Tom Campenni
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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER
The elections are over…now what happens?
Most in our area will be happy with the results. Some will not be. But that reaction would be expected. The question remains…has anything really changed in our everyday lives?
Governor DeSantis is still our governor, along with Marco Rubio our senator, Brian Mast our congressman, Harrell, Snyder, and Overdorf our Tallahassee representatives. Even if some of us voted for others in those races, Martin County is in the same political place. The question asked should be whether our elected representatives will act differently?
I have criticized DeSantis in the past for discarding conservative principles for populist rhetoric. Mike DeWine in Ohio was handily re-elected governor as a true conservative. So, it is possible to be both popular and conservative. As we enter the 2024 presidential season, will our governor be more concerned with being the Republican nominee than with governing our state?
Florida could be an excellent laboratory for trying truly conservative policies that could show the rest of the country how those successful policies translate into good things in the everyday lives of voters. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature should be doing exactly that instead of trying to win over a smaller and smaller slice of a populist constituency.
This week we have Nicki quoting Lincoln. A letter by concerned citizens asking the Stuart City Commission to approve more housing not less. Hafner with advice on what to do after an election. Kincaid with Keep Martin Beautiful’s volunteer of the year.
United Way tells us about duplication of programs and their Holiday Project. We introduce Pastor Chad Fair and his Contemplative Christian column. Suzy H from Helping People Succeed writes about that non-profit’s veteran hires. Rick Hartman from One Martin informs us about the Farm City Luncheon this coming week.
Joan Goodrich from the BDB announces their Business Award recipients in her monthly column. Read and see whether it is you or not.
We discuss some of the recent controversy surrounding the Stuart Commission. I took a tour of Pal Mar, and it was eye opening. Kyla and Trailside continue to experience dangerous behavior from there. Plus, the other government news.
The newsletter needs to keep growing so that our voices can be heard. That means a couple of things. First more subscribers. Make sure your friends and neighbors are getting their own free copy of the newsletter. Homeowner associations should have their members subscribe to get the real scoop. Second, we want and need other column voices. The more diversity in thought the better. Have a column idea let us know.
Non-profits send us your press releases. Part of being in the community is for us to help spread the word about your activities. Send it to us when you’re sending to other publications.
Have a great Sunday!!!
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RESULTS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
In the October 16th edition, the newsletter recommended voting no on the three constitutional amendments on the ballot. The voters fortunately decided to not pass the amedments by the 60% needed. At the time we wrote that two of the initiatives further erode local control regarding real estate taxes and the other was one less place where people can exercise control of their government.
In the two tax initiatives, Tallahassee wanted to look as if they were giving tax breaks to favored industries and classes of workers but doing so using county and municipal funds. These two now-passed amendments make the property tax more unfair and unjust. It is no different than how the federal government uses deductions for favored friends in the income tax code.
There is no such thing as a free ride. Every dollar less in the general fund of a county or city results in a greater tax burden on those who are not part of the favored class. Less money can also equal fewer roads being repaved, or parks maintained. It is regressive taxation at its worse.
As to eliminating the Constitutional Revision Commission from meeting every 20 years to consider amendments, it is just one less avenue for the ordinary citizen to address the government with their ideas. The last commission was composed of a well-rounded group of citizens who travelled across the state holding publicized meetings. It was democracy at its best.
The votes were as follows:
Number 1 Constitutional Amendment: “Limitations on the Assessment of Real Property Used for Residential Purposes”
“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective January 1, 2023, to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of any change or improvement made to real property used for residential purposes to improve the property’s resistance to flood damage in determining the assessed value of such property for ad valorem taxation purposes.”
57.3% yes to 42.7% no
Number 2 Constitutional Amendment: “Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission”
“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to abolish the Constitution Revision Committee, which meets at 20-year intervals and is scheduled to next convene in 2037, as a method of submitting proposed amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to electors of the state for approval. This amendment does not affect the ability to revise or amend the State Constitution through citizen initiative, constitutional convention, the Taxation and Budget Commission, or legislative joint resolution.”
53.9% yes to 46.1% no
Number 3 Constitutional Amendment: “Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Specified Critical Public Services Workforce”
“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for non-school levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.”
58.7% yes and 41.3% no
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DODGING THE BULLET
We are almost through the hurricane season. There is one month to go.
Once again, the Treasure Coast was spared the devastation unleashed on other parts of the state with Ian. Yet how long can we continue to speed ahead with our growth policies before the dead are not counted in the hundreds after a storm but in the thousands? Will the rate of population increase slow because of new homeowners’ inability to buy affordable insurance? Will governments continue to allow development of our barrier islands which were meant to erode and even gain ground and serve as protection for the mainland from catastrophic storms?
Florida is built on growth. Our tax system, politics, and economics don’t work without more people continuing to flood the state. And for more and more individuals from all parts of the U.S. and around the world, Florida is the place to settle down and enjoy the good life.
One thing is for sure…new arrivals should understand that they are not moving to Disneyland but rather to a complex state in every aspect including ecologically. Unlike what many have been led to believe, plucking down a housing development on an old orange grove does have consequences. Placing another high-rise on the beach alters the landscape of the state more than it would in the center of Manhattan.
You can be in favor of both contained growth and the environment. But if you expect the state to be sustainable, what you cannot do is be an unthinking resident. Believing you can stop new homes from being built or building in the wrong places will both end the Florida dream. That is something none of us should want.
(This was written before Nicole…)
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AFTER NICOLE
I am sitting in my office the morning after Nicole finishing up this edition.
For a storm Nicole was tame compared to most. It was like a large good-natured fellow that blows in and can’t seem to get out of its own way. The kind of person that is disorganized, a bit slovenly and doesn’t know its own strength.
On Wednesday, I heard comments from some snowbirds that had a place here for years and yet never went through a hurricane. November is late in the season and while a storm this time of the year is rare, it has occurred in the past. Will November storms be the new normal?
I also understand that McArthur Blvd on Hutchinson Island is closed because parts were washed out by the storm. That road provides the only way in or out by land for Sailfish Point. It is all part of a barrier island.
New residents and part timers are flocking here and to all of Florida. Where they and all of us live will be critical as to our future. We need to figure this out because come here they will. With the rise in global temperatures our storm season will be more intense and last longer.
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VETERANS
Even as we salute those that have served, have we forgotten why they did so?
In some respects, it is much different now than during the Vietnam War when Americans could not separate their hatred for the conflict from those who wore the uniform. At times, it became so contentious that service members were told by their superiors not to wear their uniforms in public. In the recent Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, even those who opposed the policy were very respectful of our men and women that wore the uniform.
By the end of both Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan, Americans were asking why had we spent so much of our treasure and all those brave lives for such bad outcomes? That is a question we should be debating more so that we do not fall into the same trap at some point in the future.
Almost no American would say they are against wars of necessity. Defining under what circumstances we should intervene is the question. In both Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan, the official explanations were that we were stopping the spread of communism and protecting the western world from terrorism. And in both cases, it was true.
But then our policies went off the rails. In Vietnam, we went from preventing the spread of communism to propping up a corrupt regime. In the Middle East, we thought we could “nation build.” Mosul and Kabul were going to be just like Stuart or Port St. Lucie.
