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City of Stuart Weekly - November 6, 2026

CommunityPress ReleaseGeneral News Article

City of Stuart Awarded $1.866 Million Through FRA’s Rail Crossing Elimination (Crossings) Grant Program



The City of Stuart has been awarded $1.866 million through the FY 25-26 Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program to advance the city's Rail Corridor Safety and Mobility Project.
A total of 91 grants across 37 states totaling $1.24 billion were awarded. The City of Stuart is the only municipality in Florida selected to receive funding through this highly competitive grant program. The City of Stuart will provide the required 20% local match for the project. The award also qualifies for the program's statutory set-aside for planning projects.
The funding will support project planning and development for future safety improvements at two rail grade crossings—Confusion Corner (junction of S. Colorado Avenue, S. Dixie Hwy, S.E. Ocean Blvd. and SW Flagler Ave.) and Sailfish Circle (SW St. Lucie Ave. and S. Dixie Avenue) in downtown Stuart along the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway mainline. The study will evaluate potential infrastructure and operational improvements designed to enhance public safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce conflicts between rail and roadway users.
Over the past five years, the two crossing locations have collectively experienced more than 200 crashes and safety-related incidents. As one of the region's busiest rail corridors, the FEC Railway passes directly through downtown Stuart, creating ongoing safety and mobility challenges for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency responders.
The project aligns with FRA funding priorities by improving the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, enhancing rail safety, and supporting healthier, more connected communities. The planning effort will identify and prioritize safety improvements and evaluate the feasibility of a grade-separated crossing to reduce interactions between trains and roadway users.
"We are grateful to the Federal Railroad Administration for recognizing the importance of this project," said City Mayor Eula Clarke. "This award provides the resources needed to study and prioritize improvements at two of our most critical rail crossings. The planning work funded through this grant will help position Stuart to compete for future construction funding and deliver meaningful safety enhancements for residents, businesses, and visitors."
Improving safety along the FEC Railway and Brightline corridor remains a priority for the FRA through its discretionary grant programs. The City of Stuart's project was selected for funding based on its potential to address critical transportation safety needs while supporting long-term mobility improvements.
  
Confusion Corner, Stuart, Fl aerial perspective
Confusion Corner, Stuart, Fla
  

Honoring All Who Served

Veterans Day - Nov. 11, 2026



Please join us Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for the Veteran's Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. on East Ocean Boulevard from S.E. Amerigo Avenue continuing on to Memorial Park. 
Immediately following the parade, the commemoration continues with a Veterans Day memorial service. This gathering offers a time for reflection, as we pay our respects to the men and women who have selflessly defended our freedom.
Let us stand together in gratitude and honor, as we salute our veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to our great nation. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 11 along the parade route and at Memorial Park in Stuart, Florida.
  
Veterans Day Parade 2026
  

Veterans Day Closure



City of Stuart offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of the holiday. Sanitation schedules will be adjusted as follow:
Garbage Carts - No pickup on Wednesday. Normal collection resumes Thursday.
Recycle Schedule - Wednesday's multifamily service will take place on Thursday. Thursday's multifamily service will be collected on Friday.
Bulk Trash - Wednesday's bulk route will be collected on Thursday. Thursday's bulk route will be collected on Friday.
  
City of Stuart Offices Closure Notice for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026
  

East Riverside Neighborhood Cleanup is Coming!



Roll up your sleeves and clear out the clutter!
The City of Stuart is bringing its East Riverside Neighborhood Cleanup to your neighborhood on Saturday, November 14, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This is the perfect opportunity to tackle those items that have been taking up space in your garage, shed, or backyard. During the cleanup, City sanitation crews will travel through East Riverside neighborhoods collecting:
✅ Old furniture
✅ Appliances
✅ Yard debris
✅ Miscellaneous household trash
Best of all, there’s no charge for these extra pickups! Simply place acceptable items at the curb before the cleanup begins.
♻️ Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling
The Martin County HazMobile will be stationed in the vacant lot at Oriole Avenue and Riverside Drive for convenient drop-off of:
▪️Paints and stains
▪️Motor oil
▪️Household cleaners
▪️Other household hazardous materials
▪️Old electronics for recycling
🌎 Help Keep East Riverside Beautiful
A cleaner neighborhood benefits everyone. Take advantage of this free community service and help make East Riverside shine!
For a complete list of accepted hazardous materials and the Neighborhood Cleanup schedule for other areas of the city, visit www.cityofstuart.us or call (772) 600-1250.
Let's clean up, clear out, and keep Stuart beautiful! 🌴✨
  
Neighborhood Clean-Up - Nov. 14 - East Riverside Neighborhood - 8-11 a.m.
  

