[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5974065,"mediaKeyId","5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c","parentId",5844147,"title","City approves Seacoast Bank headquarters, with conditions for landscaping and future right‑of‑way easement","audioSeconds",5617,"startMs",1763000,"endMs",7380000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c&start=1763&end=7380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c/thumbnail_1763000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5974065/Florida/City-approves-Seacoast-Bank-headquarters-with-conditions-for-landscaping-and-future-rightofway-easement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974065-f07f8c68f8a6f10ca41482e15900a7b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841338&Signature=bHXSC4mJG~zg9AQWDPPhsoZzYU~H8~aGlehgxJkdQGVRNzLDlWtX0fKnhl3IlpEeLjfl0Sd8DQZP5SqczEfggI~oMwVVQ-YfZmTYZR-C7r7RWmV9gAOsjCDXwd5RNXWwa5JKpqpz-PpbcLfS~FAZvplAnbBXzt1j3KyHc3qI~Y2Z42j54JQCaXrYmABF46cE4IhY4YCXbIR76P9py7vFr0gH11vbIA~0JUOKU5gulApzEk8yT7xUDq9jZFUVHxf~RjAx7nfParyN2b30tbBeF78g-LDMWRzh5PHSSljeFW3c0rAkTa9z8-gAHLYxBJGghclmC3A1mw3-N-ciSiCpYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Stuart, FL","date","2025-09-25T18:55:35Z","article","The Stewart City Commission on Sept. 22 approved a major development plan and conditional‑use permit for Seacoast Bank’s proposed headquarters at the southeast corner of U.S. 1 and Colorado Avenue, clearing a 58,647‑square‑foot, three‑story office building, drive‑through teller and a detached parking garage. The commission voted 5‑0 to adopt staff’s recommendation, adding two conditions that staff and the applicant refine tree species and sizes on the Colorado Avenue garage frontage and that the bank not unreasonably withhold an easement to allow future expansion of the Colorado Avenue sidewalk if Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) improvements require it.

The project will be built on an 8.13‑acre site inside the city’s Creek District form‑based code. Staff and the applicant said the redevelopment will increase landscaped green space, modernize an aging 1961 headquarters building, and reduce impervious surface relative to the existing layout by consolidating parking into a structure behind the new building.

The city’s development director, Jody Kugler, told the commission the application seeks four conditional exceptions: (1) allow a detached private parking garage as primary parking, (2) relief from primary‑street frontage requirements for the main entrance, (3) temporary retention of existing 7‑foot sidewalks on U.S. 1 and Colorado until roadway infrastructure allows a full 10‑foot sidewalk, and (4) allow the garage to exceed the code’s 200‑foot horizontal massing limit to 246 feet to achieve gentler ramp slopes. Kugler said the design “complies with the standards of review” in the land development code and is consistent with the city comprehensive plan and CRA goals.

Applicant counsel George Mysimer and Seacoast executives presented the proposal, describing the building materials, landscaping and stormwater approach. Tracy Dexter, Seacoast’s chief financial officer, said the Stewart campus houses about 225 employees and “the new Seacoast headquarters will be a vibrant anchor for Downtown Stewart,” and highlighted the bank’s local lending totals and volunteer work.

Chief engineer Joseph Capra and consultant teams explained stormwater improvements on the site, including an exfiltration system and a dry bioretention area that will detain and treat run‑off before routing to the existing outfall. Capra said the design “will exceed the city's requirements” for water quality and will remove a portion of site runoff that now overflows into the nearby intersection.

Several neighbors and business owners spoke in favor of keeping Seacoast’s headquarters in Stuart; more than 40 people provided public comment during a large, mostly supportive turnout. The Community Redevelopment Board had unanimously recommended approval at its Sept. 15 meeting.

Commissioners discussed long‑term implications for the parcel behind the new building, stressing that any future redevelopment of that back portion would return to the commission for review. Commissioner concerns about visibility and tree maturity led to the condition that staff and the applicant “work together to provide larger, more mature shade trees along Colorado Avenue to soften the garage facade.” The commission’s approval also included the standard development conditions listed in Resolution 85‑2025, as amended at the dais.

Action: Commissioner Clark moved approval with the added landscape and right‑of‑way easement provisions; Commissioner Gioby seconded. The vote was 5‑0 (Reid, Gioby, Clark, Mayor Rich, Vice Mayor Collins) to approve Resolution 85‑2025.

