Tom Campenni
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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER
In this edition, Jackie Holfelder begins bringing you her own unique content and style for the newsletter. I think you will enjoy this addition which highlights non-profits and individuals doing good work in our community.
Obviously, we can only run a limited number of items each time. However, if you have something of interest and our editor, Jackie, agrees then please send it here for possible inclusion jackieacolumn@gmail.com
Missi Campbell join us this week as a contributor. I hope you like her pieces on Palm City with their distinct points of view. Merritt Matheson begins writing, not as a commissioner, but as a boating enthusiast, fishing expert, and family man.
We are always looking for other voices to write on matters pertinent to our county. So, if you would like to be considered, please contact me.
I sometimes include other pieces I have written elsewhere in this section. I am offering my opinion. If you want to comment and want to disagree, I welcome your thoughts as long as polite language and civility are maintained. I must have annoyed some readers last week with a section that I wrote. Unfortunately, instead of constructively writing and explaining their opposing views, they wrote invectives that does nothing to advance their positions.
In the last edition, we had Linda Richards write why she opposes Costco. That is the opposite of my belief. Yet she had her own point of view, and I thought it important for you to hear her side of the argument. That is what this newsletter is all about. So, differing points of view are fine as long as expressed civilly and constructively.
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NATIONAL SHERIFF
Heeding a call from Governor (not yet President) DeSantis, Sheriff Will Snyder will be sending a contingent of Martin County deputies to Texas to “secure” the border with Mexico.
I am not saying that more border enforcement is not necessary. It could very well be true. The border is constitutionally a federal responsibility.
Immigration and illegal crossings are not an individual state mandate. Florida is not even on the border with Mexico. This is pure and simply a case of state and federal politics intruding on our local resources some of which are being funded by Martin County taxpayers. It is in essence an unfunded mandate.
Martin County law enforcement officers are paid for by the taxpayers of Martin County. The sheriff was elected and his posse of 598 have been hired to protect the residents of Martin County. They are not Texas Rangers or even Texas deputies. If the sheriff has the manpower on the verge of hurricane season to be participating in political theater on the border 1500 miles away, perhaps we need to look at whether the sheriff’s posse should be comprised of fewer deputies.
The scourge of hyper politics is weakening our systems. Local law enforcement should not be considered as agents on behalf of any partisan effort. You cannot solve the border problems by Texas Governor Abbot calling for “build the wall” donations or by sending Martin County deputies on a mission so far removed from where they belong.
Our law enforcement officers need to be looked at as the professionals they are. They are not props for a photo op. Martin County Sheriff’s deputies and our police officers are what keep us safe. They are the first line of defense in maintaining our society. These men and women are too important to be regarded as anything less.
To read a more in-depth piece on this issue go here
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INCUMBENCY
Edwin Edwards, the once colorful governor of Louisiana, said in 1983, “The only way I can lose this election is if I am caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy.” Edwards beat his opponent and returned to the governor’s mansion.
Incumbency is a powerful tool. It is so powerful that challengers are few, and those that do usually lose to the incumbent. From local politics to Washington, it is the exception that a challenger can beat a sitting office holder. One of the reasons that we have a U.S. Senate comprised of members who are 80 plus years old is because of that reality.
What makes a person like Senator Feinstein, who is 88 and was just reelected to another 6-year term, think her being in the Senate is what California needs. It is almost certain that whoever takes her place will be a Democrat. The person would not have her seniority, but Californians would do just fine. Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, is 87. Is there no one else that can take his place?
If you are in a blue-collar job, your body tells you when you are too old to continue. A state rep, local council member, or a congressman doesn’t have physical limitations in performing his job. But as we age, our mental acuity lessens. At some point, you just are not as sharp anymore.
But what about the elected official that becomes a congressman or county commissioner at 30. That person could be there for the next 50 years or more. Even if their mental capabilities do not deteriorate to the point of senility, generations of civic-minded citizens will be deprived of serving their communities in elected office. When generations of the same family have been your constituents, is that what elected office was meant to be?
It is a fact of political life that the power of incumbency means almost certain re-election. The Founders never meant for congressmen and senators being in elected federal office as their career. At least some states have enacted term limits for state and local officials.
Florida has implemented term limits on the state level but has done nothing for local elected officials. Our legislature has no problem preempting counties and cities from doing a myriad of things. It is time they added term limits and caps on salaries and benefits to that list. It is the rare individual that will ever deprive themselves of power and money.
We need to be able to go back to a time that sitting on a county commission was considered an opportunity for public service rather than a career with salaries, health insurance, and retirement. When does the public get a break?
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD BENT
By Joan Goodrich
CEO BDBMC
Nina Dooley is in the business of creating memorable experiences through meaningful events.
She helps AACES (Afro American Citizens of East Stuart) put on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, Black Heritage Festival, Emancipation Day, and the recent Juneteenth celebration—all rooted in cultural and historical significance and intent on instilling “unity back in the community,” she says.
Even though she knows how to organize and operate large-scale events, Nina realized in launching her own event company, Parties by Nina, that there’s always more to learn. So, when she found out about Side Hustle to Main Gig—a new program by the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) and partners aimed at informing entrepreneurs—she didn’t just sign up herself, she recruited others to join.
“They brought me flyers,” she says, “and I was able to get two other people to attend. The whole class was great.”
We really appreciate Nina’s efforts, and are thankful that she didn’t regret making the recommendations. At the BDBMC, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and understand the difference that training and guidance can make in releasing its potential.
Certainly, our organization is committed to marketing the county’s Hubs of Excellence, aka, our core and emerging industries, such as Aviation-Aerospace, Marine, Clean/Green Renewables, Agribusiness, Medical-Healthcare.
Meanwhile, we’re committed to cultivating entrepreneurs who will make our economy stronger and more resilient. In the past week alone, we’ve graduated 19 such individuals from two separate courses.
Business Accelerator Program (BAP), in conjunction with Indian River State College and Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is an intensive 11-week course filled with insights on marketing, finance, management and more. At its culmination, participants pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. The winner earns a $5,000 business grant.
Side Hustle to Main Gig—created with Martin County, City of Stuart, NAACP of Martin County, IRSC and SBDC—lasted six weeks and featured speakers from diverse industries, including, among others, Joe Connelly of Recovery Insurance Adjusters, Aron Dames of Aron’s Towing, Richard Atkinson of Seacoast Bank and Eula Clarke, Esq., who owns a law office in addition to serving as Stuart mayor.
The variety of voices enriched the experience, says Nina.
“I took a little something from each one of them,” she says, “on the management side, the financial side, just learning to get out there and that if you’re patient and stick with it, you’ll get to the finish line.”
