1

A rich natural environment, abundant agricultural lands and

leading efforts to preserve its high quality of life have

served Martin County well through the years. But the pres-

sures for development continue mounting. Nearly 127,000 people now

call Martin County home, an increase of more than 25 percent since

1990. Concerns about traffic congestion, school overcrowding, flooding,

the health of the area’s river system, the water supply, and the impacts of

development on the natural environment are also on the rise. Local

headlines chronicle the ongoing debate about managing growth while

promoting a healthy economy. This handbook is intended to guide the

residents of Martin County in becoming active partners in ensuring a

smarter, more sustainable future for the community they love.

Growing SmarterFacing the Challenge

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

2 3

RPeople, Places and a Rich Environment

Preserving Quality of Life

People

M any of Martin County’s resi-dents enjoy an enviable qual-ity of life. With the second

highest per capita income in the state($40,133), Martin is second only to Collierand slightly ahead of Palm Beach County.Still, not all share in this wealth. Approxi-mately 10 percent of the county’s generalpopulation—and 18 percent of its chil-dren—live below poverty level.

Each winter,

Martin County’s popula-tion swells by an additional 30,000 sea-sonal residents. A sizeable portion ofMartin County’s population—currentlymore than 28 percent—is 65 and older.This transitional and aging populationpresents special challenges.

Located in a fast-growing area, overthe coming decade, Martin County’s popu-lation is expected to climb to more than150,000.1 Neighboring Palm BeachCounty’s population has increased by 31percent over the last decade to over 1.1million residents, and is expected to reach1.25 million by the end of the decade. St.Lucie County, which grew by more than 28percent between 1990 and 2000 to almost200,000, anticipates an additional 32,000residents by decade’s end.2 Port St.Lucie’s population alone exploded by al-most 50 percent in the 1990s, from 55,761to 83,254. 3 This immense regional growthalso places increasing pressures on MartinCounty.

Places

Three important transportationprojects have stimulated MartinCounty’s development at different

times in its history. In the 1880s, Henry

Flagler began building what ultimatelywould become the Florida East Coast Rail-road and run from Jacksonville to KeyWest. Early in the twentieth century, theDixie Highway (now U.S. 1) was con-structed, eventually spanning over 5,700miles from Ontario, Canada, to Miami andopening South Florida for tourism andsettlement. More recently, in the 1980s,Interstate 95 was completed through Mar-tin County, bringing additional growth.

In 1925, the county named in honor ofGovernor John Martin was created. Stuart,incorporated in 1914 and its county seat,has retained its historic downtown, olderneighborhoods, and, with a population of16,000, its small town charm. Other incor-porated areas within the county are prima-rily residential, including Jupiter Island, a17-mile barrier island with just over 600residents and strict low density zoning toprotect the island’s natural beauty. HarryHoke’s 80-acre Ocean Breeze Park, firstestablished in the 1930s as an “oldFlorida-style mobile home park,” has fewerthan 500 residents. Sewalls Point, with apopulation close to 2,000, is situated on aspit of land at the intersection of the St.Lucie and Indian Rivers.

Unincorporated residentialcommunities abound. Hobe Sound, anenclave of 11,000, started out in the 1920sas a center for motion picture production.Indiantown, in the heart of Martin County’scitrus country, was established as a railroadtown in the 1920s and now is home to apopulation of 5,600. Jensen Beach has11,000 residents,4 and with 20,000residents, Palm City is now the county’smost populous community. Dotting thecounty are other residential communities,ranging from Port Salerno (population

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

esidents of Martin County are proud of their quality of life.

Attractive communities provide many amenities. Vast tracts

of countryside remain in agricultural use, maintaining

economic stability and protecting scenic open vistas. Providing an ever-

present backdrop are Martin County’s rich natural resources–including

a verdant tapestry of rivers, wetlands, uplands, estuaries and barrier

islands. But Martin County has its share of problems, too: congested

roads, strip shopping centers, sprawling subdivisions, a shortage of

affordable housing, and children living in poverty are just a few.

Martin County’s people, places and rich natural environment

present both opportunities and challenges for the future.

