Upcoming SFWMD Public Meetings

What: Governing Board Meeting
When: September 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Meeting information and materials will be posted seven days before the meeting date at sfwmd.gov/meetings.
The Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Tentative Ad Valorem Millage Rates, Non Ad Valorem Tax Rolls, and Tentative Budget will take place at 5:15 p.m.
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What: Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council Meeting
When: September 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Information
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What: Quarterly Meeting of the Everglades Technical Oversight Committee
When: September 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Information
Representative Mast to Gold Star Families
A Battlefield Approach to Veteran Care
September 2023 Meetings ~ Martin County

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 9/6/2023 3:30 PM BOCC WORKSHOP ROOM 4TH FLOOR Not available
Meeting Date: 9/12/2023 12:00:00 AM
Board of County Commissioners 9/12/2023 9:00 AM COMMISSION CHAMBERS Not available
Meeting Date: 9/13/2023 12:00:00 AM
Hobe Sound Neighborhood Advisory Committee 9/13/2023 6:00 PM Hobe Sound Civic Center Not available
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness Committee 9/13/2023 3:30 PM Workshop Room Not available
Meeting Date: 9/25/2023 12:00:00 AM
Public Art Advisory Committee 9/25/2023 4:00 PM BOCC Commission Chambers Not available
Community Redevelopment Agency 9/25/2023 3:00 PM Commission Chambers 2401 SE Monterey Road Not available
Meeting Date: 9/26/2023 12:00:00 AM
Board of County Commissioners 9/26/2023 9:00 AM COMMISSION CHAMBERS Not available
Meeting Date: 9/28/2023 12:00:00 AM
Rio Neighborhood Advisory Committee 9/28/2023 6:00 PM Blake Library Not available
September 2023 Meetings ~ St. Lucie County

City Council 9/11/2023 6:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
*Meeting to Follow the 6:00 PM Budget Hearing*
Special City Council 9/11/2023 6:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
Budget Hearing
Meeting Date: 9/13/2023 12:00:00 AM
Site Plan Review Committee 9/13/2023 1:30 PM Building B, 1st Floor Training Room
Dangerous Dog Hearing 9/13/2023 10:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
Special Magistrate Hearing 9/13/2023 9:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting Date: 9/14/2023 12:00:00 AM
Construction Board of Appeals 9/14/2023 9:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting Date: 9/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
Public Art Advisory Board 9/18/2023 Canceled City Hall, Room 188
Special City Council 9/18/2023 9:30 AM Council Chambers, City Hall
Meeting Date: 9/19/2023 12:00:00 AM
Municipal Police Officers Retirement Trust Fund Board of Trustees 9/19/2023 2:00 PM City Hall, Room 366
Municipal Police Officers Retirement Trust Fund Board of Trustees 9/19/2023 11:00 AM City Hall, Room 366
*Disability Hearing*
Meeting Date: 9/20/2023 12:00:00 AM
Citizen's Advisory Committee 9/20/2023 1:30 PM Room 366, City Hall
Special Magistrate Hearing 9/20/2023 11:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
*Special*
Special Magistrate Hearing 9/20/2023 9:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting Date: 9/25/2023 12:00:00 AM
City Council 9/25/2023 6:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
*Meeting to Follow the 6:00 PM Budget Hearing*
Special City Council 9/25/2023 6:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
Budget Hearing *Meeting to follow the 5:30 PM CRA Meeting*
Community Redevelopment Agency 9/25/2023 5:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall
Meeting Date: 9/27/2023 12:00:00 AM
Site Plan Review Committee 9/27/2023 1:30 PM Building B, 1st Floor Training Room
Special Magistrate Hearing 9/27/2023 9:00 AM City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting Date: 9/28/2023 12:00:00 AM
Port St. Lucie Youth Council 9/28/2023 4:00 PM Building B, Training Room
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 9/28/2023 2:00 PM City Hall, Third Floor, Room 366
Upcoming NAC/CRA Meetings

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
BOCC Commission Chambers
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
3:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Monday, September 25, 2023
Monday, October 23, 2023
Monday, November 27, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
GOLDEN GATE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Cassidy Community Center
2895 SE Fairmont Street, Stuart
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Monday, October 2, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023
HOBE SOUND NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Hobe Sound Community Center
8980 Olympus Street, Hobe Sound
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
JENSEN BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Jensen Beach Community Center
1912 NE Jensen Beach Boulevard, Jensen Beach
5:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
OLD PALM CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dates:
BOCC Commission Chambers (temporary meeting site)
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Monday, October 16, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
PORT SALERNO NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Salerno Civic Center
4950 Anchor Avenue, Port Salerno
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
RIO NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vince Bocchino Community Center
2369 NE Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach
6:00 p.m. unless noted
Dates:
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
BOCC Commission Chambers
2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart
4:00 pm unless noted
Dates:
Monday, September 25, 2023
Monday, November 27, 2023
BOOSTING JOBS & ECONOMIC GROWTH

