The City of Stuart Weekly - April 4, 2025

City of Stuart Weekly masthead  
 

Leave the Driving to Us!

 
Heads up, downtown visitors! Underground utility work along Seminole Street in downtown Stuart is set to begin after Easter, which may lead to intermittent road and parking closures in the area. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back with five free public parking lots, plenty of on-street parking, and free downtown tram service to get you where you need to go, stress-free!

Where to Park


 
  • Sailfish Circle (South Dixie Hwy) – 67 spots, open 24/7
  • Osceola Street Lot (East of Haney Circle) – 21 spots, 3-hour limit (8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon–Sat)
  • City Hall – 75 spots, 3-hour limit (8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon–Sat)
  • Stuart Heritage Museum (rear) – ~30 unpaved spots, open 24/7
  • Wells Fargo Lot (SE Ocean Blvd) – 150 spots, open after 5 p.m. on weekdays, 24 hours on weekends
  • Kiwanis Park (S. Colorado Ave) – 82 spots, open 24/7
  • On-street parking is also available west of the railroad tracks, from Confusion Corner to the Old Roosevelt Bridge.
 

Tram Service Details


The free Downtown Stuart Trams run seven days a week and offer service to 8 regular stops plus 3 on-call locations.
Regular Hours:
  • Mon–Thurs: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 

Scheduled Stops (Two Routes):


 
  • Kiwanis Park
  • Martin County Courthouse (until 5 p.m., Mon–Fri)
  • Osceola Street Lot
  • Haney Circle (Colorado Ave & Osceola St)
  • Flagler Park
  • City Hall
  • SW Akron Ave at SW Ocean Blvd (until 5 p.m.)
  • Sailfish Circle Lot
 

On-Call Stops (just call 772-260-0126):


 
  • SE Kindred Street (until 5 p.m., Mon–Fri)
  • SE Hospital Avenue
  • Sailor's Return (after 3 p.m.)
 

Ride in Style


Even if you’re parking a little farther from the heart of downtown, our tropical, colorful trams will get you there quickly and comfortably. It’s easy to park, easy to ride, and easy to enjoy all downtown Stuart has to offer—without the hassle of traffic or parking woes.
For tram routes and maps, visit:
 www.stuartfl.gov/213/TRAM-Routes-Information
 Call for info: (772) 600-1258
 Need a ride? On-call tram: (772) 260-0126
We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Leave the driving to us!
 
City of Stuart Tram Brochure  

Stuart Police Department Wraps up the 2025 Citizens Police Academy

 
The final session of the 2025 Citizen’s Police Academy took place this week! 

9-1-1 -- Police, Fire or Medical?


On the final night, Dispatcher Courtney Jonas provided an in-depth look into the police dispatch department. She highlighted the critical role dispatchers play, their ability to multitask under pressure, and the importance of knowing when to call 9-1-1.
One key takeaway? If you accidentally call 9-1-1, don’t hang up! Stay on the line and let the dispatcher know it was a mistake—otherwise, officers may be unnecessarily sent to your location.
To assist dispatchers in responding effectively, Jonas emphasized having the following information ready when calling 9-1-1:
Nature of emergency - Vehicle collision, fire, medical issue, crime in progress, etc.
Location -- Be as specific as possible, landmarks can help if you're unsure.
Number of people affected and their condition -- Are victims conscious? Breathing?
Description of any suspects or vehicles --License plate number, color, type of vehicle, and any details on the suspect (gender, clothing, race, etc.).
To wrap up, Jonas played audio clips from real emergency calls—some serious, and others that would have been better suited for the department’s non-emergency line.

Run, Hide, Fight: How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation


Officer Rachel Minor led the next session, focusing on life-saving strategies in an active shooter scenario. The Run, Hide, Fight method provides clear steps for responding in a crisis:

RUN: Evacuation if Possible

1. RUN – Evacuate if Possible
2. Move quickly away from the shooter’s location.
3. Leave belongings behind.
4. Keep your hands visible to law enforcement.
5. Take others with you, but do not stay behind if they refuse to leave.
5. Call 911--don't assume someone else has already called.

HIDE: Find a Secure Location

1. If escape isn’t possible, find a hiding place out of the shooter’s view.
2. Choose a location with thick walls and lock or barricade doors.
3. Turn off lights, silence phones, and remain quiet.
4. Close blinds and avoid being seen.
5. Silence phones and turn off other electronics.
6. Close windows, shades and blinds, and if possible, avoid being seen from outside the room.
7. If outside, seek cover behind large objects like walls or trees.
8. Stay hidden until law enforcement gives the “all clear.”

FIGHT: Defend Yourself

1. If your life is in immediate danger and you have no other option, take action.
2. Use physical aggression to incapacitate the attacker.
3. Utilize nearby objects like fire extinguishers, chairs, or books.
4. Use items available to you, such as fire extinguishers or chairs.
5. Work with others to overwhelm the shooter if possible.
6. Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe.
When law enforcement arrives, remember to:
1. Display empty hands with open palms.
2. Follow officers' instructions.
3. Stay put until an official “all clear” is given.

