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Dignitaries, re-enactment soldiers, artists and history buffs all gathered at the Flagler Center on May 19 to celebrate the 80th year since the opening of the original’s building’s use as a Service Men’s Club on Sunday, Oct. 10, 1943.

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MARTIN COUNTY — The Florida Department of Health in Martin County encourages residents and visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend.

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INDIANTOWN – With the clock ticking down and Village staff and Council members here getting antsy, the principal organizer of the annual Da Swamp Homecoming festival had only a week to go when Interim Village Manager Taryn Kryzda signed off on the permit allowing the annual Memorial Day even…

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MARTIN COUNTY — The Florida Department of Health in Martin County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins for the waters in Lake Okeechobee-L004 .

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TREASURE COAST - Dale Atkinson, longtime women’s softball coach at Indian River State College, has been inducted in the National Junior College Athletic Association Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Atkinson will be recognized at the NJCAA Foundation Awards ceremony on June 8 in Charlotte, North C…

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STUART – The Martin County Commission majority approved major changes to the Special Parking Alternatives for Redevelopment Centers on May 9 in hopes of spurring interest in a languishing program that’s only seen one use since its inception in 2007.

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STUART — A.C.T. Studio Theatre will present a Spring Short Play Festival May 19 – 28. “Designer Shorts 2” is A.C.T.’s second writer’s competition featuring the work of local playwrights focused around one central theme. This year’s theme is “Secrets.”

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TREASURE COAST - Animal shelters are encouraging people to think about their pets when making hurricane plans. In Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties, the largest shelters emphasize the importance of identification, especially microchips, and vaccines.

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PORT SALERNO — Martin County parents and grandparents living near this community now have a new resource to help turn a day in the park into an interactive learning experience for toddlers thanks to the work of a dozen United Way volunteers in creating the county’s latest Born Learning Trail…

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INDIANTOWN — Despite pleas from local maritime industry officials for the Village Council to sign on to their lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard for actions with a private railroad company, its members only agreed to a resolution of support while barely…

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STUART — Four sensational vocalists and a six-piece orchestra grace the stage as the Barn rounds out its 52nd Season with its presentation of a musical from Tony Award winner Composer Jason Robert Brown. Songs for a New World examines life, love, and the choices we make, and does so with joy…

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INDIANTOWN — The Village Council here pondered the still missing components of the 2023 Da Swamp Homecoming application April 27, with some members wondering if the annual Memorial Day Weekend festival in Booker Park will even take place this year.

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SEWALL’S POINT – The town manager here dropped a bomb on commissioners April 25 that the only bid for the third phase of ongoing stormwater work along South Sewall’s Point Road had come in at $4 million over budget.

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STUART — After tabling the Haney Creek land lease discussion a few weeks prior, the City Commission relaunched the debate April 24 and authorized staff to begin negotiating terms for a long-term carwash tenant on the city’s two-acre parcel between Wright Boulevard and Baker Road east of U.S. 1.

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FORT PIERCE - Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce is the new home for four chimpanzees rescued from a roadside zoo. The four, ranging in age from 13-26, had been confined indoors by an exotic animal keeper recently sentenced to prison.

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INDIANTOWN — Indiantown residents are learning it takes a village to cultivate a garden. Yesterday was the grand opening of the Indiantown Community Garden at the Civic Center on Osceola Street. Also opening today is The Sugar Shack, a 12X20 shed to house all the items needed to maintain the…

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TREASURE COAST — Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, is the perfect time to practice being a master backyarder, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, community parks and other green spaces.

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FORT PIERCE — Oyster Fest celebrates the Fort Pierce waterfront and all of its bounty with delicious oysters, tasty seafood dishes, tropical drinks, a nice lineup of entertainment and an assortment of arts and crafts and nautical themed vendors along with unique merchandise booths to shop an…

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STUART — The City Commission put its final tweaks on the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Regulations April 10 as the crown in the Zoning in Progress implemented last fall to limit negative impacts from any future multifamily housing developments taking advantage of the city’s aff…

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SEWALL’S POINT — The town commissioners here once again tackled the thorny and occasionally divisive issue of un-permitted tree-removals April 11, but failed to reach a consensus on its new tree ordinance.

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STUART – At least 10 or more residents opposed to the idea of the city commission leasing out space in Poppleton Park for a private dog park showed up April 10 to continue their protest launched two weeks prior only to discover their previous efforts had already achieved their purpose.