4 5

10,000) to Rio (population 1,000).With a central commercial area and

older neighborhoods—a mixture ofhomes, shops, and offices—historicStuart has retained a “traditional” patternof compact development. However, mostof the county’s newer communities reflectthe kind of low-density development moretypical of the second half of the last cen-tury. Sprawling neighborhoods, many ofthem gated communities, increasingly eatinto the county’s natural areas. Locatedfar from shopping, schools, and jobs, resi-dents must depend on their cars. Theyhave no choice but to drive to buy a gal-lon of milk, take their children to school,or travel to work on increasingly con-gested roads that link their neighborhoodswith strip commercial centers and iso-lated schools and office parks.

Environmental Riches andThreatened Ecosystems

R esidents and tourists alike enjoythe rich variety of plants and wildlife found in this 556 square mile

county. Besides manatees and dolphins,oysters, shrimp, and hundreds of fish spe-cies flourish in the warm shallow waters ofthe Indian River Lagoon. Osprey and peli-cans soar overhead, while ibis can be seenwading among the mangroves, shorelinegrasses, and sea grasses that provide shel-ter and sustenance. Meanwhile, scrubjays, gopher tortoises, and scrub lizardseke out an existence in the county’s dis-tinctive upland scrub habitats.

As a part of the greater Evergladesecosystem, Martin County follows a natu-ral subtropical cycle of summer rains that

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

Mar

tin

Co

un

ty’s

Mu

nic

ipal

itie

s an

d C

on

serv

atio

n L

and

s

Mun

icip

alit

ies

Maj

or

Co

nse

rvat

ion

Lan

ds

and

Par

ks

Pro

po

sed

Co

nse

rvat

ion

Acq

uisi

tio

ns

6 7

historically flooded large areas, and drywinter months when the waters subsided.For the most part, its waters flow fromLake Okeechobee eastward to the AtlanticOcean.

The Everglades. The 2.4-million-acre greater Everglades ecosystemstretches south from Orlando to the watersof the Florida Bay. When the Evergladeswere ditched and drained during the lastcentury, and the lake was diked, a largepart of the water that once drained throughwhat Marjory Stoneman Douglas calledthe “River of Grass” was diverted to theAtlantic Ocean.

As an example, in Martin County,water was collected in a series of canalsand funneled through the St. Lucie andother smaller rivers and canals into theestuaries of the St. Lucie, Loxahatchee,and Indian Rivers. These projects drainedwetlands in much of western MartinCounty, opening lands up for agriculturaluses, including the vast cattle ranches andcitrus farms that operate there today.

But there were costs as well. Becausethis drainage system artificially alteredthe amount of water flowing into area estu-aries, now there is too much water some-times and other times too little, affectingthe salinity of the estuary. Stormwater run-off and drainage containing contaminantssuch as muck, silt, nutrients, pesticides,and other pollutants further degrade thewater quality, reducing the overall healthof the estuaries and the productiveseagrasses. Water that once percolatedinto the ground in these wet areas was di-verted by this drainage system to the coastand flushed into the tidewaters.

In this way, drainage of the land hasreduced the future supply of drinking

water,5 and harmed the habitats ofpanther, black bear, and other endangeredspecies of the greater Everglades.

Atlantic Ridge and EasternFlatlands. Located roughly between U.S.1 and Interstate 95 is the Atlantic Ridgeecosystem, Florida’s prehistoric shoreline.Its ancient dune ridges reach to 85 feetabove sea level. This upland area, with itssandy, well-drained soils, has proven apopular area for settlement. Just west isthe area known as the Eastern Flatlands,ranging from 20 to 30 feet above sea level.

Uplands. On higher elevation areasthroughout the county, plant species suchas slash pine and oak trees thrive, oftenwith an understory of saw palmetto. Rain-water seeping through the higher, sandysoils is filtered and sent into the aquifer,replenishing wetlands, ponds, creeks, andthe water supply. Martin County has someof the largest remaining concentrations ofscrub, one of the rarest forms of uplandhabitat, in South Florida.

