nonprofit news
CTWH Announces Partnership With Monique Burr Foundation
By Jackie Holfelder
Winery and Secret Gardens
Winery, all Florida wineries.
Chef Amy from Heritage Kitchen at Secret Gardens provided light bites.
At the end of the event, guests were hoping to have their raffle ticket number called for the 17 prizes that were available.
Of course, the superstars were the cats and kittens, as supporters gave them additional love throughout the evening. Because of Dunn’s sponsorship, the adoption fee was waived during the event for felines over one year old. Additional sponsorship support was generously provided by TC Palm, Seacoast Bank and Publix.
Although it rained most of the evening, the night skies were capped off with a double rainbow over the humane society’s Memorial Garden.
For more information about future events, contact Alyssa Bean, community events specialist, at (772) 600-3215, or Events@hstc1.org.
About The Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast
The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 S.W. Leighton Farm Ave., in Palm City, Fla. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www. twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www. hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
types of bullying, abuse, and other types of child victimization using evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention education programs.
Sarah Marie Henry, executive director of Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH), recently announced a new partnership with MBF.
The CTWH team completed the Monique Burr Foundation’s Facilitator Training in the Child and Teen Safety Matters Curriculum, which gives CTWH leadership the credentials and resources to
Marie Henry, executive director of Catch the Wave of Hope. Photo provided by Catch the Wave of Hope.
offer MBF curriculum in any Florida school at no charge to the school.
This evidence-based curriculum is approved by the Florida Board of Education and meets the state mandate on human trafficking prevention for all K-12 grade students. This important designation allows schools to outsource this required program. It is especially important because not all human trafficking training programs have state approval. Henry says that when schools permit Catch the Wave of Hope staff to present the MBF program to their students, it decreases the workload for school personnel while equipping youth with the information they need to protect themselves from this ever-increasing threat to their safety and well-being.
To find out more about how Catch the Wave of Hope can bring this important educational tool to your school, contact Sarah Marie Henry at sarahmarie.henry@ catchthewaveofhope.org.
Photos by Doreen Poreba
Kitty Catalina from page 1
Bob Lepa, Judith Just, Diana and Glenn Schreiner
Melony Zaravelis and Brittany Robinson with Blair
Liz and Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi
Michele and Sam Adler with Salem
Lisa Alloe and Jeff Taylor
Michelle Johnson is all smiles as she claims her basket of goodies.
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF), a nonprofit organization located in Jacksonville, was founded in 1997 to educate and protect children and teens from all
Sarah
tip of tHe tail
Prostatic Disease In Dogs
The prostate is a small gland located near the urinary bladder of male dogs and produces some of the fluids found in semen necessary during breeding. It surrounds the urethra which carries urine from the bladder to the outside world and lays beneath the colon. This is why prostatic disease will often result in problems with urination and/or defecation.
Enlargement of the prostate gland is common with most prostatic diseases. This enlargement puts pressure on the urethra and urination becomes difficult and uncomfortable
Kids Corner
What Is The Difference Between ADD And ADHD?
Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
You may have wondered things like “What is ADD? Is it different from ADHD?” or “How do I know if my child has ADD or ADHD?” ADD was an older term for attention deficit disorder, which is the classification for symptoms like inattention, distractibility, forgetfulness, and making careless mistakes. While people still use the term ADD to classify these symptoms, it is no longer the technical term used in the medical and psychology community to diagnose these types of symptoms. In the late 1980’s the medical community shifted to the term ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the early 1990s ADHD was classified into three different types, or presentations, that we use today. The three types are: inattentive presentation, hyperactive presentation, and combined presentation.
So, if you’re seeing inattentive symptoms in your child and they were to be diagnosed, the official diagnosis would be ADHD, predominately inattentive presentation. Likewise, if your child struggled with hyperactivity and impulsivity the diagnosis would be ADHD, predominately hyperactive presentation and if your child had both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, they would be diagnosed with ADHD, combined presentation. What this shift in terminology did was combine both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive symptoms into one disorder with specific presentation types so everything could be categorized the same way.
How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?
