News

The Veterans Equal Access Act

 PASSED: THE VETERANS EQUAL ACCESS ACTJoseph - When I lost my legs in Afghanistan, I had to fight through the hardest physical and psychological pain of my life. I know what it means to come home from combat with wounds— both seen and unseen. And I know that I’m not alone.  Healing doesn’t follow any straight path. Those who served should have access to every available treatment, and one of these treatments is medical marijuana. But right now, veterans are being forced to choose between their VA

Five Lesser Law Firm Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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

Martin County School District Students Outperform Surrounding Districts Across Multiple Subject Areas

 MEDIA ADVISORY  CONTACT: Derek LoweCoordinator, Public Information and Community RelationsMartin County School District(772) 260-4072lowed@martinschools.org           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 26, 2025  Stuart, FL – The Florida Department of Education has released spring 2025 assessment results, and the Martin County School District (MCSD) is celebrating a standout year of academic achievement. Students posted gains across multiple subject areas,

Remembering Surfside

Sen. Rick Scott Commemorates Fourth Anniversary of Tragic Surfside Building CollapseSenator Rick Scott led a resolution with Senator Ashley Moody marking four years since the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida - a tragedy that took 98 lives on June 24, 2021. The resolution pays tribute to the victims, recognizes the extraordinary bravery of first responders, and expresses unwavering support for the families and communities still grieving this devastating loss.Senator Rick

MARTIN COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR JULY 2025

      MARTIN COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR JULY 2025  Notice is hereby given of the following meetings to be held at the Martin County Administrative Center, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, Florida and other locations as indicated for July 2025. Matters affecting your personal and property rights may be heard and acted upon. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be sent to the Board of County Commissioners, 2401 SE

Martin County School District

 MEDIA ADVISORY  CONTACT: Derek LoweCoordinator, Public Information and Community RelationsMartin County School District(772) 260-4072lowed@martinschools.org                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 25, 2025  Stuart, FL – The Martin County School District is making back-to-school shopping easier than ever for local families with the launch of TeacherLists, a new user-friendly online tool that helps parents

Hurricane Season Is Here, Get Prepared Today!

   Hurricane Season Is Here, Get Prepared Today!Dear Fellow Floridian,Hurricane Season is HERE. Now is the time for every Florida family to make sure you are prepared for whatever this Hurricane Season may bring.  Floridians know better than anybody that hurricanes and severe weather can strike anytime and anywhere. That's why it's important for you to have a plan to keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency.  Throughout my time as Governor and as your United States Senator, I have

Big Changes for Teen Drivers

Tobacco Free Florida Commends Martin County Public Schools

Tobacco Free Florida Commends Martin County Public Schools Tobacco Free Policy Updates  Martin County, Fla. – Tobacco Free Florida in Martin County Commends Martin County School District on recent updates to the district’s tobacco free policy. The policy updates are a significant step to further ensure a healthy and safe environment for all Martin County Public school students, staff, and visitors on school campuses.  In 2020, the Martin County School District contracted with NEOLA to recommend updates

Martin County Schools

 MEDIA ADVISORY  CONTACT: Derek LoweCoordinator, Public Information and Community RelationsMartin County School District(772) 260-4072lowed@martinschools.org                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 24, 2025  Stuart, FL – As the start of the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Martin County School District is offering members of the media the opportunity to sit down with Superintendent Michael Maine to

The City of Stuart Weekly - June 20, 2025

    Another National Nod for Stuart  Downtown Stuart has once again captured national attention—this time earning a spot on WorldAtlas.com’s list of the 10 Prettiest Downtown Strips in Florida!The list highlights Florida’s most charming and walkable downtowns, steering the spotlight away from theme parks and coastlines to showcase “road trips for the feet.” Other towns recognized include Fernandina Beach, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, St. Augustine, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Venice,

Sen. Rick Scott Stands Strongly with Israel

Sen. Rick Scott Stands Strongly with IsraelDear Fellow Floridian, Right now, Iran is making clear there’s no limit to what it is willing to do to harm our great friend and ally, Israel, and it has shown it has no interest in ending its consistent attempts to destroy Israel, continual sponsorship of terrorism and pattern of wreaking havoc across the globe. For years, Iran has been making progress in its nuclear weapons program, which was designed for use against Israel and the United States. Thank God for

Fraud Alert!

