The Village of Indiantown is the first new municipality in Martin County in over 50 years.

That brings the grand total to five municipalities within the County — with perhaps another, Hobe Sound, on the way in November. Compared to the counties to our south (Palm Beach County 39, Broward 32 and Miami-Dade 34), that number is hardly impressive. With that said, Indiantown’s incorporation is a big step forward, bringing real local government to that western community.

It is exciting to see the Village taking the steps necessary to control its destiny. For far too long, Indiantown has been stymied by being just an insignificant, unincorporated piece of the greater Martin County pie. What the residents and property owners of the area wanted to see happen was constantly being prevented. When the seat of your local government is miles away, the County Commissioners may not always put your interest first.

Indiantown is slowly feeling its governmental way. It had its first visioning session last Saturday. The Village Council and the community came together to brainstorm under the guidance of The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Many things were discussed from communication with residents to enticing manufacturing back.

One of the central themes is Indiantown’s affordability and how it would be nice to have law enforcement officers, fire/rescue people and teachers live in the community. That is a noble goal but not easily attainable when none of the people working in those jobs are presently the Village’s employees. Perhaps, if permissible under Florida law, the Council may want to require that their executive staff live within the Village boundaries. At least they can require the village manager live there, as Stuart does with their city manager.

As Indiantown begins to put its government together, it will have to be cognizant of its finances. Building a city is a multi-generational undertaking. It is akin to building the pyramids. The present Council will not be there to see most of what they are laying the groundwork to achieve. That is the challenge and the fun of what is happening in Indiantown. I wish them well as they move forward.