Children can be evaluated for ADHD with several instruments that assess their functioning in different areas and look at the severity of their symptoms. The testing we provide in our office targets the specific areas of concern related to ADHD and allows us to diagnose and provide specific recommendations to support your child at home and at school. Our evaluations are comprehensive and offer a “whole child” approach so we will be able to assess their cognitive processing, like attention, memory, and processing speed, as well as their social-emotional and behavioral functioning. Our testing will provide you with the answers to know if your child really has ADHD or if they are struggling in some other area that is contributing to their ADHD-like symptoms. You will leave this process with targeted and specific recommendations tailored to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss about your child.
and you may begin to see blood in the urine. An affected dog will spend a long time trying to urinate and the urine may only come out in thin streams or multiple spurts. If prostatic disease becomes more advanced, the colon will also be compressed, causing difficulty in passing feces. If your male dog strains to urinate or defecate, have him examined by your veterinarian.
There are many diseases that affect the prostate and range from the benign enlargement, called hyperplasia, caused by excess testosterone to potentially lifethreatening prostate cancer. The prostate can also form cysts or abscesses and can become infected by bacteria traveling up the urethra. All of these diseases can present exactly the same way and we may need an array of tests to determine the cause. The first step is to determine if the gland is enlarged by palpating the prostate through
the abdominal wall or through the rectal wall. Additional tests may include radiographs, ultrasound, urinalysis, urine culture, cytology and/or biopsy of the prostate.
Once we have a diagnosis, we can aim the treatment at the specific cause of the prostatic enlargement. Treatment usually includes neutering your male dog to remove the source of testosterone and estrogen. If infection is present, antibiotic therapy may be needed for weeks to months because it is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate into the prostate. Some cysts and abscesses may require major abdominal surgery. The prognosis for prostatic cancer is usually poor, but your veterinarian will discuss treatments to keep your dog comfortable for as long as possible. If your dog is showing signs of prostatic disease, bring him to your veterinarian for a complete physical exam, including palpation of his prostate, and to discuss further diagnostics and potential treatment options. The best way to prevent prostate problems is to neuter your dog early in life.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
eduCation news
Education Foundation Of Martin County Recognizes
This Year’s Teacher Of The Year Candidates
Teachers, often referred to as the unrecognized superheroes of society, are getting their due recognition by the Education Foundation of Martin County with its annual Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration presented by Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart. Every year the foundation invites each school in Martin County to nominate one of its teachers for this prestigious award. There are 23 candidates for the 2024/25 program, as follows.
Shannon Allred, Bessey Creek Elementary School
Vanessa Molina-Council, Citrus Grove Elementary School
Elaine Sanchez, Crystal Lake Elementary School
Ashley Kemler, Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
Coral Kelly, Felix A. Williams Elementary School
Alicia Carter, Hidden Oaks Middle School
Jill Stuart, Hobe Sound Elementary School
Alexis Matonti, Hope Center for Autism
Sara Patterson, Indiantown Middle School
Chenae Jackson, J.D. Parker School of Science, Math and Tech
Karen Madalena, Jensen Beach Elementary School
Samantha Pankhurst, Jensen Beach High School
Katherine Manahan, Martin County High School
Megan McChrystal, Murray Middle School
Stephanie Carlson, Palm City Elementary School
Ashley Martin, Pinewood Elementary School
Kristin Guillen, Port Salerno Elementary School
Kimberly Brannon, SeaWind Elementary School
Laura Green, South Fork High School
Kelly Dawedeit, Stuart Middle School
William Price, Treasure Coast Classical Academy
Jean Wright, Warfield Elementary School
Tammie Meder, Willoughby Learning Center
Three of these candidates will be announced as the winners in the elementary, middle and high school categories at the celebration slated for Friday, October 25. Of those three winners, one of them is named the top Martin County Teacher
of the Year and will go on to represent Martin County in the state competition to become the Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year. In addition to the teacher awards, one school is selected as the evening’s Spirit Award Winner, which recognizes the school whose staff demonstrates the most creative interpretation of theme and an over-the-top energy during the evening’s festivities.
The public is encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite teacher nominee online at www. EducationFoundationMC.org and sharing how this teacher makes a positive difference at school or in the community.
Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart, part of the Murgado Automotive Group, Inc., has been the presenting sponsor of the Martin County Teacher of the Year event for 11 years.