         Please be aware of fraudulent websites and social media accounts impersonating the official www.PayFLClerk.com payment platform to pay Florida court-ordered fees and fines.    Fake/malicious websites and social accounts include the

New Drivers Education Course REQUIRED for students under 18

                                                               New Driver’s Education course required for students under 18   Effective July 1, 2025, Florida Statute 322.095 and 322.1615 will change Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course requirements for students under 18 years old.   Students under 18 years old will need to complete a new six (6) hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.   Students under 18 years old who completed a TLSAE course prior to July 1,

Sen. Rick Scott Fights to Deliver a Better Big, Beautiful Bill for Pres. Trump

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ... Sen. Rick Scott in Washington Examiner: Time to Deliver on a Better Big, Beautiful Bill for TrumpSenator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examiner on how Senate Republicans can work to deliver on a better, Big Beautiful Bill that delivers on even more of President Trump’s agenda and helps him fix the mess Democrats made of the nation. That includes delivering on a bill that secures the border, continues the Trump tax cuts, and reduces spending to unleash the American

My remarks at America’s Everglades Summit

 ICYMI: AMERICA'S EVERGLADES SUMMITJoseph - It’s been one week since America’s Everglades Summit on Capitol Hill, and I’m still fired up. It was an opportunity for everyone who’s passionate about Everglades restoration to gather and talk about what’s at stake.  I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, scientists, community leaders, and clean water warriors, who had one thing in common—they refuse to give up the fight for clean water. My message was simple: our fight is far from over. In fact, the

Fighting for our coasts in Congress

 IT'S WORLD OCEAN MONTHJoseph - Water is our way of life in Florida. As we recognize World Ocean Month and National Sea Turtle Day, I’m reminded just how vital our coastlines are, not only for our economy and culture, but for the ecosystems that call these waters home. Protecting our water has always been and will always be one of my top priorities in Congress. Each year, sea turtles return to our shores in search of a safe place to lay their eggs. In fact, Florida hosts more than 67,000 loggerhead

Rethinking the Resume: Skills Over Degrees

     June 2025       4.2%   Employment increased by 139,000 and unemployment was unchanged in May. Healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and social assistance trended upward, while federal government employment continued to decline.  The labor force participation decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%. Average hourly earnings rose by 15 cents (0.4%) to $36.24. The average workweek was 34.3 hours for the third consecutive month.  According to

The City of Stuart Weekly - June 13, 2025

    New Era for Stuart Police Department: Swearing-In of Chief Zenelovic, Promotions & New Officers  On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the historic Lyric Theatre was filled with community members, city leaders, neighboring law enforcement officers, and proud families as the Stuart Police Department held a special promotional ceremony.In a memorable moment, Chief Flamur Zenelovic was officially sworn in by the Honorable Judge Darren Steele, marking the beginning of his leadership of the

Week in Review: Defending our water and your wallet

 WEEK IN REVIEW: DEFENDING OUR WATER AND YOUR WALLETJoseph - We accomplished a lot this week on Capitol Hill. From cutting more wasteful government spending to continuing my fight to protect Florida’s Everglades, watch my latest Week in Review to see what happened in Congress.  On Wednesday, the House passed the President’s rescissions package, which will reclaim taxpayer dollars from programs that just no longer serve the American people. I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done on the House

New Driver's Education Course REQUIRED

The latest news for you

       JUNE 2025 - Week 2     MEMBER EVENTS       June 24 | Time  MEMBER EVENT - SAILFISH CLUB  Join us at the Sailfish Club! Meet members, make connections and learn about the Club and the Association! RSVP              June 27 & 28   LUCKY DUCK TOURNAMENT & RACE A Waterfront Fundraiser to Support Youth Boaters & AnglersPart Fishing Tournament – Part Rubber Duck

Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans Drop Slightly for 2025-2026

ThriventMark Valinote, FIC, RICP® CLU Financial Advisor 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd Ste 100 Port St Lucie, FL 34986772-236-0063772-626-5958772-626-5958Mark.Valinote@Thrivent.comconnect.thrivent.com/mark-valinote/     Federal student loan rates for 2025-2026 halt upward trendInterest rates on federal student loans for the 2025-2026 school year will decrease slightly, after four straight years of increases. Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans Drop Slightly for

We’re codifying President Trump’s agenda into law.

MAKING "AMERICA FIRST" POLICY THE LAW OF THE LANDJoseph - House Republicans are doing exactly what we promised to do— taking President Trump’s America First agenda and turning it into law. This isn’t just about giving speeches or cable news talking points either. We’re delivering bills to rebuild a booming economy, secure our borders, and ensure that the government actually works for the American people.  The radical Left spent years trying to erase all the progress we made during President Trump’s

Fighting back against the opioid epidemic

 PASSED: THE SUPPORT ACTJoseph -On the House floor tonight, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation combating the growing opioid epidemic and restoring safety in our communities. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a major step forward for families across the country who are affected by this crisis and the dedicated individuals who work in the medical and recovery field.   This bill is personal to me. When I lost both my legs serving

Senator Rick Scott's Fall Internship Applications Are Open!

