuart in particular - as home.

Many of us arrived here the same way: looking for something quieter, more human-scaled, and less frenetic than the places we left behind.  Tom Campenni brought his New York City sensibilities and curiosity south years ago and created this Friends & Neighbors of Martin County - a genuine civic gift that now reaches more than 40,000 readers monthly.  I personally arrived by way of Indianapolis, Indiana via a long 15-year layover in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and immediately felt what so many newcomers feel:  our Treasure Coast has a soul worth protecting.

The holidays have a way of softening even the most hardened cynics among us.  Porch lights glow a little warmer.  Neighbors wave a little longer.  Even politics - yes, politics - can briefly take a back seat to shared humanity.  For a few weeks, we can argue about fruitcake recipes instead of zoning hearings.

And then there’s college football…

Permit a proud Hoosier moment of mine:  Indiana University, my alma mater, is ranked #1 in the nation headed into the College Football Playoff and just produced its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner - Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native of Cuban heritage who gracefully accepted the coveted trophy this last Saturday night in New York City.  IU football fans have waited generations for this sentence to exist, let alone be true.  If miracles are seasonal, this gift arrived right on time.

Why does that matter here?  Because it’s a reminder of what happens when institutions invest in people, leadership aligns with opportunity, and ambition isn’t treated like a four-letter word.  Progress doesn’t require chaos.  It requires vision, competence, and follow-through.

Martin County faces real challenges on the horizon: jobs, economic diversification, affordability, and managing growth without losing its character.  Those challenges won’t be solved by slogans, sanctimony, or invoking higher powers to justify earthly decisions.  They’ll be solved by practical leadership, thoughtful development, and a genuine respect for the electorate who foot the bill.

Still, this is the season for us all to lead with grace…

So, let’s celebrate the good: our small-town charm, our coastal beauty, our increasingly diverse community, and yes - even the fact that so many people care deeply enough to argue about the future of this place we care so much about!

May your holidays be filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, competitive football watching, and optimism for what 2026 - and beyond - can bring to Stuart and Martin County.

And, if Indiana can win the Heisman and top the national polls like never before, perhaps anything really is possible.

Happy Holidays to ALL our Friends & Neighbors,

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

Please Have A Very Happy Holiday & New Year!

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

Gratitude and Mental Health

Gratitude has recently come to the fore as one of the most important ingredients in maintaining health.  Gratitude is the internal state of satiety and quietude that comes from acceptance of all that is good in one’s life.  It is an expression of internal peace.   We should periodically ask ourselves if we are at peace with ourselves and with the world. It can be shocking to realize that those moments of true peace and gratitude are not as common as we would like.  Why does this matter?

Life is a constant struggle for sustenance and survival in an often hostile and increasingly noisy and complicated world.   This struggle is negotiated in the context of our physical and mental health, often seen as distinct domains.  Physical health and mental health are not distinct as our human organism is integrated.  What is good for the mind will influence what is good for the body; what is good for the body will influence what is good for the mind.  Appropriate nutrition and lifestyle matter immensely.   For a long time, we have been reminded that you are what you eat. Well, consider the nutrition of the mind.

We are bombarded daily with messages on social media and the internet that demand attention and action.  We are constantly challenged with mental mind viruses that insist that we are not grateful and that we seek an unreachable satiety with expectations that are often irrational, avaricious, or narcissistic.  The triggers are to want more material trinkets and seek a sculpted external appearance to please an imagined hyperjudgmental audience.  Our psychological bandwidth is flooded with so many messages that it becomes harder to remember who we really are and to be pleased and grateful for being the best version of ourselves we can be.  There can be no peace with any insatiable appetite.   It is no surprise that in almost all religious traditions fasting, meditation (prayer), and intermittent asceticism function to cleanse our minds of painful discontents.

We celebrated Thanksgiving last week.  Thanksgiving can be an invocation to recognize all that is good in us and around us in an imperfect world populated by imperfect people.    We should nourish ourselves mindfully, careful not to glut on food, politics, football, or Black Friday shopping.   We should periodically shut off our devices to give our minds a rest.  We should seek to be grateful.   Longevity health guru Mark Hyman, MD calls “gratitude an underrated longevity tool.”  Peter Attia, MD, another longevity guru has written on how gratitude provides a secure base for negotiating life’s difficulties in his book “Outlive”.    Gratitude is a tool that helps us fight back hunger for things we may want but do not need.   Genuine gratitude will give you much needed peace, and many forget what that peace feels like when they are instead filled with anxiety and depression over material and interpersonal discontents.   We should be grateful for our freedoms, as iconically painted by Norman Rockwell over eighty years ago: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from fear, and freedom from want.

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

I am writing this column feeling humbled, grateful, and proud of the incredible outpouring of love and support from our amazing community toward House of Hope and all of the people that we serve.

When the government shutdown started, we knew that many thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors, especially seniors, children, moms with infants, and people with disabilities, would be adversely affected. We also knew that with the holidays fast approaching, the challenges that so many of our lower income residents face would feel almost insurmountable. Additionally, House of Hope was already working hard to manage the huge increase in the need for our services before all of these new challenges emerged. In our fiscal year that ended on September 30th, we saw an increase in food distributions through our four food pantries and to our food bank partners of over 40% to almost 1.7 million pounds for the year. We also saw increases in our financial assistance program, case management services, and enrichment services. We are quickly approaching 40,000 lives touched by House of Hope each month.

So we turned to you, our friends and neighbors, to ask for help and the response has been incredible. Food donations at our four pantries from the public have been happening at a record pace since early November. Dozens of businesses, churches, schools and other groups have held food drives for us. Volunteerism has increased. Donations of items at our three thrift stores have jumped. Every food pantry client that needed help with a turkey and the trimmings for Thanksgiving received support. Nearly 200 of our neighbors experiencing homelessness received a full Thanksgiving dinner. Several of our soup kitchen partners received everything that they needed to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the people that they serve. Over 400 turkeys in all passed through our facilities. I am also happy to say that we are on track to provide the same levels of support for Christmas. Additionally, every child and teen on our list for Christmas gifts will be supported. ALL of this is because of you!

We know we certainly have more to do, and we will need your continued support. We expect the need to continue to grow again this year. But right now, where we are today, you have given me, our amazing staff and volunteers, and everyone that we serve the gift of HOPE for the holidays. When we start to feel tired from the pace and the volume of the work, we are rejuvenated by your kindness and compassion.  Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude. Today we wish the same full hearts for everyone in our community. May your holidays overflow with love and laughter, and may the New Year bring you health and prosperity. Thank you for providing Hope in Our Community. 

Please visit our website if you need our assistance or if you want to get involved at www.hohmartin .org.

Rob Ranieri’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

This is the season for believing—and in a community as kind as Martin County, it’s not difficult to do.

Even in the last-minute rush of the holiday season, the giving spirit locally is alive and shining through. That generosity can show up in wonderful and surprising ways. I’ll give an example in a moment.

But first, we recently held our annual holiday relief effort Operation Merry & Bright. Civic groups, church groups, small-business owners, retirees and more volunteered in droves to assist our staff in the massive effort. Preparing food packages. Organizing toys. Wrapping gifts. Basically, doing everything necessary to ensure thousands of local children and their families can share in the celebration of the holiday.

While you might expect extra goodwill during the holidays, Martin County thankfully embodies this spirit year-round. I recently shared this point with the Business Development Board of Martin County in its monthly newsletter Martinomics. “There’s a commitment (to others) here that really makes Martin County special. It’s hyper-realized during the giving season, but it plays out over the course of the year.”

That’s especially important as food packages remain our highest priority this coming year. We’re grateful for the community’s recent response to local instances of heightened food insecurity following cuts to federal assistance programs. Your support helped ensure local families in need got the essential food supplies they rely on. Such needs persist, so if you feel called to help us meet them, please visit www.BGCMartin.org to contribute.

It’s longstanding BGCMC practice to send all club members home with backpacks full of food every Friday so they can eat healthfully over the weekend. Everything we provide, including our services, are completely free to club members.

The healthy meals and snacks they get afterschool at the clubs are among the most reliable nutrition they receive. Nearly nine in 10 children in our care qualify for Martin County School District’s free/reduced lunch program. So, we don’t just provide food, we equip them to make healthy decisions.

From the vegetables they grow in the club gardens to the recipes, cooking tips and kitchen skills they learn in our culinary program—all tailored to lead to viable careers in hospitality—we emphasize principles of healthy choices and self-sufficiency.

Such independence is further instilled through our youth workforce development programs, which include industry-led and directed training in HVAC, welding, electrical, construction and much more. The program helps kids acquire durable, in-demand skills for the local job market and lets business leaders share their knowledge in shaping the future workforce.

Not all our contributors need be business leaders nor share employment tips, per se.

One woman approached us wanting to teach kids at our Port Salerno Club how to crochet. We agreed, but I was admittedly doubtful that such lessons would appeal to middle schoolers. But by sharing her passion from an authentic place, the kids responded with an excitement that’s been contagious, making crocheting one of the club’s most popular activities. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

And that’s why this time of year—and anytime of year—it’s easy to believe in Martin County that anything is indeed possible. Happy Holidays, everyone!

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

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and my hopes for a healthy New Year. Despite the fact that some of us may disagree on issues and policies - I truly believe that we all want the best for our families, friends and neighbors.

I will ramble a little bit with my last column of 2025. I want to thank the publisher for his support and encouragement throughout the year. We are lucky to have a thoughtful leader that truly cares about Stuart and Martin County. Friends & Neighbors is a thoughtful and important publication. We no longer have a “local” newspaper. Today’s newspaper barely covers local, state or national news. Fortunately, we have a reliable source for local news, opinion and events.

I am a Realtor and the property values and desirability of our community is important to me and my livelihood. For years I have touted the amazing life we have in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and all of Martin County. Despite the noise created by the advocates of a “no growth” strategy I believe we have grown well and thoughtfully. You may disagree but reputable grading sources all believe that we live in a highly desirable piece of paradise. Coastal living and seaside desirability make our county a great place to visit and to live.

I have been coming to Martin County since the late 60’s. I built my first home in Hobe Sound in 1983. I remember when you could not find an open restaurant after 8 pm (it's still not easy to find a good one after 8). There was little entertainment for young families. Now we have a vibrant downtown in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and even Hobe Sound. This comes with an acceptable amount of growth that feeds the economy and creates new opportunities. I have lived here over 40 years and LOVE living here.

It is true - it takes me longer to get from here to there but it is because there is more between the two places. There are more shops, grocery stores, doctors, restaurants, coffee shops and entertainment venues. There were items that you could not find in town and would be forced to go to Palm Beach to get them - especially gourmet items. Today, you can find anything here and not leave our protected community.

