News from Congressman Brian Mast My office works for you. Whether it’s a delayed passport or a miscalculated tax refund, everyone on my constituent services team is committed to delivering for Florida’s 21st Congressional District. I’m pleased to share a few more stories from neighbors we’ve been able to assist this year. "Forms vanished, the same documents were requested again and again, and we were ready to give up. "After MaryAnn's father passed away in 2020, her brother filed the final tax returns and
WEEK IN REVIEW: KEEPING OUR GOVERNMENT OPEN & RUNNING. Joseph -I was back in Washington for another busy week of votes. In the House of Representatives, we passed legislation to avoid a federal shutdown at the end of September when the fiscal year ends. The temporary continuing resolution we sent to the President keeps the lights on through December 11th to give the Senate more time to consider each of the twelve appropriations bills. The House did its work—all twelve bills came out of committee back in
CASE RESULT$550,000 Settlement Secured After Complex Rear-End CollisionFirm Attorney Austin R. Diaz secured a $550,000 settlement for a client who suffered significant injuries when a distracted driver struck her vehicle at full speed while she was stopped at a red light.The complex case involved multiple defendants, layers of insurance coverage and several carriers disputing responsibility. Austin’s persistence, strategic negotiations and his client’s trust in his advice not to accept earlier
What You Sell and Who Buys It - The Profit Gap Series What You Sell and Who Buys It - The Profit GapSeries:1September 16, 2026 @ 11:00am Central TimeCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopREGISTERThe fastest way to grow revenue usually doesn't involve finding new leads. It’s sitting right inside the client base you already have. If there’s a gap between what your business earns and the value you deliver, it’s rarely an effort problem—it’s an
What Florida employers should know about strengthening compliance, reducing risk, and building more effective compliance programs. Hello Bunny, We’re just two days away from the upcoming Building High-Performing Compliance Systems webinar on Thursday, September 10, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET.A strong compliance management system goes beyond meeting requirements. It provides organizations with a consistent framework for identifying risks, strengthening accountability, maintaining compliance
Stuart and Port Salerno have been designated as official Trail Towns by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Office of Greenways and Trails. The two Martin County communities join a growing network of destinations recognized for their proximity to long-distance, non-motorized recreational trails and their ability to connect trail users with local amenities, businesses, natural areas, and unforgettable community experiences. “Being recognized as a Florida Trail Town is a tremendous
Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | September 3-19September 3, 6:00pm EDTStrategic Hiring for Sustainable Growth - Employee or Independent ContractorREGISTERSeptember 8, 6:00pm EDTLaunch Your Business with Customer-Focused MarketingREGISTERSeptember 9, 6:00pm EDTWork Smarter, Not Harder: AI Tools Every Small Business Owner Needs NowREGISTERSeptember 10, 12:00pm EDTHow to Create Video Testimonials That Grow Your Business: A Step-by-Step SystemREGISTERSeptember 10, 6:00pm EDTThe
September 2026 No Degree? High-Income Career Changes to Make Right NowAre you looking to increase your earning potential without spending years in a classroom? Explore high-paying careers such as electricians, carpenters, sales managers, and production managers. These fields are growing rapidly and offer rewarding opportunities that prioritize skills, certifications, and hands-on experience over traditional college degrees. Discover which careers are in demand, the transferable skills
Florida Chamber Small Business Council Webinar Featuring H. French Brown IV on September 16thJoin the Florida Chamber Small Business Council’s on Wednesday, September 16 at 9:00 a.m. ET for its upcoming quarterly webinar, featuring updates and insights on several issues shaping Florida's business climate.During this conversation, attendees will hear more about: An overview of Amendment 3 and Florida’s property tax systemA recap of Florida’s primary election and preview of the
Out in the CommunityProposed Millage Rates & Budget HearingsMartin County's ten (10) Taxing Authorities (who levy property taxes against your property) have submitted their 2026 proposed millage rates. Soon they will hold PUBLIC HEARINGS to adopt their budgets and their proposed tax rates. The purpose of the PUBLIC HEARINGS is to answer any questions from the public PRIOR TO TAKING FINAL ACTION. Once the proposed rates are adopted, they will be used to calculate your final property taxes that will be
The 3rd Annual Summer SendoffBusiness After Hours & Ribbon Cutting was a HUGE SUCCESS! Click the Image Below to See Pictures from this Amazing Celebration! Last Thursday, community members, local leaders, our Pep Rally Gala teams, and city and county officials joined us at the Kane Center for a very special ribbon-cutting! Together, we celebrated our NEW Meals on Wheels truck, made possible through a United Way
