Tom Campenni
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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER
As we settle into the new year, not much has changed from the last.
Though government meetings are revving up, they are still relatively brief since much is going on behind the scenes with staff readying presentations to the boards.
While much is made of school boards doing this and that and some citizens believing all kinds of things are going on quietly in classrooms to fill students’ heads with subversive thoughts, the reality in Florida may be quite different.
The legislature has already stripped from local boards and districts the ability to have more than a limited impact on curriculum and the amount to spend per student on transportation, books, capital improvements, and much more. While I have heard about occasional rogue teachers spouting unorthodox dogma at their students, I haven’t been made aware of any actual evidence to support those claims.
The legislature and governor want to expand their power to dictate to all local government. Home rule, which is guaranteed in the Florida constitution, is fatally flawed. Any bit of home rule can be stopped simply by a vote of the legislature. If a senator doesn’t like something, a bill can be introduced quashing the ability of local government to do anything about that problem This is bad news.
As the legislature ramps up its sights to further limit the home rule authority of municipalities and counties, Floridians may see a time in the near future when they will have no ability to influence the quality of life in their own communities.
This newsletter contains the opinions of Pine, Hafner and VanRiper. Missi Campbell writes about Honor Flights. Kallie Jurgens has a positive view of our libraries. Capt. Sperco has hope for better fishing as the month progresses, and Joan Goodrich wants everyone to know about the BDB’s outreach to businesses.
There is the Taxpayers Association piece on Martin County Fire Rescue and its hiring of 40 new personnel. Also included are the informational notices from Martin County, City of Stuart, and constitutionals.
If your city or government agency would like to send a notice to be included, please contact me for the details. I am always looking for more columnists to add to our roster. So, if you are interested let me know.
Enjoy this edition!
Besides reading the newsletter you can catch articles and other information by going to our Facebook page at HERE
If you want to read what I have been writing between newsletters you can go to Martin County Moment at HERE and to our Medium page at HERE
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WHERE DID SANITY GO
I do not agree with most of Governor DeSantis’ policies regarding Covid. But I do agree with his insistence on keeping things open.
When we didn’t have vaccines, boosters, drugs, and other safeguards, shutting down at times made sense. I likened COVID to the polio epidemics of the 20th century. Once there were vaccines against polio, there were no more reason to have periodic shutdowns. People got the shots.
It is a little different this time, but the fundamentals are the same. If you are vaccinated and boosted, your likelihood of being in the hospital because of the virus is reduced considerably. The solution is taking the vaccine.
I agree with the governor that the vaccine should not be mandatory for adults, but I will probably disagree about children. I disagree with any shutdown of schools, businesses, or public events. I do think it is up to businesses as to whether they want to require masks, vaccination, or any other precaution within their premises for their employees and customers. Customers can go elsewhere as can employees especially in this worker short market.
Let freedom reign but with the freedom for all to determine how much risk to tolerate. Government’s duty is to provide public services not close private venues. DeSantis has the outline right. Now he needs to follow through on the core of his espoused principles.
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THE SATISFACTION OF WORK
Most of my days are spent in meetings, reading, and writing. That isn’t much different than when I was getting paid.
Now that I am fully retired, I am still working long days but just not making any money for my time. Retirement can keep you just as busy and fulfilled as any job. I know that I am doing what I consider important things but without that paycheck.
Occasionally, I feel slothful because there is no payday. For someone who worked every day from his teen years forward, I have used a monetary bottom line to measure my worth. This retirement stuff takes time getting used to. Perhaps I will never quite get there.
It is no secret that I come from a working-class family, and the word work is the important one in that definition. As a teenager, I belonged to a hotel union and along the way was a member of several others. I was even an organizer for a short time. I also was in management and, of course, did everything possible to keep unions at bay.
I owned businesses and had jobs. Mostly had both simultaneously in my early working years. Working for me was a point of pride. The few times that I had nothing steady, I found side hustles to keep me going. The most important thing was to bring home the bacon.
So now that I have embarked on this new career of retirement, the pace is as frantic as ever. The pay is nonexistent if you just think of money. But it is well worth the effort if you can measure your satisfaction in other less tangible rewards than monetarily.
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OTHER OPINIONS
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD BENT
By Joan Goodrich
CEO BDBMC
For all the reoccurring advances in the world of communications, there’s a tried-and-true approach that we at the BDB still hold in the highest regard: Good, ole-fashioned, face-to-face conversations. Hence our 1:1 Visits Initiative, or one-on-one meetings, with Martin County business owners.
Joan Goodrich from BDB
The more we connect with local employers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and people who create jobs and make our economy hum, the more we learn about the challenges they face as well as the high level of optimism they have for the present and future.
Something special is happening right now in Martin County. People who are doing big things—or want to—realize that Now’s The Time.
That’s the three-word motto of the message the BDB is getting out locally and elsewhere to inform, excite, and inspire even greater interest and activity about the incredible opportunities available in Martin County.
Undergirding our appeal is Martin County’s high quality of life, ideal location, shovel-ready sites, supportive elected leaders, unified focus on developing workforce talent, and a surging community interest in attracting notable opportunities—particularly for young people eager to return to the town they grew up in.
So, in performing our core services of helping new and existing businesses with site selections, talent access, market insights, facility expansion, hiring and more, we generally establish ambitious outreach goals. Last year, we set and achieved the goal of conducting 50 1:1 Visits with business leaders.
This year, we made our goal even more ambitious, aiming to achieve 75 1:1 Visits. Our capacity is multiplied on the strength of the entire BDB team—including our volunteer board members. Jeff Leslie, board president, recently inspired board members—a diverse and accomplished collection of local leaders representing such industries and disciplines as marine, aviation, energy, real estate, education, nonprofit, local chambers, and more—to take lead in the meetings.
We recently enjoyed meeting with the owners of Sunshine Land Design, last year’s BDB Business of the Year award winner, as well as the owners of WMR Competition Performance and Nihilo Concepts, beloved by Motocross enthusiasts. A big shoutout to David Snyder, a new BDB board member who’s spearheading the effort to secure more one-on-one meetings, for arranging the latter.
If you’re interested in hosting a meeting with BDB personnel and a board member, please feel free to reach out to us at 772-221-1380. If you’re eager to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals for your business, Now’s The Time!
Joan Goodrich’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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VANRIPER’S VIEWS
By Darlene VanRiper
It Might Only Take Two Books…
Floridians, and especially we on the Treasure Coast, near the St. Lucie Estuary, face a dilemma that I have come to believe we might in a small way really help to solve. The water issue for Florida is very complicated with many stakeholders.
