FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Tom Campenni

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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It seems the holiday that was so central to our American identity is now an afterthought of Halloween and a prologue to Christmas. I always thought of the day as truly American.

Not being an immigrant but growing up with immigrants, it was easy to see how the food of people’s homelands becomes part of the celebration along with the turkey. For me it was always macaroni and meatballs. Puerto Ricans make arroz con gandules, Poles have their Pierogis and a hundred other national foods for every group that has come looking for their American dream.

Isn’t that what the Pilgrims and Native Americans did? A mix and match of each other’s food cultures. Perhaps some of the problems we have relating to the other guy is because we are not as accepting as those Pilgrim immigrants and long-established Americans were that first Thanksgiving.

This week we have some new columnists to introduce. The first is Nancy Smith who worked for the Stuart News from 1977 to 2005. She filled roles such as being a reporter, city, managing, and editorial editor, and columnist. She then moved to Tallahassee for a decade where she was the executive editor of the Sunshine State News. A little over a year ago, Nancy returned to Stuart.

Nancy wrote a piece for us a while back and I was hoping she would become a regular monthly contributor.  I hope she will do that now that she is back in Martin County.

We also have a piece about the history of Kiwanis Park, written by Cher Fisher and Virginia Hill are members of Kiwanis. Kiwanis Park is a testament of what happens when you unleash private citizens in conjunction with the government…the creation of an unbelievable project.

Our second new columnist is Capt. Paul Sperco. He is an expert on fishing especially casting from the beach. I hope you enjoy and take his advice seriously if you want to catch fish without taking out your boat.

We also have Missi Campbell from the Palm Chamber, Dr. Michele Libman, Darlene VanRiper, Tom Pine, Frank McChrystal, David Hafner, Joan Goodrich from the BDB, Kallie Jurgens, the latest from Martin County Taxpayers, Jackie Holfelder’s “In the Spotlight” for nonprofits, and our Constitutional Officer announcements.

Cities, School Board, County, and the Sheriff’s Department send me your announcements and I will run them. Our readers are anxious to know what is happening. We want to help you to inform your constituents.

Besides reading the newsletter you can catch articles and other information by going to our Facebook page, Friends & Neighbors. 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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LET’S SMELL THE ROSES

At their last meeting, the Stuart LPA voted unanimously to turn down a project proposed for Commerce Avenue.

The project in question was by Meritage Homes for 86 townhouses. I believe it was the right thing to do. I also believe they did it in the wrong way.

Members of the LPA were incredibly rude to staff and the applicant’s experts. There was just no reason for how the meeting was run or the attitude of some of the LPA members. It was too bad.

The project sought approval of an RPUD for a parcel on Commerce Avenue that is zoned commercial. So, it was relatively simple for the board (and the commission when it comes before them) to not make the necessary change to the land use that would be needed to allow for residential development. This would have been a bad project, but the question is whether there should be new large-scale projects going forward for a while.

Some people would prefer to have no new projects ever. If we followed their desire, we would still be called Potsdam and the city would be east of Federal Highway and peter out at Ocean and Monterey where the Blake Library is now. A city needs to grow to be vital and pay for the services its citizens need.

Stuart has always grown by leaps and bounds and then nothing for a time. Decades would go by without any population or area growth. Then the growth spurt would happen just like now. With any growth spurt, there needs to be time for the city to absorb the growth. This is the posture Stuart should be taking now.

However, residential projects need to continue in the CRA because those projects are infill of ½ acre, one acre or two acres. The city needs to have density within that district so that we have a walkable core. People who live within the CRA should be able to stroll to dinner, stores, and work. That is what a city is all about.

Once those outer projects are absorbed, the commission can look to the future. If within 18 months of completion those units are leased or sold, then the commission was correct to approve them. The intervening time can be used to reevaluate storm water control.

Within Stuart, we still need ancillary units because we need to have enough housing for some of the 21,000 people who come from outside the city and create traffic choke points on county and state roads. Let our CRA continue to flourish with new buildings, both commercial and residential as infill projects.

To read more on this go here

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ANOTHER “YOU CAN’T MAKE IT UP” SEGMENT

A friend sent me a flyer that he came across regarding the incentives Martin County is providing employees to work at their so-called chic and elegant beach cafés.

It starts up with “Great Benefits & Incentives!” and goes on to state there is a $900 sign-on bonus, $100 referral bonus, plus health, dental, vision option plans, paid holidays, and paid time off. Then in smaller print, the flyer outlines additional perks such as a Planet Fitness membership, 4 passes for Sailfish Splash Waterpark, Lap Pool pass at Splash Waterpark, 2 adventure tent rentals at Phipps Park, unlimited range balls for Toptracer Range at the new golf course and 2 rounds of golf per week. And, further, advanced reservation on any pavilion countywide, discounted food and beverages and a myriad of other perks that are too numerous to mention.

The starting pay is $14 per hour for cooks and attendants. Our local McDonalds is starting out at a little over $12 per hour.

I guess this is what happens when government thinks it should be in the restaurant business. Employees become government employees or are contract laborers, benefits flow freely and there probably are still not enough employees to run the cafés. Is this what County Administrator Taryn Kryzda, Parks Head Kevin Abate, and senior staff should be doing with their time?

