FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 16, 2022

Tom Campenni

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IN THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER

I am going on vacation for the next few weeks. You will not see another newsletter until November 13^th.

During that time, I will recharge my batteries. Gain a little perspective by not being enmeshed daily in the minutia of covering Martin County.

This will be a vacation to sightsee, drink wine in moderation, and enjoy the food. When I return, I’ll get back into the pace of things. I am sure growth verses no growth will still be around, the Pal Mar controversy will continue, and the quality of our water will still be at the top of the list.

After this issue, we will have four additional issues of the newsletter this year. Next year we will continue to bring you what is going on in our governments. We are trying to actively expand the number of columnists who write for you.

Be rest assured that Friends & Neighbors will continue in 2023.

We print both sides of the Hobe Sound Farmer’s Market from Mr. Gazza and Property Appraiser Fields. At some point everything is settled, and it is nice that the market is once again opened.

Darlene tells us why she is voting for Marco. Nicki gives us a book list. And Hafner has statistics on farming.

House of Hope begins the holidays. Dr. Libman on the new vaccines. Martin County Taxpayers Association with CRAs. Missi on Character Counts and Cap’n Paul on fishing tips.

City of Stuart explores ZIPs and ill manners. County proceeding with mooring field and Sewall’s Point hires a lobbyist. Jackie has another great profile and everything else such as articles, letters and announcements.

Have a Great Sunday!

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THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON THE BALLOT

The legislature has never been shy about placing amendments to the Florida Constitution on the ballot. They are continuing with three unnecessary amendments that are a further infringement on local control and individual citizens. In each case, they infringe on the people’s rights to petition their government, or they give away local governments’ money instead of Tallahassee’s.

One of the initiatives removes control from voters by eliminating one of the means for changing the Florida Constitution. The other two dictate local government control over property taxes. In each case, it further places Tallahassee in control of more and more of our political lives.

While we are not endorsing candidates in November, we are going to present our opinion about these three amendments. They were not created by the people but by the legislature. The legislature has other means at its disposal to accomplish policy goals outlined in Amendments 1 and 3. Amendment 2 is just fundamentally anti-democratic.

Number 1 Constitutional Amendment: “Limitations on the Assessment of Real Property Used for Residential Purposes”

“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective January 1, 2023, to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of any change or improvement made to real property used for residential purposes to improve the property’s resistance to flood damage in determining the assessed value of such property for ad valorem taxation purposes.”

While it may sound as if the property owner should receive a benefit from making the property more flood proof, it is an intrusion on the local taxing authorities. It should be enough that the homeowner will receive better insurance rates and that the place he calls home is better protected.

The amount of tax for improvements on each property is small but collectively could amount to a substantial sum for the local authority especially over time. At what point does an improvement become just part of the home? What happens upon sale?

If the state believes there is a benefit to doing this work, they can institute a rebate program from state funds. It is much better than an untargeted tax cut such as the gas tax suspension for the month of October (election season anyone?).

I recommend a NO VOTE.

Number 2 Constitutional Amendment: “Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission”

“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to abolish the Constitution Revision Committee, which meets at 20-year intervals and is scheduled to next convene in 2037, as a method of submitting proposed amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to electors of the state for approval. This amendment does not affect the ability to revise or amend the State Constitution through citizen initiative, constitutional convention, the Taxation and Budget Commission, or legislative joint resolution.”

This once in 20-year committee is composed of appointees by various state elected officials. I spoke before the body in 2017 for a “Home Rule” amendment. We were not successful, but it did allow everyday citizens the opportunity to voice how they believe the Florida Constitution should be changed.

Statewide citizens’ forums are an excellent way of seeing where the people are. It also allows a thorough review of the entire constitution. While it is far from perfect, it is an additional avenue for the voters to address their concerns to a supposedly impartial committee.

I recommend a NO VOTE.

Number 3 Constitutional Amendment: “Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Specified Critical Public Services Workforce”

“Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for non-school levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect January 1, 2023.”

It is always bad policy to carve out niches for some taxpayers. The State of Florida has completely bastardized what is meant by ad valorem taxes and the original purpose of a homestead exemption. This amendment takes our primary tax for municipalities and counties and brings it one step closer to being just like the dreaded income tax system populated with losers and winners.

All the jobs listed are stressful but, if that is the sole criteria, why not include doctors, nurses, and other trauma personnel. It would appear this is another political attempt by Tallahassee legislators to give away to a voting block someone else’s money instead of their own. This is politics not good policy.

Since most of the jobs that are classified are paid by local taxes, it is a double hit to the bottom line of counties and municipalities. At some point, taxes must be raised, or services cut to make up for the loss of revenue. The amendment reeks of special interests being rewarded over the rest of Florida taxpayers.

For the past few years, Governor DeSantis has used state money to pay teachers more. That is how policy should work. I would suggest even a better way to increase pay would be through union negotiation. Most rank-and-file government workers have their pay and benefits negotiated through collective bargaining. The place to give raises (and this amendment if it passes will be the same as a raise) is there, not by a political stunt.