Devin Carlson, the company’s partner and general manager, said, “For over a decade, we have had the honor and pleasure of supporting the teachers of Martin County. These teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing and educating our future generations. It is our hope, that through our continued support, we are showing just how much we appreciate and respect these amazing educators. We look forward to presenting another luxury car to this year’s Teacher of the Year!”
The additional award sponsors are Keiser University, Publix SuperMarkets Charities, and Cook Shell Contractors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit the website, https://www. educationfoundationmc.org/p/106/teacher-of-the-year.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
Photo by Doreen Poreba
Twenty-three teachers have been nominated for the Education Foundation of Martin County’s 2024/25 Martin County Teacher of the Year awards program.
loCal Happenings
Council On Aging Martin Launches New Pep Rally Gala For 2024
The Council on Aging Martin County is celebrating 50 successful years and getting fired up for the future at their Pep Rally Gala taking place November 9.
The Francis Langford Theater at the Kane Center will be the scene of fun food, fast music, and high energy as the Council on Aging celebrates its 50th anniversary in grand style from 6 to 10 p.m. For dinner, guests will sip spirited signature drinks as they enjoy gourmet indulgences dreamed up by The Chef’s Table. The entertainment for the night features a DJ and Live Band Fusion. From cheerleaders performing mesmerizing stunt work to a smorgasbord of candies for dessert, everything about the Pep Rally Gala will be unique and entertaining.
“We’re reinventing the Gala experience and are excited to introduce a refreshed and energetic Council on Aging as we round out 50 years and open the door to the future,” said Council on Aging Martin’s President and CEO Karen Ripper. “The pep rally theme encourages our community to show support and get involved in making sure we have the services that families will need as older loved ones reach out for help.”
House Of Hope Forges New Partnership With Foxwynd Foundation
When the House of Hope staff learned about the mission of the Foxwynd Foundation, newly founded in 2024, they knew it could be the beginning of a perfect partnership.
The Foxwynd Foundation is based in Pennsylvania, but dedicated members of the Bentley family that began the foundation are using funds to create “a catalyst for transformational change” all across the country.
The Foxwynd Foundation describes its mission as being “a lifeline for communities in need by enhancing access to key pillars of human dignity and potential such as healthcare, housing, and sustainable environmental initiatives.”
House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri realized immediately how closely that resembles the House of Hope mission to empower residents to overcome hunger and hardship.
“Like the Foxwynd Foundation, we put huge value on respecting the dignity of the people we serve,” he said. “The emphasis on sustainable environmental initiatives also fits with our efforts throughout our organization, but especially at the Growing Hope Farm, to use natural resources wisely and be good stewards of the environment. In fact, our efforts won an Environmental Stewardship Award just this year from Keep Martin Beautiful.”
Foxwynd Foundation’s partnership with House of Hope supports the operations at Growing Hope Farm and its production of fresh fruits and vegetables. Greenhouses and gardens make nutritious food options available to the more than 21,000 individuals who benefit from House of Hope pantry and food bank distributions in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties.
Happenings on page 9
To make the event more exciting, gala organizers are offering new ways to sponsor and attend. In addition to signature level sponsorships, donors can choose the Mascot level at $500. An easy donation at the Mascot level brings with it two tickets and allows organizations to show the community their ongoing support for the cause. But the real fun begins when mascots form teams and compete for bragging rights as they work to beat out the competition in fundraising for the Council on Aging’s programs and services. It’s a way to “get rowdy with us,” organizers said. Individual tickets are also available at $175, and groups of ten can reserve a seated lounge space within the event for $1,600.
Tickets, mascot and team sponsorships, and more details are available at coamartin.org/PepRallyGala.
“While we hope everyone will come for the fun,” Ripper said, “we also have a serious purpose. People can sometimes struggle for long periods of time with challenges related to the health of loved ones, their need for socialization, or simply getting a hot meal each day. We want the community to know that the Council on Aging Martin is the community’s hub for senior resources. Get to know us and let us help.”
Find out more about the programs of the Council on Aging Martin County at www.coamartin.org.
For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.
House Of Hope Creates Disaster Kits With Grant From The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie
If you live paycheck to paycheck, it’s almost impossible to gather the supplies you’ll need before a hurricane or the resources you’ll need to recover.