Finally, as the year ends let me make my final shout out. We have the best emergency response team in the country - my opinion. Our sheriff, our police departments and all the fire/rescue units keep us safe and secure in our homes. I always try to thank our first responders. Please thank them each time you see them in Publix or on the street. Our support goes a long way to keep us safe.

John Gonzalez’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

The Spirit of Giving in Martin County

“Maybe Christmas, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more” reflected Dr. Seuss. This sentiment resonates deeply in Martin County, where the collective efforts of community organizations strive to provide that “little bit more” for those in need. While many experience Christmas as a joyful and festive season, there are individuals and families for whom the season brings challenges. Organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Stuart, Helping People Succeed, United Way, Salvation Army, House of Hope, Boys and Girls Club, Community Foundation of Martin/St. Lucie, and many others work tirelessly to bridge this gap, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday.

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling” (Edna Ferber) wisely stated. The Kiwanis Club of Stuart exemplifies this philosophy by creating opportunities for children throughout the year. A recent event, Saturday in the Park with Santa, stands as a testament to this commitment. During this gathering, 130 children—who otherwise might not have received holiday gifts—were provided with personally selected clothing to place under their tree. The event was enriched by the support of the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, who served hot dogs and hamburgers, and included fun activities such as games, face painting, and a visit from Santa himself, who eagerly listened to each child’s wishes.

“A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi).” The Kiwanis Club of Stuart embraces this idea, extending light, love and support to children all year long. Our upcoming event, Reading and Pancakes in the Park, along with monthly Super Saturdays at Kiwanis Park, continue this tradition. In addition, the club promotes literacy by reading and donating books at the Martin County Fair and by offering Little Libraries for all ages at Kiwanis Park. Through these initiatives, children remain the primary focus and priority throughout the year.

As Dr. Seuss also noted, “Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” The club’s meetings are vibrant, filled with discussions about ongoing and future projects designed to expand their influence in Martin County. These lively conversations often spark actions that have a positive impact on the community. Each month, the club honors a First Responder—nominated by their department—with special gifts and a plaque in recognition of their service. Meetings are held twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday at Manero’s in Palm City, and feature speakers from various backgrounds who enrich the club’s perspective and outreach.

“We will never know ourselves if we do not know our history: (Dr. Maulana Karenga) Since 1994, the Kiwanis Club of Stuart has offered American-made Christmas ornaments, each beautifully crafted with local history. The 2025 ornaments celebrate the Centennial of Martin County and Stuart High School. These ornaments, along with a variety of others from previous years, are available for purchase on the club’s website (kiwanisclubofstuart.org), as well as at the Stuart Heritage Museum, the Stuart/Martin Chamber, the Palm City Chamber, and directly from Kiwanis members. These unique gifts are sure to be treasured by family and friends alike.

On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Stuart, we extend our warmest wishes for  a Merry Christmas and the Happiest Holidays to each and every one of you. May 2026 bring love, friendship, acceptance, and inclusion for all!

Suzy Hutcheson's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Navigating the Holidays After a Divorce: How to Keep the Season Positive for Your Family

The holidays can feel different after a divorce. Traditions may change, schedules may shift, and emotions can run high for both parents and children. While this time of year can be challenging, it can also be an opportunity to build new routines and create meaningful memories in a fresh way.

With some planning and open communication, your family can enjoy a peaceful and joyous holiday season.

Set Clear Plans Early

One of the biggest sources of holiday stress comes from uncertainty. Discuss schedules in advance, well before the season begins. Agreeing on pickup and drop-off times, travel details, and which holidays each parent will enjoy with the children can prevent last-minute arguments.

If your parenting plan already outlines holiday schedules, review it together so everyone knows what to expect. Keeping plans predictable helps children feel secure.

Keep the Focus on the Kids

Children often feel the impact of divorce most strongly during the holidays. Reassure them that they will still experience joy, connection, and family time, just in a new way. Encourage them to share what traditions they want to continue and what new ones they would like to start.

Avoid comparing plans or competing for “the better holiday.” The goal is to support your children, not to win them over. When both parents prioritize the kids’ well-being, everyone benefits.

Create New Traditions

While it’s normal to miss the way things used to be, change doesn’t have to be negative. New traditions can help your family grow and adapt.

Consider simple ideas like:

• A holiday movie night
• Baking cookies together
• Volunteering as a family
• A special breakfast on a chosen morning

These activities don’t have to be elaborate. What matters most is quality time.

Communicate Respectfully

The holidays are not the time to revisit old disagreements. Keep conversations focused on logistics and the children. If tensions rise, take a moment before responding. Calm, respectful communication helps make the season smoother for everyone.

Using written communication, like email or a co-parenting app, can also help avoid misunderstandings.

Take Care of Yourself Too

Parents often put themselves last during the holidays, but caring for your own well-being is just as important. Make time for rest, connect with supportive friends or family, and allow yourself space to process any emotions that come up. A more centered parent creates a more peaceful environment for the children.

When Legal Guidance Is Helpful

If holiday scheduling has become a recurring conflict or your parenting plan no longer fits your family’s needs, it may be time to update it. Clear legal guidance can reduce stress and help prevent future disagreements.

Gene Zweben’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

The Best Holiday Gift for Seniors – Your Attention!

What are the best and most important toys and games of all time? The National Toy Hall of Fame has been answering this question for years.

In 2025, they inducted Battleship, Slime and Trivial Pursuit, to join items like baseball cards, Transformers, My Little Pony, Scrabble, and dozens of past award winners.

Do you have a favorite you think should be in the Hall of Fame? How about the seniors in your life? Do they have a favorite toy or game, one that would spark their memory and make them want to share a story with you?

During the holiday season, perhaps the greatest gift that anyone can give a senior is the gift of attention. Just time and a sincere interest. Just an opportunity to be heard and acknowledged.

Asking about a toy or game is a good opener for a conversation. It might even lead to playing some games with friends and family members. Our staff in the Council on Aging Martin County’s Memory Enhancement program will tell you that playing games is a great way to build up the memory tracks in the brain, and many games also help to exercise fine motor skills.

So this season, we urge you to express your love for older members of your family by talking with them, giving them a chance to tell stories, and making them feel appreciated. Give them the gift of your attention.

At the same time, we know that there are some seniors in our community who are struggling with the basics of life, like affording groceries and personal care items.  

Our Angel Tree in the lobby of the Kane Center is a perfect collection place for gift cards that can be given to seniors who need assistance. You can help by purchasing a gift card in any amount and dropping it off at the Kane Center.

We’re also distributing boxes of groceries to seniors aged 60 and over who are currently enrolled in SNAP. Thanks to the United Way of Martin County and our other partners for assisting us in supplementing food resources for individuals, families, and those in senior living communities.

If you know someone in our community who could benefit, please refer them to us or call us for more information at 772-223-7800.

From all of us at Council on Aging Martin County, please accept our best wishes for a beautiful holiday season.

Karen Ripper's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Hard to believe It is December 15. Where the heck did this year go?

The surf bite has shown signs of improving this past month, but it seems just as the pompano start to show in any kind of numbers, they disappear as quickly as they came. Cold fronts during early December usually help as a prevailing north or northeast wind tends to push the pompano down along our local beaches. We have really only had one decent front and that did provide us with a decent bite for a few days.

As I write this column today, we are getting a good shot of hard northeast wind so hopefully as we approach Christmas week things will get going. The one bright spot from the surf has been the fantastic fishing we have been having for the great tasting whiting.

Our area has two different species of "whiting". A whiting as we call it here in Florida is really a kingfish. The two species are the Gulf Kingfish and the Southern Kingfish. The gulf is primarily a silver color with a black tip on its tail and the southern has some brown markings down its sides.

They both taste fantastic and pull pretty hard when hooked on light tackle like a 7-foot spinning rod teamed up with a 3000 sized reel spooled with 10 or 12 lb. test. Small pieces of Fishbites paired with small pieces of cut up shrimp is the ticket if you want to catch a "Hutchinson Island " fish fry.

You will also catch them on your 12- and 13-foot pompano setups fished 75 to 100 yards off of the surf when you are targeting that species. I fish the small lighter rigs close 10 to 15 yards off around the high tide mark as they will come close to feed on the sandfleas and small clams that frequent that inshore trough. The average size of the whiting being caught this year is probably in that 11-to-14-inch range and those fish will give you two beautiful fillets to fry or just cook on the grill in tin foil with a little olive oil and salt and pepper.

These whiting are my favorite fish for the table and if you have not tried them, you are missing a treat. Getting back to the pompano this is the time of year that the Spanish mackerel migrate down the coast and usually set up in an area off Hobe Sound called Pecks Lake. The pompano tend to migrate with them and when the big schools of mackerel show so do the pompano.

Everything seems to be a bit late this year and our water temperature has just recently dropped to 72 to 74 degrees down from 77 to78 degrees it has been. The cooler water temperature will also help in the migration process. The pompano season usually runs from October to May, and it is just starting a little later this season.

The baits that have been producing are the Electric Chicken EZ Flea  and the Orange and White EZ Flea scents and colors tipped with a live or frozen sandflea. The sandfleas have been plentiful so pick up a sandflea rake and put some in the freezer for future use. I also want to give everyone a suggestion on a product I am using that will put you in the pompano game.

It is the brand new 13-foot Fishbites Signature Series Surf rod and it is a game changer. There are two major reasons you do not catch pompano. Either you cannot reach them, or you are fishing in off colored water. This rod will eliminate the first reason. It is light, affordable- only 170 dollars, and super easy to cast. I have been using them for the past couple of months and they are fabulous.

I certainly wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. All of our Martin County beaches should be producing if our weather cooperates so get out and try Tiger Shores, Stuart Beach, Beachwalk Pasley, and the beaches in Hobe Sound.

Good luck and catch em up.

Paul Sperco’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Supporting Children’s Mental Health During the Holiday Season

December is often filled with joy, celebrations, and family gatherings—but for many children, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The holiday season disrupts routines, introduces new social situations, and sometimes amplifies financial or family pressures. As caregivers and community members, it’s important to recognize these challenges and create supportive environments for children.

Maintain Routines Where Possible
Children thrive on predictability. While school breaks and holiday events can alter schedules, try to keep consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily rituals. This stability helps children feel secure during a busy season.

Manage Expectations and Emotions
The holidays often come with high expectations—gifts, parties, and “perfect” family moments. Encourage children to express their feelings openly, whether they’re excited, disappointed, or overwhelmed. Validate their emotions and remind them that it’s okay to feel a mix of things during this time.

