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Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
There will be a new traffic light across from Poinciana Gardens on US1 and Constitution Ave. in Hobe Sound which will replace the one utilized by the now debunked Ridgeway fire station. Commissioner Capps wanted the public to know that the Board of County Commissioners is not responsible for the placement of lights, but that Florida Department of Transportation has that authority. MCTA likes the way this newly elected commissioner takes the time to explain or have such things clarified for the public. The cost is $1,083,000.
It was revealed at the BOCC meeting on 1/14/25 that there are an astounding 400 sex offenders registered in Martin County. The sheriff’s department had no problem securing a vote that they must pay $10 - $25 to help cover the cost of their registration. MCTA thinks they should have asked for more to cover the staff’s expense for tracking them.
Four years after their approval, Newfield will finally begin building. They asked for approval of platting for a first phase which will include only 36 units on a little over 7 acres. Remember Newfield will eventually be a development of 4200 homes. But it is being built very slowly and Martin County should continue to grow no more than usual which has been less than 2% per year since 1993.
The grants approved at the 1/14/25 meeting included $25,564 for the sheriff’s traffic and ag unit with no match from the county. $7,500 for a student intern to work in government risk management with no match and $50,000 from the Coastal Conservation Association to restore Boy Scout Island which is used for education and is 66% diminished.
There seemed to be a competition between Commissioners Vargas and Ciampi over the decision to move money from the Charlie Leighton Park reconfiguration project involving better boat ramps and the Sand Dune Café. Commissioner Vargas reminded Commissioner Ciampi that ‘people come to Martin County for the beaches’. True, but boating and fishing are by far one of our biggest industries here in Martin County.
The County will spend $1,500,000 over 5 years for the service and repair of our generators and $5,000,000 over 5 years for food and cleaning supplies.
Daher Aerospace, an important vendor at the airport will invest $30M to $80M which will retain 400 jobs plus an additional 180 jobs over time which will as Commissioner Hetherington pointed out “help to take the burden off the taxpayer”. Commissioner Capps explained that Daher will be replacing buildings that were built shortly after WWII and that the County will own them.
Commissioner Vargas asked staff to investigate the feasibility of having Commissioner meetings in the evenings so that the public would have easier access. While most of the Commissioners seemed willing, it simply may not be practical considering the overtime pay for staff and other complications. Stay tuned.
Regardless of what you may have heard, the County is NOT suing Stuart over a Brightline station. The two entities have an interlocal agreement that they will seek each other’s support in matters that affect each other. The County has reached out to the City for a letter of support to seek grants for a station. The City has simply not responded to the request either yea or nay. This lack of response forces the hand of the County’s legal department to send them a dispute resolution which is really a form of mediation so they will not have to sue each other. But will sit down together in an attempt to come to an understanding although as Chair Heard explained, they are obligated by agreements made by previous commissioners and they simply cannot walk away from such.
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Martin County School Board (MCSB)
The School Board is proud to announce its graduation percentage for last year averaged 92% with Jensen Beach High School the outlier at 98.1%. They attribute this in part to the 6 graduation coaches which they hired to work mainly with at risk students to ensure their grades remain at over 2.0. The graduation coaches get paid around $65,000. According to Coordinator of Public Information & Community Relations, Derek Lowe, Three of the Graduation Specialists have been funded by a private benefactor through this school year (beginning next school year they will be funded by the district’s general budget). And one is completely funded by the Title IV Grant.
https://www.martinschools.org/page/school-board-header |
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South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
There is no news to report as of this newsletter. We will continue to monitor and report to you.
Visit their site at https://www.sfwmd.gov |
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We provide you with reports on the Business Development Board because your tax dollars fund 70% of it or $465,000 annually.
At the last meeting the BDB welcomed MC Commissioner Blake Capps and Stuart Commissioner Laura Giobbi to their Board.