If it is staff’s idea to run restaurants, then what happened to the supposedly Republican BOCC. Or is it that Republicans no longer believe in free and private markets? This is a policy matter, and the commission makes policy. What happened here?

If it is Smith’s idea, then what do the other commissioners think and where is common sense. The beaches may be in Smith’s district but that does not mean the other commissioners can abdicate their responsibilities when it comes to how Martin County operates. They are all to blame for this socialistic outcome. Even if they do happen to make money, is this appropriate for government to be in these businesses?

Lease the places to the private sector. Then monitor the leases to make sure that terms and conditions are being followed. And stop this creeping socialism in how Martin County is being run.

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WILL IT NEVER END?

For a few hours yesterday I watched the Costco development’s administrative hearing on Zoom.

Robin Cartwright has challenged the decision of the city commission to approve the development. Instead of challenging it in court where the loser pays for the prevailing party, she has gone with an administrative proceeding where everyone pays for their own costs.

Ms. Cartwright has decided this route as the cheaper way of gaining publicity rather than a court case. Who is this woman? She didn’t appear to be someone out front in the environmental movement, at least publicly, before this.

There are plenty of people who just don’t want to see change…any change no matter where. They are afraid. That is why they must masquerade as a conserver of the land and their bottom line is that all development is bad.

Every town that was ever conceived, farm that was created, or anyone’s home was originally built on land that had been undisturbed at one time. One of the biggest champions against this project moved here from California about a year ago and lives at the Florida Club whose developer bulldozed acre upon acre of wetlands (all done legally at the time) for her home.

Who is funding this campaign against Costco? It doesn’t look as though the contributions are from Facebook. The thousands are not coming from Cartwright who is or recently was unemployed. No, she is just the willing vehicle for the people who must not believe in property rights unless it is their property. They are proponents against sprawl and then, by their very actions, encourage it. Perhaps Cartwright just likes the attention now and has her eye on politics.

It looks like the decision will not be rendered and then be entered until the end of January or the beginning of February. The wheels of justice either administratively or through the courts is not swift. The judge appears to be fair and sounds like she is listening to both sides.

It is my sneaking suspicion that secretly the Cartwright faction had hoped that the developer would have become an intervenor. In that way, her attorney would have had the opportunity to cross examine their experts. That would have been cheap discovery. The developer was smart not to become involved.

When this is done and if the commission’s action is upheld that they acted within Florida statute and their legal discretion, the city’s part is over. That does not mean Cartwright and her funder (whoever that person is) will stop. They may go to court and try to obtain injunctive relief against the developer not following the development order or a hundred other excuses to delay. Wouldn’t you like to know who is behind Cartwright and what their motive is?

I have a feeling that Cartwright and her financial backer or backers better not tangle with Marino, the developer, and Costco as they may have much deeper pockets. I believe the prevailing party in those type of proceedings has their legal fees paid by the loser. That would be a just outcome. I would point to the Lake Point decision and what the outcome was there.

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OTHER OPINIONS

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RON DESANTIS LOOKS MIGHTY GOOD IN A CAPE

By Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith

What parents in other states wouldn’t give for a hero like Ron DeSantis.

Ever since Oct. 4, when U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memo trying to silence parents who speak out to protect their children, it’s as if the Florida governor stepped out of a phonebooth. In a cape.

He has become parents’ Superman.

DeSantis is protecting their freedom 1) to verbally challenge school board members; 2) to make health care decisions for their families; 3) to keep critical race theory out of schools in Florida; and 4) to protect women’s sports.

Attorney General Garland actually said he might use the Department of Justice and FBI to protect school officials from threats of violence. Think about that for a minute. Setting government agents on private citizens for their dissent … same thing they do in every third-rate banana republic on the planet. Remember, Garland’s memo followed a letter from the National School Board Association to President Biden comparing parents who oppose the masking of kindergartners and teaching critical race theory in public schools to “domestic terrorists.”

In his immediate response, DeSantis said, “The federal government would have you believe that parents who care about their children’s upbringing are a menace to society; in Florida, we won’t allow it. Debate is welcome (here) and should be welcome anywhere in the United States.”

Protecting parents’ rights is a big part of the legislative Special Session that began Monday in Tallahassee. DeSantis is calling on the Legislature to consider measures that will:

— clarify that the Parents’ Bill of Rights, Chapter 1014, Florida Statutes, to vest the decision on masking with parents, not government entities, and assuring schools comply with Department of Health rules that govern student health, including rules that make sure healthy students can remain in school:

— limit mandates by school districts on students or employees regarding COVID-19 and related mitigation measures,

— provide adequate enforcement mechanisms to make sure Florida law is followed and the rights of parents are honored.

That’s what our Caped Crusader and leaders in the Legislature are pushing for.

A word about Critical Race Theory. Though it’s not on the Special Session agenda — Florida’s state Board of Education, led by DeSantis banned it from public school classrooms in June — it’s very much one of the elephants in the room this week at the Capitol.