Around our community, the issues that I hear about most frequently are the basics needed to make life work—a job to put food on the table, savings to pay for retirement or college, and affordable healthcare. I am committed to fighting to ease the financial burden on families, while also creating an environment that allows American businesses to be more competitive in the global marketplace.
Making life easier for 18th District families starts with reducing government interference in every-day life and slashing government-imposed costs. Passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was major progress so Florida families can keep more of their hard-earned pay. It’s estimated that the average 18th District family will save more than $2,000 per year as a result of this historic change in law and filing taxes will also be much simpler. But there is more work to be done, such as making these tax cuts permanent. The government must do more with less by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse so that hardworking families can keep more of their paycheck.
In order to create an economic environment that allows for job growth, we also need to reduce regulations on small businesses. Excessive red tape makes it harder for small business owners—the true backbone of our economy—to turn the key in their door every day. Moreover, an explosion of government-imposed regulation is weighing down the economy and hurting families. I’m committed to working in a bipartisan way to undo over-burdensome, job-killing red tape.
In addition to changes to the tax code and efforts to reduce regulation, improving infrastructure is critical to the economy in our area and across the country. Locally, we need to resolve the water issues stemming from Lake Okeechobee. The waters surrounding our community are absolutely essential to sustaining and improving the quality-of-life on the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach. Cleaning our water and improving the infrastructure in our area is one of, if not the most, important steps that we can take to improve our local economy.
Here’s the bottom line: the government needs to get back to work for Americans across the country. Sadly, the reverse has become the status quo. Together we can reduce government intervention in our lives, grow the economy and get Americans back to work.
Rubio Honors Fallen Victims Murdered by Criminal Cuban Regime in Tugboat Massacre

Twenty-nine years ago, the illegitimate Cuban regime, led by the Castro brothers, ordered a brutal attack on a tugboat full of Cubans fleeing the island. The attack resulted in the murder of 41 individuals, including minors.
“The viciousness of the Castro brothers was displayed during the unjustified assault against civilians fleeing the island aboard the ‘13th of March’ Tugboat. Today serves as a reminder of the countless crimes the evil Cuban communist dictatorship has committed against its citizens. Justice will be served and history will always remember the lives that were lost.”– Senator Rubio
The “13th of March” Tugboat Massacre remains an embarrassment for the Cuban regime, both domestically and internationally.

Rubio Commemorates 2nd Anniversary of Historic Anti-Communist Protests in Cuba

Two years ago, the illegitimate and criminal Cuban regime repressed and arbitrarily detained peaceful protestors, including minors, who marched the island streets in demand of basic freedoms.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement commemorating the anniversary of this historic event, when Cubans from all walks of life, peacefully marched against a totalitarian and murderous regime. Rubio joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and a group of bicameral colleagues, in introducing a resolution honoring the second anniversary of these anti-communist protests.
“July 11, 2021 marked a before and after in the modern history of Cuba. There is no doubt the criminal Cuban dictatorship fears another peaceful manifestation where the freedom-loving people of Cuba condemn their decade-long human rights violations, ineptitude, lies, and repression. Today, throughout the island, the hymn of Patria y Vida remains alive and strong. Especially amongst a new and younger generation who sees firsthand the realities of a nation taken hostage by a communist government.
“At a time when the Biden Administration is filled with pro-Marxist apologists who actively grant bloody regimes in our region concessions, we must ensure the Cuban people’s fight is not forgotten. Their voices and desire for basic liberties must remain the foundation of U.S. initiatives, including my PATRIA Y VIDA Act, which would help Cubans get uncensored and unfettered access to the internet.” — Senator Rubio
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
July 1st Preliminary Certification of Taxable Values to Martin County

