June 21, 2026

As we do during every election cycle, we will be seeking statements from every candidate for local office so that they can share their thoughts and plans with our readers.  Each statement will be presented as their column complete with their head shot and will run in at least two editions. We don’t change a thing…not content, grammar, spelling, or punctuation. How we receive the candidates’ statements is how you will see them.

However, I noticed that a few candidates have redacted addresses, emails, and phone numbers. Unless they are reading this, we have no way to contact them and let them know about the above opportunity. Yet don’t you find it troubling that people who want to represent you are afraid to provide contact information so you can speak to them.  

For some reason the state believes that this information for some should not be provided because they are or were police officer or some other protected class now or in the past. This is absurd. If you are running to represent citizens, then citizens need a way to speak to you. You cannot be a local elected official and be afraid of your constituents.

Email addresses, phone numbers and post office boxes are all available, would not betray your anonymity and still would hide where you live. I underline hide. Strange and interesting times.

The slate of candidates is now final. Our choice of candidates will come from this list on August 18th and if necessary, in November.

We thoroughly go into the P-3 project for the new county public works complex. We also take a commissioner to task with not providing public records in a timely fashion. There are the chickens of Stuart, the sports problem in Indiantown, a discussion in Sewall’s Point, and who the money people on Jupiter Island are backing for commission.

In its column, Martin County Taxpayers Association provides the latest on individual commissioners’ travel expenses for the first months of the year. Dr Libman explains cholesterol, we travel to Charleston for a quick visit, talk about real estate, and Suzy remembers a pillar of our community.

So, sit back, pour another cup of coffee, and dig into Friends & Neighbors.

Have a great Sunday Morning!

A few times when I was young, my mother took my brother and I to the rodeo at the old Madison Square Garden on 49th Street and 8th Avenue in New York. I also went to the circus there a few times, but I found Ringling Brothers kind of boring. But how could anyone be bored when the headliners were either the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy, or Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

The place was packed with young people. Where else could big city kids see roping, bull riding, and bucking horses in person? We were up in the nosebleed section so I can’t remember whether I actually saw the performers’ faces or just imagined them from having watched them on TV.

It doesn’t matter. When I was very young, the Lone Ranger (probably in reruns) and Gunsmoke ran on the radio. By the time I was old enough to watch TV at night, there was nothing on but Westerns…some of which you can still see on the numerous Western cable channels today.

My brother, cousins, and friends were all citified cowboys. We had cowboy hats, gun belts, toy “six shooters,” and if lucky a real rocking horse or a stick with a horse’s head atop. In a pinch and if we only were in our apartments playing, we could create a horse out of a kitchen chair, with a pillow for a saddle and a belt around the seat back for a harness.

Many a Saturday, we all ended up at the local movie house. For a quarter, you could watch cartoons, a newsreel, a short, and three Westerns. It was a rowdy bunch of kids, mostly boys, who were continuously scolded by severe looking ladies in white uniforms called matrons. We loved going to the theater in the summer because our apartments were sweltering. This was long before the days of residential air conditioning.

As I became older, I began to see the beauty of the “real” movie Western. When you watch the John Ford and John Wayne films (which are now considered classics) on television, they were cut up by commercials and edited for time. In the movie theaters, however, with the large screens, those films were poetry in motion.

One could not hope but see the genre for what it was… pure American. Wayne’s movies showed some sympathy for the Native Americans, but he fought them to the death anyway. John Ford’s final Western was “Cheyenne Autumn” which was an elegy to his work. I saw it on a Sunday afternoon in Times Square. That was a masterpiece although the Cheyenne were portrayed by Sal Mineo, Gilbert Roland, Ricardo Montalban, and Dolores del Rio.

A few years earlier, Ford made two movies with John Wayne that showed both their depths…one as an actor and the other as a film maker. The first was “The Searchers” in 1956. Wayne was shown as a complex dark prejudiced man that seemed more out for revenge than finding his niece and rescuing her from the Comanches.

In 1962, Wayne again starred with Ford directing in “The Man That Shot Liberty Valence.”   Another morality play on good, evil, and the closing of the West. Wayne was the hero who couldn’t or wouldn’t adopt civilization, law, and order. But he made it possible for civilization, law, and order to come to the West and accepted the fact that the character played by James Stewart, a lawyer, was the future of the West and America.

The 1960s was when the Western became amoral. The Spaghetti Version where the nobility of William S. Hart, Harry Carey Sr., and Tom Mix were left in the dust. In the Clint Eastwood West, there were no heroes or villains for that matter. John Wayne continued to make movies, but his Western code was out of style. Killed by the assassination and Vietnam.

America buried the Western with occasional attempts to bring it back. When I was a kid, there were 30 Western series televised a week. Now there are none and haven’t been for most of my adult life. The great American art form has passed.

Willie Nelson starred and sang a song for a contemporary Western drama, “The Electric Horseman” in 1979 with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. It was titled “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” Growing up as a boy in New York in the 1950s and far from the range, all the kids I knew could relate to that phrase. Americans knew that being a cowboy was where morality and honor were still alive, and the good guys would always win no matter where they lived.

The Florida Legislature has decided that it wasn’t enough to control the state…they are now also going to run local government.

Fortunately, they decided not to include school districts in their tax scheme, but I believe it will only be a matter of time before they do. Besides, local school boards already have so little discretion now because the state dictates everything from textbook selection choices to how much to spend on transportation. They are now looking to do that with cities and counties.

For years, Tallahassee has meddled with the property tax system. In most other places, real estate taxes are real estate taxes. For example, everyone with a house that has an assessed value of $250,000 pays the same amount within the jurisdiction. And in most places, the assessed value must be a percentage of the market value. That is far from the way Florida does it.

Real estate taxes here are being used as a social policy tool and political stunt. In most other places, there aren’t a hundred and one exemptions, “Save our Homes,” caps, or the ridiculous portability that we have In Florida. Our real estate tax system is very similar to rent control. The property owner, if he has lived in the home long enough, will pay less and less tax on the true value of his home as time goes by.

For years local elected officials were afraid to tell people the truth. They fed into the fantasy that everyone was overtaxed. Some were. But mostly it is because of the unfairness of the current hodge podge of a real estate tax system.

The legislature and governor, all tried and true Republicans, have been pushing out such sophistry for the past 20 years. Over the course of time, each tweak of the tax code has resulted in it being increasingly dysfunctional and less market oriented. The rhetoric of a legislator helping people to stay in their homes has resulted in a less fair system…one based on longevity divorced from the reality of what real estate taxes are.

Now comes the ultimate grab, taking away local government’s power of the purse. That in and of itself is a level of control, populist nonsense to the contrary. Tallahassee is making sure that economic decisions are made among the 160 legislators and lobbyists and not among the voters and citizens. The better to grift by.

Politicians are working hard to kill the Florida dream that has taken what was a backwater and made it a powerhouse. But it can’t continue if schools and local governments are not able to provide a good quality of life for the millions of people that have moved here because of the promise.

Everything works if you end up living in a gated community, with a manned gatehouse, and you have no kids in schools or you do not rely on local government to pave your roads. Once you leave your Shangri-La, then everyone must deal with what comes next.

Not only Florida, but the entire United States, is looking for a free ride. No taxes on tips, or Social Security is just fine…we will borrow the money. Our national debt is larger than our economy. That all happened within the last decade under Republican government. The last time the national budget was balanced was under Clinton more than a quarter of a century ago.

Complaining about being overtaxed is an American obsession. No citizen should want to waste tax money. Stopping wastefulness is not the same as no taxation. As Justice Holmes wrote in a 1904 decision, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.”

Did any of you google something today? If you did, you had contact with a data center. How about ordering online? That too went through a data center. When you gave your credit card to pay for the order, that went through a data center as well.

Your photos, records, correspondence, email, and any other digital information you have is at or has been touched by multiple data centers. Police Departments, Fire/Rescue, Public Works, the Army, Congress, and everything that has an internet connection all need data centers to function. The transfer of money from one account to another flows through at least one data center but probably several.

So many Americans want to have a 2026 economy but don’t think about why today’s economy could not exist without data centers. Our nation, state, city, and ourselves would be paralyzed without data centers. That is why the entire argument about banning them is ridiculous and idiotic.

I received a check in the mail (an absolute oddity) today. I electronically deposited it and about 10 minutes later it was posted to my account. That was all possible because we have data centers. A decade ago, I would have had to go to the bank, wait in line to see a teller, and then wait three or four days before the money cleared. In all probability, going back to the way it was even a decade ago would cause huge economic disruptions.

Does that mean we allow companies to build them without regulations? Of course not. SB 484 is a good start. It addresses people’s two biggest concerns…power and water. You can see the bill here 

What we as a nation, state, county, or municipality cannot afford to do is just say no. It is bad enough that we have let other nations take the lead in so many technologies like solar and electric batteries. We can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand. There are no data centers in many countries in the world, but their economies are not like ours.

There is nothing wrong with smart regulations to protect our communities from real dangers. And those regulations should be adjusted to meet changing needs. But outright bans will make the entities that prohibit them outmoded and a backwater in the national and global economies.

Unless. Of course, we want to return to an earlier time of entering figures in ledgers and have handwritten bank books. I remember both so it isn’t that far back. Our standard of living was less as was our GDP, but there were no data centers.

At the governor’s urging, the Florida Legislature has acted in a cavalier way when passing and putting on the November ballot a constitutional amendment entitled “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes.”

That is blatantly not true especially for renters, snowbirds, and new residents. What is the point of real estate taxes? It should be to allow local governments to provide the services their constituents want and need. Local elected officials and their voters, taxpayers, and residents set the priorities that they want to fund. What this amendment does is portray local government officials as villains stealing their constituents’ money. That could not be further from the truth. 

The legislature wants to pretend that county commissioners and city council members are petty tyrants instead of high-minded members of their local communities. They take their marching orders from their neighbors and friends, their fellow church members and lodge brothers and sisters, their peers on non-profit boards and parents from their children’s schools.

Local elected officials are concerned citizens who put themselves out there to help. At times, they may forget that they represent their neighbors. But that is what elections are about. If the voters feel that the elected officials are not doing what the majority of constituents want, then it is easy enough to replace them at the next election.

Perhaps this amendment is not a cynical ploy by the governor and legislators in far away Tallahassee. Then why is the ballot language so deceiving? It doesn’t give the voters an accurate picture of what they are being asked to vote for. That is why I became a named party to this complaint challenging this amendment and why I am involved with “Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, Inc.” You can see the complaint HERE 

Under the law, ballot titles and language are not campaign documents and should not be misleading or contain inaccuracies. This document does both. That is why we are asking the court to send the ballot title and language to the Attorney-General to remedy the problematic language.

All we want is a fair and impartial depiction regarding what the voters are being asked to approve or not approve. A democracy works only when we trust the electorate. In this case, the legislature did not. They played fast and loose with language to try to achieve their desired outcome…not necessarily the people’s. I want the people to vote after fully understanding what they are being asked to say yes to.  

But only after they are presented with all the facts.

Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular in urban and suburban neighborhoods, and it is easy to understand why. A small flock can provide families with a steady supply of fresh eggs, teach children responsibility, and offer a sense of pride in providing their own food. Chickens can also be entertaining companions with unique personalities, making them an enjoyable addition to the household.

The growing interest in backyard poultry is something I am seeing firsthand from members and families seeking poultry educational programming in the Martin County 4-H Youth Development Program. From youth interested in learning the basics of chicken care to those exploring poultry showmanship and skill-a-thon competitions, more families are discovering the educational opportunities and life skills that poultry projects can provide. Raising chickens offers young people valuable experiences in responsibility, record keeping, animal husbandry, and decision-making that extend far beyond the coop.

Successful backyard poultry ownership requires more than simply building a coop and bringing home some hens. Chickens require proper care and management to ensure they remain healthy and that their presence does not negatively impact neighbors or the environment.