I recommend a NO VOTE.

3

FOR THE MARKET UNLESS I AM NOT

Why is it that politicians cannot make a connection between their actions and the lack of housing in every segment of the real estate market?

It makes no sense to hear from local politicians that they are in favor of affordable housing and then pass ordinances that limit the building of multi family housing. And the same goes for citizens who decry the cost of housing, including their beloved single-family homes, and out of the other side of their mouths want to place more and more curbs on construction which drives up the cost of the finished product.

At a recent Stuart Commission meeting, Commissioner Collins in his search for a reason to deny a land use change said he didn’t want to vote for it because it would convert the property from commercial to residential zoning. Commissioner, you are a supposed free-market guy…that land has been zoned for commercial use for 15 years without anyone building. What should that tell you? You can’t be a free-market guy if you only believe in the private sector when they do want you want.

Let’s face it…the people who are against new residents coming to town are overwhelmingly middle class and privileged. They got their little piece of the pie and too bad about everyone else. They live in a zero-sum world where for every winner there is a loser. A perfectly 17^th century mercantilism vision that can’t or won’t allow for economic growth.

For poor people, young people, and all the people who work in the service industry, they say “too bad.” Martin County and Stuart needs those individuals for business to operate, but they don’t want them as residents. Though some may say they do, in practice, the commissioners (with the urging of so many of our residents) lock the gates. It doesn’t matter how many businesses there are if the people that are trying to pull themselves up can’t afford to live here.

This is not going to end well for local government. Tallahassee is going to step in with pre-emptions to preserve basic property rights. They also should make local officials subject to the same term limits as the state officials have…eight years and done. The attitudes of NIMBY will end up with Florida not being able to accommodate new residents. And much worse than that…the people that are here will have no place to live.

4

THE BUFFET RULE

Someone sent this to me, and I thought it was right on point. You couldn’t really do most of it but if only you could.

5

Hurricane Ian Relief Fund

Don’t let your kindness go to waste: give responsibly after a disaster

While we are thankful that our area escaped the devastating blow from Hurricane Ian, our hearts go out to our fellow Floridians who are dealing with the unfathomable destruction in Ian’s wake. As we watch the news, we’re so overwhelmed with grief and empathy when we see other people hurting that we feel compelled to do something to help – especially when a disaster hits as close to home as Ian did. In my 30+ years in the United Way movement, I’ve witnessed many disaster relief efforts and there are several tips I’d like to share about how to give responsibility after a disaster:

1) Donating items can do more harm than good.

While donating material goods is a tremendous gesture of love, the influx of items can often hinder efficient relief operations. These well-meaning offerings can inundate shelters and warehouses and drain the time and energy of volunteers. When items are donated, all of them must be checked to verify that perishable food is not expired and water is properly sealed, or that clothing is clean and appropriate. What’s left must be thrown away, and many times this can cause an even bigger burden for a community already in chaos.

2) Monetary donations to a reputable organization are the best way to help.

Donating money may seem impersonal and some may have concerns that funds will not reach those who need it most, however, it is the most efficient way to help.  In the aftermath of a disaster, needs are constantly changing. Financial contributions allow for maximum flexibility to ensure survivors are getting exactly what they need, when they need it, like childcare, medications, or gas cards so they can move or return home. If you are having a hard time finding a trustworthy organization, start with the organizations you know in your own community.

3) Volunteer strategically.

Just because you can travel to a disaster site doesn’t mean you should. Showing up unannounced can add to the chaos and could potentially be unsafe. Wait until specific needs and opportunities have been identified. Plus, right after a disaster, it is easy for a community to get overwhelmed by all the caring people who want to help. Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or a local United Way will train, mobilize and deploy volunteers to help where it’s needed most.

4) Response is a sprint, but recovery is a marathon.

It will take years for communities to recover after Hurricane Ian, yet the world’s attention and empathy after a disaster can be short-lived. Many times, when the cameras stop rolling and attention is drawn to the next news story, donors and volunteers follow suit. And this is when help is most critical! Financial contributions will be needed to help rebuild or repair homes, to provide social services, such as mental health and more. If you can make a financial contribution, consider staggering your donation over a longer timeframe.

We live in a big-hearted community, and I know there is no shortage of people who will raise their hands to help. If we all make more informed decisions, we’ll empower local communities by providing the help they really need to start rebuilding their lives. That’s what it means to Live United.

Carol G. Houwaart-Diez is the President/CEO of United Way of Martin County. United Way of Martin County has created a Hurricane Ian Relief Fund to provide a trusted vehicle for supporters through which to give.

100% of these funds will be distributed through the United Way network to directly help those impacted most in local communities throughout Florida. If you would like to help, you can do so online at www.UnitedWayMartin.org/Hurricane.

6

The Hobe Sound Farmers Market

There was an article in the Stuart News regarding the re-opening of the Market. I thought we should have a more in-depth conversation. I asked both the Market and the Property Appraiser to give a longer response than what was printed.