On June 23, the Property Appraiser’s Office released the July 1st Preliminary Certification of Taxable Values to Martin County Taxing Authorities as well as submitted the preliminary tax roll to the Florida Department of Revenue for approval. This certification kicks off the annual budgeting timeline for local government agencies that rely on ad valorem tax revenue. Martin County has experienced a second (2nd) year of incredible growth in regard to market values and new construction. To learn more, check out this educational video, featuring Property Appraiser Jenny Fields and Chief Deputy Karl Andersson.
Rubio Explains What Wagner Rebellion Means for Russia
Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) responds to major disasters through assistance to individuals, households, and non-federal government entities. The DRF is expected to run out of funds during the first week of August, in the middle of the 2023 hurricane season. The Biden Administration has failed to take the necessary steps to ensure that the federal government is prepared to respond to natural disasters in a timely and effective manner.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues introduced the Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act to ensure FEMA has sufficient resources to continue ongoing disaster response and is prepared for unforeseen major disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and other events.
“Congress cannot allow the Biden Administration to use disaster funding as a bargaining chip, doing so puts countless vulnerable communities at risk. Our communities deserve better than this. It’s time for Congress to act and provide FEMA with the funding they need for disaster relief.” – Senator Rubio
Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) are original cosponsors.
“Floridians know that responding to natural disasters is a team effort, which requires every level of government to be ready to assist families in need at a moment’s notice. This good bill will ensure the federal government can uphold its obligation to quickly deploy emergency funding and resources to communities and Americans impacted by natural disasters.” – Senator Scott
“The federal Disaster Relief Fund has been drained by recent severe weather, leaving us vulnerable for the future. The last few months have shown how vital ongoing crisis response is. This legislation would ensure FEMA is able to continue providing sufficient resources for unexpected disaster.” – Senator Wicker
Looking forward … If Congress doesn’t act to prevent a shortfall in the DRF, there will be no funds for unforeseen major disasters until the end of the fiscal year.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything

Senate Intelligence Committee Passes the FY24 Intelligence Authorization Act

WASHINGTON – The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (IAA) today by a unanimous 17-0 vote. The bill authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).
“The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 reflects the Senate Intelligence Committee’s bipartisan commitment to ensuring America’s intelligence agencies have the resources they need to protect our country,” said Committee Chairman Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA). “This year’s bill increases the IC’s ability to track threats posed by adversarial nations, including technological and economic competition with China. It also promotes a reform of the nation’s security classification system, strengthens the security of our election systems, and furthers the Committee’s efforts to reform the security clearance process, so that the IC can attract and expeditiously on-board a talented, diverse, and trusted workforce to meet the emerging challenges we face.”
“The United States is in a moment of great power conflict where our adversaries—namely China and Russia —are colluding to destroy the international ruled-based system while undermining the United States and our alliances,” said Committee Vice Chairman Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). “The Intelligence Community (IC) must rapidly adapt and work aggressively to position the United States to focus on and counter the unprecedented global threats we face. This year’s IAA begins to equip the IC with the tools needed to enhance intelligence collection and improve objective intelligence analysis. Importantly, the committee-passed IAA also includes a prohibition DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis from collecting information on U.S Persons. This IAA further enables the IC to provide support to policymakers to make the right decisions that protect our national security, promote economic prosperity for all Americans, and uphold our values.”
Background:
The IAA for Fiscal Year 2024 authorizes funding for the IC and ensures that it has the resources, personnel, and authorities it needs to protect our country and inform decision makers, while ensuring continued robust congressional oversight. The bill’s provisions focus on the following key areas:
Increases oversight of the national security threats posed by the People’s Republic of China, including its predatory economic practices, political influence operations, military capabilities, and investments in, and attempts to dominate the supply chains of artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation energy technologies, and biotechnology, among many others.
Establishes a new IC atrocities coordinator to increase collection, analysis, and intelligence support to government-wide efforts to hold China accountable for its egregious human rights abuses.
Promotes reform of the nation’s security classification system, including by reducing overclassification; establishing a new system of interagency governance and accountability; preventing mishandling of classified information; and promoting better use of technology to facilitate declassification and enhance public trust.
Strengthens the security of America’s voting systems by requiring that they undergo simulated attacks as part of their standard certification process, allowing for the discovery of potential vulnerabilities before these can be exploited by adversaries.
Requires the IC to conduct a “lessons-learned” assessment of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine and the long-term implications for United States national security and the NATO alliance.
Improves the IC’s procurement, adoption, and integration of emerging technologies by requiring the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to establish policies for the IC’s acquisition, adoption, development, and use of AI.
Protects against foreign counterintelligence risks at Department of Energy National Labs.
Enhances insight into the Venezuela Maduro regime’s imprisonment of United States persons.
Ensures the IC has a workforce that is second-to-none, by instituting improved IC workforce recruitment through education-based assistance; improving workforce mobility among IC agencies to meet national security needs; increasing recruitment priorities for candidates with financial intelligence and technical expertise; and requiring a standard procedure for investigating CIA sexual misconduct complaints, among other measures.
Increases transparency by strengthening Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) funding and reporting requirements.
Builds upon the Committee’s work in reforming the nation’s outdated security clearance system by requiring the codification of new timeliness standards for processing personnel vetting determinations.
Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis from collecting information or intelligence on U.S. persons.
Maintains strong congressional oversight of and protections for whistleblowers who come forward to report fraud, waste, or abuse.
Ensures continued support to the victims of anomalous health incidents (AHIs or “Havana Syndrome”) by improving the CIA’s funding flexibility for payments to qualified victims; and requiring each IC element to issue regulations and procedures for implementing HAVANA Act of 2021 authorities.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Out2News. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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