Weekend Celebration Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin County honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weekend full of celebrations, stretching from Jensen Beach to Hobe Sound. The festivities culminated in the annual parade in East Stuart, followed by a community gathering at the Guy Davis Sports Complex.
Despite chilly temperatures, brisk winds, and the threat of rain, the community turned out in full force to celebrate Dr. King and cheer on parade participants.
The parade featured school groups, marching bands, local non-profits, city and county officials, the Stuart Police Department, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Stuart Fire Rescue, Martin County Fire Rescue, and the Martin County chapter of the NAACP, among others.
The weekend events and parade were organized by the Afro American Citizens of East Stuart, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served Martin County residents since 2020.
Enjoy some highlights from the parade below! |
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City Pulse
5 Informal Minutes with: Commissioner Laura Giobbi
Commissioner Laura Giobbi, representing Group II, moved to Stuart with her husband of 55 years, Francis, in 2007. The couple has one daughter, three grandchildren, and a great-grandchild on the way.
Q: Are you a Florida native?
A: No, I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and my husband and I moved briefly to Manhattan, where his business was located, and eventually to a small town in Connecticut when we decided to raise a family
Q: How did you decide to move to Stuart?
A: We often visited family in Palm Beach Gardens, and as we grew older, we wanted to be closer to them. While Palm Beach Gardens is beautiful, it didn’t have the small-town feel we loved. My cousin suggested a day trip to Stuart, where we shopped and had lunch at TA Verns (now Maria’s). We immediately fell in love with the charm and atmosphere of Stuart—it was exactly what we were looking for.
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: I was an art major at Pratt Institute and dreamed of moving to Paris to paint on the Left Bank. My career path, however, led me to Wall Street, where I worked in accounting, bookkeeping, and coding during the early days of computers. I also freelanced in publishing, worked as a part-time videographer for a New York news station, and served as a unit coordinator at the Veterans Administration. Additionally, I spent eight years as program director for The Women’s Development Center, helping women develop and implement business plans.
Q: So, you have an artistic side?
A: Yes.
Q: What are your favorite art mediums?
A: I enjoy working with charcoal and sketching. When we bought our condo in Stuart, I planned to set up an art room on my lanai, but instead, I turned it into a room for my grandchildren when they visit. Although I don’t have time to create art now, I enjoy serving on the board of the Martin Arts Council and visiting galleries to appreciate others’ work.
Q: What do you think is a hidden gem in the City of Stuart?
A: The small pocket parks! While Flagler and Memorial parks are beautiful, the tucked-away parks in neighborhoods are extra special. My husband and I love grabbing a sandwich and enjoying a picnic at these serene spots.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I don’t have much free time, but I enjoy walking with my husband, spending quiet moments with family and friends, having lunch in the park, and playing cards.
Q: You’ve been very active since moving to Stuart. What have you focused on?
A: For five years, I served as president of my condominium community, overseeing roof replacements and other repairs. I also served on the City of Stuart Local Planning Advisory Board (LPA) from December 2022 to February 2024.
Q: Did you ever make it to Paris?
A: Yes, twice! The first time was a 10-day school trip that included Lisbon and Madrid, and the second was as an adult.
Q: What is one of your favorite parts of being a city commissioner?
A: Meeting people and attending events, especially at the 10th Street Community Center with the youth. I also enjoy participating in ribbon cuttings.
Q: What legacy would you like to leave as a city commissioner?
A: I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to positive change in Stuart, who wasn’t afraid to speak up, and who stood by her opinions.
Q: What do you wish your constituents better understood about your role?
A: I’ve been in their shoes—attending meetings and seeking answers. During public comment, we are listening, but protocol doesn’t allow us to respond immediately. My door is always open to meet with anyone who has concerns or questions.
Commissioner Giobbi is in the first year of her four-year term as city commissioner. To reach her, please call the City Commission office at (772) 288-5312 or send her an email. |
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Sheriff Snyder (retired) and Commissioner Giobbi. |
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Attention Business Owners: Get Help Transforming Your Commercial Property
The City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is excited to introduce the new Commercial Landscape Improvement Grant Program—a great opportunity to enhance your commercial property within the CRA district.
This program offers a 50% matching grant for eligible landscape improvements, up to $5,000.
What improvements qualify?
- Parking lot islands
- Irrigation systems
- Asphalt removal
Don’t wait—funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis!
Ready to apply or want more information?
Visit www.stuartfl.gov/cra or contact Jordan Pinkston, CRA Program Manager, at jpinkston@ci.stuart.fl.us or (772) 288-5375.
Let’s work together to make your property—and our community—even more beautiful! |
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Traffic Advisories/Alerts
(1) Partial lane closure, Palm Street from Dixie Highway to Stuart Avenue, Jan. 13, 2025 - March 13, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking and concrete work.
(2) Partial lane closure, Stuart Avenue from Palm Street to Oleander Street, Jan. 14, 2025 - March 14, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(3) Partial lane closure, Stuart Avenue from Australian Street to Oleander Street, January 14, 2025 - March 14, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for construction of parallel parking, concrete work, milling and paving.
(4) Partial lane closure, Australian Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive, January 15, 2025 - March 17, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for sidewalk work and rough grading.
(5) Partial lane closure, Australian Street from Stuart Avenue to North River Drive, January 15, 2025 - March 17, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for sidewalk work and rough grading.
(6) Partial lane closure, Oleander Street from Dixie Highway to North River Drive, January 16, 2025 - March 18, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(7) Partial lane closure, Oleander Street from Stuart Avenue to Dixie Highway, January 16, 2025 - March 18, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking, concrete work and paving.
(8) Partial lane closure, N.W. Poinsettia Street, from Dixie Highway to Stuart Avenue, January 17, 2025 - March 19, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for construction of parallel parking and concrete work. |
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January 27, 2025, Regular City Commission Meeting Summary
City of Stuart Commission meetings are conducted in the City Hall Chambers and are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings.
The following is the agenda for the Monday, January 27, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Non-Agenda Related) (3 Minutes Max.)
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF 01/13/2025 CCM MINUTES
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ORDINANCE FIRST READING
2. POLK STREET HOTELS, INC. (AKA FAIRFIELD INN HOTEL) AMENDMENT TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS (REZONE) (QUASI-JUDICIAL) (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2537-2025; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REZONE A 0.33-ACRE PARCEL WHICH IS LOCATED AT 255 SW 6TH STREET FROM THE URBAN WATERFRONT ZONING DESIGNATION TO THE URBAN HIGHWAY ZONING DESIGNATION; PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
3. REPEAL OF ARTICLE IX, EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AND PLASTICS REGULATION (RC):
ORDINANCE No. 2538-2025; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA, REPEALING ARTICLE IX, EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AND PLASTICS REGULATION, OF CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
4. AUTHORIZATION TO SCHEDULE ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION (RC):
RESOLUTION No. 18-2025; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF STUART, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO SCHEDULE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION WITH THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY, AND OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING PENDING LITIGATION MATTERS PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, §286.011(8); PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
ADJOURNMENT |
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City of Stuart Commission |
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Future City of Stuart Meetings
Joint CRA/CRB/CCM
Monday, January 27, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, January 27, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Community Redevelopment Board (CRB)
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Local Planning Agency (LPA)
Thursday, February 6, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City Commission Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Magistrate Hearing
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
Monday, February 24, 2025, 5 :30 p.m.
City Commission Meeting
Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. |
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Calendar of Events
Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 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 |
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121 Flagler Ave. Stuart Fl. 34994
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