Create Meaningful Connections
Not every child experiences a festive home environment. For those who may feel isolated, small gestures—like inviting them to community events or spending quality time together—can make a big difference. Emphasize experiences over material gifts; shared activities like baking cookies or reading holiday stories foster connection and belonging.

Watch for Signs of Stress
Changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or appetite can signal emotional strain. If you notice persistent sadness, withdrawal, or anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Early support can prevent bigger challenges later.

As we close out the year, let’s celebrate progress, kindness, and resilience. Every effort you make to support a child’s emotional well-being today helps build a brighter, healthier tomorrow. Here’s to a new year filled with hope, growth, and joy for all children.

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

As the year wraps up, I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who works in education.

Teachers, support staff, administrators, counselors, bus drivers, paraprofessionals — public schools run because of you, and that reality is too often ignored. I hope you’re able to spend time with people you love, get some rest, and step away from the constant pressure that comes with working in our schools.

While you’re taking that breather, I also want to encourage something that’s hard to do during the school year: spend a little time paying attention to what’s happening to public education in Florida — and why.

VACCINES

The renewed push to roll back school vaccine requirements is just one example of some detrimental decisions being pushed down the line. Long-standing public health, safety, and education standards are being questioned or dismantled, often without clear plans for the real-world consequences schools are left to manage.

PRIVATIZATION

At the same time, public education continues to face funding shifts, increasing state control over local decision-making, and constant public criticism of the people working inside our classrooms. Educators are blamed, scrutinized, and second-guessed, while being asked to do more with fewer resources and less support.

None of this is accidental. Public education in Florida is being steadily weakened through policy choices and messaging that frame schools as problems rather than essential community institutions. The consequences hit hardest in communities that depend most on strong public schools and don’t have private alternatives.

DISMANTLING THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The push to “give education back to the states” by dismantling the U.S. Department of Education would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous, because states have always run education.

Curriculum, standards, teacher hiring, school boards, funding formulas — all of that already sits at the state and local level. The Department of Education was never about controlling classrooms; it existed largely to enforce civil rights protections and ensure that marginalized students — students with disabilities, low-income kids, English learners, students of color — weren’t ignored, excluded, or outright harmed by state systems that had a long history of doing exactly that. Stripping away the one federal entity designed to protect those students doesn’t return “control” to states; it removes accountability and leaves the most vulnerable kids with fewer safeguards and fewer advocates. Calling that “freedom” is disingenuous at best.

Turning Point USA

The Turning Point USA club video circulating right now isn’t about free speech or differing viewpoints — it’s about the normalization of bigotry in public schools, and the fact that it’s being brushed off as harmless “discussion” should concern every parent and educator.  You can find it by searching:  “lincoln mayor remarks turning point usa.”  This is why people reacted the way they did after his death.

You don’t need to be angry. You don’t need to take action immediately. But understanding what’s happening — who’s driving these changes, who benefits, and who bears the cost — matters.

Public schools aren’t perfect, but they are essential. They serve the majority of Florida’s children. They support working families. They hold communities together.

Sydney Thomas' opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Still an Awesome World

It is fascinating to investigate how people around the world celebrate and experience the magic of Christmas. It’s in the foods they eat, the stories they tell their children, the traditions that unfold in the form of music, lights, gifts, and faith.

Looking back at my childhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it is quite amusing to consider that our  South American celebrations have so many elements in common with European and North American ones. The problem, you see, is that – down there – Christmas takes place in the merciless heat of summer. Typical temperatures in Rio range from 80 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in December! Can you imagine poor Santa in that built-for-the-North-Pole suit of his? We also eat many of the delicacies suited for colder climates and sing songs about snow and sitting by the fireplace. Well, who said that traditions are meant to be logical? They just need to be… traditional, I suppose.

But the question that mostly haunted me as a kid was: “how will Santa (Papai Noel) get in when not a single house has a chimney?” Now, living here, I can say: Florida children – I understand your dilemma! Of course, Father Christmas always finds a way in. He’s connected!

Throughout my professional career in the travel industry, I also learned a lot about Christmas celebrations in the Nordic countries. It’s safe to say that life in Scandinavia is as close as it gets to a polar-opposite from life in Brazil, which made my discoveries quite fun and interesting. Let me share with you some of my favorite Nordic traditions:

• Danes love their country’ flag: a white Nordic cross in a red rectangle. They use it, in one way or another, for pretty much every celebration. Christmas is no exception, when they weave red-and-white paper hearts to hang on trees.
• Norwegians hide brooms on Christmas Eve so witches and evil spirits can’t steal them and fly away.
• Every year on December 24 at 3:00 p.m., Sweden’s national broadcaster (SVT) airs “Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul” (“Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas”). Viewership is estimated to exceed that of the Super Bowl!
• Saunas are a huge part of life in Finland and a special sauna before dinner on Christmas Eve is customary. They also claim that Santa Claus lives not in the North Pole, but in the Finnish Lapland, instead. In the town of Romaniemi they even have an “official” Santa Claus Village.
• Iceland has some of the most interesting traditions, in my view, which include the Thirteen Yule Lads. They are mischievous brothers who stop by for a visit – one by one – starting 13 days before Christmas, each with a distinct personality.

Regardless of culture, around the globe, the underlying theme of togetherness and love is always there. The lights are beautiful, the songs are touching, and the foods are delicious. But the gatherings are the heart of it all, where the magic really lives. And whether we are talking about Christmas or any other time of the year, appreciating the similarities, differences and quirks from land to land is exactly what makes the gift of travel such a beautiful and important one.

Wherever you are, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you! May it be truly wonderful.

Marcelo Guimarães' opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

A Season of Healing: How Santa’s Elves Make Christmas Special

The holidays are filled with celebration, family traditions, and the excitement of giving. But for children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected, the season can feel vastly different. Instead of joy, it may evoke memories of instability or loss. For a child living in a shelter, Christmas can easily pass as just another day—one without the comfort, routine, or love every child deserves.

Yet each year, something uplifting happens--Hibiscus Santa’s Elves step in to brighten the season with compassion and hope. Santa’s Elves is a special program that brings holiday magic to children at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter—children who are rebuilding their lives while healing from the trauma of being removed from their homes.

Organized by the dedicated ladies of the Hibiscus Martin County Guild, Santa’s Elves partners with caring individuals and generous businesses throughout the community to ensure every child feels remembered and cherished. Volunteers carefully fulfill each child’s wish list—a soft blanket for comfort, a toy for a toddler who yearns to play, or an art kit for a young person searching for ways to express big emotions. These gifts become more than holiday surprises, they become lifelines of encouragement, reminding children that they matter and helping them feel included in the traditions that shape healthy development.

For 24 years, the Martin County Guild has stood beside Hibiscus with unwavering generosity, raising more than $12 million to support children. Their commitment ensures that every child in our care feels loved, nurtured, and worthy—at the holidays and every day of the year.

For more information about Hibiscus or to schedule a tour of Hibiscus Shelter, visit us at www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org  or call (772) 334-9311, ext. 121. 

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

Holiday Wishes, Branding and Angels on Earth

It’s a weird time on earth. As a Christmas junkie I decorated the tree, set up the Christmas Village, started wearing silly Christmas clothes and watching holiday shows.  Rudolph as narrated by Burl Ives  is my all-time favorite Christmas show. Soon I will watch “Frosty the Snowman.” In the meantime, the corporate world has gone mad with branding or rebranding, and it is getting bizarre.

So here’s the  (w)rap on who rebranded their brand the  best. Hands down The Colonel from Kentucky Fried Chicken reinvented their produce. But Wendy’s trending to Tendy’s? Cringe inducing. Likewise, the silliness over Cracker Barrel’s rebranding attempts brought accusations of woke culture run amok. As a woman who loves biscuits and gravy  I liked the old dude, the rocking chairs and the great gift shop. Nope, just part of the weirdness.

My greatest disappointment is that a corporate executive recently disparaged his cereal and soup brands as food for poor people who don’t deserve decent food. As a poor child who grew up on his cans of soup, he gets my “rot in hell” card this year. I can go dark; even a fallen angel can hear a bell ring on Christmas.

Here’s the good news. Angels dwell among us and they give us wings, hope and acceptance in a time of fires, floods, and frigid air. So here is to the TSA Agent who got me home when I lost my identification.   He was working without pay and yet there he was serving all aspiring to fly. A girlfriend took me to my favorite restaurant recently just because. I await Christmas with family and friends, old traditions and new ones.

Sing a song of thanks to all the angels who walk among us. We are blessed.

Happy New Year 2026!

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

Martin County to Upgrade Voting Equipment
First Time New Tabulators Have Been Purchased Since 2008

On December 2nd, the Martin County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of new voting equipment for the Martin County Supervisor of Elections Office. The upgrade will replace the county’s DS200 ballot scanners with the newest Poll Place Scanner & Tabulator from Election Systems & Software (ES&S): the DS300.

This approval is far more than a routine equipment update; it marks the first time since 2008 that Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis has requested budget authorization for new machines. Supervisor Davis, who took office in January 2005 after being elected in November 2004, has successfully overseen nearly two decades of elections without asking the Board for additional equipment funding.

What made this long-term stability possible was foresight. Years ago, Supervisor Davis recommended the creation of a dedicated reserve account specifically intended for future voting-equipment replacements. That reserve now allows the county to modernize its election technology without unexpected budget impacts.

The new DS300 scanners introduce faster performance, enhanced audit capabilities, and improved security features. The machines offer faster startup, quicker ballot scanning, and more efficient reporting—reducing wait times for voters and streamlining poll-worker operations. The DS300 also features integrated ballot imprinting, allowing each ballot to be marked with a unique identifier as it is scanned to support risk-limiting audits. Updated security measures, tamper-resistant components, and improved ballot-box design further strengthen the county’s election infrastructure.

These upgrades also align with Florida law, which allows counties to purchase voting systems only from state-certified vendors. Currently, the two primary certified vendors are ES&S and Dominion Voting Systems. Martin County has had a long-standing partnership with ES&S, first starting back in 2002, and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future, ensuring continuity, compliance, and reliability.

This historic approval highlights the Supervisor of Elections Office’s commitment to accuracy, security, and fiscal responsibility. By investing in modern equipment using funds that were set aside years in advance, the county reinforces public trust and prepares its election system for the future.

With the introduction of ES&S DS300 scanners, Martin County voters can expect an efficient, secure, and reliable voting experience—reflecting the dedication of an office focused on integrity and long-term planning. Don’t forget 2026 is an election year, so “Vote 2026! Your Vote Your Voice!”