You’ve probably heard liberals insist CRT is not in the curriculum in any primary or secondary school in Florida or anywhere else. You’ve heard the media say it to the point of intimidation. They’ll call it a deceptive right-wing talking point, and if you repeat it, you’re probably a white supremacist.

It’s true, CRT as subject matter isn’t officially in schools anywhere. But there certainly are teachers — many influenced by the Florida Education Association (teachers union) leadership — who “freelance” their own version of Critical Race Theory. And they serve it up in their classrooms. DeSantis’ office has heard complaints about it from parents in virtually every county, including Martin.

“Some of this stuff is, I think, really toxic,” DeSantis said as he moved for the curriculum ban. “I think it’s going to cause a lot of divisions. I think it’ll cause people to think of themselves more as a member of a particular race based on skin color, rather than based on the content of their character and based on their hard work and what they’re trying to accomplish in life.”

To their credit, Martin County School Board members have done nothing to encourage any form of CRT instruction. But down the road, that may not be enough.

Now and later, Florida parents are going to need their Superman.

Nancy Smith’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD BENT

By Joan Goodrich

CEO BDBMC

Joan Goodrich from BDB

Polite society agrees that it’s immodest to talk too extensively about your own achievements.

But when you represent a public purpose agency tasked with fostering a strong business climate and encouraging economic development—and your funding is derived from business-license fees as well as tax dollars—people rightly want to know what you’ve accomplished.

Fortunately, Kate Cotner, outgoing chair of our board of directors and an attorney with FPL, outlined the Business Development Board’s litany of accomplishments at our recent Martin County Business Awards.

As Kate said, 2021 was a year “of solid results.”

First, a recap of our core and support services for new and existing businesses:

• Growing leading industries and job creation
• Narrowing site selection
• Providing tailored market research
• Connecting business owners with capital
• Training and cultivating entrepreneurs
• Building the next generation of talent
• Increasing our community’s appeal to business owners and investors

This fiscal year, we played key roles in helping advance eight economic development projects, ranging from Bagel Bistro in Hobe Sound to new businesses such as Ebersold Boatworks to larger relocations such as Aqua Logix, Tribute Performance Boats and Division Five Labs to the addition of two facilities for new business Grind Hard Ammo.

Together these companies are creating-retaining 292 jobs, impacting 133,000 square feet of commercial-office-industrial space and making more than $35 million in capital investment in Martin County.

In addition, we conducted an extensive business outlook survey, hosted a Marine Industry Roundtable, performed more than 50 one-on-one visits with local business owners, made (and received) 80 referrals to our partners (chambers of commerce, industry associations and select nonprofits), and assisted nearly 600 local businesses through our Biz Hotline and outreach.

We also worked with the Martin County COVID-19 Economic Study Advisory Team, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council Resiliency Task Force, and Martin County MPO Transportation Advisory Committee to further ascertain strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in our economy.

We supported existing small businesses by awarding $6,500 in grants through the Business Accelerator Program, our partnership with Indian River State College. We also launched our inaugural Side Hustle to Main Gig program, which bolsters startups and entrepreneurs.

We’re so thankful that Jeff Leslie, new board chair, will build on Kate Cotner’s remarkable leadership. Former CEO of two telecommunications companies and a utility company on the Treasure Coast, he’s a CPA with an extensive background in finance and auditing who’s also consulted, managed, directed, or owned companies in several core industries, including construction, dredging, dining, banking, land management, commercial real estate and more.

We’re pursuing even loftier goals for 2022, which will hopefully give our new chair—as well as everyone reliant upon a robust Martin County economy—plenty to feel good about.

Joan Goodrich’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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VANRIPER’S VIEWS

By Darlene VanRiper

Does Ron DeSantis deserve to be re-elected?

I asked myself what categories would define an effective governor.  I came up with:

• the handling of Covid,
• the economy,
• the environment
•  

These are certainly not all inclusive, but major items that affect all Floridians.

On the handling of Covid, according to Florida Health as of Nov. 3^rd, 73% of Floridians are vaccinated while across the US (according to data from USA Facts) around 68% have received their first shot, and 59% are fully vaccinated.

Since we have freedom of choice over our own bodies, having nearly two-thirds of the population of the third most populated state in the nation vaccinated may be a small miracle.  According to the latest CIVIQS poll, 51% of Floridians are satisfied with DeSantis’ handling of the pandemic while a “solid majority” of us disapprove of the Biden administration’s pandemic policies.

The economy in Florida has, by and large, thrived throughout the pandemic.  Everything is relative of course and certainly the Governor had a terrible time grappling with the Department of Economic Opportunity’s unemployment system being completely overwhelmed.  That let down a lot of those living paycheck to paycheck.  Those who needed it the most.

But subsequently, the Florida economy has grown over 3 times the rate of the rest of the nation.  This year, Florida’s labor force has increased by 540,000 which is a 5.4% increase.  Much higher than the national rate of just 0.8%.  And the unemployment rate is beginning to look reasonable again at 4.9%.  Sure, some say that these jobs are in low paying industries.  However, there is every indication that people are moving to Florida for these jobs because they have lost them in the states they are vacating.