Everyone's trying to hand AI more of their work. But AI can't run a workflow your business never wrote down. Your AI forgets everything you told it. Repeatedly. There's a reason, and it's fixable. Join us for Reliable AI for Your Business, part of Bridge Ninja's Bridging the Gap series. Tuesday, September 22 10:30 AM – 1:45 PM (lunch provided) Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, 1650 S Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL $25 for chamber members (code required), $75 general admission. Seats capped at 20,
FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS Florida Outpaces the Nation in Annual Job Growth; Manufacturing Update with Florida Chief Manufacturing Officer Jason Mahon The August 2026 edition ofFlorida By The Numbersis now available. Florida continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading economies, with new data highlighting the state's economic growth, labor market, manufacturing excellence, inflation, and housing trends.Florida Chamber Foundation Senior Director of Economic Research,
Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Small Business Workshop The Every-day Negotiator, Master the Core Skills That Transform Your Business September 15, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopThe Every-day Negotiator, Master the Core Skills That Transform Your Business Negotiation isn't just for big deals-it's a daily skill that shapes every part of your business. From pricing and
August 2026The Art of Caring William "David" SnyderOwner, CEOWhat To Look For When Searching for Care for Your Loved One. As we begin a new season, this newsletter focuses on an important question many families face: when is the right time to start looking for care? In my blog, The Art of Caring, I share my own insights when choosing home care and why planning ahead can give families time to ask questions and make informed decisions. Click here to read more. We
Dear Friends,The lessons of the Gabby Petito case continue to shape conversations about how we recognize and respond to domestic violence.On October 13, Jim Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s stepfather and Board Member of The Gabby Petito Foundation, will join SafeSpace’s From Awareness to Action: Safety. Solidarity. Solutions. Domestic Violence Summit as the featured keynote presenter, helping turn those lessons into practical tools for professionals across disciplines.Jim will lead sessions that move from
09.01.2026 Kim Miller Director of Marketing Kim@hcsvb.com Strengthening Its Statusas the Leader in Florida Home Care,Hummingbird Care Services Garners 2 More Awards Treasure Coast, FL — Hummingbird Care Services, headquartered in Vero Beach and serving families throughout the Treasure Coast and surrounding communities, celebrates two additional honors: the WFLX FOX 29 Viewers Choice Award for Best Home Health Agency in West Palm Beach, and the Guide to Florida Award for Best Home Healthcare
WATCH: THE TORTURED COASTJoseph -We haven't had a lost summer in almost eight years because we fight 24/7, 365 days a year to clean up our waterways. But the conditions that caused it still exist in Lake Okeechobee. We can never stop fighting to send the water south. Watch my latest edition of The Tortured Coast. ⬇️To learn more about my work on your behalf, please visit my website.For more photos and videos, please join me on social media: It is an honor to represent you in Congress.Sincerely,Brian
Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking Receives $1 Million Donation from Starbucks Donation will support grants for law enforcement and service providers, statewide training, and public awareness across FloridaThe Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking received a $1 million donation from Starbucks to strengthen statewide efforts to prevent, identify, and combat human trafficking across Florida. The donation will support a broad set of initiatives focused on prevention and enforcement,
Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Congress to Pass Bills to Cut Red Tape, Help Small Businesses ThriveSenator Rick Scott is calling on Congress to pass a series of bills that will cut red tape and make it easier for Floridians to open small businesses.While Democrat Socialists are kneecapping the American Dream and forcing big government on American businesses, Senator Scott is calling on Congress to unshackle workers and entrepreneurs from burdens imposed by big government and instead
163 Children Rescued from Trafficking and Exploitation163 children, who were missing and being exploited, are now safe. Last week, we were part of Operation Statewide Shield, a coordinated recovery effort alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Victim Services, and the Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund to rescue 163 children from Florida ranging in age from infant to 17 from human trafficking and child exploitation. More than half of the children recovered were originally from