Jenny Fields answer to the paper is below:

Thank you so much for reaching out to me regarding the article. Below is the response I had sent to TCPalm regarding the Hobe Sound Farmer’s market.

“Dear Mr. Stancil,

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the Hobe Sound Farmer’s Market and providing me the opportunity to speak on behalf of my office.

I would like to clear up some misconceptions regarding the shutdown of the market that were written about in your article posted on October 6th. You state that a dispute between the market owner and Martin County is what kept the market closed for 10 months. That is simply not true, and it suggests a fundamental misconception of the powers of my office.

My duties under the Constitution and Statutes involve assessing the value of every property in the county, usually at its highest and best use, but in some cases like agriculture, according to its actual use. I must classify every property as either agricultural or non-agricultural annually. Disputes involving the Agricultural Classification involve the decision of whether to assess property at its highest and best use, or actual use. These decisions can result in higher or lower tax burdens. My office bases those decisions upon the use of the property…decisions made by the owner. My office has no power to tell a property owner what to do with his property, only to assess it on the basis of what he has chosen to do with his property, in the case of the Agricultural Classification.

My office cannot and does not close businesses. I do not have that power. I cannot control whether a property owner engages in good faith commercial agriculture or operates a different type of business on his property. I can only assess what is there. My office cannot tell a property owner not to operate a farmers market or any other type of business and being granted an Agricultural Classification is certainly not a prerequisite to operating a farmer’s market. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply untrue.

With regard to the 2021 denial of agricultural classification for the Hobe Sound Farmers Market, I am unable to discuss details because as you mentioned in your article, we are currently in litigation with the market owner over that tax year. As for as the 2022 tax year, the owner proposed a different use of the property to us during a meeting we had in December 2021. As of January 1, 2022, the property owner had made changes resulting in an approval of the entire property being used as a bonafide commercial agricultural operation. That decision to approve was shared with the property owner back in June 2022 and has no relationship with the Oct. 2nd

re-opening of the market. The owner has always been allowed to operate the market.

I fully support our local businesses, including farmers, and am truly happy the market is back open and our community can enjoy it.”

Zach Gazza the owner of the Hobe Sound Farmers Market was also given an opportunity to respond. His answer is below:

Thanks for the opportunity to expand upon TC Palm’s article, Tom.

A little bit about Agricultural Classification and Agritourism…

1. Only the Property Appraiser can grant Agricultural Classification;
2. As per the Martin County Property Appraiser, Agricultural Classification is a tax savings benefit for property owners that use their land for bona fide commercial agricultural uses. (https://www.pa.martin.fl.us/agricultural-classification-agritourism/what-is-agricultural-classification)
3. As per the Martin County Property Appraiser, Agricultural Classification also allows the landowner to engage in agritourism. According to the Martin County Property Appraiser’s website: “Agritourism activities are permitted on agriculturally classified lands…” (https://www.pa.martin.fl.us/agricultural-classification-agritourism/what-is-agritourism)
4. Farm Markets are considered agritourism as per Florida Statute (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0823/Sections/0823.14.html)

Takeaway: Agricultural Classification allows the landowner to engage in agritourism, which includes the operation of a farmers market.

How does this apply to the Hobe Sound Farmers Market?

We started out in 2019 with just a cattle operation on our farm. The Martin County Property Appraiser granted us full Agricultural Classification in 2019 and 2020.

We decided to change the use of a portion of our farm from grazing cattle to growing hops, which took time (and money). Building a hops farm during a pandemic, like anything else, had its challenges. The time, cost, and material availability (rhizomes, fabric pots, specialized soil components, irrigation supplies, grow lights, pole barn kits, etc…) was a challenge.

We did this under the protection of Florida Department of Revenue’s “Agricultural Classified Use Appraisal Guidelines” which are sensitive to the fact that farms grow, and growth takes time. Further, Florida Property Appraisers are directed to take this into consideration when classifying property as agricultural. According to these guidelines “…a bona fide agriculturalist may change the use of certain land from one agricultural pursuit to another, and this change may be incomplete and not readily discernable on January 1. In these instances, the land would not lose its agricultural classification…” (https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/FLag.pdf)

While transitioning from cattle to hops (as permitted by Florida Dept. of Revenue), we had the benefit of agricultural classification (from the Property Appraiser), and thus were permitted to engage in agritourism, and opened a farmers market (as permitted by Florida Statute) on a portion of our property.

After we opened the farmers market, the Property Appraiser removed our agricultural classification because she said a farmers market is not agritourism. (Notice of Disapproval of Application for Property Tax Exemption or Classification attached).

We appealed her decision to the Value Adjustment Board, who relies on a Special Magistrate. The Special Magistrate stated that a farmers market IS agritourism, but he recommended to deny our agricultural classification (on only 7 acres) for a different reason: because “An agritourism activity does not include the construction of new or additional structures or facilities intended primarily to house, shelter, transport, or otherwise accommodate members of the general public.”