Wetlands. Covered with shallow andoften fluctuating levels of water and dottedwith uplands are Martin County’s vast ex-panses of fresh and saltwater wetlands.These provide many important values.Wetlands cleanse and store rain andstormwater before it recharges the aquifer.They reduce the impacts of flooding byacting as a sponge, soaking up floodwa-ters, then releasing them slowly. They offera splendidly diverse haven for wildlife,providing food and shelter to many ofFlorida’s threatened and endangered spe-cies. The health of the estuaries of the In-dian and St. Lucie Rivers is directly tiedto the health of its freshwater and saltwaterwetlands.

St. Lucie River. An integral part of

Preserving Quality of LifePeople, Places and a Rich Environment

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

8 9

Preserving Quality of LifePeople, Places and a Rich Environment

the greater region’s ecosystem, its southfork meanders west into northern MartinCounty. There it links up with the St.Lucie Canal, which connects to LakeOkeechobee.

The river’s serious degradation beganwith the construction of the canal in 1916as part of the 152-mile-long OkeechobeeWaterway that crosses the state, connect-ing the Gulf of Mexico to the AtlanticOcean. Since then, sediment from erodingcanal banks, stormwater runoff containingagricultural pesticides and fertilizers, andsurges of fresh water released from LakeOkeechobeee have caused significantproblems. Seagrass and oysters are amongthe many casualties of this tampering withmother nature.6

“River of Turtles.” Almost half amillion acres of land in western PalmBeach and Martin Counties drain intowhat the Seminole Indians called the“river of turtles,” the Loxahatchee. Be-sides providing valuable natural habitat,this watershed is the source of the waterthat flows from the taps of nearly everyhome in northern Palm Beach and south-ern Martin Counties. The Loxahatchee is afederally-designated Wild and ScenicRiver. It also has been designated an Out-standing Florida Water, an Aquatic Pre-serve, and a Manatee Protection Area.7

Unfortunately, development in theLoxahatchee watershed is threatening thevery lifeblood of that river.

Treasure Coast. Martin County hasmore than 135 miles of shoreline, includ-ing significant portions of two Atlanticbarrier islands, the Indian River Lagoon,Intracoastal Waterway, and St. Lucie andLoxahatchee Rivers. These coastal re-sources contribute to the county’s beauty,

Blowing Rocks Preserve574 South Beach Road (CR 707)Hobe Sound, Florida 33455744-6668

Jonathan Dickinson State Park16450 S.E. Federal HighwayHobe Sound, Florida 33455546-2771

Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge301 S.E. MacArthur BoulevardHutchinson IslandStuart, Florida 34996225-1875

Hobe Sound National WildlifeRefuge and Nature Centerand Reed Aquatic Preserve13640 S.E. Federal HighwayHobe Sound, Florida 33455546-2067

environmental richness, and economichealth.

Countless wildlife species live onHutchinson and Jupiter Islands. On sum-mer nights, thousands of turtles, includ-ing the threatened loggerhead as well asthe federally endangered leatherbackand green turtles, crawl onto the beachesto lay their eggs, producing tens of thou-sands of hatchlings. Northern gannet,brown pelicans, osprey, and many otherducks and shorebirds hover close to theshore. Bottle-nosed dolphins and mana-tee enjoy the clear water, as does theSabelliariid worm reef, which also pro-vides storm protection to the shoreline.

What You Can Do

F rom nature preserves to historiccommunities, Martin County hasmuch to offer. Learn more about

Martin County’s rich history and distinc-tive environment by visiting some of thecounty’s special places.

To experience Martin County’s diverse naturalenvironment, visit some of these sites.

Indian Riverside Park andMartin County SustainableResource Center1701 N.E. Indian River DriveJensen Beach, Florida 34957692-7501

Jensen Beach EnvironmentalStudies Center2900 N.E. Indian River DriveJensen Beach, Florida 34957219-1887

Savannahs State Reserve9551 Gumbo Limbo LaneJensen Beach, Florida 34957340-7530

10 11

MA Healthy Economy and a Clean Environment

Having It AllRe

prin

ted

with

per

mis

sion

of t

he a

rtis

t.

artin County has worked hard to protect its bountiful

environment. Each day, area residents enjoy the

county’s natural abundance. Indeed, many derive

their livelihood from the land and the water.

In recent years, the pressures of growth in South Florida have

begun to affect Martin County, engendering an ongoing debate over

managing growth versus promoting economic development. But

many area residents believe it is possible to “have it all”—a strong

economy and a healthy environment.1 A look at how Martin County’s

mainstay industries depend on a healthy environment shows why

this balance is essential.