The applicant said the new headquarters and garage will be built in phases: the new building first, staff and branch will move in, then the existing main building will be demolished and the parking garage constructed. Seacoast said it currently intends to keep operations on the rear portion of the parcel during construction and has no immediate redevelopment plan for that area; any future change would go through the city’s review process.

Why it matters: The vote allows a long‑established local employer and lender to modernize its campus and adds taxable value and new public‑facing plaza space downtown, while the commission sought to protect pedestrian safety and future street improvements through conditions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09/22/2025 Stuart City Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Stewart City Commission on Sept. 22 approved a major development plan and conditional‑use permit for Seacoast Bank’s proposed headquarters at the southeast corner of U.S. 1 and Colorado Avenue, including a new three‑story, 58,647‑square‑foot office building and a detached parking garage.","taxTitle","City of Stuart, Martin County, Florida","taxId",71255,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5974045,"Commission adopts final FY2026 millage and budget; city sets 4.9‑mill rate, up 4.22% over rollback",161,12049000,12210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c&start=12049&end=12210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c/thumbnail_12049000.jpg","/articles/5974045/Florida/Commission-adopts-final-FY2026-millage-and-budget-city-sets-49mill-rate-up-422-over-rollback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974045-f4201a5c54a53da71918b4b28946ae01/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841338&Signature=Z1rmsGUGghbClDte7~k9Oe3lI7bJdLyKDAGc~c~LmcLW~cl4rlP-QLi1dTOCrfj10pLAwzYKJTa4NQPO-OI02g48nfTFggh1bdFpntUkPf56oeMiV5NtZ7ILLIxsM4qukGL3vpsiNaKRcQmaY9Ra2W5Nasn3zMzjIjIyQ2GvkyzX919N-L0R~mSPY9~q7Yim8C0rfqGsvb6YtvSME8eHEwJFYYMHoBOmEGONstwFHlrttyDSafJSJdY37paYV9jP2Tmkaa4ZfeUi8oyECyS6X963MoKpdXOqo87xN7IE~AJWMOKFD6lKwLjHjAvJzkfneK91Li4Hz0SxngqqlJqHbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stewart City Commission adopted the final millage rate and fiscal year 2026 budget during a second public hearing on Sept. 22. The commission set a 4.9‑mill property tax rate, which staff said is 4.22% above the computed rollback rate of 4.7014 mills. Commissioners voted 5‑0 to adopt the millage (Resolution 96‑2025) and to adopt the final budgets for FY2026 (Resolution 97‑2025).

Finance staff reminded the commission the hearing followed the required public notice and that no substantive changes to the budget had been made since the tentative hearing. The purpose of the 4.9‑mill rate, staff said, is to fund ongoing operations and recognize normal increases in costs for city services.

City staff also explained some newly authorized contracts (environmental counsel, federal relations, and engineering work) will be funded from previously appropriated FY25 dollars; they recommended issuing purchase orders to obligate those funds prior to the Sept. 30 fiscal year end so the monies carry forward under purchase order obligations.

Why it matters: Adoption of the millage and budget determines the city’s primary property tax levy and spending plan for the coming fiscal year. Staff said the city retains a strong bond rating and healthy fiscal position and that Moody’s rating remains consistent with cities of comparable size.

Action: Commission motion to adopt the final millage and budget; roll‑call votes were unanimous in favor.","The commission adopted the final fiscal year 2026 millage rate of 4.9 mills—4.22% higher than the rollback rate—and approved the FY2026 budget as presented; staff said the increase funds operations and rising costs and that available FY25 appropriations will be used to obligate certain contracts before year end.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5974049,"City seeks $1 million in state or federal funds to redesign and harden Tenth Street Community Center",1762,10042000,11804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c&start=10042&end=11804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c/thumbnail_10042000.jpg","/articles/5974049/Florida/City-seeks-1-million-in-state-or-federal-funds-to-redesign-and-harden-Tenth-Street-Community-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974049-da747b2fff816320860465aefbd13208/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841338&Signature=LZOiJFCpFDlUZe0ukJnXcMTwuUrlYR0whrrvGz7LaKlN13UJpDa2X6PQB-eSPme1GndNaJWUXl0fvw3rMU448PajBjT4ZDJU1qvPdSbydDG0d0ckX0qATsbXJKAkq~qAztcmyl2KFGDAp56S4IyCU0Wa-4b7vaZasXWKBDOO5SCt1llnUis5a~V01zmuDXi5FirHMTj3u2DB68T0fpvAnds7qMLrjFRa8eni~jaS4W29HNKhoaHAMga8--Fh2iQx4lqqbw8MY5BtEULuJDPbVclyLC8XIj2M~NVFj7F~E-P9-DK7QF1bx942GhTLeGDTRMtVxgj1s-qqfI8Hl43k~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 22 meeting the commission approved its legislative priorities for the 2026 session, including a request to seek up to $1 million for design‑build work on the Tenth Street Community Center. Community Services Director Jim Chorowski said staff propose the funding for a two‑fold purpose: to modernize and expand the facility’s role as a multi‑generational community center and to harden the building so it can serve as a shelter or support location for city operations during hurricanes and other disasters.