It has been for decades. And while we are seeing some movement (finally) because of our local legislators and tenacious residents, we are also facing an influx of both tourists and migrants from other states that Florida has not seen since the ‘20s when air conditioning became practical.
I moved here in 1996. I had no idea Florida had a water issue. Thankfully, I was interested in local affairs and had a thirst to know more. But there are many, many newly arrived who are too busy enjoying our beautiful shores and fine weather, not to mention our relative “freedom” as the Governor puts it, to worry or want to understand that Florida is all about water.
All about controlling the water, having enough water, not polluting the water, not letting the sea water invade the precious aquifer, stopping red tide and blue-green algae. Dogs die, people get sick, you can’t swim in the ocean. On the other hand, don’t release Lake O when it gets too high, and a dam could break flooding and possibly killing thousands.
Release too much water from this huge source and residents in Palm Beach County don’t have drinking water. Fishermen in Lake O can’t fish for the famous little catfish because boats can’t navigate it at low levels. I didn’t even mention the much maligned “Big Sugar” complication. No newcomer can possibly grasp all of this.
Years ago, I started giving befriended newcomers a book entitled A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith. My understanding was that it had been mandatory for Florida’s school children to read at one time. It should be again. Written as an historical novel, it is a lovely, romanticized introduction to Florida’s pioneer past. Everyone I gifted it to expressed finding in it an understanding of the real Florida.
The second book I wish every newcomer to the Sunshine State would read is The Swamp by Michael Grunwald. More of a political history, but riveting non-the-less, I found myself holding my breath more than once at the thought of what could have been. It left me feeling like the Everglades has simply been a stubborn survivor alone for so long without a friend. Finally, we have come to appreciate this miracle of nature.
If I had my way, we’d greet people at the Georgia border with these books. Why not help those newcomers you befriend to understand our unique eco-system? Welcome them with a gift of a couple of books and we just might solve a problem.
Darlene VanRiper’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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PINE’S PONDERING
By Tom Pine
Are you tired yet of riding around in circles in the Jensen Beach area ???.
I hope not, because our county governments obsession with circles continues on Savanna Road less than three tenths of a mile south of the circle in front of the Cumberland Farms convenience store. The newest million dollar circle will be in front of Jensen Park Estates and the new rental housing project called The Reserve directly across the street.
There was a survey taken some time ago of the residents of Jensen Park Estates in which the majority did not support the idea of another circle on Savanna Road especially boat owners, but that made no difference to our local government leaders, as we are only here to pay the bills not voice for our opinions.
Originally the county was going to force the residents of Jensen Park Estates two pay for all of the utilities that had to be moved because of the new circle which would have been a major finical hit to those residents.
Then a local activist and a resident of Jensen Park Estates, Jackie Trancynger, got involved and spoke at a county commission meeting objecting to the counties plan to force them to pay for the moving of the utilities.
Sometime later at a community board meeting the president confirmed that the county had changed its mind and would in fact pay for the moving of all the utilities and that the residents should thank Mrs. Trancynger and the two County Commissioners that stepped up to help, Commissioner Sarah Heard and Commissioner Edward Ciampi for getting the job done.
Jackie Trancynger was also one of the early organizers of the movement to stop the county from eliminating Chapter Two of Martin Counties Growth Management Plan.
Truth to Power
Tom Pine’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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McCHRYSTAL’S MEANDERINGS
By Frank McChrystal
Frank told me he had nothing.
Frank McChrystal’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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HAFNER’S CORNER
By David Hafner
To my left the sun is rising over a sugarcane field, to my right several white-tailed deer are grazing on dew covered grass, and in the waterway between an otter is playfully bathing.
As I travel a bit further spoonbills, herons, and egrets blanket the bank of the canal while off in the distance a herd of Angus cattle graze in the warming sunshine. It is an ever changing, magical vista that I enjoy each day on my drive to work, and it is thanks to agriculture that I get to enjoy these moments.
You see, the wide-open spaces we enjoy in Martin County stay green- and native species thrive- thanks to farmers and ranchers. I recall a time I took my family to an amusement park and at the park there was a demonstration featuring a Crested Caracara. The presenter said you will likely never see one of these in the wild and I replied I see several every day. The presenter doubted me until I explained I live where there is a lot of ranch land, to which the presenter agreed that ranch land is a great habitat for these threatened birds.
Photo credit to rancher Brad Phares
Several years ago, I met with the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and he flat out said the State of Florida cannot manage the lands in their care effectively. He said it is only because of the relationship Florida has with ranchers, who use the land to graze cattle, that invasive species like Brazilian Pepper have not completely taken over. I will take that even a step further, it is because of farmers and ranchers that the lands around us have not been completely developed; but for how long?
The final crop for any farm or ranch is a development or strip mall. When the farm is no longer profitable, when there is no one left to take over the operations, when the farmer is tired of constantly being blamed for environmental issues that are not his fault, he sells out. How much water is filtered in a shopping center, how much carbon is sequestered in a parking lot, how much food is grown in a neighborhood, where do the animals go?
To point the finger squarely at farmers while you have a pantry full of food is the very definition of privilege. Our farmers and ranchers need our support, or we will lose them.
David Hafner’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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JURGENS JOURNAL
By Kallie Jurgens
Like many who read this newsletter, I have lived in a multitude of places in the Northeast and South. And wherever I have moved, I have had the distinct luxury of being near a wonderful library. Reading provides solace for me, enriches my knowledge, and increases my understanding of those who are different from me.
Martin County’s libraries are definitely one of the better systems I have had the pleasure to know and cherish. Its six libraries — Blake, Hobe Sound, Elizabeth Lahti, Hoke, Peter and Julia Cummings, and Robert Morgade—never disappoint in number of books available, interesting activities, and superior staff.
Kallie Jurgens
There’s something for everyone at the libraries. Want story hours for your grandchildren? Crafts for teens? See an art exhibit? Listen to an orchestra? It’s all there. There’s even Museum passes for free to the Elliott Museum, Oceanographic Institute, and Children’s Museum. For youngsters struggling to do better, there is homework help.
Just recently, the county totally refurbished the courtyard outside of the Blake Library. It has been enhanced with sheltered reading places, beautiful plantings, Internet availability if you want to work in a serene space and areas to sit and ponder life.