View this email in your browserA famous phrase "All politics is local," is most closely associated with Tip O'Neill, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987. It couldn’t be more true today. The turnout for the primary was low in Martin County. Only 28.9%. Did you vote? If you did not…we would love to know why. Your response will be kept confidential. Mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com.The MCTA would like to congratulate all who won their races and also congratulate those who lost
Trouble viewing this email?Click here. August 2026‘Snooping’ on Dolphins Reveals Hotspots for Food and Friends Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have been “snooping” on dolphins – and what they heard offers new clues about where the animals socialize and hunt.Keep reading.Resilient Seagrass Species Could Help Reshape Coastal Restoration FAU Harbor Branch researchers have documented the restoration potential of a resilient
Ashley Capital Begins Pre-Leasing at Martin Commerce Park as Phase 1 Moves into Development Fully entitled 167-acre commerce park at I-95 Exit 110 in Palm City, Fla. will deliver 485,000 square feet of Class A industrial space available for lease Palm City, Fla. — Ashley Capital today announced that Martin Commerce Park has secured all final approvals and is officially moving into development, opening the door for businesses to secure space in one of the Treasure Coast's most strategically located
Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Amazon Small Business Workshop Preparing for Peak Season in Amazon’s Online Stores September 2, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: FREEDuration: 75 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopPreparing for Peak Season in Amazon’s Online Stores Peak season is the single biggest revenue opportunity of the year—and the sellers who prepare early are the ones who win. In this high-impact session, you'll learn
Reminder! U.S. Service Academy Applications Close September 25thDear Fellow Floridian,Each year, I have the great honor of nominating some of Florida’s incredible young men and women to attend our nation’s U.S. Service Academies. As a Navy veteran myself, I am grateful for the opportunity to support young Floridians eager to attend our service academies and serve their country.Now, through September 25th, my office is accepting applications for students interested in attending the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S.
For the fourth consecutive year, Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel – Florida Injury Lawyers has been voted a Guide to Florida Best of Florida winner in the Personal Injury Law category. Best of Florida recognizes leading businesses and organizations throughout the state based on votes from the public. For our firm, that makes this honor particularly meaningful. Rather than relying on formal advertising, our firm has grown through relationships, referrals and the reputation we have built by providing
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES Joseph - Five years ago, the world watched in horror as Afghanistan descended further into chaos. But one day remains especially painful to remember: August 26, 2021, when a bombing at Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport took the lives of 13 American heroes. These 13 men and women embodied the very best of our nation. They answered the call to serve, knowing the risks, and willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect vulnerable people,
View this email in your browserCorrected Website Links The Johnny & Terry Gray Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers Support Program– Fall 2026 –The Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group is designed to provide information and education to enhance the health and quality of life for people living with dementia and those caring for them. As caregivers have different roles depending upon their previous role in the relationship.Registration required for all groups. Space is
U.S. Department of Transportation (MARAD) Designates Chapman School of Seamanship a Maritime Center of Excellence for Domestic Workforce Training and Education Federal designation recognizes Chapman’s maritime training, workforce outcomes, and role in preparing the next generation of America’s maritime professionalsSTUART, Fla. — August 25, 2026 — Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship has been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department
Hello Bunny,Florida's economic success didn't happen by accident. It's the result of decades of intentional leadership, pro-business policies and a commitment to free enterprise that continues to make Florida one of the America's most competitive economies. That's why the Florida Chamber launched the Free Enterprise Florida competitiveness campaign—to highlight why businesses continue choosing Florida and why protecting our state's competitive advantage requires
NATIONAL PARKS WEEKJoseph -More than 400 national parks stretch across this country, from battlefields where history was made, to the homes of presidents and innovators, and landscapes you can't find anywhere else on earth. At home, that includes Florida’s treasured Everglades. Today, August 25th the National Park Service turns 110, and they’re marking the celebration with an entrance fee-free day for all U.S. citizens. This is a great way to get out and experience the beauty of this great