Vicki Davis’ opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Over the past several years, Martin County has confronted the painful impact of drug overdoses within our community. As your Sheriff, I closely monitor these trends, not only to understand what is happening locally, but also to identify the larger forces influencing drug activity in our community.

Our overdose statistics over the past three years tell an important story:

• 2023: 79 overdoses, 19 deaths
• 2024: 53 overdoses, 9 deaths
• 2025 (to date): 32 overdoses, 12 deaths

These numbers reflect a meaningful decrease in total overdoses from 2023 to 2024, and again into 2025. While any loss of life is devastating, and the number of deaths this year remains unacceptable, the overall reduction in overdose incidents is a significant shift.

One question we continue to evaluate is whether the recent strengthening of border security and increased federal enforcement efforts have influenced these local outcomes. For years, illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs have entered the United States through trafficking routes tied directly to the southern border. These substances are potent, unpredictable, and frequently mixed with other drugs without the user’s knowledge—leading to deadly results.

In the past two years, federal authorities have expanded operations targeting smuggling networks, cartel distribution routes, and large-scale shipments. This includes more interdictions, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced collaboration between federal agencies, state partners, and local law enforcement. National data has shown an increase in major drug seizures and disruptions of trafficking pipelines during this period.

While no single factor explains every fluctuation in local overdose activity, the downward trend in Martin County aligns with what we believe is a reduced influx of illicit drugs entering the country. The drop from 79 overdoses in 2023 to 53 in 2024, and the continued decline in 2025, suggests we may be seeing real effects of these efforts.

Still, we must remain focused and vigilant. Even with fewer total overdoses, the 12 lives lost so far this year serve as a sobering reminder that the crisis continues. Preventing overdose deaths requires more than enforcement alone. It requires education, treatment, access to recovery resources, and strong community partnerships that help individuals before they reach a point of crisis.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office will continue working aggressively to get these drugs off our streets and work towards saving as many lives as possible.

We have seen progress. But we still have work to do. And together, we can continue moving Martin County in the right direction.

Sheriff John Budensiek’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

New at 2026 ArtsFest - The Art of Food & Wine - Tickets NOW on Sale:  https://secure.qgiv.com/for/theartscouncil/event/artsfest2026/ 

New this year at ArtsFest, immerse yourself in The Art of Food & Wine, a flavorful celebration of the culinary arts! Guests will delight in curated tastings from exceptional food and wine vendors, savoring gourmet bites and perfectly paired sips. This exclusive experience blends artistry and flavor, offering a chance to indulge in culinary excellence while enjoying the vibrant festival atmosphere. For more info, visit ArtsFestStuart.org

As it strives to meet needs of older children this holiday season, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s annual ‘Operation Merry & Bright’ thanks community, calls for additional support

HOBE SOUND—Sometimes, even Santa needs a little help.

Fortunately, Old Saint Nick can rely on Operation Merry & Bright and the fact that Martin County is home to some very generous people.

One of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s most important annual traditions and charitable initiatives, Operation Merry & Bright takes place Dec. 18 and brings the community together to ensure local children and families in need still experience the joys of the season.

Such needs are especially acute amid the shaky economic conditions. So, even as the community steps up with kind contributions of its time and treasure, BGCMC is hoping more volunteers can get involved to ensure this is the merriest and brightest operation thus far.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at BGCMC’s Hobe Sound club, scores of volunteers will fill the gym, organizing donations, preparing family meal boxes and generally sharing in the wonders of the holiday spirit that comes with uplifting others.

This year, the public responded to BGCMC’s request for financial contributions rather than donations on unwrapped toys, as the previous structure at times feel short of accounting for the needs of older children. Thanks to the public’s support, BGCMC is well positioned to fulfill the holiday wish lists for all ages of the more than 1,000 children comprising the daily membership of its five clubs.

“Everyone loves the magic of the season and we tend to associate that with the joy of the little ones opening toys on Christmas morning,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “Thanks to the success of our workforce training programs, in which our members are earning educations and certifications that are preparing them for successful employment in local trades and vocations, our membership is skewing older. But the needs of our middle- and high school-aged club members are significant. So we’re highly appreciative of the community embracing a fresh approach to Operation Merry & Bright that enabled us to get these age groups the items they need this holiday season.” 

With the ongoing success of its youth workforce initiatives, which include industry-led instructions and training in such fields as HVAC, welding, drone operation, coding, electrical and construction, BGCMC is focused on empowering its members to achieve earning possibilities previously unimagined in their respective communities.

But that’s in the future. Today’s needs are noteworthy, especially during the holidays.

More than 90 percent of the children qualify for Martin County School District’s free/reduced lunch program, underscoring the harsh realities of food insecurity among the community’s youngest and most vulnerable. To counter, BGCMC emphasizes nutrition and healthy lifestyles—and backs it up daily and especially over the holidays.

A key feature of Operation Merry & Bright caters to the taste buds. Volunteers will help prepare care packages that include fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals and snacks to enjoy over the holidays, ensuring the entire family will eat well.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is committed to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Through a wide range of programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character, BGCMC provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth can thrive and build a great future.

TREASURE COAST COMMUNITY SINGERS WRAP UP THE FIRST HALF OF THEIR 23rd SEASON

With resounding applause at two sold out shows, the Treasure Coast Community Singers completed the first half of their 23rd  concert season. Performing seasonal favorites with some unique arrangements, the holiday season was officially kicked off for the Treasure Coast! But they’re not done yet!! Your Treasure Coast Community Singers are hosting a Messiah sing-a-long at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 Savannah Rd., Jensen Beach on December 22nd at 6:oopm. You will have the opportunity to sing parts of this treasured piece along with accomplished soloists and a string orchestra. Or you can come to listen and let the beauty of this piece fill your heart.

The second half of this concert season begins on Monday, January 5th and 12th in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church and January 19th in the church sanctuary with registrations for the youth, middle/high school, community and chamber choruses. An exciting second half season of performances is planned beginning with Disney Through the Ages and Chronicles of the Blue and Gray.

TCCS and Trinity United Methodist Church are also hosting a special concert series with world class performances by both local and international performers. Mark your calendars and don’t miss these events!

Treasure Coast Community Singers thanks all their sponsors and supporters and wish you all a spectacular holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!! See you next year!

Snowy Enchantment and Serious Purpose Highlight the House of Hope Cirque du Soirée in February

STUART, Fla. – An unforgettable evening of snowy enchantment awaits guests at the House of Hope’s 4th annual Cirque du Soirée gala on February 7 at Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club in Palm City.

In attendance last year were Foundation and family members (left to right) - Jeffrey Pedersen, Stephen Pedersen, Kari Pedersen, Cory Pfister, Timothy Pfister.

An exquisite gourmet dinner, outstanding entertainment, an open bar, and unique surprises are all part of the 2026 fundraising event to support the meaningful work by House of Hope to empower the community to overcome hunger and hardship.

CEO Rob Ranieri shares House of Hope’s appreciation for the generous community that supports its mission.

“Each year the organizers of the Cirque du Soirée amaze us with their creativity,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “They’ve set a really high standard for themselves, and we know this year’s event will have us all in awe.”

The glitter and glamour of the evening have a very serious purpose. Every dollar raised during the Cirque du Soiree helps House of Hope provide the community with access to healthy foods, clothing and housewares, case management, enrichment opportunities, crisis financial assistance, workforce development services, and essential food banking programs.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased through January 16 at hohmartin.org/soiree while supplies last.

Sponsorship opportunities at varying levels are also available at hohmartin.org/soiree. Every sponsorship includes tickets to the event. Sponsors of Cirque du Soirée are assured of prime seating at the event, recognition in event-related communications, and the satisfaction of helping House of Hope care for individuals and families throughout the community.

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

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. 

The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.

House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Originally Founded in Stuart, International Leader in Clean Energy/Advanced Manufacturing Returns to Area to Open Large-Scale Operation

STUART—An international powerhouse in the field of advanced manufacturing and sustainable clean energy is opening a new facility in Martin County—the very community where it got its start decades ago.

Power Systems Mfg., LLC (PSM) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on its 180,000-square-foot facility at the South Florida Gateway Distribution Center in Stuart.

Founded in Stuart in 1999, the company later moved its headquarters to Jupiter. A leading independent service provider for gas-turbine power plants used in electricity generation, PSM has offices in Japan, South Korea, The Netherlands, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

PSM creates its own technologically advanced and innovative retrofits and upgrades to operators of gas turbines used for electricity generation, improving the machines’ efficiency, operational flexibility, maintenance life-cycle costs and overall environmental impacts.

In addition to modernizing aging gas turbines with upgrades that include clean hydrogen fuel integration, PSM designs and manufactures a product line of original components that help its clients across the energy sector reduce emissions and maximize energy output. A segment of its business supports enhanced performance in the aviation industry as well.

Overall, PSM helps power producers:

• Increase power output and efficiency
• Enhance operational flexibility
• Minimize environmental impacts
• Optimize maintenance costs for their fleet of gas turbines for power generation

Since 1999, the company has serviced, upgraded, and improved well more than one thousand gas turbines around the world.

“This is very exciting news by every economic measure,” says William Corbin, executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County, which for more than a year has assisted PSM with such services as site selection, key introductions, local market intelligence and navigating governmental processes.

 “What makes the story even better is that PSM started out in our community nearly 30 years ago and saw the virtues of returning to expand—which speaks to the company’s insightful market research and Martin County’s strong business climate,” adds Corbin. “The addition of Power Systems Manufacturing will provide a meaningful boost to our advanced manufacturing/clean energy sectors, which are pillars of Martin County’s economy. Not only can our community now claim host to their sustainable-energy innovations, the presence of PSM will enhance our taxbase and create high-wage career opportunities. This is a massive win all around.”

“We are excited to be returning to our roots here in Martin County with this new facility expansion,” says Rafi Balta, PSM’s CEO and president. “In the US, our customers—utilities, independent power producers and public utility districts—are challenged to meet new electricity demand from datacenters and electrification transformation projects. This new workshop, coupled with our existing one in Jupiter, will allow us to expand the delivery of our innovative gas turbine service capabilities to a market focused on delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable power.”

Hibiscus Children’s Center Honored to
Recognize Supporters for National Philanthropy Day

Treasure Coast -  Hibiscus CEO Matt Markley and staff were honored to recognize extraordinary Hibiscus supporters at the National Philanthropy Day Awards.   This community event hosted by the AFP Treasure Coast Chapter celebrates great contributions of philanthropy and the people who enrich our community. 

