Stormwater Calendar Contest Deadline Sept. 1, 2025

 
Students, amateur and professional photographers your submissions for the 2026 City of Stuart Public Works Stormwater Calendar are wanted!
This year's theme, "Creating a Healthier River, Day by Day," will highlight the beauty of Stuart's natural environment, focusing on clean water, healthy habitats, and the connection between daily life and water quality in the St. Lucie River and surrounding waterways.
A panel of judges will select 13 winning images to be featured in the 2026 Stormwater Calendar, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness and stormwater management. Winning photos will also be showcased on the City’s website throughout the year.
Mayor Campbell Rich emphasizes the community's role in protecting the St. Lucie River, stating, "Each photo tells a story of stewardship, natural beauty, and our shared responsibility in preserving our waterways."
 
Submission Details:

• Deadline: September 1, 2025
• Limit: Up to six entries per photographer
• Eligibility: Photos must be taken within Stuart’s city limits
• Format: Landscape (horizontal) orientation
• Medium: Digital images on CD, DVD, or flash drive, with a high-quality print
• Restrictions: No recognizable people or business signage

 
For full contest rules and entry forms, visit the City of Stuart’s website. For more information, contact Misti Guertin at (772) 600-1250 or mguertin@ci.stuart.fl.us. 

 
As Labor Day approaches, the Stuart Police Department is stepping up its efforts to keep our roads safe. From August 15, 2025, through September 1, 2025, our officers will be participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This initiative aims to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road and prevent alcohol-related accidents.
Increased Enforcement
While DUI enforcement is always a priority for our department, this campaign will see an increase in detection and enforcement both day and night. Our officers will be out in full force, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers. The goal is to send a clear message: if you choose to drive under the influence, you will be caught and prosecuted.
Sobering Statistics
Nearly one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. Nighttime is particularly dangerous, with alcohol-impaired fatal crashes occurring at three times the rate compared to daylight hours. During the 2022 Labor Day holiday period (6 p.m. September 2 to 5:59 a.m. September 6), there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide. Of these, 39% (190) involved a drunk driver, and 25% involved drivers with a BAC of .15 or higher, nearly twice the legal limit. Among drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed, 47% had a BAC of .08 or higher.
Community Safety
The safety of our community is our top priority. Impaired driving not only endangers the driver but also puts passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk. By participating in this campaign, we hope to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and encourage everyone to make responsible choices.
How You Can Help
We urge all residents to do their part in keeping our roads safe. If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a sober ride home. Use ride-sharing services, taxis, or designate a sober driver. With today’s rideshare, taxi, and designated driver options, there’s no excuse to drive impaired. If you see someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s work together to ensure that this Labor Day is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Stay safe, Stuart!

HURRICANE PREPARATION

 
In Martin County two types of emergency shelters are provided: general population and medically enhanced (special needs). Additionally, a “pet-friendly” designation will be assigned to a specific shelter, allowing animals at the facility.
During a declared emergency, such as an impending hurricane, shelter information will be available by calling 3-1-1, as well as through local media, television, and radio broadcasts.
General Shelters
During an emergency, shelters are opened as needed, and not all shelters may be opened at the same time. These shelters are designed to accommodate residents of barrier islands, low-lying or flood-prone areas, evacuation zones, mobile or manufactured homes, or those who have no other sheltering options.
Please remember, using a shelter should be a last resort. Consider all alternatives before deciding to go to a shelter. Your best choice is to stay with family or friends in a safe place.
Shelters will open as needed during events such as hurricanes, floods, severe cold fronts, wildfires, or other natural or man-made disasters. Shelter locations will be selected based on the severity of the disaster and the number of residents requiring assistance.
Not all shelters will be opened at the same time, so please monitor local radio and television broadcasts. A list of open shelters will also be available online.
When to Use a Shelter
If you do not have any other options and one of the following conditions applies:

• Your home is threatened, or you live in an unsafe structure.
• You live in an evacuation zone, low-lying flood zone, or area prone to storm surge.
• You do not have ample supplies to prepare your home for a disaster.
• You do not feel safe.