The Mayfield Minute - August 23, 2026 Good Morning! Celebrating Passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution This Wednesday, August 26th, we celebrate Women's Equality Day, commemorating the adoption of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibited states from denying citizens the right to vote based on gender. On August 26th, 1920, U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation certifying the
Our Mission is to stop discharges into the St. Lucie River from Lake Okeechobee and to fight for a safe, healthy and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, and the natural resources that are vital to the economy and quality of life of Martin County and the Treasure Coast. Rivers CoalitionAugust 2026 Newsletter Next MeetingThursday, September 24, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Stuart City Hall Chambers121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FLThis meeting is in person and via Zoom, and
Dear Community Partner, On Tuesday, October 13, we will convene 150-200 multidisciplinary professionals for the Domestic Violence Summit- From Awareness to Action: Safety. Solidarity. Solutions.This first-of-its-kind regional event will equip professionals to recognize risk, understand trauma, strengthen documentation and evidence continuity, improve referral pathways, and coordinate the next safe step.Featured presenter Jim Schmidt of The Gabby Petito Foundation will lead practical
View this email in your browser The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience & Hope Get Your Tickets! Right whales are one of the most endangered large whales on the planet—and their story is one of remarkable resilience, scientific discovery and hope. Join Florida Oceanographic Society on Saturday, August 29 for a special screening of The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience & Hope at the Marriott Hutchinson Island
HOME | ABOUT | CONTACTAugust 19, 2026Benefits of Strategic Partnerships for Business Growth In today's business landscape, collaboration often outshines solitary efforts, with strategic partnerships becoming key to success. These alliances enable businesses to leverage each other's strengths, resources, and expertise, driving mutual growth. Access …Acquisition Experts LLCWhat is an email alias, and how does it protect your privacy? An email alias gives users an alternative email
Discover Our Integrated Medical Psychiatry ProgramOur program provides patient-centered care for vulnerable populations who are struggling with their mental health. Our clinical team can accommodate and treat several medical comorbidities, including:Wounds: Stage 3 or 4 (pending assessment)Stroke and other neurological disordersSleep apneaIncreased respiratory support for patients on CPAP and BiPAPComplex comorbidities (seizures, diabetes, high BP, CHF, COPD, UTI)OxygenCatheterization (foley/suprapubic)Oral
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Nine attorneys from Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel – Florida Injury Lawyers have earned recognition from their peers for excellence across personal injury, medical malpractice and insurance law in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser and Partners Joseph B. Landy, Glenn E. Siegel, Michael S. Smith, Michael V. Baxter, Joshua D. Ferraro, Steven J. Clarfield and Jeffrey F. Gordon are recognized in
Small Business Workshop Grow Your Business and Increase Sales Through Exporting September 1, 2026 @ 6:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopGrow Your Business and Increase Sales Through Exporting Nearly 95% of the world’s population lives outside the United States, which means additional sales growth is likely from exporting.Advantages:Exporting is a business that can be started
Accessing Nonprofit Grants, Sponsorships, and ResourcesAugust 19th @ 10:00 am Fee: $10Location:Online WorkshoThis workshop provides a high-level overview of the online spaces that are major sources of funding and nonprofit resources.Divided into three (3) sections, the discussion provides instruction on:(1) the best grant databases and websites(2) where to locate corporate sponsors(3) nonprofit resources that will help you further your missionLearn More and Registration >>About Our Instructor Cheryl Smith,
View this email in your browser2026 Cancer Survivorship ProgramAugust & September Classes Oncology Rehabilitation for Pelvic Floor DisordersPelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common in cancer patients, particularly those with gynecological, prostate, or colorectal cancers, due to treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy causing muscle damage, nerve damage, or scarring. Symptoms include incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Specialized pelvic floor physical therapy is highly
Dear Fellow Floridian,Right now, America’s foreign adversaries see a loophole in our immigration system to exploit birthright citizenship. It’s called birth tourism.Last year, I introduced the Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids in Domestic Surrogacy (SAFE KIDS) Act to prevent adversarial nations, including Communist China, from using American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad. This practice results in horrific abuse of infants and children; it
