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Daylight Savings ending Reminders
As daylight savings time ends on November 2, setting back the clock is a great reminder to also check the safety of your home. The City of Stuart Fire Rescue Department recommends replacing smoke detector batteries and ensuring all detectors are functioning. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be fully replaced every ten years for maximum effectiveness, which is critical for early fire detection, especially while sleeping. |
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According to Fire Chief Vince Felicione, functioning smoke detectors are one of the best defenses for home safety: "According to the latest NFPA research, smoke alarms are important to fire safety in your home because the death rate in home structure fires is approximately 60 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked."
In addition to changing or checking your smoke alarm battery, here are a few more fire preparedness tips:
- Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home outside sleeping areas. If you keep bedroom doors shut, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
- Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.
- Prepare and practice an escape plan – know at least two ways to get out of a room, crawl low under smoke and plan where to meet outside.
- Keep smoke alarms clean by regularly vacuuming over and around it. Dust and debris can interfere with its operation.
- Install smoke alarms away from windows, doors or ducts that can interfere with their operation.
- Never remove the battery from or disable a smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is sounding “nuisance alarms,” try locating it further from kitchens or bathrooms.
Smoke alarms are required to be tested by a third party, qualified testing laboratory to stringent product standards. Make sure that any new detectors you buy were tested by and labeled (shown on the packaging and label of the alarm) by a qualified testing laboratory. Some examples include Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Intertek.
To learn more about the different types of smoke alarms available, visit NFPA.org. For help on how to check smoke alarm batteries, call the Stuart Fire Rescue Department at (772) 288-5360. |
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FEMA UPDATE - DR-4834-FL
Florida Hurricane Recovery
PRESS RELEASE
Disaster Recovery Centers to Temporarily Close for Voting
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Centers in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties will temporarily close for election polling at the sites. Center locations and closings include:
- Indian River County: IG Center, 1590 9th St SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962
- This center will close at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
- Martin County: Martin County Fairgrounds Buildings F and G, 2616 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL 34996
- This center will close at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov 3.
- St. Lucie County: Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34982
- This center will close at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
The three centers will reopen at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, and resume normal hours.
To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.
For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
[ END ]
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FAQ of the Day: Will I have to pay back any FEMA disaster assistance I receive?
No, FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, aren’t taxable, and won’t affect eligibility for federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, or other programs.
Operation Blue Roof
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs to damaged homes across affected Florida communities. The service is free, and the sign-up period has been extended to Nov. 14. Florida Residents affected by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting a Right-of-Entry collection center throughout the affected areas.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hernando, Indian River, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Suwanee and Taylor counties. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. Some centers may close temporarily for election polling. Announcements will be made. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance
FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email. Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Serious Needs Assistance
Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. Serious Needs Assistance is available for survivors who apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. If you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need FEMA assistance. The decision letter you get from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send. Learn more about Serious Needs Assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Three SBA Business Recovery Centers are open. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
If you sustained damage or loss from Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
- Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
If you choose to apply by phone, please understand calls to FEMA’s helpline are experiencing delays because of the increased volume due to multiple recent disasters.
2024 Application deadlines: Hurricane Debby Nov. 12; Hurricane Helene Nov. 27; Hurricane Milton Dec. 11. |
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TRAFFIC UPDATES
(1) Temporary lane closures for the clearing of trees and bushes for streets between Dixie Highway and North River Drive. For more information, please contact Brad Searcy, GRSC, Inc., (772) 473-2201.
- West Stuart Avenue - Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Nov. 8, 2024 - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Australian Street - Wednesday, Oct. 9 - Nov. 8, 2024 - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Oleander Street - Thursday, Oct. 10 - Nov. 11, 2024 - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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(2) Partial lane closure, Palm Street from Dixie Highway to Stuart Avenue Street, Oct. 31 - Dec. 31, 2025, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., for the clearing of trees and bushes.
(3) Partial lane closure, Oleander Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive, Nov. 5, 2024 - Jan. 6, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the clearing of trees and bushes.
(4) Partial lane closure, Australian Street from Dixie Hiway to North River Drive, Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan. 2, 2025, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., for the clearing of trees and bushes.
(5) Partial lane closure, Stuart Avenue, from Palm Street to Oleander Street, Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., for the clearing of trees and bushes.
Construction detour maps for items 2 - 5 posted online HERE. |
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october 28, 2024, regular city commission meeting summary
City of Stuart Commission meetings are conducted in the City Hall Chambers and are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings.
The following is a summary of the Monday, October 28, 2024, City Commission Meeting.
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Rich discussed the ramifications of the Zoning in Progress, passed the gavel to Commissioner Collins and made a motion to consider granting an exception to PUD applications that do not have a residential component be allowed to be brought forward. Commissioner Clarke seconded the motion for discussion. No public comments were tendered. Motion failed: 2:2. YES: Mayor Rich, Commissioner Clarke. NO: Commissioners Clarke and Reed. (Commissioner Laura Giobbi absent from meeting.)
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
(1) Mr. Mortell gave accolades to the city's Engineering Division for its study of over 5,390 underground water service lines for a copper and lead study, which resulted in no lead being found in the city pipes. The study only inspects pipes up to the meters.
(2) An update on Fire Station 3 was included, along with the hiring of eight new fire fighters. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the station will be announced in the near future.
(3) Mr. Mortell also updated commissioners on a resident issue pertaining to requested tree trimming.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Eula Clarke; motion seconded by Commissioner Christoper Collins. Passed 4:0. (Commissioner Laura Giobbi absent from meeting.)
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT WITH FDLE FOR S.A.F.E. GRANT INVESTIGATIONS (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 107-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT (MAA) WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR STATE ASSISTANCE FOR FENTANYL ERADICATION (S.A.F.E) INITIATIVE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
2. ITB #2024-109 DYER DR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 113-2024; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA APPROVING THE AWARD OF INVITATION TO BID #2024-109, CITY OF STUART'S SW DYER DRIVE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, TO PRP CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC OF INDIANTOWN, FLORIDA, THE LOWEST, MOST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER WITH A TOTAL UNIT PRICE OF $230,835; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Commissioner Eula Clarke moved for approval; Commissioner Sean Reed seconded approval. Passed 4:0. (Commissioner Laura Giobbi absent from meeting.)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
COMMISSION ACTION
DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
3. COMMISSIONER CODE OF CONDUCT REVIEW
City Manager Michael Mortell updated commissioners on the current code of conduct adopted in 2017 and touched upon policy/language amendments that should be updated due to changes in State laws. He requested feedback to determine whether the commission wants staff to bring back a resolution on the November 12 meeting agenda to either amend it, remove it, abolish it or otherwise. Mr. Mortell summarized what the code of conduct could or not do, and the role State officials/statutes played in commissioner behavior. He also expressed that in the past, it was suggested a three-person committee be formed to address commission directed complaints and he discussed the challenge associated with such a panel.
Commissioner comments ranged from disbanding the code of conduct, updating the code of conduct, to holding a workshop on communicating.
Mr. Mortell will update the code of conduct and bring back to the Commission for consideration.
ADJOURMENT: 7:47 P.M. |
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Future city of stuart meetings
Community Redevelopment Board
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Special Commission Meeting - Zoning in Progress (ZIP) Workshop #2
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 9:00 a.m.
Special Local Planning Agency / Planning Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Regular City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, 4 p.m.
Regular City commission Meeting
Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, 5:30 p.m. |
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Calendar of Events
Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Flagler Park, 201 SW Flagler Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street
More Information: (772) 286-2848
Rock'n Riverwalk
Every Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street and DBA
More information: (772) 286-2848 |
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