The convenient location of the classes at 10th Street Community Center in East Stuart, and the $25 total cost to participate, added to the value.
“There’s a lot of people who want to start in business, but don’t know how to get started,” she says. “The whole experience was great. I would encourage people to take it if it’s offered again.”
Thanks to supporters like you Nina, Side Hustle to Main Gig—and BAP—will definitely return.
For forthcoming dates on Side Hustle to Main Gig, Business Accelerator Program or other services and programs for new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs, please visit BDBMC.org.
Joan Goodrich’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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PINE’S PONDERING
By Tom Pine
Over the last decade the Martin County Commission tried three times to raise taxes and failed. Once they tried to pass a Fire Assessment Fee (Tax) and twice they tried to increase the sales tax.
Our state government officials like to brag about our state not having a state income tax and instead we use sales taxes to pay our state’s bills. Sales tax is a regressive tax as is a Fire Assessment Tax. A regressive tax is one that imposes a harsher burden on lower-income households.
The Fire Assessment Tax was voted down by the Martin County Commission because of a ground swell from the public against the measure. The Sales Tax was voted down both times at the polls by the voters.
Was there even a need for these proposed tax increases? When I look around at the way our local government is spending our tax dollars I must wonder. The two restaurants on Hutchinson Island that Parks and Recreation Department runs must have quite a price tag on them after major upgrades. Then the ten-million-dollar renovation and upgrade to the county golf course, the one million three hundred thousand dollar (and counting) Mooring Field and I can’t leave the Water Park out with a ten-million-dollar price tag
I believe we the taxpayers of Martin County are headed down a dark road fiscally because of a lack of control by our commissioners spending on their dreams and wishes.
When the sales tax proposal failed for the second time in 2017 the county at that time claimed a five hundred-million-dollar infrastructure maintenance backlog.
In the 2020 elections the taxpayers voted and passed a referendum to increase the state minimum wage to $15.00 an hour over five years and what is the county doing, entering into more and more private business ventures with more and more nonessential employees living off the taxpayers’ back so people in power can have fun running private businesses with no risk to them.
Now to change course, the exterior upgrade to the Winn Dixie at the intersection of Jensen Beach Blvd. and Savanna Rd in Jensen Beach should be complete by the time this newsletter comes out. While it took quite a while to complete, I think it looks great. The pastel colors look warm, bright, and inviting. A job well done.
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
There is a new populism sweeping the nation that is reforming the Republican Party and it has the Democrats in total panic mode.
This economic nationalist movement says no to the globalist agenda of the past four decades. Donald Trump was and is the imperfect leader of this populist, working class revolt. His Black and Hispanic vote totals in 2020 spell doom for the Dems and they know it.
The globalist, establishment Republicans will be either neutered or eliminated soon. The once thriving and now hardest hit middle class has been awakened to the fact that their “representatives” have been voting against them for decades. The imperfect “evil orange man” gave them a voice and let the genie out of the bottle. This economic nationalist message blurs all racial and political lines.
Imagine a populist revolt at the local level!! Does anyone wonder why the populist message of “very slow growth” and “we love Stuart the way it is” somehow never gets translated into votes by our local “representatives”? It’s clearly because the swamp isn’t just national. It’s local. The elite donor class controls the vote. We the people have been silenced.
There is one way out of this death spiral that has the Stuart and Martin County we love on the ropes. From this day forward vote as a local populist. Never again vote for a party at the local level. It does not matter where a local candidate stands on the national issues and the intense culture war. These are intensely urgent times for our hometown. Vote for the candidate who represents your view at the local level and not the donor elites who could care less about Stuart and Martin County.
So go ahead. Commit to making a change. Think outside of the box. Find the candidate who will represent the populist message of “we love Stuart the way it is.” Do your homework and weed out the candidate who has always sided with the developers and the “new urbanism” that is changing the face of Stuart with 4 story high density apartment buildings.
You can do this. Instead of voting for a party, vote for the candidate who represents you and “we the people.” Let’s start picking our local representatives based only on what’s most important.
Frank McChrystal’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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VANRIPER’S VIEWS
By Darlene VanRiper
I write this with a broken heart.
A friend, one whom I consider to be quite intellectual and level headed, actually told me outright that he thought the Republicans were attempting to keep the vote from Black Americans via the new election integrity law. I think some Kool-Aid has been consumed here and since nothing could be further from the truth, I am setting the record straight for anyone else who thinks so erroneously.
Here is what the law accomplishes:
Private money is to be banned from use in conducting elections. Anything wrong with that? I think everyone would love money to be out of politics period. This is the next best thing. And just how does it affect Black Americans? Hum?
Vote by mail ballots would have to be requested (with ID) each election cycle instead of every 2 cycles. Since the later was so confusing anyway, in my opinion this just clears things up for everyone. It’s much easier to remember. This applies to white Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and everyone else!
No longer will your political party be visible on the outside of the envelope. Why did they do that in the first place? Since Blacks tend to primarily vote Democrat this would ostensibly hurt them in a Republican County should there be nefarious goings on. So, I’m still waiting for any sign of discrimination.
While immediate family and caregivers will still be able to collect ballots for those in their charge (I would have done away with that…just sayin’), no 3rd party will be able to collect ballots. Unless there is hanky-panky going on why would ANYONE, white or Black, disagree with this?
No more unsupervised drop boxes. OK? There will still be supervised drop boxes. Isn’t that better? Don’t you want your 1 chance at electing someone who holds your very livelihood in their hands to be supervised? And those drop boxes must be centrally located. How is that discriminatory?
Each political party…yes Democrats too, will be able to observe signature matches. Frankly, I thought that was always the case. Discriminatory? How?
No politicking for 150 feet from a polling place. I hate getting harassed by those people so while the rule was 100 feet, the further back the better.
And that is it folks. Still the argument is that this law was unnecessary because such hanky-panky wasn’t happening in Florida anyway. Well, this goes a long way to ensuring that it never will.
And do let us set the record straight. Afterall it was the Democrat Party that fought Civil Rights for so long. The Democrat Party that instituted the Jim Crow Laws. Which by the way this new election integrity looks NOTHING like.
On a personal note, I, as a registered Republican, nor any of my right leaning friends would EVER stop a Black American from voting. Nor would we want to.
In fact, we would fight for their right to vote. Just as earlier Republicans did when they supported and fought for the Black Americans’ and Women’s right to vote. Please let’s get our history correct and stop insulting each other.
Darlene VanRiper’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint
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JURGENS JOURNAL
By Kallie Jurgens
Sometimes you do not know how good you have it until you experience a different environment. I recently returned from a two-week trip to California to visit a relative. The state couldn’t be more different than Florida.