Honoring those that serve is the right thing to do. Not taking our frustrations about the outcomes of those wars on those who serve is also a vast improvement over spitting on a guy or gal returning from theaters of war. That doesn’t excuse us from not debating about the reasons for sending these young people into harm’s way in the first place.
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HOUSING
This is a letter written by the undersigned to the Stuart City Commission strenuously asking to approve more and diverse housing.
We the undersigned call the City of Stuart home. Many of us are city residents. Others work in the city but are forced to live elsewhere because we have not been able to find suitable housing options within city limits. We are Martin County natives and new arrivals; we are renters and homeowners; we are wealthy and economically disadvantaged; we live in single-family homes, apartments, and condos. We are a diverse group, and that is where our strength lies. We are the past, present, and future of our city, and we are paying attention to what is happening at City Hall.
Our city has a desperate need for more diverse housing options, a cornerstone of any vibrant, economically functional community. We cannot be a community of just single-family homes, with a few million-dollar waterfront condos thrown in for variety. Not only is this an impractical vision, it also denies Stuart’s history as the urban center of Martin County. Ask yourself if Historic Downtown Stuart – the mixed-use jewel in our crown – would be approved today by the commission amidst this anti-development fervor.
Service-industry workers, teachers, police officers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs will not continue commuting from Port St Lucie as our neighbor to the north expands economic opportunities for their own citizens. If we want our Martin County natives to move back and set down roots here, we need to offer attainable options to do so. We also need to provide options for the growing segment of the population- from Gen Z to retirees – who genuinely prefer the shared amenities and community that come with multi-family housing. As a city, we have an economic imperative to attract development that fills in the gaps of our current housing stock– affordable multi-family housing, attainable workforce housing, “missing middle” infill development, as well as small-footprint single family units.
While we do hope that Martin County and the City of Stuart continue to maintain our unique slow growth ethos, not all growth is the same. We cannot attempt to put a blanket ban on all change and progress. The Colorado Ave “road diet” and redevelopment in 2013; the Azul apartments, which replaced long-blighted defunct commercial space; the river-friendly redesign of Shepard Park including native plant bio-swales and pervious roadway; and the “Harbor Grove” apartments, which include affordable units set aside, are all examples of creative and forward-thinking urban planning and/or private development that have contributed to the vibrancy and sustainability of our city.
We represent a large constituency which wants more opportunity in our city, because the status quo leaves so many behind. We see that a significant portion of workers in Stuart are struggling to get by, wishing we could live closer to where we work, shop, and play; closer to our families; closer to the place we grew up in and still consider home. Instead, many of us have no choice but to live our lives in Stuart, but sleep – and pay taxes – in St. Lucie County.
Besides being the responsible thing to do, finding creative solutions to work with the free market to diversify our housing stock is a key component of our City’s comprehensive plan, which it is the commissioners’ job to uphold. We are not asking you to say yes to every project that comes before you. But a blanket ban is just as irresponsible as a development free-for-all. Enacting a coherent vision for our city requires more nuance than a blanket “yes” or “no”.
We need development to be forward-thinking when it comes to our housing options in the City of Stuart and Martin County as a whole. Are we responsibly planning for the future, or are we clinging to a past that no longer serves us? Commissioners: we humbly ask you to give this serious problem the attention it deserves, and to make rational and responsible choices that will help to shore up our community’s economic future, lift up all residents, and truly preserve our small town charm.
Respectfully yours,
Hannah Brock, Ophatell Clark, Steve Cooper, Albert Custer, Jimmy Dabb, Truman Dunn, Pastor Jerry Gore, Katie Grant, Becca Fiske, Amelia Fry, Micah and Joseph Hartowski, Quinesha “Nikki” and Regina Hawkins, Jennifer Holmes, Jarrell Israel, Sonya Johnson, Joseph Lee Jones, Kate and William S. King, Casey Kniffin, Ron Knolmer, Shawn Leary, Rev. Bob MacDonald, Michael McKinnon, Michael Meier and Charles Metzler, Cara Montgomery, Christopher Namac, Derrick Newkirk, Sean O’Neill, Rob Ranieri, Alan Schmitz, Jimmy Smith, Amy Springer, Annie Still, Althea W Stoudemire, Nicky Treadway, Colin Varady, Jackie Vitale, Deanna Wade, Sherri Wilson
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OTHER OPINIONS
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NON-PROFIT PERSPECTIVE
By Carol Houwaart-Diez
United Way of Martin County President-CEO
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are in the air, which means my favorite time of year is approaching!
At United Way, we are getting ready for our Holiday Project to make the holidays bright for thousands of children and hundreds of families who could not afford it otherwise. The toys that fuel this project are from all the local Toys for Tots collection sites across Martin County. Since 2004, United Way has served as the Local Coordinating Organization for Toys for Tots in Martin County. This partnership has benefitted many children and families in our community.
In addition, Zweben Law Group hosts a Bike Drive to raise money to purchase bicycles. Once again, this year, it is harder to find bikes at affordable prices. Just like everything else, inflation has hit our ability to purchase bikes at a reasonable cost. In years past, $75 was enough to cover the cost of a bike and helmet, but today it is hardly enough to purchase a tricycle. To date, we have been able to secure about 150 bikes of varying sizes thanks to funds that will be raised from the Zweben Law Group Bike Drive and other generous donors.
The United Way’s Holiday Project is a huge undertaking. Most families receiving assistance are referred by the Martin County School District. Like Santa, we compare our list of families referred to us with lists from the Salvation Army and House of Hope, which also provide holiday assistance.
This isn’t to be a Scrooge. It’s to eliminate duplication and ensure more families who need help during the holidays can be served. Not all agencies share their lists with us, but we try to collaborate with as many agencies as possible.
I want to stress that this project and our process are designed to help the most people by working in collaboration with other nonprofits. Our community is extremely generous, and we believe we can make a more significant impact on families by working together. There is a place for every holiday program in this community, and each program serves a different purpose.
Unlike some toy giveaways where children receive toys directly from an agency, the United Way Holiday Project empowers parents to “shop” and select toys their children can open on Christmas morning.
Our goal is to preserve the magic of Christmas for the families we serve, which is personal to me because I love Christmas and, more importantly, SANTA! It stems from my childhood. My parents immigrated to America, and I am a proud first-generation American.
During my childhood, my family could have qualified for many programs and services offered in our community. Even though my parents didn’t have much, they somehow managed to make Christmas special. From this, my love for Santa began. I didn’t know where the gifts were coming from other than I thought a man in a red suit delivered presents my parents couldn’t afford.
Through the United Way Holiday Project, we provide families with that little extra to make each family’s Christmas a special one filled with good memories.
Because December will be here before we know it, I hope we can count on your support for this project and many more that United Way does during the year. Visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org/HolidayProject to learn how you can donate your time, talent or treasure this holiday.
As always, if you have questions or need more information about United Way of Martin County, please feel free to reach out to me at work, 772-283-4800, via email, chdiez@unitedwaymartin.org.
Carol Houwaart-Diez opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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VANRIPER’S VIEWS
By Darlene VanRiper
Darlene is off this edition.