Two of the most common concerns in urban areas are noise and odor. Fortunately, both can be managed with thoughtful planning. Though hens can get a little squawky when laying an egg, they are typically very quiet; much quieter than their male counterparts. Maintaining an appropriately sized flock for the available space helps prevent overcrowding, which can contribute to odors and increase stress among birds. Regular coop cleaning and adequate ventilation go a long way toward keeping both chickens and neighbors happy.

Another important consideration is manure management. Chickens produce manure rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. While these nutrients can benefit gardens and landscapes when used properly, excessive accumulation or improper disposal can create environmental concerns. Rainfall can carry nutrients from manure into storm drains, ponds, canals, and other waterways, contributing to reduced water quality and algae growth.

Simple management practices can prevent these issues. Clean coops regularly and collect manure before it accumulates in large quantities. Store manure under cover and away from drainage areas until it can be properly used or disposed of. Composting chicken manure is one of the best options for many homeowners. Proper composting stabilizes nutrients, reduces odors, and creates a valuable soil amendment for ornamental plants and gardens. Because fresh chicken manure can be too strong for plants and may contain harmful pathogens, composting before application is recommended.

Backyard chicken owners should also be mindful of where they wash equipment and dispose of bedding materials. Avoid rinsing coops or equipment where runoff can flow into streets, storm drains, or nearby water bodies. Used bedding can often be incorporated into compost piles, reducing waste while recycling nutrients responsibly.

Backyard chickens can be a rewarding addition to an urban neighborhood when managed responsibly. With attention to neighbor relations, environmental stewardship, and proper animal care, families can enjoy the many benefits of raising chickens while helping protect the natural resources that make our communities healthy places to live.

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

As Martin County’s only open access, no-kill animal welfare organization, we are the holding facility for animals impounded by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit. Sometimes these impounds involve animals that were rescued from abuse and neglect situations.

Unfortunately, abuse and neglect cases are more common than people probably realize. But through community support, we’re able to provide the animals with the medical treatment and compassionate care they deserve in a safe environment.

When an abused animal arrives at our shelter, our veterinary staff conducts a thorough examination to address critical needs and determine ongoing care. Our animal care team gives them baths, nutritious meals, and a comfortable space while we assess a path forward.

Beyond physical recovery, emotional healing is a central component of care. Many abused animals have had limited or negative interactions with humans or other animals. We lean on our fosters to bring them into their homes so they can heal in a lower stress environment and learn to socialize. This process can be essential for their transition into permanent homes.

Our team of trainers and dedicated staff, along with support from our volunteers and fosters, prepare these animals for successful adoptions. Animals that have experienced abuse may exhibit fear, anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal. We use fear free training and positive reinforcement techniques to build their trust and regain their confidence.

The best outcome for these animals is to find a forever home filled with care and compassion, so we work every day to give animals that second chance at life. Our adoption team carefully matches pets with suitable adopters through recognizing the animal’s history and communicating their needs so that prepared families have positive adoption experiences.

Having a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys, but we know that it’s not always easy. Responsible pet ownership involves resources and support. Humane education creates awareness, helps prevent abuse, and encourages intervention.

If you’re struggling with pet behavior issues, we offer low-cost training classes through our Pawsitive Manners Club. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, we’ve compiled financial aid resources. If you’re considering surrendering your pet, you can speak to one of our surrender counselors. If you need to rehome your pet, take a look at our rehoming tips.

To report a known or suspected animal abuse situation, call the Martin County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit at (772) 463-3211.

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

When a patient is found to have elevated cholesterol the first treatment recommendation is always lifestyle changes.  I am not going to discuss that in this article. This is information for people who have already tried and failed lifestyle changes or for those with a genetic tendency (familial hypercholesterolemia) which causes high lipid levels despite eating clean and exercising frequently.  

For decades the only treatment that was being prescribed for high cholesterol were statin medications.   They are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol which is known to contribute to heart disease and strokes.  But statins do have some side effects and there are many people who can't tolerate them or people who despite being on high dose statins still have elevated cholesterol.

Luckily we now have new medications available to treat high cholesterol and some exciting meds on the horizon.  Studies have shown that the lower the LDL the less likely someone is to have a heart attack.  The recommended goal is to have LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL however for diabetics or people who have already had a cardiac event, cardiologists aim to get their LDL below 70 or even as low as 55!!

There is some misinformation circulating on the internet about these meds lowering cholesterol levels in the brain as cholesterol is a precursor for our sex hormones.  The way the brain processes cholesterol and the way the liver processes cholesterol is completely different.  These medications in no way affect the brains production of our sex hormones. 

The first non statin medication approved to treat cholesterol was ezetemibe (Zetia ) in 2002. Zetia actually works in the gut by decreasing the amount of cholesterol you absorb from the foods you eat.  It has been found to lower cholesterol by about 20%.  Patients taking Zetia have also been found to have a 7X lower risk of developing dimentia!!

20 years later the FDA approved a drug called bempedoic acid (Nexletol) which also lowers cholesterol by about 20-25%.  Similar to statins it works by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol.  It has fewer muscular side effects since it only works in the liver.  There are currently combination pills on the market with ezetemibe and bempedoic acid (Nexlizet) or ezetemibe and a statin (Vytorin).  This combination can reduce statins by 40-60%!!

In 2015 the FDA approved a class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors.  PCSK9 inhibitors are injectable medications that work by blocking the PCSK9 protein.  By blocking this protein it prevents the destruction of LDL receptors on liver cells allowing the receptors to continue to clear LDL from the bloodstream.  The most well known of this class of medication is Repatha which is injected every 2 weeks by the patient at home.  A newer version called Leqvio which was approved in 2021 is injected twice a year at a physicians office .  These powerful medications have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 50%!!

The first PCSK9 pill is set to be released in early 2027.  This helps overcome patients who fear injections. However, they are not readily available since they are pricey.  Most insurances require patients to fail statins first before they will approve access to the PCSK9 class of medications. 

There is also a new intravenous version of PCSK9 that is completing clinical trials, which has many cardiologists very excited.  It has been found to reduce PSCK9 by 88% and lower LDL by up to 62%.  The best part is they are finding that only one dose is needed!!  

If you have a history of high cholesterol you should discuss these newer medications with your health care provider.

Michele Libman’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

 When most people think about Martin County, they picture beautiful waterways, pristine beaches, championship golf courses, boating, fishing, and retirees enjoying the Florida sunshine.

Entrepreneurship is probably not the first thing that comes to mind.  Maybe it should be.

Hidden beneath the surface of our coastal lifestyle is one of the most entrepreneurial economies in Florida.  In fact, Martin County may be one of the state's best-kept business secrets.

A comparison with neighboring St. Lucie County to the north is revealing. St. Lucie has a larger population, more available land, and major industrial assets such as the Port St. Lucie / Torino corridor and the Florida Power & Light mega site.  Martin County, by contrast, is smaller, older, wealthier, and more heavily driven by entrepreneurs, professional services, investors, and small-business owners.  While St. Lucie competes on scale and workforce capacity, Martin County's advantage lies in its concentration of experience, capital, leadership, and entrepreneurial talent.

Most residents are surprised to learn that Martin County is home to approximately 5,656 employer businesses and another 19,285 sole proprietors, freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors.  More than half of all employer businesses have 10 or fewer employees, and nearly half of all workers are employed by small businesses.

Think about what that means.

Unlike many communities that rely heavily on a handful of large employers, Martin County's economy is powered by thousands of people willing to take risks, create jobs, launch companies, and build something from the ground up.

Even more remarkable, approximately 3,592 new businesses are started here every year.

For a Florida county with just over 166,000 residents, that's an extraordinary level of entrepreneurial activity.

So why does it happen here?  The answer may surprise you…

Martin County possesses something many larger cities would love to have but cannot manufacture: an incredible concentration of experience, knowledge, and leadership.

Our median age is nearly 54, and roughly one-third of our residents are 65 or older.  While some view those statistics as a challenge, they may actually represent one of our greatest competitive advantages.

Many of our neighbors are former CEOs of larger companies, local business leaders, engineers, healthcare executives, military leaders, technology professionals, investors, and small business entrepreneurs.  They may have retired from their careers, but many have not retired from their ambitions.

Some have become mentors.  Some have become investors.  Some, launch second or even third careers.  Others serve on nonprofit boards, volunteer organizations, a chamber of commerce, civic groups, and other organizations helping shape the next generation of local leaders.

That kind of intellectual capital is incredibly valuable.  The economic numbers tell an equally compelling story.

Martin County now generates approximately $12.3 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 100,000 jobs.  Manufacturing jobs average more than $70,000 annually, and nearly $268 million in income flows into the county each year as new residents bring investment capital, business expertise, and purchasing power.

Meanwhile, many local leaders are working to strengthen this momentum.

Stuart’s business community and leadership are investing in programs designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.  Indiantown, already home to more than 300 businesses, is uniquely positioned for future growth with excess power capacity, access to major fiber-optic infrastructure, and a 600-acre industrial zone adjacent to its airport.  Across the county, economic development efforts are targeting advanced manufacturing, marine industries, aviation, environmental technology, and other high-wage sectors.

What emerges is a picture far different from the stereotype many outsiders hold.

Martin County is not simply a retirement destination.

It is not merely a tourism economy.

It is a community of builders, innovators, risk-takers, and dreamers.

Perhaps our greatest natural resource isn't our beaches, waterways, or weather.

Perhaps it's the thousands upon thousands of residents, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who wake up every morning determined to create, invest, mentor, innovate, and build a better future for this unique place we all call home. 

And that may be Martin County's greatest hidden advantage of all -

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

In the best of times, we get older.  As we advance over the years, health and bodily functions change.  A healthy lifestyle is the best strategy for maintaining functioning as we age.  Cognitive decline may first present itself by the recognition that you are having more episodes of not knowing where you put the car keys, forgetting to pay bills on time, forgetting to lock the front door at night.   We might forget someone’s name at a gathering. 

The spectrum of cognitive decline can begin in midlife and progress slowly or rapidly.  There are multiple types of cognitive decline which may lead to frank dementia: vascular dementia from high blood pressure and obesity, Alzheimer's Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, dementia due to infectious disease, and dementia due to exposure of toxic substances.  In many cases, individuals with dementia may have a cooccurrence of multiple types of dementia.  The lifetime risk of dementia after age 55 in the US is approximately 43%.  Some experts predict that preventive strategies could delay the onset of cognitive decline by 1 to 3 years and possibly reduce lifetime risk by 20 to 50%.  (Lifetime Risk of Common Neurological Diseases in the Elderly Population. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 2019. Licher S, Darweesh SKL, Wolters FJ, et al.)

We cannot choose our genetics or the circumstances of our birth, but we can choose what we eat and drink; we can make healthy lifestyle choices.   Actionable risk factors for dementia include smoking, alcohol or drug use, obesity, diabetes, poor gut health and diets high in processed foods, and obstructive sleep apnea.   What do all of these poor lifestyle choices have in common?  They all impair healthy nutrition in the brain. Smoking and diabetes damage blood vessels which supply the brain.  Alcohol use causes depletion of folate and thiamine which are essential for brain health, learning, and memory consolidation.   A poor diet will limit the development of a healthy gut microbiome essential for gut integrity; an unhealthy gut becomes leaky and allows neurotoxic substances to enter the bloodstream.  Gut health can be improved by eating fiber and probiotics to increase the diversity of the gut microbiota. Sleep apnea, episodes of not breathing while asleep, will chronically expose the brain to low oxygen while asleep, and the brain is unforgiving about being deprived of oxygen.  Snoring, sleeping with more than one pillow under your head, or not feeling rested in the morning may suggest obstructive sleep apnea.

