Page 11 - Palm City Spotlight - June '24

Palm City Spotlight, Page 11

locAl government

Martin County Tax Collector veteran who has been a resident of Florida for the past five
years or who has established domicile may apply for one free
We Salute You! disabled veteran “DV” license plate for an owned or leased
vehicle; however, there is a $4.80 annual state registration fee.
By Ruth Pietruszewski, Free license plates with a wheelchair emblem are available for
Martin County Tax those veterans permanently confined to a wheelchair and who
Collector otherwise qualify for a DV plate.
The freedoms we enjoy in Disabled veterans with mobility impairment may apply for
our country inspire people all the disabled parking plate with the wheelchair emblem. No state
over the world. It is because agency, county, municipality or agency thereof may charge the
of the selfless acts of bravery, driver of a vehicle displaying a “DV” license plate any fee for we truly are “The Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” Ruth
courage and patriotism of the parking on public streets, highways, or in any metered parking “Ski” Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector, and her staff
men and women who serve space. Total and permanently disabled Florida veterans are annually honor veterans by participating in the Veterans Day and
and have served our country exempt from county and municipality building licenses or permit Memorial Day parades, daily prioritize serving veterans any way
that have provided and kept our fees when making certain improvements to their residence in they can, and support the men and women who bravely serve
“Land of the free.” Every day order to make the dwelling habitable or safe. our country.
our military put their safety at risk and their lives on hold to defend The Military Gold Sportsman’s license is available for a God Bless America.
the liberty we all enjoy. Through the course of American history, reduced fee of $20 to any resident who is an active or retired
courageous men and women have taken up arms to protect the member of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve
most important principles upon which our country depend. or National Guard. State hunting and fishing licenses and permits iN Your
License plates honoring the individual armed services are shall be issued without fees for five years to any veteran who is a
available to the general public. Your purchase of the “Florida Florida resident, certified or determined to be 100 percent totally
Salutes Veterans” or one of the state’s U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. and permanently disabled by the VA or the U.S. Armed Forces, or
Air Force, Marines or U.S. Coast Guard license plates directly Martin County Tax Collector provides a free business tax coMMuNitY
who has been issued a valid disabled veteran ID card by FDVA.
helps veterans.
Honorably discharged Florida veterans can add a veteran exemption for veterans of the United States Armed Forces, or
designation “V” to their driver’s license or ID card by visiting the spouse, or un-remarried surviving spouse of such veteran for
any Florida driver’s license office. There is no charge or fee a new or an existing business. United Way Of Martin County
collected to display this designation on a veteran’s driver’s America owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the men Is Now Accepting Applications
license. A homeless veteran may renew or obtain a new Florida and women in military uniform sacrificing so much, because
ID card free of any charges. For The Emergency Food And
Any honorably discharged
veteran who has a valid Shelter Program
FDVA 100 percent disabled
veteran card or who has been United Way of Martin County is now accepting
determined to have a 100 applications for Phase 41 of the Emergency Food and Shelter
percent total and permanent Program (EFSP). The federal funds are made available
service-connected disability through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal
and is qualified to obtain a Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food
driver’s license is generally and Shelter National Board Program. Martin County has been
exempt from all fees. An chosen to receive $24,736 to supplement food and shelter
honorably discharged disabled programs in the county.
A local board consisting of representatives from
The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, faith-based
organizations, consumers and local government will
determine how the funds awarded to Martin County will be
distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs
run by local service organizations in the area. The local board
is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these
funds and any additional funds available under this phase
of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board,
local organizations chosen to receive these funds must:
• Be nonprofit or an agency of government
• Not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal
funding
• Have a checking account and sign up for EFT (cash
payments are not allowed)
• Have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by
the local board
• Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Use the UEI created in the System for Award
Management (SAM.gov)
• Have a valid email address for program communication
and electronic signature processes
• Conduct an independent annual audit if receiving
$100,000 or more in EFSP funds
• Conduct an annual accountant’s review if receiving
$50,000 to $99,999 in EFSP funds
• Conduct annual audit, if expending $750,000 or more in
federal funds, in compliance with the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards at 2 CFR 200 of the Office of Management
and Budget (Uniform Guidance)
• Be providing services and using its other resources in
the area in which they are seeking funding
• Practice nondiscrimination (those agencies with a
religious affiliation wishing to participate in the program must
not refuse services to an applicant based on religion or require
attendance at religious services as a condition of assistance,
nor will such groups engage in any religious proselytizing in
any program receiving EFSP funds)
• Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit
• Involve homeless individuals and families, through
employment, volunteer programs, etc., in providing
emergency food and shelter services.
Public or private voluntary organizations interested in
applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds
must contact United Way of Martin County, (772) 283-4800
for an application.