The Economy of Growth

M artin County has a reputationas a wealthy, seasonal second-home community. To some ex-

tent, this very factor drives the localeconomy, creating a predominance of jobsin the construction-related industries, ser-vices, and trade. A 1997 study indicatedthat services (including health care) com-prised 37 percent of the economy, andtrade (including eating and drinkingplaces) made up another 32 percent.

The study found “growth” to be thecounty’s growth industry, accounting forapproximately 40 percent of its economicbase. Some 15,000 jobs—linked directly orindirectly to growth—include construction,building materials manufacture, and realestate services. According to this study,this dependence on growth leaves the localeconomy highly dependent on national eco-nomic trends. And as Martin County even-tually builds out, this “growth” industrymust eventually decline.

Agricultural Riches

S ince the late 1800s, agriculture hasbeen a mainstay of Martin County’seconomy. Even today, slightly over

half of the county’s land remains in agricul-tural use, and agricultural products havean annual market value of more than $145million. With almost a quarter of its farm-lands devoted to citrus production, thecounty ranked 8th in the state, as well as14th in overall agricultural production and21st in cattle. 9

Besides its economic spinoffs, thecounty’s large expanses of agricultural landssupport traditional rural lifestyles and at-

tractive agrarian vistas. The 1997 economicstudy confirms that agriculture remains avaluable asset. It stated that “Growing worldmarkets in agriculture can lead to growth inthe County’s agricultural sector.”10

Coastal Treasures

M artin County’s economy benefitsfrom a close relationship withthe water. Coastal communities,

with their tremendous marine resources, alsohelp drive the local economy. Another 1997

Source: The Martin County Economy, prepared byJames C. Nicholas, Ph.D., 1997

Martin CountyEmployment by Sector

Services37.4%

Agricultural services2.4% Construction

8.2%Manufacturing7.7 %

Trade31.6%

Finance, Insuranceand Real Estate7.8%

Transportation,Communicationsand Utilities4.8%

12 1313

A Healthy Economy and a Clean EnvironmentHaving It All

Natural Attractions

These days, a growing number ofvisitors to Florida are seekingmore than just sun and sand. They

come searching for “out-of-the-way”places, where they can happen upon asolitary wood stork wading in the water,photograph a graceful blue heron soaringoverhead, kayak on a deserted stretch ofriver, or be transported back in time at a

than $465 million to the economy eachyear.15 More can be done to promote na-ture-based tourism in Martin County.

Environment + Economy =Quality of Life

What does all of this mean?Martin County’s natural re-sources not only enhance

the quality of life for area residents, theyalso have an important economic impact.A recent poll of registered voters, con-ducted on behalf of 1000 Friends ofFlorida, revealed that area residents doappreciate the many benefits of a healthyenvironment.

Ninety-seven percent agreed that “weshould leave behind a clean and healthyenvironment for our children and grand-children.” More than 90 percent agreedthat a healthy environment will bring jobsand tourist dollars to the county, and thatpoorly planned development will hurtproperty values. Eighty-one percentagreed that Martin County can have botha clean environment and a strongeconomy, without having to choose oneover the other. Almost half of the respon-dents believe Martin County is becominga better place to live. Turn to page 35 tosee the rest of the poll results.

What You Can Do

M artin County is fortunate tohave abundant natural re-sources. Convince others that

protecting and enhancing Martin County’snatural environment is an important eco-nomic development tool!

Eighty-one

percent of

registered voters

agreed that

Martin County can

have both a clean

environment and

a strong economy,

without having to

choose one over

the other.

study showed Martin among the top tencounties in the state in the marine indus-try. Gross sales for 1996-1997 amountedto almost $150 million, with charter boatand fishing guide revenues alone amount-ing to $12 million.11 Stuart is known asthe “sailfish capital of the world,” andcountywide, activities from sport andcommercial fishing to pleasure sailingincreasingly represent big business.

historic inn. Nature-based and heritagetourism appeal to those wishing to experi-ence natural, historic, and cultural sites.