Much research has been done linking metabolic health to cognitive function, specifically suggesting that Alzheimer’s Disease may be understood as Type 3 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is described as insulin resistance with elevation of blood glucose in overweight adults over age 45, whereas Type 3 diabetes is a condition in which the brain selectively experiences insulin resistance which impairs the brain's glucose metabolism and causes neuroinflammation.  Type 2 diabetes is a modifiable risk factor.  Type 3 diabetes is not; the majority of Alzheimer’s patients without metabolic disease leading to Type 2 diabetes have been observed to have diabetes limited to the brain, Type 3 diabetes.

A 2025 review of ten cardiovascular trials observed that GLP1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic) reduced the risk of all-cause dementia by 45% (Cardioprotective Glucose-Lowering Agents and Dementia Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Neurology. 2025. Seminer A, Mulihano A, O'Brien C, et al.)  The purported mechanism is lowering the insulin resistance in the brain.

There has also been increasing evidence that the trace mineral lithium found naturally in drinking water in different parts of the world may contribute to preserving brain metabolic health.  A 2017 Danish study collected data over 43 years and  compared the incidence of dementia in regions of Denmark with minimal or substantial amounts of lithium in the drinking water.  Alzheimer's and vascular dementias occurred much more with strong statistical significance in regions of Denmark with minimal lithium in the drinking water.  It is noteworthy that physicians in Roman antiquity valued lithia water for its calming properties, and it is old news that lithium is the gold standard mood stabilizer in affective disorders.  In fact, the American soft drink 7 Up contained lithium until 1948.   Currently, multiple European bottled mineral waters are also known to contain lithium.

The purported mechanism by which lithium is protective against Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia pathology is by facilitating healthy glucose metabolism in neurons, perhaps correcting the dysfunction caused by Type 3 diabetes of the brain.  Lithium remains a standard psychiatric medication for mood disorders, but it has not been sufficiently studied to get FDA approval as a neuroprotective supplement in early cognitive decline.   It is noteworthy that Florida has very little lithium in its drinking water, while regions of Georgia, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southwest have the highest naturally occurring lithium in the groundwater.

The best strategy for brain health is a healthy diet and lifestyle, but recent studies also point to newer strategies of preserving cognitive functioning throughout the healthspan by addressing otherwise invisible metabolic dysfunction of the brain.

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

The MCTA did an extensive report earlier on commissioners’ travel expenses.

At that time, we pointed out the huge discrepancies in the amounts each commissioner spent. Commissioner Vargas was by far the one who spent the most with Commissioner Ciampi spending the least. The actual figures do not lie and now that a constitutional amendment is on the ballot which, if passed by the voters, will cause the ad valorem dollars received by Martin County to shrink by 40%, this one expense should be looked at again.

At that time, we presented recommendations that the commissioners could follow:

1. Each commissioner be given the same travel amount with the chair receiving an additional 15%.
2. Commissioners should only attend events, especially if travel is involved for those boards to which they have been assigned by their fellow commissioners. We stated there was no reason for more than one commissioner to go to any event.
3. All travel arrangements should be made by the Financial Services Department instead of individual commissioners.
4. All travel points and bonuses should be given to Martin County and not the individual commissioners.
5. All commissioners must stay at the hotel where the conference is held, minimizing Uber and cab fees back and forth.
6. The county should have their own Uber account that must be used, and the cheapest type of car should be utilized.
7. When travelling locally, the commissioner must use a county-owned vehicle or if not available their own car and be reimbursed on a per-mile basis as per federal guidelines.
8. Commissioners should use their county issued P-Card for miscellaneous expenses so that all points for purchases are the county’s and not the individual commissioner’s.

At the commission meeting where these type of expenses were discussed after our first report, the administrator specifically stated that he was going to put together procedures. He has failed to do so or at least explain anything to us or the public further.

We obtained the following list from the Martin County Comptroller of each commissioner’s expenses from January to most of May 2026. Once again Commissioner Vargas has spent the most at $9,661.70 and Commissioner Ciampi the least…nothing.

Highlighted cell with ** denotes day travel.

We will keep reporting back to the taxpayers until all commissioners’ travel expenses look more like Ciampi’s and less like Vargas’. MCTA also is still waiting to see procedures instituted to protect the taxpayers’ money. As Vargas constantly reminds the public from the dais that it is the people’s money and not the commissioners.

Martin County Tax Payers Associates' opinions are their own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

One of the questions we hear most often from our supporters is “why do you have so many different programs and services?” One answer is that we are trying to equip our clients with the tools that they need to break the cycle of poverty. The cycle of poverty, also sometimes referred to as generational poverty, is when poverty seems to be inherited, preventing subsequent generations from escaping its grip. Families trapped in poverty consistently have few to no resources, and lack financial capital, education and social connections needed to change their circumstances.

There are grim realities associated with the cycle of poverty. About 50% of babies born into poverty will remain persistently poor well into adulthood. Children who experience persistent poverty are 90% more likely to enter their 20s without completing high school. People living in poverty experience higher than normal levels of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Poverty limits access to quality healthcare, harming a child’s ability to learn and an adult’s ability to work. Poverty is a barrier to reliable transportation, which in Martin County limits a household’s options around access to quality food, doctors, education, employment, child care and other resources that would be valuable in breaking the cycle.

At House of Hope, our mission is to empower our community to overcome hunger and hardship. We have four service centers spread throughout the County, including our main office in Stuart as well as locations in Indiantown, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound. Each location is equipped with a client choice pantry that provides access to fresh and healthy foods, nonperishables, toiletries and more. We operate three (and soon to be four) Centers for Enrichment in Stuart, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with Hobe Sound coming later this year. These centers offer classes and programs in education, job readiness, health and nutrition, computers, the arts and more. There are resources for all ages, from early learners to senior citizens and everyone in between. Our team of case managers now includes a housing coordinator and a career coach, as well as family centered coaches. All of these programs and services are always offered at no cost to the families that we serve.

House of Hope’s focus on access to quality food, education, career support, health initiatives, housing support and more are keys to helping our clients break the cycle. When you invest your time, talent and treasure in House of Hope, and by extension in our clients, you are helping to build a stronger community. To learn more about how you may help, or how to connect if you need our services, please visit us at www.hohmartin.org.

Thank you for spreading hope in our community.

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

There are so many real estate related issues in the news. We have the upcoming local political season and the new ballot initiative that is being implemented on the State level. I will discuss these two topics. 

Our current climate in Martin County politics is becoming a growth vs. no growth battle, again. Over my nearly 40 years in this community, I have seen it before and will likely see it again. The argument from the “no growth” side claims they are for reasonable and responsible growth. The candidates from the "growth" side claim they are for reasonable and responsible growth. Hmmm, it seems as if each side has the same agenda - this is far from the truth.

Slow growth candidates, as demonstrated by the City of Stuart, often slam on the brakes and bring a halt to any and all growth and rewrite the rules. This period of time and evaluation generally leads to no new development or projects. Projects on the board cannot get permits and the economy generally suffers. Eventually landowners sue the government and in some cases receive large settlement agreements. This is no way to run the taxpayers' government and is not the best fiscal management of taxpayer funds.

Growth candidates, status quo proponents, are generally for reasonable growth. They understand that landowners have sacred rights in our county and the USA. They are as concerned about traffic as is each voter. They realize that working closely with the county staff, landowners and citizens we can find mutually beneficial outcomes for any new development. I believe Discovery, in Hobe Sound, is a great example of a project that is a win/win for the taxpayer and the landowner.

The no growth candidates cite the local apartment boom as being the main problem facing Martin County. I will defend the apartment owners and tenants. Almost everyone has lived in an apartment at the beginning of their career, married life, life change or at another important lifetime moment. They found a way to ultimately become a homeowner. Our local apartment dwellers are nurses, firefighters, plumbers, new families, police and many other people with varying careers and lifestyles. I welcome their diversity and the money they bring to our local economy.

On to the Homestead Exemption ballot initiative. I asked state leaders to study this issue before passing this legislation and putting this amendment on the ballot. It was quickly written, discussed briefly, barely debated and then passed in a brief special session.

In my opinion, the unintended consequences of this ballot item will not be tax relief - it will be a disaster for local municipalities and counties. If you like your parks, roads, police and fire response times and the general condition of your town or county - do not vote for the Homestead exemption amendment. Force the legislature to study, debate and present a better amendment next session. I will write more on this subject next month.

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

We’re used to bringing kids to our five clubs. Now we’re bringing our latest “club” directly to them.

Through June, we’ve been hosting a kind of popup program at Martin County High School that’s modeled after our Club at Jensen Beach High School. It introduces key facets of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County to a fresh cohort of young people who are at an important stage of their lives.

“While the school can help get them academically ready for graduation,” says Lori Vogel, principal of MCHS, “there’s so many things that Boys & Girls Clubs can help with, including testing, resumes, college, jobs and just figuring out what they want to do next.”

Nearly 70 ninth- through 12th-graders are in the program from 9 a.m. to noon. BGCMC certified teachers help students looking to improve their performances in math, science, and English. The individualized attention increases accountability measures and overall performances.

In fact, we recently assisted in conducting testing for more than 100 seniors who needed to meet final requirements for graduation.

But alas, it’s summertime. Everyone deserves a break from schoolwork. Outings and activities are a big part of Club life, so we made sure the Martin County High experience was no different.

Every Friday, we’ve gone on field trips to play paintball or visit Dave & Buster’s, Elev8 Fun and Rapids Waterpark. It’s fun, so word is getting out—in the best way possible.

“The kids are calling their friends and saying, ‘You need to come here, this is great,’” says Vogel, “which I think is really cool and we’ve been growing all week.”

Workforce development is another key part of BGCMC programming. We offer industry certifications, courses, even apprenticeships in such diverse disciplines as drone piloting, coding, fashion design, electrical, HVAC, construction, and more. A centerpiece of our offerings is our culinary program.

From our food truck to our growing catering business, the BGCMC culinary program gives participants diverse opportunities to gain marketable job skills and earn a paycheck.

At Martin County High School, students get a literal taste of the program.

Each day, our culinary team cooks them breakfast and lunch. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, anyone who’s interested in culinary can take part. There’s always more activity during the kitchen those days.

By combining academics, fun outings, and jobs training, we’re upholding the core Club principles of academics, good citizenship and nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

It’s all possible thanks to our partnerships with the Martin County School Board, the district and principals such as Vogel and Andrew Connolly at Jensen Beach High.

We’re excited about the program’s future potential at Martin County High as it contributes to higher graduation rates and more young people pursuing greater goals for their lives.

“This program needs to be repeated because it’s helping kids,” says Vogel. “We had to move fast to get this one off the ground. But next year, we’d love to get more job training involved. When we expose them to things through Boys & Girls Clubs and they see what’s out there, they’re like, ‘I’m not just going to work at McDonald’s or Target.’”

It was a great beginning and can only get better, says my colleague, Dr. Timothy Aitken.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with the leadership of Martin County High School and bring this experience to the students so they can not only get help academically,” says Aitken, “but also experience the acceptance and support of Club culture—discovering more of what they're interested in and capable of achieving."

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

My wife and I were looking for a short, easy getaway from PBI — somewhere we hadn’t been, reachable without the usual travel hassle. Charleston kept coming up, and Breeze Airways made the decision simple: a direct, painless flight and we were there. It turned out to be one of those happy accidents that makes you wonder why it took so long.

STAYING

We stayed at the Market Pavilion Hotel, and it set exactly the right tone: elegant rooms, an impeccable location, and a name that earns its keep. The rooftop bar and pool are to be enjoyed if you stay there, so save a couple of hours for it. The hotel sits steps from Market Hall, one of Charleston’s most storied landmarks. Built in 1841 in the Greek Revival style — its architect, Edward Brickell White, modeled it after the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens — the Hall anchors a four-block stretch of market sheds that has been a commercial and cultural heart of the city for over two centuries. Today the complex is a National Historic Landmark, home to local artisans, artists, and sweetgrass basket weavers continuing a tradition centuries old. We walked the entire length of the attraction at least twice. Worth it!

