Page 10 - Hobe Sound Reflections - January '24

Page 10, Hobe Sound

CoMMuNity HappeNiNgs

Preserving Paradise: A Half density, beautiful waterways and beaches and abundance considered to ensure an unforgettable evening of luxury and
celebration.
of undeveloped, natural lands that sets Martin County apart
Cent At A Time from so many other places in Florida,” said Matheson. “The Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club will be
time is right to create a funding mechanism to purchase these transformed into a world of wonder and excitement as
New Martin County Forever Initiative natural lands and ensure they remain that way during our guests are treated to unique experiences and beautiful
Underway To Purchase Natural Lands lifetime and for future generations.” artwork. The atmosphere will be electric with sensational
Martin County Forever has launched a website, www. entertainment, including surprise performances that will
A group of concerned citizens, passionate about martincountyforever.com, with more information. To awe all in attendance and the Soul Survivors band that will
preserving vast areas of environmentally sensitive lands, schedule a presentation to your group or association, please bring the celebration to the dance floor. Throughout the night,
has created a new conservation initiative called Martin contact them at martincountyforever@gmail.com and follow guests will have the chance to win wonderful treats, bid on
County Forever. The group has spent most of this year on them on Facebook at facebook.com/martincountyforever or spectacular packages in both a silent and live auction, and
outreach and education to determine whether citizens would Instagram at @martincountyforever. enjoy an exquisite gourmet dinner with an open bar.
be supportive of a sales-tax referendum to acquire these All proceeds from this fantastic evening will support
lands. Acquiring undeveloped land would help to protect House of Hope’s Project HOPE (Helping Others Progress
the unique character of Martin County, clean and restore through Empowerment). Project HOPE is the foundation
rivers and waterways, safeguard sources of drinking water, of House of Hope’s client-centered approach to
preserve valuable wildlife habitat and wetlands, create empowering residents to overcome hunger and hardship.
wildlife corridors and expand recreational opportunities. Their case management team uses the full scope of
“There are environmentally sensitive lands throughout internal programs and services, as well as those provided
Martin County that need to be preserved now or they are at by a network of partners, to move households forward on
risk of being lost forever. Our community will never be the their path to success.
same if we don’t act now,” said Merritt Matheson, Martin “Our 40th anniversary gives us a chance to celebrate
County Forever committee member and former City of Stuart the people and organizations that have made it possible for
mayor. House of Hope to empower our friends and neighbors in
About 46,000 acres of natural lands within four target need for the past four decades,” House of Hope CEO Rob
areas have been identified by Martin County’s ecosystem Ranieri said. “This promises to be a special evening, and its
division for potential acquisition: impact will be felt in everything we are able to do to benefit
• Indian River Lagoon Watershed, 27,000 acres essential our clients.”
to the health of the lagoon Be sure not to miss this amazing opportunity to make a
• Loxa-Lucie, 9,800 acres essential to the health of the difference while delighting in pure elegance and celebration.
St. Lucie and Loxahatchee rivers Tickets are available at hohmartin.org/soiree at $250 per
• Pal-Mar, 8,500 acres of some of the highest quality person. Seating is limited, so be sure to purchase tickets early.
wetlands in Martin County Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact
• Blue-ways, about 400 acres of smaller parcels inside House of Hope’s Events Team at events@hohmartin.org or
our urban areas and near waterways (772) 286-4673, Ext. 1031.
The group is proposing that a referendum for a half-cent
sales tax be placed on the November 2024 ballot for citizens
to vote on. “Martin County residents have a history of taking
matters into their own hands to protect our environment and
quality of life,” added Matheson. “We’re simply asking the
Martin County Commission to allow the citizens to decide
if they want to support an initiative to buy these lands.”
If approved, the sales tax could generate about $18.3
million a year for 10 years, and much of the land would be Cirque Du Soirée Returns To
eligible for matching state or federal funds, stretching those Celebrate House Of Hope’s
dollars even further. More than a third of the monies raised
would be from visitors who live elsewhere but spend their 40th Anniversary
money in Martin County. The sales tax would only apply
to the first $5,000 of any purchase. Importantly, groceries, Get ready to experience the most glamorous and
prescription medication and school supplies would all be enchanting night of the year on Jan. 20! House of Hope will
exempt. celebrate its 40th anniversary of empowering Martin County The astonishing artistry of the Lollipop Lyra gymnasts added
Martin County has a long, proud history of supporting at the Second Annual Cirque du Soirée at Piper’s Landing to the excitement and glamour of last year’s Cirque du Soirée
the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands. Several Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. This event promises event. The 2024 event promises to be even more spectacular
referendums have been passed where citizens voted to tax to be an extraordinary affair, where every detail has been as House of Hope celebrates its 40th anniversary.
themselves to generate funding for land acquisition. A voter
approved half-cent sales tax in 2006, for example, generated
about $30 million and was used to leverage an additional $30
million from state and federal sources. In fact, many popular EVERY SUNDAY
local parks and preserves were acquired with funds generated 9AM-2PM
from past referendums. These acquisitions include important
preserve areas such as Halpatiokee and Atlantic Ridge state
parks, beaches throughout Hutchinson Island, and regionally FLAGLER PARK
significant park facilities like Indian Riverside Park. These
places are part of the recreational fabric of the community
while also improving water quality in the St. Lucie River •FRESH PRODUCE
and Indian River Lagoon. •LIVE MUSIC
“We know there may be skeptics, and the devil is in
the details, but we’ve structured the referendum language •MOBILE CRAFT BAR
to ensure it does what it is supposed to do and nothing •KIDS MARKET
else,” according to committee member Jim Snedeker. A
citizens advisory committee would be created to screen land Operated by Stuart Main Street (First & third Sunday of every month)
acquisition opportunities.
An annual audit would be required. Properties would only
be purchased from willing sellers. “Even though discussions Fresh Local Produce & Honey
about taxes can be controversial, we’ve been surprised and Organic Eggs, Beef, Seafood & Poultry
encouraged by the widespread support we’ve received for
the initiative,” added Snedeker. Household Plants & Florals
“Martin County is a special place, and we want to keep Homemade Cheeses
it that way. It’s our small-town charm, slower pace, low Spices & Sauces
Freshly Baked Breads & Tasty Treats
Pottery, Art & Home Décor
Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories
Pet Items BE A PART OF

A market for growers, crafters, artists & other creators SOMETHING
FRESH!

772-285-0502 | stuartmainstreet.org/market
Stuart Main Street is a 501c3 non-profit focused on promoting the Historic Downtown.