The House of Hope staff know this story all too well: low-income families who go into a hurricane without the ability to stock up on supplies, households who lose precious perishable food when the electricity goes out, hourly workers who can’t get paid because their places of employment are shuttered.
Thanks to a designated disaster-relief fund established through The Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie,
good worKs
nonprofits like the House of Hope are able to be proactive in providing clients with hurricane-preparedness kits before the storm and responding quickly after it.
“Historically, in the middle of the storm, I would be preparing to reach out to our clients and friends to say, ‘Okay, it’s real. The storm hit. We’re going to need to help the frontline organizations really quickly,’” The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie CEO Elizabeth Barbella said. “And when the dust settled, we’d be reaching out to organizations asking for some type of simple application and then deploying the resource.”
The Local Disaster Relief Fund gives donors an opportunity to set aside funds in advance of a hurricane or other disaster. Their proactive philanthropy gives nonprofits like House of Hope the knowledge that resources will be there when needed.
“Now we can plan, knowing we will have the resources in place and ready to go when our clients need them,” House
Community partners and volunteers, including a team from Macy’s, helped House of Hope pack supplies into 1,150 kits for vulnerable households and for individuals experiencing homelessness in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties so they’ll be better prepared for hurricane season.
of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri said. “It will make us an effective resource for the lower income community, and it will be almost instant, like flipping a switch.”
This summer House of Hope began using funds from the program to assemble 1,150 hurricane preparedness kits, including 250 that have additional supplies for those experiencing homelessness. Supplies include nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, water, tarps, hand sanitizer, a manual can opener, garbage bags, a first aid kit, tents, bug spray, and string bags.
Without this assistance, most of the organization’s clients wouldn’t be able to stockpile supplies, said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It’s a couple hundred bucks they don’t have in their budget.”
House of Hope is taking the lead in working with partner agencies in neighboring counties, distributing support to Mustard Seed and GraceWay Village in St. Lucie County and Our Village in Okeechobee County.
“We’re grateful to The Community Foundation and its donors for the incredible foresight to plan ahead and put a structure in place that will greatly benefit the people we serve,” Ranieri said. “The Local Disaster Relief Fund is an ingenious concept and a lifesaver.”
To learn more about House of Hope or to donate, visit House of Hope’s website at www.hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Local Happenings from page 8
The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation to the House of Hope. Half of the funds received will help House of Hope procure perishable items for its pantries and food bank partners. “Perishable items aren’t typically donated and have a short shelf life,” Ranieri said, “but we know that foods like milk, butter, eggs, chicken, turkey and meats are important parts of the well-rounded healthy diet that we try to provide for our clients.”
The other half of the grant will be used to support the operations of the Growing Hope production farm in Palm City, where greenhouses, orchards, and a packing house enable House of Hope to grow fresh produce for its Client Choice pantries and food bank partners. At peak production, the farm is now producing well over 1,500 packages of fresh produce weekly.
“We’re very grateful to the Foxwynd Foundation for their confidence in us,” Ranieri said. “While House of Hope is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, we continue to grow and find new ways to help our clients and the community.”
To learn more about House of Hope or to make a donation, visit House of Hope’s website at www. hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
In Your CommunIt Y
Hanley Foundation Joins Mark Garwood Foundation To Host Eighth Annual Shoot For The Moon Event
The sporting clay event marks Hanley Foundation’s partnership with Mark Garwood Foundation to provide education scholarships to individuals in recovery in South Florida.
Hanley Foundation and the Mark Garwood Foundation invite the community to join the Eighth Annual Shoot for the Moon on Friday, November 1, at the South Florida Shooting Club in Palm City, Fla. The sporting clay event marks a milestone for Hanley Foundation, as it has officially partnered with the Mark Garwood Foundation to offer education scholarships to individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
The day of fun and friendly competition begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration, breakfast, and a raffle. After a warm welcome from the Garwood family, and a short safety briefing, individuals and teams made up of more than 200 shooters will make their way to the competition courses. Following the sporting event, participants and guests will enjoy a lunch cooked by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office’s Barbeque Grill Team, a live auction, an awards ceremony for individual and team participants, and the introduction of the 2025 Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship recipients.
Proceeds from the Shoot for the Moon event will help Hanley Foundation support the Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarship program. The program awards scholarships to adults in South Florida who are in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety, and ready to begin or continue their education. Eligible recipients must be in financial need and live in St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, or Broward counties.
