ART is in the Air!
Art is everywhere and especially so in Stuart this weekend with two signature events that you won't want to miss:
First Friday Art Walk
The Creek District of Arts & Entertainment hosts its monthly First Friday tonight (Feb. 7, 2025). Come stroll the district, visit the local shops, galleries, restaurants and businesses, where you'll find exciting cuisine, pop-up shops and more.
The celebration takes place 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Creek District, established in 2019, is Stuart's officially designated arts and entertainment district. It's located just south of Confusion Corner and encompasses Colorado Avenue and the surrounding streets. |
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ArtsFest
ArtsFest, a hometown celebration of arts and culture kicks off tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 8) for two days. Fine art, fine craft, culinary arts, hands-on-activities for the family, and a variety of live musical and theatrical performances.
And, don't miss the "hidden Turtles Scavenger Hunt" during the festival. Palm City-based glass artist Dot Galfond of License to Kiln was commissioned to create 50 signed and numbered glass sea turtles: 40 speckled with blue and green and 10 in gold. These limited-edition sculptures will be hidden throughout Memorial Park during the two-day ArtsFest event.
Attendees who find one of the 40 speckled sea turtles can keep it as a special souvenir. Those who find one of the 10 gold sea turtles will receive a gift bag, commemorative archival ArtsFest poster, and a complimentary MartinArts annual membership for one.
WHEN
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sunday, Feb 9, 2025, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE
Memorial Park, along East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart
ADMISSION
$5, with free entry for students aged 18 and under
For more information, visit https://www.martinarts.org. |
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The Hidden Turtles Scavenger Hunt is BACK for ArtsFest 2025! Local glass artist @dotgalfond of License to Kiln has created 50 signed and numbered glass sea turtles. They will be hidden around Memorial Park in Stuart during ArtsFest THIS weekend, February 8 and 9. Find one of the 40 speckled blue and green turtles and it’s yours to keep! Find one of the 10 gold turtles and you can pick up a special prize from the #ExploreNaturalMartin booth (#255)! |
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City Earns 2024 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation
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For the second consecutive year, Cigna Healthcare has honored the City of Stuart with the 2024 Gold-Level Healthy Workforce Designation in recognition of its strong commitment to employee health and well-being through its workplace wellness initiatives.
“The city’s award-winning Stuart STRONG wellness program is built on a three-pillar approach to create a healthier work environment and lifestyle for our employees,” said Roz Johnson-Strong, City of Stuart Human Resources Director. “Our program offers fitness events, healthy meal planning and preparation tips, social activities, financial planning and budgeting workshops, healthy snack deliveries to all departments, annual health risk assessments, and a comprehensive wellness fair featuring preventive screenings, among other initiatives.”
Johnson-Strong added the city’s wellness program has received other notable awards, more recently the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, 2024 Gold Recipient, from the Mental Health America (MHA).
Campbell Rich, Mayor of the City of Stuart, emphasized the importance of employee well-being in fostering a thriving workforce. “Employee health is a top priority, and we are honored to receive the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation. A healthy workforce leads to greater productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success.”
Cigna Healthcare defines vitality as the capacity to pursue life with health, strength, and energy. Research from the Evernorth Vitality Index confirms that individuals with higher vitality experience better mental and physical health, greater job satisfaction, and improved performance. However, less than one in five U.S. adults report having high vitality, highlighting the importance of workplace well-being programs in fostering a healthier, more engaged workforce.
“Higher vitality is linked to a more motivated, connected, and productive workforce,” said Kari Knight Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Cigna Group. “Employers who prioritize multiple dimensions of wellness help create healthier workplaces and contribute to business and economic growth. We are proud to recognize organizations that lead the way in promoting health and vitality among their employees.”
The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on key aspects of their wellness programs, including leadership and culture, program design and execution, policies, accommodations, and other well-being initiatives.
“Organizations recognized with this designation set the standard for excellence in workplace health and vitality,” added Stevens.
The City of Stuart, incorporated in 1914, serves as the county seat of Martin County. The commitment by the city’s employees demonstrates the city’s dedication to fostering a healthy and vibrant workforce. For more information, visit www.stuartfl.gov. |
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STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Scams & Identity Theft
This week, the Stuart Police Department’s Community Relations Unit visited a local private community to raise awareness about common scams and how to recognize, avoid, and report them. Officers shared valuable tips on phone and internet scams, identity theft, and safeguarding personal information, along with resources to help residents stay protected.
This educational outreach is available to neighborhood associations, businesses, and organizations upon request.
For more information, contact Corporal Amy Duran at (772) 220-3911. |
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Trailer and Equipment Theft Advisory
Over the past few months, Stuart Police and surrounding areas have seen a rise in trailer and equipment thefts. We want to remind everyone to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their property.
