Just a quick follow-up on the update we shared last week. Our new website and email addresses are now fully in place.Website: hbkgroup.com (hbkcpa.com takes you there)Email: your team’s new @hbkgroup.com addressesIf you haven’t had a chance yet, please update your contacts and add hbkgroup.com to your safe senders list. And as a reminder, we’ll never ask you to change payment or banking instructions by email alone, so if something ever looks off, give your HBK team a call at a number you already
Joseph - Right now, Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach Counties are all under a state of emergency for the 2026 Fall Flooding. Riviera Beach took more than 19 inches of rain in 12 hours. More than 120 people were pulled from floodwater in St. Lucie County and a week later neighborhoods throughout the treasure coast still have standing water. As of today, Monday, November 9th, there is no federal disaster declaration yet, so if your home was flooded, FEMA assistance is not available. That
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SOUTH FLORIDA – In recognition of the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our nation, the popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch dining destination Berry Fresh Café will offer a special dining discount to military members and first responders on Wednesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day. The special offer includes 20% off dine-in and takeout orders at all Berry Fresh Café locations. The promotion is available to veterans, first responders, and active-duty military personnel. Valid military ID
JUPITER, FL – Philadelphia is coming to Jupiter, and it’s bringing da beef! Berry Fresh Café is expanding its popular cheesesteak concept, Papa T’s Cheesesteaks & Tenders, with a new location opening November 12 in Jupiter. The new ghost kitchen marks the third Papa T’s location and its first in Palm Beach County. The other two locations operate inside Berry Fresh Café restaurants in Stuart and Port St. Lucie. Founded by Berry Fresh Café’s CEO Mitch Timoteo and named after his late father, Papa T’s
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
November 2026Dear Friends, One of the greatest joys of my job is saying thank you. Every day, I have reasons to be grateful: for the clients and families who entrust us with their care, our staff whose dedication brings our mission to life, the donors and supporters whose generosity sustains our work, and the community partners who help us bring more resources to seniors in need. Some of the most meaningful moments come when that gratitude finds its way back to us. Just this past week, I received a
Martin County Commissioner Sarah HeardDistrict 4 Newsletter, November 6, 2026Dear Friends, Amendment 3 has been approved by Florida's voters so we will begin testing what changes will occur in Martin County as a result. Martin County is particularly dependent upon residential property taxes. 41% of our budget is funded by property taxes. Our professional budget office has forecast a loss of $42 million in year one, $75 million in year two and $170 million in year three. Following is the letter that
November 6, 2026 Chamber BulletinKEY TAKEAWAYSLawsuit abuse costs the average family $4,900 a year. But reforms can put money back in people's pockets. Opening up more offshore energy opportunities could support more than 133,000 jobs. How Legal Reform Can Make Life More AffordableThe average American household now absorbs $4,900 a year in costs and compensation tied to the U.S. tort system, according to new research from U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform
Florida Shines on Wheel of Fortune Wheel of Fortune’s Live More Floridays Week launches today and delivers a powerful brand moment for Florida. For the second consecutive year, VISIT FLORIDA is collaborating with Sony Pictures Television’s iconic game show for a week-long Florida spotlight airing November 9–13, 2026, following a special Live More Floridays episode on November 6.