Small Business Workshop Business Contracts Must Knows August 18, 2026 @ 6:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopBusiness Contracts Must Knows This webinar is designed to help business owners who want to learn more about creating business contracts for their businesses.The webinar will provide tools to help business owners avoid common mistakes when using contracts.Webinar topics will
Registration is now open for the Domestic Violence Summit- From Awareness to Action: Safety. Solidarity. Solutions.Tuesday, October 13, 20268:30 AM-3:30 PMMIDFLORIDA Event Center | Port St. Lucie, FloridaRegistration: $125 per personFeatured presenter Jim Schmidt, Board Member of The Gabby Petito Foundation, will lead sessions focused on lessons from the Gabby Petito case, trauma and victim behavior, high-risk indicators, documentation, evidence continuity, and coordinated response.This first-of-its-kind
e Mayfield Minute - August 16, 2026 Good Morning! National Nonprofit Day Tomorrow, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the valuable contributions of nonprofit organizations in our communities and across the nation. Observed annually on August 17th, National Nonprofit Day commemorates the Tariff Act of 1894, which first exempted nonprofits from federal income taxes. Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities,
One Week in Georgia Changed What Naomi Thought Was Possible! "My favorite part was going to Coca-Cola World and trying out different soda flavors from each country." Ask Naomi about her favorite part of family vacation and she will not tell you about the hotel or the pool. She will tell you about tasting sodas from countries she had never been to! That is what she
View this email in your browserFew who move to Florida really understand how important water is to our state. Not just for recreation but because we are a peninsula and a very shallow one at that. The control and movement of water are so essential that special water districts were formed by the government. They are special taxing authorities. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has the responsibility in our area. Here is an explanation. Please let us know your thoughts at
ONE YEAR SINCE THE TRAGEDY IN FORT PIERCEJoseph -One year ago this week, three Floridians lost their lives on Florida’s Turnpike near Fort Pierce due to the complete and utter recklessness of a foreign truck driver with an illegal CDL license. These Americans were simply driving down the highway, only a few miles from my home, when they crashed into a tractor trailer driven by a foreign national who was making an illegal U-turn on the interstate. This should have never happened.When we passed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2026 COCHRANE REVIEW EXAMINES SPINAL MANIPULATION FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN STUART, FL — A major 2026 Cochrane review is providing an updated look at spinal manipulative therapy as a conservative treatment option for adults living with chronic low back pain. The review analyzed 76 randomized clinical trials involving 11,866 participants and compared spinal manipulation or mobilization with sham treatment, no treatment, and other conservative approaches. Researchers found that
Florida entered 2026 building upon the foundation of economic momentum: strong population growth, major corporate headquarters relocating due to our attractive business and economic landscape, job growth that has outpaced the nation for many years, and low unemployment—all establishing Florida’s economy as a national leader. Now, in the midpoint of 2026, both the national and state economies have experienced slowdowns.New data in the 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report
Small Business Workshop Find the Hidden Profit in Your Business August 19, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes LIVE ONLINE WorkshopFind the Hidden Profit in Your Business Discover where profit may already be hiding inside your business. This practical webinar explains how small improvements in pricing, margins, costs, customer value, sales, and marketing can compound into meaningful
&##128680; EARLY BIRD ENDS AT MIDNIGHT – REGISTER NOW & SAVE!&##128680;Secure your seat at the lowest available rate before prices increase.REGISTER BOOK HOTELSPONSORDon't Miss Today's Early Bird Registration DeadlineRegistration is open for the 2026 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit, taking place December 10-11 at the Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Now in its 19th year, the Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit brings together business leaders, insurance executives, lawmakers,
Every successful project begins with a plan—and every excavation should begin with a call to 811.In recognition of National 811 Day, the Florida Chamber Safety Council is joining Sunshine 811 in reminding Florida businesses, contractors, and homeowners to contact 811 before every digging project, no matter how big or small.Striking an underground utility line can result in costly repairs, service interruptions, gas leaks and serious injuries. Fortunately, preventing these incidents is simple, free and