The Mark Garwood Foundation was founded in 2014 by Stuart residents, Erica and John Garwood, after they lost their son, Mark, to substance use disorder. The foundation
honors Mark’s life by providing strength and hope for adults in recovery. Since 2015, the foundation has provided more than $485,000 in scholarships to 67 adults in Florida. These recipients have moved on to earn degrees in nursing, social work, accounting, and business administration. Two alums have earned doctoral degrees in medicine and nursing.
Tickets for Shoot for the Moon are $350 per person and include ammunition, clays, trappers, scorers, golf carts, and meals. Individuals and team members are responsible for providing their own firearms. For more information and to RSVP, visit hanleyfoundation.org/events/shoot-for-the-moon.
Join Hanley Foundation and the Mark Garwood Foundation for a fun and worthwhile fundraiser!
For more information About Hanley Foundation, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call (855) 741-4673.
Photos courtesy of Hanley Foundation.
Stuart Community Concert Band: A Blast From The Past
The Stuart Community Concert Band is excited to announce its upcoming concert, A Blast From The Past, which will take place on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. at the Kane Center. This concert will kick off the season with a nostalgic journey through some of the most beloved pop tunes from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Musical selections will feature Neil Diamond in Concert, a medley that includes four of his greatest hits which are sure to evoke fond memories. The Beach Boys Forever, seven classic hits from the iconic band, bring the sunny vibes of the ’60s to life. Big Fun In The Sun, a lively throwback medley celebrating summertime favorites, will have you tapping your feet. Barry Manilow’s Copacabana will have you reliving the excitement of this disco favorite. And Miami Sound Machine will transport you back to the dance floors of the past. This concert promises to be a delightful experience for music lovers of all ages, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and nostalgia.
Front, Samuel Gerzine and Zachary DeWitt; Back, JoLynn Lowanse, Stephanie Roberts, Harriet Jackson, Robin Sexner and Josie Kirchner
Local Teen Competes In National American Miss Florida Pageant
Miss Morgan McKeever, age 12, of Stuart, qualified as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Florida Pageant to be held July 11 to 14, in Orlando. The pageant is held for girls ages 4 to 24 in six different age divisions. The newly crowned Miss Florida Pre-Teen will receive the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and an invitation to compete at the national pageant. Most importantly, she has the opportunity to represent the state of Florida and make her wonderful hometown of Stuart proud.
She will compete in four overall categories including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview,
CoMMunity
and Community Service Project. Morgan will also be participating in the National American Miss optional contests of Talent, Spokesmodel, and Casual Wear.
National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in cash and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are ageappropriate and family-oriented.
The National American Miss pageant system is the largest in the nation. The focus of this organization is to
create future leaders and to equip them with real world skills to make their dreams a reality. The program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an “All American Spirit of fun for family and friends.” Skills, such as good attitudes about competition, as well as setting and achieving personal goals, are also part of the program.
Miss McKeever’s activities include participating in the Martin County 4-H Archery Club, boxing with the Martin County Police Athletic League, and taking singing lessons with the Stuart School of Music. She also enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, camping and fishing. Morgan always prioritizes community service and is an active volunteer with House of Hope and Salvation Army. Morgan feels pageantry is so important for instilling confidence in girls, becoming comfortable with public speaking, acing interviews, and building friendships from a platform of support for one another. For more information on how you can support Morgan to achieve her goal of Miss Florida Pre-Teen, please email MoeMcK9@gmail.com.
In Your Community from page 10
Tickets are available for purchase through the Kane Center’s website, www.kanecenter.org, by clicking on the events calendar or by calling the Kane Center at (772) 223-7800.
• Advanced tickets are $14.
• Tickets at the door are $16.
Don’t miss out on this chance to relive the music of the past! The band continues its 2024/25 season with the following concerts:
Celebrating Christmas Around The World
December 7, Blake Library, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Let’s Go To The Movies
January 26, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
The Wild West
March 2, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
Air And Space
April 6, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
Beyond Our Borders
May 18, 2025, Kane Center, 2 p.m.
The Stuart Community Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization of over 70 dedicated volunteer musicians who play for the love of music. For more information on the band and how you can help support your community band, visit www.Stuartcommunityconcertband.org.