Darlene VanRiper’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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Nicki’s Place
By Nicki van Vonno
Elections and Moving On
Anarchy and fighting oppression are all the rage. Even orcs just want to be loved.
Politics is in full gear as we watch silly ads, rude ads, and clever ads. I have my ballot. I’m studying it and doing my candidate research. By the time you are reading this piece, the election, and mercifully, the ads will be over.
I finished George Hurchalla’s book on Janet Wood Reno, a fascinating if somewhat repetitive story of Janet Reno and Maggy Hurchalla’s genius mother. It’s an amazing read to watch a genius child, grow into a pioneering writer, investigative reporter, social worker, and oh build her own home while holding raging parties and raising her kids.
I was stewing over my next read: shall I go back to the several in-progress books I am reading; one of the new ones I bought on-line, at a book-signing, or one from the thrift store? But then John Mecham’s new book “And there was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” arrived.
Mecham tells us that Lincoln loved apples, anecdotes, newspapers, political gossip, strong coffee, oysters, fine horses, and his children’s pets, all the cats and goats. He did not drink, smoke, or chew tobacco, but he liked to flirt and let his boys run wild in his office and at home. He made a living practicing law, and he was good at it, but he loved politics. He aspired to do good works, to earn the esteem of his community by serving it.
He was raised in the wilds of Kentucky, in deeply religious anti-slavery congregations. However, slave labor was sanctioned in Article IX of the 1792 Kentucky constitution. Rumors of his parentage plagued his life. Depression ran in the family on both sides, and melancholy on his father’s side, as well. A self- taught scholar, he quoted “Grey’s Elegy” referring to his story as “The short and simple annals of the poor. That’s my life and that’s all you, or anyone else can make of it.”
What to do after this year’s election is over? The words from his Second Inaugural address are inscribed on the wall of the Memorial:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
Nicki van Vonno’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HAFNER’S CORNER
By David Hafner
During election campaigns you will see people standing on street corners waving signs for their preferred candidates, sharing their opinions on social media, and striking up conversations with anyone who will listen to get more votes for their candidate of choice. But typically, once the winners are announced that energy is gone right when the good stuff starts.
At this point the 2022 election has come and gone. Depending on where you stand politically the results either mark the end of the world or show the world is now in a better place than it was on Monday. Ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but some people live for the dramatic. Either way, now is not the time to rest.
It matters not if your candidate won; we’re past that. Now is the time for you to secure your relationship with the elected officials who won and will be representing you. Drop your focus on the (D) or (R) next to their name. You now need to focus on the person, not their party affiliation. They spent the last several months telling you why you should vote for them. It is now time to tell them what issues are important to you and why.
How do you do this? Call their office and ask for an appointment. On average appointments are 10-15 minutes long. If you are not comfortable with meeting in person, write a letter and request a written response. Yes, representatives read letters, and, in fact, give priority to written letters from their constituents.
Be prepared and give all the pertinent details. If you have a story that relates, tell it. Those examples help the representative better understand. Don’t do this just once. Commit to reaching out frequently about various topics and issues that are going on in your life.
Why do you do this? Because you are the expert on the issues important to you, not your representative. If you don’t take the time to teach your representative, then how is that person going to do their job? Take the time to build that relationship, then when the time comes that your issue comes before your representative you will receive a call asking how they should vote.
I know because it has happened with me many times. Or you may be asked to sit on a committee where some real change can occur. Opportunities open when you open yourself. Be part of the change you wish to see.
The best advice I can give you is to do all this and give special attention to your representative’s staff. The representative makes the vote, but the staff are the ones who are making those connections and helping the representative understand what is at stake in the vote.
Get started today by finding out who your representatives are and reach out to them. https://beta.usa.gov/elected-officials
David Hafner’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD BENT
By Joan Goodrich
CEO BDBMC
THIS YEAR’S BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS
In organizations dedicated to economic development such as ours, it’s easy to think of business in terms research and development, expansions and acquisitions, profits, and losses. But when you set aside the metrics and jargon, you’re reminded that business is always about people. Their dreams, talents, ambitions, achievements, and desires to better our community and world.
Our annual Martin County Business Awards ceremony provides an excellent reminder of this truth. The sold-out event takes place Dec. 9 at Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa in Jensen Beach. Hopefully, you secured your tickets and will be joining us.
In the meantime, it’s the BDB’s pleasure to reveal almost all of this year winners:
Business of the Year: Blue Stream Fiber accomplished the remarkable feat of building underground fiber throughout rural western Martin County in areas unserved by AT&T. Rural residents gained the benefits of increased Internet connectivity for education, entertainment, communications and launching homebased businesses. With a strong local support network and growing reputation for quality, Blue Stream Fiber literally laid the groundwork for a variety of high-skilled opportunities to invest and flourish in areas once considered too rural and remote to prioritize.
Company to Watch: Willis Custom Yachts, which operates an expanding 35-acre facility in Stuart, employs more than 150 technicians specializing in every facet of custom sportfish yacht creations—including design engineering, fiberglass construction and repair, hydraulics, carpentry, electrical services and more. It’s a welcome and exciting expansion to our vital marine industry—a cornerstone of our local economy and one of Martin County’s Hubs of Excellence for innovation and job creation.
Manufacturer of the Year: WMR Performance Products and their Nihilo Concepts brand manufactures custom products uniquely designed to give competitive motorcycle racers advantages on the track from its stunning state-of-the-art facility in Stuart. Professional racers, hobbyists, gearheads, and motorcycle aficionados rave about the broad product line, which includes everything from radiator caps to water-pump gears to racing foot pegs to countless other items that I must confess previously having little familiarity with.
Newcomer of the Year: Daher, a French aviation company that earlier this year acquired the aerostructures facility at Witham Field formerly occupied by Triumph, employs 400 people locally and complements the caliber of businesses that make up our aviation industry—another one of our Hubs of Excellence for high-skill, high-wage careers. A major player in the global aerospace industry, Daher is family run and embraces the community minded values that make Martin County such a great place to live and work.
Nonprofit of the Year: Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) helps nourish, protect, prepare, and inspire children—many of whom hail from tough circumstances—for life-changing opportunities. Serving two meals and snacks daily to more than 500 children and reaching thousands more through its programming, BGCMC mentors elementary and middle-school students struggling with reading, math, and science, recently unveiled a new drone certification program at Indian River State College, prepares young people for hospitality jobs its culinary program—which includes a fully operational food truck, and plans to start constructing its fifth flagship club in Stuart soon.
Headquarters of the Year: Team IP is recognized as the top souvenir merchandiser in the nation for amateur sports, providing decorated clothing and branded promotional products for championship events, corporate promotional products, and digital services. Recently expanding its Stuart headquarters and expanding Treasure Coast warehousing, Team IP was first founded in Rio in 1992. Its clients include numerous Olympic teams, collegiate and high school athletic associations and such corporate entities as Walmart, Pepsi, Holloway, Hyundai, the Marines, the Army, the St. Lucie Mets and more.
Entrepreneur of the Year – John Justak of Advanced Technologies Group
Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes John Justak of Advanced Technologies Group (ATGI) in Stuart. His engineering research and development firm—founded in 1995—holds 14 patents in the United States and abroad. ATGI scientists and engineers consistently develop means to analyze and solve complex tech challenges. Key products include the high-powered Ram Air Turbine, which makes turbines capable of generating hundreds of kilowatts of power from sea level surfaces to altitudes topping 60,000 feet. Little wonder it’s a favorite of the U.S. Navy.