The overall poverty rate in Florida is 14% which puts us right about in the middle of the other states including the District of Columbia.  We could certainly aim to improve that stat. The median household income in our state is $80,286.  And according to World Population Review (2020), Florida is at 97% of the US average for cost of living.

The Governor seems to be trying to improve the low paying job market in Florida by focusing on education.  His administration is making many efforts to support manufacturing industries by emphasizing vocational and technical education along with school choice.

DeSantis placed education in the forefront almost immediately after his election.  He has made unprecedented investments in Florida’s education system with the highest in history per-pupil spending.  He has already invested 22.5 billion in state and local funding.

The governor increased the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten budget for a total of more than $400 million.  He championed pay raises for Florida teachers to the tune of $500 million, raised the minimum teacher salary and provided raises for veteran teachers.  His efforts have raised Florida to among the top five in the nation for starting teacher pay.

There will be more teacher raises for them in next year’s budget.  He could be called the “Education Governor”.  Some could say he is pandering to teachers for votes and endorsements.  Does anyone really think the Florida Education Association (union) will endorse DeSantis no matter what efforts he makes?

Finally, DeSantis is serious about Florida’s environment.  So many who live here just don’t understand how important the water is to us.  He has worked diligently with Treasure Coast leaders to help remedy even our local situation.  Out of 14,277,033 registered voters in Florida, Martin County counts for 116,661.  We are only .008% of the vote in Florida.  He isn’t pandering for our votes either.

He signed the Creating the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act putting $400 million toward purchasing the development rights of states lands by creating conservation easements which don’t purchase the land from private property owners but allow the owners to continue to make a profit from their land while agreeing not to develop it.

The Florida budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 is $96.6 billion.  The highest in history.  However, Florida maintains reserves of $6.6 billion while continuing to be one of the most tax friendly states.

Currently, DeSantis sits with an overall 57% approval rating.  The remainder of the population must not know all the facts.

Darlene VanRiper’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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PINE’S PONDERING

By Tom Pine

I attended the Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2021, in Stuart. As usual as many of my brothers and sister veterans, I have flash backs of my time in Viet Nam during these events.

This year I also had flash backs of the County Commission Meeting of November 2, 2021, because of attacks on my first amendment rights by our County Administrator as she interrupted me once again while I was speaking during public comment.

The County Administrator seems to think that our county government can set rules and procedures for what is allowed during public comment. If our local government can overrule the First Amendment of the United States Constitution I must be in the wrong country or the people in charge at our local government are overstepping their boundaries.

The First Amendment to the Constitution simply states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment does not protect child pornography, obscenity, profanity, fighting words, or true threats.

In a previous newsletter I wrote about the problems throughout the county with a lack of enforcement of the basic rules of the road by Martin County Sheriff’s Office. At the November 2, 2021, meeting Chad Cianciulli Martin Counties Fire Chief gave some statistics as to why he needs more personal. One statistic that stood out to me was in 2019 Martin County Fire Rescue had 3,612 vehicle accidents that it responded to throughout the county. In 2020 that number jumped to 6,097 that Fire Rescue had to respond to. That’s an increase of 68.8% in just ONE YEAR.

Better buckle up !!!

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

Why does everyone want to move to Martin County?

The easy answer is supply and demand.  There is only one of us.  We are the only county in Florida with gulf stream weather that still looks and feels like something different than Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. Gulf stream weather keeps us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, if you compare us to any other region in Fla.  The west coast is breeze free.  Central Florida is hades during the summer.  Anything north of the St. Lucie County line is no longer gulf stream weather.

Anyone coming from the north to retire who has done their homework has Martin County high on their list.  This has always been true.

The real pressure driving Martin County growth is coming from the third world nations of Dade and Broward.  These counties have been destroyed by corrupt politicians who took the money and ran.  And now there are 4.7 million people in Dade and Broward.

And probably half of these people feel the same way as half the people in Martin County feel about their once heavenly homes; it’s time to go!  “El Norte” is the goal but not too far north.  Yup, Martin County is the spot. Anything further north is too cold. The pressure to grow is oppressive.

Absolute unlimited funds are available to fuel this uncontrolled Martin County growth.  The hordes from the south are flush with cash and can’t believe the bargain prices up here in “El Norte”.  And the corrupt developers who have run out of fertile territory down south don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  They have a tried-and-true game plan, an insatiable market, global funds and plenty of Martin Countians willing to cash in and retire on a hundred acres somewhere less crowded.

So, do the country bumpkins in Martin County have a fighting chance?  The smart money says no, but hey, why not bet on the underdog?  Tiene un buen dia.

Frank McChrystal’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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FISHING TIPS

BY Capt. Paul Sperco

Welcome to my first fishing column to be published in the Friends & Neighbors of Martin County Newsletter.

I want to thank Tom Campenni for giving me the opportunity to provide some fishing reports, tips, and information that I hope all the subscribers to this great publication will enjoy and find useful.

To those of you that do not know me my name is ” Capt ” Paul Sperco and my passion is fishing the surf. I fish an average of 4 to 5 days a week on the beach, fishing both commercially and taking customers on guided surf trips.

I also travel the state and do a number of seminars for Bass Pro Shops, fishing clubs, and locally for one of Martin Counties premier Tackle Stores, The Snook Nook. Martin County has some of the nicest and best fish producing beach accesses in Florida.