Hibiscus proudly recognized Mrs. Jessica Urbay and her 3rd Grade students at Felix A. Williams for the Rising Star Award.  These young changemakers have made a real difference for Hibiscus Children’s Center.  Each year, they host a student-led market, planning and selling themed items to support a nonprofit—Hibiscus was chosen the last few years. The project fosters empathy, teamwork, and resourcefulness.  It inspires them to explore their passions and involve their families. It’s a powerful reminder that making a difference only requires heart and compassion. 

Jessica Urbay

Mrs. Urbay, who was awarded 2021/22 Martin County Teacher of the Year, shared, “I believe it’s incredibly important to encourage my students to help others, especially their peers.  When children are given opportunities to support and uplift one another, they develop empathy and compassion. Even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.”

Deborah Kessler

Hibiscus was also honored to recognize Mrs. Deborah Kessler for the Hidden Gem Award.  A dedicated friend to Hibiscus since 1998, Mrs. Kessler has given nearly three decades of love, leadership, and unwavering commitment to children in need. Through her volunteerism, member of Hibiscus Board of Directors, event support, tribute gifts, and role as our highest-level Sustainer, she has strengthened Hibiscus and ensured children receive life-changing services to help them feel valued and loved. She has also inspired others to get involved by bringing countless friends and family into the Hibiscus mission.

Mrs. Urbay, her remarkable students, and Mrs. Kessler remind us that compassion—whether shown by a child or a longtime advocate—has the power to change lives and give children hope for a brighter future.          If you would like more information about Hibiscus Children’s Center, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.                                                            

Truist Foundation Helps Create Career Opportunities for Local Young People with Generous Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

STUART (Dec. 16, 2025)—The door to opportunity will open even wider for local young people seeking to sharpen their employment skills thanks to a generous grant from Truist Foundation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC).

BGMCM’s Workforce Development Programs—created in conjunction with business leaders and offering in-depth insights on a variety of in-demand trades, vocations and professions—received a $60,000 grant from Truist Foundation.

Committed to creating economic mobility for all, Truist Foundation prioritizes strengthening small businesses and opening pathways to career opportunities.

By focusing on job‑ready skills and real‑world career exposure, BGCMC aligns with Truist Foundation’s mission to build career pathways that equip individuals for middle‑skill jobs and upward economic movement. The Foundation focuses on helping workers navigate employment, access reskilling or upskilling opportunities, and secure sustainable, living-wage jobs.

Thanks to its support, the BGCMC will be better positioned to help young people

• Strengthen their career readiness
• Increase their access to job opportunities
• Carve out sustainable pathways to their own economic mobility

The grant funding will support BGCMC’s skilled trades training, career exploration, virtual training, culinary arts, drone piloting, and Manufacturing 4.0 coursework, which provides hands‑on learning experiences and the chance to earn credentials relevant to a prospective employer. The grant will also help more youth and young adults receive enhanced support to overcome barriers to employment, education, or professional growth.

“On behalf of everyone at BGCMC—our staff, our Board, and most importantly, our youth—we are deeply grateful to Truist Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in our future,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “This grant will have a transformative impact on our workforce readiness offerings and help open doors to stable, meaningful careers for so many teens and young adults in our community.”

Through this grant, BGCMC’s Workforce Development Programs directly support Truist Foundation’s goals by equipping local youth and young adults with the skills, training, and support needed to succeed in the workforce—creating real career pathways and potential for economic mobility in Martin County.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Truist Treasure Coast Market President Steven Rivera. “That purpose comes to life through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County to expand workforce readiness, helping teens and young adults gain job ready skills, industry recognized credentials and exposure to in-demand careers. We’re proud to invest in programs that open pathways to stable, meaningful work and upward economic mobility.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, BGCMC has provided a safe, nurturing, and opportunity-rich environment for young people across Martin County. Through our Workforce Development Programs, we strive to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the training and resources needed to thrive.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation .

Keep Martin Beautiful Seeks Nominees for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards

Call for Nominations to Celebrate Environmental Excellence in Martin County

STUART, Fla. – Across Martin County, individuals and organizations are working hard to protect our waterways, preserve natural habitats, reduce waste, and strengthen our communities. This spring, Keep Martin Beautiful will recognize those efforts and celebrate the people behind them.

The nonprofit is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards, one of Martin County’s most respected celebrations of environmental excellence. The awards honor individuals, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, youth groups, and government agencies whose actions are making a measurable difference in the health and beauty of our local environment.

Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing won the 2024 Community Enrichment Award for their Explore Natural Martin program. Pictured from left: Nerissa Okiye, Emily Dark, Anna Grace Agnini, and Ian Centrone.

“We’re always inspired by the creativity, persistence, and passion behind the nominations we receive,” said Keep Martin Beautiful Board president Jennifer Stull-Wise. “From neighborhood groups organizing cleanup projects to businesses investing in innovative sustainability practices, these stories show what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. We encourage everyone to take notice and share the powerful environmental work happening throughout Martin County.”

This year, Keep Martin Beautiful seeks nominations that highlight achievements in:

• Community & Environmental Stewardship
• Advocacy & Grassroots Engagement
• Innovation & Technology
• Sustainable Food & Agriculture
• Arts, Culture & Creative Expression
• Youth Engagement & Education

Nominations are free to submit, and self-nominations are encouraged. Eligible projects must have taken place within the last two years. The deadline to submit is Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

Awards Ceremony

Award recipients will be honored at the Environmental Stewardship Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Willoughby Golf Club. The evening draws community leaders, business owners, students, educators, environmental partners, and residents from across Martin County for an uplifting celebration of local impact.

Jensen Beach Elementary School Assistant Principal Jamie Law and STEM Coordinator Lauren Liberty and students from the Eco-Action Team won the 2024 Youth Engagement Award.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Keep Martin Beautiful is also inviting local businesses and community partners to support the event through sponsorships. Sponsors help elevate environmental education and community programs while demonstrating their own commitment to sustainability.

Nomination and sponsorship forms, past award recipients, and full event details are available at KeepMartinBeautiful.org. For additional information, contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222 or info@keepmartinbeautiful.org.

About Keep Martin Beautiful

Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1994 as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Martin County through litter prevention, beautification and community revitalization activities and promoting environmental stewardship. KMB signature programs include the Environmental Stewardship Awards, the International Coastal Cleanup, the Great American Cleanup, Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Street and a variety of educational and outreach activities.

Follow KMB on Facebook at facebook.com/KeepMartinBeautiful, on Instagram instagram.com/KeepMartinBeautiful, visit KeepMartinBeautiful.org or call 772-781-1222.

United Way of Martin County and House of Hope:

A Partnership That Changes Lives

STUART, Fla. – The strong partnership between the United Way of Martin County and House of Hope makes life better for the residents of Martin County every day, but especially during times of crisis.

The tornadoes of 2024, in the midst of a strong hurricane, really tested the Treasure Coast community. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, many beyond repair, and hundreds of low-income families found themselves in unsafe living conditions without the resources needed for daily existence.

Captain James Milner of the Salvation Army, Lesley Frederick and Rob Ranieri from the House of Hope, and Mike Readling from Habitat for Humanity in Martin County made a powerful team to help families in need after the hurricane in 2024.

House of Hope began immediately to coordinate efforts to keep these families housed and fed. In partnership with United Way of  Martin County, House of Hope worked with the local chapters of Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity to optimize available resources to distribute food and supplies, repair damaged housing, and help families fill the gaps from lost wages. This collaboration among agencies in the aftermath of the tornadoes literally saved lives.

For their collaborative efforts and leadership during a crisis, the United Way of Martin County recently presented the Live United Award to House of Hope, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

“Our community is stronger and we all live better when we LIVE UNITED,” said United Way of Martin County CEO Carol Houwaartz-Diez. “ Having a partner like House of Hope increases our positive impact on the education, health and financial security of everyone we serve and helps us find solutions in times of difficulty.”

While our community was recovering from the tornadoes this past year, even more moments of crisis challenged available resources. Cuts to government funding for SNAP, WIC, and other safety net programs and a prolonged government shutdown in October and November made it more difficult than ever for vulnerable members of the community to receive desperately needed help, and the stresses continue.

Generous employees from Macy’s put their energy and organizing skills to work at House of Hope by packing disaster relief packages in preparation for hurricane season.

Despite these challenges, House of Hope remains determined to expand its pantry services, secure donations to purchase and stock more food for distribution, and increase its levels of financial assistance to meet this growing need. The United Way of Martin County recognized this commitment to the community and made a surprise contribution of $20,000 to support House of Hope’s elevated efforts during these compounded crises.

“We’re very grateful to the United Way for their confidence in us to use our resources wisely and efficiently to help residents in need,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “Our partnership with them and our collaboration with the nonprofit organizations throughout the community are the reason that Martin County is a very special place.”

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

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. 

The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.

House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Palm Beach County Commission Announces $1 Million Grant to African American Museum and Research Library Project

Funding for Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ Project will Help Preserve and Celebrate African American History and Culture Across Palm Beach County

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (December 8, 2025) – The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners has announced a $1 million grant to the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties' African American Museum and Research Library (AAMRL) Fund. The AAMRL will serve as a cornerstone for cultural preservation and community engagement, creating opportunities for celebration, learning and connection across generations. 

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and community members to address the region's chronic and emerging issues.

The grant, which follows an initial $1 million grant in 2024, will directly support the planning and development of the new African American Museum and Research Library at the historic Roosevelt High School site (1601 N. Tamarind Ave) in West Palm Beach. The initiative aims to preserve African American culture and history for residents throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties. 

“The African American Museum and Research Library will not only honor a vital piece of our shared history but also serve as a catalyst for opportunity,” said Commissioner Bobby Powell, who also sits on the AAMRL Board of Directors and has long championed the initiative. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing economic opportunity and cultural understanding across the communities we serve.”

Located in the historic Coleman Park neighborhood, the AAMRL will be a transformative anchor institution fostering community pride, economic growth, and cultural vitality while honoring the area’s rich African American heritage. The project will feature museum galleries, a research library, and diverse opportunities for community engagement—including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, cultural programs, oral history projects, and youth education initiatives.

“The Community Foundation is honored to help bring this vision to life,” said Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and Chair of the AAMRL Board. “The African American Museum and Research Library will ensure that the stories, achievements, and contributions of generations past and present are preserved, celebrated, and shared for years to come.”

This collaborative effort brings together the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the School District of Palm Beach County, and numerous community stakeholders. Bank of America and the Quantum Foundation have each recently announced $500,000 grants to further support the project.

The Roosevelt site holds deep historical significance — it was once home to West Palm Beach’s historic Roosevelt High School, later becoming the Roosevelt Full-Service Center. Alumni and community members have long advocated for a meaningful transformation of the property. The School District, which owns the site, has completed Phase I renovations, with Phase II to include the restoration of the research library and construction of a new two-story, 20,000-square-foot museum building. In June 2025, Bora Architecture & Interiors was selected as the project’s lead design firm.