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Keegan Nunes of K Soaps.
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: This debuting category was especially fun, introducing our panel of judges to the talent of some very special Martin County young people. Keegan Nunes won for her company K Soaps. She creates original soaps using a cold process that combines oils and lye resulting in the chemical reaction known as saponification. After discovering the technique over video chats with a friend during covid, she honed her craft, pursuing fresh scents and increasing production. She’s expanding into candle production alongside her artisan soap, which she sells at Stuart Main Street’s Market on Main each month in downtown Stuart. She even donates products to Carebag, a local nonprofit providing proper hygiene access to those in need. She’s only 11 years old and attends Stuart Middle School.
Joan Goodrich’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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KEEP MARTIN BEAUTIFUL
By Tiffany Kincaid
Executive Director
KEEP MARTIN BEAUTIFUL VOLUNTEER AND BOARD MEMBER RACHEL DELEKTA NAMED 2022 KEEP FLORIDA BEAUTIFUL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Big environmental changes come from major policy moves like Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. But crucial changes also come from individuals at the local level.
Rachael Delekta is definitely one of those people. Over the past year and a half, Rachael has put her passion for the environment into action in Martin County. She’s frequently seen on the stretch of sand between Jensen Beach and Bathtub Reef Beach picking up marine debris thoughtlessly left behind by visitors or washed up from the ocean.
As a volunteer for Keep Martin Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Road program, she has also taken responsibility for the street where she lives, making sure it stays beautiful and free of litter.
What can one woman do? In Rachael’s case, quite a lot! She has single-handedly picked up more than 2,000 pounds of litter and marine debris from public spaces.
So, it seems very fitting that Rachael has been chosen by Keep Florida Beautiful as its 2022 Volunteer of the Year for the entire state!
Rachael has been featured on WPTV Channel 5 for her litter cleanups and honored by Keep Martin Beautiful with an Environmental Stewardship Award. And she recently began serving as a Board Member for Keep Martin Beautiful in recognition of her passion and her willingness to work tirelessly for the environment.
For Rachael, the accolades aren’t important. Her satisfaction comes from knowing she can serve as an inspiration to others. The attention is only important because it inspires others to take action.
Her blog, Chasing Teddy, is named after her hero President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt famously put conservation on the national agenda and signed into law the creation of five National Parks. “TR lived life with great vigor and zeal,” Rachael writes in her blog. “I hope to journey in that same spirit – climbing every mountain, jumping in every puddle, and engaging with every moment.”
Her Facebook and Instagram posts (@cleanupfl) consistently encourage Martin County citizens to be aware of their environment and act responsibly on behalf of this paradise we call home. “We are only given one earth,” Rachael says. “We have to protect it.”
We are very proud of Rachael and all that she has accomplished, and we encourage everyone to “BE LIKE RACHAEL!”
Keep Martin Beautiful is always seeking volunteers for its year-round cleanup activities and Adopt-A-Road program as well as sponsorships and other partners to advance its mission. For more information, contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222 or email info@keepmartinbeautiful.org.
Tiffany Kincaid’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
7
HELPING HAND
By Suzy Hutcheson
CEO Helping People Succeed
We honor generations of patriots who have earned the title of “American veteran” — a badge of courage that unites the finest group of former service members the world has ever known. With their selfless sacrifice, our Armed Forces have forged and defended the very idea of America — a promise of freedom and equality, democracy and justice, possibility and hope. We owe them an incredible debt that can never be fully repaid—this is the beginning of the 2022 Proclamation on Veterans Day 2022 by President Joe Biden.
Veterans Day is an important day in my family. My father was a glider pilot in World War II, fought in the Korean War and continued his service until he retired in 1960 as a Colonel in the US Army. I am a certified Army brat and because of the moving around we did throughout my childhood, have never met a stranger.
At Helping People Succeed, we are very proud of the veterans who work with us every day. I’d like to share a bit about each of them.
Clemon Thomas is one of our Direct Support Professionals working with adults with disabilities. From our discussion—Clem was in the Army from 1986 until 1992 serving overseas in Germany, Fort Sill Oklahoma, and retiring from Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. His MOS was 13 Bravo Field Artillery. He worked on and droved Howitzer tanks. In Fort Campbell he was in the Army and parachuted out of Chinook planes and helicopters. I asked what he gained from the service, and he indicated he learned to be disciplined, pay attention to detail, and be a team player as well as a leader.
Shannon Wilson is our Director of Successful Futures. In her words- I served in the Force Support Squadron of the United States Air Force from 2004 through 2008. My husband, who I met in the recruiter’s office, and I were moved around a lot based on the need for our jobs at various bases. During my service time we lived in Nebraska, Utah, and South Carolina; then continued to North Dakota and Maine before moving to Florida upon my husband’s retirement. I was awarded Airman of Quarter at every base I was stationed at. I used to organize the base fitness events such as 5ks, 10ks, bi and triathlons, women’s fitness events. I designed the family fitness center at the base in Utah. After I got out, while my husband was still serving, I participated in groups on base that supported the wives and families of active military members.
Glenna Parris is our Gift Planning Officer. In her words–I joined the US Army in 1982 and served through 1988. Most of my time was spent in Germany and I was a part of the 3rd Armor Division. I actually lived on the same Kaserne that Elvis Presley was stationed at (well maybe close to the one he was at). My MOS was 31M which translates to a multichannel communications radio operator. It was as close to journalism as I could get! Seriously, serving in the Armed Forces gave me many skills, taught me to appreciate and respect others – no matter what their gender, size, or color of their skin; and, most importantly, serving our country instilled a sense of patriotism within me that never weakens.
One cannot measure the sense of pride that is felt when individual veterans are recognized for their sacrifice of time (and life) spent serving our country. To you veterans – I personally recognize and thank you for your service! Happy Veterans Day!
I will join with Glenna, Shannon and Clem sending our gratitude to every Veteran in honor of their service to our country.
Suzy Hutheson’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
8
CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTIAN
By Pastor Chad Fair
Immanuel Lutheran Church
I fondly remember my days in elementary school when the teacher would return a test with a sticker on it.
That sticker was a badge of honor of sorts, a symbol of achievement that made you feel good. I, like many others in Martin County received my “I voted in Martin County” sticker the other day but this time it didn’t make me feel good. I just felt icky. Honestly, I’ve felt that way for quite some time, basically since seminary.
Some churches and people of faith will tell you, “Jesus is on the ballot” and some will even tell you who you to vote for. I poured over my sample ballot. I looked right-side up and upside down. I even put my glasses on in case my arms weren’t long enough.
I couldn’t find Jesus on the ballot. I found a lot of people making the claim, but they fail to measure up. At this point I’m sure some are horrified by my assessment.
The reality is Jesus, the Son of God, the one I read in scripture, could never get elected in this country. The reality is Jesus is too liberal for conservatives, too conservative for liberals and has moral standards that are largely lacking in today’s political climate.
Our first clue, the lack of honesty in political advertising. This isn’t a left or right thing, it’s a political thing, and politics in this country lacks basic integrity. Lack of integrity equals lack of Jesus.