I was out and about recently, and someone asked if I was the person who wrote for this newsletter. I answered I was, and she noted she always reads my column because it’s so positive. I thanked her and realized it’s very easy to complain about issues but just as easy to stay focused on what’s good in the world around us.
Thanks for reading!
Kallie Jurgen’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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PALM CITY HIGHLIGHTS
By Missi Campbell
Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber
There are many things in life of which I am grateful.
One of them is being given the opportunity to have known and loved Frances Langford Evinrude. Grandma Frances, as I was fortunate enough to call her, was an amazing lady and a true patriot. I was thrilled to hear her stories about her time in the USO touring with Bob Hope and her longtime friend, Patty Thomas.
Grandma Frances instilled in me the desire to honor and support our American heroes serving our country here and overseas. I did not really join the military services, but I do my part to offer encouragement in other ways. When I was a Kindergarten teacher, my students would adopt a service member each year. We would send CARE packages throughout the year to brighten the service person’s days away from home.
I have had the distinct honor to participate with the Southeast Florida Honor Flight program three times. This is a very busy day for both the veteran and their guardian. You meet two weeks before the actual flight to get to know your veteran.
I had lunch with Mr. Seymour Hoffman and his lovely wife, Annette, at the end of March in 2017. Our Honor Flight to Washington, D. C., was on Saturday, April 8th. At that time, Mr. Hoffman was 95 years young. We had so much fun!
We were fortunate to meet retired Senator Bob Dole at the World War II Memorial and then we toured the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the Korean War Memorial, and visited with Abraham Lincoln.
Mr. Seymour Hoffman is a World War II veteran who enlisted in the Army at the age of twenty on Columbus Day, October 12, 1942. He served for four years and then came back to marry the love of his life, Annette. They were married for over 70 years, until her passing a couple of years ago. Mr. Hoffman worked in the garment industry in New York until he retired to Boynton Beach in the early 1990s.
My life has been forever changed by this amazing man who turned 100 years old on January 17th. We will be honoring him at the Palm City Chamber of Commerce’s 43rd Annual Installation Gala on February 5th at Martin Downs Golf Club.
The Palm City Chamber of Commerce arranged for a flag to be flown over the United States Capitol on January 17th to honor Seymour Hoffman’s 100th birthday. Mr. Hoffman will be presented with that special flag and a certificate of authenticity at our event.
Missi Campbell’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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FISHING TIPS
BY Capt. Paul Sperco
Here we are in the middle of January already and our local fishing should begin getting good.
I did want to take a minute and say a few words about the passing of Henry Caimotto. Anyone who has taken advantage of the fabulous fishing that our local waters have to offer has most likely been to the number one bait and tackle store on the Treasure Coast, the Snook Nook in Jensen Beach .
Henry became the owner of the Snook Nook all the way back in 1984 and as Ed Killer stated in the TCPalm publications this week, he was known as “The Mayor of Jensen Beach.” Henry was a clean water advocate for years and fought and promoted the need to keep our waterways clean to preserve our great natural resource.
Since Henrys retirement in recent years, he passed the reins to his son Freddy and the Snook Nook continues to be “the” bait and tackle store on the Treasure Coast. The fishing world and our local community lost an icon last week and he will be deeply missed.
On the local fishing front big winds and challenging surf conditions this past week have kept the surf fishing to a minimum. January started with light winds and some pretty good pompano action on the Martin and St Lucie County beaches. There were also a few nice permit along with some bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and whiting that fell to anglers using Electric Chicken, EZ Flea, and Yellow Crab Fishbites. Local angler and friend Chuck Frith from Jensen Beach is pictured here with a big permit that he landed.
Capt. John Young of Bites On Charters checked in and reported an excellent sheepshead catch for customer David Bildstein. They also added some nice Spanish mackerel, black drum, and croaker to their catch list.
Capt. John has been targeting docks and seawalls in the St Lucie and Indian Rivers. Live shrimp has been the bait of choice. The water temperature is dropping with the recent cold fronts we have been seeing and this should trigger some great surf and river action as the month moves on.
Good luck and catch em up.
Paul Sperco’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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Martin County Taxpayers Association
January 2022 Newsletter
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
The firefighters were granted permission by the BOCC to apply for a SAFER grant. SAFER stands for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. This is a federal grant through FEMA. The MCFD will apply, FEMA will then examine the application and decide if they will fund all-some-or none of the 40 new firefighters.
It is assumed that FEMA will do a thorough investigation of our fire department…” like an audit,” as Commissioner Ciampi stated. Is that what the grant states or hyperbole on the commissioner’s part.
The grant stipulates that FEMA would pay 100% of the firefighter’s salaries in the first 3 years. After that Martin County taxpayers are responsible for 100% of all salary and benefits.
This raises questions and concerns. Fire Chief Chad Cianciulli does an excellent job of getting out in front of the discussion by anticipating some of those concerns. He freely admits that 40 more firefighters (there are 315 total needed per shift…what constitutes a shift…what constitutes a workday) is not in proportion with the growth of the county. (Even during the heaviest “growth” years, Martin County only grows around 2%).
He reasons that because Martin County now has 16 adult living facilities (up from 9 and are they all in their service area or does that include Stuart also?) there has been a 49% rise in responses since 2009. And, since 83% of their calls are medical, they need EMTs and paramedics on the vehicles.
Chad Cianciulli
A number of calls are turning into primary care and OBGYN services for some. Cleveland Clinic’s ambulances are mainly for transporting patients to and from facilities. House fires and brush fires are up, but the greatest increase number are traffic accidents which have skyrocketed.
It can take 15 – 20 responders to handle some of these calls. It takes 5 responders just to assess a cardiac patient, according to the chief.
Martin County applied and received the SAFER grant in 2009 and 33 firefighters were added. Then taxpayers had been paying $3M in overtime because MCFD was 61 first responders short. After 3 years the overtime was reduced to $200K per year.
Then in 2018, 24 more were hired through another SAFER grant. According to Chief Cianciulli it takes 3 years to bring new hires up to par with our Martin County firefighters. The county sends them to EMT school which costs the taxpayer $8,000 each. And, even though the newly hired sign a 3-year contract, we sometimes lose employees to more southern counties who pay 10% more.
Martin County lost 55 responders to competing counties over a 3-year period. And we are currently paying around $1M in overtime.
Chief Cianciulli makes a good argument. He strives for no longer than a 6-minute response time. However, Martin County (not including Stuart and Sewell’s Point which have their own department) has 11 fire stations. If we need 315 firefighters per shift, that’s 26 + personnel per station.