From Glasscock Beach to the north all the way to the Hobe Sound beach access to the south, Martin County offers a resource to both residents and visitors that is second to none. Surf fishing is an activity anyone can do and enjoy. Our local beaches include a catch list that include jack crevalle, bluefish, ladyfish, snook, tarpon, permit, whiting, croaker, Spanish mackerel, and the star of the current season, the pompano.

The snook is the number one sought after saltwater fish in Florida over a twelve-month period but from October to May the pompano is the number one species for land based anglers. I call this period “Pompanomania” as the majority of anglers that are buying bait and tackle always ask, “How is the pompano biting and where are they catching them?”

The two biggest reasons anglers are unsuccessful in catching pompano are they are not reaching them, or they are fishing in water that does not attract the schools. All of us that target pompano on a daily basis use rods that are 11 to 13 feet long and Longcast Spinning reels or conventional types that allow you to place a bait from 70 to 100 yards from the beach. This is where the majority of pompano schools travel along our beaches.

They do not frequent off colored or muddy water and a light green or a blue/green color will normally put you on a beach that will hold some fish. Favorite baits include live or frozen sandfleas, salted clam strips, and an artificial bait, Fishbites, that has proven to be a game changer for anyone that fishes from the sand. Yellow Crab, EZ Flea, and Electric Chicken have been the colors and scents that have been hot this year.

As far as locations, Tiger Shores, Stuart Beach, Bob Graham, and Virginia Forrest beach accesses have all produced in the last couple of weeks. If you would like to target a couple of the other species like bluefish and Spanish mackerel, bring along a light spinning outfit and a few 3/4-ounce spoons and just cast and retrieve. It’s a great time of year to bend a rod so get out and enjoy it.

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

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HAFNER’S CORNER

By David Hafner

Farm-City Week- celebrated the 7 days leading up to Thanksgiving- is a weeklong celebration highlighting the broad partnership shared by farmers, ranchers, processors, brokers, truckers, shippers, scientists, wholesalers, and retailers.

These collaborative partnerships help maintain our standard of living by making sure we have a nutritious and diverse food supply and are able to benefit from agricultural products that provide clothing, housing, medicines, and fuel that we use on a daily basis.

According to the USDA’s 2017 Census of Agriculture, Martin County has 594 farms covering 153,732 acres. Those farms contribute $112,566,000 worth of agricultural products to our economy annually. That’s not all.  In addition to the economic and nutritional benefits farming contributes, farmland provides green space necessary for aquifer recharge, wildlife habitat, and adds to our national security by ensuring we do not need other countries to supply our food.

I support property rights and the right to develop, however it is important that we consider the long-term effects of developing agricultural lands and green spaces. Every time one of these parcels are developed, we step closer to increased environmental issues and a looser grip on a sovereign food supply. I understand farming is hard and the regulations are burdensome, and I get that sometimes the only way to get a financial break is to sell the land. I do understand.

Therefore, we need to support our farmers and ranchers before they hit the point that they need to sell their land. We all can do this with our food choices. Choose to shop local, we have farms who sell direct to consumer through their farm stands and through farmers markets.

If you are unable to do that then please look at the labels on your food. If the package or label does not say product of or grown in the U.S.A. put it back and find an alternative. Other countries do not have the same regulatory burdens that are put on our farmers which gives countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Chile an unfair price advantage.

If we do not change our buying habits American farmers will be out of business, and there will be nothing but products from other countries in our stores. Control the food, control the people.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the American farm-city relationships that have allowed us to enjoy an outstanding quality of life. Please join me in celebrating these men and women by supporting them with your purchases. Happy Farm-City Week and Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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MICHELE’S MEDICAL MOMENT

By Michele Libman M.D.

Provided Dr. Michele Libman

The other pandemic that is not being spoken about is the obesity pandemic in the U.S.

Did you know that in 1990 obese individuals made up less than 15% of the U.S. population? By 2010 36 states had obesity rates of 25% or higher and 12 states had rates over 30%! Today roughly 2 out of 3 adults are overweight (69%) and 1 out of 3 are obese (36%).  Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and Mexican American adults have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic white adults. There is a socio-economic disparity as well.  Men and women with college degrees tend to have lower levels of obesity.  It is affecting our military’s ability to recruit soldiers as 1 in 4 young adults are too heavy to serve in our military!

Even more alarming, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is on the rise, and young people are becoming overweight and obese at earlier ages. One out of six children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 are obese!!  Early obesity not only increases the likelihood of adult obesity, but it also increases the risk of heart disease in adulthood, as well as the prevalence of weight-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Obesity is costing the US healthcare system $147 billion dollars a year!! People who are obese are at risk for many serious health conditions including gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stokes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, acid reflux, fertility issues as well as mental health disease.  In addition, we know since the Covid pandemic started that obese people fare much more poorly once diagnosed with Covid-19. Obesity causes your body to be in a constant stage of inflammation.

So why are Americans so obese?  Sadly, it boils down to two things, which are our portion sizes are too big and our exercise levels are too low!  With the advent of TV dinners and fast-food restaurants it is unfortunately much cheaper to eat processed foods.