However, our barns and other infrastructure were constructed for agricultural purposes, not agritourism. We conducted agritourism activities within our agricultural infrastructure. The Special Magistrate came up with this argument on his own, without ever visiting the farm or allowing us to submit evidence to the contrary. The Value Adjustment Board system in Martin County is broken, and I’m confident that 3 out of 5 of the Board Members would agree.

Since the Value Adjustment Board denied our 2021 Agricultural Classification, we have filed a lawsuit in Circuit Court to establish that our 2021 agricultural classification was improperly removed. This case will have substantial significance for agricultural operations that engage in agritourism throughout the State.

On December 31^st, 2021, we shut down the Hobe Sound Farmers Market out of concern of losing agricultural classification on other parts of our farm that we had previously expanded the market into.

On February 28, 2022, we re-applied for agricultural classification for 2022 (every calendar year is a new agricultural classification), and on June 28^th, 2022, we were approved. (Approved application attached).

As you can see from our approved agricultural classification on our entire farm (which includes our hops barns where the farmers market occurred) was granted full agricultural classification for 2022. This resulted in two major wins for our farm:

1. The Property Appraiser acknowledged that all infrastructure on the farm was being used for agricultural purposes as of January 1^st, 2022, and
2. With agricultural classification, we could now re-engage in agritourism as per Florida Statute.

We immediately started planning our re-opening of the Hobe Sound Farmers Market, and with our community’s support we had an amazing turnout on our grand re-opening on October 3^rd.

We raise cattle and goats. We grow bamboo and hops. We host a farmers market. We engage in these activities under Florida Statute and Florida Dept. of Revenue Guidelines. We appreciate our community standing by our side throughout our fight with the Martin County Property Appraiser. Because of our community’s support, the Hobe Sound Farmers Market is here to stay.

Attached is a link to documents that Mr. Gazza has provided HERE

IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE

OTHER OPINIONS

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MARTIN COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION

Florida Statute 163.335 sets out the purposes for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and its funded projects.

These are found and declared as for public benefit rather than individual business’ benefit.  The money paid into the fund (TIF) by residents and businesses located within the CRAs is to be used for infrastructure such as roads, traffic patterns, sidewalks, transportation and parking, drainage, under-grounding utilities, landscaping, etc.

The scope of which covers an area larger than one or a couple of properties.  The Martin County CRA and Office of Community Development (OCD) under director Susan Kores has initiated and completed admirable projects.  The improvements to Dixie Highway in Golden Gate, Mapp Road in Palm City, and Bridge Road in Hobe Sound are but a few examples of the proper use of the CRA model as envisioned in the Florida Statute.

Now, however, the OCD is suggesting a “Business Investment Plan” to help individual businesses improve their premises.  Yet, by definition, the CRA is not a Business Redevelopment Agency.  Its purpose is not to invest in business(es), but rather in the community.  Private entities such as banks, the Chambers of Commerce at the micro level or the Business Development Board at the macro level, are the proper entities for providing funds to improve private commercial property.

Aside from the statutory questions raised by this project, there are also some philosophical ones.  Will those chosen to receive these monies be merit based?  What if other businesses which have invested their own hard-earned capital in improvements to their buildings object to their TIF dollars being spent on neighboring properties?

No doubt many who work and reside within the CRA are completely unaware of this new project.  They probably won’t become aware until it has been underway for some time.  This can be seen as their own fault for not attending the Neighborhood Advisory Committee meetings where the project was unveiled.

But none the less they may be surprised at such creative bureaucracy at work.  In other words, the CRAs have completed their initial reason for existing and now must “go to the next level”.  Why not simply put them on hold until a real need arises such as damage from a storm?  Which brings up another question.  If the CRA invests in an outside awning for example (which insurance probably doesn’t cover), and a storm blows it away, will the CRA then replace it?  And again, and again?  At a time when businesses face a multitude of challenges such as staffing, inflation of over 8% with no end in sight and supply issues, why not simply put the CRA projects on hold if they have completed their initial purpose?

MCTA believes that the CRA program by and large is a good one.  The NACs which are ideally the committees to suggest the improvements to be made are made up of neighbors who really understand the needs of their communities.   MCTA believes this new “Business Investment Plan” is not in line with the definition of a CRA and is a top-down initiative which is not how the program is intended to work.

This new program will be a future item on the Board of County Commissioners agenda. Please email the commissioners HERE

The MCTA’s opinions are their own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint

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VANRIPER’S VIEWS

By Darlene VanRiper

Should You Vote for Marco?

Nancy Smith who is a former editor of the Stuart News, knows Senator Marco Rubio both personally and professionally. I asked her for some information.  Nearly all that follows came from her.

Senator Rubio gets a lot done for Florida.  He was instrumental in keeping Everglades restoration funding in front of Pres. Trump as well as securing the $1.1 billion pledge from Pres. Biden included in the Infrastructure Law.