We taxpayers pay for their training, uniforms, benefits, and salaries for many years until their retirement. Chief Cianciulli stated that it costs over $76k to replace just one. Is there a way to enforce those 3-year contracts?
What is the income side of the equation? What is the reimbursement for calls to adult living facilities? The County also helps the City of Stuart when asked and there is reciprocity. How charges occur between the departments is spelled out in the new inter local agreement.
Chief Cianciulli has also renegotiated air transport for those that require a trauma center (Martin County has NO trauma facility) and he claims a savings $10M.
MCTA will study this further. In the future we will look at costs in a comparable county. We will also examine the county’s protocols for answering calls. How does the City of Stuart respond and could either learn methods and cost savings from the other?
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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
Ruth “Ski” Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector
Volunteers the Heart of the community.
Valuing our seniors for their experience and expertise!
Many of our ”snow birds”, after years of coming down here just for the season, decide to make Martin county their permanent residence.
Martin County is blessed to have the experience, wisdom, knowledge, enthusiasm and compassion of seniors. We honor those seniors who continue to share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience to make our community and the world a better place in which to live. These seniors unselfishly use their retirement years to serve and to help others.
Martin County Tax Collector routinely cooperates with the volunteers of the United Way , which coordinates work of hundreds of volunteers in Martin county. By taking over specific tasks, volunteers not only make it possible for the employees to focus on their everyday duties and responsibilities, but also share with them their wisdom and experience and often amuse us with their wit. Their energy and positive attitude are so transparent and contagious; enthusiasm for the tasks at hand are apparent and evident. Every assignment is treated with attention and interest. They are very special people whose donation of time and effort warrants special consideration and appreciation.
Our efforts of delivering great service is often supported by our dedicated team of volunteers, ready to assist. They help us guarantee timely delivery of notices, renewals, and bills, and lighten our work load.
Whatever it is that motivates them to help, we at the Martin County Tax Collector’s office hope that volunteers find the contribution of their time and energy an important and enjoyable experience for themselves as well as for the office of the Tax Collector. We routinely recognize our volunteers for their work, and we try to express how grateful we are to have them on our team every time we have a chance, so allow me to say it again on behalf of the staff of the Tax Collector’s Offices, thank you for being a constant, reliable source of help, support, and assistance. We VALUE your experience and appreciate and are very grateful for your support and for sharing your wisdom with us!
Thank you for volunteering!
From Martin County School District:
From The City of Stuart:
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The first letter is from Audrey Taggart:
The increase in the number of deaths would have happened with or without COVID. The baby boomers (1946 – 1964) is now growing old – over 65 -since 2010. Obviously, the annual death rate has increased each year. Annual births increased from under 3 million to 4 million per year for 20 years in those years.
The normal death rates in the US ranged from 8.1 to 9.6 per 1,000 so when it went to 10.1 per 1,000 was this due to COVID or increasing elderly portion of US population? The 65+ portion always makes up 75% of all deaths in the US.
Why not look into the facts?
Why not employ science instead of emotion?
Our next two letters are from John Donovan:
Tom
Your assessment on “Let’s Go Brandon “ in this last issue is a vapid, vacuous and intellectually dishonest review.
I strongly suggest you take your mediocre talents elsewhere. The left in this county has done far more damage in the past 40 years in trying to keep things “civil” and this is the end result.
It’s hit critical mass and will not come back until we have some very serious situation arise around the country. Meaning people tell the left to F off!
Feel free to unsubscribe me from your email list anytime.
Second email followed 15 minutes later:
If we allow our mayors to have power over our Constitutionally-protected right to free association and over our very livelihoods, then we deserve the tyranny we get.
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The next letter is from Marcy Pitkin:
Regarding ag zoing
I grew up in a small dairy farming focused not too far west of Scranton, PA. You know home of Hillary and Joe.
A fellow who was a member of my class was designated Future Farmer of the year in 1961. He inherited a farm and so far as I know raised cattle for most of the intervening years.
I had a chat with him a year or so ago. Now, he keeps his low-cost property tax by putting one heifer in the fields in the spring and then selling it before winter. That has never seemed fair to me. For most of my adult years I summered at a summer lake cottage in the same county which had been in my family since 1885. I had to pay school, township, and county taxes. My children went to school in other states including Florida. The farm deal never seemed fair to me.
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And from Pam Orr:
Thank you for posting about the passing of Dr. Anderson. I worked for him at the Roschman center right out of high school. He certainly made an impact in my life as well as Martin County and Indian River State College.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
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Last from Rick Harman:
I am concerned with the amount of misinformation being delivered in the opinion pieces of the newsletter. In the most recent edition, Mr. McChrystal discusses the St. Augustine grass variety ‘Floratam’. He references that the University of Florida and University of Tampa were paid by developers to develop a grass that would thrive in the swamp. This struck me as odd, and in less than 10 seconds, I had verified my suspicions. Floratam was indeed developed by the University of Florida but it was Texas A&M that collaborated. The cultivar was developed for its resistance to chinch bug and St. Augustine Decline (SAD) virus. It is one of the most drought-tolerant varieties of St. Augustine grass according to multiple sources including the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. I cannot comment on the source of funding for the joint project but it was referred to as an academic program.
Regarding Mr. McChrystal’s predictions of the results of Martin County’s vote to implement the SFWMD’s irrigation guidelines, the City of Stuart has restricted lawn irrigation to twice a week since July 2010 (City Ordinance #2202-10) and I haven’t noticed a “universal brownout” as Mr. McChrystal warns. If homeowners research appropriate, knowledgeable sources, and implement the guidelines faithfully, this rule change is not likely to affect lawns, and may even help to reduce water waste and nutrient runoff into our river.
While I agree with the ultimate point of Mr. McChrystal’s article that we should move away from finely manicured lawns, details matter when broadcasting to a large audience. The misinformation in this case was used to create a divisive viewpoint (“your neighbor is cheating”, “developers paid the schools to get what they want”, etc). That is sadly a recurring theme in the opinion articles. Yes, the veiled threat of the supposed silent majority rising up “soon, very soon” is still fresh in my mind from the December 5, 2021 McChrystal piece. I am happy to disagree with opinion pieces, and I still enjoy reading them to get a different point of view, but the newsletter should not be a party to the spread of misinformation and divisiveness that is so easily verified with a quick search.
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MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 11, 2022:
It was a meeting of less than an hour.