Upon leaving LA Airport, we were chagrined to see thousands of homeless people living on the streets, surrounded by cardboard and cooking food on makeshift hot plates. Toddlers barely covered in clothes and older folks in wheelchairs were all part of these communities.
A visit to our beloved Sausalito was a sight for sore eyes. Many shuttered stores and restaurants gave way too few tourists walking the streets of a city I remembered years ago as a bustling thoroughfare attracting people from all over the world.
Sticker shock was a big part of the trip. We paid $4.25 a gallon for gas (if we were lucky), a simple large cheese pizza was $26, and a deli counter showed $10 a pound bologna as well as the same for chicken breasts.
We went out to a nice Italian restaurant in wine country, and we listened to the restaurant owner lament he was disgusted with only 25% to 50% capacity still imposed on him, the inability to find help and exorbitant costs for water and electric on top of big business taxes.
We passed undernourished farms with their soil begging for water, which is scant and if needed, must be paid for with high costs incurred by landowners.
Upon our return, I realized how lucky I am to live in Martin County, Florida, where we cherish our ability to keep our costs low due to a competitive environment. Our state, county, and town leaders appreciate tourism and have made many efforts to help restaurants expand outside seating. Stores here are abiding by CDC rules, where in California, they still require people to constant masking, which residents have gotten so tired of that they prefer to stay home.
Our vibrant communities are flourishing as evidenced by brisk consumer traffic, full restaurants, busy parks, and beaches. It’s a testament to our determined residents to return to a normal life and help fellow neighbors who work here by supporting their efforts to make a living.
There is no Nirvana, but Florida is close to being a top place to live. Our income tax structure appeals to many, as do much lower property taxes than where people migrated from to here. Will we face issues in the future? Most certainly, but my bet is those issues will be attacked with calm, well thought out measures. It’s good to be home!
Kallie Jurgens’ 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
Welcome to Palm City Highlights, an opportunity to be up to date on the happenings of our fabulous Palm City community so many of us call home.
As the Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce and a Martin County local for 47 years, I am honored to be able to author this article for you. We have many exciting things happening in Palm City currently. I will focus on the improvements to Mapp Road for this segment.
The Community Redevelopment Agency, CRA, has been working extremely hard to create a wonderful Town Center for the residents of Palm City on Mapp Road. This project has been in the works for many years, and we are finally able to see it come to fruition. We are grateful to District 5 Commissioner Ed Ciampi, the Palm City Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and Sunshine Land Design for their dedication to this amazing project. Many Mapp Road merchants including Dr. Rex Sentell and Mike DiTerlizzi have kept this project in the forefront with their countless hours of volunteering on committees and their constant commitment to the betterment of Palm City.
The Mapp Road Town Center Project includes generous 10-foot-wide sidewalks, beautiful landscaping, decorative streetlights, trash/recycling receptacles, benches, curb and gutter drainage, on-street parking, and a well-connected corridor that safely accommodates vehicles, bicycles, and people.
The project should be completed in August with a Grand Opening to be scheduled. This event will feature a children’s area, food, and merchandise from neighborhood shops. There will be a “Ribbon Cutting” with community leaders at the soon to be Patio of Palm City Place between the fire station and Palm City Animal Medical Center.
The Patio, in front of the lake, will be the location of many future events. The Palm City Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Neighborhood Advisory Committee has plans for a “Holiday Village” in December and other family activities to showcase the new walkable corridor.
We look forward to welcoming The Barn Restaurant from the owners of Kork Restaurant in Hobe Sound. We hope to attract new shops, restaurants, and other merchants to the area with the completion of the Mapp Road Town Center.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the happenings in Palm City, please check out our website at www.palmcitychamber.com or contact Missi at 772-286-8121.
Missi Campbell’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
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MERRITT’S FAMILY ADVENTURES
By Merritt Matheson
Mother Nature as a whole has not only given us the world’s best playground and tapestry, but also the best teaching classroom.
I have found watching someone experience great outdoor experiences for the first time can be addictive. Helping someone catch their best fish, whether it is a 300 lb. blue marlin or an 8 lb. Snook, is often times better than achieving an equivalent goal for yourself. It certainly is when it is a teaching moment with someone you love.
A few years ago, I was teaching my elder daughter how to snorkel. At the age of four, she was a competent swimmer in the pool and the beach yet did not understand or enjoy a mask. An opportunity for a trip to Key Largo had all the ingredients for her to understand the purpose of a mask and fins. Of course, I also took the chance to pick up a “high end” Barbie fishing rod and begin casting instructions (just in case).
During the trip it did take some significant encouragement for her keep the mask on long enough under water to understand what it was all about. We started at the dock and as the hesitation was overcome, underwater squeaks and squeals paired with frantic hand pointing followed. Pinfish, French Grunts, and others had done their job. Next, we took a skiff ride to a small mangrove creek mouth that funneled into a flat. My daughter, wife, and I spent some time snorkeling along the clear shallow water at the edge of the mangroves. She spotted everything from juvenile Lobster to Mangrove Snapper, and even a school of pilchards as we were ready to get out.
Never one to pass up a fishing opportunity. I quickly got out and rushed to take advantage of her spotting. As I moved to switch gears getting out a cast net, the questions from an excited inquisitive four-year-old came at me faster than I could load the net. Cast net lessons would have to wait any opportunity to put live pilchards in the boat. I did not want the school to get scared or move out of range.
I was successful in my throw with the cast net. We now had a bucket full of snapper candy. Since the urgency had subsided, we were able to take some time and discuss the sights she saw under water. From discussions of the mangroves as a nursery grounds with their roots acting as shelter as well as ambush points for predators like Mangrove Snapper, to the open grass flats being home to schools of pilchards. We talked about the cast net, how it works, and how much snapper love the fresh bait we had acquired.
We spent the next hour putting the Barbie rod to the test, catching snapper. She quickly learned how to cast, watch the popping cork, set the hook and reel in the fish by herself. We even took a few home for our dinner.
You never know what nature will throw at you. Pick a plan, be prepared but be flexible and ready to capitalize on unexpected opportunities.
I will always cherish watching my daughter have her hesitation with a mask and snorkel transformed into enjoyment and then pushed even further. I am thrilled that day she got to see the relationship between predator and prey fish underwater, then immediately use that underwater knowledge to put food on the table for her family.
Merritt Matheson’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.
IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE
IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE
The first letter is from John Dixson regarding Dr. Millay’s evaluation:
Read your piece including the School Board performance evaluation meeting of Dr. Millay.
It sounded like you were disappointed that the meeting was not public, but also disappointed that the results were “perfunctory”.