To learn more about the African American Museum and Research Library (AAMRL), visit https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/african-american-museum-and-research-library/.

About Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties 

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 over $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 youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at yourcommunityfoundation.org.  

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast Celebrates the Success of Its First Annual Tee Up for Learning Golf Tournament

Jensen Beach, FL — The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its inaugural Tee Up for Learning Golf Tournament, held on November 7, 2025, at Hammock Creek Golf Club. Thanks to the incredible support of sponsors, players, volunteers, and community partners, the event grossed more than $25,000—a remarkable milestone for a first-year tournament.

Proceeds from the event will directly support the Museum’s mission to inspire young minds through hands-on learning experiences, both onsite and in classrooms across the Museum’s five-county service area. These funds help expand educational programming, outreach initiatives, and STEAM-based learning opportunities for children throughout our region.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm shown by our community,” said Tammy Calabria, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. “Our sponsors and participants made this event truly unforgettable. Their belief in our mission fuels everything we do to inspire future leaders and lifelong learners.”

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

The Children’s Museum extends heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors whose support made this event possible:

• Hooks Construction (Presenting Sponsor)
• PNC
• Seacoast Bank
• Cook Shell Contractors
• Marsha Cetta
• Florida Power & Light (FPL)
• Allabastro Designs
• Kibbey Wagner Attorneys at Law
• Sally Miranda
• HBK CPA’s & Consultants
• Stuart Magazine
• Brown & Brown Insurance
• Carr, Riggs & Ingram
• Mercedes-Benz of Ft. Pierce
• George Sanders
• Hammock Creek Golf Club
• Corey Hamlin

Looking Ahead

The Children’s Museum extends sincere gratitude to every golfer, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who contributed to this exciting launch year. The Museum looks forward to growing the tournament into a beloved annual tradition and welcoming the community back next year for even more fun, camaraderie, and impact.

For more information about The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, upcoming programs, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.childrensmuseumtc.org or contact Tammy Calabria at 772-225-7575.

If there is one thing you can count on, it is that Martin County doesn’t change. We just keep doing the same old, same old. There is no different outcome, and we never suspect there should be.

Giving a 40-year lease to the Martin County Fair Association follows this pattern. Allowing them for 2 more years to remain at the present site is just true to form. And no one can ever give me an example of why you would give away so much time and land to an operation that goes on for 10 days a year.

Commissioner Vargas began not with the sweetheart deal the association was getting but rather that they leased part of the current fairgrounds on Dixie Highway to a car dealership to park inventory. That is a violation of their lease. She wanted to know whether the county made the fair board give them the money. Unfortunately for Commissioner Vargas, that is not how leases work.

If a tenant is in violation for illegally subletting or granting a license, then the owner can send a notice. The notice states that there has been a breach of the terms of the lease and the tenant has so much time to cure the breach. If they comply, then it is done. The owner of the property doesn’t get a piece of the action.

Though Vargas is right about the lackadaisical way that county leases are managed, the fair board with all their different and changing members has ignored lease terms for years. The fair board entity is forever but the directors and the board members change. But the Martin County Fair Association goes on year after year. It is like the county…eternal.

Eileen, don’t expect the county to suddenly become a landlord like you or I would be. They aren’t and never will be. No one does much inspecting or watching.

And that is why if you just stick to being a “no” because it economically doesn’t make sense you leave out all the superficial reasons. A land deal of 40 years with no rent to an organization that runs a 10-day event each year is ludicrous on its face.

Commissioner Ciampi then said that the new fairground was surplus property from the South Florida Water Management District. That the proposed lease is fair (no pun intended.) He thinks everything is great. The Martin County Fair is part of the fabric of the county. He made a motion to accept the lease and its terms.

Commissioner Hetherington agrees that the fair teaches the youth about things that are important. Stacey, the fair doesn’t do that. 4-H does that. And that is part of the problem, too many people conflate the Martin County Fair Association with 4-H or the Model Rail Roaders or a car show. All of those side hustles have nothing to do with the fair. Except that because of the sweetheart deal, the fair board is their landlord and collects rent.

If the property is rented to the fair association for 40 years, then those other entities must deal with the fair to have space to do their showcases and events. Martin County is allowing one entity to then rent to everyone else. This income could go to the county if the Parks Department ran the fairgrounds.

Chair Heard noted that the “Policies & Procedures” manual, which is one of the exhibits to the lease, allows camping but the lease itself expressly forbids camping. The fair manager said it wasn’t their intention to allow camping. Why would the county want to include a document that clearly is in contradiction to the lease? If the fair board decides to rent out camping spots, are they allowed to or not? A judge would have to decide that. There is no obvious breach.

The fair manager and county staff said that the board will be creating a new policy and procedure document not allowing camping. The lease does say that the board and BOCC could incorporate a new policy and procedure document in the future. Attorney Elder stated that the board could also leave that exhibit out of the lease for now.

Either Heard or Vargas shouldn’t just complain, they should have insisted that the document not be incorporated into the lease. Elder could take any terms she thinks should be in the lease and include them as a separate addendum.

Capps said the plan is solid and has his support. Blake, the plan is not solid. It is more of the same old Martin County nonsense.

The county has already paid to bring utilities to the site and constructed a turn lane. The Martin County Fair will build the rest. If the reason they are turning over this valuable piece of property for no money is because of cost of the built-out space, the commission should be ashamed of themselves. It is a pittance if amortized over 40 years.

This is a bad deal for the county, but even the commissioners opposed did nothing to make it better. The vote was 3-2 with Heard and Vargas dissenting.

You can find the lease and exhibits here 

Assistant County Administrator George Stokus seemed surprised that not all the commissioners were behind the Economic Tool Kit.

There were basically three points of view on the tool kit. The Vargas View, the Heard View, and the majority view. The first two were against moving forward with the toolkit while Ciampi, Hetherington, and Capps would ultimately vote yes.

I don’t think Stokus and Vargas were speaking the same language. Whenever Stokus mentioned bonds and the Industrial Development Authority, Vargas seemed to imply that the funding for the bond was from Martin County and therefore taxpayers were at risk in a default. That is not the way these bonds work.

The money comes from private institutions that sell the bond to an investor. The Industrial Authority is the government agency that allows the buyer of the bond to have a tax credit. Many bonds are backed by a Letter of Credit that the business will give the bank for putting up the money. Each bond has its own agreement and terms. There is no risk to the Martin County taxpayer even in the case of a default.

I share Heard’s point of view about this. For us, the question must be whether the county, through the toolkit, is giving one business an advantage over another. She believes it is corporate welfare and wonders whether the monitoring that is part of receiving the aid will be sufficient. I also struggle with whether this will expand our industrial base.

Ciampi made an excellent point that if real estate taxes no longer are collected on homesteaded properties, how will local government pay the bills? Right now, Martin County has only 4% industrial in its tax base. He said the number should be 10%.

Earlier Vargas went on and on about data centers. There are apparently several looking at the county. The centers could consume an abundance of power, and she said they use a lot of water. Ciampi mentioned that new centers have a close loop system, so they use much less water. He made a motion to accept.

Hetherington mentioned the possibility of less property taxes being collected. She also said that each and every business that wants to use one or all the provisions of the toolkit would need to be voted on by the BOCC. The board will decide whether an applicant should be eligible.  She seconded the motion.

Capps stated that the Martin County way of life is expensive. The county needs an expanding tax base. We are in competition with other areas. He is supporting the toolkit.

The vote was 3-2 with Vargas and Heard dissenting.

You can see the toolkit here 

Martin County has received an unsolicited proposal to build a new public works facility.

For at least the past 25 years according to Heard and Ciampi, the county has been wanting to move the public works complex. Where it is located now is small and falling apart. Quite frankly, people shouldn’t have to work under such conditions.

The company, Building Tomorrow’s Schools, is a 501(C)(3) that does nothing but construct government projects. They do everything from design to build. They turn over the project in about 18 months. There is what they call a single point of accountability. It is turnkey. The price of $74 million is guaranteed. They provide the financing.

Most importantly, from start to completion, it is done in 18 months instead of 3 or 4 years of designing and construction if the government is responsible.

Vargas wants to get more bids. But with an unsolicited proposal, the county cannot advertise for additional bidders. They can take other unsolicited proposals.

Heard was very happy with the proposal. She passed the gavel and seconded Capps motion to approve. The motion allowed for other unsolicited proposals up until February 24th.

Ciampi had already left. The vote was 3-1 with Vargas dissenting.

You can see the redacted proposal here  

I can’t understand why anyone would not be in favor of more affordable housing by using accessory dwelling units as the means to do so. ADU is only a change in name since guest houses are now allowed with the same criteria. The size of the ADU is the same as the current guest house…50% of the main house.

It is currently not permitted to rent a guest house, but an ADU could be rented. All other setbacks and building requirements for single family houses remain the same. This is a text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.

I couldn’t understand Vargas’ objections. It seemed she felt that the homeowner would rent to a group of derelicts. Wouldn’t the homeowner, who is living on the property, want to have good tenants even if it meant a little less rent? Heard had all the same concerns, only she was worried about density.

“Guest Houses” have been allowed for some time. Have people been renting them out? Of course they have. This only recognizes the practice and brings it in the open.

For most people, this should be an easy one. The LPA (I am a member) unanimously voted yes. The Affordable Housing Committee similarly did so unanimously.

When one thinks of guest houses it is usual that the mind pictures them on large estates. Most people do not have estates. They live in communities where these types of homes have been allowed for decades if the criteria are met. Nothing has changed but the name.

You can see the presentation here 

Meadow Run has 91 approved lot sites. They are building homes a few at a time. It is about half done. What they want is another rear gate for construction vehicles. It didn’t seem like a big ask.

There is a private entity that has soccer fields next door. Children throughout the county go there for lessons and to play. Apparently, there is no parking within the facility because people attending park their cars on either side of the road.

People were afraid with the new gate the kids wouldn’t be safe. That may be true but how come they didn’t bother to provide parking? That is what Vargas wanted to know. She has a point.

Another reason to have another entrance to Meadow Run is because then the fire insurance rates would go down to the homeowners because the community would be within five miles of a fire station.

The motion to have the secondary entrance passed 5-0

You can see the presentation here 

There is a proposed housing development for 38 single family homes off Gomez Avenue in Hobe Sound. The review and approval are done administratively by the Growth Management Department. The commission will have no voice in whether the project is built or not.