Let’s pretend for a second, that we can return basic integrity and honesty to our political process, we still won’t find Jesus on the ballot for one simple reason; Jesus isn’t interested in worldly kingdoms. Matthew Chapter 4:8-10 gospel reads, “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve God only.’”
Scripture repeatedly pushes back against it inserting Jesus into politics. In Jesus’ exchange with Pilate leading up to his crucifixion Jesus specifically says in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not from this world…” This repudiation of the political process is littered throughout the Old Testament as well, particularly 1 Samuel 8, God warns Israel about going down the road of having a king.
Before you grab your pitchforks and line up outside my office, please hear what I am and am not saying. I’m not saying faith should not be part of our decision on how to vote. As a pastor I strongly recommend it is.
What I am saying is the political process is an unholy process that is rooted in acquiring and maintaining power and no process that is rooted in power can ever represent a Jesus who consistently fought to give voice to the marginalized. When either party decides to work for the marginalized and stops using people as pawns to acquire or maintain power, maybe then I’ll feel less icky on election day.
Chad Fair’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
9
By Rick Hartman
President
Fifth Annual Farm City Luncheon Dives into Martin County Aquaculture
People have an image of agriculture as fields of citrus groves or cattle grazing on the land, and that’s certainly an accurate picture of a good portion of western Martin County. But there’s much more to farming than row crops and livestock. There’s an entire aquaculture (fish farming) industry that provides important food sources grown in water. It’s a big economic driver in our region.
Now in its fifth year, One Martin’s annual Farm City Luncheon https://www.onemartin.com/upcoming-events.html this Thursday, November 17 will once again bring together urban and rural residents of Martin County to celebrate the important relationship between farmers, consumers, community leaders, and everyone in between who contributes to our community’s safe, abundant food supply. But this year’s gathering will shed light on this lesser-known aspect of agriculture: aquaculture farming.
Experts in the industry will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of aquaculture locally and at the state level. Megan Davis, Ph.D., a Research Professor with the Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Program at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, will be our keynote speaker. Dr. Davis is an expert in aquaculture farming. She has been internationally recognized for more than four decades of work in the field of warm-water aquaculture, including 26 years at FAU Harbor Branch, conducting research on sea vegetable aquaculture, a sustainable crop for coastal restoration and culinary dishes.
Other speakers include Butch Olsen, Executive Director of the Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority, who will provide insights into Martin County’s commercial fishing industry, and Paige Cruise, a 16- year-old who works with her family on one of the top 20 largest ranches in the Unites States, speaking on best management practices.
The Farm City luncheon will be held at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina, a long-standing waterfront venue in the Manatee Pocket and part of the Historic Port Salerno Waterfront District where commercial fishing has been a vital part of the local economy for generations.
Farm-City Week is celebrated by agricultural organizations and other community groups across the country and typically takes place the week before Thanksgiving. In Martin County, One Martin partners with the Martin County/Florida Farm Bureau to host the event. https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/counties/martin/
As with each of our four previous Farm City Luncheons, we expect this year’s guests to leave the event with a new appreciation for our agricultural community and how interdependent our rural and urban communities are.
By the time Friends and Neighbor subscribers read this column, we may be sold out of tickets so please call 772-287-5272 for more information.
About One Martin
One Martin is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more informed citizenry and providing opportunities for civil discussions on topics of importance to Martin County such as agriculture and government efficiently and transparency. One Martin hosts the local Farm City luncheon each year. For more information visit www.onemartin.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OneMartinCounty.
About National Farm-City Week
National Farm-City Week recognizes the innumerable contributions made by farmers in the U.S. to the health and well-being of their country. American farms promote the health of their nation, protect their environmental resources, and are at the forefront of their country’s path to energy independence. It is important for American society to continue to support the relationship between American farms and families and to ensure that farming remains an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable way of life for future generations.
Rick Hartman’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER AND OTHER GOVERNMENT NOTICES
And from our Supervisor of Elections:
From The Clerk of The Court:
From the Property Appraiser
Tax Collector
Palm City Chamber Of Commerce
Letter from Hedy Bressler:
Your article attributed to Warren Buffet is incorrect. Congressmen get a pension but do not get their salary for life. Google “do congressmen get salary for life”.
My reply:
Thanks for catching that. I should have checked it all. Will print your letter.
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COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING OCT. 18, 2022
The BOCC meeting took just 1 hour and 24 minutes from beginning to end.
It wasn’t that the commission did not do anything. There was actually quite a bit that was accomplished. Not counting the several agenda items having to do with the Loblolly and FIND land swap, the commission approved three developments.
Just down the road from Stuart (which has morphed into a sideshow when it comes to development), Phase III of Banyan Bay on Kanner Highway was approved. The 72-unit multi-family development will have its own separate entrance onto the roadway. There will be three 3-story buildings.
There were no hysterics from “concerned citizens” or anyone else for that matter. Just a routine 72-unit project that took about 5 minutes to approve. A few weeks ago in the city in a much more built up area there was so much concern about the impact of what would have been less traffic caused by the development just a mile up the road?
DR Horton’s Sabal Pointe Project on Savannah Road will have 68 single-family homes on 30 acres. It is a typical Horton project of suburban homes 3 story high like so many others. The homes are on lots of 7500 sq feet with lot dimensions of 60 ft. x 125 ft.
Again no one spoke against the project, and it took less than ten minutes to approve.
And last, there was the Willoughby Townhomes PUD. It will be on Willoughby Blvd. and Salerno Road. There will be 117 townhomes on 18.37 acres. Again, the public said nothing.
In the span of about 45 minutes the BOCC approved 257 new units for unincorporated Martin County. There were no hysterics, outraged citizens, or commissioners wringing their hands as if the weight of the world was upon them. The commission’s 5-0 (including Commissioner Heard) response was appropriate for the approvals that were given.
If that had been the current Stuart Commission, two out of three projects would not have passed, and I am not even so sure about the single-family home development. Most of the people who will occupy those homes will work and shop and recreate, to a large extent, in Stuart.
City police and emergency services will have to consider these visitors in their planning. They will drive on city roads and add to the supposed congestion that we hear about. What the city will not have, is one cent of tax money.
Every time the city denies a project, it doesn’t end development. Stuart commissioners have preserved the idiocy of NIMBY within the city’s boundaries. Unincorporated Martin County doesn’t quite believe in NIMBY. The county has invaded Stuart’s back yard. Stuart just doesn’t have the tax dollars to deal with the invasion.
At almost every commission meeting, one member of the public denounces the county for putting every check that the county has cut in the past few weeks on the consent calendar. He makes it out as if the county is somehow trying to get away with not informing the public about these “Secret Expenditures.”
Martin County spends a lot of money…there is no denying that. But every cent must be appropriated by the commission, and they do so by passing a budget. By state statute every dollar then that is being spent of that appropriated money must be approved by the commission at an advertised meeting. There is just no reason to have county staff read every check into the official minutes. It would take several hours more to complete a meeting.
You can look at every check and to whom it was written on the county website. Further if you really are interested on what county money is being spent on then look at the budget. In the past few years, the public except for the Taxpayers Association has not been very curious.