EATING

The food scene was, frankly, staggering. Over three days we barely made a dent. Lunch at Revelry Brewery paired excellent craft beers with a meal that punched well above its casual register. Dinner at Malagon, a Michelin-starred Mediterranean tapas restaurant, was a sequence of small, precise pleasures. Slightly North of Broad delivered a refined, beautifully executed dinner that reminded us why Southern cooking, at its highest, is a serious art form.

And then there was Lewis Barbecue. I’ll be direct: it was the best barbecue either of us has ever eaten. Don’t be deterred by the line that wraps around the building — it moves quickly, the staff is warm, and what awaits is entirely worth the wait. Texas-style brisket smoked low and slow, ribs apparently designed for maximum salivation. We ate too much. We have no regrets. There was a special detail that also appealed to me: there are signs on the tables asking patrons to only occupy said tables only after they get their food. Nice!

SEEING & DOING

Between meals, we explored. A river cruise with historical commentary gave us the city’s sweep — its harbor, its colonial architecture, the weight of its complicated past laid out clearly on the water. The African American Museum was outstanding and genuinely moving; if you visit Charleston and skip it, you’ve missed the most important thing the city has to say. We enjoyed the museum on a rainy afternoon, but it should be taken as a rain-or-shine kind of visit. A horse carriage ride through the historic district added another layer still.

But nothing — nothing — compares to simply walking. The famous Rainbow Row. The narrow alleys spilling into hidden courtyards. The pastel single houses with their side piazzas catching the sea breeze. This is a city that has been standing since the earliest chapters of American history, and you feel it in your feet as you go.

Restaurants we hadn’t reached, historic homes we hadn’t toured, neighborhoods we’d only glimpsed. Charleston rewards the visitor with more time, and more than a little budget for its extraordinary dining scene. For anyone on the Treasure Coast looking for a short getaway that feels like a genuine discovery: this is it. Forget the rental car idea, grab great walking shoes and let Charleston do the rest.

PRACTICAL NOTES

Breeze Airways flies direct from Palm Beach International (PBI) — quick and pleasant. The historic downtown is entirely walkable; Ubers cover anything farther afield. The Market Pavilion Hotel is ideally located for exploring on foot. Restaurants at the top of the food chain book up — reserve well in advance. Lewis Barbecue does not take reservations. Just go.

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

The statistics for Alzheimer’s are eye-popping. In a recent report on the disease, Alzheimer’s was labeled as “a growing public health crisis” in Florida.

• 580,000 Floridians aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s
• 877,000 family caregivers are providing essential support to Floridians living with dementia
• 1.4 billion of unpaid care hours, at a value of $30.3 billion, are provided each year

And the numbers are on the increase.

It’s easy to understand, then, why the Legislature and Governor just enacted a bill (SB578) that creates the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative. The statewide program is designed to provide Alzheimer’s education to the public, training for healthcare providers, and outreach to underserved communities.

Supporting the well-being of people living with cognitive decline, providing resources to their caregivers, and reducing the risk of dementia require a community-wide effort. So the Council on Aging Martin County is grateful to our state leadership for this initiative.

It complements the efforts already underway in Martin County. You may already have had the opportunity to be part of the HUGS (Help, Understanding, Guidance and Safety) program.

The purpose of HUGS is simple and profound: make our community dementia-friendly by giving everyone in the community – regardless of age or occupation – the education and skills they need to respond to individuals with dementia in a way that is kind and understanding.

Perhaps you’ve been in a store or restaurant and met someone coping with dementia. Or perhaps your neighbor or even a family member is experiencing the effects of dementia. What do you do? Turn away because you don’t understand? Act defensively or rudely if their behavior distresses you? Or offer a friendly and appropriate response?

HUGS helps you to know what to do and how to act that shows understanding and empathy.

Donna True, LCSW, our HUGS coordinator, takes the program into businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, civic groups, and any setting where community members gather in Martin County. She gives people who may have no experience with dementia a basic understanding of the disease and simple ways to respond in a way that is supportive to the individual and the caregiver. The program is customized to the participants in terms of content and time.

If you haven’t yet had your HUGS training, call us at 772-223-7879 and schedule a session.

Please remember that the Council on Aging Martin County has programs to assist those coping with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, from our on-site Day Club to our GUIDE program, Elder Mobile Outreach Bus, counseling, caregiver resources and education, and support groups.

Alzheimer’s is a community challenge. Let’s meet it together.

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

When families face divorce, custody disputes, or other family law matters, many people assume their only option is a lengthy court battle. In reality, there is another path that often helps families reach agreements with less stress, less conflict, and more control over the outcome: mediation.

Mediation is a process where both parties meet with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, to discuss issues and work toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions or take sides. Instead, the mediator helps guide productive conversations and encourages problem-solving.

One of the biggest benefits of mediation is that it allows families to maintain greater control over important decisions. Rather than having a judge determine the outcome, the parties have an opportunity to create solutions that fit their unique circumstances.

For parents, mediation can be especially valuable. Divorce and custody disputes can be difficult on children, particularly when conflict continues over an extended period. Mediation often encourages more respectful communication and cooperation, which can help reduce stress for children and create a stronger foundation for future co-parenting.

Many family law issues can be resolved through mediation. Common topics include parenting plans, child custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, child support, property division, and other family-related matters. Because discussions are focused on finding solutions, mediation can often move cases forward more efficiently than traditional litigation.

Preparation is one of the keys to successful mediation. Before a mediation session, it helps to gather important documents, understand your goals, and think about areas where you may be willing to compromise. Being prepared keeps discussions focused and productive.

It is also important to approach mediation with an open mind. While not every issue can be resolved immediately, parties who are willing to listen and work toward common ground are often better positioned to reach agreements that benefit everyone involved.

Mediation is not the right solution for every situation, but for many families, it provides a constructive way to resolve disputes while avoiding the emotional and financial costs of a prolonged court case.

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

Bob Burson was one of the best people you could ever meet. He was kind, funny and smart! Unfortunately, we lost him to a battle with cancer on June 6. The emptiness around his loss is immense—we’re all used to his GATOR praise, his love and support of the Lyric Theatre and his total commitment to the Kiwanis Club of Stuart. Let me share Bob with you!

Bob Burson was married for 52 years to his high school sweetheart, Jo. Bob did real estate law and Jo ran the office very successfully. Bob’s dedication to law was undeniable; he never took a short cut or looked for the easy out. When I was with Helping People Succeed, we used him as our attorney and were satisfied that every “i” was dotted and (t) was crossed.

The Lyric Theatre is now one of the most revered spots in downtown Stuart; however, there was a time that it’s continuation was threatened. Christa Li Roberts shared “Bob Burson played a crucial role in the saving of the building and creating the organizational framework. Bob negotiated the original purchase, initial financing and the non-profit information and registration. What you see today is a reflection of his dedication and serves as a permanent reminder of his commitment to our community. While his physical presence will be missed, he will never be forgotten.”

Ann McMillan shared that Bob was one of the original Pillars of the Lyric and has continued to stay involved since 1987.  He was truly actively supporting our Lyric up to the time of his death.

He worked tirelessly for the Kiwanis Club of Stuart for more than 37 years. Bob served as a board member, President, Lieutenant Governor, and other positions. His favorite projects were  Kiwanis Park, Saturdays with Santa and most of all Pancakes and Reading in the park! Barbara Essenwine says “Bob Burson was a friend to everyone. I’ve known him for over 30 years as a fellow Kiwanian, a client of his, and as a friend. In Kiwanis, he was always the first one to volunteer with a smile on his face and a camera on his hand. Kiwanis has lost one of it’s best advocates, a dedicated volunteer and a good friend.

HE WAS A GATOR through and through. He reported the wins, losses which he minimized and their strength against his favorite rival—the school in Tallahassee. He and Jo went to many of their games including football, basketball, baseball, and softball. You name the sport at UF and he was there.

Virginia Hill is his cousin and she knew him better than all of us except his wife, Jo.

From Virginia—“Bob was the most selfless, helpful and loving person you’d ever hope to know. He loved his profession, always enjoyed being a “gator” but his passion was for his community and the people who lived there. Bob loved that Kiwanis gave him a true way to “make a difference.  As his cousin, I am so thankful that he shared his love of Kiwanis and sponsored me, it has been my honor and pleasure to serve with him for the past 37 years. It has brought me a much deeper appreciation of him and our community.

Bob Burson loved his family, his university, his profession, and his community—we have all gained from knowing him!Jo—we send you our sympathy and love. Thanks for sharing him with us for many, many years.

Rest in Peace Bob—you earned your star.

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

Men’s Health Week, observed June 15 - 21, 2026, serves as an important reminder that preventive care and regular checkups can help detect conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers before they become more serious. Taking a proactive approach to health is one of the most important steps men can take for themselves and their families.

Men’s Health Week is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Current guidelines generally recommend that men discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider beginning around age 50. Men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer, should consider having that discussion earlier, often beginning between ages 40 and 45.

VIM Clinic is honored to have the expertise of Dr. John Lynch, MD, FACS, a board-certified urologist caring for our patients. Following a distinguished career as Chairman of the Department of Urology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Past President of the American Urological Association, Dr. Lynch brings exceptional knowledge and experience to our patients. His expertise helps ensure our patients have access to education, evaluation, and screening recommendations related to prostate health and other urologic conditions.

Access to quality primary care is one of the most important foundations of lifelong health and well-being. At Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, patients receive high-quality, comprehensive care in a supportive, patient-centered environment tailored to their individual needs. Each patient is established with a primary care provider who ensures preventive screenings, annual wellness visits, chronic disease management, and coordination of specialty care when needed are delivered. At VIM Clinic, we partner with our patients throughout their health journey, helping them stay well, identifying any concerns early, and feeling confident in the care they receive.

For 31 years, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been providing free comprehensive medical care, including primary care, preventive screenings, specialty care, diagnostics, surgeries, cancer treatment, mental health services and medications to uninsured Martin County adults ages 18 to 64 who live at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2026, 250% Federal Poverty Level equates to $39,900 for a household of one, $54,100 for a household of two, $68,300 for a household of three, $82,500 for a household of four, and continues to increase based on family size. If you are uninsured and struggling to afford healthcare, VIM is here for you with no waiting list. For more information, or to support the clinic, call 772-463-4128 or visit vimclinic.net.  The clinic's impact is made possible by the generosity of volunteer healthcare providers, nurses, specialists, and community members who donate their time, talents and resources to improve the health of our community.

Jordan Bromberg’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Summer is often filled with the simple joys of childhood—splashing in the water, exploring nature, making new friends, and creating memories that last a lifetime. For many children, these experiences are a cherished part of growing up. But for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or family crisis, those opportunities are often missing.

At Hibiscus Children’s Center, Camp Hibiscus gives children something many have never had before: the chance to experience a carefree summer and discover what it feels like to simply be a child.

Children who are placed at Tilton Family Children’s Shelter have endured significant trauma and uncertainty. While the Shelter provides safety, stability, counseling, and support, summer offers an opportunity to go beyond meeting basic needs and focus on something equally important—creating positive childhood experiences.

Camp Hibiscus is filled with activities that encourage exploration, creativity, teamwork, and fun. Whether children are trying a new outdoor activity, playing games, creating art projects, or enjoying time with their peers, they are building much more than summer memories.

They are developing confidence and trust. 

Every new skill mastered, challenge overcome, or activity completed helps children recognize their own strengths and abilities. These moments of success can be especially meaningful for children whose past experiences may have left them feeling powerless or uncertain.