The property was once used as a flower growing farm and nursery. The owner has determined that it is a brownfield site and because of its former use it is likely contaminated. Their Site Assessment Report outlines the presence of dieldrin, alpha BHC and arsenic.

According to Florida Statute Section 376.80, the county must designate the site as a brownfield for the applicant to be eligible for the tax credits. Once the site is remediated it will be safe for housing or recreation. The county gives the applicant no money or tax credits…only the designation. Once the designation is given Florida takes care of the rest.

There are five criteria that must be met by Florida Statute:

1. A person who owns or controls a potential brownfield site is requesting the designation and has agreed to rehabilitate and redevelop the brownfield site.
2. The rehabilitation and redevelopment of the proposed brownfield site will result in economic productivity of the area, along with the creation of at least 5 new permanent jobs at the brownfield site that are full-time equivalent positions not associated with the implementation of the brownfield site rehabilitation agreement and that are not associated with redevelopment project demolition or construction activities pursuant to the redevelopment of the proposed brownfield site or area. However, the job creation requirement does not apply to the rehabilitation and redevelopment of a brownfield site that will provide affordable housing as defined in s. 420.0004 or the creation of recreational areas, conservation areas, or parks.
3. The redevelopment of the proposed brownfield site is consistent with the local comprehensive plan and is a permittable use under the applicable local land development regulations.
4. Notice of the proposed rehabilitation of the brownfield area has been provided to neighbors and nearby residents of the proposed area to be designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), and the person proposing the area for designation has afforded to those receiving notice the opportunity for comments and suggestions about rehabilitation. Notice pursuant to this subparagraph must be posted in the affected area.
5. The person proposing the area for designation has provided reasonable assurance that he or she has sufficient financial resources to implement and complete the rehabilitation agreement and redevelopment of the brownfield site.

The commission will be the body that must designate that the applicant meets those criteria. The commissioners gave many reasons why it shouldn’t be listed as a brownfield although staff did find the applicant met the criteria.

Why would the commission even care? The houses are being built according to zoning code, LDRs, and the building code. The applicant meets the comp plan. They are asking for nothing else from Martin County.

As mentioned earlier, the tax credits come from the state. They will probably work through the Treasure Coast Planning Council. It seems to me that it is in the neighborhood’s interest to remediate anything that makes this parcel less polluted.

The state has taken away so much from local government. However, the state does allow the county to determine whether to allow movement to the next phase with a polluted parcel. That is surprising.

This is only the first of two public hearings. The December 9th hearing was for the commission to decide whether the hearing on January 6th should be before 5 pm or after 5 pm. They voted to schedule the hearing after 5pm so that perhaps more people would attend.

I am sure that people will be complaining about the plan to put homes there. I am sure there will be some who are against allowing the owner to have some help in cleaning up the toxicity of the site. It is Martin County where everyone complains about things…even about cleaning a toxic site.

The state should be the one doing the designation not local government in this instance. DEP is better suited to decide.

If the county votes not to do this, it is true that the 38 homes go away. The site is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I am sure that some commissioners will vote no. Then I guess there will be no cleanup and the chemicals will continue to leach into the ground water.

You can see the staff report here 

The Stuart West PUD was approved in 1978, and the site plan was filed in 1980. There can be stabled animals such as horses and donkeys but not barnyard animals…a/k/a chickens.

The board of the HOA had a pre-ap meeting to change the designation to allow for those animals. However, a pre-ap and moving forward with changing the PUD are two different things. There is some argument over whether the board has the authority to do any of this.

Speaker after speaker came to the podium pleading for or against the measure. Supposedly, the vast majority of the 249 home sites do not want this change. OK…so how is any of this the commission’s problem?

It isn’t. The commission has nothing to do with HOA disputes. Both sides have hired attorneys and supposedly it is going to court in January. And that is where the commission left it.

There wasn’t much drama in Collins’ election to become mayor.  Tradition would dictate that he was next in line. He was elected 5-0.

When it came to vice-mayor there was some drama. Giobbi motioned for Reed to be vice-mayor. Reed looked resplendent in his Santa suit replete with beard. There was really no way to tell who was behind the beard and hat. Only his voice gave it away. He stayed in character and costume for the entire 4-plus hour meeting.

Neither Rich nor Clarke seconded the motion nominating Reed which made Collins pass the gavel to second Giobbi’s motion. Rich said he couldn’t vote for Reed because of his lack of experience. He said it would be likely that Reed would be called upon to be mayor if Collins resigns next year to run for county commission.

By tradition Clarke was next in the rotation for that position. Giobbi said it is a tradition and it isn’t mandatory. Collins stated he wasn’t familiar with that tradition. He also stated that he isn’t campaigning at this point and that he has full faith in Reed. If the commission didn’t believe in tradition then Collins wouldn’t be mayor.

Then out of left field, Reed said something suggesting that political discussions cannot come from the dais. I don’t think Rich’s mentioning Collins running for a county seat is political if that was what Reed was referring to. Reed also added he does a lot of research.

A vote was taken and it was 5-0.

Maybe one of the problems with the Politburo and the Boss is they are so clueless as to what a tradition is or is not. Clarke should have been vice-mayor. But as Giobbi said, tradition isn’t mandatory.  I will add unless it benefits your side.

                                               The Infamous Boss Tweed

The commission started out with a discussion of the East Stuart Historical Advisory Board. It was originally formed so that its members could provide the history of East Stuart to the CRA for a historical website and to help with designating the area an African American Historical Community. Now, according to Collins and others, it should be dissolved. There is nothing more to do here.

But is the entire mandate fulfilled, and could it ever really be? According to the city’s website, here are what the commission has identified as the Advisory Board’s responsibilities:

The purpose and duties of the East Stuart Historical Advisory Board will include, but not limited to the following:

1. Review and recommend designation of individual site, buildings, districts in East Stuart on local register list and/or national register of historic places.
2. Review historic markers associated with historic buildings or events in East Stuart.
3. Promote an awareness of the benefits of historic preservation and its benefits to the community.
4. Review and recommend projects that promote the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings.
5. Seek out projects for matching grants that are significant and celebrate East Stuart history and culture and serves as a public benefit (e.g. art elements in the Guys Davis Community Park, MLK Streetscape project).
6. Review and make recommendations for buildings, properties and sites in East Stuart nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Most of the responsibilities outlined by the resolution creating the board have been completed. Yet some of the goals outlined are still open items. So why disband the board that the commission created? Commission membership has changed.

I can think of a couple of reasons. Staff would need to spend time listening and doing projects assigned by the board. As a duly constituted board, they have some real authority in that regard.

Mayor Boss and his Politburo would have a counterbalance to anything they would want to do in the area. Board members can be a thorn in the side of the commission. Best to eliminate one more board if possible. Power then becomes more concentrated and dissent less possible.

At any time, the commission can dismiss or dissolve boards. At one point there were five advisory boards in the city. Then around a decade ago, staff and the commission began disbanding them. The first to go was the “Park Board” which was supposed to give input to the commission on recreation and parks. Commissioners did not appoint members to that board. The board appointed members.

The Stuart Independent Review Board met infrequently. Their focus was almost exclusively on police misconduct involving citizen interaction. Once the state stepped in with legislation taking away citizen input, the board was caput.

The Board of Adjustment was the citizen board that granted variances for things like setbacks. It did not meet often. It was not an advisory board since the commission did not hear matters that the board decided unless the applicant appealed a decision to the commission.

And now there are two citizen advisory panels, the Community Redevelopment Board and the Local Planning Agency. The Community Redevelopment Agency is a board with legislative authority made up of the five commissioners and two Community Redevelopment Board members elected by that board to serve.

The East Stuart Board is next on the chopping block. Collins tried to give a community spin to it by saying things like any members can get together without having sunshine and public records laws to worry about. It was the same as when Collins, Giobbi, and Reed took away the East Stuart code and said it was for the neighborhood’s own good. “You know Brightline would take over,” was the reason.

The current commission majority says it wants people to be on boards and then it limits the number of boards there are for people to be on. It comes down to the Boss and Politburo controlling and making sure their agenda keeps rolling along.

Public Comment was a doozy.

Former Chief Joe Tummunelli spoke about the benefit of hiring a city manager from within. It seemed to me that he was speaking about Dave Dyess, the former manager, which left of his own volition to work with Juno Beach. He now is with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s office. I doubt that he wants to come back.

If Joe was nominating himself for the job, he was doing so opaquely. I agree with him that it is always best to go from within. But the pickings are awfully slim given that Louis Boglioli, the interim manager, has taken himself out of contention. I can’t believe any city manager anywhere in Florida would want the job given the commission’s outlaw behavior. But as an aside I hear Mayor Boss has a friend with no city experience that would do it for half the price.

The Rudges made an appearance. The home they refer to as theirs on Palm City Road is a shell. Every lawsuit they have filed since this began 15 or 20 years ago has been dismissed in both federal and state courts. They have filed a new one against the city. Of course, the Boss and Politburo are eager to find the city they run at fault.

Robert Stancavich has been involved in the construction of a house for almost as long as the Rudges. In fact, this commission gave him one last chance to complete the job last year. In July according to the commission’s instructions he was to be foreclosed upon. To date nothing has been finished nor has a foreclosure action begun.

Magistrate Paul Nicoletti, the former city attorney and manager, has fined Stancavich for violations. Stancavich is saying that Nicoletti can’t act in a magistrate capacity because of his prior positions. That is like saying that a former prosecutor or defense attorney can’t be a judge.

I think Boss Collins will see this as an opportunity to dump Nicoletti. As a member of the old Stuart, he needs to go as far as the boss is concerned. He has ties to Mike Mortell, former Commissioner Troy McDonald, and a list of Stuart’s prominent citizens. I have heard the boss comment on more than one occasion, the old guard, businesspeople, and citizens who disagree with him are not important.

At the end of the meeting, Collins with his faithful friend Giobbi in agreement stated it might be time for Paul not to be magistrate. It is just like New Year’s Eve…out with the old and in with the new. The new being the people who agree with the Boss and will do his bidding.

During her three minutes of public comment, Robin Cartwright said that she received more death threats. Stuart PD and the sheriff are investigating. If true, that is horrible. There is no place for that in Stuart or the United States.

As Chris then said in his best Rodney King impersonation, “Let’s all get along.” Mayor Boss, remember it starts with your leadership. It is time for you to practice what you preach.

Mayor Boss Collins has decided to eliminate anyone that does not think he is the cat’s pajamas.

Mayor Boss Collins

Now of course he could not completely do so with Rich’s and Clarke’s individual picks. However, the “at large members” such as Mark Brechbill and Clay Sherer on the CRB. They did not drink the Boss’s particular brand of bootleg cooch and have to go. Collins used the excuse that they needed new people to serve.

