The following are the Martin County Commissioners' Priorities for 2026. The MCTA thought it might be enlightening to ask YOU, the taxpayer, if these align with YOUR priorities for the County which YOU fund. Please let us know at mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com
Note: The Commissioners represent the County as a whole. However, if you don't know which district you fall into, here's a link to an interactive map: https://mcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a2612f3c5514475c8831727f8c67a8e1 Alternatively, here is a link to the Supervisor of Elections webpage, but you will have to enter some personal information to acquire the answer. https://www.voterfocus.com/VoterInformationLookup/voterSearch?county=MRT
District 1 - Commissioner Eileen Vargas
1. The County is strategically advancing redevelopment planning for the Ricou Terrace property, working with qualified consultants to evaluate opportunities and innovative approaches for the site. Our focus is to secure the highest and best use that provides clear public benefit, strengthens surrounding commercial activity, and delivers long-term value to Martin County residents.
2. Advocate for state and federal funding that will ensure that local tax dollars are leveraged on state and federal priorities that align with the Martin County Forever program.
3. Advocate for federal funding for the construction of the St. Lucie Inlet Operation and Maintenance, continuing progress on the South Jetty Reconstruction, and Hutchinson Island Shore Protection Project.
4. Support State and Federal funding for grants that will support completion of
Martin County’s septic-to-sewer projects and stormwater retrofits.
5. Support increased state and federal funding for CERP and expedited construction of projects that benefit the St. Lucie River and Estuary, particularly encouraging the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite planning and design of the St. Lucie River Muck Removal Project.
District 2 – Commissioner Stacey Hetherington
1. Fiscal Responsibility: Reduce or maintain current property tax rates and user fees for public recreation facilities to ensure affordability for residents.
2. St. Lucie Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Enhancements: a) implement traffic calming measures along the St. Lucie Boulevard corridor. Enhance crosswalk visibility and install additional safety features. b) Complete crosswalk realignment at Sandsprit Park to improve pedestrian safety.
3. Coral Gardens Neighborhood Septic-to-Sewer and Drainage Improvements: a) complete additional drainage improvements, b) ensure timely completion of the sewer project, followed by neighborhood restoration and roadway resurfacing.
4. Rail Corridor Quiet Zones: implement Quiet Zones throughout the rail corridor to improve quality of life by reducing train horn noise while maintaining safety
standards.
District 3 – Commissioner J. Blake Capps
1. Improving water quality by purchasing conservation lands and converting from septic to sewer.
2. Dixie Highway streetscape project in Hobe Sound.
3. New pavilion, fire rescue, and bathroom building at Hobe Sound Beach.
4. 714/710 road re-alignment in Indiantown.
5. New bridge on County Line Road.
District 4 - Commissioner Sarah Heard
1. Stop overdevelopment in Martin County.
2. Acquisition of the natural lands component for completion of Indian River Lagoon South.
3. Port Salerno CRA
4. Cease gunfire and illegal activity in Pal Mar
5. Identify spoil sites for placement of 9 million cubic yards of muck dredged from the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon as authorized in IRL South. Advance dredging contracts.
District 5 - Commissioner Edward V. Ciampi
1. Expedite “Septic to Sewer” conversion and water projects in Palm City.
2. Continue Palm City Farms drainage construction projects.
3. Construct Ramp; open a Dog Park at Justin Wilson Park.
4. Correct the Citrus Grove Elementary School Zone crosswalk issue.
5. Construct an indoor athletic facility as a P3 project.