Rehearsals are held at the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island most Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. We invite our fellow musicians to join us.
For more information, please visit our website, www.stuartcommunityconcertband.com or email us at stuartcommunityconcertband@gmail.com.
loCal governMent
Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office
How Does Property Damage Affect Your Property Value And Taxes
By Jenny Fields, CFA,
Martin County Property Appraiser, 3473 S.E. Willoughby Blvd., Suite No. 101, Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 288-5608
www.pa.martin.fl.us
What Is A Calamity?
A calamity occurs when your home is physically damaged or destroyed by an event beyond your control. Events such as fire or hurricanes would qualify as calamities. This applies to both homesteaded and nonhomesteaded property. This does not include damage caused directly or indirectly by the property owner with the intent to damage or destroy the improvement.
How Does A Calamity Affect My Property Value ?
Any damage or destruction that occurred due to calamity or misfortune will be reflected as of January 1 of the following tax roll year. The property appraiser will consider the condition of the property as of January 1 and any repairs that have been made and completed by January 1, will be considered. Since the valuation of your property is done in arrears, the recognition of damage still present as of January 1, cannot be accounted for until the following tax roll year.
This does not include structures that are not essential to the use and occupancy of the residential dwelling, such as a detached garage, swimming pool, or land.
An application needs to be filed with the property appraiser by March 1 of the year following the event. The property appraiser may request additional supporting documentation to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a refund. If entitled, the property appraiser shall issue an official written statement to the tax collector within 30 days after the determination, but no later than April 1. The tax collector shall calculate the damage
We Are Counting On YOU – VOTE November 5!
As a voter in the state of Florida, you have the option to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day at your assigned precinct. To help you decide how to cast your votes in the upcoming November 5 General Election, here are some important facts to keep in mind:
• You can request a vote-by-mail ballot through Thursday, October 24. Voted ballots can be dropped off at the Elections Office at any time, however, the deadline to receive voted ballots is Election Day at 7 p.m. when the polls close.
differential pursuant to Florida Statute 197.319 and process a refund in the amount equal to the catastrophic event refund.
Certain restrictions apply for all scenarios. To learn more, please watch our educational video by scanning this QR code or view our full Property Damage handout. For all questions or concerns, please call our office to speak with one of our professionals. Our phone number is (772) 288-5608.
• Hoke Library, located in Jensen Beach
• Peter & Julie Cummings Library, located in Palm City
• Robert Morgade Library, located in Port Salerno
• Hobe Sound Library, located in Hobe Sound
• Secure Ballot Intake Stations (drop boxes) will be available during early voting at all six early voting locations for you to drop off your voted mail ballot.
• Remember to bring signed, photo identification when voting early or when voting at your assigned precinct on Election Day. Also, know where your precinct is located if voting on Election Day, it may be different from your preferred early voting site.
• The sample ballot is available on our website at www.MartinVotes.gov by clicking the Sample Ballots icon on the homepage. Sample ballots will be mailed to registered voters that have not requested a vote by mail ballot. Additionally, sample ballots are also available at all public libraries.
Please visit www.MartinVotes.gov or call the Elections Office at (772) 288-5637 if you have any questions or need more information.
Under normal circumstances, any improvements made to your property would be assessed at full market value once substantially completed. However, under the calamity provision, any changes, additions, or improvements made to the dwelling as a result of a calamity, may be protected from being assessed at full market value.
How Does A Calamity Affect My Property Taxes ?
When a calamity occurs on residential improvements that are rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days, the property owner may request a refund of taxes for the portion of the year in which the home was deemed uninhabitable.
• Early Voting will take place in six locations throughout the county from Monday, October 21 through Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, which includes Sunday, October 27. Listed are the six early voting locations:
• Martin County Elections Office, located in Stuart
• Elisabeth Lahti Library, located in Indiantown
Thank you for voting in the upcoming November 5 General Election – see you at the polls!
Video
Handout
Vicki Davis, Martin County Supervisor of Elections
BUSINESS
OCTOBER 2024
President’s Message
As we embrace the cooler days of fall (or at least dream of them here in Palm City), the Chamber is coming off an inspiring and action-packed September and gearing up for an exciting October. Let’s recap the highlights and look ahead to what’s on the horizon!
