Page 11 - Hobe Sound Reflections - April '25

Hobe Sound, Page 11

loCal GovernmenT

Martin County Tax Collector your taxes have not been paid for the 2024 tax roll. Current Attorney General’s Opinions, and Department of Revenue’s

Reminds Taxpayers That Taxes law provides that taxes on these listed properties will be rules and regulations, per F.S. 197.122, F.S. 197.332, F.S.
197.343, F.S. 197.402, F.S. 197.403, F.S. 197.432.
recovered through the sale of tax certificates.
Become Delinquent The Same required by law to hold a tax certificate sale. The certificates issuance. The holder may apply for a tax deed when two or
A tax certificate is valid for seven years from the date of
Beginning on or before June 1, the Tax Collector is
Time Every Year – April 1 represent liens on all unpaid real estate properties. The sale more years have elapsed since the date of delinquency. If
allows citizens to buy certificates by paying the owed tax the property owner fails to pay the tax debt, the property tax
By Ruth “Ski” Pietruszewski, debt. The sale is held online. deed is sold at public auction. In order to remove the lien,
Martin County Tax Collector A tax certificate, when purchased, becomes an enforceable the property owner must pay the Tax Collector all delinquent
Real property taxes first lien against the real estate. The certificate holder is taxes plus accrued interest, penalties and advertising fees.
become delinquent April 1 actually paying the taxes for a property owner in exchange The Tax Collector then notifies the certificate holder of any
of each year. Please help for a competitive bid rate of return on his investment. They certificates redeemed and a refund check is then issued to the
keep your cost and the cost make it possible for the owner(s) of real property to allow ad certificate holder. Although it is a secure investment in most
of your government down valorem property taxes to become delinquent and continue cases, there is an element of risk in purchasing tax certificates.
by paying your property to use their property for two years (or more) before actually F.S. 197.472(2) states that tax lien certificates are guaranteed
taxes on time. At that paying the bill (plus interest and costs). During this period, an interest rate return of a flat (non-accruing) 5 percent or
time, 3 percent interest and investors pay the delinquent tax bills at negotiated rates of your bid, on an APR basis, whichever is greater.
advertising fees are added interest lending the delinquent property owners money in
to the gross tax. A list of all order to continue using their property before paying the
real estate property with delinquent taxes is advertised once bill or surrendering the title to the property. The payment
a week for three consecutive weeks in a local newspaper of property taxes provides the county, school board, and
during the month of May. The advertisement specifies the municipalities the revenue to provide necessary services for
place, date and time of the tax certificate sale. This advertised Martin County taxpayers. Tax certificates assist in funding
information is required by Florida law and is not intended the government’s expenses in the interim time taxes are
to be embarrassing or intimidating. The notice serves as a delinquent. The system for collecting delinquent ad valorem
reminder to contact this office immediately for payment, if property taxes is defined in great detail in the Florida Statutes,

Local’s Pub: Tequesta’s Hidden Gem Evolves From

Neighborhood Pub to Culinary Hotspot

In the heart of Tequesta tucked in seating, and friendly faces behind the bar
the corner of Gallery Square North create an atmosphere that’s increasingly
sits a welcoming bar that has quietly rare in today’s dining scene. It’s unpretentious
transformed from a simple neighborhood and welcoming – a place where everyone
watering hole into one of the area’s most knows your name, or soon will.
beloved dining destinations. Local’s Pub, The pub has now expanded its offerings
the brainchild of owners Seamus and to include a full dinner menu featuring
Stephanie O’Brien along with Executive standout entrées like traditional fish and
Chef and partner David Chapman (also of chips with house beer-battered Atlantic
The Salty Zebra Bistro), has been steadily cod and triple-cooked potato wedges. The
building a reputation that extends far Bell & Evans chicken breast served with
beyond its humble beginnings. yellow rice, sweet plantains, chimichurri,
“We originally opened with just a few and chipotle aioli has quickly become
menu items,” explains Seamus O’Brien, a local favorite, while the 8 oz... grilled
whose genuine enthusiasm for creating a churrasco steak with chimichurri and
community gathering spot is immediately shoestring fries satisfies heartier appetites.
apparent. “The idea was simple – create a “People already knew us for what many
cozy place where people could grab a cold consider the area’s best smashburger,”
beer, watch the game, and enjoy some Owner Seamus O’Brien notes. “With the
quality bar food.” reception we’ve gotten, expanding to a full
That simple concept resonated with dinner menu was the obvious choice.”
Tequesta residents, who quickly made Dessert hasn’t been overlooked either,
Local’s Pub their go-to spot. What started with a housemade key lime pie topped
381 Tequesta Drive, Jupiter, 33469
as a basic menu has evolved organically with vanilla whipped cream and black lime
Monday-Thurs 4-10, Friday 4-12,
in response to customer demand and Chef powder that rivals any in South Florida,
Saturday 12-12 And Sunday 12-10
David’s culinary creativity. alongside a rotating selection of seasonal
Walking into Local’s Pub feels like coming house-made sorbets.
home. The warm wood interior, comfortable The beverage program matches the
quality of the food, featuring ice-frosted calendar of entertainment.
pints and proper 20 oz... Guinness on draft. “What makes Local’s Pub special is
In a nod to Chef David’s Chicago roots, that we’ve created something authentic,”
Local’s Pub has partnered with Moody Stephanie O’Brien says. “We wanted a
Tongue Brewery of Chicago (the first place where families feel comfortable,
brewery to be awarded two Michelin stars) where friends can gather to watch the
and proudly serves their pilsner on draft. game, and where the food quality exceeds
Beyond the food and drink, Local’s Pub has what you’d expect from your neighborhood
established itself as a hub of community pub.”
activity. Weeknights feature $.99 cent That authenticity has paid off. In just a
wings (Monday), $10 smashburgers year and a half, Local’s Pub has established
(Tuesday), open mic night (Wednesday), itself as a cornerstone of the Tequesta
trivia (Thursday), and live music (Friday). community – a testament to the O’Briens’
Sports fans appreciate the large projector vision and Chef David’s culinary expertise.
screen and five additional TVs inside, while Whether you’re craving a perfectly
the covered outdoor courtyard offers two executed smashburger, looking for a cozy
more screens for game day. spot to watch the game, or in search of
For those seeking classic pub a family-friendly dinner destination with
entertainment, the Golden Tee machine (a food that punches well above its weight
personal favorite of Seamus) and pool table class, Local’s Pub delivers the goods. It’s
provide the perfect diversions. Themed DJ the rare establishment that successfully
dance parties celebrating decades like balances quality and comfort, creating a
the 70s and 80s, holiday celebrations, and space that truly lives up to its name as the
other special events round out the robust favorite gathering spot for Local’s.