Camp also provides opportunities for children to strengthen social connections. Through shared activities and group experiences, they learn cooperation, communication and build friendships. For children who have struggled with instability or disrupted relationships, these connections can help foster a sense of belonging and community.

Just as important, camp offers moments of joy and laughter—experiences that can help balance the stress and hardships many children have faced. Positive experiences play a vital role in building resilience and supporting emotional well-being. They remind children that life can include happiness, adventure, and hope.

Through Camp Hibiscus, children are not only making memories—they are building a foundation for a brighter future.

For more information about Hibiscus Children’s Center and how you can get involved to help children, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.

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

It is the middle of June already and our daytime temperatures are reminding us that it is summertime in South Florida.

If anyone has been on our local beaches the past couple of weeks you have seen and probably smelled the never-ending accumulation of Sargassum weed that literally shut down any type of surf fishing. The good news is we finally got a wind shift from the constant South East that was bringing all the mats of weeds from offshore to a South West flow that has pushed a lot of the weeds back offshore. It has been brutal to say the least.

It has been fishable since this past weekend and the near shore bite for those seeking the whiting and croaker has been pretty good. I have fished for the last few days and am happy to report that the snook and tarpon are starting to show. These two species are catch and release as the snook season will not reopen until September 1st. The big whiting has dominated the catch list but look for the croaker, jacks, sand perch, and palometa to start bending some rods also.

I have talked about the whiting and croaker fishing being "fun fishing" as a light 7 foot spinning rod paired with a 3000-size spinning reel to be the setups you can use to catch some of the best table fare that SE Florida has to offer. The zone to fish is 5 to 20 yards from the edge of the surf and once you find them it will not take long to catch a "Hutchinson Island fish fry".

Please make sure you have a cooler with you with ice to hold the fish as the temperatures will spoil them quickly if they are not kept on ice. The high tide mark, an hour or two before high tide to an hour or two after the high-water mark is the time to target these tasty guys. The tarpon and snook will be most active early in the morning, from daybreak to 8 am and in the evening from 6 to dark. A live croaker or sand perch live lined on a medium action spinning set up will get your reel screaming.

If anyone likes to cast artificials at these guys a 5- or 8-inch NLBN or the new R and R  tackle Company swim baits with certainly produce results. The Snook Nook Bait and tackle store in Jensen Beach has these lures in stock. Please remember to get a quick picture if you are lucky enough to get one to the beach and release them unharmed as soon as possible.

Some of the beaches in the county that will produce are Tiger Shores, Stuart Beach, Santa Lucea, and Bryn Mawr. Keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms as we start the summer season and please leave the beach as soon as the thunder and lightning start. Be safe.

Good luck this month and catch em up. 

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

Growth. Around here, it’s almost a dirty word.

My family has been in Martin County for generations, so I understand why people care deeply about protecting what makes this place special: our small-town character, agricultural lands, waterways, open space, and quality of life. Those things matter, and they’re worth protecting.

But the loudest position isn’t always the most productive one.

Too often, the word growth gets used as if it means one thing, when in reality it covers many different types of development, each with very different impacts. That’s why One Martin, a local organization focused on informed civic dialogue and community issues, wanted to take a closer look at what growth really means. Treating all growth the same doesn’t protect the county we love; it makes it harder to make smart decisions.

The reality is that Martin County will continue to grow. Growth is happening across Florida, and property owners have legal rights to develop land under existing laws and regulations. The real question is not if growth happens, but what kind of growth we want, where it belongs, and how it should be managed.

For decades, Martin County has largely followed a slow-growth approach. That has helped preserve many of the qualities residents value most. But there’s an important difference between slow growth, smart growth, and no growth.

“No growth” may sound appealing, but it’s not realistic – legally, economically, or practically. Many of the communities, neighborhoods, and businesses we value today were once new developments. Most of us, in one way or another, have benefited from growth.

That doesn’t mean every project is good. It simply means that growth requires balance.

It’s also important to understand the difference between residential and non-residential growth. Housing developments create demand for roads, schools, parks, and public safety services, but they also provide homes for teachers, nurses, first responders, young professionals, families, and seniors.

Non-residential growth – such as medical offices, research facilities, retail, restaurants, and business parks – create jobs, expand services, and generate commercial tax revenue that supports the broader community.

Not all projects have the same impact. A senior living community affects infrastructure differently than a large subdivision. Housing located near jobs and services can reduce commute times and traffic congestion.

Multifamily housing is another topic that often sparks debate. For some, apartments symbolize overdevelopment. But they also provide important housing options for young adults entering the workforce, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes. Healthy communities need a range of housing choices.

None of this dismisses concerns about traffic, schools, water quality, or preserving Martin County’s character. Those concerns are valid and deserve attention.

But if we want to shape the future responsibly, the conversation must move beyond simply saying “all growth is bad.”

At One Martin, we believe Martin County deserves thoughtful civic conversations grounded in facts, balance, and long-term planning. Protecting what we love about this community means understanding growth, not just reacting to it.

To learn more about One Martin, visit onemartin.org or follow us on Facebook @OneMartinCounty

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

Angela Hoffman Executive Director

Martn Chamber Foundation

Finding a path back into the workplace after eight-year absence wasn’t easy for Ariadna Atkins, a mother who took time off to care for her special-needs child. When it was finally time for her to re-enter the workforce, she didn’t know how to start the job search.

She applied to the CareerConnect Martin program, and she met with Gina Masters, a Workforce Development Coordinator. One of the first things they worked on was identifying her strengths and skills, which were used to bolster her resume and help her gain self-confidence.

“In those eight years, she became an amazing multi-tasker, keeping things organized. These are skills she used at home, and I helped her see she could transfer those into the workforce,” Ms. Masters said. “It’s about changing perspective and focusing on the positive things.”

Ariadna brushed up on her interview skills and completed her DISC assessment to learn more about how she can best fit into a team. Through CareerConnect Martin, she was placed in a Trial Employment Opportunity - a paid apprenticeship - with Audra Creech, an attorney at McCarthy & Summers.

“Utilizing CareerConnect and Trial Employment has helped our firm fill a much-needed position, increased the likelihood of a successful long-term placement, and allowed the us to discover if there was a good fit,” Ms. Creech said. “This significantly decreased the upfront costs of onboarding a new employee. The CareerConnect team was able to add a major asset to our firm, for which I am exceedingly grateful.”

After completing Trial Employment, Ariadna was hired full-time earning more than expected. She was also pleased with her experience in the program, which is part of the Martin Chamber Foundation.

“From start to finish, my experience was beyond what I’d hoped for,” she said. “Thank you so much for giving me the support I needed to take the leap and make the change.”

CareerConnect Martin, is a free workforce development program funded by the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Martin County, Martin County Health Services Department, the Children’s Services Council of United Way, Bank of America Foundation, the Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Martin Counties and other generous corporate and individual supporters.

CareerConnect Martin is looking for new business partners and clients to join the free workforce development program. To learn more, log on to careerconnectmartin.org or call 772-287-1088.

Angela Hoffman's opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

AMERICA’S TOP DOGS:

Nominations Open for the 16th Annual Hero Dog Awards®

The “Oscars for canines” honors America’s most heroic dogs for the

16th year in tandem with America’s 250th year celebrations

Meet Sgt. Bo:

Winner of the 15th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards

PALM BEACH, FL (June 15, 2026) – American Humane Society, the country’s first national animal welfare organization, announced the launch of its 16th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards®. This nationwide search celebrates the most courageous and inspiring dogs from across the country.

Past honorees have been ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things, including serving on the frontlines as working and military dogs, saving lives, assisting their human companions, and making a lasting impact on the wellbeing of communities everywhere.

“For 16 years, the American Humane Hero Dog Awards have celebrated the extraordinary courage, loyalty and compassion of dogs whose stories inspire us all and reflect the very best of the human-animal bond,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “These remarkable dogs exemplify bravery, devotion, and unwavering service, reminding us of the life-changing connection between people and animals. Their impact is powerful, their love is unconditional, and their stories embody the mission and heart of American Humane Society every single day.”

People across the U.S. can nominate their most heroic furry friends at americanhumane.org/herodogawards.

Nominations will be accepted now through June 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

This year’s five award categories include:

Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs

Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs

Therapy Dogs

Military Dogs (Sponsored by Nubz)

Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs (Sponsored by Trupanion)

Each year, the Hero Dog Awards honor exceptional dogs from around the country. Following a public voting period, finalists are recognized during a special awards celebration honoring their remarkable contributions and inspiring stories.

For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, visit americanhumane.org/herodogawards. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.

About American Humane Society

With offices in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

Stuart, FL -- Dazzling sequins, energetic music, bright lights, and a little friendly competition will take center stage on Saturday, September 26, for this year’s exciting and glamorous Dancing with the Martin Stars event.

Eight community members will trade their day jobs for dance shoes and step onto the Lyric Theatre stage alongside seasoned professionals to support the work of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.

Each dancer will be competing to wow the judges with their fancy footwork and also to raise the most funds to support the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition vision: every baby born healthy, every mother supported, and every father involved.

“Dancing with the Martin Stars is always a high-energy evening,” said Martin County Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “The audiences love the competition, and our dancers are excited to step out of their comfort zone for a good cause.”

This year’s dancers and the professional instructors they are paired with are Michelle Hance with Isabel Lowe, Laurie Laramie with Daniel Elhaddad, Brooke Lewis with Brian Spector, Kalista Kaplan with Antonio Torres, Michelle Massa with Chris Waterman, Zac Rockefeller with Emily Matos, Pete Lashenka with Marianella Tobar, and Michael Sihvola with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe.

Dr. Michelle Massa explained why she has chosen to embrace the challenge of competing on the Lyric stage. “As a single mother for 15 years, I know the struggle and the worries about providing adequate health care and basic living needs for my daughter. I often wished I had better community resources. When I learned about the resources Martin County Healthy Start provides for the community, I knew it was a cause I could give my full support to.”

The spectacular cast of the 2025 Dancing with the Martin Stars brought down the curtain on last year’s event with a standing ovation from a grateful audience. 

Suffich noted that maternity care is at a crucial point in the community, with the recent closing of the county’s only hospital maternity unit. Funds raised through Dancing with the Martin Stars will help to support the MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move, along with a family of services that help babies, mothers and fathers from conception through birth. The coalition is also actively pursuing a free-standing birthing center, the Treasure Coast Maternity Center.

“Now more than ever we need the community to step up and support our young families,” Suffich said. Sponsorships for the event, which always attracts record crowds, are now available, and each dancer is raising funds in all kinds of ways from wine tastings to backyard barbecues.

For sponsorship information and ways to contribute to individual dancers, go to www.mchealthystart.org.

About Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Hibiscus Children’s Center
Helping to Strengthen Families through
Parents as Teachers Program  
  

Treasure Coast -  Parents as Teachers (PAT) is one of Hibiscus’ programs aimed at providing families with the resources and tools they need to provide a loving home for their children.  Last year, PAT served 70 families in Martin and Okeechobee Counties.  PAT is a parent education, home-visiting program that teaches new parents skills to promote positive child development and prevent child maltreatment. The program is designed to achieve four primary goals: 1) Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, 2) Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, 3) Prevent child abuse and neglect and 4) Increase children’s school readiness and school success.

Jenna (name changed for privacy) was a young pregnant mother of a one-year-old when she enrolled in the Parents as Teachers Program. She was concerned about how she’d manage with two young children. Jenna was living with her family at the time and not attending school. She actively participated in the PAT program and utilized all available resources. Jenna enrolled in college, secured employment and with her children, was able to move into her own apartment. Jenna said she is grateful for the connections she made and thankful for the support that changed her life.

Thank you to our wonderful and supportive community for helping to change the lives of families and giving them hope for a better future.  For more information about Hibiscus, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.
 