The meeting’s focus was Taryn Kryzda giving notice of her intent to retire in June. She explained that after 35 years, it was time. Taryn has informed the state pension authority of her intention to retire (known as DROP).
Once that notice is given, she is looked upon by the state as having retired already as far as her pension is concerned. Taryn had five years to stop working from the date she gave notice, and she will receive a lump sum payment from the Florida Retirement System for those years in addition to her regular pension. This June will be the 5th year.
Taryn said that she had built a good team and that the county can count on them to continue. Kryzda recommended that Don Donaldson succeed her. He has been her deputy for the past five years. Donaldson has been employed by the county for 25 years.
Ciampi gave her much praise as did the rest of the commission. A motion was made by Ciampi to direct staff to begin negotiations with Donaldson for a new contract. It was seconded by Hetherington. There is no rush, and nothing will come back to the commission until late April or May. The motion passed 4-0.
Congratulations to Kryzda for a job well done. Congratulations to Donaldson for being chosen. He has a hard act to follow.
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COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 10, 2021:
There was an excellent presentation from Fire Chief Felicione.
He outlined the past and the future. The good and the bad. It was very informative.
Now that a new Inter Local Agreement has been signed with the county (one I understand that the county prepared), there should be no doubt which agency is responsible for which territory. It should be a rare occurrence when Stuart is asked by the county to respond or for the city to ask the county to respond.
The head of the fire union was present and praised the chief and city staff for working together with the rank and file on a common goal. In the next few months, there will be increased tension between the city and county departments. The county is actively trying to poach city department members.
Does the county pay more? Absolutely, but the city personnel in my opinion have a better opportunity for advancement and easier method of having their grievances heard because of the smaller size of the department. And normally I would say that the market would decide. Yet the county has individually called Stuart’s employees to entice them with goodies. A sad commentary in my opinion on the county.
The city is committed to building a third house north of the bridge to service that area. Currently, there is a rescue vehicle on city land with a tricked-out camper to act as their home. Once a new station is built it well, be fully staffed with an engine and a compliment of firefighters.
My worry is that the city manager and commission are allowing political pressures to delay the building of a station. They need to pick a spot and ignore the inevitable NIMBY protests and do what is best for the welfare of all the city’s citizens and taxpayers.
The chief’s presentation can be found here
MONTEREY MEDICAL
My understanding of this agenda item took a complete turn from the time I walked into the meeting to when I left.
I completely misunderstood what this agenda item was about. I am not so sure four of the commissioners had any better understanding either. I looked at it as if it was a PUD amendment which would open up questions of parking and whether that open space should be made into parking which would have allowed the commission to negotiate with the applicant. However, it was not a PUD amendment.
From day one, the Monterey building never had adequate parking. It has been a nightmare for the tenants, their patients, and anyone trying to go inside for an appointment. So, when they were requesting to take open space for parking, I was all for denying it until they did something more than add a few spaces.
My understanding of what the commission was being asked to decide was dead wrong. There was no maneuverability available to the commission to trade off this for that.
The sole question before the board was whether what the applicant wanted to do complied with code. Because of the way the city’s code is written, the only thing the city commission must determine is whether the code is being followed. It is the same as an application for a permit…if it complies, then the answer is yes.
What was not before the commission was a negotiation for more parking or whether to allow cutting down trees. I was right with Clark and Matheson (who voted no) to deny the applicant what he wanted to do for environmental and parking reasons. But a commissioner cannot vote no if it complies with the law because of the way the item was added to the agenda and presented.
I started to understand what was required when the city attorney was trying to make the commission understand what was being asked of them. Unfortunately, Mortell was shut down by the commissioners. Commissioner Meier cited 11.01.02 of the code as to what the commission was voting on. It is a simple yes or no. Meier understood. Because storm water element was opened by the applicant perhaps something with that technology would have been appropriate for the commissioners to discuss.
I am not privy to any conversations that the commissioners had with the city manager, city attorney, or the development director. To me it would have been a simple conversation to have with each prior to the meeting. Since the commissioners are not the experts, they must rely on staff to tell them what their obligations are. It doesn’t appear that was done or, if it was attempted, that it was clearly explained to them.
If I had been a commissioner when I walked into that meeting with the understanding I had, I would have voted no. By the time, the agenda item was over, there could only be one way to vote and that was yes to follow the law. A memo to the commission by the city attorney/development director/city manager outlining this before the meeting would have gone a long way. Then each commissioner could have explained why they were voting yes even though wanting to vote no.
If the commissioners were told what they were obligated to do under the state statute and city code then decided to do what they wanted, the resulting legal action would have been on them. Staff sometimes must be insistent before the meeting.
The motion placed a condition that they must keep 30 spaces at Truist Bank building or some other off premise area, a plan to maintain the parking area, and a nutrient reduction plan that equates to the same as the dry retention. The vote was 3-2 with Matheson and Clarke voting no.
The city’s presentation can be found here
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SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP JANUARY 11, 2022:
There was not much on the agenda for this meeting.
During public comment, a woman thanked the board for not imposing a mask mandate. By way of explanation, the board has no control over whether to impose one or not. The state has removed that decision from local authority so that no school district can impose a mask mandate. There really is no reason for anyone to make mention of mask mandates in his/her public comment.
Tyson Waters, the board’s attorney, gave members an update on the county CRAs wanting to allow bars within 50 feet of schools. Currently, the rule is either 300 or 500 feet depending on circumstance. The only school affected would be Palm City Elementary.
I do not see all the fear associated with whether that happens or not. There were plenty of bars in my neighborhoods as a kid, and not once was I tempted to stop in for a short one. As to increased auto traffic because desperate drivers will zoom in to have a drink, I really cannot see much of a problem either.
Perhaps the children may be affected if there are tipsy smokers outside of these establishments. It probably would be a lesson on why you do not want to find yourself sitting on a bar stool at 2 pm on a weekday. With what these kids watch on TV and play on video games, this is tamed stuff.
Change is difficult.
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SEWALL’S POINT MEETING JANUARY 12, 2022:
We have all heard the expression about shooting yourself in the foot. The Sewall’s Point Commission does it over and over. They are once again without a town manager and a town finance director now that both have tendered their resignations. And the town accomplished it without any assistance from others outside their community.
The meeting started off with the commission discussing Michelle Berger’s contract once again. Her contract has been a point of discussion since September 14, 2021, when she sent the commission a memo with information including salaries in other municipalities. HERE
Since then, the commission has continuously kicked the can down the road until last month when they began discussing a new contract during the December meeting. 90% of the terms had been worked out when Commissioner Kurzman had a medical emergency and Commissioner Campo left for another engagement.