It is quite pricey to buy healthy fruits and vegetables and you almost must be in the top 10% of earners to be able to afford healthy organic foods. Many jobs that used to be physically taxing have now become automated and most American’s sit at desks all day long.  American’s walk less than people in every other industrialized country.

Obesity is a complex multi factorial disease and therefore there is no simple solution to the obesity epidemic.  Knowing your BMI is the first step.  This is calculated by using your height and weight.  There are many online BMI calculators you can use.  A BMI over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese.  A BMI over 40 is considered morbidly obese unless you have an obesity related health condition such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea. Then you are considered morbidly obese with a BMI over 35.

If you fall into this category, please speak to a health care professional about a weight loss strategy.  Perhaps your physician can refer you to a nutritionist who can design a healthy menu for you.

Starting an exercise program is important. This can consist of just starting a walking program. You don’t need to pay for a personal trainer or join a gym.  Just start walking for 20 minutes a day!

Simple ways to get your steps in include parking further away from your office or even walking or cycling to work.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  See if your employer will invest in a stand-up desk for you.

Find an accountability partner or better yet a walking buddy who will force you to go for a walk even when you don’t feel like it. If diet and exercise are unable to get your weight down into a healthy range, there are surgical options available as well.  These include gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeves, and gastric bands.  Consult with a bariatric surgeon to determine which is the best option for you.

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

9

JURGENS JOURNAL

By Kallie Jurgens

They say, “build it and they will come.” I wonder if that will be true for the high speed Brightline train linking southern Florida to Orlando via the Florida coastal towns which include those on the rail line in Martin County. Only time will tell, however, the massive work being done on the line shows Brightline is banking on it.

For weeks, I have watched work on the line from Jupiter to Jensen Beach, often forcing me to take alternate routes to avoid road closures. It is now clear trains will be going quite fast through railroad crossings which post signs warning trains will be traveling over 80 mph. That thought is worrisome to me given our population of elderly and young—the first who may not have the best sight or sound capability and the second who always seem to be in a rush to get somewhere.

I recently spoke to someone who witnessed a Brightline train down south at a railroad crossing. He said it’s amazing how quickly a railroad crossing sign goes down, the speedy train goes by, and the sign goes up in a matter of minutes. Clearly, we will soon have two sets of trains to deal with in Martin County—the old chug-a-lug freight trains that seem to take hours to get through the crossings and the super speed Brightline passenger trains whizzing by.

Another friend I spoke to said she heard Brightline was doing a test run of the system locally this month. I found that hard to believe since their website said they were looking to complete the following Martin County crossings for high-speed travel by December 2021:

• SE Crossrip St.
• County Line Rd.
• SR A1A/NE Dixie Hwy./CR 707 Pitchford Landing / NE 1st St. Park Rd./Johnathan Dickinson Bridge Rd. / CR 708
• Skyline Dr.
• Riverview Dr. / Conant Rd. Jensen Beach Blvd.
• County Line Rd.

In addition, Brightline still has other track work to do in 2022:

• SW 2nd St. / SW St. Lucie Ave. Colorado Ave.
• MLK Jr. Blvd. / 7th St.
  Florida St.
• SR A1A / Dixie Hwy.
• SE Monterey Rd. / CR 714 Indian St.
• SE Seaward St.
• Salerno Rd.
• SE Cove Rd.

I thought I would verify that test with Brightline so I texted Katie Mitzner, who is in charge of Brightline Public Affairs.

I texted that I live in Stuart, had been watching the workmen on the tracks for months and had heard about the test run. It only took her a few hours to get back to me with this message: “Hi Kallie, thank you for reaching out. We are not doing any test runs yet. We are still building the track from north of West Palm Beach through Martin County. We are looking to complete construction by the end of 2022 and begin test runs after that.”

For me, the jury’s out as to if this venture will succeed. Time will tell.

Kallie Jurgen’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

10

PALM CITY HIGHLIGHTS

By Missi Campbell

Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber

I love the holidays and the kindness and gratefulness that it brings out in our friends and neighbors. I notice that most people smile more and participate in events to support our community at this time of year.

Missi Campbell (Provided)

This year Palm City families will be treated to a new tradition. The Palm City Chamber of Commerce is creating a Holiday Village at the Patio at Mapp Road Town Center. We are inviting local businesses to create a representation of their business or organization to display for the month of December along the 20-foot-wide sidewalk in front of the pond on Mapp Road. These displays will be decorated with holiday lights for amazing photo opportunities.

The Palm City Chamber of Commerce is featuring our small local landmarks Holiday Village for you to enjoy in your own homes. These are sure to become collector’s items. Crafted by TBC created replicas of the old Palm City Post Office and the Lyric Theater for our first editions. Both buildings are made of wood and can be purchased through Crafted by TBC, Twinkles, or the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. Check our Facebook page or website for more information. We intend to add 2 Martin County landmarks each year to this collection.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us take the time to reflect on all we have to be grateful for.  Living in Martin County should be near the top of our lists. Martin County provides a beautiful, safe community for us to call home with an abundance of kind and generous residents. Our educational system provides excellence for our children.