News from Congressman Brian Mast Joseph -Ten years ago, toxic blue-green algae—fueled by billions of gallons of discharges from Lake Okeechobee—coated the St. Lucie River, the Indian River Lagoon, and our beaches in thick, guacamole-looking sludge. Our waterways were dying, and our community's livelihoods were on the line.That's when then-Senate President Joe Negron stood up and said enough is enough. He called for storing water south of Lake Okeechobee, cleaning it, and sending it to the Everglades and
Sen. Rick Scott Is Not Giving Up the Fight to Pass Pres. Trump's America-First AgendaDear Fellow Floridian,The American people gave us a mandate to deliver on President Trump’s America-First agenda and secure our elections. Last week, all Senate Republicans voted to require identification in our elections, and every Democrat opposed it. Now the Senate is going into a five-week recess without having passed the SAVE America Act. This is unacceptable! I believe that the Senate should not have left D.C. without
View this email in your browserCASE RESULTGlenn Siegel Secures $600K Settlement After Insurer Ignores Repeated DemandsWhen an insurance company ignored repeated demands and failed to make any settlement offer after a Lake Worth car accident, Firm Partner Glenn Siegel prepared to take the case to court. His persistence and readiness to litigate ultimately resulted in a $600,000 settlement for his client.Although the vehicle sustained only minor damage in the shopping center parking lot crash, the
Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | Aug 6 - Aug 22August 6, 6:00pm EDTA Human Resources’ Checklist to Reduce RiskREGISTERAugust 7, 12:00pm EDTOne Legal Mistake Can Ruin Your BusinessREGISTERAugust 8, 9:30am EDTCanva For Your Business - Stunning Drag and Drop DesignREGISTERAugust 10, 6:00pm EDTHR 101: Hiring, Firing and Other Key HR Basics for Small Business OwnersREGISTERAugust 11, 12:00pm EDTUsing MindPal to Create Business Workflows; Automating Tasks with AI
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a standalone generative artificial intelligence application built to assist small businesses and creators with visual asset generation through plain language instructions. The system operates via a web browser interface, converting detailed text descriptions into accurate graphics, stylized artwork, or high definition video sequences. Every output generated through its production ready features is certified and cleared for commercial marketing use, protecting your
The Treasure Coast is one of Florida's most ecologically distinct regions — home to the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River, and a business community that has long treated environmental stewardship as a civic value, not a marketing angle. The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce is a member of the River Coalition, which signals something real about how local businesses relate to the natural systems around them. That context matters if you're thinking about launching a business
Businesses of all sizes rely on consultants to solve problems, improve performance, and unlock growth. A consultant is a specialized professional who offers expert advice in a defined area such as finance, marketing, operations, or technology. Rather than depending on a single perspective, many companies benefit from working with different consultants across disciplines.Key Takeaways at a Glance Different consultants bring specialized expertise that internal teams may lack. External advisors offer
Small Business Administration Date: 03/04/2026 U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET – ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (SBA DISASTER DECLARATION DUE TO DESIGNATION BY THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE) FLORIDA Declaration 21457 (Disaster: FL-20034) Incident: FREEZE, FROST, ICE, AND HIGH WINDS occurring: January 23, 2026 through February 5, 2026 in the Florida counties of: Broward, Palm Beach and Sumter; and the contiguous Florida counties of: Citrus, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Marion,
OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY & RESILIENCE Release Date: March 10, 2026 Contact: Karen.Knapik@sba.gov Release Number: FL-20034-01 Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Freeze, Frost, Ice and High Winds Low interest disaster loans now available WASHINGTON— The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)
Video and audio have become the default language of digital discovery — and for member businesses across Martin County and Port St. Lucie, that shift is too significant to ignore. How widely video has been adopted tells the story plainly: 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, with 93% of video marketers calling it an important part of their overall strategy. Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, with a metro area topping 500,000 residents and rising. The chamber members