Senator Rubio is the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee.  We, on the Treasure Coast may forget that Miami is the economic hub of Central America.  Marco’s involvement in Florida’s second largest city benefits all of Florida, including here, in ways that we just don’t realize.  He keeps a vigilant eye on Cuba and the Bahamas. He made Congress aware that the Chinese were funneling money to the Bahamas for the purpose of building submarine bases there! It was he who suggested Trump fill the Bahamian ambassador position (which had remained vacant since Obama) because he felt the negligence was enabling the China/Bahamian relationship.

Senator Rubio ‘has become the de facto leader regarding China’s ambition to supplant America and has developed what the media has dubbed “The Rubio Doctrine”’ based on the recognition as he says “…that our nation is a global leader not just because it has superior arms, but because it has superior aims…”

Marco gets criticized for his attendance record.  Actually, he has only missed 9.1% of the time and has never missed a vote regarding Florida. (One may compare this to Obama’s 24% absences when he was running for president).  It is also suggested that he is a RINO (Republican In Name Only).  This simply is not the case.  According to the Heritage Foundation, Marco has voted conservative 98% of the time.  This is one of the highest scores among all senators.  ‘According to a non-partisan analysis produced by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL), an initiative of the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, Marco was the most effective Republican Senator during 2019-2021 (the 116^th Congress).  Another non-partisan analysis produced by GovTrack ranked Rubio as the second top leader compared to all Senators in 2020’.  This guy works!

According to Nancy, Marco is one of the most respected senators in D.C.  This will be very valuable when and if the Republicans take control of the Senate in November.   In conclusion she says, “if Marco Rubio is replaced by Democrat Val Demings, Florida will lose a mountain of experience, respect ,and clout.  Demings is serving only her second term in the House.  She has produced not a single piece of significant legislation except as a co-signer on someone else’s bill.  Despite her place on the Homeland Security Committee, she has not even visited our southern border and consistently votes in favor of Democrats radical illegal immigration agenda.  She is for ending Title 42 and will not join the group of other Democrats who want a plan in place after Title 42 to address the impact of a massive migrant influx.”

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

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Nicki’s Place

By Nicki van Vonno

Nicki’s Book List

“The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley

“Apples Every Day” by Grace Richardson

“A Perfect Tribute” by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews

“Come Again in the Spring” by Richard Kennedy and illustrated by Marcia Sewall

“Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy” by Carlos Eire

“Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Gutterson

“The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses” words and illustrations by Paul Goble

“The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

“Engine Summer” by John Crowley

“Civil War Trilogy” by Bruce Catton

“Kindred” by Octavia E. Butler

“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

“The Art of the Wasted Day” by Patricia Hampl

“Horse” by Geraldine Brooks

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Thurston

“The Portable Dorothy Parker” by Dorothy Parker

Nicki van Vonno’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

4

HAFNER’S CORNER

By David Hafner

I spend a lot of my time advocating for agriculture.

In my advocacy I focus on both supporting American grown foods and fibers and supporting the farmers themselves. One of the common themes I try to promote is “What does a farmer look like?” The stereotype imprinted upon our minds is the image of an older Caucasian man wearing overalls with a piece of straw hanging out of his mouth. Now don’t get me wrong, I have rocked that look, but farmers are as diverse as the crops that they grow and animals they raise.

According to the most recent United States Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture (2017) there are 3,399,834 agricultural producers (farmers) in our country. That breaks down to 1% of our country’s population feeding 100% of us.

By Age. The average age of the U.S. farmer is 57.5 years old. Of the 3.4 million farmers in our country 8% are under 35 years old, 34% are over 65 years old, and 58% are between 35-64 years old.

By gender. 64% of farmers are male and 36% are female; in Martin County 41% of farmers are women. 56% of U.S. farms report to have at least one female decision maker.

By Race. U.S. farmers are by majority white- 95.4%. That is followed by 3% Hispanic, 1.7% Native American, 1.3% Black, .6% Asian, and .1% Pacific Islander.

By Experience. 27% of farmers have been farming for 10 or fewer years. These farmers have an average age of 46.3% and in Florida they make up 31% of our farmers.  A statistic that may surprise you, 40% of farmers have an off-farm job where they work 200+ days a year. Hold that in comparison to 39% of farmers work full time on the farm and 21% work off the farm between 1-199 days a year.

That’s a lot of statistics to throw at you, but I hope they help you see that a farmer is not only an older Caucasian man wearing overalls with a piece of straw hanging out of his mouth. A farmer is also a set of newly weds running a dairy in Iowa, a single mother growing vegetables in Michigan while putting herself through school, a family of Florida potato farmers multiple generations deep, and a biomedical research professional who is also a pageant queen and a pig farmer in Pennsylvania.

Farmers are not some far off figures standing in a field. Farmers are next to you in line at the grocery store, at the school sports game, and the county commission meeting. When you think of a farmer- when you think of any profession- try to shake off the stereotypes and think about the great diversity that makes up our community. The more we hold on to those stereotypes the more we suppress the minority voice.

Statistics sources: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2019/2017Census_Farm_Producers.pdf

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Florida/cp12085.pdf

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

5

FLETCH’S PERSPECTIVE

By Keith Fletcher CEO & President of

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

 “A body of people engaged in a particular activity.”