I did performance ratings in the Army (only one year, as an O-3 in Vietnam) and for 29 of the 39 years I worked at Sikorsky. If one makes performance meetings with the subject anything but private, the results are guaranteed to be perfunctory, because the rater will never include all of the shortcomings, he/she sees in the ratee. No easier way to damage the authority of the person being rated than to make public a rating that indicates flaws, big or small, and to be sure, the opinion of the rater.
I don’t know of any company where performance ratings are not treated as private, confidential material. Now, some companies have for some time now included the 360 rating process, but again, those results are never made public. The Harvard Business Review contributor Douglas McGregor has written considerably on the subject of performance appraisals, but never ever advocated making them or conducting them in public.
Did I misunderstand the drift of your piece in this regard, Tom?
Best,
John
And my answer:
All meetings of any board with a few exceptions are open to the public.
Private companies can act differently than the government. No matter how difficult it is to rate their employee in public, that is their responsibility. If that rating is anything but honest then they have not performed their duty. Difficult…yes Impossible no.
The next letter is from Ali Denman of Stuart:
With all “We the people” have experienced in recent months I have come to realize how much more meaningful are things we fail to truly appreciate. Daily walks on the Veteran’s Bridge are amazing. Where else can you experience the joy of sharing fresh air, sunshine, all the wildlife and those beautiful American Flags waving in the breeze. Add to that, Fire fighters in full gear sharing the exercise opportunities with Mom’s pushing little ones in carriages and people like me! So if you need to exercise, lift your spirits or see why so many walk the Veteran’s Bridge, try it!
Thank you Martin County for placing those spectacular flags on the bridge & honoring all our precious heroes.
And From Walter Deemer:
Dear Friends,
I am reaching out today to ask for your help to save our waterways. We are at a critical point in history where our input can influence changes in the way that Lake Okeechobee is managed, including the harmful discharges that pollute and poison our estuaries.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is in the process of defining a new operational schedule to manage the waters in Lake Okeechobee. We must act now to demand an operational plan that will stop the discharges to the northern estuaries and send the water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay.
So far, the process has included technical workshops and thousands of model runs, resulting in 5 plans going into the final round. The unified environmental community is asking the USACE to revise and adopt an improved version of the “Balanced Alternative CC Plan”. This revised plan should:
Send more water south to the Everglades, especially in the dry season
Eliminate all Lake regulatory releases to the St. Lucie Estuary
Eliminate harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary and Lake Worth Lagoon
Take public health and safety into consideration by avoiding Lake discharges when harmful levels of microcystin (8 parts per billion) are present in algae blooms
I am asking for your help in telling the USACE to adopt an improved version of the “Balanced Alternative CC Plan”!
We must also tell the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to use this revised plan that sends the most water south from the Lake to the Everglades and Florida Bay, replicating the historic River of Grass. Additionally, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) must hold the USACE accountable to ensure that Lake discharges do not contain harmful levels of microcystin or cause or contribute to exceedances of Total Maximum Daily Loads of pollution to the St. Lucie Estuary.
Your mission is to make your voice heard and tell the USACE and the SFWMD to adopt the right plan for LOSOM. Timing is critical as they are moving quickly to select their plan.
Please help us stand up for our environment and our health. Now is our opportunity to make a difference. We cannot afford to wait another 10 years!
**Click the box below to send an auto-generated email to the USACE and SFWMD to make your voice heard at this critical time.**
(If the link doesn’t work, here’s the template:
Email Template:
TO: Andrew.D.Kelly@usace.army.mil, LakeOComments@usace.army.mil, earl.t.gysan@usace.army.mil, dbartlett@sfwmd.gov, cgoss@sfwmd.gov, swagner@sfwmd.gov, Shawn.Hamilton@dep.state.fl.us, info@floridaocean.org, cmartinez@sfwmd.gov, cmeads@sfwmd.gov, croman@sfwmd.gov, jsteinle@sfwmd.gov, jthurlowlippisch@sfwmd.gov , bbutler@sfwmd.gov
SUBJECT: LOSOM Comments and Concerns
EMAIL BODY:
To Col. Kelly and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Please stop poisoning our water, our people and our estuaries! You wouldn’t allow an industry to dump biologically-toxic waste into our water, so the US Government should not be allowed to do so. Please revise and then adopt an improved version of the “Balanced Alternative CC Plan” for the LOSOM; revisions should include:
• Eliminating regulatory discharges to the St. Lucie Estuary
• Eliminating harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary and Lake Worth Lagoon
• Prohibiting Lake discharges to the estuaries when harmful levels of microcystin (8 parts per billion) are present
• Sending more Lake water to the Everglades, particularly during the dry season
To Chairman Goss and the SFWMD:
Please send more Lake water to the Everglades, particularly during the dry season, by utilizing all the STAs!
To Secretary Hamilton and the FDEP:
As the ultimate steward of Florida’s water quality, please hold the USACE accountable to ensure that Lake discharges do not contain harmful levels of microcystin and do not cause or contribute to exceedances of TMDLs of pollution to the St. Lucie Estuary. Do not issue the clean water certification for LOSOM without these safeguards in place.
Sincerely,
Mark Perry
Executive Director
Florida Oceanographic Society
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COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 22, 2021
Remember months back when a big deal was made over passing ordinances to regulate the sale of tobacco products and to make sure that no one under the age of 21 could buy these products?
At the time I was opposed because I thought an age limit of 21 was ridiculous given that you could join the army, get married, sign contracts and every other thing but drink and smoke. I also said that Tallahassee would probably get around to preempting localities sooner than later. Tallahassee has. A county resolution needed to be passed to rescind the licensing of tobacco and vaping vendors. I wonder how much was spent in staff time to pass the original resolution and now its rescission.
The board also changed what is required to have permission to mine or excavate on your property. Many of us think that mining is only about what we see on tv about miners going down to dark caves. Martin County is more about excavating.
This change to the LDRs was asked by a landowner who wants a ten-year term with two five-year renewals. Commissioner Smith wanted to allow a longer time frame to mine without re-applying. The rest of the board was more in keeping with staff recommendations which were five years and two five-year term renewals.
Commissioner Heard made the motion to accept staff recommendation. It was seconded by Commissioner Jenkins. It passed 4-1 with Smith dissenting.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN PROGRAM
Courtesy of the White House
This is a federal program in response to the COVID pandemic. Its aim is to help replace revenue to economic sectors that have been impacted by the disease. Martin County will receive $31.2 million over 2 years. Let the games begin!
This is one of those things where hundreds of billions of dollars are going to every community in the country. Every village and city are getting their own stash of money. And there are billions more in grants for airports, public transit and you name it.