Senator Rick Scott's Fall Internship Applications Are Now OpenDear Fellow Floridian,Throughout the year, my office is proud to offer internships for college students, recent college graduates, and other young leaders who are looking to learn more about serving their community by working on Capitol Hill. The purpose of my internship program is to give interns firsthand knowledge of how the Senate operates by allowing them to observe the legislative process at the federal level and develop research skills

Work requirements incoming ?

   The House passed the One Big, Beautiful Bill and now all eyes are on the Senate.  This legislation delivers exactly what hardworking Americans have been waiting for: work requirements for welfare.  Now we need to turn up the pressure.  I’m asking you to sign the official petition urging the Senate to support this bill and send it to the President’s desk:Specifically, this bill reforms Medicaid to establish work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Plus,

Getting graduates jobs and businesses staffed

 SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND RECENT GRADSJoseph - Across the country, business owners are struggling to find skilled workers, even though there are plenty of qualified candidates who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. That’s why, tonight, I voted to pass common-sense legislation that will help connect more Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates with small business job opportunities. The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025,

Exciting News for Indiantown!

               Printable - English & Spanish        Clerk's Website           

Cultivate Commitment

     June 2025     Create Cohesion: Cultivate CommitmentIn today’s workplace, where traditional loyalty is fading, commitment stands out as a key driver of team cohesion, engagement, and long-term success. Employees demonstrate commitment by embracing feedback, prioritizing team goals, and investing in relationships and customer satisfaction. Leaders can foster commitment by building trust, empowering employees, and aligning work with personal and professional growth. Creating a culture

The City of Stuart Weekly - May 30, 2025

    Hurricane Season is Here—Are You Ready, Stuart?  As hurricane season arrives, the City of Stuart urges all residents to take a few simple but vital steps to protect their families and pets.Be sure to stock up on at least seven days’ worth of food and water for every person and pet in your household. Don’t forget other essentials like medications, batteries, flashlights, and pet supplies.A good rule of thumb: one gallon of water per person, per day. Keep non-perishable food items

Upcoming SFWMD Public Meetings

       Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings in the next few weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance.  Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats, so be sure to check the "Meeting Information" for details. SFWMD Public

Camp Success - We are Close to Reaching Our Goal!

                 Click Here to Make an Impact!                       

Sen. Rick Scott Recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month

         Sen. Rick Scott Recognizes Jewish American Heritage MonthDear Fellow Floridian,Throughout the month of May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the incredible contributions of Jewish Americans. Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor honoring Jewish American Heritage Month with the unanimous passage of my bipartisan resolution in recognition of this month and condemning the horrific antisemitic attack in Washington, D.C. With the unanimous passage of this resolution, we

Medical Malpractice Attorney Michael Baxter Joins Lesser Law Firm as Partner

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

The end of animal testing

 ENDING TAX-PAYER FUNDED ANIMAL ABUSEJoseph - No animal should ever suffer in the name of science. It’s unnecessary and unacceptable. And now, thanks to this Administration’s push to stop wasteful government spending, the Department of the Navy has stopped all testing on cats and dogs.  Yesterday, Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, announced that these inhumane experiments will finally end. Not only will the Navy end the suffering, but they will review ALL of their research programs to make sure

4 ways the One Big, Beautiful Bill Secures Our Border

  Joe, The House passed the One Big, Beautiful Bill and now all eyes are on the Senate.  This legislation delivers exactly what hardworking Americans have been waiting for: strong border security.  Now we need to turn up the pressure.  I’m asking you to sign the official petition urging the Senate to support this bill and send it to the President’s desk:Here’s what’s in the bill:More than $45 billion to build the wall and significantly expand and the border barrier

Reminder: June 2025 Martin County Meetings

  MARTIN COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR JUNE 2025  Notice is hereby given of the following meetings to be held at the Martin County Administrative Center, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, Florida and other locations as indicated for June 2025. Matters affecting your personal and property rights may be heard and acted upon. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be sent to the Board of County Commissioners, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL

Fox News: The True Meaning of ‘Back the Blue’

 ICYMI: MY CONVERSATION WITH LARA TRUMP ON THE MEDAL OF SACRIFICEJoseph - For the families of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, there’s nothing that can be done to repay their sacrifice. But now, thanks to President Trump, there’s a way to recognize the immense loss felt by these families and share the gratitude of our nation: the Medal of Sacrifice. The first-of-its-kind honor was bestowed upon three families from Palm Beach County earlier this month, and I had the privilege to join them

Week in Review: One Big Beautiful Week

 WEEK IN REVIEW: ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL WEEKJoseph - It was a big beautiful week in Washington. I voted to advance historic tax cuts, stood with President Trump to honor our fallen Palm Beach County deputies, and welcomed Secretary Marco Rubio to Congress for a hearing about ways to refocus and advance diplomacy via the State Department.  We reached a huge milestone this week with H.R. 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passing in the House of Representatives. I was proud to vote in support of this