Flooding Recovery & Assistance



Residents whose homes were affected by this week's flooding may be eligible for assistance through Martin County and its nonprofit partners. Visit https://www.martin.fl.us/recovery-assistance for information about available recovery resources and support programs.
The City thanks residents and businesses who responded to our request on Monday to limit non-essential water use while our wastewater plant managed unusually high flows caused from heavy rainfall. In a typical day, the plant processes fewer than 2.5 million gallons. On Monday alone, that volume increased to 5.8 million gallons. Thanks to your cooperation, the system continued operating successfully, and all facilities have now returned to normal operations.
While this rain event combined with King Tides brought significant rainfall and flooding across the region, the City of Stuart experienced relatively minor impacts compared to neighboring communities. Some standing water and localized street flooding were reported and were promptly addressed by our Public Works team. 
As we continue through the rainy season, residents are encouraged to keep swales, drains, and other stormwater conveyances (more info HERE) on their property free of debris to help prevent flooding. If you experience flooding issues in the future, please contact the Public Works Department at (772) 288-5341 or submit a report through the SeeClickFix mobile app.
  
Flooding Resource graphic
  

City Issues Precautionary Water Contact Notice for Frazier Creek



Issued November 4, 2026
The City of Stuart is advising residents and visitors to avoid contact with water in the affected area of Frazier Creek shown on the accompanying map until this notice is lifted. Please do not swim, wade, or allow children or pets to enter the water within the affected area.
Following heavy rainfall on November 3, an overflow of untreated wastewater occurred from a manhole in the 600 block of SW Camden Avenue. The overflow entered Frazier Creek through a storm drain. The City promptly notified the State Watch Office (SWO) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
City staff collected water samples from the affected area and submitted them to a certified laboratory for analysis. Test results are pending, and the City will provide updates as soon as additional information becomes available.
Wastewater flows to the City’s treatment plant have returned to normal levels, and the temporary request for residents and businesses to reduce water use has been lifted. However, the precautionary advisory for water contact within the mapped area of Frazier Creek remains in effect until further notice.
The City appreciates the public’s cooperation and will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available.
  
Map of Frazier Creek
  

Property Tax Amendment 3



The voters have spoken, and the City of Stuart respects their decision. Our initial analysis indicates that Amendment 3 could reduce the City's operating property tax revenues up to approximately $2 million in FY28, with that reduction potentially reaching approximately $3 million by FY29. 
Stuart benefits from a diverse tax base, including a substantial commercial sector, which is an important part of our financial foundation. We are carefully modeling and evaluating the long-term implications and looking at ways to manage these changes responsibly. 
Our priority remains protecting essential services, maintaining fiscal stability, and preserving the quality of life our residents expect. 
  
Property Tax Amendment 3 graphic
  

SALT Committee Applications Open Through Nov. 20



A reminder that applications are still being accepted for the City of Stuart's Sustainable Acquisition of Land for Tomorrow (SALT) citizen advisory committee through Friday, November 20, 2026. Residents of the City of Stuart or unincorporated Martin County who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply through the SALT portal: https://www.stuartfl.gov/882/Sustainable-Acquisition-of-Land-for-Tomo.
The online application portal may be accessed HERE or by scanning the QR code below.
For additional information, contact City of Stuart Environmental Attorney Ruth Holmes at (772) 678-7905 or rholmes@stuatfl.gov.
  
Sustainable Acquisition of Lands for Tomorrow - Join the Initiative
  

Traffic Advisories



🚧Temporary sidewalk and lane closures, for construction S.E. 5th Street / S.E. Delaware Ave., Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Tuesday, Nov. 10, weather and field permitting, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, contact BlueStreak Telecommunications, LLC, at (754) 971-0273.
  