The three remaining commissioners thought it better to wait until the full board resumed. They could have picked up where they left off but instead chose to take more public comment and then discuss nonmonetary terms that had already been agreed upon.
In the interim between meetings, a resident who had never spoken to Michele or had any interaction with her collected a petition with 167 names for her ouster. That is a lot of residents, but what was it based on? Apparently, rumors included plans to bar school busses from the town’s roads or placing a supermarket behind town hall. There is no rational response to suggestions such as those.
I imagine that there were some legitimate complaints. She can, at times, be brusque when people are used to hand holding. Yet when she was carrying out commission decisions, she received the blame as if she were acting independently from the commission for their decisions in such matters as the tax increase and investigating the county septic-to-sewer options.
The commission finished the contract, the terms were voted on and, in all probability if it had been left there, she would have accepted the contract. Then the commission discussed whether they had confidence in her which, to any rational person, would be approaching the matter backwards.
However, the commission finally came around and acknowledged their confidence in her…though not unanimously. It was not enough for Berger, and she did not accept the contract. Her resignation letter can be found here
There will be a meeting on January 20th to discuss the town’s options.
SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 20, 2022:
The town has a major challenge going forward.
It will be a 3-to-6-month process in finding a new manager. Sewall’s Point is also looking for a permanent finance director. That position is selected by the town manager. Berger is still the manager until January 31st, she has selected Holly Vath to be interim finance director.
Holly has worked for the town before and has also been employed by Stuart and Ocean Breeze. She is a consummate professional and I was glad that the commission did not contradict Michele. The charter gives the manager the right to hire and fire staff. The commission should not be involved.
Paul Nicoletti
The commission then turned to hiring an interim manager. There are three people that expressed an interest. Matt Benoit, the former city manager of Jupiter; Dan Hudson, who was the city manager of Stuart and has worked at the county; and Paul Nicoletti, former city manager of Stuart. All three would be very able.
Benoit has quoted $11,500 per month, Hudson $75 per hour for 30 hours per week or $9,750 per month, and Nicoletti $12,000 per month. Torcivia, the town attorney, said that the position should be that of an employee and not a contractor according to tax people in his firm. If the commission goes that route, then some benefits may have to be provided.
Dan Hudson
I do not know Benoit but both Nicoletti and Hudson are used to large staffs. They are very able to discuss any topic and will make themselves available to the residents. They have both worked with Joe Capra, the engineer, in the past and have knowledge to manage the projects underway at a 30,000-foot level. I doubt whether they will do grant management as Berger did. That will probably fall back to an outside consultant.
Commissioner Campo is very insistent that the interim manager take the lead on finding a new manager. I do not know whether any interim would take on that responsibility. I imagine that Nicoletti and Hudson would recommend that either the ICMA or a search firm be retained.
There was some talk about opening the new manager search process to the residents’ participation. That is not a bad idea. However, that would add time.
The quickest way to do that would be for this ad hoc committee to be formed and each commissioner appointing one or two residents. There would also have to be the attorney attending to keep everything legal and the clerk to take notes. This would be a sunshine committee open to the public with all their deliberations.
This process is going to cost many thousands of dollars… the interim manager, interim finance director, additional legal costs for the attorney’s time, additional advertising costs for public meetings, advertising costs for the position, background checks, and perhaps a search firm and other search expenses. Of course, during the search process, they will save the pay of the manager and finance director.
No one should forget that the commission in trying to save a few thousand dollars in negotiations with Berger has cost the town much more in money, continuity, and disruption. Not a good return on investment. And most importantly Berger was not fired but chose not to renew her contract.
The next meeting to interview and pick an interim manager will be next Wednesday, January 26th at 6 pm.
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 2022
The council and staff must speak into their microphones. Most of what Guyton Stone said during the meeting was not heard online or on the recording. Mayor Clarke also fades in and out. Mr. Brown has learned, for the most part, to speak into his mike. Now the rest of the council needs to do so.
The council approved spending up to $175,000 on software so that staff can work in the field. They are piggy backing on the City of Groveland’s contract. They also approved spending of nearly $85,000 from the wastewater/water fund for a piece of equipment to clean out the sewer lines and lift stations. Staff stated this equipment would prevent backups.
The council then discussed the manager’s evaluation forms and what criteria to use. Gibbs-Thomas was in favor of using the existing one that the council has used in the past. Although long, she found it provided what was necessary to give the manager a complete evaluation.
Dowling suggested changing the format to judge the manager on concrete accomplishment of five projects. He felt that there was no reason to go into so much detail. Hernandez’s reasoning was more a stream of consciousness than an argument for one or the other. She kept saying that she is not a micromanager, and that Brown does a good job and works hard.
Stone brought up the City of Stuart’s form which has more than five questions but less than Indiantown’s current one. The council adopted that 4-1 with Dowling dissenting.
Gibbs-Thomas who had earlier given a lengthy report about what was going on at the Indiantown chamber wanted to know why Hernandez, the Indiantown representative at the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities (the local league), did not report on the October or November meetings. She had earlier mentioned the Christmas luncheon in December.
The council had asked the executive director of the league to give a report to the council last August. The local league’s board said that any report regarding how the league operates should be given by the village’s representative, Hernandez, which was in the minutes of the September meeting of the local league. Gibbs-Thomas wanted to know why that report was not given.
There is bad blood between Gibbs-Thomas and Hernandez stretching back to when the council substituted Hernandez for Gibbs-Thomas last year at the local league. Gibbs-Thomas was in line to be in leadership and, within a couple of years, assume the presidency of the local league. Once Gibbs-Thomas was replaced, Indiantown lost its position in leadership. Gibbs-Thomas was also the district representative to the Florida League of Cities Board. She did maintain that for the year since the appointment came from the local league. Gibbs-Thomas is no longer the representative.
When challenged why the report was not made as was called for by the league, Hernandez accused Gibbs-Thomas of racism and ageism. Hernandez did the same thing at the league during a meeting but that was easily rebuffed by the current League of Treasure Coast Cities president, Joliene Caraballo from Port St. Lucie, who is the next president of the Florida League of Cities.
Hernandez stormed out of the council meeting. She stated that Gibbs-Thomas should take the position back. Gibbs-Thomas stated she was no longer interested with the league and that the alternate, Guyton Stone, could do it.