By the time the check is cut you are way too late to complain. It is just as idiotic as the federal raising of the debt ceiling which is done after the money has been appropriated and spent. The same congressional fools voted in passed bills to spend the dollars. There is no grandstanding at the county like Congress.
THE PAL MAR SUBDIVISION
After months of writing about Pal Mar and looking at it from Trailside, I finally had the opportunity to visit it myself with Martin County staff.
What was once a place that had been relatively untouched by humans now bears all the signs of a paradise lost. It was one of the last places in Martin County that was what most of our area looked like two hundred years ago. Pal Mar should not be thought of as a recreational area. Even though now it has been relegated to an unregulated such place. Martin County, which owns thousands of lots there, is also the legal authority regarding what can be done within its boundaries.
The county allows no construction of anything whether it is a shack, a road, or full-fledged home. Further, staff told me that the use of off-road vehicles is not permitted…though I saw trucks and cars parked throughout. Yet there are complications. It isn’t black and white.
There are many lots that are in private hands. In the past when the bulk of the properties were owned by “old timers,” they were more in tune with the wonder of Pal Mar. Camp out, do a little hunting, do a little drinking, and hike back out to your truck on the other side of the gate. Now with the newbies, it is apparent they believe they have the right to tear the place up with off-road vehicles, shoot indiscriminately, build roads, erect homes and pretty much do whatever they want.
For the most part, we are not talking about large acre parcels. Most are one acre and recently they are even being divided into quarter acre lots. To get access to almost any lot, you need to trespass over at least one other person’s property if not a dozen.
The lots are not really demarcated. Generally, it is guesswork where lot lines are. The county has been sending out their surveyors to determine ownership when someone is building an illegal structure…and they are all illegal. Is the structure on their land or the county’s property or South Florida Water Management?
In a legal opinion regarding providing access to individual lots the district obtained from Caldwell Pacetti Edwards Schoech & Viator LLP in 2019, it states that:
There is no express obligation in the District’s legislative authority to grant landowners access. The District is authorized to exercise only such powers as have been expressly granted or necessarily implied. Any reasonable doubt as to the lawful existence of a particular power sought to be exercised must be resolved against the exercise thereof. The District is utilizing its easements
lawfully for the purposes for which they were granted. Furthermore, there is no statutory authority providing for public use of property owned by drainage and water management districts created under Ch. 298, F.S. The members of the general public do not have a legal right of access to those easements which are dedicated in the District’s favor and not to the general public.
It seems clear that the public or, for that matter, individual landowners do not have the right to use the district’s easements to go anywhere. In the old days when someone hiked or biked into Pal Mar doing no ecological damage to the land, no one cared. Now sensitive wetlands throughout have been torn up by ATVs and four wheelers driven by yahoos who claim they can do whatever they want.
The county has started to enforce code violations against people building roads, wells, and houses. It is a daunting task. Made even more dangerous by staff (and even the residents of the Trailside community) being threatened with violence. It is so dangerous that when we were there county employees would not leave the district’s right of way without law enforcement.
So where is the sheriff in this? Good question. The sheriff’s department has told me that they can’t stop the shooting. Everyone has a right to shoot on their own land. But as I said, very few people have any idea where their lots are.
What about the fact that they have vehicles using district roads that no one is to use for non-district access? No good answer was forthcoming.
The sheriff’s department is working with the county using their helicopter for scouting and providing deputies to go with code enforcement to these encampments. The mindset at the department may be that people destroying the environment is not the same priority as catching bad guys from down south on I-95.
The Pal Mar Water Control District needs to hire security such as off duty deputies to protect this property, especially on weekends. Anyone out there has almost certainly committed trespass, which is illegal. If people provide the proper paperwork verifying that they are landowners and want to hike into their property and just camp without the benefit of anything more than what they caried in on their backs, then no one would care.
But if a visitor is using a motor vehicle and in some cases a tractor trailer to bring in loads of lumber to build their dream house, that person should be arrested. A house cannot be built without supplies, and some of the structures out there are substantial.
If it can’t be stopped, then Pal Mar will be destroyed. This is our heritage. It isn’t some old orange grove but an intricate eco-system. Either our commissioners, the water district, and law enforcement can end the rape of this magnificent area, or we should get used to the fact that we will have a new subdivision.
The Pal Mar subdivision will have no approvals, no inspections, no public hearing, no public input. It will just be a mish mosh of desecrated habitat that once had enumerable plants and animals living there. That will be gone. In its place will be the Pal-Mar Subdivision.
TRAILSIDE A SPECIAL REPORT
By Kyla Shay
Trailside HOA President
It’s Been a While, Not Much Has Changed
We had a few weeks of respite due to the after effects of Hurricane Ian.
Heavy rainfall placed PalMar under two feet of water. Now that the water has receded, it’s back to PalMar business as usual. The mud buggies, ATV’s and side-by-sides are tearing up the wetlands. Noise travels out here in the county. We hear the engines roaring, the yelling and screaming of the persons destroying Florida protected areas.
The bullets still fly. We frequently hear the rapid repetitive gun fire with no understanding of where the bullets may land or which direction the projectiles are headed in. Last week, one lot owner had a work crew working in his wetland and yard. The workers took shelter behind vehicles and the building.
They stated they could hear the bullets flying over their heads…WITHIN Trailside. The Sheriff’s department was notified. They stated they would send someone out to check who was in PalMar. No follow up has been received.
Until one of us dies, nothing will change. We doubt even if one of us gives our life if it will even change then. According to the Sheriff’s department, they must put the gun in the person’s hand who caused the injury/death. That simply is not going to happen. 8000+ acres to escape to. Plausible deniability. Trailside has been abandoned by the Sheriff’s department and the elected officials of Martin County.
We have written letters to multiple State agencies asking for help. Crickets and frogs are all we are hearing. There isn’t much left to say. We are obviously left to our own devices to protect our way of life, our livestock, our families, and our property.
We all feel abandoned by all aspects of Martin County government. Our commissioners and staff can concentrate on their land use changes and getting more houses built. They are not interested in solving a situation that Martin County politics, Martin County policy, and the State of Florida neglected to fix from the 1960s. With the lack of response, they don’t seem very interested in correcting the error.
Kyla Shay’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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You go away for a couple of weeks, and the Stuart City Commission becomes consumed with its own fumbles.
Dr. Christopher Collins decided to gin up enthusiasm for the Zoning-In-Progress meeting by posting a photo of “Zippy the Chimp” from the old “Ed Sullivan Show.” (Dr. Collins wasn’t even born by the time the Sullivan show went off the air, so it is a mystery why Zippy was chosen.) In the photo, Zippy was wearing a tee shirt emblazoned with the word Zip. Some residents of the city, especially in East Stuart, thought it was a racist trope.
A quick apology and taking down the post would have sufficed when it almost immediately became apparent to him that it was offensive. Instead, Dr. Collins dug in his heels and refused to take it down. The controversy just got bigger and bigger with his obstinance.
In an attempt to tamp down the fire he had started, he agreed to appear on local blogger Althea Wiley Stoudemire’s show. For an hour and fifteen minutes, he backed himself more and more into a corner by saying that he was sorry it caused offense but was unwilling to do more. Dr. Collins is someone who interrupts others when they speak, and he continuously did so to Stoudemire.