That’s one of the definitions of “corps.” And it’s one we all certainly instinctively understand, but I personally benefited from being reminded of this broader definition by Rep. John Snyder during his inspiring talk to Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s newest cohort of AmeriCorps members before conducting their swearing in.

It was an honor to host Snyder, who knows well the more commonly recognized definition of “corps,” as he served in Afghanistan in the U.S. Marine Corps. He drew appropriate parallels in acknowledging each AmeriCorps member’s commitment to their country and community, willingness to face risk in service to others and the significance of what they will achieve by working in unison for a higher calling.

During the earliest days of the covid crisis—even as our clubs closed down—our AmeriCorps members organized, staffed and served tens of thousands of free meals to children and families in need of nourishment. Amid the transition to online learning, our AmeriCorps members got involved, employing important techniques to minimize learning loss for at-risk students struggling with the adjustment.

In 2019, we undertook an effort to place as many AmeriCorps members as possible in area elementary and middle schools to assist students struggling with reading, math and science. Even as the virus slowed our subsequent deployments, our AmeriCorps members achieved great results.

Last school year AmeriCorps helped 135 students at Port Salerno Elementary, 91 percent of whom improved from interim 1 level to interim 4—an excellent improvement. Of the 60 students we helped at JD Parker, 79 percent jumped from interim level 1 to 4.

We now have a good-sized class of 37 AmeriCorps members. Serving for a year in exchange for a modest stipend and college scholarship, each member will take part in our expanded reach. AmeriCorps members will position in all five Martin County middle schools and Hobe Sound Elementary in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno Elementary, JD Parker in Stuart and Warfield Elementary in Indiantown. Members will work closely with all students in need of help, not only those who attend one of our four clubs.

We know that individualized attentiveness makes a difference. It’s not just the investment of time, but its intentional approach that produces quality outcomes. Trust is built, enabling learning and retention. Consistent encouragement is offered along the way, inspiring confidence.

Showing up, day in and day out, giving their best no matter their own concerns, and modeling loyalty and reliability—these virtues often prove as impactful to a child’s ability to learn as the school lessons themselves. As a unit functioning as one corps, each mentor is helping a child triumph over adversity in their own battles, training them in the skills necessary to lead an overcoming life.

And it all begins with the AmeriCorps pledge. Asking them to raise their right hand, Snyder started off and members followed, their promise resounding throughout the room.

“I will get things done for America. To make our people safer, smarter and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.

“I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.”

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

6

MICHELE’S MEDICAL MOMENT

By Michele Libman M.D.

Is the new Covid Booster shot necessary?

Here is some supplemental information that may help you make a decision as to whether to get the shot or not.  This information is courtesy of Dr. Mark Pamer who is a pulmonologist in St. Lucie West.  He has spent numerous weeks flying to Covid hot spots helping treat patients in the Intensive Care Unit.  He worked at Covid Ground Zero in New York City and within the past two years often volunteered his time and expertise by flying to rural hospitals in Texas helping to treat the sickest of the sick.

“In the United Kingdom (UK), there has been a marked increase in cases and deaths over the prior 2 weeks, with a 65% increase in cases and 13% increase in deaths. The current strains causing infections include the Omicron BA.4 (6%) and Omicron BA.5 (91%). The reason for these increases in the number of new cases is due to a large increase in the rate for first reinfections since the Omicron variants became dominant. Historically, what happens in the UK occurs here within a month; this was true of the Alpha wave, the Delta wave, Omicron and its subvariants.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

It’s not clear yet if this new spike is the beginning of 1) something new, 2) a new wave, or a 3) temporary increase. There are several reasons why the new increase should not be surprising:

• Low booster vaccination rates: Many in the UK are several months past their last Covid-19 booster or infection.
• Large crowds gathered together for the Queen’s funeral and other royal events.
• School and work resumed after the summer holidays
• People are congregating inside.
• Weather has cooled there

WHO IS GETTING THESE NEW CASES?

The majority of new cases/reinfections are among middle school children and young adults ages 25 to 34. People are more likely to be re-infected if they:

• Had a mild primary infection with a lower viral load
• Did not report symptoms with their first infection
• Were unvaccinated

VACCINATION RATES

Vaccination rates in England and the United States are similar; England has 76% vaccination rate, and the United States has a 68% full vaccination rate (Florida is 69%). Unfortunately, the numbers of people getting boosters is far from optimal. Only 8% of adults 50 and older in the UK have gotten an Omicron-specific vaccine since September 2022. Further, Americans have been slow to get boosted, also. Just 35% of those for whom boosters are recommended have received one.

BOOSTERS

The boosters in the UK and United States are not the same. The UK is using vaccines that have been updated to fight the original version of Omicron, which is not circulating anymore. The United States boosters have been updated to fight the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which are currently causing infections both here and abroad.

