Stuart, Fla. — Commissioners used the first meeting of 2025 to spotlight homelessness and the announced loss of nearby maternity and neonatal intensive-care access, and to press staff for follow-up steps.

Commissioner Gioby and Commissioner Clark described rising homelessness in the city and county and cited a statutory change they said took effect Jan. 1 (identified in the meeting as “statute 13/65”), which one commissioner summarized as making it unlawful to sleep outside on public land and directing municipalities to provide permitted camping locations with specified services (security, behavioral health, running water). Commissioners asked how the city would comply and what the county’s plans are to provide approved camping areas and services.

City Manager Mike Mortel and the city attorney said they had already met with county staff and the sheriff’s office about the new law and were preparing a standard operating procedure for city staff (parks, recreation and public works) to report evidence of camping or people storing personal items. Mortel said the police department already has policies in place and staff will deliver a reporting and follow-up system for city employees.

Commissioners also raised the scheduled April 2025 reduction in local maternity and neonatal services after Cleveland Clinic’s acquisition of Martin Memorial. Commissioners and the manager said residents could face a minimum 35-minute travel time to alternate services; Mortel said he had asked Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Singh to attend a Feb. 10 meeting to explain the clinical and operational plan and answer commissioners’ questions.

Ending — The city manager said staff would assemble policy language and convene relevant partners — sheriff’s office, county, and hospital representatives — and bring updates to the commission at future meetings.