The Facebook Live conversation was taking place at the Blue Door Coffee House. His interruptions of Stoudemire and continued belligerence made a stranger sitting at another table join the conversation. The lady took exception to his assertions and was deeply disappointed in his behavior. At one point, Dr. Collins even said that he didn’t care how Stoudemire or anyone else felt.
Is Collins a racist? I can’t answer that because I do not know what is in his heart. He has demonstrated he is uncaring and has no understanding and empathy for others.
Dr. Collins is someone who has proven himself to be dogmatic and uncompromising. While he makes a big show out of being a “Christian”, the example he sends to the community could not be further from that of Christ’s inclusive teachings. Too often today, hiding yourself in sanctimony is supposed to make everything else alright.
Dr. Collins professes little knowledge of government, claims he isn’t a politician, and has lived a sheltered life with very little community involvement. There is insufficient data to call him a racist, but he does have elitist tendencies borne out by his statements on the dais. If you want to hear the Facebook Live post, you can do so here
On Sept 29th Commissioner Bruner did an interview on YouTube with Joe Catrambone, CEO of the Stuart Martin Chamber. Was Bruner speaking for the city or herself? After watching the show, it would decidedly be for herself. If you believed that she was somehow representing the commission, you would have to conclude that Collins was also representing Stuart when he spoke to Wiley. In both cases, that would be wrong.
Unless specifically tasked with representing the entire commission by other commissioners then there is no representation. Neither Collins or Bruner intimated or stated that they spoke for anyone but themselves.
Some of Bruner’s conversation with Catrambone centered around the Costco development and what are obviously her beliefs. Robin Cartwright, who happens to be a litigant against the city regarding Costco, is the prime mover on trying to have an investigation of Bruner’s statements.
Bruner (City Of Stuart)
Cartwright wants to have an investigation to punish Bruner for those statements. (She has said nothing about Collins.) Bruner made several incorrect statements regarding the Costco project. I am sure if Bruner had stated how bad the Kanner PUD was then Cartwright would be applauding her and others would demonize Commissioner Bruner.
The threat of an investigation for such frivolous reasons is a threat to local government. If we continue down this path, then we won’t have anyone run for office.
It is not like we do not have remedies now. Any citizen can file a complaint with the Florida Ethics Commission. If enough voters feel that a commissioner has done something wrong, they may also initiate a recall. Finally, there is the next election. I remind you that Bruner had no opposition last year.
Since the Catrambone video first aired on September 29th, there have been 548 views as of November 6th when I viewed it. That is far from overwhelming. You can see it here
In my opinion Dr. Collins’ and Commissioner Bruner’s actions do not rise to any level of misfeasance or malfeasance. They are politicians doing rather dumb things. If we start an investigation every time a politician makes a statement, they will not speak to the press, put anything on Facebook, use social media, or communicate with the residents and voters.
For the sake of Stuart and Martin County, this needs to stop. At the November 2nd Workshop, Pastor Gore, President Jimmy Smith of the NAACP, and others spoke against Collins’ post in a civilized and rational manner that attested to their acting as adults. It did finally result in an apology by Dr. Collins and removal of the post Wednesday night. We need more of that behavior and less grandstanding.
COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 24, 2022
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance to have a minor FLUM change to be able to build a third fire house in North Stuart. It has been a long time coming.
They also approved two vertical garages for Johnson Honda on US 1 in South Stuart. In both cases, this is a better option than having the cars spread out on even pervious pavement. It also was approved unanimously. The applicant pointed out the dealership was spending roughly $30 million dollars on the improvements.
Wallace Volvo also requested a waiver. They are building a new showroom and auxiliary building. The waiver was for interior landscaping. That too was approved unanimously.
WORKSHOP MEETING NOVEMBER 2, 2022
Almost at the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Collins stated he was sorry for his “Zip the Chimp” post. Others spoke during public comment about it. You can see a more in-depth report above.
Attorney Mortell gave an overview of the law and the comp plan. It was concise and very much to the point. The new development director gave a brief overview of the ½ unit ordinance and the PUD process. It was elemental but informative and perhaps helpful since there are new commissioners.
Regulations book. Law, rules and regulations concept. 3d illustration
What came as a surprise to commissioners was that state statute requires the city to have density. It was also painfully obvious that the newer commissioners have no idea that they cannot mandate that a developer include below market housing as part of the approval process unless they are compensated by the city.
It has always been surprising how naïve commissioners and the public are about property rights. The commission is not empowered with some magical power to stop development. They can have reasonable rules, but the state has increasingly limited local government’s ability to be too restrictive.
Urban sprawl is not acceptable in state statute. Mortell stated that Tallahassee does not expect a bunch of single-family homes being built from Stuart to Indiantown. We should be thankful for that.
Except for Collins, it seems there is a consensus by the other four to keep the concept of half units but only reduce the number of square feet. From the beginning, Mayor McDonald has said he wasn’t against the concept only the way it was presented in the LDRs. Commissioner Rich agreed this could be a tool for more affordable housing.
It seemed that only Dr. Collins was speaking about “down zoning” and other concepts he researched in northern cities. If he had done further research, he would have found that reducing density by that use would almost always be in violation of the constitution and Florida Statute. He also mentioned doing away with conditional use approvals.
The staff will come back with an inventory of available land. No change to the PUD process, and keeping the ½ units but reducing the number of square feet.
Dr. Collins then asked a strange question about what would happen if they ignored state statute. It was so out of left field that the only one to respond was Mayor McDonald. He said that they were courting pre-emption of local government’s ability to make these decisions if they did. Collins kept asking if pre-emption meant that the state would come in and remove the commission or other penalties.
It was obvious that he had no idea what pre-emption meant. Pre-emption is when the state passes an ordinance to take away home rule in a specific instance for all local governments. It isn’t anything to do with the governor removing a commissioner for malfeasance. Though if a commissioner breaks the law, it would be justified.
Commissioners swear an oath to obey the laws and not to break them, which is what McDonald was saying. Collins wanted continue discussion about Stuart going its own way. McDonald adjourned the meeting.
McDonald had this meeting under control. He needs to keep it that way.
You can have the Florida Statute Summary here
The development department presentation can be found here
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The November 10th meeting I think has been cancelled due to the storm.
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The Next Meeting Is October 10, 2022
The Ocean Breeze Town Council held an election for three seats on Election Day. The results are:
Sandy Keblbeck 197 votes
Elizabeth Ann Reese 190 votes
Gina Kent 154 votes
Terry Locatis (incumbent) 135 votes
Dustin Lerew (he had withdrawn but too late to remove from ballot) 73 votes.
The top three candidates will be sworn in at the next meeting.
The Next Meeting Is November 14, 2022
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COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 28, 2022
The commission once again tackled the new golf cart ordinance.
After the September meeting, the commission asked Public Safety Director Garlo to solicit residents’ opinions regarding the minimum age of the drivers from sunset to sunrise. Initially it was determined that 16 would be the approved age. After further discussion by the commission, the decision was made to leave the age at 14 during daylight hours and 16 in the evening.