718 Upcoming WorkshopsUpdated as of 11/9/26 *** NEW *** Building an Effective Social Media StrategyNovember 11th @ 10:00 am I Fee: $20Walk through the playbook setting goals, tracking metrics, benchmarking performance, and unlocking the hidden potential in your content calendar.Learn how to overcome the top challenges crushing social media users right now: Reaching the right audienceCreating effective contentMeeting engagement goalsConstructing a strategy that produces
*** NEW ***Building an Effective Social Media StrategyNovember 11th @ 10:00AM I Fee: $20Location:Online WorkshopCrafting an unstoppable social media approach isn't about throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks. It's about strategy, precision, and results.This Live Online Workshop walks you through the exact playbook to set goals AND hit them. You will learn about:Tracking metricsBenchmarking performanceUnlocking hidden potentialCreating content that convertsJoin us and walk away with an
November 2026 The New Career Currency: AdaptabilityWork can change fast—new tools, different shifts, and new ways of getting the job done. Staying open to learning and ready to adjust can help you succeed on your current assignment and be ready when the next opportunity comes along. Advance Your Accounting CareerLooking to move forward in accounting? Accountants who expand their skills, earn relevant certifications, embrace new technologies, and
Elizabeth BarbellaPresident & CEO 772.288.3795 officeElizabeth@tcfmsl.orgTheCommunityFoundationMartinStLucie.org 851 SE Monterey Commons BoulevardStuart, FL 34996
Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | November 5-21Here's a two-week preview of upcoming workshops.November 5, 12:00pm ETHow to Hire an SEO Agency in 2026: Interview Questions to AskREGISTERNovember 5, 6:00pm ETPreparing HR for the New Year: A Must-Have Year-End ChecklistREGISTERNovember 5, 6:00pm ETTurning Entrepreneurs Into Homeowners & Building OwnersREGISTERNovember 9, 6:00pm ETGet Your Local Business on Google Search and MapsREGISTERNovember 10, 12:00pm ETNonprofit Doesn’t
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel – Florida Injury Lawyers is proud to announce that we’ve been included on the list of Best Law Firms® in the Best Lawyers rankings for the 17th consecutive year. Our firm achieved 2027 Best Law Firms® rankings in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and in Insurance Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs in West Palm Beach. “As we prepare to celebrate
Dear FP Friends & Family,I’m excited to share a fun opportunity with you, just after I bring you up to speed on a few things I want you to know. Family homelessness often begins long before a family loses housing. It starts when housing costs consume so much of a paycheck that one setback can push a family into crisis.This month, as we gear up for our big event (our Bed Races on November 14th), we want you—our Family Promise family—to be the most knowledgeable people in our community about childhood
Out in the CommunityThroughout October, our office had the pleasure of attending several community events across Martin County. These gatherings gave us a wonderful opportunity to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment, homestead exemptions, and provide updates on new construction and development thoroughout Martin County.Proposed Property Tax AmendmentBuying or Selling a Home?There is a lot to consider when buying or selling a home in Florida. Our office has created educational flyers that provide
Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | November 2-9Here's a look at the workshops coming up next week.November 2, 6:00pm ETSimple Steps for Starting a Business: Revenue & Profit ProjectionsLearn about financial planning, financial statements, and options for financing your business.REGISTERNovember 2, 6:00pm ETHR 101: Hiring, Firing and Other Key HR Basics for Small Business OwnersGet familiar with the essential HR and employment law topics every small business owner should
Trouble viewing this email?Click here. October 2026FAU Receives $1.3M NOAA Grant to Study Harmful Algal Blooms Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to investigate the environmental and biological drivers of recurring and prolonged harmful algal blooms (HABs) in subtropical estuaries. Led by Mingshun Jiang, Ph.D., the
Share the excitement that you are a proud member of the TCBA!IndexBuilder NewsHelp Region 4 Bring Home the Karaoke CrownFHBA: The New Building Code Takes Effect December 31, Are You Ready?Immigration EnforcementPriced-Out Housing CalculatorIndian River County Building Division Moves Plans Examiner of the DayTCBA in ActionAnnual Golf Tournament Upcoming EventsConstruction Night OutProfessional Women in Building LuncheonFuture EventsUpcoming MeetingsBuilder Breakfast in OkeechobeeBuilder
Updated as of 11/2/26Unlock Federal Contracting OpportunitiesNovember 3rd @ 10:00 am I Fee: $10ThisLive Online Workshop will provide guidance into how to research Federal Contracting databases, identify potential sales opportunities, and determine qualification requirements.Learn about:How to Conduct Market ResearchCurrent OpportunitiesHistorical Information on AwardsSBA Small Business Assistance Program CertificationsOnline Bid/Proposals and Standard FormsLOCATION: Online WorkshopMore Information &
News Release SFWMD Takes Emergency Action to Address Flooding in Multiple South Florida Counties The South Florida Water Management District (District) issued an Emergency Order to address the flooding in Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties caused by heavy rainfall from widespread thunderstorms. Additional rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for portions of South Florida, and they will further exacerbate ongoing flooding