A 1998 national survey revealed thatalmost half of the U.S. households thattook a vacation during the previous twoyears had enjoyed some nature-basedactivities.12 Canoeing along scenic rivers,relaxing on pristine beaches, and stroll-ing old-fashion downtowns are some ofthe appealing opportunities awaiting visi-tors and residents alike in Martin County.

Nature-based tourism already hashad a local economic impact. Recordsshow that Jonathan Dickinson State Parkhad 170,000 visitors in 1999, 13 and the110,000 visitors to Hobe Sound NationalWildlife Refuge spent more than$538,000.14 Activities such as boating,water sports, shellfish harvesting, fishing,and nature observation in the IndianRiver Lagoon are estimated to add more

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

14 15

MPlanning for Responsible Growth

A State LeaderRe

prin

ted

with

per

mis

sion

of t

he a

rtis

t.

artin County began early to plan for growth and

development. As its population has almost doubled in

recent decades, the county’s Comprehensive Growth

Management Plan has helped the community maintain its high quality

of life. Key components focus on promoting new development in

designated areas of the county, promoting compatible economic

development, and ensuring the protection of sensitive natural areas.

In addition, municipalities, including Stuart, have adopted local

comprehensive plans to guide their own growth.

Backed by an active and informed citizenry, these plans and

others provide a foundation for promoting responsible growth in

Martin County.

Citizen Initiatives

S ince the 1970s, vigorous citizen ac-tion has resulted in meaningful mea-sures to protect and enhance the

quality of life in Martin County. Accom-plishments include a four-story buildingheight limit for new development, beachbonds to provide public access strips tobeaches and the strictest wetland policiesin the state. Bond and tax funding in 1989and 1999 have helped preserve large areasof public land, and education and clean-upactivities are enhancing the St. LucieRiver. These efforts intertwine with thecounty’s planning process, described inthis chapter.

Planning for Tomorrow

In 1982 Martin County became one ofthe first of Florida’s local governmentsto adopt a comprehensive plan. At the

same time the county adopted progressivewetland protection policies. To limitsprawl, it also established an urban zone,known as an urban service district, to en-courage new development to occur nearexisting development.

Revising its plan to comply with newstate planning criteria, in 1990 the countyadded new policies that required 25 per-cent of upland native habitat to be pre-served and imposed further wetland bufferprovisions. Additional revisions the follow-ing year addressed certain land use desig-nations found to promote sprawl. Thesechanges created a secondary urban servicedistrict and established strict criteria foramending district boundaries.

In recognition of the county’s strong,historic commitment to planning, in 1997the Florida Department of Community

Affairs designated Martin County aFlorida Sustainable Community. As a partof this effort, the county adopted its Visionfor a Sustainable Martin County. Basedon community input, this vision for thefuture focuses on transportation, environ-ment, and land use, and contains a set ofguiding principles, and recommenda-tions.16 The county has also adopted 52indicators of sustainability, established aSustainable Communities Resource Cen-ter at Indian Riverside Park, and adoptedhazard mitigation strategies.

The Comprehensive Plan

In 1985, Florida enacted the GrowthManagement Act, requiring each lo-cal government in the state to adopt a

Comprehensive Growth Management Planto guide future growth and development.Brought into partial compliance with staterequirements in 1990 and subsequentlyupdated, Martin County’s comprehensiveplan is a “blueprint” detailing how thecommunity will achieve its vision for thefuture.

The purpose of the plan is to protectthe local natural and built resources andto maintain, through orderly growth anddevelopment, the character, stability andquality of life of present and future resi-dents. As required under state law, theplan contains “elements” that deal withintergovernmental coordination, futureland use, housing, recreation, coastal man-agement, conservation and open space,sanitary sewer, potable water, drainage andnatural groundwater aquifer recharge, andcapital improvements. Martin County’splan also includes “optional” elements oneconomics and arts and culture.

16 17

Planning for Responsible GrowthA State Leader

Communities across Florida must alsoadopt a series of ordinances, or land de-velopment regulations (LDRs), to helpimplement their plan. LDRs, which detailhow the plan and its policies will beimplemented, are one of the most impor-tant components of Florida’s comprehen-sive planning process. Martin County’sLDRs establish zoning districts and provi-sions regarding upland and wetland pro-tection and excavation, filling and mining,stormwater management and flood protec-tion, wireless telecommunications facili-ties, roadway design, impact fees, anddevelopment review procedures.