Humane Society of the Treasure Coast urges pet owners to protect animals ahead of Fourth of July fireworks

Palm City, Fla. — As Independence Day approaches, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is urging pet owners to prepare now for the stress and safety risks that fireworks can pose to animals. Loud noises and flashing lights can trigger fear-based behaviors that place pets in potentially dangerous situations.

Once the fireworks begin, owners should observe whether their animals begin to act out of the ordinary, such as excessively panting, trembling or shaking, whining, howling, barking, meowing, hiding, chewing furniture or looking for constant reassurance. These are just a few examples of how an anxious or scared pet might react.

One of the greatest concerns is that frightened pets may look to escape by jumping fences, digging under fences, bolting through open doors or breaking through screens. This points to the importance of getting one’s pet microchipped, which is a service that the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers.

The microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under a pet’s skin through a simple procedure that takes just a few seconds, doesn’t require anesthesia, and lasts for the pet’s lifetime. It is a permanent form of identification, and paired with a traditional collar and tag, it forms a strong safety net that gives families peace of mind every day.

Customer Service Specialist, Ashley Wiggins, scans a microchip on Lord Farquaad. (Provided by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast)

Many pets have been reunited with their families because of the microchip, which provides clear confirmation of ownership. This can be crucial in situations involving not just animals that run away due to fireworks, but also with natural disasters, accidents or stolen pets.

Those interested in having their pet microchipped by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast should call 772-600-3203 to schedule an appointment. The cost is $40 for an unaltered dog and $20 for altered cats and dogs. Once a pet is microchipped, owners should make sure their contact information remains current. For more information, visit the website, https://hstc1.org/Public.

Additional steps pet owners can take to protect animals frightened by fireworks include bringing pets indoors before fireworks begin, closing windows and blinds, playing calming music or white noise to help mask the sound, and setting up a quiet retreat area inside the home.

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

Hibiscus Children’s Center
Keeping Kids Safe

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

Over 40 years ago, Hibiscus Founder LaVaughn Tilton was deeply affected by the lack of safe placements for abused children removed from their homes and had a vision of communities where children could grow up free of abuse.  Since that time, thousands of children have received safe haven at the Tilton Family Children’s Center in Jensen Beach and Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach. Children arrive at Hibiscus scared and traumatized. Every day, they are welcomed by caring staff and volunteers and have received over 500,000 nights of safety since 1985. Children are provided critical services including mental health, educational, medical, trauma-informed care, career training and hope for a brighter future.

Ava (name changed) was eight years old when she was placed at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter.  Although she felt scared and alone, the Hibiscus team of caregivers immediately assured Ava that she was safe. Over time, Ava began to feel more secure and learned to trust the staff and volunteers. Mental Health Counselor provided therapy to help Ava heal, feel more confident and learn to cope with the trauma she endured. After leaving Hibiscus, Ava was placed in foster homes for several years. Ava returned years later to the Hibiscus Village and felt hopeless and alone. The years of moving from foster home to foster home and the difficult circumstances that surrounded her family had taken its toll.

The staff worked with Ava to help her realize how valuable she was and that she had the potential for a better future. Slowly, Ava began to envision the life she wanted to have. She concentrated on school and was involved in sports. Her determination to get her life back on track was evident in her willingness to work hard in school and with her therapist who provided the tools to handle her anger and hurt appropriately.  Ava participated in the Career Pathways to Independence Program which assists teens in preparing for the future. When Ava turned 18, she was equipped with the life skills, career knowledge and resources she needed to succeed and was enrolled in college. Ava shared, “I don’t know what I would have done without Hibiscus. I would not have made it here and on the road to a productive life”.

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

iTHINK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SURPRISES VERO BEACH FAMILY WITH FULLY FURNISHED HABITAT HOME

‘Building Up’ Initiative Creates Personalized Home Reveal for Local Family

Vero Beach, FL (June 8, 2026) – A Vero Beach family received more than the keys to a new home this week. They received a life-changing surprise.

Through the efforts of Indian River Habitat for Humanity, house sponsor Jetsons, and build sponsor Realtors Association of Indian River County, the family achieved the dream of homeownership. To help them begin this new chapter, the iTHINK Community Foundation transformed the newly constructed house into a fully furnished and personalized home through its “Building Up” initiative.

The surprise was revealed on June 3 at the family's new home in Vero Beach. While the family knew they would be receiving a Habitat for Humanity home, they had no idea that the iTHINK Community Foundation had fully furnished and decorated the interior.

As the family entered their home for the first time, they were met with a surprise around every corner. The living room was fully furnished, the kitchen was stocked with cookware, dishes, and household essentials, and each child's bedroom had been thoughtfully designed to reflect their unique interests and personality. From superhero-themed rooms for the boys to a fairytale-inspired space for their young daughter, every detail was intended to make the family's new house feel like home from the moment they walked through the door.

"Homeownership is about more than having a roof over your head—it's about creating a place where families can build memories, find stability, and thrive," said Stephen Johnson, AVP Administration & Marketing at iTHINK Financial. "Through our ‘Building Up’ initiative, we created a home that was ready for the family to enjoy from day one. Seeing their reaction made every effort worthwhile."

iTHINK Community Foundation’s “Building Up” initiative is designed to support local families as they begin their homeownership journey by providing furnishings, household necessities, and touches that help turn a house into a home. Prior to the reveal, iTHINK Financial employees volunteered to furnish, decorate, and personalize every room in the home.

The “Building Up” initiative reflects iTHINK Community Foundation's ongoing commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout the communities it serves. By partnering with organizations such as Indian River Habitat for Humanity, the Foundation helps create opportunities that strengthen families and build brighter futures.

For more information about iTHINK Community Foundation, visit ithinkfi.org/community/foundation.

About iTHINK Financial:

iTHINK Financial, established in 1969, is a growing and dynamic credit union with more than 118,000 Members worldwide and over $2.3 billion in assets. As a not-for-profit financial institution owned by its Members, iTHINK Financial offers a full range of personal and business financial services, including deposit accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and business banking solutions.

The iTHINK Community Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the state of Florida, Registration #CH47200.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE

About Indian River Habitat for Humanity

Indian River Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Indian River County, Florida. Through affordable homeownership opportunities, housing counseling, neighborhood revitalization, critical home repair, and educational programs, Indian River Habitat empowers local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Since its founding, the organization has partnered with donors, volunteers, businesses, churches, and community leaders to help hardworking families build brighter futures and stronger communities.

Stuart Resident and Newly Crowned Mrs. Universe Makes Triumphant at ARC of the Treasure Coast

STUART, FL (June 10, 2026) — Fresh off her international victory, Stuart resident Kellie Lightbourn, the newly crowned Mrs. Universe, returned home Tuesday morning for her first official public appearance at the ARC of the Treasure Coast marking a powerful and deeply personal homecoming.

Lightbourn, who now holds the titles of Mrs. Florida, Mrs. USA, and Mrs. Universe, was welcomed by ARC representatives and ARC individuals as she used her global platform to shine a spotlight on her advocacy: raising awareness and promoting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The event, held at ARC’s Stuart adult day training Homecoming facility, underscored the meaningful connection between Lightbourn and the organization. Her advocacy is rooted in her personal life as the mother of a child with I/DD, making the appearance more than ceremonial it was a heartfelt return to a place that has long been part of her family’s journey.

“Coming back to the ARC as Mrs. Universe is incredibly special,” said Lightbourn. “This advocacy is not just a platform for me it’s my life. I’m honored to use this title to elevate awareness, celebrate inclusion, and support families like mine on a global stage.”

During the visit, Lightbourn met with program individuals, reinforcing the importance of community support and the vital role organizations like the ARC play in empowering individuals with disabilities.

While her new title brings international visibility, Lightbourn made it clear that her mission begins at home. Her appearance highlighted the ARC of the Treasure Coast as a cornerstone organization in advancing opportunities and inclusion for the I/DD community.

With her reign as Mrs. Universe just beginning, Lightbourn is poised to amplify her message worldwide starting right here in Stuart, where her story and purpose first took root.

About the ARC of the Treasure Coast
The ARC of the Treasure Coast provides programs and services that support and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve their full potential and live more independent, fulfilling lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties Honors Mentors, Scholars, and Community Partners at Annual Mentorship Award Ceremony

Ceremony at Morton's The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach Celebrates Transformative Relationships and Awards $4.2 Million in College Scholarships

Eucalae Beeput, Marisa Pisani

West Palm Beach, Fla. (June 17, 2026)— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties gathered friends, supporters, mentors, and young scholars on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Morton's The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach for its annual Mentorship Award Ceremony, a morning dedicated to honoring the life-changing power of mentorship and recognizing those who champion the futures of local youth.

Channing Gerber, Lori Caparco, Mary White

The event was emceed by Dr. Stephanie Poole, Medical Director at South Broward Animal Hospital and a proud double alumna of Tuskegee University, whose personal connection to mentorship set a powerful and inspiring tone for the morning's program.

"Every person here — every Big, every Little, every partner, every supporter — is proof that one relationship can change everything," said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, who has served the organization for 14 years. "Days like this are what it's all for."

$4.2 Million in Path to Prosperity Scholarships Awarded

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Path to Prosperity Scholarships, a landmark achievement made possible through a transformative partnership between Florida Power & Light, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brother & Sister & Littles of the year - Carrie Katz, Parris Vails, Matthew Billitti, Joshua Newton

Florida Power & Light contributed $2.1 million to the program, which the Florida Prepaid College Foundation matched dollar-for-dollar, resulting in a total of $4.2 million and 1,000 two-year college plan scholarships for Florida students with high potential. The Foundation's matching commitment was part of a broader $20 million initiative in partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation to expand college access statewide.

Several of those scholarships were awarded at Sunday's ceremony to Big Brothers Big Sisters mentees from Palm Beach and Martin Counties students who have demonstrated hard work, resilience, and a commitment to their futures. Each recipient received a two-year Florida Prepaid College Plan. One Little received a Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship,SM which will cover four years at a Florida public four-year university, or a two-year college, or technical/vocational school.

Award Recipients Recognized for Excellence in Mentorship

The ceremony also celebrated individuals whose dedication to mentorship has made an extraordinary difference in their communities.

Big Brother, Big Sister of the Year Award & Littles of the Year Awards

Partner in Potential Award: Mrs. Stacey Chavers, Director of Nursing and Medical Career Academy Coordinator at Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, was honored with the Partner in Potential Award for her exceptional dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters' Beyond School Walls Program. Mrs. Chavers has served as a vital bridge between families, students, and the organization — coordinating site visits, championing program activities, and going above and beyond to connect her students with mentorship opportunities outside the traditional school setting.

Partner in Potential: Larry Port. Since becoming a mentor in 2023, Larry has been matched with four mentees, including two students who successfully completed the program and graduated from high school with his guidance. He is currently mentoring two Littles and has further supported youth by serving as a guest speaker for professional development workshops on the college search process, even inviting his wife to share her expertise on college essays. His mentees describe him as easy to talk to, outgoing, fun, smart, helpful, and knowledgeable, and, most importantly, as someone who truly cares about their success.

Big and Little Sister of the Year: Carrie Katz and Parris Vails were recognized as Big and Little Sister of the Year for a bond that exemplifies the heart of mentorship — a relationship rooted in genuine connection, mutual growth, and unwavering belief in each other.

Big and Little Brother of the Year (Local & State): Matthew and Joshua were honored as Big and Little Brother of the Year — not only locally, but also at the state level, earning the distinction of Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year for the State of Florida. Since being matched, Joshua has grown in confidence, improved academically, and begun envisioning his future in college and a career. Their match is a testament to the power of consistent presence, listening, and trust.