STUART, FL – March 06, 2026 — Chapman School of Seamanship, an internationally recognized 501(c)3, nonprofit marine training institution and the State of Florida’s designated maritime school, has announced the launch of its new Vessel Legacy Program. This initiative allows boat and yacht owners to donate vessels to support maritime education, workforce development, and safety programs for boaters of all ages. Through the program, donated vessels may be used as ‘at-the-helm’ training platforms for
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel is proud to announce that eight of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers ® in America. Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser is joined by Partners Joseph B. Landy, Glenn E. Siegel, Joshua D. Ferraro, Jeffrey F. Gordon and Steven J. Clarfield and Senior Counsel Michael S. Smith as recipients of the Best Lawyers in America ® Award. Firm Attorney Imani M. Williams is recognized in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch ® in America. “Our
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC, a 98-year-old personal injury law firm renowned for its commitment to fighting for the best results, is pleased to announce that Tami R. Wolfe has joined the firm as a Partner.Wolfe will spearhead the opening of the Firm’s new Broward County office, marking a significant expansion in the firm’s unparalleled service to personal injury clients across Florida.“Tami’s extensive experience, her outstanding reputation in the legal community, and her deep
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Lesser, Landy, Smith and Siegel, PLLC is pleased to announce that five of our attorneys have been selected to the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers honorees are Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser and Partners Joseph B. Landy, Michael S. Smith and Michael V. Baxter. Attorney Imani M. Williams is recognized as a Rising Star for the second consecutive year. This marks 20 years and the 17th consecutive year that Gary Lesser, Joseph Landy and Michael Smith have been
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Lesser, Landy, Smith and Siegel, PLLC is proud to announce that seasoned trial attorney Michael V. Baxter has joined the firm as a Partner in its West Palm Beach office where he will focus his practice on representing individuals and families who have been catastrophically injured due to medical negligence. With nearly three decades of legal experience, Baxter brings a powerful combination of courtroom skill and deep knowledge of medical malpractice litigation. “Mike Baxter is well
West Palm Beach, FL – Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC is pleased to announce that Ryan M. McCarthy has joined the firm as a partner in the West Palm Beach office. McCarthy will oversee the firm’s growing Contingency Business Litigation Division. McCarthy brings over a decade of experience litigating cases, and is known for his meticulous, client-centered approach to resolving high-stakes claims. He is licensed to practice in Florida and Massachusetts and has represented a wide range of clients,
We are proud to announce that our Firm has changed its name to Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC. The name change acknowledges the significant contributions of Firm Partner Glenn Siegel and marks an exciting new chapter in our almost 98-year history as a personal injury law firm in Florida. “Glenn has worked in our firm for almost the entirety of his lengthy legal career,” Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser said. “He exemplifies our values of working hard to get great results for our clients with personal
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, is pleased to announce that Attorney Mike Scott has joined the Firm and will be working out of our Stuart and West Palm Beach offices. A native of New England, Scott has spent the past decade litigating cases, primarily as a defense attorney, at firms in Florida, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Eager to work on behalf of injured clients and their families, Scott will focus his practice on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury or
West Palm Beach, FL – Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, is proud to announce that Ethel L. Velasquez has joined the firm, Of Counsel, in its West Palm Beach office, where she will focus her practice on personal injury litigation. Raised in West Palm Beach, Velasquez is a member of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association and Palm Beach County Florida Association of Women Lawyers and volunteers her time in support of the nonprofits Latinos in Action, El Sol and Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach
STUART, Fla. (December 6, 2023) – Martin County, Florida is known for being a premier family-friendly vacation destination, thanks to countless ecotourism activities, beautiful hotels, world-class restaurants, and miles of pristine coastline. However, it’s also a popular pet-friendly escape. The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing and Explore Natural Martin recognize that outdoor adventures and pets go hand-in-paw, which is why they are excited to announce the new B.A.R.K. Ranger program, which