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| District 2 - January 2025 |
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A Fresh Start: Looking Ahead to 2025
It’s hard to believe the first month of 2025 is already coming to an end! I hope your holidays and New Year were filled with laughter, good food, and time with family and friends.
This year is shaping up to be a milestone one for me—and for Martin County! We are celebrating our 100th birthday, a momentous occasion that reminds us of our rich history and the incredible community we’ve built together. On a personal note, I just reached the big 5-0 (so far, so good!), my father will celebrate his 80th birthday in April, and my oldest son will turn 21 that same month. These milestones remind me how grateful I am for family, health, and the opportunity to serve this community.
As we step into 2025, we all approach the new year in our own ways—some make resolutions, others create to-do lists, and some simply take it one day at a time. For me, it’s always a time of reflection. I revisit my goals, both personal and for our county, and lean on the guiding principles that have shaped my journey:
- Stay focused and work hard
- Kindness rules
- Lead with service
- Have fun along the way
With that in mind, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead for Martin County. Some key priorities for this year include:
- Reduce/Maintain current tax rates.
- Reduce/Maintain user fees for Parks and Recreation facilities.
- Continue to prioritize Septic-to-Sewer to enhance water quality.
- Advocate for environmentally sensitive land conservation.
- Identify resources to assist with mental illness and substance abuse in our community.
- Expand workforce housing opportunities.
- Complete St. Lucie Boulevard corridor traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements.
- Complete the Coral Gardens drainage project and secure funding for the Coral Gardens Septic to Sewer project.
These are just a few of the initiatives I look forward to advancing in 2025. Of course, many other projects are in the works, and I remain committed to pushing them forward with the same dedication and passion.
Here’s to a successful, healthy, and exciting 2025! Thank you for the opportunity to serve—I look forward to seeing you around the community and making this year one to remember.
Best Regards,
Stacey Hetherington
Martin County Commissioner |
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| Martin County Historic Fun Facts |
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Did You Know...Historic Hobe Sound Train Depot is back!!!
This little depot has quite a history! From welcoming travelers in the early 1900s to being stolen to being an office building in the Village of Tequesta and moving back to Hobe Sound Polo Club. As of January 26, 2025, the little depot has found its final stop in downtown Hobe Sound. |
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El Camino Trail Breaks Ground
Martin County has officially broken ground on the 0.5-mile El Camino Trail, which will run along the right-of-way of SE Camino Avenue. This multi-modal linear park pathway will enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, improve safety, and promote walking and cycling. It aims to become a valuable asset for the neighborhood.
We invite you to visit the interactive project plan sign located at the Cassidy Community Center at 2895 SE Fairmont Street. You can explore the future locations of the planned amenities by scanning the QR codes or by visiting the provided link. www.martin.fl.us/ElCamino. |
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| Rural and Family Lands Protection Program |
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December 2024 a historic vote passed in Tallahassee protecting and preserving 62,000 acres of working farms and ranches along the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Among these 13-properties approved was Bull Hammock Ranch in Martin County. Approximately 5,874.51 acres was purchased and will be protected from future development while allowing agriculture operations to continue.
To read the full press release click here. |
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Explore Nature
Ready For Adventure? Join one of the Explore Natural Martin programs that allows people to engage with these amazing natural resources sustainably by offering various eco tours and experiences year-round that focus on education, adventure, and stewardship. Explore this page to learn more about the program and view upcoming events here .
We hope you enjoy these beautiful ecological sites and remember to “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Learn more about Martin County’s partnership with Leave No Trace by clicking here.
To learn more and to sign up for upcoming events, please visit ExploreNaturalMartin.com |
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Martin CARES Program 2025
Registration is now open for Session 2 of the Citizens Academy and Resource Education Series! This award-winning six-week program takes citizens behind the scenes of Martin County government facilities to see the everyday working of each department (Traffic, Emergency Operations, Parks and Beaches as well as our Constitutional Officers.
To sign up click here. |
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You're Invited to Kick-Off
the County's Centennial!
Saturday, 2/8 @ 10:30 a.m.
Memorial Park Stage |
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| Know What's Happening In Your Government |
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BOCC Action Summary: 1/14/25 and 1/28/25 click here.
2025 Board Meeting Calendar: click here
February: 11th and 25th March: 11th and 25th April: 8th and 22nd
Subscribe: To receive BOCC meeting agendas by email, Subscribe Here. |
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Contact Us:
Commissioner
Stacey Hetherington
shetherington@martin.fl.us
Commission Aide
Patricia Higginbotham
comaide2@martin.fl.us
2401 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34996
772.288.5421
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback. |
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