Another required component ofFlorida’s comprehensive plans is the fu-ture land use map. This map depicts thespecific locations where residential, com-mercial, industrial, recreational, institu-tional and other land uses are allowed forthe next twenty years. It might also in-clude the location of significant historicresources, environmentally sensitive lands,and urban service district boundaries.

Plans must be reviewed and updatedevery seven years through an evaluationand appraisal report (known as the EAR).Martin County completed its last EARreport in 1996. In addition, localgovernments may amend their plans twicea year, providing an excellent opportunityfor citizens to become involved in theplanning process.

The comprehensive plan is not just anacademic exercise. It has the force of law.All development and all decisions thataffect land development must be “consis-tent” with the plan.17 From a taxpayer’sstandpoint the comprehensive plan is im-portant because it sets standards that willprotect land and business investments by

For more information

on the 1985 Growth

Management Act and

comprehensive

planning process in

Florida, see 1000

Friends of Florida’s

publication, Planning

for Tomorrow: A Citizen’s

Guide to Smarter Growth

in Florida. It is available

on line at www.1000

friendsofflorida.org

under “Publications.”

Martin County’s

Comprehensive

Growth Management

Plan is available online

at www.martin.fl.us/

GOVT/depts/gmd/

gmp/.

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

18 19

Planning for Responsible GrowthA State Leader

keeping the quality of life and characterof development high. At the same time, itdirects how the county will provide itscitizens a high level of public servicesand facilities. Fighting sprawl by encour-aging more compact and contained devel-opment is an important component of thisplan. If Martin County’s plan is followed,if its various goals, objectives, and poli-cies to control development decisions areheeded, then the county will remain aplace where people want to live.

Other Local ComprehensivePlans

Municipalities also are requiredunder Florida law to adopt alocal comprehensive plan.

Jupiter Island, Ocean Breeze Park,Sewall’s Point, and Stuart have suchplans. These cover the same range ofissues as the county plan, and also mayinclude optional elements. Stuart, forexample, has adopted a downtownelement to promote the revitalization of itshistoric commercial core. As in thecounty plan, land developmentregulations are the means to implementthe local plans.

Thinking Regionally

L ocal planning and environmentalissues do not stop at the countyline. For example, because part of

Martin County falls within the greater Ev-erglades ecosystem, problems with LakeOkeechobee’s water quantity and qualityaffect the county’s coastal seafood indus-try. Likewise, development in Palm BeachCounty that further harms the Loxa-

For more information

about the Treasure

Coast Regional

Planning Council, its

Strategic Regional

Policy Plan, and the

services it provides to

local governments,

visit its web site at

www.tcrpc.org.

hatchee River watershed affects drinkingwater quantity in southern Martin County.

Transportation issues cross countylines as well. New development in PalmBeach and St. Lucie Counties stresses Mar-tin County’s roads, and vice versa.

Housing, too, becomes a regional is-sue, when many lower wage earners mustleave the county to seek affordable housing(placing additional stress on area roads!).When planning for the future, it is impor-tant to consider such interrelated issues ona comprehensive, regional basis.

For planning on this broader level,Florida has eleven planning districts. TheTreasure Coast Regional Planning Council(TCRPC) addresses regional policy issuesimpacting the 3,600 square miles and 49municipalities in Indian River, Martin,Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties. Itsmission is to enable cooperation between

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

20 21

As it has done in other communities across the state, 1000 Friends of

Florida has played an active role in Martin County. This statewide non-

profit membership organization was founded in 1986 to help citizens

better plan for the future of their communities. 1000 Friends’ educa-

tional activities in the county have included training for community lead-

ers, polling, and publications, including a series of articles on the local

planning process, prepared on behalf of Martin County in 1997.

1000 Friends has taken stands on important local issues. Besides sup-

porting the 1998 one-cent sales tax for the acquisition of environmen-

tally sensitive lands, 1000 Friends has opposed inappropriate projects

such as the Aeroplex, an airport that was proposed on the Allapattah

Ranch property, and Seawinds, a large, mixed-use development pro-

posed for the fragile scrub pinelands of south Martin County.