Chorowski noted prior evaluations showed the existing Tenth Street structure would only meet Category‑2 wind standards and that the city has no hardened alternative other than the public safety building for staff and essential functions during a major storm. The request is timed with ongoing Guy Davis Park improvements and anticipated county or FDOT work nearby and is intended to leverage CRA and other local funds if state or federal appropriations become available.

The commission approved a resolution adopting the city’s legislative priorities and asked staff to present the request to the Martin County legislative delegation in the October 21 delegation meeting; staff said the 2026 legislative session begins Jan. 13, 2026.

Why it matters: If funded, the design‑build request could both upgrade a long‑used municipal facility and provide the city with an additional hardened space for continuity of operations and community sheltering. The proposal is specifically framed to support both community programming and resilience needs rather than supplanting county or school district shelters.","City staff recommended the commission adopt legislative priorities that include a request for up to $1 million toward design and build of a hardened, multi‑use Tenth Street Community Center that could serve as a resilient shelter and community facility.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5974054,"City approves contracts for environmental counsel, federal liaison and engineering review to support water and infrastructure strategy",2512,7663000,10175000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c&start=7663&end=10175","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c/thumbnail_7663000.jpg","/articles/5974054/Florida/City-approves-contracts-for-environmental-counsel-federal-liaison-and-engineering-review-to-support-water-and-infrastructure-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974054-0baf833f8e113ea72e801c4edc850128/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841338&Signature=XcygBAhtojFndSjwNlIfmzl4~g5lK8sG3P2o6RRy8rMsvsX9nzjqFUJwG3kKz3e92cgjLy9z8ABLnbgCNevdR1oexO0dMTNSPpw0dEs3qhzBDNm88hkd367~b3xr3mvTXuMGgPpJk9dWjJCvnVVLUD8lTnNcM~hpFQeL1eTECBUxUwIMZ5qI~FTVYsA25~VspfWk0KHk59obgSnc4~KRHxtlPWGORuehfzUe-kRezZatH8wREV1oyZ6RBpG0cvdiTKlx0N5Xb1tp80zYM8ioC9tmKwI-iYMa7eEcqZOti7OSplWcSmmWRIQHLvB6jBGPE3fqrzXwOIki3mTj7g70mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stewart City Commission on Sept. 22 approved three contracts intended to advance the city’s environmental strategy, federal advocacy and technical understanding of regional water projects. The commission authorized a not‑to‑exceed professional legal services agreement with Harvey M. Sheldon, a 12‑month federal government relations contract with Thorn Run Partners, and a Holtz Consulting Engineers work authorization to subcontract Hazen & Sawyer for a comprehensive review of existing, planned and under‑construction Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and regional stormwater projects.

City environmental counsel (new hire) Rose Holmes summarized the rationale: the city needs independent, technical and legal analysis of water infrastructure projects and funding opportunities to support targeted advocacy and to understand which regional projects will materially benefit the St. Lucie River and estuary. Holmes said Thorn Run will monitor congressional activity, Army Corps programs and appropriations schedules; she said Hazen & Sawyer will inventory capacities and construction status of CERP and other projects (for example C‑25, C‑24 and C‑44 interconnects) to identify which projects are fully functional and which still need construction or repairs.

Holtz/Hazen’s proposed work is intended to create an independent knowledge base — including capacities, performance and readiness — that the city can use when advocating to state and federal partners for prioritized funding to reduce local discharges or address water quality. Holmes said Harvey Sheldon brings federal environmental enforcement and regulatory experience and could advise on administrative or statutory avenues if the city needs to pursue federal or administrative remedies.

Action: The commission voted unanimously to authorize the three contracts: Resolution 91‑2025 (Harvey Sheldon), Resolution 92‑2025 (Thorn Run Partners), and Resolution 93‑2025 (Holtz/Hazen work authorization). The motions were moved and seconded with roll‑call approval.

