Keeping Communities Connected and People Informed
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Florida Divison of Emergency Management Encourages all Floridians to be Wildfire Ready
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) encourages all Floridians to be wildfire ready and make a plan for what to do if a wildfire threatens your community as well as learn how you can help reduce the chances of a wildfire in your area.
"Wildfire season is year-round in Florida; however, it typically peaks during the heart of the dry season from March-May, said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.
"We are now entering the peak of wildfire season, which means Floridians should take extra precaution during these drier months to protect people and property,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “The Florida Forest Service encourages Floridians to be Wildfire Ready by preparing your yard, home, and emergency kit, and knowing Florida’s outdoor burning laws.”
The leading cause of wildfires across the state is people, specifically unauthorized burns and individuals burning yard waste. Yard waste refers to any vegetative debris such as brush, leaves or tree limbs collected from yard maintenance. When burning yard waste, it is imperative you meet the following requirements:
Yard waste must fit in an 8-foot diameter pile or noncombustible container.
Fire must be ignited after 8 a.m. CT/9 a.m. ET and must be extinguished one hour before sunset.
The fire must be 25 feet from your home, wildlands, brush or any combustible structure.
The fire must be 150 feet from other occupied buildings and 50 feet from paved public roads.
There are many actions that can be taken to help reduce wildfires, including burning yard waste safely and following all guidelines provided by the Florida Forest Service. Prepare your yard by clearing all debris and dead vegetation and create a buffer between trees, patio furniture or other items that could catch fire. Regularly clean your roof and ensure you have working fire extinguishers and smoke alarms on each level of your home.
Visit FloridaDisaster.org/hazards/wildfire to learn more about wildfire safety and to stay up to date on the fire danger index and active fire locations in your area.
For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @FLSERT.
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce April Breakfast Hosted by Harry & The Natives Bar & Grill
In Photo: Harry MacArthur owner Harry and the Natives Bar & Grill
Hobe Sound - On April 11, 2024 the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce a held their monthly breakfast at Harry & the Natives Bar & Grill. With down-home cooking and eclectic Old Florida atmosphere, it always a pleasure to attend any meal at this awesome restaurant. Harry MacArthur always is warm and welcoming when it comes to events. He never disappoints. Harry and the Natives opened their doors in 1941. They are located 11910 SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound.
The breakfast was sponsored by Absolute Care Nursing Services Inc. who specialize in helping Seniors in the Treasure Coast of Florida receive quality home health care. They provide clients across the surrounding counties with flexible schedules and ... Click here for additional photos.
Travis Childers Named General Manager for Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club
In Photo: Travis Childers - New General Manager for Piper's Landing Yacht & Country Club
Article by: Melissa Zolla - Firefly
Palm City – Travis Childers has been named the new General Manager for Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club after an extensive executive search by the club’s leadership. He has succeeded Brian Reich, who was Piper’s General Manager for 17 years.
Childers is an experienced country club manager, having recently served as Assistant General Manager of the Pelican Sound Golf & River Club in Estero, Florida. He is skilled at managing the daily operations of member-driven organizations and has a reputation for developing top performing teams.
Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club, located in Palm City, Florida, has been named as a “Distinguished Club” with Exceptional status for the past six consecutive years. In addition to its top shelf amenities for members and its strong sense of community, Piper’s is well known on the Treasure Coast for its environmental stewardship and its philanthropic involvement with local nonprofits and scholarship programs.
Bill Dunn, President of the Piper’s Landing Board of Directors, said in welcoming Childers, “His past experiences, as well as his well-balanced strategic focus, will greatly add to the continued success of our outstanding community.”
For more information about Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club, visit www.piperslanding.com, call 772.283.7000 and like Piper’s on Facebook.
City of Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson is our 2024 Home Rule Hero!
Fort Pierce – Mayor Linda Hudson of the City of Fort Pierce was recently honored with the 2024 Home Rule Hero Award by the Florida League of Cities (FLC), a collective voice for municipal governments in Florida. This recognition acknowledges Mayor Hudson's dedication and advocacy during the 2024 Legislative Session. She worked diligently to champion local decision-making, safeguard the Home Rule powers of Florida's municipalities, and advance the League's legislative agenda.
Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs at FLC, highlighted the significant impact of local officials like Mayor Hudson who passionately advocated for preserving local governance during the legislative session. The League and its legislative team expressed gratitude for the exemplary service of Home Rule Heroes like Mayor Hudson, emphasizing their crucial role in defending local decision-making.
Home Rule Heroes, distinguished for their active engagement, expertise, and effectiveness, are fervent advocates for protecting local governance. Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, these individuals steadfastly represented their communities' interests, contributing valuable local perspectives to legislative discussions.
"Mayor Hudson, congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Your unwavering commitment to Fort Pierce and your advocacy for Home Rule has made a significant difference. Thank you for your dedication and service to our community." Nick Mimms, City Manager
Contact: Kaitlyn Ballard, Marketing & Communications Manager 772.742.9835 | kballard@cityoffortpierce.com
Grape Living Celebrates New Opening & Ribbon Cutting with Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
Article & Photos by: Robin Hall - Out2News.com
Hobe Sound – On Thursday, March 27, 2024 The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce had a Business After Hours at Grape Living in Stuart. Owners Jen & Luis Reyneri welcomed everyone with open arms and a delicious arrange of food and a wonderful collection of wine from many wine distributors. The event started at 5:30 pm and went until 7:00 pm at the newly open business located at 7190 SE Federal Highway in Stuart. If you love wine and beautiful Consignment art you will love this beautiful warm place to browse. They are dedicated to both interior design enthusiasts...Click here for additional photos of this event!
Catch the Wave of Hope Adds Two Board Members
In Photo: Galean Stewart
Article by: Jackie Holfelder / Photos by: Catch the Wave of Hope
Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH) recently announced the appointment of two additions to its board of directors. Galean Stewart is assistant news director of WPTV NewsChannel 5 in West Palm Beach. She is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and a graduate of Bellhaven University in Jackson, where she received a B.A. in Communication and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Stewart was elected to the board of directors for region 13 of RTNDA (Radio Television Digital News Association). She is also an active member of NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists). This is Stewart’s first time serving on the board of a nonprofit. She says, "I learned about CTWH and its commitment to educating and spreading awareness about the dangers of child exploitation and trafficking at an event in Martin County. The statistics about these crimes in South Florida and across the country are alarming and I want to be part of a mission to help saving lives." In her leisure time, Stewart enjoys traveling, dancing and photography, and attending comedy shows and concerts. Lisa Patricelli moved to Florida in 2018, coming from Bellevue, Washington where she had an impressive career in law enforcement. She held such positions as a patrol officer, motor officer, school resource officer, lieutenant, and supervisor of fraud, crime prevention, and vice detectives. While holding the supervisory job, she got involved in fighting the growing issue of human trafficking. She advanced to the position of captain of investigations, leading a team of 33 detectives. Patricelli concurrently served 20 years as a Coast Guard reserve officer during her law enforcement career. Now a happy Florida resident, she enjoys reading, boating with her husband and three English Bulldogs, or exploring new places in their RV. Patricelli says, “I am honored to join the Board of Catch the Wave of Hope and am drawn to its mission of education, awareness, and victim advocacy for human trafficking victims.” Catch the Wave of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the vision to be an empowering voice and defender of those who are experiencing or have overcome sexual exploitation. For information, visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org.
In Photo: Lisa Patricelli
IRSC Foundation 2024-2025 Scholarship Application Period is Now Open
Fort Pierce - The scholarship application period for the 2024–2025 school year is now open for new and returning students seeking financial assistance provided through the Indian River State College Foundation. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to many deserving IRSC students.
With hundreds of unique scholarships available, every IRSC student and potential student should take the time to investigate what sources of support may be available through the IRSC Foundation. Scholarships are awarded based on career interests, academic achievement, organizational affiliation, county of residence, financial need, and other criteria.
The scholarship application will be accessible through MyPioneer Portal and RiverMail through November 30, 2024. Earliest submissions will be given priority as evaluated against scholarship criteria; therefore, students are encouraged to apply early.
New students will have to apply to IRSC and activate an IRSC email account by visiting irsc.edu/admissions/index.html. Then, visit irsc.student.awardedsoftware.com, sign in with the IRSC email and password and complete and submit a scholarship profile.
For more information on scholarships, contact the IRSC Financial Aid Office at 772-462-7450.
Click the Photo Above to go to Martin County Community Connect