One of my favorite projects every year as a Kindergarten teacher was to ask my students the all-important question, “How do you cook a turkey?” I hope you enjoy some of these responses from the perspective of a 5-year-old.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

“Catch a turkey from the farm and put it in the oven for 7 minutes. The oven should be fire hot. Then take out for 10 minutes, then eat.”

“Go hunting and find a turkey. Take off the feathers and cook it in the oven for 40 minutes at 20 degrees. Put teriyaki sauce on it and eat.”

“You have to put stuff in it and put it on a pan. Put it in your sink for a little bit. You got to squeeze the thing in the turkey and put in the oven when the oven is on.”

“Hunt the turkey, (but you could get under arrest). Take all the feathers off and cook it. You just throw it in the oven for 20 minutes or so. Cut it when all the people arrive and then eat it!”

“Go to the store and get a female turkey, (females are stronger). Cook it in the stove for 18 minutes. Take it out and then cook it some more like 10 minutes. Then we eat it!”

“Find a turkey on a farm. Cook it but first you have to take his feathers off and put him on a metal stick on top of the oven. Cook for about 10 minutes. Take him off the stick, cut him up, and eat him!”

“You get a turkey from the store. You cook it in an oven at 100 degrees for 100 hours. Take the turkey out and eat it!”

Missi Campbell’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint

11

Martin County Taxpayers Association

HOW DOES FLORIDA STACK UP

Like every other state, Florida has a myriad of state and local taxes levied on taxpayers. This is a brief overview on how Florida stacks up to other states on taxation. According to statistics compiled by Florida TaxWatch, the State of Florida ranks 49th in the collection of taxes when compared to sister states.

The result is that Tallahassee collects very little from each Floridian to run the state government. Do we have an efficiently run state government? It is better than many others. It is also true that Florida provides fewer services to their citizens and fewer resources to localities. Further, localities are tasked with paying more of the cost of government than cities and counties in other states.

Without an income tax, the state must rely on other revenue sources to fund state government. Florida ranks 45th in state and local taxes per capita. Texas, another example of a large state with no income tax, ranks 31st in that category.

However, Florida ranks as 1st in the nation when it comes to relying on local revenue to fund the government. 54.6% of all government revenue comes from cities and counties. This is 22% over the national average. That would bear out what many local officials have said for years which is that Florida places greater mandates on localities than other states to fund more of government.

Since there is no income tax, the sales tax is what funds state government to a large degree. Sales tax in Florida ranks 12th per capita in the nation while document stamps and stock transfer fees are 3rd highest. Florida ranks 24th per capita in the nation in property tax collections which is just above the median.

Income taxes levied at the federal and state level are, for the most part, complex with many exemptions and progressive rates. Similarly, Florida’s property tax system is so riddled with exemptions and caps that no two homes of equal value pay the same amount.

The loopholes that are found in federal and states income tax codes have been adapted to Florida property taxes. Since property taxes are used to fund local government, the state legislature has been only too eager in increasing those loopholes. This limits localities from instituting a true ad valorem system as real estate taxes were meant to be.

This places cities and counties in the unenviable position of funding the local government and at the same time a large share of unfunded state-mandated requirements. Much of these requirements are picked up by state governments in other places. This has made property tax fairness a real issue.

Do Floridians want more government services and are they willing to pay for them? New York, with the distinction of paying the highest per capita taxes, collects $10,187 in state and local taxes while Florida ranked 45th collects $4,007 per capita. The national average is $5,690. New York has a myriad of government services that Florida does not.

I would say that most Floridians are not looking for greater services. Though the lower down the economic scale you descend that probably is not true. According to the nonpartisan Florida Policy Institute, the state ranks 45th in economic well-being, 24th in education, 40th in health and 33rd in family and community well-being.

If Tallahassee expects local governments to provide many of the services that are state-provided elsewhere, the legislature must give the tools to do so. Instead for the past decade, Florida has been at war with their local governments. It may be good politics with some voters but poor policy.

All taxpayers need to remember there is no such thing as a free lunch.

12

KIWANIS YOUTH PARK AT WOODLAWN

By Cher Fisher & Virginia Hill

Late 1989, the City of Stuart learned that the Kiwanis Club of Stuart was looking for a project to invest funds received from the Estate of William Kessler.  City Manager Jack Noble attended a board meeting and asked the club for funds to build the gazebo next to the Courthouse Cultural Center.  The board approved the donation on condition that the city provided the club with land to construct a playground.

Woodlawn Park (between Colorado Ave., 5^th Street and A1A) established in 1913, and developed by Margaret Frazier, as part of the platting of the Woodland Park Subdivision, was selected.  In 1945, the city doubled the park’s size by purchasing adjacent parcels.  At the end of WWII, a building from Camp Murphy was moved to the site and serviced as the headquarters of the Red Cross until 1990.

On Jan 8, 1990, the club made an initial presentation to the city.  Club members made a final presentation and Kiwanis Youth Park was approved by resolution on April 9, 1990.  In just over two months, the initial playground and youth park was built.

