Historic Preservation Month Kicks Off!
Historic Preservation Month in Martin County is celebrated each May as part of National Historic Preservation Month, which is recognized across the U.S. The purpose is to promote awareness and appreciation for the county's rich history, cultural landmarks, and efforts to preserve historical buildings, sites, and traditions.
The first celebration of the month took place May 1, 2025, at the Stuart Heritage Museum, pictured above AND below.
Built in 1901 by George W. Parks, this two-story building originally housed a General Merchandise store on the ground floor, with the Parks family's living quarters above. Renamed the Stuart Mercantile Company in 1913 and later the Stuart Feed Store in 1946, the building was acquired by the City of Stuart in the 1980s. Since 1992, it has been home to the Stuart Heritage Museum. In 2024, the City granted the museum a 20-year lease on the property. (SOURCE: www.martindigitalhistory.org)
Check out all the upcoming Historic Preservation Month events this month at www.martin.flus/centennial/events. |
|
|
|
|
|
Man "Of the Hour" Chief Tumminelli
FLORIDA STATE CAPITOL
Chief Tumminelli Honored as Florida's Officer of the Day
We’re proud to share that last Friday, our very own Police Chief Joseph Tumminelli was recognized at the Florida State Capitol as the State of Florida Officer of the Day!
This well-deserved honor highlights Chief Tumminelli’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering service to our community.
A big thank you to Representative Toby Oberdorf for the nomination, and to Speaker of the House Daniel Perez for the warm welcome and support during this special event. Congratulations, Chief! |
|
|
|
|
|
FLORIDA POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION
Q&A Panel for New Chiefs
Chief Tumminelli is making the rounds on his last month as Chief of Police. This week he served on a panel in Orlando held by the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), speaking to new police chiefs from across the State of Florida.
Serving with Chief Tumminelli on the panel are Chief Melanie Bevan, Bradenton Police Department, Chief Stephen Kinsey, Davie Police Department, and moderator Retired Chief Butch Arenal. |
|
|
|
|
|
TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS
Highlights of 30 Years on the Job
Also, this week Treasure Coast Newspapers carried an interview of Chief "Tummo" Tumminelli highlighting our Stuart police chief's 30-year law enforcement career -- 28 years of those with the Stuart Police Department!
This won't be the last you see of Chief Tumminelli in The City Weekly. We have some "surprises" ahead that you won't want to miss! |
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE
Veteran Memorial Park Amphitheatre
If you’ve strolled past Veteran Memorial Park recently, you’ve probably noticed the buzz of activity—construction fences up, heavy equipment on the move, and a sense of transformation in the air. That’s because exciting things are in the works!
The City of Stuart’s brand-new Amphitheatre is rising fast, part of a $2.7 million project set to redefine outdoor entertainment in our community. When the curtain rises in November 2026, the site will feature:
• A covered stage perfect for concerts and performances
• Spacious lawn seating for relaxing under the stars
• A striking architectural entryway and welcoming plaza
• Brick paver walkways, lush landscaping, site lighting, benches, and bike racks
It’s more than just a park—it’s a destination.
Behind the scenes, the Community Services team is already deep in planning a grand opening celebration you won’t want to miss. Trust us—this is going to be one for the books.
Stay tuned... more exciting updates are on the way! |
|
|
|
Brick paver driveway installation and the slab for the amphitheatre's performers "green room". |
|
|
|
Downtown Stuart Streetscape & Undergrounding Update
Update for Week of May 5-9, 2025
As part of the Downtown Stuart Streetscape and Undergrounding project, directional drilling and installation of conduit began on Monday, April 28, 2025. During the work, lane closures and lane shifts with flagmen are being utilized. The operation will be mobile and will shift from one location to another throughout the week within the work area. Minor traffic delays should be expected.
Locations impacted will include:
• SW Flagler Ave from S Colorado Ave to SW St. Lucie Ave
• S Colorado Ave from SW/SE Seminole St to SE Ocean Blvd
TEMPORARY DELIVERY ZONES
Temporary delivery zones have been created in the downtown area on SW Flagler Ave northwest of SW St. Lucie Ave (across from City Hall) and on SE Osceola St east of S Colorado Ave. (adjacent to the Acacia Lodge and Oak & Ember). Vehicles parked in these zones during posted hours are subject to ticketing.
PARKING OPTIONS
Parking options may be viewed HERE.
The City of Stuart appreciates your patience as we work to enhance our city. Once complete, this project will improve utility reliability—especially after storm events—and transform Seminole Street into a vibrant destination where residents and visitors can stroll, shop, and dine. |
|
|
|
|
|
Is Your Water Bill Higher Than Usual?