Some people use AirTags to track stolen items, but it’s important to be aware of their limitations. Thieves can easily detect them and receive notifications if an AirTag is tracking them. Additionally, AirTags rely on Wi-Fi signals for location updates, which can make their accuracy unreliable.
Many thieves also know how to disable battery-powered tracking devices before stealing equipment. While the Stuart Police Department does not endorse specific products, we want to share an example of a potential solution. Rechargeable magnetic GPS devices, available for under $40 with a $20 monthly subscription, can be discreetly placed on your equipment. These devices offer useful features such as movement and speed alerts, as well as geofencing, which notifies you if your equipment leaves a designated area.
Please take precautions to protect your property, and if you notice any suspicious activity, report it to law enforcement immediately. |
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FCCMA Photo Contest:
Vote for Stuart!
Show your Stuart pride by voting for the City of Stuart’s aerial photo of the picturesque Riverwalk, captured on July 4th! This photo is a finalist in the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) photo contest.
The winning image will be featured on the cover of the 2025-2026 FCCMA Membership Directory.
Voting closes on Monday, February 10, so don’t miss your chance to support Stuart!
FCCMA is a professional organization representing public administrators from Florida’s local governments.
Cast your vote here:https://fccma.org/photo-contest/ |
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PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Mortell |
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PUBLIC ADVISORY
Temporary Closure of Kiwanis Park Restrooms for Renovations
The restrooms at Kiwanis Park will be closed for flooring renovations from Monday, February 10, 2025, 7 a.m. to Friday, February 14, 2025, 2 p.m.
Portable toilets will be onside for use during the closure. |
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Traffic Advisories/Alerts
(1) Partial lane closure, Palm Street from Dixie Highway to Stuart Avenue, Jan. 13, 2025 - March 13, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking and concrete work.
(2) Partial lane closure, Stuart Avenue from Palm Street to Oleander Street, Jan. 14, 2025 - March 14, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(3) Partial lane closure, Stuart Avenue from Australian Street to Oleander Street, January 14, 2025 - March 14, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for construction of parallel parking, concrete work, milling and paving.
(4) Partial lane closure, Australian Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive, January 15, 2025 - March 17, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for sidewalk work and rough grading.
(5) Partial lane closure, Australian Street from Stuart Avenue to North River Drive, January 15, 2025 - March 17, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for sidewalk work and rough grading.
(6) Partial lane closure, Oleander Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive, January 16, 2025 - March 18, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(7) Partial lane closure, Oleander Street from Stuart Avenue to Dixie Highway, January 16, 2025 - March 18, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(8) Partial lane closure, N.W. Poinsettia Street, from Dixie Highway to Stuart Avenue, January 17, 2025 - March 19, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking and concrete work.
(9) Intermittent lane shifts/closures, detours, S.E. Lonita Street and S.E. Casa Avenue from S.E. Isla Street February 10th, 2025 - July 25, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the installation of new drainage infrastructure.
(10) Intermittent lane shifts/closures, S.W. Dyer Drive from S.W. Manor and S.W. Palm City Road, February 10, 2025 - July 25, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the installation of new drainage infrastructure. |
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Agenda for the February 10, 2025, City Commission Meeting
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 the agenda for the Monday, February 10, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. ARTS MOMENT - NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MR. DARYL MAGILL
PROCLAMATIONS
2. ENGINEERS WEEK - FEBRUARY 16 - 22, 2025
3. BLACK HISTORY MONTH - FEBRUARY 2025
PRESENTATIONS
4. SERVICE AWARDS - FEBRUARY 2025
5. DR. RISHI P. SINGH, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER - CLEVELAND CLINIC UPDATE
6. RECOGNITION OF MR. WILLIAM MATHERS FOR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SERVICE
7. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF MARTIN COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT AND FUTURE VISION
8. LEADERGOV LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTLeadership Development PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Non-Agenda Related) (3 Minutes Max.)
CONSENT CALENDAR
9. APPROVAL OF 01/27/2025 CCM MINUTES
10. CONTRIBUTION OF AID TO MARTIN COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR FY2025 (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 16-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A CONTRIBUTION OF AID TO THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF MARTIN COUNTY INC. FOR THE 2025 FISCAL YEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF UP TO TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES SERVICING BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF STUART, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF AID AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
11. FIND WATERWAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT FOR COURTESY DOCK AND WAVE ATTENUATOR (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 17-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF STUART TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT WATERWAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT FOR A COURTESY DOCK AND WAVE ATTENUATOR; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT IF AWARDED; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING ANY MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE GRANT AGREEMENT TO FACILITATE THE PROGRAM AS APPROPRIATE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
12. MOU WITH BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE/SOUTH FLORIDA INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN OPERATION TASK FORCE (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 19-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/SOUTH FLORIDA INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN (ICAC) OPERATIONAL TASK FORCE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
13. INTERAGENCY AGREMENT FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION EXCHANGE, SERVICES, AND SUPPORT WITH MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 20-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION EXCHANGE, SERVICES, AND SUPPORT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
14. MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT WITH MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR VOLUNTARY COOPERATION IN CRIME SUPPRESSION (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 21-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT FOR VOLUNTARY COOPERATION IN CRIME SUPPRESSION BETWEEN THE STUART POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
15. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR TYLER TECHNOLOGIES (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 24-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AND THE MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR THE SHARED IMPLEMENTATION AND USE OF TYLER TECHNOLOGIES IN ORDER TO FUND AND OPERATE A SHARED COUNTYWIDE COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER MATTERS.
16. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MARTIN COUNTY RELATTED TO DIRECT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 25-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MARTIN COUNTY FIRST RESPONDER AGENCIES RELATED TO DIRECT RADIO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN 9-1-1 PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 365.179, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
17. BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 8 TRAFFIC LIGHT FOR FIRE STATION NO. 3 (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 29-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING BUDGET AMENDMENT No. 8 TO THE FY 2025 BUDGET; APPROPRIATING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR FIRE STATION 3 TRAFFIC SIGNAL; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
COMMISSION ACTION
18. AUTHORIZATION TO SCHEDULE INITIAL CONFLICT ASSESSMENT MEETING (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 30-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO SCHEDULE THE INITIAL CONFLICT ASSESSMENT MEETING WITH MARTIN COUNTY PURSUANT TO THE FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION ACT, FLORIDA STATUTES §§ 164.101-164.1065; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE INITIAL CONFLICT ASSESSMENT MEETING; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
ORDINANCE SECOND READING
19. POLK STREET HOTELS, INC. (AKA FAIRFIELD INN HOTEL) AMENDMENT TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS (REZONE) (QUASI-JUDICIAL) (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2537-2025; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REZONE A 0.33-ACRE PARCEL WHICH IS LOCATED AT 255 SW 6TH STREET FROM THE URBAN WATERFRONT ZONING DESIGNATION TO THE URBAN HIGHWAY ZONING DESIGNATION; PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
20. REPEAL OF ARTICLE IX, EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AND PLASTICS REGULATION (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2538-2025; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, REPEALING ARTICLE IX, EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AND PLASTICS REGULATION, OF CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ORDINANCE FIRST READING
21. ZONING IN PROGRESS LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS IMPLEMENTATION (Legislative) (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2539-2025; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AMENDING AND RESTATING THE CITY’S LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER II ZONING DISTRICTS USES ALLOWED, DENSITY, INTENSITY, CHAPTER III SPECIAL ZONING CODES, CHAPTER V RESOURCE PROTECTION RELATED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, AND CHAPTER VI ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS WHICH WERE DETERMINED DURING THE "ZONING IN PROGRESS" UNDER SECTION 1.04.04, STUART LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
ADJOURNMENT |
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City of Stuart Commission |
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Future City of Stuart Meetings
City Commission Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Magistrate Hearing
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Special Commission Meeting - Attoney/Client
Monday, February 24, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
City Commission Meeting
Monday, February 24, 2025, 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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ABOUT THIS WEEKS HEADER ART
This week's header art features a mural in East Stuart entitled "We Mentor to Save Lives" created by lead artist Benjamin Perez and assisting artists Paige Perez, Elisabeth Perez and Emilio Perez. The mural is located at 432 MLK Blvd.
The East Stuart Mural is a project dedicated to showing significant aspects of the community. The different images portrayed in the mural include James Hall (the first black police officer from East Stuart), two young men in jerseys (FAMU jersey, which is the Florida A&M, a public historically black land-grant university located in Tallahassee FL on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, and the other jersey is for the Stuart Hornets, the local youth football team). Zora Neale Hurston (an American author and filmmaker who visited the East Stuart area), Justin Simmons (a professional football player whose family lived in East Stuart), The Stuart Training School, which was the High school for black Americans in Martin County during segregation, a saxophone player to symbolize the Jazz era which persisted through the 1900s, a scene from prom with a couple dancing to live music since dancing/school/and community were all tied together, The Stuart Baseball League, Martin Luther King Jr. (who inspired the community and has the name of the road the mural is located at named after him), some Hibiscus flowers that have a presence inspired by the Beanie Backus painting located at the Stuart Heritage Museum, Ms. Costella Williams (she served as a teacher in the 1900s and she would help the community by opening her garage and allowing people to take whatever they needed such as clothes and shoes), and Richard McHardy (he served for the better part of his life in the American Red Cross). The image is then completed with the Who Got Game nonprofit organization theme ‘We Mentor to Save Lives’ which is a significant part of the design showing people who were mentors to the community. |
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Copyright 2024 City of Stuart. All Rights Reserved.
121 Flagler Ave. Stuart Fl. 34994
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