TAKE HOME POINT

We may see another surge very soon. The Omicron strains present like cold symptoms with sore throat, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Stay safe. Get boosters! Consider wearing a mask in public or around others; they really do help decrease transmission. If you develop COVID and have risk factors for severe COVID (advanced age, obesity, chronic medical conditions, developmental delays, etc.) then call your health care professional to be evaluated for Paxlovid or the other medications available for this virus.”

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

7

HOPE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Rob Ranieri

CEO for House of Hope

Just take a walk through your favorite stores, including the Hope Shop, House of Hope’s main thrift store on Federal Highway in Stuart, and it becomes obvious that the holiday season is upon us.

While the wish is for everyone to have a season filled with joy and peace, for many of our neighbors, especially lower wage earners and those living paycheck to paycheck, that is not reality. The holidays create incredible stress as they try to figure out how to scrape together the resources to buy gifts or create a holiday meal for their loved ones.

Parents and guardians face additional challenges in meeting their basic monthly expenses due to lost wages or increased childcare costs since schools are closed. There are additional food costs for the household when the schools are closed as well. The increased financial pressure that so many feel, and the anxiety that comes with it, are reasons that suicide rates, domestic violence, and crime rates all increase during the holidays.

But there is always Hope in Our Community. With the support of so many individuals and families, local businesses, churches, youth groups and more, House of Hope will once again work to be a resource for our most challenged neighbors and lighten their load at this stressful time of year. Through our four Client Choice Pantries, we hope to distribute over 600 turkeys or hams along with all of the fixings so our clients may have what they need to prepare their own special holiday meal with their loved ones.

We will also plan to cook over 200 holiday meals to distribute to our clients that may be experiencing homelessness. For Christmas, we expect to be able to provide over 250 children and teens with gifts to open on Christmas morning. Since we are also a foodbank, House of Hope has a goal to once again be a resource for many of our non-profit partners for the holidays. We anticipate providing turkeys or hams and all the trimmings to several local soup kitchens, as well as SafeSpace, our local domestic violence shelter, so that they may provide food and fellowship to hundreds of people that would otherwise be alone and go without.

We will do our best to be a resource for food and gifts for the Miracle on Tenth Street, the holiday event that takes place in East Stuart. We also are working to secure non-perishable items to support the United Way of Martin County’s Holiday Project for the second year in a row.

To deliver hope this holiday season, we do need your help. Please consider supporting our efforts by donating turkeys, hams and/or non-perishable holiday food items. If you can, please host a food drive through your organization or business. We also welcome financial support and gift cards to make our Holiday Programs a success. To learn more and decide on the best way to help us lift up our community this season, please visit https://www.hohmartin.org/seasonal-programs.

We are also always happy to give tours of our facilities. So, if you have never been to House of Hope, or if it has been a while, we welcome the opportunity to connect in person. May everyone who reads this have a holiday season filled with peace, health, and happiness.

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

8

PALM CITY HIGHLIGHTS

By Missi Campbell

Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber

CHARACTER COUNTS! is an amazing community program that strengthens the basics of good character through six pillars.  This wonderful program was brought to Martin County by a small group of dedicated community leaders back in 1996.

Joe and Phyllis Kordick were instrumental in organizing and providing financial support for CHARACTER COUNTS!  As a former executive with Ford Motor Company, Joe had the knowledge and skills to encourage others to join him on his mission to foster the program throughout our community.

CHARACTER COUNTS! Week is October 16^th-22^nd.  There will be a Kickoff event on Thursday, October 20^th from 5:30-6:30PM at the Palm City Community Center located at Charlie Leighton Park.  Guest speakers include Sheriff William Snyder and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay along with members of the local CHARACTER COUNTS! committee.  Handheld appetizers provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s culinary team.

This is not only a school program but involves everyone in Martin County.  We are looking for YOU to be a part of CHARACTER COUNTS!  Businesses and individuals are welcome to attend and show their support.

The Six Pillars of Character are the core ethical values of CHARACTER COUNTS! These values were identified by a nonpartisan, secular group of youth development experts in 1992 as core ethical values that transcend cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences.

The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Each of the Six Pillars of Character help instill a positive school climate and a culture of kindness, making schools a safe environment for students to learn.

TRUSTWORTHINESS

Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.

Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.

Keep your promises.

Be loyal. Stand by your values.

RESPECT

Follow the Golden Rule.

Be accepting of differences.

Be courteous to others.

Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.

Be considerate of others’ feelings.

RESPONSIBILITY

Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.

Persevere. Keep on trying.

Be self-disciplined.

Think before you act. Consider the consequences.

Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.

FAIRNESS

Play by the rules.

Take turns and share.

Be open-minded. Listen to others.

Don’t take advantage of others.

CARING

Be kind.

Be compassionate.

Express gratitude.

Forgive others.

CITIZENSHIP

Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.

Cooperate.

Stay informed. Vote.

Be a good neighbor.

Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.

Protect the environment.

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

9

FISHING TIPS

BY Capt. Paul Sperco

Its October 9th and Hurricane Ian has come and gone. Although we were once again lucky to have suffered any major damage please keep your thoughts and focus on our friends and neighbors along the southwest coast of Florida.