The ordinance was passed on first reading. It will be heard at the November 21st meeting reflecting the new changes. You can find the ordinance here
The bulk of the 8+ hour meeting was to hear 11 applications to allow construction during the winter season. There were no surprises. The applications where it will be allowed were decided logically. I applaud the commission for being focused for the discussions and votes.
While staff can administratively allow some of this work to continue or commence, it is hard to blame them for not using that authority on Jupiter Island. Nobody wants to become embroiled in what can become a neighborhood dispute. So, the commission deciding what in other places would be a staff decision makes good sense.
There was a “lot split” request for 374 South Beach Road. The lots will run from ocean to river bisected by the road. It had been two lots until 2006 when a Unity of Title was issued. The property is returning to the original configuration. The family representative that owns the property stated that the purpose was for estate planning of the current owners’ two children.
The lots will be roughly 3.5 acres and 2.5 acres. Commission approved it 4-0. The presentation can be found here
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In The Spotlight
by Jackie Holfelder
Jackie is always looking for a good story…you may reach her at: jackieacolumn@gmail.com
Suncoast Mental Health Recognizes Impressive September
Suncoast Mental Health Center (SMHC) – a non-profit mental and behavioral health provider serving residents of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee – had a busy month in September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Congressman Brian Mast met with Suncoast staff and Board members to discuss the bipartisan Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, answering questions, and addressing concerns about increased demand for mental health services and insufficient funding that many organizations are experiencing.
SMHC partners with other organizations serving local communities, advocating for support, and educating the public about this significant health crisis.
Debra Engle, Lauren Sisselberger, Tracy Hernandez and Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith
Suncoast Mental Health also hosted its annual Suicide Prevention Symposium at Coral Shores Behavioral Health in Stuart, scheduled for September 28 but moved to October 6 due to Hurricane Ian.
Photos provided by Suncoast Mental Health Center Congressman Brian Mast and Debra Engle
This free community event, sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, offered attendees important education and awareness presented by guest speakers, Robert Campbell MSW, Karissa Bolden LMHC and Veronica Kolibab.
For more information about Suncoast Mental Health Center and its comprehensive community-based, family-centered services, contact 888-373-5010 or visit www.suncoastmentalhealth.org.
Elev8Hope’s Pillar of Hope Winners Announced
Eva Rivera-Allmacher and her husband Jerry Allmacher are the owners of Bin Deals, the unique discount store with an entertainment twist that offers affordable merchandise to Treasure Coast residents.
Photos provided by RinaMarie Shpiruk Jerry Allmacher and Eva Rivera-Allmacher
But they’re also big-hearted and generous philanthropists who support local nonprofits, none more so than Elev8Hope and its other component, Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings.
Rinamarie Shpiruk, founder of the two organizations along with her four children, recently awarded the 501(c)(3)’s 2022 Elev8Hope Pillar of Hope Award to Eva and Jerry, stating, “They have bought HOPE to many even though their light is flickering and they at times navigate darkness.”
To learn more about Elev8Hope and Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings, visit https://www.rinashob.org and www.elev8hope.org.
2022 Elev8Hope Pillar of Hope Award (with a bottle of champagne)
Never Too Young to be an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Ten-year-old entrepreneur Olivia Heissenberg is the talented young woman behind “Treats to Liv For”. Along with her mom, she hosted a popular booth at the CTM Customs Fall Fest, selling three varieties of edible cookie dough and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Sarah Henry and Olivia Heissenberg
Liv met Sarah Henry, Community Development Director of Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH) at the event and was so impressed with what the nonprofit does to protect kids that she donated 20-percent of her day’s proceeds to the organization.
She thanked Sarah and CTWH for all they do to bring awareness to the community about human trafficking.
Jackie is always looking for a good story…you may reach her at: jackieacolumn@gmail.com
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THE FALLING LEAVES
In most of the rest of the country, leaves change color and then fall to the ground. It is a sign of the beginning of “real autumn” and a prelude to winter.
In Martin County, we don’t have that ritual of the falling leaves drifting by our windows. We do begin to have cooler temperatures and darkness comes earlier in the evening. When I lived up north, I liked having a fire as the afternoon turned to evening and maybe enjoying a cocktail while watching the flames.
It was the season to cook a braised dish of some kind. A brisket or confit of duck, a beef stew or chicken pot pie were go-to staples to take the chill out of your bones. I still make them now and they still hit the spot, but I am seldom wearing long pants or flannel shirts while cooking them.
Christmas here has the same rituals but without the hoped-for snow we dream about while singing along with Bing. Our tree in Stuart may be artificial but many of the decorations have been adorning our trees for decade after decade. And the outside may not feature as many lights as in the past but that may be a function of age as much as anything else.
No…there are no falling leaves in Martin County. There are no snowstorms and roads do not ice up. Come to think of it, that is a large part of the reason we moved here nearly 2 decades ago. I am not complaining. I would imagine neither are the millions and millions of transplants that call South Florida home.
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GET THE WORD OUT
Friends and Neighbors of Martin County is your eyes and ears so that you know what is going on in Martin County’s municipal and county governments. I attempt to be informative and timely so that you may understand how your tax money is being spent. Though I go to the meetings and report back, I am no substitute for your attending meetings. Your elected officials should know what is on your mind.
Tom Campenni 772-341-7455 (c) Email: thomasfcampenni@gmail.com
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Articles Tom wrote:
From Martin County Moment:
“A Deal In The Works”
“The Emperor Has No Clothes”
From Medium
“School Vouchers Can Prevent School Censorship”
“Christian Nationalism For America Is A Fallacy”
Other Articles:
The Capitolist: “Jeff Brandes’ think tank: Live Local Bill will help, but bigger changes needed to fix affordable housing crisis”
The New York Times: “How To Clear 500,000 Ferel Cats From New York Streets”
Trump’s Indictment
Florida Phoenix: “Statehouses debate who should build EV charging networks”
The Washington Post: “Tracing the power of Casey DeSantis”
GLOSSARY
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Annual Medium Income (AMI)
Basin Action Management Plan (BMAP)
Best Management Practices (BMP)
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
Business Development Board (BDB)
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Center For Disease Control (CDC)
Centum Cubic Feet (CCF)
Children’s Services Council (CSS)
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Community Development District (CDD)
Community Redevelopment Board (CRB)
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Emergency Operation Center (EOC)
Equivalent Residential Connection (ERC)
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
Evaluation & Appraisal Report (EAR)
Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA)
Fixed Asset Replacement Budget (FARB)
Federal Rail Administration (FRA)
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND)
Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Future Land Use Maps (FLUM)
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Hobe Sound Local (HSL)
Indian River Lagoon (IRL)
Land Development Code (LDR)
Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS)
Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSUM)
Local Agency Program Certification (LAP)
Local Planning Agency (LPA)
Martin County Fire/Rescue (MCFR)
Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Martin County Taxpayers Association (MCTA)
Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU)
Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU)
Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)
Organization For Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD)
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Preserve Action Management Plan (PAMP)
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD)
Right of Way (ROW)
Secondary Urban Services District (SUSD)
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
South Martin Regional Utility (SMRU)
State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP)
Storm Water Treatment Areas (STA)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Urban Planned Unit Development (UPUD)
Urban Services Boundary (USB)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Zoning-In-Progress (ZIP)
