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 CoalitionJanuary 2026
PASSED: SAVE LOCAL BUSINESS ACTJoseph -Wages and benefits fell 3.9 percent under the Biden-Harris administration—and burdensome regulations ended up costing families an average of over $16,000 a year. Since President Trump took office and Republicans regained majorities in the House and Senate last November, we’ve passed legislation focused on bigger paychecks, spurring growth, and pro-worker policies.It’s about protecting the American Dream for anyone who works in a small business. Today, we took another
Martin County Taxpayers Association Update ArticleHELP US, HELP YOUYou can help us safeguard your tax dollars; all it takes is a small donation.Make A Difference – DONATEGET SOCIAL WITH MCTAF O L L O W on F A C E B O O KF O L L O W on I N S T A G R A MF O L L O W on TWITTER (X) The Martin County Taxpayers Association (MCTA) decided it was time to look at the commissioners’ use of tax money for their travel expenses for trips and conferences. It is not our purpose to single out any one
T&I ENSURING OUR GULF REMAINS SAFEJoseph -Earlier today, I joined a Transportation and Infrastructure hearing to speak with the Deputy of Operations Policy and Capabilities in the U.S. Coast Guard, David Barata, and the Director of Justice and Homeland Security Programs for the U.S. Government’s Accountability Office, Heather MacLeod. During the hearing, I had the chance to ask them about the “ghost-ships” in the Caribbean and their environmental implications.Ghost-ship vessels operate in the shadows.
ThriventMark Valinote, FIC, RICP® CLU CHFC Financial Advisor 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd Ste 100 Port St Lucie, FL 34986772-236-0063 An individual of any age may be eligible to open an ABLE account as long as the onset of disability was before age 46. ABLE Accounts Are Now Available to Millions More with DisabilitiesABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are tax-advantaged accounts that enable Americans with significant disabilities to save or invest for the
FAIR & AFFORDABLE DRUG PRICINGJoseph -In 2010, when the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was signed into law, Americans were promised affordable and reliable healthcare. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Premiums have skyrocketed, options narrowed, and our prescription drug prices became among the highest in the world—while other countries paid a fraction of the cost for the same medications. The United States pays higher drug prices than other countries. That’s just wrong, and it ends now. In May,
STUART, Fla. — More than 400 pet lovers and their dogs are expected to participate in the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast's 22nd annual Mutt March on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Family and friends — both furry and not — will be coming for a morning walk around Memorial Park, 300 SE Ocean Blvd. along with other engaging activities. The event is free and dog friendly. No other domestic pets are permitted to attend. Visitors also will have an opportunity to shop the "flea-less" market, enter
Recurring Injuries?Discover How to Get to the Real Root CauseToo often, investigations stop at blaming the employee, and countermeasures fail to prevent future incidents. Hidden leadership gaps, unexamined motivations, and incomplete investigation strategies are usually the real reasons these events repeat. The result? Preventable injuries that could have been avoided with a more thorough investigation.The Florida Chamber Safety Council’s Injury Investigations – What Was the Real Root Cause? training,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 13, 2026Stuart, FL – Graduation rates for Florida school districts have been released by the Florida Department of Education, and the Martin County School District is proud to announce that its overall graduation rate has once again increased, surpassing the state average.The District’s overall graduation rate increased from 92% in 2024 to 93.7% for the Class of 2025, surpassing the state average of 92.2%. When focusing on the District’s three comprehensive high schools, the
Martin County BOCC | 2401 SE Monterey Road | Stuart, FL 34996 USUnsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Martin County BOCC | 2401 SE Monterey Road | Stuart, FL 34996 USUnsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
The Mayfield Minute - January 11, 2026 Good Morning! The Florida Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 13th at 10:00 a.m. for the Opening Day of the 128th Regular Legislative Session. The annual "State of the State" address by Governor DeSantis will take place during the Joint Legislative Session at 11:00 a.m. The opening ceremony for both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the annual "State of the State" address can be
ICYMI: READ MY OP-ED ON LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAYJoseph -As a combat veteran, I’ve seen some of the best and most selfless individuals give their lives for a greater good. I understand that the cost of service is never paid by one individual—it’s paid every single day by their families, loved ones, and their children who have to grow up without a parent. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I ask that we remember to honor the men and women who wear the badge for our protection. Especially in today’s