The devastation and damage were catastrophic and it will take months and probably years for that area to come back to what it once was. Donations to the folks who suffered entire losses of everything can be made at several legitimate websites starting with The Red Cross.

As far as our fishing right here in Martin County, its basically pretty darn good. Along our local beaches like Tiger Shores, Stuart Beach, and Santa Lucea the early schools of pompano have been working their way down the beach. For those not familiar with this time of year in good years the early schools usually consist of 7-to-10-inch throwback sized fish.

Catches of 30 to 40 releases per outing is the norm, not the exception. As we move further into the month the numbers drop but the bigger keeper fish increase. That is what is going on right now. Lots of action but not a lot of the 11-inch minimum to the fork of the tail keepers. The keepers will show so keep at it.

EZ Flea and Electric Chicken Fishbites have been the hot baits that have been producing. This is a 70 to 100 yard from the edge of the surf fishing zone so break out the long rods so you can reach them. The mullets are still showing also along the beach and for those that want to hook a tarpon, big jack crevalle, sook, bluefish, ladyfish, or a Spanish mackerel break out the spinning rods and 1 ounce spoons and give it a shot.

The beauty of this time of year is not knowing what’s going to hit your lure on every cast. Live bait anglers will be throwing cast nets to put some finger mullet in the bucket and live lining one of these baits will produce plenty of action also. The key to live lining one of these baits is to pith or cast it to the edge of the mullet school, not in the center of it. The predators will find your hooked bait if it is swimming by itself instead of with hundreds of his buddies.

The bridge fishing has come alive for the fisherman that are jigging Goofy jigs. Pompano, ladyfish, big croakers, and jacks have all been bending rods at the Stuart and Jensen Beach Causeways. It’s starting to shape up as a good fall and early winter season here in Martin County so get out and enjoy it.

I also wanted to let everyone know I will be doing a free seminar at Bass Pro Shops at Bass Pro Shops on December 5 at 2 pm . The theme will be focusing on pompano from the beach and bridge fishing from our local causeways. Tackle, techniques, locations, and baits for all of our fall and winter species will all be included. As a bonus the staff from Fishbites will be on location and will be doing their ” buy 2 bags, get a 3rd bag free” promotion. Seating will be limited so get there early. I hope everyone has a great month. Good luck and catch em up.

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

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CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER AND OTHER GOVERNMENT NOTICES 

And from our Supervisor of Elections:

From Martin County

From the Property Appraiser

Tax Collector

First Letter From H.B. Barrett

Tom,

I don’t know if HB Warren would want his name connected with the Sewall’s Point boat cover ordinance?  Does he even live in Sewall’s Point?  It was exhausting to make sure that the ordinance was adopted correctly, since it was brand new,  and would be more difficult to correct at a later date.

H.B. Barrett

Last week’s newsletter I inadvertently used HB Warren as the speaker at Sewall’s Point Commission Meeting instead of H.B. Barrett. I have corrected it in the story and I apologize to both the gentlemen.

The second letter from Lynn Macauley

In your newsletter you said that the County Commission re-visited the pet ordinance.  Did they rescind it or is it still under study?

My answer:

There will be a ACCOB “Workshop” which includes all the pet stores including the two that sell pets, the Humane Society, and others to supposedly work something or other out. In my opinion the commission as usual as a political body punts to those that are the most vocal. At some point it will go back to them. Courage is not considered a strong trait to a politician. 

IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE

WHAT IS IT?

I have heard some people call the newsletter a blog. Others refer to it as a digital newspaper or magazine. So, what should this electronic publication that comes out twice monthly be called?

According to techtarget, “A blog, short for weblog, is a frequently updated web page used for personal commentary or business content. Blogs are often interactive and include sections at the bottom of individual blog posts where readers can leave comments.”

Some of that characterization is accurate. Though I believe the newsletter is more than a blog.

What about the statement that it is a digital newspaper? I have refrained from using the term newspaper. I do in depth pieces regarding government meetings in Martin County. But it is only me listening to or attending those meetings. I do not have any reporters. To be a newspaper, there should be more than one reporter reporting.

The newsletter also has my opinion. It has columnists and information from other writers on different topics. There are links to articles from different publications that may be of interest to our readers along with a “Glossary of Acronyms” to help the reader with government speak. We publish readers opinions. Notices from the constitutional officers are run in every edition. And finally, Jackie Holfelder writes on the nonprofit world and people doing good things in our community.

I will continue to call Friends & Neighbors a newsletter. The newsletter if it were to be named something else in my mind would be more like a magazine. However, whatever you want to call it is fine with me, I urge you to read it.

IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER DO SO FOR FREE HERE www.friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com

GET THE WORD OUT  

Friends and Neighbors of Martin County is your eyes and ears so that you know what is going on in Martin County’s municipal and county governments. I attempt to be informative and timely so that you may understand how your tax money is being spent. Though I go to the meetings and report back, I am no substitute for your attending meetings. Your elected officials should know what is on your mind.