By Elizabeth James, BC-HIS, CDPOwner and Practice Director, Hear Again America (Stuart and Port St. Lucie) Member, Stuart / Martin County Chamber of Commerce When most business owners and community members think about staying healthy as they age, they focus on physical exercise, heart health, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. However, one of the most essential and most neglected components of long term mental sharpness, professional productivity, and personal vitality is right between our ears: our
Many small business owners think about cybersecurity as an IT department responsibility or a one-and-done task. Comcast Business's newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in the Treasure Coast. The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at
Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Small Business Workshop Trust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand October 28, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopTrust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand In today’s noisy marketplace, small businesses don’t just need more visibility—they need more trust. Buyers are overwhelmed by ads, skeptical
REGISTERSPONSORIn-Person Registration Closes This Thursday.Register your team now!. Your F3 Experience Starts Next Tuesday!Here is What's on the Agenda: Thursday is your last chance to register to attend the2026 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meetingin person, October 27-28, at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek.Register now to secure a front-row seat to this premier 2-day event, where Florida's business, political, non-profit, and community leaders will unite to focus on securing
The Day Sarah Found Home Sarah and her daughter spent months without a place to call home. Some nights they found space in a shelter, and other nights they slept in their car. Sarah worked long hours delivering for a local delivery company, often just to give her daughter a good night’s sleep in a hotel. Through all of it, she kept working to provide what she could. Then came the day they opened the door to their Villages of Hope apartment for the first
Wear purple. Help someone find support.A purple shirt can start a conversation. What we share next can help someone find the support they need.This Thursday, Oct. 22, join SafeSpace for Wear Purple Day in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Wear purple at work, gather your community group or invite a friend to participate.Share your photo using #AwarenessToAction and include SafeSpace’s 24/7 hotline, 772-288-7023. You can also share our website, SafeSpaceFL.org, where people can learn about
View this email in your browserCLICK HERE TO SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTSNovember 2026 Community Calendar Breathe Easy: What You Need to Know About Lung Health Take a deep breath and discover how to keep your lungs working their best. This informative program will explore asthma and COPD, signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, and today’s approaches to managing chronic lung conditions. You’ll also learn about lung cancer screenings, who may benefit and why early detection matters. Gain practical information to
For Immediate Release: October 14, 2026Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Tourism Support to Northwest Florida Following Hurricane Isaias TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $1 million investment through VISIT FLORIDA to support tourism recovery efforts in Northwest Florida following Hurricane Isaias. The funding will be awarded to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume the
Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Isaias Resources Dear Fellow Floridian, As Florida begins our recovery from Hurricane Isaias, my office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the tools and federal resources necessary to rebuild. This was a major storm, and it demands a well-coordinated response and recovery effort. Just as I have for the past week, I remain in constant communication with President Trump and our federal partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Small Business Workshop Trust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand October 28, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopTrust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand In today’s noisy marketplace, small businesses don’t just need more visibility—they need more trust. Buyers are overwhelmed by ads, skeptical of sales tactics, and selective about
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No Camera, No Problem: An Interactive Faceless AI Video WorkshopOctober 21st @ 6:00PM I Fee: $10Location:Online WorkshopRegister NowThis session empowers camera-shy entrepreneurs to break through the intense barrier of visibility by mastering the art of faceless video creation. Participants will explore a variety of high-impact formats—from screen recordings and slide decks to B-roll and animation—that make it possible to create engaging content and powerful storytelling without ever appearing on screen. By
Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Small Business Workshop Hiring Your First Salesperson: A Solopreneur’s Playbook October 21, 2026 @ 9:00 am EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopHiring Your First Salesperson: A Solopreneur’s Playbook Hiring your first salesperson is one of the biggest growth decisions a business owner can make — and one of the riskiest. A poor hire can cost $150K+ and set growth