Nobody likes surprises when it comes to utility bills—especially if it’s a big one. If your water bill is higher than expected, the reason is usually one of two things: either your water use has gone up, or there’s a leak somewhere.
Common Reasons for Increased Water Use
Sometimes, higher usage is totally normal! Think about recent changes like:
• House guests or kids being home from school during breaks
• Watering your lawn more often (especially if you’ve added new sod)
• Doing extra pressure washing|
• Filling or topping off your pool or hot tub
Watch Out for Hidden Leaks
Leaks can sneak up on you and waste a lot of water without you even realizing it. Some common culprits include:
• Toilets that run or leak
• Dripping faucets
• Garden hoses or outdoor spigots
• Irrigation system issues
• Broken underground pipes
What You Can Do
1. Check Your Meter
Compare the water meter reading at your property to the one on your bill.
• If the meter reading is lower than what’s shown on your bill, give City of Stuart Utilities Customer Service a call at (772) 288-5317.
• If the reading is higher and you haven’t been using more water, it’s time to look for a leak.
2. Look for Leaks
Even a small leak can waste hundreds—or thousands—of gallons of water!
• Try placing food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
• Check your faucets, inside and out. A faucet that drips just once per second can waste over 2,500 gallons of water a year!
• Inspect your irrigation system for any broken or misdirected heads.
• A running toilet could be costing you up to 7,000 gallons per month!
3. Get to Know AquaHawk
Want to stay on top of your water use? Sign up for AquaHawk, a free tool for City of Stuart water customers. You can monitor your usage, set alerts for high consumption, and catch issues early—before they surprise you on your bill.
→ Learn more or sign up here: https://stuartfl.aquahawk.us/
Bonus Tip:
If you want to read your meter manually, look for a meter box in your front yard—usually between the sidewalk and the street. It’s typically in a small, in-ground box that protects it from the elements. |
|
|
|
|
|
Leadership in the City
The City of Stuart has two "new leaders in the house!" Captain Derek Ortado, Operations Captain, Stuart Police Department, and Susej Meleqi, Deputy Clerk, City Clerk Office, both graduated this week from LEADERship Martin County, Class 34.
LEADERship Martin County is a professional development and community engagement program. Its mission is to identify, educate, and inspire current and emerging leaders from across the area to become more involved and effective in their communities.
Participants in the program usually go through a series of sessions focused on:
Local government and public policy
Economic development
Education
Healthcare
Environmental issues
Criminal justice
Arts and culture
Throughout the year, class members get behind-the-scenes looks at local institutions, hear from key decision-makers, and build strong personal and professional networks.
"While both Derek and Susej are already leaders within the City of Stuart, their participation in the LEADERship Martin County program further deepens their understanding of our community and equips them to make more informed decisions on behalf of the City.
Congratulations Derek and Susej! |
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic Advisories & Alerts
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) Downtown Stuart temporary lane closures and lane shifts, April 28 - May 5, 2025.
• SW Flagler Ave from S Colorado Ave to SW St. Lucie Ave
• S Colorado Ave from SW/SE Seminole St to SE Ocean Blvd
(4) Temporary westbound right-hand lane closure on S.E. Central Parkway between U.S. 1 and S.E. Ray's Way, Monday, April 21-Friday, May 9, 2025, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for sidewalk repairs, (NOTE: Project end date originally slated for March 2.)
(5) Temporary lane shifts on S.E. Central Parkway between S.E. Ray's Way before S.E. Federal Highway beginning Tuesday, April 29, 2025, through Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| City of Stuart Commission meetings, conducted in the City Hall Chambers, are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings. |
|
|
|
(L-R): City Manager Michael Mortell, City Clerk Mary Kindel, Vice Mayor Christopher Collins, Commissioner Eula Clarke, Mayor Campbell Rich, Commissioner Laura Giobbi, Commissioner Sean Reed, City Attorney Lee Baggett. |
|
|
|
|
|
Future City of Stuart Meetings
Community Redevelopment Board (CRB)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, May 12, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Magistrate Hearing
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 5:30 p.m. |
|
|
|
Calendar of Events
Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 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
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, May 2, 2025, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Creek District of Arts & Entertainment
More Information: www.thecreekdistrict.org
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
East Ocean Boulevard
Produced by Veterans Council of Martin County
More information: (772) 220-1744 |
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2024 City of Stuart. All Rights Reserved.
121 Flagler Ave. Stuart Fl. 34994
If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, you may Unsubscribe. |
|
|
Powered by
 |
|
|
|
|