While Brechbill for instance had been on the CRB for several years, Clay only served one year. Could it be he was contemplating running against Collins? Of course. Because on the same board for their seats Phillip DeBerard was nominated for one of the “at large positions.” He is brand new with no experience. While that old hand Frank McChrystal was also appointed. “What is old is new again.”

So, what is it Mayor Boss new blood and at the same time an old hand to the “at large positions.” It is the same thing on the LPA, long time member Ryan Strom and Kelly Laurine booted. Lance Vogle and Deanna Peterson become “at large” while the Boss and Politburo have three new people who I would guess believe that Chris is the bee’s knees.

Like Collins has said, only the true believers (of the boss) have a place in Stuart and those that are not will be going and going fast. Boss Collins harkens back to the 1920s when everything was bent. He really thinks of himself as a gangster ruling his territory and eliminating potential rivals.

Is this what you voted for?

At the December 9th workshop, many people spoke passionately about a quixotic dream to convert the old Martin High School Building into a home for Martin Arts.

Passion unfortunately is not the same as practical. In fact, practicality has been missing from this project since its inception nearly 8 years ago. Both Martin Arts under Nancy Turrell and the School Board under the sway of politics are to blame for allowing the uncertainty to continue so long. It has not allowed either side to move on or have real plans for the future of that site.

Terry Harmon, the board’s attorney in Tallahassee, was participating from there telephonically. After the public comment, he gave a concise argument for why Martin Art’s plan for the building in its current form goes against statute, local ordinances, and school board policy. All of what Harmon said I have been writing about since I first heard about the plan years ago.

Nancy Turrell

After all these years, it seems Martin Arts’ plan for the building’s operation is unworkable. Forgetting about the millions needed to rehabilitate the structure, the plan to serve alcohol is where the school board policies and other legal constraints will stop this cold.

If one were to read the public comments from the workshop about the language in the “Intent To Lease” and its two amendments, nowhere does it state Martin Arts can serve alcohol in contravention to either district policy or statute. The only part of that agreement that even comes close to speaking about the organization’s plan is in Section IV Paragraph D (ii) “offer to sell food and beverages and/or gifts as an accessory to the Arts Foundation’ s operation of the property or (iii) is for special events, which may include, but shall not be limited to, private social events, weddings and receptions.“

Turrell said that the prohibition on the sale of alcohol would make her plan unworkable at this meeting.

While that may be the reason to put this idea of a center to rest, the real reason is that after 8 years Martin Arts has raised about a half million dollars in cash and in kind for a project that Turrell has said will cost $30 million. Publicly Nancy has not released the name of even one substantial donor.

The other benefactor she is counting on is the government. So far, she has received about $500,000 from the state. It is unlikely to receive more as the state tightens its belt.

The time limit in the 2nd Amendment states that a lease must be signed by the end of this year. I would be very surprised if it is possible given the school board’s continued resistance to allowing alcohol on its properties. The board had forbidden the Boys and Girls Club from doing so recently on the same property.

Board Member Moriarity got right to the point when he asked where the funds are to do the work from supposed Phase 1 which are the outer 1950s buildings to all the rest. The explanation is best expressed by the phrases: “a dream and a wish.”

Powers and every school board member have real concerns about allowing alcohol which is classified as an intoxicant under their policy. And after all this time the district is still paying the expenses of maintaining the structure. Powers went on to say school enrollment is down and as they look to provide educational services, owning an unproductive asset that does not enhance the district’s key mandate is concerning…educating our children should not be.

Powers said and it looked like other members agreed that it is time to put all excess properties of the district on the market. The days when any government agency can ignore fundamental fiscal responsibility are over. If Martin Arts, Boys and Girls Club, and any other entity needs property then they should buy the vacant property from the district.

The idea that a building that is sitting on valuable land should not be sold smacks of friends of friends being able to cut sweetheart deals. Even allowing rentals without market-based rents is wrong.

The board instructed the superintendent to appraise all of the excess properties that can be liquidated.

You can see the Intent to Lease and addendums here 

Many of the things local government bodies do are perfunctory. The Sewall’s Point Commission turns most of these items into high drama.

I wasn’t going to write anything about their last meeting. It was 2 ½ hours of extraordinarily little substance. The reason I am writing is because of something Frank Fender said during closing comments which I will address at the end.

Another observation about commissioners here and in other towns who have been newly elected in the past couple of years is that they do not seem to realize they are part of the government. Once elected, they become responsible for it all. Many of the recently elected forget that. They continue to rail against the system not realizing they are the system.

At this meeting, a couple of things the public witnessed were commissioners who believe they are above the law. A bill passed last June in the legislature and signed by the governor becoming a statute requires every local government to have an ordinance providing for recognizing a disability accommodation. Drug and/or alcohol dependence are considered a disability, but the people who have it are unwelcome in most places.

Most communities call these sober homes. In Sewall’s Point it would be dressed up with the fancy name of recovery residence. If it ever happens, then the residence would be expensive to reside in. Probably, they would be private pay and not insurance based.

Yet, with a law, commissioners don’t get to choose whether the town should obey it or not (except of course City of Stuart Mayor Boss Collins and his Politburo which was noted at the meeting.)

There needs to be reasonable accommodation because of the disability. In other words, you cannot have ordinances which discriminate. An example would be a fee that is not charged to anyone else. While some would say a fee is a clever idea, in this instance it is not only in violation of state law but federal law.

Another example would be to categorize recovery residences as businesses when the state has determined they are not. It doesn’t matter that the facility is renting out beds to individuals. The individuals are living as room mates to receive treatment for their disability…addiction. The town cannot claim that the place is zoned residential and this is a commercial use. Statute bars that claim. The same goes for definition of family and almost any other reason that can named to prevent the accommodation.

The town manager hired a certified planning consultant to draft the ordinance to comply with state statute. All the drama by commissioners on the dais doesn’t matter.

Then there were the repeated attempts by the commission to foil what Florida courts have ruled many times…the designation of plats is ministerial. That means they must be granted. Plats are what makes site plans into the end product which is taxable units. A plat is an area that is being divided in a location where the commission has already approved development. It allows for individual deeds to be issued.

By the time a development gets to this stage, there is nothing a commission can do to stop it. The legislature last year passed a law that said commissions can no longer issue the plat but rather an administrative person is to be appointed by the commission to do so.

Commissioner Tidikis wants a board to decide and claims that it is an administrative body. Both the town attorney and planner said it wasn’t. Since the issuance can’t be denied by state law, what is that board deciding? It shows a basic lack of understanding.

There are other examples at this meeting of a commission that just can’t seem to pull the trigger on anything. Nothing on the agenda was difficult. Some of the matters were issues that were unpleasant, but the state has taken most out of the hands of local government.

Not only in Sewall’s Point but in other municipalities, the state sees local government as an impediment to business and as wasteful of tax dollars. The legislature may have a point when local governments act to not protect the rights of all citizens. Where local governments do have the right to act, they need to do so and not take months to approve things with Sewall’s Point as an example.

In closing comments, Commissioner Fender addressed Commissioner Tidikis’ speaking against the town at the county commission meeting about receiving grinder stations from the county utilities department for the Sewall’s Point septic to sewer conversions. Fender was upset because the Sewall’s Point Commission voted to move forward with the grinders. Tidikis was against it. His position lost.

As Fender said, it is the commission’s responsibility to be unified once a vote is taken. The other four commissioners spoke at the county commission meeting in favor. This is an example of thinking you are fighting the government when you are actually part of it.

Ocean Breeze swore in the three council members who were recently elected at the December meeting. Newly elected Gail Balonga and Margaret Pugsley took their place with veteran Kevin Docherty at the front of the dais. They were sworn in by Town Attorney Gemma Torcivia.

The council then elected new officers. Docherty was renominated for president. George Ciaschi was also nominated. Docherty won that election. Ciaschi was then nominated for vice-president and won unanimously.

Torcivia gave a quick tutorial on public records and sunshine for the mayor and council. Too bad the City of Stuart doesn’t follow the example. Boss Collins and the Politburo could use the lesson.

Leo Giangrande, P.E. explained where the punch list closeout was with both the Resort and Sea Walk. Sea Walk has three items left, all exterior problems. Sun Communities is working to close out mostly drainage conditions.

It is getting closer when a decision will be made about the town staying a town or will Sea Walk abandon ship. In some respects that is the most interesting thing in local government in Martin County right now.

The contract with an option was approved for the sale of the village property on Warfield Blvd.

The contract is for $3 million. The option that Attorney Vose negotiated is for $75,000 for the first year. The buyer has three months for his due diligence. If during that period, he decides not to go forward, he will only get back $50,000.

After the first year the buyer may have an option on the property for an additional year for another $75,000. Karen Onsagar had expressed at the last meeting that she wanted to see a “kick out” clause in the 2nd year in case someone else came along who wanted to immediately buy the property. That would mean the village could demand that the buyer close on the contract sooner or another party with an offer would be able to buy the property. It was not in the final agreement.

The facility being built is for medical use. The buyers are the same individuals who built Indiantown High School and are undertaking the Martin County Public Works Complex in a public/private partnership. They are substantial buyers.

The vote was unanimous to move ahead with the above outlined deal. Tou can see the contract and option here  

This is the last edition for 2025.

I hope you have enjoyed reading our publication but more importantly that you have gained insight into our community by doing so. That is the purpose of Friends & Neighbors. It is the secret of our success with more than 40,000 of you receiving our publication. We tell it like it is.

If you are reading things on Facebook and other social media, there is a high chance that you are not getting the entire story. Anytime you don’t know who is behind that page you are reading, they are hiding for a reason…and not a good one. We are out in the community and everything that we write is from me or one of our named authors. In 2026 we promise to continue telling you not only what you want to know but what you should know.

Our reporting is not limited to three- or four-hundred-word stories. The length and degree of our reporting determine how long a story is. We give you in-depth reporting to tell you the entire story.

We are going to continue our extensive nonprofit section. If you work for a nonprofit or serve on the board of one, contact us so that you can start having your organization introduced to our readers. It costs nothing and our publishing rules are simple.

Our community and expert columnists will continue to give you their perspectives and knowledge on subjects from fishing to the spiritual to their take on Martin County. With the new year, we finally found a food columnist that we will introduce to you.

We need to remember that some in Martin County are not as fortunate as others. If you can share a little of what you have with your neighbors and friends, you truly are living the season’s spirit. A neighbor in want of material things as well as one who is all alone is something you can help correct.

It is as simple as the Golden Commandment of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

.

Tom’s Articles

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