View this email in your browserCLICK HERE TO SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTSOctober 2026 Community Calendar Pancakes & Prostates Join us for breakfast and an informative discussion about one of the most important aspects of men’s health. Prostate conditions are common as men age, yet many questions and concerns often go unaddressed. Our expert physicians will discuss prostate health, screening recommendations, common conditions, and the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment. Learn what symptoms to watch for,
For your convenience...please see the following James Madison Institute Voter Guide for the Nov. 2026 ballot amendments. TABLE OF AMENDMENTS TYPETITLESUBJECTDESCRIPTIONFlorida LegislatureAmendment 1State Budget / Fiscal PolicyRaises the cap on Florida's budget stabilization ("rainy day") fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue, requires annual transfers into the fund, and sets conditions for withdrawals.Florida LegislatureAmendment
The Mayfield Minute - October 11, 2026Good Morning!National Manufacturing WeekNational Manufacturing Week highlights the vital role American industry plays in driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening national security, and maintaining global economic competitiveness. Launched by the Manufacturing Institute in 2011, National Manufacturing Week aims to showcase modern, high-tech manufacturing careers, challenge outdated stereotypes of the industry, and inspire the next generation of
Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Isaias ResourcesDear Fellow Floridian,We are just hours away from Hurricane Isaias impacting Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now is the time for all Floridians, especially those in the Panhandle, to take steps to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their homes.Floridians in the Panhandle should be ready for: life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and potential tornadoes, and heavy rainfall and flooding. Please listen to local officials! If they say evacuate, then GET OUT.
Did you happen to catch Molly’s House on WPTV? We’re still smiling about it. As part of our 30th anniversary, WPTV’s T.A. Walker stopped by Molly’s House to shine a light on the families who walk through our doors—and the dream that started it all 30 years ago. [WATCH THE STORY] The story features some familiar faces, including Molly’s sister Kate and
FEMA is awarding Florida more than $46.4 million for projects that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage. The efforts will focus on cost-effective residential mitigation projects statewide, including work on 62 homes through elevations, property acquisitions, demolitions and reconstruction of eligible homes. The wheels of the bus fall off!Commissioner Capps is a frustrated teacher!Great job if you can get it!Tax rate remains the same, but BOCC gets $41,404,488 more of your tax
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings in the next few weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance. Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats, so be sure to check the "Meeting Information" for details. SFWMD Public
Krystal and Her Three Children Have A New Way Forward Think about a typical single morning with three children: school drop-offs, a shift that starts on time, a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, groceries on the way home. Now picture doing all of it without a mode of transportation. For Krystal, a mom in our Transitional Independent Living Program, that was
Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel has become a fourth-generation personal injury law firm with the admission of Lillian J. Lesser to The Florida Bar.Lillian Lesser, great-granddaughter of founder Joseph Lesser and eldest daughter of Managing Partner Gary Lesser, was sworn in Friday by Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Carolyn Bell.“Watching Lillian take the oath and join our firm as an attorney is a moment I will always treasure,” Gary Lesser said. “I had the privilege of practicing alongside my father in
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County recently installed Heather Greenhill Stohlman as President for the 2026-2027 term, and honored Founding President Gary S. Lesser for two years of leadership. The leadership transition was celebrated during JLAPBC’s Sept. 9 Installation and Reception, which included the swearing in of the organization’s 2026–2027 Executive Board and Board of Directors.Stohlman presented Lesser with the inaugural Tzedek Award, recognizing his
On the Treasure Coast, motion sells. A few seconds of water moving, a sailfish breaking the surface, a boat easing out of a Stuart marina at first light: short animated clips stop the scroll in a way a still image cannot. For the tourism operators, waterfront businesses, and marine and boating retailers that drive so much of Martin County's economy, animated social content has become table stakes, and AI animation generators now let a small team produce it without a video crew or an editing suite. That
Community Healthcare Leader Janean BarrowsJoins Top-Ranked Home Care OrganizationHummingbird Care Services has named Janean Barrows its Director of Growth and Innovation. In this role, she will support the company’s efforts to expand access to dependable, personalized care for seniors and adults who wish to remain safely and comfortably at home. Hummingbird Care Services was named Best Home Care Agency in the WFLX Viewers’ Choice Awards and by Guide to Florida.Mrs. Barrows will help enhance partnerships,
For the fourth consecutive year, Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel – Florida Injury Lawyers has been voted a Guide to Florida Best of Florida winner in the Personal Injury Law category. Best of Florida recognizes leading businesses and organizations throughout the state based on votes from the public. For our firm, that makes this honor particularly meaningful. Rather than relying on formal advertising, our firm has grown through relationships, referrals and the reputation we have built by providing