Student Big and Little of the Year: Ava Witt and Brooklyn McAllister have formed a special bond since being matched in 2025 through the school-based program at Pinewood Elementary. Through weekly visits filled with games, crafts, conversation, and even learning golf together through The First Tee, Brooklyn has grown more comfortable and connected, sharing, “I feel like now she’s like my real big sister!” Their match reflects the power of friendship, consistency, and caring support.

Denise Badaracco, Yvette Acevedo, Channing Gerber, Katie Knapfel, Linda Mauger-Harnish, Marisa Pisani, Lori Caparco

Distinguished Guests and Community Partners

The event welcomed several distinguished guests, including Mariota Theodoris of Florida Power & Light and Port of Palm Beach Vice Chair Commissioner Deandre Poole. These opportunities were made possible through the generous support of Florida Power & Light, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida.

"You are the bridge between where these young people are and where they are going. You are the voice they will hear in their heads years from now when they're facing a hard decision. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for staying. Thank you for believing." — Dr. Stephanie Poole, Master of Ceremonies

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

                                              Scholarship Recipient Group Photo       

BBBS provides children aged 6-18 facing adversity with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986, the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and, since July 2010, in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the thirty-five best-performing agencies nationwide. Recently, this chapter was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBBSA) Growth Award for program excellence in 2023. The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of ("Bigs") and youth ("Littles") who are matched                                                         Janiceh-Elizabeth Mavour, Sophia Mavour

through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties has served 446 youth and grown its local services by seven percent. Visit https://mentorbig.org/ to learn more.

Photos by Costal Click Photography

The problem with my good friend, Ed Ciampi, is that he spends too much time worrying about the trolls on Facebook.

I firmly believe the reason he brought up moving the proposed Brightline station to the old Fairgrounds at this meeting is because he was trying to appease a few users of social media…something that cannot be done because they do not live in the real world only a netherworld where their reality is closer to a game of “Dungeons and Dragons” than everyday Martin County.

Before a station can be built anywhere, Martin County must see whether they can obtain the grants necessary to fund the bulk of the cost of building the station. Without the grants, all the rest doesn’t matter. Talking about moving the location is putting the cart before the horse…in fact several horses.

The opponents want the commission to continue to discuss what has already been decided in order to rattle cages. Commissioner Vargas prides herself on being a worldly businesswoman with expertise in construction, real estate, education, languages, investments, and I am sure 50 other things. She would just love to scrap the idea of a station which would please her mentor, Boss Collins.

The county is committed to seeking those grants for another year or so by an agreement signed with Brightline. After that, they can call it quits and move on. The county has committed $15 million toward the construction plus the land. There is not a dollar more whether the cost is $40 million or $87 million total.

The location of the station will ultimately be determined by whether FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) is successful in obtaining funding for a new railroad bridge. None of this is what is being discussed in the make-believe world of Facebook. That chatter is all about the bankruptcy of Brightline. An internal fight between the owner of the tracks and the passenger service is what brought the station moving to the forefront.

Ed, please stop cow towing to the negativity of social media and just wait. There are many steps between now and deciding whether the proposed location of a station should be moved or not. Guess what?  If there is no money then all the other decisions, including whether it needs to go to the fairground, go away.

Once again Commissioner Vargas spoke about the use of a Private-Public Partnership for the construction of the public works facility. Commissioners have been talking about constructing a new facility for more than a quarter century. She is opposed because, as she keeps repeatedly saying, she needs “three estimates before doing work.”  

The P-3 process that was used is enshrined in Florida statute. It is utilized extensively in 47 states and in many other nations. Do you know why? Because it works!

Costs are less especially in projects like this than the traditional design-bid-build models. It is not some crazy idea that results in enormous cost overruns. There should be no overruns. And here is why. Once a contract is signed, the facility will be built according to the specifications and drawings approved unless the county makes a change. Design drawings are included in the price of the contract. That alone saves quite a bit of money.

Vargas read a statement that very thoroughly detailed her objections. She also had what looked like pages of estimates and numbers. She said she spoke to businesspeople.

She stated that we could have all of that information by contacting her office. I wrote her an email asking for her written remarks and research the day after the meeting. The simplest thing in the world would be for her to just have sent it to me. Instead, apparently, she sent it in as a public records request.

As of Monday June 15th, I have received nothing. I guess people should contact her as she publicly stated and then she will turn it over to public records so that constituents can wait weeks to have the information. She or her aide could have just attached the two documents that she created and sent them to me so that her side of the argument could accurately be given to our thousands of readers.

Throughout this publication, I attach many source documents so that our readers can read for themselves what I use as the basis for my reporting. If Vargas is so concerned with giving citizens facts, then allowing me to publish the information in a timely manner would be the perfect way.

On June 12th, I wrote Public Records the following email: “I am under a deadline so if Commissioner Vargas wants to have her explanation of expenses for the building in Friends & Neighbors then, I will need the info no later than Monday. Or I will go with the remark she made with just to contact her office for the information which I did to no avail.”

I received back the following response a few minutes later: “The records responsive to your request are still being reviewed for exempt and/or confidential information. The records will be released to you electronically upon completion of the review. Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the office.”

I initially contacted Vargas, who supposedly wrote the remarks, as she told constituents to do in a public meeting and received nothing. That is one way to make sure no one can delve into your “research” and see how factual it really is. For someone who keeps saying transparency, there is very little in actuality.

A bunch of Facebook warriors in the Chris Collins Club have been giving the public false information about what a P-3 project is. They mislead at times but mostly just spew lies about the entire concept. Now comes another distinguished group that does nothing but look after the spending of tax dollars in the entire state.

TaxWatch has sent Martin County a letter specifically applauding them for using the P-3 process. Do you know why? The state recommends this P-3 process for projects such as the new Public Works facility because it allows for the best outcome. That means it saves Martin County taxpayers millions of dollars.

For Boss Collins and his acolyte, Eileen Vargas, to condemn the process is just completely bogus as is their three-estimate nonsense. Their opposition to a state preferred method is nothing more than an attempt to portray the current county commission as spendthrifts. I can almost assure you that if the commission had gone the traditional way of design-bid-build, Vargas and Collins would have been in favor of the P-3 method.

Florida Tax Watch was founded in 1979 as “a nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog group.” They are privately funded and receive no government money. The organization wants to keep state and local government accountable to the taxpayers. They just released their annual “Budget Turkey Watch” Report 

Election rhetoric has always been jingoistic and hyperbolic. Now in Martin County, with the advent of Collins campaign, rhetoric has become untruthful and deceptive. The new Public Works facility has been needed for a long time. It has been given a black eye by people who should know better.

The full letter from  TaxWatch is printed here:

You can download the letter here 

As I said in an article above, I emailed Commissioner Eileen Vargas asking her to provide a copy of the remarks she read at the last commission meeting regarding her arguments against the P-3 process. She also had in her hands other papers and referenced her research while looking at the other papers when discussing why the cost was too high. At the meeting, Vargas said if anyone wanted to discuss it, let her know.

I am assuming she was speaking to her constituents and not the other commissioners since they are not allowed to speak off the dais. I am a constituent. Both documents are public records and must be produced by law upon request.

I have written to other commissioners in the past, and even where we may not agree, the material has always been provided. Commissioner Vargas sought the office. She speaks about transparency. She says it is the taxpayers’ money. I need to remind her that the papers she read also belong to her constituents.

I had intended to read the remarks, look at the research, and publish both in full. My readers then could have all the information in their hands. She has refused to turn over any of it to me or for it to go to the Public Records Section of the county government. Why?

It is no secret that I believe in the P-3 process. The other 4 commissioners do also and voted to proceed with it for the Public Works Complex. Yet Vargas refuses to let the vote speak for itself. She must believe it is a good campaign issue for her man, Boss Collins.

Vargas was elected for one reason. It was that Doug Smith had been there too long. The voters wanted someone new. It seemed anyone would do and Vargas was elected. She also had campaign help from Boss Collins. Chris is very good at Facebook and his ad that depicted a mustache going down a drain came close to the line but was effective for her.

Chris is still calling the shots in that office. He wants to be our next county commissioner and will do anything possible to accomplish that. Including speaking through Vargas, his minion.

This refusal to comply with the law is just another example of what happens when you elect people that have no regard for it. Vargas is apparently afraid that what she said and claimed is full of inaccuracies. We know from Collins’ time in the city that he couldn’t care less about public records, sunshine, or disclosure. His is a record of increased cost, corruption, and chaos.

I haven’t applied those words to Vargas before, but they sure look as if they do apply. I am calling on the commissioner to turn the public records over as required under Florida Statutes. What is she hiding? What does she have to hide?

In the meantime, I did receive a document from public records. It is a list of questions she had on the P-3 project that was submitted to Administrator Donaldson with his answers and backup dated June 2, 2026. There was nothing new that Donalson hadn’t provided to the commission before or had said at a meeting.

I have provided Vargas’ questions, Donaldson’s answers, and the backup material he had attached. Most of the backup was attached to earlier articles when the project was approved. You can see it here 

I received what is purported to be Commissioner Vargas’ complete remarks after we had put everything as they say, “to bed” for this edition. It took more than 10 days to comply.

I am adding this short postscript to our stories so that you know she did eventually send something using the county’s public records system. What we did not have time to do was check to see whether what Vargas sent are the complete remarks plus her supposed numbers. We will be doing that and reporting back to our readers in our next edition.

We will just close with one of her favorite words, “Transparency.”

Almost a decade ago when we were City Commissioners, Eula Clarke, Jeff Krauskopf, and I voted in favor of allowing chickens under stringent rules and regulations. At the very next meeting, Krauskopf brought the matter back and changed his vote to no. That was the end of chickens.

In the intervening years, Stuart has had backyard chickens if only surreptitiously. I don’t know the answer to how many complaints there have been by neighbors about infractions. I would imagine if code enforcement doesn’t receive a complaint, then there is nothing to enforce. They are forbidden by statute to peek over people’s fences. But I know there are families with chickens.

Also, in the ensuing years, I have come to a different perspective. Commissioner Rich, echoing my concerns as a resident at this meeting, told us why the city needs to be careful. Chicken poop, and chickens make a lot of it easily, can run off into our creeks and river.

Both Giobbi and Reed are very cavalier about the pollution. Perhaps because this was a pet project of Boss Collins who didn’t hang around long enough to vote on the matter. Both are taking a very libertarian view that those who have the animals will pick up the poop and make sure to do so before a rain event which in the summer can be daily. I am not so sure about it.

One speaker said that chicken poop is like fertilizer gold. She just spent $25 on a bag for her vegetable garden. She may be a hundred percent correct. But not everyone is a gardener. And not many are going to go around and try to sell this “gold” to their neighbors.

The commission wants to charge fees per year per chicken. But the city will spend more trying to collect the fee than the fee itself. But of course, with a very inexperienced manager and finance director, they probably haven’t a clue about the costs of collection.

Rich also mentioned the Comp Plan which forbids farm animals within the city. Reed wanted to know about the last time the chicken ordinance was passed whether the plan was changed or not. I don’t remember whether that prohibition was even in the plan at that time. But knowing Nicoletti, our manager then and an attorney, and Mortell, the city attorney, if it was in the plan at that time, then they had the language ready to go.

Then Environmental Attorney Ruth Holmes was asked about the ordinance, and she said that Rich’s concerns were valid. There had been no studies to determine the effects. She thought more research should happen before moving ahead. I think having an environmental attorney is a waste of money, but if Stuart ever needs a new city attorney, she at least seems to know what the Comp Plan states, and the steps to be taken before this moves forward.

Giobbi had made a motion to approve and move to second reading, Clarke seconded the motion. The vote was 3-1 with Rich dissenting.

There is a boat barn going up on the north side of the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart. For years, it had been the Evinrude test center and boat yards. It was an employer of many and made Stuart world renowned.

Sadly, it had fallen into disrepair over the years. Then several years ago, a marina and boat repair were approved to be built there. That is what can be seen going up now. That is an example of exactly what a working waterfront should be. And guess what…once the boat barn is completed, it will be a sight better than the old Evinrude facility that it replaces.