Interested in Next Year's Academy?


Want to be part of the 2026 Citizen's Police Academy?  Contact Corporal Amy Duran at (772) 287-1122 for details.
 
Photos from Citizens Police Academy  
Photo of Stuart Police Department Citizens Academy Class 2025
Stuart Police Department Citizens Academy Class 2025 Graduates.
 
Photo of Stuart Police Academy Graduation Cake  

Storm Season Waits for No One--Start Prepping today!

 
Hurricane season (June 1 - November 30) may seem far off, but we are just 58 days away from the start of the season. Waiting until a storm is on the horizon can leave you scrambling for supplies, fighting crowds, and risking your safety. The key to protecting your home, family, and property is early preparation.
By starting now, you can secure essential items before store shelves are empty. Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, batteries, flashlights, and medications. Review your emergency plan with your family, ensuring everyone knows evacuation routes and safety procedures. If you have pets, make arrangements for their care as well.
What can you do today?
Stock up on essentials – Water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and medications should be on hand before a storm is named.
Review your emergency plan – Know your evacuation routes, have a communication plan with family, and ensure important documents are secured.
Prepare your home – Trim trees, secure outdoor furniture, and check shutters to ensure they’re in working order.
Check insurance coverage – Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to ensure you’re protected against storm damage and flooding.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. A few small steps today can make all the difference when the next storm is headed our way. Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s weather the season together!
 
Photo of hurricane supplies  

Backyard Composting Workshop April 22, 2025

 
The next Backyard Composting workshop will be held April 22, 2025, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., and it's a "lunch and learn." To pre-register for this program and for workshop locations contact Anne Hawkins, Program Manager at (772) 600-1206 or by email AEllig@ci.stuart.fl.us.
 
Backyard composting workshop flyer  

Recognizing Our Workforce: A Special Week of Gratitude Ahead

 
The City of Stuart is gearing up to celebrate our incredible team April 7-11, 2025, and we invite our residents, businesses and visitors to help us shine a spotlight on those employees who may have made a difference for you.
How? Visit one of the City's "Kudos Corner" and drop a compliment card into the Kudos Box! Blank cards will be available for you at one of the following locations beginning, Monday, April 7:
10th Street Community Center
724 S.E. 10th Street
City Hall
121 S.W. Flagler Avenue
City Annex
101 S.W. Flagler Avenue
Public Safety Building
830 S.E. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Public Works Administration
916 S.E. 10th Street
Wells Fargo, 2nd Floor
201 S.E. Ocean Blvd.
Thank you in advance for adding to the celebration. 
Questions? Please reach out to Roz Strong, Human Resources Director, (772) 283-5107 or rjohnson@ci.stuart.fl.us.
 
City of Stuart Employee Appreciation Week flyer  

Traffic Advisories & Alerts

 
(1) Intermittent lane shifts/closures, detours, S.E. Lonita Street and S.E. Casa Avenue from S.E. Isla Street, February 10th, 2025 - July 25, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the installation of new drainage infrastructure.
(2) Intermittent lane shifts/closures, S.W. Dyer Drive from S.W. Manor and S.W. Palm City Road, February 10, 2025 - July 25, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the installation of new drainage infrastructure.
(3) Intermittent lane shifts/closures, S.E. Central Parkway, Monday, April 7, 2025, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for force main relocation.
 
Traffic Alert Graphic  

Special Events & Notices

 
Poppleton Creek Dog Parks temporary closure notice. Dates: March 24-April 25, 2025.  
Residential Tree Program flyer  
Heirs' Assistance Flyer  
Florida Health  
Industrial Electrician job posting  
Career Opportunity Notice -- Utility Maintenance Mechanic  
Commission Meeting Banner  
City of Stuart Commission meetings, conducted in the City Hall Chambers, are streamed live. (View HERE). City Hall Chambers are open to the public during the meetings.   
Photo of the City of Stuart City Commission
(L-R): City Manager Michael Mortell, City Clerk Mary Kindel, Vice Mayor Christopher Collins, Commissioner Eula Clarke, Mayor Campbell Rich, Commissioner Laura Giobbi, Commissioner Sean Reed, City Attorney Lee Baggett.
 
 

Future City of Stuart Meetings

 
 
Local Planning Agency / Planning Advisory Board
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
 
City Commission Meeting
Monday, April 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
 
Magistrate Hearing
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
 
Joint Community Redevelopment Agency / Community Redevelopment Board / City Commission Meeting
Monday, April 28, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
 
City Commission Meeting
Monday, April 28, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
 

Calendar of Events


Market on Main
Every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Flagler Park, 201 SW Flagler Avenue 
Produced by Stuart Main Street
More Information: (772) 286-2848

Rock'n Riverwalk 
Every Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Riverwalk Stage, 300 St. Lucie Avenue
Produced by Stuart Main Street and DBA
More information: (772) 286-2848
 
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121 Flagler Ave. Stuart Fl. 34994

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