Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - July '23

Martin Downs, Page 9

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JULY 2023 PaLm CitY CommUnitY Center, 2701 S.W. CorneLL ave., PaLm CitY
Phone: (772) 286-8121 Fax: (772) 286-3331
WWW.PaLmCitYChamber.Com

President’s message

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the year as we celebrate Flag Day and Independence Day and will be on display through
service of our country can never be repaid. They have Veterans Day. These holidays give us time to reflect on the many who fought to develop
earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget our country into the nation that it is today. Thank you, Commissioner Ciampi, for this
their sacrifices.” Harry Truman shared those words with display of patriotism and appreciation.
Congress in 1945, and we share this gratitude with the Don Pipes
same passion today. Our Palm City residents are reminded President, Palm City
of these men and women as they drive down Mapp Road Chamber of Commerce
and see many local Veterans banners displayed along APP Jet Center
the corridor. Martin County District 5 Commissioner Ed
Ciampi carefully curated a display of thanks to these, and
all of our Veterans, for the community to enjoy and to
remind us to give thanks for the sacrifice they all made
as they served our country. As a Veteran myself, I am honored to work in a county that
celebrates our Veterans in such a way. This project was launched at a perfect time of
executive Director’s Corner

I remember the old, wooden Palm City Bridge, and on to the playground, I would carefully
Snake Road (now Salerno Road) and Cove Road being direct the tortoise back to the safety of the
dirt roads, and when Martin County High School was woods and away from curious children. The
the only high school. I share all of this because I have biologists managing the site are careful to
obviously seen many changes to Martin County. I had the ensure key areas are thinned out for gopher
opportunity to go on a tour of the Kiplinger Conservancy tortoises to thrive. Prescribed burns taking
a few weeks ago and I must admit that this local girl loved place on the property are already producing
what she saw! fresh shoots of new foliage. A roller chopper is
We rode in a side-by-side along a rough trail through employed to manage the growth of palmettos.
the 450 acres of preserve that is part of Newfield. This The canopy in the area is being thinned out
property will never be built on and will remain a preserve forever. What a fabulous and the invasive plants removed. Once the
legacy provided by the Kiplinger Family. environment is secured, fencing will be put
I am a sea turtle lover and my former Kindergarten students just assumed that meant around the perimeter to keep the tortoises safe
I also liked gopher tortoises. When one would come under the fence at our school inside. While on our tour, I was fortunate to see
a gopher tortoise, beautiful flowers, birds, and
the occasional reptile and amphibian.
2023 Palm City Chamber of This space will remain natural for hiking so
families will have the opportunity to learn to
Commerce board of Directors appreciate what Martin County has to offer in
the pine tree uplands.
The Newfield property is also home to a
working farm that is being cultivated by the
students at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin
President Don Pipes APP Jet Center County. The students are learning all about
Vice-President Peter Sicoli Sailfish Insurance farming and gardening while they help to grow
food that they can then consume. This is a
Treasurer David Bradford Edward Jones wonderful partnership in our local community
to foster healthy eating habits and future
Secretary Meghan Shirey Boys & Girls Club of Martin County employment opportunities.
Past President Christina Franco Hampton by Hilton The local farm will be accessible to the
families that choose to live in Newfield, being
Director Tyson Waters Fox McCluskey Bush & Robison developed by Mattamy Homes. Newfield will
Director Gigi Suntum Caring Children Clothing Children have a variety of home styles and a downtown
area for the residents. The working farm,
Director Cheree Ramirez Children’s Services Council of MC trails, and parks will be part of the 2,300 acres
dedicated to green space in Newfield.
Director Carolyn Leibowitz Cruise Planners
Director Robin Hall Out2News

Director Tara Biek-Robison Tara Biek Creative
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 Rebecca Beckett HJ Sims
Ex-Officio Toby Overdorf State Representative

Ex-Officio Ed Ciampi Martin County Commission
Missi Campbell
Ex-Officio Michael DiTerlizzi Martin County School Board Executive Director
Palm City Chamber of Commerce