Too many of our heroes are being left behind

 THREE BILLS, ONE MISSION: SERVING OUR VETERANSJoseph - Hardly a day goes by where I do not hear from veterans who are facing challenges accessing the benefits and care they earned. It’s unacceptable— that’s why I just announced a new legislative package solely focused on improving care, supporting veterans, and honoring their service.   Today, I introduced three bills to ease access to necessary health services, to honor service members killed in combat, and to address the ongoing mental health

Ryan M. McCarthy Joins Firm to Lead Contingency Business Litigation Division

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,

Five Lesser Law Firm Attorneys Named to LawDragon 500 Leading Lawyers Guide

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC is proud to announce that five of our attorneys have been named to the esteemed 2025 LawDragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.This recognition highlights their unwavering dedication to seeking justice for their clients and their outstanding contributions to the legal profession.The lawyers included on this year’s list are Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser, and Partners Joseph B. Landy, Michael S. Smith, Glenn E. Siegel and Jeffrey F.

Lesser Law Firm Announces Name Change

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

News Release: 12/23/2024

SAY HELLO TO THE NEW COHEN’S FASHION OPTICAL I’m excited to introduce myself – my name is Denise Fitzpatrick and I’m the General Manager of the Cohen’s Fashion Optical locations in Port St. Lucie and Treasure Coast Square Mall in Jensen Beach. We are now Under New Management to better serve our valued patients. I’m a native New Yorker and am delighted to call Florida my new home! With over 15 years working in the optical industry, I am eager to share my expertise and passion for creating exceptional

THE HUTCHINSON HOLIDAY HOUSE BRINGS A LOT OF FA-LA-LA-LA-FUN TO MARRIOTT HUTCHINSON ISLAND BEACH RESORT – A FESTIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTFEATURING SANTA, HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND MORE.

CALENDAR EVENT/MEDIA ALERTContact: Leia BoscoSusan Penrod PR (SPPR)Cell: 954.815.7412 / leia@susanpenrod.com  THEHUTCHINSON HOLIDAY HOUSE BRINGS A LOT OF FA-LA-LA-LA-FUN TO MARRIOTT HUTCHINSON ISLAND BEACH RESORT – A FESTIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTFEATURING SANTA, HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND MORE. A suggested donation of $5 per person is encouraged with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Feed the Children  Hutchinson Island, Stuart, FL (December 11, 2024) – Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina

COHEN’S FASHION OPTICAL IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!

COHEN’S FASHION OPTICAL IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!Come visit us in Jensen Beach at the Treasure Coast Mall, or in Port St. Lucie West. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with friendly service and quality eyeglasses and contact lenses. Our experienced eyecare professionals will help you select eyewear that expresses your unique personality, and suits both your lifestyle and budget needs. We offer a large selection of value and designer frames including Tom Ford, Gucci, Prada, Tiffany,

Lesser Law Firm Named Best Law Firm for 15th Consecutive Year

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC is proud to announce that we've been included on the list of Best Law Firms® in the Best Lawyers rankings for the 15th consecutive year.   We are ranked in Regional Tier 1 of the 2025 Best Law Firms® in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Insurance Law.   “We are honored to yet again be recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in the country,” Managing Partner Gary Lesser said. “This distinction is a real testament to our hard work and

Lesser Law Firm Welcomes New Attorney in Stuart Office

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

Community Management Associates Now Serving the Treasure Coast

Proud to call Florida home. Helping Florida's Gulf Coast, Pan Handle and Treasure Coast Communities Thrive.   CMA expects that our business model of integrity and top-notch customer service will impress your community and raise the bar in the field of association management on the Gulf Coast, on the Treasure Coast, and in the Panhandle. Our experience spans several decades of professionally managing over 1100 associations with over 200 managers. Our commitment to customer service is the lifeblood of our

Lesser Law Firm Welcomes New Attorney

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

Gary S. Lesser Honored with Stubbs Professionalism Award

A “consummate professional whose entire legal career has been defined by his personal professional conduct,” Managing Partner Gary S. Lesser was honored by his peers on March 8 with the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Sidney A. Stubbs Professionalism Award. Attorneys Patricia Leonard and Alexcia Cox presented Lesser with the award in front of hundreds of attorneys and judges at a luncheon during the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s 2024 Bench Bar Conference. “I think this is the biggest

MARTIN COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM & MARKETING CELEBRATES WORLD WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY WITH NEW B.A.R.K. RANGER PROGRAM FOR FOUR-LEGGED VISITORS

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