I live on the St. Lucie River where the mooring fields are located. In the last few weeks I have noticed (as in past years) that there are more and more boats on the balls each day. By January 1st, there will be a couple of hundred boats on the mooring balls and in the marina. Some people will live on their boats. Others will live on land in apartments or homes.
These “snowbirds” will eat in our restaurants, buy goods in our stores and use the Stuart tram as a mode of transportation. They will provide additional jobs for those working in our stores and restaurants. Sales taxes will be paid on the food ordered to eat and any purchases made. In general, our boaters and all seasonal visitors arriving from New England, Canada or wherever will become part of our community for as long as they are here. I gladly welcome them to the City.
Many of us that stay year-round will complain about increased traffic. Or how they will need a reservation to have dinner at their favorite restaurant. But, isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t it better to have more people paying taxes and putting permanent residents to work? Dollars that are brought in from up north are new dollars coming into our local economy. “Snowbirds” or, as I like to say, part-time residents add vibrancy to our town. They contribute to our tax base and our local charities. They are members of our organizations and clubs. They are just like the rest of us who are here year-round except they are with us for only five, six or eight months a year.
When I look at Stuart, I like the fact that our part-time residents share the space. I wouldn’t mind more of them. But I also want more full-time residents who will return after college and raise their families within our borders. I want to see entrepreneurs move to Stuart and open businesses. Artists should be making art and living here. More children need to be playing in our parks and in front of their homes. Seniors should be able to take advantage of our numerous parks and recreation center.
Stuart needs people of every income strata, race, occupation, age and persuasion. I want to welcome all to our stores and places of worship. Cities should be places of diversity and understanding…tolerant and embracing. Maybe even a little quirky and original — such as only having a four-story height limit.