U.S. Department of Transportation (MARAD) Designates Chapman School of Seamanship a Maritime Center of Excellence for Domestic Workforce Training and Education Federal designation recognizes Chapman’s maritime training, workforce outcomes, and role in preparing the next generation of America’s maritime professionalsSTUART, Fla. — August 25, 2026 — Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship has been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a standalone generative artificial intelligence application built to assist small businesses and creators with visual asset generation through plain language instructions. The system operates via a web browser interface, converting detailed text descriptions into accurate graphics, stylized artwork, or high definition video sequences. Every output generated through its production ready features is certified and cleared for commercial marketing use, protecting your
The Treasure Coast is one of Florida's most ecologically distinct regions — home to the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River, and a business community that has long treated environmental stewardship as a civic value, not a marketing angle. The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce is a member of the River Coalition, which signals something real about how local businesses relate to the natural systems around them. That context matters if you're thinking about launching a business
Businesses of all sizes rely on consultants to solve problems, improve performance, and unlock growth. A consultant is a specialized professional who offers expert advice in a defined area such as finance, marketing, operations, or technology. Rather than depending on a single perspective, many companies benefit from working with different consultants across disciplines.Key Takeaways at a Glance Different consultants bring specialized expertise that internal teams may lack. External advisors offer
Video and audio have become the default language of digital discovery — and for member businesses across Martin County and Port St. Lucie, that shift is too significant to ignore. How widely video has been adopted tells the story plainly: 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, with 93% of video marketers calling it an important part of their overall strategy. Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, with a metro area topping 500,000 residents and rising. The chamber members
STUART, FL – March 06, 2026 — Chapman School of Seamanship, an internationally recognized 501(c)3, nonprofit marine training institution and the State of Florida’s designated maritime school, has announced the launch of its new Vessel Legacy Program. This initiative allows boat and yacht owners to donate vessels to support maritime education, workforce development, and safety programs for boaters of all ages. Through the program, donated vessels may be used as ‘at-the-helm’ training platforms for
We are proud to announce that our Firm has changed its name to Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC. The name change acknowledges the significant contributions of Firm Partner Glenn Siegel and marks an exciting new chapter in our almost 98-year history as a personal injury law firm in Florida. “Glenn has worked in our firm for almost the entirety of his lengthy legal career,” Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser said. “He exemplifies our values of working hard to get great results for our clients with personal
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, is pleased to announce that Attorney Mike Scott has joined the Firm and will be working out of our Stuart and West Palm Beach offices. A native of New England, Scott has spent the past decade litigating cases, primarily as a defense attorney, at firms in Florida, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Eager to work on behalf of injured clients and their families, Scott will focus his practice on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury or
West Palm Beach, FL – Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, is proud to announce that Ethel L. Velasquez has joined the firm, Of Counsel, in its West Palm Beach office, where she will focus her practice on personal injury litigation. Raised in West Palm Beach, Velasquez is a member of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association and Palm Beach County Florida Association of Women Lawyers and volunteers her time in support of the nonprofits Latinos in Action, El Sol and Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach
A “consummate professional whose entire legal career has been defined by his personal professional conduct,” Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser was honored by his peers on March 8 with the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Sidney A. Stubbs Professionalism Award. Attorneys Patricia Leonard and Alexcia Cox presented Lesser with the award in front of hundreds of attorneys and judges at a luncheon during the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s 2024 Bench Bar Conference. “I think this is the biggest
STUART, Fla. (December 6, 2023) – Martin County, Florida is known for being a premier family-friendly vacation destination, thanks to countless ecotourism activities, beautiful hotels, world-class restaurants, and miles of pristine coastline. However, it’s also a popular pet-friendly escape. The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing and Explore Natural Martin recognize that outdoor adventures and pets go hand-in-paw, which is why they are excited to announce the new B.A.R.K. Ranger program, which