 
Essential Items to Bring

• Identification
• Bedding: Cot, pillow, blanket, sleeping bag
• Food and water: A 3–to–5-day supply of non-perishable food and water, including any special dietary foods
• Medications: Prescriptions and any necessary medications
• Extra clothing
• Toiletries: Personal hygiene items
• Flashlight, batteries
• Quiet games, toys, or reading materials
• Cell phone, mobile device with charger
• Infant formula, diapers, and food
• Important documents

 
Items NOT to Bring

• Weapons
• Illegal drugs
• Alcohol
• Pets (unless it is a pet-friendly shelter)

 
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed at ALL shelters. According to Florida Statute Ch. 413 § 413.08, a “service animal” is defined as an animal trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The term “service animal” is limited to dogs and miniature horses. Comfort animals or emotional support animals are NOT service animals.
When entering the shelter, staff may ask two questions: (1) Is the service animal required because of a disability? (2) What work or task has the service animal been trained to perform?
The service animal must be under the control of its handler and must have a harness, leash, or other tether unless the handler is unable to use these due to a disability, or their use would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks.
Items to Bring for Your Service Animal

• Shot records
• Current rabies vaccination certificate
• Any medications or prescriptions
• Food and treats
• Newspaper or pet pads
• Comfort toys

 
Pet-friendly Shelter
A pet-friendly shelter will be made available for residents of Martin County, and the location will be announced prior to opening. The pet-friendly shelter will only accept dogs and cats. It is first-come, first-served, and no pre-registration is required. You must shelter with your pet (you cannot drop off your pet at the shelter and leave). Owners are responsible for the feeding, care, clean-up, and behavior of their pets.
Items to Bring to the Pet-friendly Shelter

• Proof of current vaccinations
• ID and rabies tag(s)
• Collar and leash
• Crate or carrier
• Pet medication, if necessary
• Food, water, and bowls
• Newspaper, pet pads
• Comfort items (such as toys or blankets)

 
In case you missed last week's newsletter with information on Special Needs Shelters and the Domestic Pet-Sheltering Program offered by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, the article may be read HERE.

 
For the most up-to-date traffic advisories and alerts, visit ROAD / LANE CLOSURES on the City of Stuart website.
1. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Palm Street between Dixie Highway and Stuart Ave., Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Landscaping and paving)
2. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Oleander Street between Dixie Highway and North River Drive, Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parallel parking, concrete work and paving.)
3. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Oleander Street from Stuart Avenue to Dixie Highway. Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025. (Parallel parking, concrete work and paving.)
4. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Australian Street between Stuart Ave. and North River Drive. Monday, July 21, 2025, through October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parallel parking, sod & paving.)
5. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Australian Street between Dixie Highway and North River Drive. Monday, July 21, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 02025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parallel parking, sod and paving.)
6. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Stuart Ave. between Palm St. and Oleander St. Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parallel parking and paving.)
7. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, Stuart Avenue from Australian Street to Oleander Street. Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parallel parking and paving.)
8. Intermittent lane shifts/closures and detours, NW Poinsettia Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive. Monday, July 21, 2025, through Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Parking and road pavement.)
9. Downtown Stuart temporary lane closures and lane shifts, week of August 18, 2025: 

• SW Seminole Street from S. Colorado to SW St. Lucie Avenue will close on 5/27/2025 and remain closed until November 2025.
• SW Osceola Street from Colorado to SW St. Lucie Avenue - flaggers will be on hand to direct traffic.
• Intersection of SE Seminole Street and S. Colorado - flaggers will be on hand to direct traffic.

10. Florida East Coast Railway will perform scheduled repairs and maintenance on the N.W. Fern Street railroad crossing beginning 6 p.m. Sunday, August 17 and continuing through midnight, Tuesday, August 19. During this time, the crossing and adjacent sidewalks on both the east and west sides of the tracks will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

 
City offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day. Sanitation schedules will be adjusted as follows:
Garbage Carts:  Monday's pickup will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 2; Tuesday's pickup will occur on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Regular schedule resumes Thursday, Sept. 4.
Recycle: Normal schedule - no change.
Yard Debris: Monday's pickup will be on Tuesday, Sept. 2; Tuesday's pickup will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 3. 
Bulk Trash: The Wednesday bulk route will be collected on Thursday, Sept. 4; the Thursday bulk route will be collected on Friday, Sept. 5.
View complete Sanitation Schedule for 2025 HERE.

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. 
View past meeting agendas and meeting minutes HERE.

 
 
Local Planning Agency / Planning Advisory Board
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - 5:30 p.m.
Special Commission Meeting - Budget Workshop #2
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 4:00 p.m.
City Commission Meeting
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 5:30 p.m.

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
View all events HERE.