Martin County Taxpayers Association Monthly NewsletterClick Here to See The Full ReportIN THIS ISSUE:A bridge gets paid off!Toolkit or FoolkitFINALLY, a new public works complexWhat’s the Children’s Service Council been spending your money on?No Martin Arts facility, but maybe an indoor sports facility?Is it legal to rent a FROG?HELP US, HELP YOUYou can help us safeguard your tax dollars; all it takes is a small donation.Make A Difference – DONATEGET SOCIAL WITH MCTAF O L L O W on F
Senator Rick Scott's Week in Review Dear Fellow Floridian,Florida is proud to be the home of Venezuelan Americans whose families fled Nicolás Maduro’s oppression for the freedom
WEEK IN REVIEW: BACK AT THE CAPITOL FOR 2026Joseph -We are officially back for the second session of the 119th Congress—and it’s been a packed week in Washington. First, I’d like to address last weekend’s Operation Absolute Resolve—the successful capture of the illegitimate Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. On Monday, I was briefed by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth; and several other Administration officials. It’s clear to me that this was a
January 9, 2026A Message from the Executive DirectorLooking Back at 2025 and Setting the Course for 2026As we reflect on the progress made in 2025, the BDBMC looks ahead to 2026 with renewed focus on business growth, investment, and partnerships that continue to strengthen Martin County’s economy. Click HereCelebrating Small Business Success in Martin CountyMartin Loan Fund Supports First Local BusinessOld Havana Café celebrated its grand opening in Stuart as the first business to benefit from the Martin
Florida Tourism Continues to Climb in Q3 2025 Florida’s tourism industry continues to outpace its own record-breaking performance, welcoming an estimated 34.3 million travelers in the third quarter of 2025. This steady growth was fueled by a strong domestic showing of 31.5 million visitors and a significant 3.2% increase in overseas travel compared to Q3 2024. Markets like Brazil showed notable strength, climbing nearly 5% as VISIT FLORIDA continues to strategically target Latin American
Good afternoon tourism partners – hope your New Year is off to a great start. The Martin County Tourist Development Council and Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing recently launched a brand-new, 3-part digital training series called “Unlock the Power of A.I. For Your Business.” The best part? It’s completely free via Zoom for all tourism-facing businesses based in Martin County! Thanks to all who tuned in to the first session on Monday, January 5. If you missed it during the post-holiday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 12, 2026Stuart, FL – Two high schools in the Martin County School District have earned recognition on the College Board’s 2024–25 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, a national distinction recognizing schools whose AP programs expand access to rigorous coursework while supporting student success.Jensen Beach High School earned Silver-level recognition, and Martin County High School earned Bronze-level recognition for their Advanced Placement programs.The AP School Honor
Martin County BOCC | 2401 SE Monterey Road | Stuart, FL 34996 USUnsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Martin County BOCC | 2401 SE Monterey Road | Stuart, FL 34996 USUnsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Stuart, FL – The Martin County School District is proud to announce that 48 of its outstanding students have been named nominees for the prestigious 2026 Pathfinder Awards by The Palm Beach Post. These awards honor exceptional high school students across Palm Beach and Martin counties who demonstrate excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community involvement.The Pathfinder Awards recognize students who not only excel in their respective fields but also embody dedication, creativity,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 9, 2026Stuart, FL – Elementary students from across the Martin County School District will come together for a day of athletic competition, sportsmanship, and school spirit during the 42nd Annual Russell Holloway Track Meet on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Martin County High School's Napoli Orthodontics Stadium.The annual event will welcome third, fourth, and fifth-grade students from all District elementary schools, offering young athletes the opportunity to showcase their
Small businesses across Stuart and Martin County often hit a point where growth becomes both an opportunity and a puzzle. The next stage isn’t just about scaling operations—it’s about making decisions that preserve agility while strengthening long-term stability. In brief: Growth planning requires clarity around cash flow, operational capacity, and market timing. Customer retention and loyalty often drive sustainable growth more than rapid acquisition. Hiring, systems, and processes must expand in a
Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel is proud to announce that Partners Steven J. Clarfield and Ryan M. McCarthy have been selected for the “Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Florida” by The National Trial Lawyers. They join Managing Partner Gary Lesser and Partners Joe Landy, Glenn Siegel and Mike Baxter, who are already members of this exclusive list of practitioners. “Steve and Ryan are highly esteemed attorneys who get great results and are extremely dedicated to their clients and our community,”
A single image can carry your brand farther than a thousand words—especially when it’s powered by AI. Today’s image-generation tools let small teams design professional-grade visuals in minutes, eliminating the need for endless revisions or expensive photo shoots. Whether you’re crafting ads, social posts, or campaign graphics, AI makes creative execution faster, cheaper, and more consistent with your brand identity.Quick Highlights You Should Know AI tools can instantly adapt one concept into multiple
WHAT IS WRDA & WHY DOES IT MATTERJoseph -From the St. Lucie River to the Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee, our communities’ waterways impact our health, economy, and quality of life. When they’re polluted or damaged, everyone feels the effects. It’s why cleaning our toxic water remains one of my top priorities in Congress—and why the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) coming in 2026 matters so much for all of us in the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches.So what is WRDA and why should you care?WRDA
Registration Rate Increases Jan 10, 2026.Reserve your discounted virtual passes today! Can't watch the event live? No problem. Registration includes access to view content on the day of or up to two weeks post-event. The Florida Chamber Foundation invites you to a virtual economic summit focused on the opportunities and headwinds shaping Florida’s economy and business landscape as we move toward 2030.Kicking off at 1:00 PM on January 29, business and community leaders will hear from top
ThriventMark Valinote, FIC, RICP® CLU CHFC Financial Advisor 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd Ste 100 Port St Lucie, FL 34986772-236-0063 IRS Issues Guidance on 530A (Trump) AccountsIn December 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released guidance (Notice 2025-68) on 530A accounts (also known as "Trump Accounts"), a type of tax-advantaged savings account for children created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This guidance provides more
FORT PIERCE, Fla. – December 22, 2025 — Cigna Healthcare’s funding will provide more than 80,000 meals to families facing food insecurity along the Treasure Coast. This generosity allows Treasure Coast Food Bank to continue its mobile food programming, offering essential groceries and fresh produce to households in need. These initiatives are crucial as rising grocery prices and the holiday season make it increasingly difficult for many families to access nutritious food.“We are deeply committed to
January 5th, 20265th EditionThe Success Connection From the Desk of Kara Stimpson, President and CEOHappy New Year! As we kick off 2026, I cannot help but be filled with optimism, excitement, and enthusiasm for this year ahead. We ended 2025 at Helping People Succeed with such momentum around our delivery of services and impact to our communities, and we are hitting the ground running to build on that momentum. This month we will be finalizing a new 3-year strategic plan that will guide our
Recurring Injuries?Discover How to Get to the Real Root Cause Every organization experiences injuries—but what happens when the same types of injuries keep happening over and over? Too often, investigations stop at blaming the employee, and the countermeasures put in place fail to prevent future incidents. Hidden leadership gaps, unexamined motivations, and incomplete investigation strategies are usually the real reasons these events repeat.Learn how to dig beyond surface-level details to uncover the
STUART, Fla. (January 2, 2025) – The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing is launching a free three-part virtual training series focused on artificial intelligence, designed specifically for tourism-facing businesses in Martin County. Developed with Miles Partnership, this practical, hands-on program will help local businesses better understand how A.I. can support marketing, customer service, day-to-day operations, and more. Whether participants are new to A.I. or already experimenting with digital
SafeSpace Crisis Hotline: 772-288-7023Strong teams build strong communities. Aim For Freedom brings corporate partners and supporters together to kick off 2026 with a day of connection, competition, and purpose—all in support of SafeSpace’s mission.Event Details:Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026Venue: Indian River County Shooting Range10455 102nd TerraceSebastian, FL 32958Registration & Breakfast Open: 8:00 amShotgun Start: 9:00 am Corporate Team SponsorsThis event is designed with corporate teams in
The Mayfield Minute - January 4, 2026 Good Morning! I hope you and your family enjoyed a safe New Year's celebration, filled with joy and laughter, surrounded by family and friends. As I reflect on my own resolutions for the new year, I am reminded of President Ronald Reagan, who spoke of New Year's as a time to work together for a better future, control our own destiny, and find strength in family and
