Keeping Communities Connected and People Informed
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Algae Alert Martin County
Martin County – The Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH-Martin) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Okeechobee-S135LOCKDS, the L-47 Canal-S135LOCKUS and the C44 Canal-S308C C44C1. This is in response to water samples taken by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on April 9, 2024.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook the fish to proper temperature.
Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
To see sample results and report an algal bloom, visit: floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
Is it harmful?
Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.
For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. Protecting Florida Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action.
What do I do if I see an algal bloom?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report online.
To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511.
Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Martin County at 772-221-4000.
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!
RACCOON TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN SEWALL’S POINT
Residents are urged to take extra precautions when outdoors and avoid contact with wildlife
Martin County – The Florida Department of Health in Martin County is confirming that a raccoon found in Sewall’s Point has tested positive for rabies.
All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter.
Immunize your pets based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov.
Sheriff William Snyder Not Running for Reelection
Stuart - Martin County Sheriff William Snyder announced Wednesday he will not run for reelection this year.
With social media post on Facebook, Sheriff Snyder said he will not seek a fourth term in office and will instead "return to private life."
Below is the message that was on Facebook.
"Dear friends,
"Serving you as Sheriff has been the absolute honor of a lifetime. The Good Book says for everything there is a season and my 52 years of public service is coming to an end. I will not seek a fourth term in office.
"One of my favorite farewell speeches of all time was given at Yankee Stadium by Lou Gehrig. He famously said, “I am the luckiest man in the world.” I understand his sentiment. I too feel like the luckiest man in the world to have worked with the men and women of the Martin County Sheriff’s office and, in that capacity, protect you and your families.
"If it was about me, I wouldn't leave," Snyder said. "I love doing this. But we'll be better off here if I step away now and let somebody else fill that gap. "While I will be absent from the Sheriff’s Office, I will be present always in spirit. My Chief Deputy John Budensiek intends to offer himself as your next Sheriff. John is a family man first and a fearless public servant. Sheriff Snyder will endorse him and work with all his energy to help him become the next Sheriff. Chief Deputy John Budensiek has been with the sheriff's office for 25 years and worked his way through the ranks to his current position. Sheriff Snyder believes that Stuart will be in extraordinary hands with Chief Budensiek should he be trusted with this office.
"I will return to private life and find meaningful ways to help keep Martin County a great place in which to live, work and raise a family. God bless and keep each of you.
"With a thankful heart,
"William D Snyder, Sheriff
"Martin County, Florida"
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
State to Award Indian River State College $4 Million
in Support of Workforce Development
Fort Pierce - Nearly 200 were in attendance at the Indian River State College Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex on Wednesday when Governor Ron DeSantis announced an award of $4 million to Indian River State College to create advanced technology workforce development programs and build an innovative Center of Ballistics and Emerging Technology. The funding is through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF), which makes strategic investments in programs that build stronger communities and support workforce training across the state.
“We see an opportunity to use the job growth grant to really make an impact not just with workforce, but also for the economy here on the Treasure Coast of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “So I am today pleased to be able to award a $4 million grant through the job growth grant fund to Indian River State College to create a new center for ballistics and emerging technology.”
The project underscores Indian River State College’s vision to provide development and testing to support business and innovation. This project will allow the College to expand its training in advanced manufacturing, particularly in precision fabrication and mechatronics. The project complements the programs and facilities of the Eastman Advanced Manufacturing Building and the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.
“This grant will help take technology off the shelf, put it to use, and help those who protect us,” said Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy Moore. “The Governor’s support has been instrumental. I cannot think of a more important way to demonstrate the value of education, the value of technology, and the value of leadership.”
The Center for Ballistics and Emerging Technology will serve as the nexus where industry partners, law enforcement agents, workforce training professionals, and Indian River State College students and faculty collaborate. The project plans to create more than 300 new advanced manufacturing-trained graduates over the next ten years.
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.
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