The important thing is how will we spend it? I think Martin County is being very practical on using about 60% for capital programs mainly water and sewer projects. The rest will go to nonprofits, tourism, mental health, economic development, and a host of other programs. At least the sheriff will have his mental health program funded.
Assistant Administrator Stokus laid out a spending course that shows that he is sensitive to the politics but understands that you should not waste a good opportunity. I don’t see how some of the money can be spent in social and capital programs given the timelines.
Commissioner Ciampi said it has the vibe of a Christmas tree. That the young will be stuck with the bill for this spending. He wants to see more go toward the social programs.
Stokus asked that the commission vote on the following:
Move that the BCC authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for Tourism/Business Assistance per the attached plan that has been previously approved by the Tourist Development Council.
- $2.6MM
Move that the BCC authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for Library Assistance Programs.
- $750,000
Move that the Board authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for the Food and Sundries Assistance Program.
- $3.2MM
Move that the Board authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for the Nonprofit –Operations Assistance Program.
- $1.25MM
Move that the Board authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for the Nonprofit –Programs Assistance Program.
- $2.5MM
Move that the Board authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for the Mental Health Assistance Program.
- $2.5MM
Move that the BCC authorize staff to set aside ARP funds for future Economic Development Assistance Programs.
- $3.5 MM
Move that the BCC authorize staff to set aside ARP funds for future Broadband Projects.
- $1.0MM
Move that the Board authorize the expenditure of ARP funds for the Capital Sewer/Stormwater Assistance Program.
- $13MM
The last three items Stokus wants to come back and receive more guidance from the board on where to spend the funds.
Smith moved staff recommendation. It was seconded by Jenkins. The motion passed 4-1 with Ciampi dissenting.
You can see the presentation here
Stokus’ biggest problem will be spending the money in time not to lose it.
It is funny that the county is eager to operate golf courses, water parks, and restaurants but has a problem being entrepreneurial enough to run its public utilities with that same private sector mentality. They should have had the designs for the sewer expansion done by now. This money is coming as no surprise to anyone. I hope they will use private companies to do the design work to speed up completion.
Bored Panda
This is a great opportunity to go a long way to finish these water projects. They are within the federal guidelines. These funds can be used as leverage to secure other grants. A once in a lifetime opportunity.
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COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 14, 2021:
How much should the taxpayers of Stuart give to a special interest?
Make no mistake the latest agreement with the city to lease the farmer’s market to Stuart Main Street is one in a long line of subsidized deals. Now called the “Market on Main,” it takes up a good part of Flagler Park on Sundays and gives the organization a third city-supported stream of revenue.
I was a proponent of having Main Street take over the Flagler Center at a below market rate to create a funding source to sustain the organization. I was even part of the operation for the first several months. The intent was for the city to wean the organization from the $70,000 direct subsidy provided from city coffers over the course of three years. So far that hasn’t occurred and the way most of the commission and manager is acting nothing will change.
Now they have the market for an agreed price lower than the previous operator paid. The agreement calls for the city to receive $1500 per year plus 20% of the net income. Main Street believes that will be $2,236 per year. The Main Street expenses for the year will be $52,000.00 which includes part of the executive director’s salary. Before now the director’s entire salary came out of the Main Street budget. The city will make sure the restrooms are clean and will take care of the costs for trash removal.
Unfortunately, the commission doesn’t appear to want to follow through on weaning the organization from the taxpayers’ coffers. For this third funding source no mention is made on cutting back the subsidies from the Flagler Center or the direct payment from the city. Friendships and the old “you scratch my back and I scratch your back” will continue. What really is disappointing is that not one commissioner pulled this agenda item from the consent agenda to openly discuss this before approval. Proving once again that there is a reluctance to hold anyone accountable in Stuart.
You can find the agreement and financial information here here
THE HOUSING WORKSHOP THAT WASN’T
For the 4th time in two years, the city commission had a workshop on housing. And for the 4th time in two years, it was a muddle of indecisiveness and contradiction.
Staff was looking for direction on what they could tell developers about this commission’s thoughts on density and housing. After speaking with staff, I know they have no idea what to say. Too much or too little density…where development should occur…or of what type is unknown.
Stuart Density Map
Kev Freeman, the development director summed up the problem by stating what people who live in and out of the city say…there is not enough housing, but they want less density. When you throw in the much-discussed concept of affordability, you can see staff’s dilemma. And the same commissioners holding diverse viewpoints is not helpful.
Freeman’s presentation stated that there were 2,978 units approved between 2017 and 2021. It encompasses 220 acres which is a density of 13.5 units per acre. By right on the same 220 acres, there could have been an additional 2,300 units built for a total of 5,278 units. Of those 2,978 units in the pipeline, only 1052 have been built or are in construction.
There are 23,000 jobs in the city. Nearly all of them (21,730) are held by people who live outside the city. 1,271 live and work in the city. 4,396 live in the city and work outside of the city. Most of those people from other areas who commute into the city pay no taxes and make the bulk of their purchases outside of the city. There is nowhere for these people to live. Even if 10% of those that now commute lived within the city, it would increase the city and business coffers considerably.
Commissioner Meier brought up the subject of inclusionary zoning. “Inclusionary zoning (IZ) requires developers to provide a proportion of units that are affordable to low-and moderate-income households. The number of affordable units required is typically a given percentage of the total number of units developed.” This is the definition given by Freeman.
Meier (City of Stuart)
“Local governments may have an inclusionary zoning mandate but in exchange, must provide incentives to fully offset all the developer’s costs for their affordable housing contribution.” That is also from the presentation. The question is how you pay for those accommodations and then enforce the agreements.
In a small community like ours, the only possible way to do so is by even greater density bonuses. Since no one wants to have 50 units to the acre, it is just not a practical solution. Then the city would need to have an employee to monitor the rents to make sure that the rents complied with the agreement. Expense upon expense.
It seems only Meier is willing to entertain an IZ ordinance. Matheson and other commissioners like the idea of below market apartments but want to negotiate with the developer separately for every deal. That may be good for their egos but does not lead to a cohesive policy nor ultimately very many below market rate apartments.
Matheson is right that density alone will not solve affordability. The commission settled on the idea that if staff could find a developer who specializes in building these types of apartments using low-income tax credits, that would be the way to go. The commission brought up that there are a couple of downsides to that type of development. There is no way to make sure that the people who move into those apartments will be current Stuart or even Martin County residents. The second concern is that such a project would automatically become the one housing the economically disadvantaged. What no one mentioned was that low-income projects pay less in property taxes while consuming more in services.
