Page 6 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '24

Page 6, Martin Downs

CommuNity happeNiNgS

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