**Women Who Rock Awards – A Lunch to Remember**
On September 27th, we hosted the Women Who Rock Awards, celebrating the incredible women who are making waves in our community. With an impressive 150 guests in attendance, the event was a huge success! The event honored local women for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to bettering Martin County. The energy in the room was electric as we came together to applaud these trailblazers, and it was a perfect reminder of the strength and talent we’re lucky to have in our community. A big thank you to Missi, Liz, and Rebecca Beckett, who has done amazing job of bring this event to life. And, thank you to everyone who attended and supported the award winners!
Community Champion
Find comfort on Florida’s Atlantic coast
We’re just off US 1 in North Stuart, five minutes from the Treasure Coast Square shopping and Riverwalk dining by the St. Lucie River. We’re 15 minutes from Jensen and Stuart beaches, home to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Enjoy FREE hot breakfast, FREE Wi-Fi, and our outdoor pool.
Contact Christina Franco, Sales Manager, at (772) 692-6922 or francoc@gfhotels. com, for all your specific needs. She can assist you with block room reservations or the use of their conference facilities.
2024 Palm City Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
President David Bradford Edward Jones
President Elect Peter Sicoli Sailfish Insurance
Vice President Meghan Shirey Boys & Girls Club of Martin County
Treasurer Rebecca Beckett HJ Sims
Past President Don Pipes Sunshine Land Design
Director Christina Franco Hampton by Hilton
Director Tyson Waters Fox McCluskey Bush & Robison
Director Carolyn Leibowitz Cruise Planners
Director Shaun Plymale Treasure Coast Legal
Director Mike Gonzalez Blue Stream Fiber
Director Rob McLaughlin Access 365 Urgent Care
Director Patrick Gleason State Insurance
Director Steve Klaassen Colorado Pawn & Jewelry
Director Amanda Foster Zarro Mortgage
Director Chris Coller Twinkles
Director Daniel Wade Century 21 Move with Us
Director James FitzGerald Mattamy Homes
Ex-Officio Toby Overdorf State Representative
Ex-Officio Ed Ciampi Martin County Commission
Ex-Officio Michael DiTerlizzi Martin County School Board
**Calling All Runners! 5K Season Is Here**
As October rolls in, so does the start of 5K season! Whether you're an experienced runner or someone who just likes to lace up and enjoy the fresh air, this is the perfect time to get moving. And speaking of running, mark your calendars for **November 9th**—that’s when the Chamber is partnering with the Stuart Air Show for our **Veterans 5K**. Not only will you get a great workout, but participants also receive a **free general admission ticket** to the Stuart Air Show!
This event is a wonderful way to honor our veterans, enjoy a little friendly competition, and experience one of the coolest air shows around. Whether you’re racing to set a new personal best or just running for fun, we hope to see you out there.
**What’s Next?**
With October in full swing, there’s plenty more on the calendar. Keep an eye out at palmcitychamber.com for upcoming networking events, community gatherings, and ways to get involved with your fellow community members. Whether you’re running a business, running a 5K, or just running to keep up with the excitement, there’s no shortage of ways to connect and grow in Palm City!
Thanks in advance,
David L Bradford Jr, CFP®, CEPA®, AAMS® Edward Jones Investments President, Palm City Chamber of Commerce
Dish With The Commish
Taryn Kryzda, Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown, was the guest of Martin County Board of County Commission District 5 Commissioner Ed Ciampi on Tuesday, September 17th for Dish with the Commish. Taryn shared a variety of information about what is currently taking place in Indiantown. There are many exciting projects happening in Indiantown and the community has a lot to look forward to. Taryn gave the audience information about her long history working for Martin County and answered questions from the audience.
District 5 Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi and Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown Taryn Kryzda
Ambassador Chair Evie Klaassen, Colorado Pawn and Jewelry, and David Daversa
President of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce David Bradford; Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Ambassador Mandi Roe; Susan Maxwell Team at ReMax of Stuart, and Membership Director Liz Ciampi, Palm City Chamber of Commerce
Susan Gibbs Thomas, District 5 Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi, Village Manager of the Village of Indiantown Taryn Kryzda
Vice-President of the Palm City Chamber Meghan Shirey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, and David Daversa
A Heartwarming Journey MARY’S STORY