Matheson ( City Of Stuart)
Matheson kept talking about working for the residents. The people that come and express their opinion at these meetings tend to be more upscale and not even residents of the city. Meier succinctly stated the fact that the residents most impacted by the dearth of low-income housing are the ones who cannot come to these meeting. They are the ones that are likely having 5 people sharing a one-bedroom and earn the least amount of money.
It appears to me that the meeting gave staff no guidance. Nothing was changed. Nothing happened. Everyone spent a lot of time grandstanding.
You can see Freeman’s presentation here
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SCHOOL BOARD MEETING JUNE 15, 2021:
The new CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs for aviation and marine industries were discussed.
It seems CTE are the new watch words in “education.” There is a definite place for technical learning so that kids who are not going to college have relevant skills for jobs in today’s world upon graduation. The district, numerous non-profits, and IRC are all offering or attempting to offer these types of courses. The question to be answered is whether they are really producing the needed education for these students to assume jobs and if so, are the groups duplicating programs?
WELDERS (Archive.Org)
Ms. Roberts and other board members were asking the same questions. CTE, once known as vocational education and before that as manual education, has been around since the mid-19th century. Prior to that, the focus of school was to teach kids how to read and write.
It was with the birth of the modern comprehensive high school in the 1920s that children were expected to be in school through 12th grade. Classes in mechanics, home economics, metal and carpentry were introduced. By the time a student became a junior, he/she was either going to go onto college or would be getting a job upon graduation.
Coordination between entities who might be duplicating services is not highly prized in Martin County. Although CTE fell out of favor in public education, it is now back with a vengeance and many entities want a piece of the action.
Ms. Roberts and the board have a right to be concerned about duplication. More of us in Martin County should also. No matter who is providing the training, most of the money is coming from our tax dollars.
RUMORS…INUENDO…MONEY
During public comment, several members of the public made remarks regarding things that are untrue.
Apparently, there is a rumor going around that masks are still mandatory. They are not. Nor do I suspect they will be coming back anytime soon. The same goes for remote learning as an option. There are no plans for that in the next school year either.
Speakers also referred to “Critical Race Theory” and how it shouldn’t be taught. It has never been part of the curriculum in Florida schools and now Tallahassee has weighed in that it never will. One speaker said the principal had changed “Mr. & Mrs. Southfork” to “Alpha & Zeta Dog” to be more in line with gender neutrality. No school board member addressed that comment as to whether it is true or not and if the change was made it was for that purpose or for some other reason.
Chair Powers asked Dr. Miller, who oversees curriculum, to explain how approval of a syllabus and material are obtained. Miller explained that the district, through committees and the board, takes months and months to review what is going to be taught and what materials will be used. The district cannot teach anything that is against state guidelines.
The curriculum for every subject is on the school board’s website for anyone to see. It can be found here and then by following the tabs, you can see each grade level and subject matter.
And to see what the Florida subject standards are you can go here
Does this mean that any individual teacher cannot try and inject an opinion into the course work? The answer is no. We all have our prejudices and biases. However, teachers can only use the course material that has been approved. If a student or parent believes that a teacher has overstepped, then Powers said that they should contact a member of the board or superintendent so that the allegation can be investigated.
No surprise that Florida ranks 46th out of 51 states and DC on per capita educational spending. The amount spent does not consider all that is budgeted for the district. However, it is a snapshot of what other states are spending using the same criteria. According to Powers, the district spends more than $20,000 per student.
You can see the report here here
ORG CHART
At the last workshop, Superintendent Millay presented a new district organizational chart.
The Board had asked him to cut overhead. He diligently has done so by changing around positions. One of those positions was a director of human resources. He has folded that function into a deputy superintendent position. Millay’s thinking was that when Ginger Featherstone retires next year, the person who takes her place must have HR experience.
The Board, led by Powers and Roberts, believes that immediately they should have someone who understands all aspects of human resources since it is so critical to the district. The only one who thought that Millay should be given some slack was Anderson so that he could learn for himself. I think Anderson is right, but if the board is telling Millay to hire someone, then of course he is going to do it.
The org chart will be updated to reflect that decision. The chart can be found here here
5th BUDGET WORKSHOP JUNE 22, 2021:
CFO Carter Morrison presented the 5th workshop on the road to budget adoption. He outlined what has been cut and what has been added. He explained how the millage rate is controlled by the state. Tallahassee also controls how much you can spend on different educational components. It has come to the point of why even local school boards exist.
Morrison is working on a budget book that will be on the website and will promote transparency. While there is a lot of content on government websites already, how many people read or have their questions answered there. So, the more that is on the website, the better for those like me, but most do not take advantage of the resources available.
You can see a sample of the “budget book” here
The bids for the two new schools have increased over a million dollars each. That is not a surprise given how prices for building materials and labor have gone up recently. However, given a drop in enrollment, does the district even need two new schools? With the popularity of the charter and the home-schooling movement, are we building for the moment or for the future?
Martin County is ripe for growth in those areas. Several new public charters may be looking to open in the county in the next few years which would change the dynamic of the district. I am not always in agreement with Governor DeSantis, but I am on this. Parents should have choices about where and, to some extent, how their children are educated. The way we do things now in conventional school districts are more fitting for the society of a century ago than today’s.
You can see the entire presentation here
Another item under discussion is the combining and outsourcing of legal services including labor negotiations. Under the old system of an elected superintendent, the district had a legal staff, and the board had an attorney. That system was set up for conflict. Now that the superintendent works for the board, the supposed conflict should cease. The question that the board and superintendent are trying to figure out is should all legal services be outsourced.
John Millay
I think there is agreement on that by all. It seems how to accomplish it is in question. Dr. Millay is pushing Sniffen and Spellman to be the firm. The board has indicated they want to do an RFP to see what is best. Whatever the outcome, the district will end up saving money and being more cohesive.
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COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 22, 2021:
The lot owned by the town on Heritage will be placed for sale. Vice-Mayor Campo believes the town has no use for the lot, so he was the one who made the motion to dispose of the property. Commissioner Fender seconded the motion. Commissioner Kurzman asked that the motion be amended to include a suggested minimum of $600,000. There is going to be an RFP to find a realtor.
David Kurzman
Kurzman and others believe that realtors will flock to list the lot, perhaps even for no commission. There is a large oak tree in the middle of the property which some were worried would need to be cut down to make the lot buildable. The manager thinks it would be $100,000 to move the tree. It was decided the new owner would deal with it.
Commissioner Tompeck wants the proceeds to be dedicated to a specific project. The only one that expressed a hesitation was Mayor Mayfield. I think she has a point. In the last few years, the commission has managed to spend down an unallocated reserve of about $2 million. That money has not been used frivolously. Yet this was in lieu of a tax increase for operating expenses.