It is so disheartening to me that the NIMBYs can’t even accept maritime uses in a city that is supposed to be all about water. The trolls on Facebook led by Boss Collins are trying to cast aspersions on an excellent project. A multi-million-dollar project.

Collins has setback the economics of the city. He wants every business, job, restaurant, and person to leave. Is this what Stuart and Martin County have become…a place to leave and not settle with your family and become successful?

A facility like that will service the local boating industry. It will bring new jobs for those who need them. We cannot base our economy on tending to the elderly alone as Boss Collins would like to see.

Our young people need places to work, our boaters want places to keep their boats and have facilities and people to maintain them, and we want a city and county that are alive and well. This project is about as good as it gets. Merritt Matheson and the other commissioners who voted for it did not vote for something that was unusual. What is unusual is how foolish and corrupt a person like Collins is.

Commissioner Tidikis made a presentation titled "Re-imagining How We Do The Business of Government.”

It was a thoughtful, well-researched attempt to present an alternative to how the town’s building department functions. He analyzed CS/HB 803 which will change how all such departments throughout the state function. According to the presentation, the Sewall’s Point department has run at a deficit for the last two years. Going forward, Tidikis believes that many things will change when it comes to how building departments work.

In his presentation 80% of the fees now charged are essentially for home repair and routine maintenance. He then went on to analyze the number of permits, the average revenue /permit and the posted fee for several types of projects. In most instances, the fee charged is more than in other Martin County jurisdictions.

Tidikis made a case for turning over the building department function to Martin County. He stated that the savings would be substantial. You can see his presentation here  

His fellow commissioners were not ready to accept a town without its own building department. Commissioner Kurzman did not like the idea of outsourcing. The county doesn’t look at zoning or plan reviews. What about code enforcement…who would do that?

Commissioner Mayfield agreed with Kurzman.

Manager Daniels said that the building department director is also the public works director. He also does odd jobs for the town. Jack Reisinger is a person who wears many hats.

The commissioners made the point that they are an upscale community that wants to have the services of their own building department and building official. Kurzman said that Reisinger makes sure that the codes are being followed. Tidikis then stated that it was food for thought. Mayor Barile wanted it clear that it was a discussion and nothing more.

If it was just a commissioner explaining what his research had shown, it would have been received better but both Mayfield and Kurzman believe that Tidikis is looking to make the town irrelevant. Kurzman then said things like this needs to be discussed here and not in Tidikis’ newsletter. A sore point for most commissioners.

Tidikis did a good analysis of a key town department. But to many, including it seems three commissioners, Sewall’s Point having its own building department is a good thing. Once you start doing away with functions, at some point the town ceases to exist.

Frank Tidikis is not liked by most of his fellow commissioners. At times that may make his suggestions fall upon deaf ears. However, if the property tax amendment passes, Sewall’s Point may no longer be able to exist because there just won’t be enough revenue.

What Tidikis did was present the facts. As he said, it will make for an interesting budget discussion. But this town and every other Florida town in the future may no longer be able to be anything more than names like Jensen Beach and Rio and not political entities.

Remember when kids just went outside and played sports? Well, they don’t do that anymore.

The first thing a child must do is tell their parents that they want to play a sport such as soccer. Then the parent has to find the local youth soccer league, and if there is more than one, decide which his child should play in. There is the purchase not only of the soccer ball but also the uniform and shoes.

Then the family is ready to report to their assigned coach at an assigned time on an assigned field. The league wants the entire family to become involved. Dad coaching and mom selling snacks at the games.

The kid will begin learning the game from the adults while practicing with his youth team. At some point he will play against another team that, like his team, was regimented by another group of adults. All in the name of youth sports.

Even if a bunch of kids wanted to play soccer on their own, they probably couldn’t. All the fields would have been booked by the youth sports leagues. No spontaneity for today’s children.

In most public athletic fields in Martin County, taxpayers pay to maintain the fields, but private leagues book the dates and times that games can be played. Neighborhood kids, if they want to run on the fields and have a pick-up game, never have the chance to do so. Indiantown is following that model.

The Indiantown Youth Sports Association (IYSA) has been trying to develop an organization that is utilizing as a model the Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association (JTAA). As of now, it doesn’t appear that any individual teams for any sports have been formed. It has detailed bylaws that outline officers and boards and what they call sports commissioners overseeing each sport.

Indiantown resident Barbara Clowdus has taken the lead in developing this organization. The Association wants to have the village fields be managed by them. There are also supposed to be agreements with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to use those organizations’ facilities. They have requested $10,000 from the village. IYSA still does not have officers or a board.

It is amazing how egos become involved. Ms. Clowdus claims that IYSA’s mentor, JTAA, said it was imperative that all management and scheduling of the public fields come under the organization’s control. Deborah Resos, the Indiantown Parks Director, disagrees and wants to keep scheduling under the village’s purview.

Throughout the long back and forth with the council acting as mediator, control was the issue. Though the council members, Ms. Clowdus, the chair of the Parks Board, and Rezos kept saying “it is all about the kids,” adult friction and disagreement was what I came away with. I am sure that everyone believes “it is all about the kids” but that seems to be mainly a ploy to cover for the determination of which adult will call the shots in Indiantown youth sports.

It was decided that indeed Resos will continue to schedule the fields and the village will maintain them, IYSA will become a preferred provider, absorbing the soccer program’s status. A separate agreement between the village and a football league has two more years to run, and nothing was said about continuing the agreement. Clowdus said she would reluctantly agree to have Resos in charge of the fields but may come back to the council if it doesn’t work out.

As a kid I played baseball, football, basketball, and handball. I never belonged to an organized league or had to have adults involved. I just showed up, and the neighborhood kids chose up sides usually trying to have the teams made up of equally skilled players and even the kids who were not that good end up on a team. It may have been our version of every player deserves a trophy.

Perhaps if we were playing outside on the street, an adult would take an interest in giving us pointers. It was great. Unfortunately, adults have invaded the world of childhood thoroughly. The memories I have of just showing up will never be had by the kids of today.

Boss Collins has now qualified to run for Martin County Commission District 2.

It is apparent from his campaign report that he is the choice of the wealthy residents of Jupiter Island. He has collected some money from the Facebook world that he is so good at manipulating. The real campaign bucks seem to be from those who can afford to donate the campaign max of $1000… the swells of Jupiter Island.                                                               

Don’t let that max amount fool you because it doesn’t count his friends with a PAC or two. He has already begun to attack his opponent, Susan O’Rourke, for being a retired traffic engineer. We shouldn’t forget that the Boss came out in favor of the Ranches, a proposed development in Western Martin County, encompassing an area almost as large as the City of Stuart.

The Boss is certainly a man of the people…if they happen to have money and influence. His Facebook friends are what the Patricians of Jupiter Island call the Plebs…everyday working people. Boss Collins may be angling to have a few more moneyed friends.

There was always a touch of arrogance and elitism in Boss Collins’ rhetoric. As a city commissioner, he was patronizing to the East Stuart community. He made it impossible to develop new middle-class housing, new businesses, and new residents there. That will be his Stuart legacy which is far from the family friendly guy that he purports to be.

His hoity-toity Island friends will find he will use them as he did the people of Stuart to climb the political ladder. They and their concerns will be jettisoned as fast as the people of Stuart were when the time comes.

Just remember one thing…if his contributors on Jupiter Island believe they are getting an environmentalist and no growth commissioner, then look at his record and explain to me where that is true? The only constant with Boss Collins is the added expense, corruption and chaos that goes where he does.

President Trump is so omnipresent in our country if not the world. The television news, newspapers, magazines, and so much else is about him. Americans and maybe much of the rest of the world are bombarded by his pronouncements, posts, proclamations, projects, and perspective so that he can never be far from our minds.

For Trump it doesn’t matter whether we think good or bad about him…it is only that we think about him. He is a firm believer that there is no such thing as bad press. There are only opportunities to use the press to continue his own aggrandizement.

Speaking for myself, though Trump is always present somehow, I have tuned out much of what he says. Since I rarely take his words as fact or what will actually be done, why bother to listen. It is background noise much as ambient music is in a restaurant. But his tones are closer to techno than to easy listening.

I am weary of Trump and his administration’s actions as many are. I find saying something like, “I love the inflation” as crazy. It broke through and got the attention that most of what he says no longer does. Did he know that saying something like that would alienate so many of his MAGA base? Or did he just not care as long as enough Americans continued to keep him at the top of the charts?

For example, I totally ignore anything he says about the Iranian War. Trump and Hegseth have made such a mess out of it by following Netanyahu down his rabbit hole that there is no good outcome. 70% of the American people agree with that statement. So, when he says something about being on the cusp of a deal to end the war, a deal he has been telling us was imminent but somehow never happens, saying it for the thousandth time is not grabbing much attention.

Trump must escalate his rhetoric to keep the American people listening to him.  Telling us that he doesn’t care about inflation is one way to do it…even if it results in some of his supporters no longer being in his camp.

Since returning to office, the level of chaos in society has greatly increased. Things like his personal corruption and perfidy does not bother everyone. And Trump’s destruction of our government, justice system, and his abuse of power will not alienate most of his base.

I never thought he did more with Jeffrey Epstein than trade jokes and turned a blind eye to Epstein’s crimes. Now because of Trump’s refusal to release the files, there may be much more to it. For a man civilly found to have raped a woman in a dressing room, if there was nothing more than Epstein arranging a barely legal tryst (and I emphasize legal), then why would Trump make a decision that brings so many of his followers’ wrath upon him. It makes me suspect that the tryst or trysts were with an underage girl or girls. 

President Trump has no subtlety in his repertoire. It is all shock and awe. He is no student of Machiavelli. There are no carrot and stick…only stick.

He is often compared to being a mob boss. However, to be a good mob boss it is not all about fear to engender loyalty. There is also the ability to mask the fist in a velvet glove. Any leader must be willing to give credit to his people and make it about them as much as him. That is something Trump has shown no ability to do.

With the election this fall, things may change and Trump will not have the House and/or Senate in Republican hands. Will he then resort to extra-legal methods? I don’t know.

I suspect the following will happen. As the Republicans battle over the 2028 presidential nomination, people will listen to Trump less. Much depends as to whether the Democratically controlled Congress does proper oversight or whether it seeks to exact revenge on Trump. I hope that they don’t make him a martyr again.

It would be best to just ignore his rantings, which will become even more unhinged once he really is impotent. If he has 30% approval without a Republican Congress, then his own party will begin to not take him seriously. Then perhaps America can go back to a time when we weren’t consumed by Washington’s daily turmoil.

.

Tom’s Articles

From Martin County Moments

"Loss Leaders"

Here

"Florida Failing Future"

Here

"The Legislature's Amendment Is Not Following Florida Statute"

Here

Other Articles

The New York Times: "A 5-Point Checklist for Managing Your Aging Parents Money"

Here

The Economist: "How Tulsi Gabbard became a crusder against the Deep State" 

Here

Washington Post: "Americans are reaching a financial breaking point"

Here

The Capitolist: "Constitutional Amendment on property taxes to be on Florida ballots"

Here

Seeking Rents: "State-backed ballot measure could wipe out a quarter of local property tax collections"

Here

The New York Times Magazine: "Inside the White House Freakout Over the Epstein Files"

Here

Florida Phoenix: "Lawsuit claims proposed property taz amendment's ballot language is 'biased"

Here

Florida Phoenix: "Radios, AI, cameras: DeSantis, Cabinet approve $87 million in immigration grants"

Here

Wall Street Journal: "U.S. Capitalism at a Crossroads: Three questions the Country Now Faces"

Here

Copyright ©  June 19, 2026 Friends & Neighbors of Martin County, LLC., All rights reserved.