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STUART — The majority of the Martin County Local Planning Agency recommended approval April 6 of the site plan for an 18-hole private golf course wedged between Southwest Kanner Highway and the Okeechobee Waterway on nearly 240 acres once belonging to the Box Ranch Groves.

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STUART – The Martin County Commission voted unanimously April 4 to approve three special warranty deeds for the purchase of 18 vacant parcels in the Pal-Mar Water Control District to add to its collection of conservation lands and, little by little, address a growing problem of illegal const…

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STUART — Facing a backlash of public protest, the City Commission voted unanimously March 27 to reconsider authorizing staff to negotiate a lease with a private citizen to close off part of Poppleton Creek Park for a membership-only dog bar, playing music and serving alcohol until 9 p.m.

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STUART – The City Commission agreed to close out its formal zoning in progress March 27 by amending both the city’s Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations to reduce the size of apartments qualifying for the half-unit affordable housing credit, increase the parking, and cap those…

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STUART — The majority of the Community Redevelopment Agency here voted March 27 to amend its 2023 budget to buy a $40,000 high-tech license plate reader to more easily catch parking violators.

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TREASURE COAST - The warm temperatures of spring mean that alligators are more active and visible. Courtship for alligators begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. As with many species, the increased activity of mating season presents opportunities for conflict with people.

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TREASURE COAST — Bat maternity season starts April 15, after which it is illegal to exclude bats from your home or other building until Aug. 15. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to check homes and other buildings for roosting bats before maternity season sta…

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STUART — Martin County staff and the County Commission chairman here found themselves temporarily sloshing through the ongoing septic-to-sewer debate swirling around South Sewall’s Point until the town’s manager abruptly pulled the plug.

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TREASURE COAST - Indian River State College will host a Veterans Wellness Event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wed., April 5, at the Veterans Center of Excellence at the college’s Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. The event is free to veterans and active duty military members residing in Martin, St. …

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INDIANTOWN — The Village Council here unanimously approved the major site plan March 9 for a new single-family residential development between Southwest Famel Boulevard and Fernwood Forrest Road, despite concerns from some nearby homeowners that additional traffic could overrun their roadways.

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STATEWIDE — A new bill introduced in the Florida legislature, SB 1096 in the Senate and HB 1607 in the House, would ban the removal of any of the state’s Confederate monuments or memorials. The bill would also restrict the placement of signs or plaques nearby that explain the memorial.

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STUART — After a lengthy discussion during a special meeting held March 9, the City Commission here voted unanimously to appoint City Attorney Michael Mortell as interim city manager in light of David Dyess’ imminent departure, as well as selecting retired city manager Paul Nicoletti as inte…

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Lil B and LolaYou’re gonna need a big lap.We are Lil B and Lola, a pair of 4-year-old housecats who love to sit on your lap. We are good with people of all ages and we are ok with other cats, too. We lost our home when our owner moved , and we are ready to love you. We want to stay together,…

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Everyone, meet Banjo! At the time of this January photo, Banjo was 16 months old. This Boxer's favorite things to do are playing, eating treats and traveling! In fact, his registered name is “Traveling Banjo." He lives with Tom & Debbie Stelling in Daytona Beach. 

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One lucky Beachside reader, Jean Morgan, from Indialantic, got to attend this year's Kentucky Derby in Louisville on May 6. And, of course, she was kind enough to take us along for the experience. You should have seen her hat in the other photos!

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We got a real treat for this week's catch! Jaxon Maffia, 4, caught a 10-inch-long, small mouth bass in a pond in Palm Bay, Brevard County. This was his very first catch during his very first time fishing!

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Meet Daisy. The 9-year-old, mixed-breed cutie loves to lounge in the sun, eat, and walk and sniff with her friends. She lives with her family, Nancy and Henry Dellosso, in Melbourne Beach. 

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These pets and many more are available for adoption through the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast main shelter and thrift stores. Normal adoption hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Have a question? Give us a call at 772-223-8822. View all available pets …

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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Enzo is a VERY SPECIAL doggie. Enzo has an illness that can not be treated. He is a happy doggie who wants to find a home with a companion who will give him love for the time he has. Can you open your heart to Enzo so he knows he is not alone. Let him feel affection and tender care from a fr…

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Adin Mason went fishing off the Eau Gallie Causeway Canal. The 25-year-old caught a handsome, 30-pound snook. 