The lot is the last piece of the “family’s inheritance.” I wouldn’t be so fast to dispose of it. Whether they get full price or less, it does not matter. The $600,000 asset will not buy much in the way of the millions needed for infrastructure.
What are they going to do next is the question? Will this board have the political will to do what is necessary to fix their roads, sewers and other infrastructure or continue spouting the line, “we have the lowest tax rate in the county.”
The motion passed 5-0 with Mayfield voting in solidarity with her fellow commissioners.
SPEAKING OF TAXES
The commission approved collecting the communications services tax at 5.1% which is the maximum rate. The current rate being charged in the town is 3.12%.
At the workshops, all five commissioners to varying degrees want to have the roads, sewer and other infrastructure projects done. They all agree that infrastructure is important. Somehow when it comes time to fund those projects, the commission doesn’t follow through. I guess this was the manager’s attempt to begin to force their hands.
Kaija Mayfield
It appears to me the commission is divided into two distinct camps. One has Kurzman, Tompeck, and Mayfield who want to move ahead to build the infrastructure and find responsible solutions to fund it. The other faction consists of Campo and Fender that give lip services to the improvements but somehow always find a reason not to vote for a mechanism to pay for those improvements.
Staff laid out scenarios for what the tax rate and amount collected could look like next year. The taxable value for next year is estimated to increase to $735,571,989. If you continue with the same millage rate of 2.87, the town will bill $2.1 million in real estate taxes. They estimate that they will only collect 95% of that or a little over $2 million. Fire/rescue and police will run over $1.7 million dollars.
No other expenses are in that figure including payroll for non-uniformed employees. Because of the lack of commercial properties, there are few places from which to draw income. The population is small so shared revenue from sales tax to gas tax is not a large funding source. Without borrowing and tax increases, the town cannot finish the infrastructure projects, and before long will be challenged to pay for everyday operating. While nothing was voted upon, the commission agreed that they would not use the roll back rate or reduce taxes.
Campo stated that real estate values have not gone up substantially. Perhaps prospective buyers look at the infrastructure and head for other places. Would you want to buy a house on the water and then every time it rains your property looks as though it is part of the lagoon?
You can read the presentation here
There was also a discussion regarding breaking out the amount paid for fire/rescue protection. The town’s attorney explained in a letter that an MSTU or MSBU can be used in connection with contracting with the county for services. He also said they can be created to pay for the contract with Stuart with the consent of the county.
It seems to me unlikely that the county would allow an MSTU to be created so that Sewall’s Point could pay Stuart. In this instance, the city and county are competitors. The contract price with the city is much less than what the county is obligated to charge if providing the service.
The attorney did say that the town could use a special assessment to break out the fire/rescue contract amount on the tax bill. They could also use that means to bill for the improvements to infrastructure and their operation. What does that accomplish? Several commissioners did say that it would hoodwink taxpayers.
I do not think that is true because taxpayers would still be paying the same whether it is all collected under ad valorem taxes or broken down into parts. What it does do is bring more transparency to the process. It also shows potential lenders that there could be a dedicated funding source for their loans which they like.
Like so much else nothing was decided. To see the Glen Torcivia’s letter explaining the various methods of taxation go here
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COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 10, 2021:
There was a presentation from the village’s retail consultant, The Retail Coach. The razzle and the dazzle were there but so far, no new businesses are floating in. And that is the problem one can have with consultants. What can and should be expected?
They will contact chain stores and if you look at the presentation you will see a variety of those type businesses. Perhaps, they will have another fast food or other franchise. If it is a franchise, it will have to be one that the demographics of the village can sustain. I am not a fan of consultants but when their contract comes up for renewal if they haven’t produced something why would you pay more tax dollars to keep it going.
You can find their report here
The council also received their yearly audit from Mauldin & Jenkins for the year ending September 2020. It was a clean report. You can find it here
Remember a clean report does not mean anything more than the numbers are good and the money is in the bank. The decisions that were made to spend the money is subject to the voters’ interpretation.
The council finally had the chance to approve a real project that should be beneficial to the village. The Tractor Supply Store will be built on Warfield Blvd. near Indianwood on a now vacant piece of land. It is good news for the village and according to the agenda item will generate about $5000 in additional real estate taxes.
Courtesy Tractor Supply
Apparently, Tractor Supply is expanding in Martin County with two new stores. This one and the one on the old Costco site in Palm City. There is one in Okeechobee. There will probably be some local jobs created.
The staff brought four agenda items pertaining to this. They encompassed a site plan approval, a wastewater and water agreement, a plat application and a conditional use approval. There seemed to be a problem because of the lighting requirement. The code calls for one type and the applicant wanted to not use it because of the costs. Even intimating that the lighting requirement could kill the deal.
I don’t know whether the applicant’s concern was justified or not. It seemed they blind sided staff because they had not brought it up sooner as a deal killer. Dowling was able to broker an exception that made some sense. Gibbs-Thomas had a problem because they were asking for not only that exception but also regarding exceptions to the code for swails and fencing.
In all three conditions the reason the exceptions come to the council is because it is something the code will not allow. With a little more experience the council would have not had so many worries about granting them. I think in this instance staff should have spoken to the council members prior to gage what they were uncomfortable with approving. This could of all been worked out ahead of time.
It did pass with Gibbs-Thomas voting no on the conditional use and site plan.
There was a rumor that there were Indian burial mounds on the property. There was no substantiation of any of it. This is not going to stop the project from going forward. The landowner is hiring an archeologist to give a report to the village confirming whether the rumor is true. If you are interested in reading this package, it would be better to go onto the Indiantown website and follow the links to the agenda items.
Dowling proposed a $2000 discretionary fund for each council member to in essence have a slush fund to put on events or maybe take a constituent out to a meal. Council members already receive a salary, retirement, and have travel and educational funds. This is a good gig if you can get it.
Antony Dowling
The average homeowner pays about $200 in taxes to the village. Most residents are poor hardworking folks. They deserve more than this type of behavior. When does the gravy train stop?
Hernandez wants it on for the June 23rd budget meeting. Please stop!
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In The Spotlight
by Jackie Holfelder
I’m beyond thrilled to again have a column in which to share news about the wonderful world of Martin County nonprofits and the people who make them so special.
This column won’t be about events or fundraisers. My goal is to talk about the people who make things hum, special aspects and backstories about nonprofits and organizations, and juicy little tidbits you won’t see elsewhere.
When you read this week’s premier column, I think you’ll have a better idea of what I mean. I also intend to feature stories that you haven’t read in other places, news that might otherwise go unshared.