Shortly thereafter, the city realigned Confusion Corner, closing A1A next to the park and acquired a building, expanding parking and completing the fencing.  The playground for older children was built a year later.  The Red Cross Building was moved, allowing the construction of the first pavilion.  In exchange for the club’s donation of the pavilion, the city constructed rest rooms.  In 2001, the club received funds from the estate of William and Thelma Miller, allowing the addition of the second and third pavilions.  Over the years, improvements were made to the park by the city and/or the club, including sidewalks, a storage room, sprinklers, landscaping and fencing.

In 2012, the club decided to build a barrier-free addition to the park. Initial estimates of the cost were in excess of $200,000.  The club approached the city again and it was agreed that once the club raised $100,000, the city would match the donation.

On March 9, 2015, club members had raised the funds and presented a $100,000 check to the city.  The barrier-free playground was built by the community over Memorial Day weekend and opened to the public in June 2015, exactly 25 years since the first playground opened and in celebration of Kiwanis International 100^th anniversary.

In 2017, the club added a Little Free Library location to the park and chartered it so that it can be located through the National Little Free Library organization. We were the fourth Little Free Library registered on the Treasure Coast.

Over the past two years, the Kiwanis has secured funding to renovate the “tot lot” on the northwest corner of the park, and to build a sensory-sensitive area for children with sensory or physical issues that prohibit them from playing in other areas of the park.  A community build is scheduled for January 2022.  Moving forward to renovate the older children’s area of the park, for 5–12-year-olds, the club is accepting donations towards the $400,000 price tag.

To view the vision for the updated areas of the park and to donate, please visit here.

IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE

CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER AND OTHER GOVERNMENT NOTICES 

And from our Supervisor of Elections:

From The Clerk of The Court:

From the Property Appraiser

Did you know you can “co-own” a property with your adult child, and they can still file for the homestead exemption benefit?

Due to the rising cost of property ownership, it’s not uncommon for parents to “co-own” a property with their child.  While the parents own another home and receive the homestead exemption benefit on their home, the child may file for homestead exemption on the “co-owned” property. 

While a person may own more than one home, according to law, a person can claim homestead exemption on only one of the homes. That home needs to be their primary residence. The following illustrates this scenario.

HOUSE #1

Owned by John & Mary Smith

(John & Mary live and reside in this home and filed for their homestead exemption.)

HOUSE #2

Owned by John & Mary Smith and their adult daughter Maggie Smith.

Maggie Smith lives and resides in this home and filed for her homestead exemption.

Only one letter from John Dixson:

In year 2000, United Technologies switched from in-house fire/rescue to outsourced services.

Here at the Sikorsky Flight Test Center, where the danger of a prototype test aircraft accident is ever present, along with hangar work on complicated aircraft structures, there was concern re the quality of service.

I can report that the switch to Rural Metro occurred with zero impact on the quality of service, and with an annual saving of $750k ( for the Sikorsky-West Palm Beach operation at Guinn Field on the P&W property ). Rural Metro is now part of a larger corporation.

The outsourcing approach for the ambulance/EMT function at county level out to be evaluated. As at UTC, in the most cases the same personnel were doing the job, but the overhead savings were the difference.

Just a thought.

IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE 

THE PROBLEM WITH BUREAUCRACIES

Whether it be a large company, a large union, or a government, large organizations tend to become so encased in their own rules, procedures, interest groups, and attorney opinions that they become ineffective in representing their rank and file, citizens, or customers.

When you are a large company, you no longer rely on your ability to compete with rivals but pour your capital into lobbyists to make sure that regulations and tax policy keep you in business and your rivals either are driven out or curtailed.

If you are a union, doing what is best for your members takes second place to making sure leadership’s inflated salaries and perks are ever growing. Government is known for doing nothing with great aplomb. Just look at the U.S. Congress.

Martin County is now so beholden to their public safety unions that policy is driven more for their interest than the public’s. Contrary to what we are told, those interests are quite divergent. Throughout county government every minute decision must stand the scrutiny of the legal department as if government cannot do anything if there is any risk involved. They take risk management to new heights.

But nothing written above comes close to what school boards and school administrations have done to public education across the country. Martin County, while not as bad as some, has its moments. More and more parents believe that their kids are being indoctrinated instead of educated.

At the same time, Treasure Coast Classical Academy currently has 1200 students up to 8^th grade with an 800-student waiting list. They will begin enrolling 9^th grade next school year according to Janine Swearingen, the school’s principal. Further in December the Optima Foundation, which is TCCA’s “parent” will be incorporating another charter in Martin County.

There is also another planned Catholic school to open next year for middle and senior school students. The education market is proclaiming there is a need for education other than traditional public schools.

What this should tell all of us is that public education is at a crossroads in the county. A significant number of parents and students are not happy with the direction the schools are going. Decentralization to the school level is where the future of education lies. Monolithic institutions teaching to the lowest common denominator are not what is best in today’s world.

That is the trouble with bureaucracies…they forget the “prime directive” as Captain James T. Kirk would say to Mr. Spock. Insularity breeds sloppiness of thought, contempt for their constituents, and legal mumbo jumbo to further poor decisions. It is almost too late to prevent what will be coming next and it will not be pretty.