There is never a shortage of things to do in Stuart and Martin County, and this past Saturday was no exception. After a few hours at my office in the morning, I headed over to the City of Stuart’s employee picnic in Flagler Park to say hello. What a great setting for people to have to enjoy themselves. Who can ask for more than the Saint Lucie River as a back drop for an event? The band was great and the food looked superb. Once again, Seacoast Bank sponsored the event. They are a good corporate citizen of Stuart, Martin County and the entire Treasure Coast.
Next, I attended the 14th annual Citizens Growth Management Forum at the Morgade Library. Speakers included Maggy Hurchalla, Mark Perry, Commissioner Sarah Heard, Ginny Sherlock and several others. Donna Melzer is a force of nature when it comes to protecting Martin’s Comp plan and irrational development. I am a firm believer in protecting the Urban Services Boundary. It makes no sense to allow sprawl west of it when there is so much density that can still happen within that Boundary. The only thing sprawl would accomplish would be to increase our taxes.
All one needs to do is look at Federal Highway. Not only are there tracts and tracts of vacant land but also half empty shopping centers, buildings and other low density uses such as fast food restaurants on large underutilized parcels. Until these properties are occupied, repurposed and paying all the real estate taxes they should, it is insanity to have more such underused real estate developed.
Saturday evening, Polly and I attended the Battle of the Gospel Singers. Talented church choirs, groups and individuals came together to perform at Jensen Beach High School for the benefit of Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in East Stuart. It was one of those great occasions where the folks of the Treasure Coast came together in celebration of one of our treasured organizations and worthwhile causes.