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Titusville resident Mary Bair and her son, Benjamin rode the train on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Of course, they took their issue of the Hometown News with them! 

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Townies Nestor and Maria Zapelli, of Vero Beach, visited the St. Francis Inn, a St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast, and took this photo with their puppy on June 10, 2022, in celebration of their 50 year anniversary! Congratulations and many more, guys! 

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Gracie is an-almost 22-month-old Rottweiler who loves to play with friends at doggy daycare, go for car rides, and take naps. She lives with her person, Emily, in Port St. Lucie. 

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These pets and many more are available for adoption through the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast main shelter and thrift stores. Normal adoption hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have a question? Give us a call at 772-223-8822. View all avai…

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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Meet Tucker. In this November of 2022 photo, Tucker is a 3-month-old Havanese pup, who likes chewing on anything and everything. He loves to romp and run and play with his squeaky toys. He lives with his companion, Audrey Taggart, in Hobe Sound.

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Melbourne Beach resident Robert A. Sielski ran the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Here he is before the start holding a copy of the Hometown News.

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Four-year-old Jake and 7-month-old Axle inspect a hydrant at a dog park in Vero Beach. The park offers a glimpse of what could come to Stuart.

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These pets and many more are available for adoption through the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast main shelter and thrift stores. Normal adoption hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have a question? Give us a call at 772-223-8822. View all avai…

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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This is Roja. Her name translates to “Red Girl” from Spanish. She is a 15-year-old, domestic cutie. Roja’s favorite pastimes are sleeping, eating, and sleeping some more. She lives in Sebastian with her family, Dan and Palma Wekselblatt. 

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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This is Bonnie, named in honor of her human's late mother. The family is not sure of her exact birthday, but this almost-five-year-old cutie was born sometime in April of 2018. As her human's mother was a tax consultant, as a kind of tribute, April 15 was selected as her birthday.

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Townie sisters, Bonnie Hoyle and Regina McDaniel, both residents of Cocoa Beach, are pictured here smiling big for a good reason: This photo was taken when the lovely lady pair left together to go on their Alaskan cruise back in August 26, 2022. Surely a wonderful experience for them, as the…

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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This is Greyson McClellan, 5, from Fort Pierce. This cute, little and impressive fisherman caught a 7-pound Bass in Buckhead Ridge, Okeechobee. Just look at his proud face! 

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Our readers, Lynn and Julie Mallak of Indialantic, visited the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo in the fall of 2022, getting up close to marine life and the fascinating underwater universe.

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Leroy is a 16-year-old Dauchaund living in Port St. John with his Mum Donna. Leroy recently visited the Easter Bunny in his Favorite Cocoa Village. He's doing well as an old man. He loves car rides and dog events. 

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Robert "Smitty" Smith caught this Triple Tail Black Drum at Castaway Park in Palm Bay on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  As he pulled it out of the water, he exclaimed, "We got a keeper!" Great catch, Smitty! 

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Adam, Becca and 14-month-old sons Ansel and Lionel spent a week in Germany for Christmas markets and vacation. This photo was taken on Dec. 7, 2023, in front of Neuschwanstein Castle. Of course, the Hometown News was there with them, enjoying the moment. 

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Maui is a well-loved, 12-year-old Chocolate Labrador. His favorite things to do are eating, sleeping, and basking in the sun with his family, Austin and Caroline, in their West Melbourne home. Maui is our Pet of the Week!

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m to 5 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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Our reader, Barbara Sandberg, of Melbourne Beach, and her granddaughter, Alana, of DuPont, Washington, visited Tradewinds Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii, from April 2 to 5, 2023. Of course, they took us along for the extraordinary ride!  

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Meet Tesha! At the time of this photo in December of 2022, Tesha was just 6 months old. The Black Lab mix is a playful pup who loves to romp around the house, be petted, and get water -- whether it's for drinking or splashing; it's all good with Tesha, as long as it's wet. She lives in West …

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These pets and more are available at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. We’re located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m to 4:30 on weekends. For more information call (772) 388-3331 or visit http://hsvb.org/.

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Hometown News would like to celebrate Ms. Tillie Oppenheim from Port St. Lucie, who turned 104 years young last week! All of her family and friends gathered Saturday, March 11, at Watercrest Senior living to celebrate her longevity. The party was themed with purple and pink —Tillie's favorit…