Unlock Your Next Tool Click to Register Access the Flier Here We invite you to join us for our Caregiver Toolkit Webinar Series, a free monthly program designed for Family Caregivers supporting loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia-causing disorders. Each session is led by experts from Alzheimer's Community Care, offering practical
FORT PIERCE, Fla. – December 29, 2025 — Treasure Coast Food Bank is grateful for the generous support of $10,000 provided by The Wawa Foundation, which is helping ensure students across the Treasure Coast have access to nutritious meals. This support reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.The Wawa Foundation, a longtime partner of Treasure Coast Food Bank, has played a vital role in expanding access to healthy meals for children and families facing food insecurity. The
Out in the CommunityThere is more significance to "January 1" than celebrating New Year's Day!When it comes to ad valorem property taxes in Florida, everything revolves around a date of assessment of January 1. When you receive your tax bill in November, those taxes are based on a snapshot of your property valuation which took place eleven months prior on January 1. As a result, the Property Appraiser studies the previous year's real estate market activities and transactions to establish the current year
r-End Edition Council on Aging of Martin County | 900 SE Salerno Road | Stuart, FL 34997 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
SafeSpace Crisis Hotline: 772-288-7023A new year is the perfect time to rally your team, connect with colleagues, and make an impact. The Aim For Freedom clay shoot competition is officially open for registration, and we’re inviting our supporters to start 2026 by joining us on the range—whether as a shooting team or a sponsor.Why ParticipateYour day at Aim For Freedom includes everything you need for a memorable experience:• Clays and targets• Breakfast and lunch• Event shirt (register by January 10 for
Announcing the 5th Annual RLE Go Fore It! Foundation Signature Golf Weekend ?? We’re excited to share that our 5th Annual RLE Go Fore It! Foundation Signature Golf Weekend is heading to a new location for the very first time! Join us May 15–16, 2025, at St. Lucie Trails Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida for an unforgettable weekend of golf, giving, and celebration. Over the past four years, the RLE Go Fore It! Foundation has: Introduced more than 200 youth to the game of golf and careers
Stuart, FL — December 18, 2025 — MartinArts is thrilled to announce the debut of The Art of Food & Wine, an elevated culinary and wine experience launching as a signature feature of ArtsFest 2026. Developed in partnership with the Treasure Coast Charity Wine Fest, this new addition will bring exceptional wines, standout regional cuisine, and artistic creativity together in one dynamic, multi-sensory celebration. The partnership with the Treasure Coast Charity Wine Fest will provide festival-goers with
St. John Greek Church 3 Day Festival January 30,31 & February 1 US1 Hobe Sound next to the library
(STUART, Fla. Dec. 19, 2025) – The Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation presented its 2025 Thanks for Giving Awards to two honorees during the Jingle and Mingle reception held on December 10 at The Mayes Center in Stuart. Board member and advocate John Doody and Remnant Construction were honored for their commitment to the Treasure Coast Hospice mission and distinguished service to philanthropy through their time, talent, and treasure.“Our Thanks for Giving honorees exemplify what it means to be true partners
Annual Greek Festival St. Johns Greek Church US 1 Hobe Sound Next to the Library
Martin County, FL.— The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce welcomed 250 guests to their annual Installation Gala — “The Greatest Show in Business” — presented by Loving Chiropractic of Stuart. The Cirque du Soleil themed event was held Saturday, September 27th at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort and featured Florida Aerial Dance and Circus Arts performers. Chamber President/CEO Joe Catrambone and Dan Hulen, Chair of the Board of Directors emceed the evening consisting of recognitions, dinner,
Stuart/Martin County Chamber Honors International Training as the 2025 CareerConnect Martin Employer of the Year STUART — International Training, a Stuart-based tech company has been honored as the CareerConnect Martin Employer of the Year for 2025. Leaders of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber and the Martin Chamber Foundation announced Saturday at the Chamber’s annual Installation & Awards Gala, presented by Loving Chiropractic of Stuart. Martin Chamber Foundation Executive Director Angela Hoffman said
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,
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.
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 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, 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
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
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