Why it matters: The contracts are intended to arm the city with legal, lobbying and independent engineering analysis to better target limited local advocacy resources toward federal and state projects that provide measurable benefits to local waterways. The Holtz/Hazen work will produce data the city said is not readily available in public portals, including capacity and operational status of regional water control structures, and therefore will shape the city’s requests in the next round of federal appropriations and Corps project prioritization.","The commission authorized three professional agreements to support environmental and regional infrastructure work: legal counsel with Harvey M. Sheldon, federal government relations with Thorn Run Partners, and a Holtz Consulting work authorization to subcontract Hazen & Sawyer for a systems review of regional water and CERP projects.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5974059,"Commission adopts updated tow‑truck fee schedule to match county rates after industry clarification",605,1101000,1706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c&start=1101&end=1706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5844147-5aa06babad3f382a1020b1fd1ea83b7c/thumbnail_1101000.jpg","/articles/5974059/Florida/Commission-adopts-updated-towtruck-fee-schedule-to-match-county-rates-after-industry-clarification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974059-d847c63081bf651b50bdea39ee1b1b6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1774841338&Signature=YLMl7H8nx2tt9g9ZOe6WWPYB48Rj2KnXMYc5DpBRn7Bkr0j8yt1z0JAxaFy8JpJAWY8tCGl5vj2qxMwfA-189C3VrroR~DWLeBDrmHdfzr2qEa2CjCjvXSwFoDYjujBqUlxf~2~1nUUO9UxMKJVsXN0HUPLgO-bZp1HVcqWAxiGZeQimUmSMLc7ZT5NQa-3zvAWqSO5r2m21aE0LJpYQlp3A171jqaJkEQ-jMUepoTHTm2~NyXqNh7zyBG913Gc9QGo9HRXRZXqTwMTL~-CWrlcRQQwlCTHoPeebBp9qyGVPrMw0o-yFR2YaOuGM7Rhlaci0CobtykzAwdVFD2SVXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stewart City Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 86‑2025 on Sept. 22 to update Appendix A of the city code — the municipal fee schedule — revising towing and vehicle‑impound fees to match Martin County’s chart. The commission approved the change following public comment from local tow operators who sought parity between city and county charges and clarification from the police department that a missing labor‑on‑scene line would be corrected.

Police and tow operators said discrepancies in the draft fee sheet caused confusion for customers who sometimes face different invoices for police‑directed tows in adjacent jurisdictions. Nate Miskuan, owner of All Hooked Up Towing, asked for consistent pricing and for the city to retain a 30‑minute rotation/ETA for heavy wreckers because traffic and growth have made a shorter response window difficult to meet.

Dustin Driscoll of KW Record Service, another city rotation company, asked that the “labor on scene after 30 minutes” language be made explicit; he pointed out that the schedule included separate yard‑storage schedules that do not reflect labor‑on‑scene charges. The police chief acknowledged a formatting omission when staff transferred the county schedule into the city document and said staff would restore the missing dolly/first‑30‑minutes and extra‑15‑minute entries.

City staff said the appendix was intentionally changed to verbatim county amounts for consistency. The fees revised included hookup‑miles, class rates and storage tiers; staff noted the adopted schedule will be codified as Appendix A to the city code and effective upon adoption.

Action: The commission moved and seconded the item (motion by Vice Mayor Collins; second by Commissioner Clark) and adopted the resolution by roll call; the vote was 5‑0.

Why it matters: The change aims to reduce confusion for vehicle owners and tow operators by aligning city charges with county charges and by fixing the missing labor‑on‑scene entries. The police department and towing businesses will need to coordinate to ensure customers receive consistent rate information and receipts.","The commission adopted Resolution 86‑2025 to update the city’s fee schedule (Appendix A) for towing and related charges to match Martin County’s rates, after tow operators and police clarified missing line items and labor‑on‑scene language.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves Seacoast Bank headquarters, with conditions for landscaping and future right‑of‑way easement

Commission adopts final FY2026 millage and budget; city sets 4.9‑mill rate, up 4.22% over rollback

City seeks $1 million in state or federal funds to redesign and harden Tenth Street Community Center

City approves contracts for environmental counsel, federal liaison and engineering review to support water and infrastructure strategy

Commission adopts updated tow‑truck fee schedule to match county rates after industry clarification