Temporary lane & sidewalk closures map for SE. Delaware Ave. / S.E 5th Street
 
Temporary lane & sidewalk closures for S.E. Delaware / S.E. 5th Street
  
Take the City of Stuart Backyard Chickens Survey
  
Christmas on Main Street notice
  
Boat Parade Watch Party teaser
  
Volunteer Notice for Stuart Christmas parade
  
 

Agenda for Nov. 9, 2026 City Commission Meeting



ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. ARTS MOMENT - DARYL MAGILL, PATRIOTIC SONG
PROCLAMATIONS
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER
3. STUART PLUMBING CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY - NOVEMBER 2026
4. EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2026
5. 53RD ANNUAL STUART BOAT SHOW - JANUARY 2027
6. ARBOR DAY - JANUARY 16, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
7. SERVICE AWARDS - NOVEMBER
8. 100 YEARS OF COMMISSION/MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT PRESENTED BY RUSS BLACKBURN, FLORIDA CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
9. CITY OF STUART FLORIDA TRAIL TOWN DESIGNATION
COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Non-Agenda Related) (3 Minutes Max.)
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
10. APPROVAL OF 10/26/2026 CCM MINUTES
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
COMMISSION ACTION
11. 228 SW DIXIE HIGHWAY REQUESTING MAJOR URBAN CODE CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL (QUASI-JUDICIAL)(RC):
RESOLUTION No. 50-2026; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, GRANTING A MAJOR URBAN CODE CONDITIONAL USE TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 228 S.W. DIXIE HIGHWAY, AS DESCRIBED WITHIN THE ATTACHED LEGAL DESCRIPTION; GRANTING APPROVAL TO DEVIATE FROM ON-SITE PARKING REQUIREMENTS AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 3.01.03.A.3. OF THE CITY OF STUART LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO ALLOW OFF-SITE PARKING TO RENOVATE THE EXISTING 1,170 SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING AND TO INCLUDE A 452 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING FOOTPRINT EXPANSION TO ALLOW FOR KITCHEN AREA, AND A 369 SQUARE FOOT COVERED OUTDOOR SEATING AREA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
12. ATLANTIC POINT MARINA AMENDMENT TO MAJOR URBAN CODE CONDITIONAL USE LOCATED AT 75 NW FLAGLER AVENUE (QUASI-JUDICIAL)(RC):
RESOLUTION No. 88-2026; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE MAJOR URBAN CODE CONDITIONAL USE FOR MIDDLE ISLAND MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, LLC, OWNER OF PROPERTY, FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS ATLANTIC POINT MARINA, LOCATED AT 75 NW FLAGLER AVENUE, ADJACENT TO THE ST. LUCIE RIVER, PARALLEL TO NW FLAGLER AVENUE, NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, AND THE FEC RAILWAY, AS DESCRIBED WITHIN THE ATTACHED LEGAL DESCRIPTION; REQUESTING REVISIONS TO THE APPROVED SITE PLAN, PARKING AND LANDSCAPING RELOCATION, REMOVAL OF THE FUTURE POOL AND FITNESS CENTER AND REPLACING WITH AN OUTDOOR GATHERING AREA, INCLUDING A STAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
13. LETTERS TO USACE AND NOAA (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 89-2026; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF PUBLIC COMMENT LETTERS TO THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGARDING THE EAA RESERVOIR INITIAL FILL OPERATIONS AND TO THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION OPPOSING THE OPENING OF THE OCULINA BANK HABITAT AREA TO SEAFLOOR TRAWLING; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
14. AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH HAZEN AND SAWYER (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 92-2026; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING AN AMENDED AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH HAZEN AND SAWYER, P.C. FOR COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN AND RELATED WATER RESOURCE PROJECT EVALUATION; PROVIDING AND EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
15. 2025/2026 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS AND ACCOUNTING
ADJOURNMENT
  
MASTHEAD PHOTO:  Veterans Day Honor Guard, Nov. 2024.
 

City of Stuart Weekly - November 6, 2...
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