🌅 Taxes & Roads

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You can never plan too much. That's why Yates Funeral Home is hosting a free lunch while teaching you how to protect your family through advance planning.

Join them on Tuesday, January 27th OR Wednesday, January 28th at 11:30 AM at their Port St. Lucie location (526 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd).

Learn how to:

No sales pitch. Just helpful information and a complimentary lunch.

Space is limited—RSVP required. Call 800-429-0314 or register at yatesfuneralblog.com/lunch-learn

St. Lucie County will present its case Monday to Fort Pierce commissioners for extending the half-cent infrastructure sales tax another 10 years when it goes before voters in November 2026.

The History: Voters rejected the tax in 2016 when it got 48% support. In 2018, the county worked with Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie to reframe it as "Better Roads, More Sidewalks and Cleaner Rivers." That version passed with 56% approval.

By the Numbers:

Fort Pierce's Next Decade: The city's proposed project list includes Avenue D reconstruction ($2.5 million), 13th Street improvements in multiple phases (up to $8 million), Hibiscus Park neighborhood improvements ($6 million), Virginia Avenue canal stabilization ($5.5 million), and $1 million per year for street resurfacing.

The Case: According to the presentation, most county funds are earmarked for specific purposes like the sheriff, mosquito control, and building department. Gas tax revenues for roads have declined or stagnated while costs rise. Funding roads from the general fund would mean service cuts elsewhere. Sales tax spreads the burden beyond property owners.

What's Next: Municipalities are updating their 10-year project lists. The county commission will vote to add the extension to the November 2026 ballot. Educational meetings with civic groups and HOAs planned for summer and fall. See presentation and project list | Half-cent tax website

Vero Beach and developers Clearpath Services and The Blue at Vero Beach are working on a final development agreement for the Three Corners waterfront project, expected to be completed by spring with construction potentially starting mid-2027. The phased redevelopment of the former power plant site will include restaurants, a skate park, workforce housing, retail, hotels and an event center.

👉 Read more (TCPalm, TCPalm subscription may be required)

Fort Pierce District 2 voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose between Chris Dzadovsky and Jaimebeth Galinis for the vacant commission seat. Campaign finance reports show Dzadovsky has raised nearly $60,000 compared to Galinis' $40,000.

👉 Read more (Hometown News)

Martin County School District is accepting School Choice applications through March 31 for the 2026-27 school year, allowing Florida residents inside and outside the county to apply to any school in the A-rated district. Martin County residents receive priority, and families must provide their own transportation to schools outside assigned attendance zones.

👉 Read more (WQCS)

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja'Min

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