This should have never risen to this level. This was simply not a big deal. In my opinion, many mistakes were made. Indiantown should have made a request of the local league not a demand. Indiantown should have asked that someone come and explain how the local league picks officers, etc. It would not be a bad idea for the league to visit every city and give that little spiel about itself.
Hernandez needs to stop playing the race card. Are some people prejudiced against her because she is of Guatemalan origin? Of course, they are. But I do not believe Gibbs-Thomas is. Caraballo isn’t. She is also a Hispanic woman (Cuban American) only a few years older than Hernandez.
Hernandez should have said that she would gladly prepare a report for the next meeting. That would have ended Gibbs-Thomas’ complaint and reason for discussion. The council needs to pull itself together.
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What is the purpose of incorporation into a municipality?
It usually is to have municipal services provided that are greater than what the county provides, to be in control of development, and have an identity that brings together the residents in a common bond. Ocean Breeze has none of that.
Ocean Breeze was a trailer park when it incorporated. It was a time when Florida was a backwater. It was a way for the owners of the trailer park to really control things without pesky interference from county officials. Today, that area is known as a resort.
Over the years, it annexed in properties such as the Ocean Breeze shopping center and the new development, Seawalk was built on vacant land. The town was much more amenable than the county to getting those projects developed.
The town is right up against downtown Jensen Beach which is in unincorporated Martin County. The focal point of Ocean Breeze is the old trailer park that has been completely remodeled.
All seven elected town leaders reside in the park. And they are not very accommodating to the Seawalk folks. Their meetings are held during the day, which is fine for the mostly retired resort residents, but not so good for anyone else.
The town has the county sheriff and Martin County Fire/Rescue for public safety. Their building department and code enforcement rely on county staff who are moonlighting. Government is run out of a rented office and meetings are held at the resort’s clubhouse. There is no public works department, programs, or parks.
Ocean Breeze has no purpose as a town. It is a relic from another time often referred to as ”Old Florida” when a handshake and perhaps something else got a bill through the legislature. Their purpose to continue as a municipality should be questioned by the residents since they are the ones paying taxes to fund it.
There is one purpose that continued incorporation can have for Ocean Breeze. Ocean Breeze could work with downtown Jensen Beach to annex providing the community with a voice in its own development. Jensen was incorporated in 1926 but dis-incorporated during the 1930s Great Depression. Maybe it should be incorporated again. If old time Jensen were to be annexed into Ocean Breeze, then a viable municipality could be created.
That is highly unlikely to occur. What is more likely is that the new residents of Seawalk will eventually take over the town council and perhaps find a reason for the town to continue. Otherwise, they may move to disband.
There is nothing to report from the council meeting held on January 10th.
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COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 2022:
There was a discussion about what to do with the vacancy created by Heck’s resignation from the commission.
Pidot, Collins, and Townsend were in favor of an appointment by the commission as outlined in the town’s charter. The appointed person would remain in office until the next election in 2023. Appointment is the way the commission has handled vacancies in the past.
When asked, the town’s attorney said they could have an interim election. Brooks wanted that option and cited his own decision to run the day before he filed stating that campaigns could begin, and candidates could be found immediately. The others were in favor of using the same method as had been used in the past which was to solicit residents to submit their names and any backup material to the clerk.
Collins said that, at present, there was too much animosity in town and an election would only stir it up more. That was the view of three, and so it will be an appointment. A notice will be sent out to the residents to solicit applicants for the vacancy.
There was a presentation by the staff about how to move forward on the ZIP (Zoning in Progress) for the dune line. As it was being presented by staff, I thought that the proposed solution could make matters worse. It looked to me as a taking of the property rights from some parcel owners. Apparently, Pidot believes that also because he indicated that his support would be contingent upon it being part of a universal settlement, and everyone agreed. Ethan Loeb, an attorney for several of the 300 block owners, concurred.
It appears adopting the staff’s recommendation will not be the solution. You can find the proposal here
The next day, Judge Sweet ruled from the bench that the suit brought by the Testas regarding inadequate resident notice for the adoption of Ordinance 376 was dismissed. This will probably be appealed, but there is little chance of it being overturned. The Town immediately sent out a notice to town residents.
It is sad when a former county and town commissioner needs to cast aspersions about this newsletter and Hobe Sound Currents for reporting on town business. Yelling “fake news” and living with “alternate facts” may be the new reality now when detractors use these tactics instead of using reasoned argument. I have not reported anything that was untrue.
In fact, most of my reporting was centered on the fact Commissioner Brooks could not recuse himself from voting just because he was being sued for sunshine violations by one of the parties to the Beach Road debacle. And with that reporting, I even offered Brooks’ attorney a chance to send me where in statute it stated that he could recuse himself for this reason.
Nowhere did the former commissioner have a reasoned argument in her diatribe. I assume that Hobe Sound Currents will continue reporting the facts. I know I will come what happens with people trying to stop me.
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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
BGMC Reschedules Event
Inez Frid, my former colleague at Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, is now Marketing Manager of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. She asked me to share the following with you:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is committed to the health and well-being of everyone in the community. In response to the recent surge of coronavirus, they are rescheduling the 28th Annual Benefit, A Night of Flamenco, from January 27 to March 3 at 6 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit www.bgca.org. If you’ve already registered, email jdurrant@bgcmartin.org to confirm your attendance.
Graphic provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of MC
Fore Sistas Golf Tournament Names Benefitting Non-Profits
The inaugural Fore Sistas Golf Tournament, which will take place the weekend of January 28-29 at Martin Downs Golf Club in Palm City, has shared the names of the Treasure Coast non-profits that will benefit from any net proceeds.
Photo provided by Phyllis Gillespie Some of the participants in the Fore Sistas Golf Tournament
Phyllis Gillespie, a partner at the Law Firm of Gary, Williams, Parent, Watson & Gary, PLLC, in Stuart and one of the organizers of the tournament, recently told me that Helping People Succeed, Inc., Coral Shores Behavioral Health, Martin Council on Aging, End It, Florida Community Health Centers and Gifford Youth Achievement Center have been selected.
Fore Sistas is a group of women golfers of color who enjoy gathering on the links to raise money for 501(c)(3) organizations that impact the lives of children and the elderly in the local community.
For information, contact either Phyllis Gillespie, Esq. at pmgillespie1@gmail.com or Martha Clark at mtunixs@gmail.com.