Thanks for the great response I received when I shared the news about “In the Spotlight” on my Facebook page. It’s a great feeling to have the chance to do what I love once again.
I’m very appreciative that Tom is giving me this opportunity!
Alex Trejo – Successful Artist at Age 18
Alexandra (Alex) Trejo is on a path to success in the art world, even though she’s just 18-years old.
She’s been studying at Visionary School of Arts (VSOA) since she was in the sixth grade, starting in the non-profit’s summer camp, and is now, herself, an accomplished teacher at the school.
Alex’s talent was recognized by Women Supporting the Arts, a philanthropic giving circle of the Arts Foundation of Martin County, which awarded her with a scholarship to attend VSOA for three full years of two semesters each, annually.
She was also winner of the 2021 mARTies Student Award in the Visual Arts category, the most recent of the many awards and tributes she began amassing when she was just 11 years old.
Like all students at VSOA, Alex gives back to the community and is learning how to be a successful entrepreneur when marketing and selling her art.
As a participant in the recent VSOA “Heroes” Art Exhibit, Alex and her painting partner Christopher Carnes auctioned off a painting for $200, 100-percent of which was donated to Martin County Sheriff Office Benevolent Fund.
Photo provided by Jackie Holfelder Alex Trejo and Christopher Carnes with the painting they auctioned off at the “Heroes” Art Exhibit.
Gluckman “Commissions” Local Artist Mackin
By Jackie Holfelder
Rob Gluckman, CEO of Treasure Coast Urgent Care and Treasure Coast Primary Care, has long been a supporter of Martin County’s award-winning artist Dan
Mackin, as well as a collector of his paintings.
Recently, Gluckman came up with a creative idea that garnered a generous donation for a local non-profit, Project LIFT.
Gluckman suggested Mackin use his colorful, Keys-inspired technique to transform a baby grand piano into a work of art.
After the unique masterpiece was finished, Gluckman bought the piano from Mackin for $6,500 with the understanding that $1,500 was to be kept by Mackin in appreciation of his magnificent artistry and the other $5,000 donated to Project LIFT.
Gluckman’s wife. Dr. Michele Libman, is a long-time board member of the 501(c)(3).
Mackin’s philanthropic artistry is well-known on the Treasure Coast, where he has frequently donated his time and talent to local charitable organizations in the form of his paintings, which they can use for fundraising purposes.
Photo provided by Rob Gluckman Dr. Michele Libman and Dan Mackin with the piano commissioned by Rob Gluckman
Soroptimist of Stuart Garners Awards at Regional Conference Recognition
Soroptimist of Stuart has been an important part of the community since it was chartered in 1954.
Known for its civic commitment as well as its programs that improve the lives of girls and women from high school age on, the nonprofit remains a vital organization after seven decades.
Recently, at the Soroptimist International Southern Region 95th Annual Spring Conference held live on Zoom from Tampa, the chapter and several of its members received special recognition.
The website was awarded first place in both the website and membership growth categories. Mary Ann Searle, Vice-President/Membership Chair and Nidia Bernstiel, Public Relations/Website Chair head these programs that are essential to the club’s growth.
Despite Covid-19 complications, Soroptimist of Stuart was able to keep nimble and viable during 2020-21, holding regular Zoom meetings, attending the opening of a permanent display at the Elliott Museum that chronicles the 501(c)(3)’s history, holding a garage sale, presenting grants to three Live Your Dream award winners, one Youth Service Award winner and supporting three girls in education through World Vision in the International Relations program.
For information, visit www.soroptimistofstuart.org.
Photo provided by Soroptimist of Stuart Members of Soroptimist of Stuart attend a previous Regional Conference.
Wendy Reynoso – Making a Difference in Banner Lake
Wendy Reynoso Photo provided by Jackie Holfelder
Wendy Reynoso, Executive Director of The Dunbar Early Learning Center in Hobe Sound, is on a mission to help children build on their natural resilience, learn and grow, and reach their highest potential in life.
In three years, she infused this philosophy into the Center, where nearly 100 children from birth to age five play and learn, and develop social and emotional skills.
Reynoso and her team incorporated Conscious Discipline into everything they do. This holistic, nurturing approach provides tools to promote social and emotional learning and well-being.
Her 25-plus years of work with youngsters and strong education background make her the perfect person to instill this life-changing curriculum into the early learning center that has served the community for 30-plus years.
Reynoso was also named Executive Director of the Banner Lake Club because of the synergies between the two organizations.
Children transition from Dunbar to Banner Lake Academy next door, which offers kindergarten-third grade education; then to BLAST for free after-school programs for youth ages five-18; and on to the BLAST Teen Program to foster teen/tween leadership skills.
“It’s hard work,” Reynoso says, “but there’s no better work in the world than helping children grow into their best selves.”
For more, visit bannerlake.org. or dunbarearlylearningcenter.org.
Jackie is always looking for a good story…you may reach her at: jackieacolumn@gmail.com
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FINAL THOUGHTS
The State of Florida won a federal court victory against the CDC for requiring vaccinations on cruise ships. That is a victory for businesses being able to call the shots on their own premises.
Governor DeSantis
Then why has DeSantis decided to tell businesses what they can do regarding masks and vaccinations within the confines of their premises. The CDC issued a conditional rule that 95% of passengers and 98% of crew must be vaccinated to set sail. It would seem illogical that the governor would then turn around and dictate to the private sector what they can and cannot do within in their premises.
This order, though coming from the CDC, was supported by the cruise industry. DeSantis and the legislature have forbidden the cruise lines from requiring vaccinations. There is a distinction between a government requirement from one that the private sector imposes on itself.
DeSantis has waived penalties and fines that were placed on individuals and businesses by local governments for not wearing masks. During the height of the pandemic, local government was trying to reduce the risk of contagion. They should not be preempted from having that ability.
It appears that the governor’s position is that the public cannot disagree with him no matter how illogical it is. His motto has become, “If I think you need to do something or not do something, then you better do what I say.”
Government mandating something is different than a private business doing so within the confines of its premises. The only exceptions are for constitutionally protected reasons. There is nothing in the constitution forbidding a private person from being barred from a business by the owner if he/she does not comply to the rules of that business.
An individual is free to go elsewhere for a product or service so there is no infringement on any individual rights. If you use the governor’s logic, then the famous, “no shirt, no shoes, no service,” would also need to be unenforceable by a business owner. Let the market decide whether cruise lines can ask that their customers be vaccinated. I assure you, the CDC should not determine that, nor should the governor.
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GET THE WORD OUT Friends and Neighbors of Martin County are 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 772-287-5781 (o) 772-341-7455 (c) Email: Info@friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com 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)