Former City of Stuart Commissioner, Troy McDonald began employment at the BDB as the Director of Existing Industry and Business Development. Mr. McDonald will be assuming responsibility for the successful Pulse program. The program visited over 50 businesses last year and followed up on 199 items. The number one issue for businesses in the county is a workforce pipeline and job training. This is something that the BDB has collaborated with IRSC.
Ms. Annabel Robertson, of IRSC, spoke of the college’s commitment to the long-term pipeline for job training and education. 77% of IRSC’s graduates stay in the community. IRSC’s Promise Program provides 600 scholarships a year for job training.
Ms. Mary Murphy, Career Source, reported that unemployment on the Treasure Coast was 4% in November vs 3.4% state wide.
Kevin Crowder, CEO of Business Flair, reported that they are assisting in the expansion of 2 local firms, and a new recycling business looking to locate in Indiantown.
An interesting fact that came out of the meeting was that only 4% of the property in Martin County is designated commercial, yet they provide 25% of the tax dollars.
https://bdbmc.org/ |
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We are trying out a little something new so here is a list of thoughtful and creative things you can do for someone special on Valentine’s Day, depending on their personality and preferences:
Romantic Gestures
- Write a Love Letter – A heartfelt, handwritten note expressing your love and appreciation.
- Plan a Surprise Date – A candlelit dinner at home, a picnic, or a night at their favorite restaurant.
- Create a Memory Jar – Fill a jar with notes of reasons you love them, favorite memories, or future date ideas.
- Recreate Your First Date – Go back to where it all started and relive those special moments.
- Cook Their Favorite Meal – A homemade dinner can be just as special (or even more) than dining out.
Adventurous & Fun Ideas
- Go on a Mini Road Trip – Explore a nearby town, scenic spot, or beachside sunset.
- Take a Dance Class Together – Salsa, ballroom, or even a fun TikTok dance challenge.
- Do a Couples’ Spa Night – DIY massages, candles, and relaxation at home.
- Try Something New Together – Axe throwing, pottery, painting, or even skydiving if you’re daring!
- Go Star Gazing – Pack some blankets, snacks, and find a quiet place to watch the stars.
Personalized Gifts & Surprises
- Make a Custom Playlist – Old-school but thoughtful—curate songs that remind you of them.
- Create a Scrapbook or Photo Album – Capture your best moments together.
- Give a Personalized Gift – Custom jewelry, a book of "love coupons," or a framed map of where you met.
- Surprise with a Love Scavenger Hunt – Hide clues around the house leading to a heartfelt surprise.
- Write a Poem or Song – If you’re creative, this will melt their heart.
Simple Yet Meaningful Gestures
- Breakfast in Bed – Start their day with heart-shaped pancakes or their favorite breakfast.
- Watch Their Favorite Movie – Even if it’s one you don’t love, it shows you care.
- Plan a Digital Detox Evening – No phones, just quality time together.
- Make a ‘Reasons I Love You’ List – Write out 10, 50, or even 100 reasons.
- Send Love Notes Throughout the Day – Sticky notes, texts, or voice messages reminding them how much you appreciate them.
If you like this let us know. Each month we will share something of interest and fun for you to read. Have an idea you would like to share? Let us know by send us an email. |
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Keeping an eye on how our tax dollars are managed
For over 70 years, this volunteer non-profit organization has been the "Watch Dog" for
your Martin County Tax Dollars.
Your Donations Save You Tax Dollars!
Please consider a donation so we may continue for many years to come. |
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How Can We Serve You?
Do you have pressing questions you would like answered? Are you curious about how your tax dollars are being spent? Do you know who all the candidates are that are running for County Commissioner? What would you like to know? Ask us and we will do our best to find out. Have something interesting to share about Martin County History? Let us know and we just may share it here. |
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Thoughts on MCTA - Hear what others have to say about MCTA
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Please share this newsletter with everyone. The more we all know, the more power we have! |
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