Little Lights Dentistry Offers Free Dental Care for Kids
A chance re-connect over Christmas with my former Jupiter neighbor Allison Wright brought me up to date on Little Lights Dentistry, where Allison is a board member.
This unique program, which is under the umbrella of Light of the World Charities, provides free dental care for uninsured, low-income children living on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Although it’s governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, led by Bob Crandall, former CEO of American Airlines, Little Lights Dentistry is a community of dental professionals, volunteers, and donors committed to providing quality dental care to uninsured children in need.
The team provides comprehensive dental treatment for children ages three until high school graduation at no cost to the family.
Photos provided by Little Lights Dentistry Young patients receiving treatment at Little Lights Dentistry
Little Lights is the only pediatric practice on the Treasure Coast to provide free preventive, acute, and routine dentistry. This includes a dental home, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, sealants and fluoride, extractions, root canals, conscious sedation for pain relief, education on oral health home care routines, and nutritional guidance for the family.
Transportation is provided by Uber Health, ensuring that families with no other travel options have a safe and reliable way to bring their children to and from their dental appointment.
Patient education focuses on oral homecare routines and nutritional guidance that will benefit the entire family. After each appointment, children receive a Goodie Bag, containing their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
Although Little Lights Dentistry is located in Martin County, those in need from neighboring counties are treated, as well.
To learn more, www.lightoftheworldcharities.org or call 772-223-9781.
Honors for Live Your Dream Recipient Sabby Hightower
When Soroptimist of Stuart selected Sabby Hightower to be its Live Your Dream Award Recipient in 2019, they certainly chose a winner.
Parameters for the $1,500 award specified the recipient be the primary breadwinner in the family with more than one dependent who will use the money for an education degree.
Hightower used the money to further her studies at IRSC.
Although her undergraduate career was filled with what could have been insurmountable obstacles, Hightower persevered and in November of 2021 she received the prestigious Leroy Collins Distinguished Alumni Award.
In 1990, the Florida Association of Community Colleges and the State Board of Community Colleges developed these awards to recognize the many significant contributions of Florida’s community colleges and their graduates.
Sabby Hightower received the Leroy Collins award from AFC on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.
Despite losing her father and husband and having the home in which she, her four young children and disabled mother resided totally destroyed by a fire, she excelled at her studies, stayed active in the college community and graduated from (IRSC) with a B.S. in Healthcare Management and an MHA (Executive Master of Health Administration from FAU.
Hightower is currently a student for the Doctorate program at Saybrook University, concentrating in Mind-Body Medicine with a Specialization in Integrative Wellness Coaching.
She is also an active and committed volunteer for many organizations on the Treasure Coast.
When Sabby was asked about the impact of the Live Your Dream Award, she related that the ripple effect of the Award was significant. The publicity about it inspired other organizations to offer her help as well and motivated her to continue to pursue her educational dreams.
To learn more about Soroptimist of Stuart’s Live Your Dream Award, visit www.soroptimistofstuart.org/live-your-dream-award.
Treasure Coast Veterans Alliance Seeks Realtors
Thanks to my Treasure Coast marketing colleague Linda Kloorfain, I recently had the chance to speak with Deb Doherty, a local realtor who is also very invested in nonprofits that help veterans.
Deb is actively recruiting other realtors to join her in the Treasure Coast Veterans Alliance, those who want to use their skills to assist veterans in our area who are interested in buying a home.
Here’s what Deb has to say:
“I, personally, have concerns for veterans and the active military, having had grandfathers, brothers, and cousins who have served this country and grandsons who are currently serving.
“My desire is to help deserving veterans find a place to call home with the assistance of professional real estate agents who will help them have a stress-free experience in purchasing and/or selling their homes.
Photo provided by Deb Doherty
“I started Treasure Coast Veterans Alliance to create a community of like-minded real estate agents who have a passion for giving back to our veterans, agents who listen and truly care about the homebuyer and/or person selling their home in addition to finding the best loan originators who are superior in the lending industry -especially regarding VA Loans.
“I look forward to helping veterans and expanding our community with the most amazing real estate agents in the county.”
For more information, visit www.treasurecoastveteransalliance.com.
Jackie is always looking for a good story…you may reach her at: jackieacolumn@gmail.com
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FINAL THOUGHTS
AMERICA’S CHAOTIC HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
I just want to warn you up front that this has nothing to do with COVID.
Even leaving the current epidemic out of the discussion, our fundamental healthcare system with all its complexity is something that Kafka could not make up. There is no other developed country in the world that will let people choose between bankruptcy or a cure for their illness. A study by the American Journal of Public Health found 66.5% of U.S. bankruptcies in 2019 were because of medical issues.
Most of my working life, I was an entrepreneur. My medical insurance was provided by my spouse who either was employed by the government or a large company. When we did have to obtain our own insurance, it was extraordinarily expensive and, frankly, not very complete coverage.
We were extremely happy to finally qualify for Medicare. There is a cost to the coverage, and it is calculated based on taxable income with higher premiums paid by those whose income is higher. But since going on Medicare with our supplemental plan, we have paid nothing for out-of-pocket expenses, minor surgeries, or doctors’ visits. However, Part D (prescriptions) seems to operate more like our health insurance before Medicare.
Most older people take several prescription drugs. It seems that there is a constant battle between the insurance company and doctor with the customer/patient in the middle. For example, the drugs I take are all generics. I use the mail away service.
However, an approved drug on the formulary today may not be there next year. Each year, the consumer must look to see what company has the prescribed drugs in the prescribed dosages on their formulary.
During the year, the doctor may switch to a different drug or add a new drug. This is where trouble can begin. For instance, the doctor upped my dosage for a necessary drug from 500 MG twice a day to 1000 MG twice a day. The drug plan doesn’t cover the increased dosage. If I wanted the pill in that dosage, I was told it would be $5000 per month. When asked whether it would be covered if the doctor prescribed 2 pills of 500 MG taken twice a day, the clerk responded that it would.
After another week of doctor/insurance company back and forth, my prescription is on the way. So, I will now receive a 90-day supply which will come to 360 pills instead of 180 pills. My copay is $3 instead of $5,000 for a generic drug.
I understand that at times doctors will prescribe and treat over aggressively. In most instances the doctor is not at fault but the system itself which is broken. Any rational person would say it has to cost more to supply 360 pills of the same drug than 180 even with a larger dosage. Rationality like so much in American life no longer has any place.
Don’t even get me started on how long it takes to see a specialist if you are not already a patient. Talk about rationing…
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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)