1000 Friends remains committed to helping Martin County refine

and improve its growth management process. When necessary, 1000

Friends has intervened in legal cases, including joining a challenge to

Martin County’s 1990 Comprehensive Plan, which resulted in stronger

provisions to limit sprawl. 1000 Friends successfully intervened on cases

that allowed the county to refuse to amend its comprehensive plan to

allow higher density development outside its urban service district in an

area known as Section 28, and on several landmark cases that upheld the

rights of citizens to ensure the enforcement of their comprehensive plan

and challenge amendments.

1000 Friends of Florida—A Presence in Martin County

jurisdictions, and to provide technicalplanning assistance to local governments.

In 1995, the TCRPC adopted aStrategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP),which expresses a vision for the future ofthe area based on principles of smartgrowth. The plan recommends an approachto growth management and accommodatingfuture population growth that reflectsforward-thinking planning practices. Thisplan:

• Criticizes recent forms and patterns ofdevelopment for being too homoge-neous and disconnected.

• Recommends the organization oflarger scale, more efficient and sus-tainable patterns of development suchas towns, cities, and villages.

• Provides guidelines and illustrationsfor mixing densities, architecturalstyles, building types, and lifestylechoices that respond to current marketforces but will lead to more valuableand sustainable built environmentsthat are less expensive to support.

• Addresses the nature of sprawl and itsside effects.

• Proposes ways to protect the country-side and the region’s naturalinfrastructure while providing forlarge growth potential.

• Recommends preferred forms of de-velopment and a framework ofplanning and fiscal incentives to fa-cilitate preferred development.

While not a regulatory tool, the SRPPdoes serve as a long-range guide for theregion’s physical, economic, and socialdevelopment. It also addresses keyregional issues including affordable

housing, economic development,education, emergency preparedness,natural resources of regional significance,and regional transportation.

These strategies and many othercomponents of the SRPP provide valuableguidance on future planning. Staff of theTCRPC are available to provide technicalassistance to local governments and oth-ers as they work to refine and improvetheir planning process. As an example,the Council has an outstanding urbandesign team that conducts communitydesign charrettes throughout the region.

What You Can Do

M artin County residents have along history of proactivegrowth planning to draw on.

By becoming familiar with county andlocal plans, citizens can help continue toprotect and enhance their quality of life.

22 23

OProtecting the Environment

A Treasury of Riches

ver the years, Martin County has placed strong emphasis on

protecting its rich environmental resources. In addition to

their many natural values, these resources contribute to the

county’s economic health and the high quality of life area residents enjoy.

Martin County’s Comprehensive Plan, land development

regulations, and land acquisition efforts provide important tools to ensure

the preservation of sensitive natural resources. Recently, the state and

federal governments have provided additional planning assistance with

protecting the county’s water resources and restoring its estuaries.

Following are some strategies for protecting the county’s natural

abundance.

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

Protecting Area Wetlands

S ince 1982 the county’s comprehen-sive plan has required the protec-tion of all its wetlands. It mandates

that no negative impacts shall be allowedin wetlands or within the established bufferareas surrounding them.18 Waivers andexemptions to wetland policies are grantedunder limited situations, such as wherewetland impacts are essential for accessand no reasonable upland alternative ex-ists, or where a residential lot of recordwould be otherwise unbuildable. Other ex-emptions are provided to certain publicutilities and when needed for certain typesof docks or boardwalks.

Protecting Upland NativeVegetation

The county’s comprehensive planrequires that developers set asideat least 25 percent of the upland

native vegetation on any site, and givespriority to preserving certain special andrare uplands, such as scrub and tropicalhardwood hammocks. Criteria are in placeto ensure that the uplands that are set asideare kept intact and managed to remain ashealthy as possible.

The set-aside requirement not onlypreserves native vegetation and the manythreatened and endangered species thatrely on that vegetation, it also adds to theeconomic and social value of land evenafter its development. The preservation ofuplands also saves water, since nativeplants require less irrigation.

Acquiring Land

The taxpayers of Martin Countyhave made continuous andthoughtful investments to support

the environment. In 1989, county votersapproved a $20 million “Lands for You”bond, which financed the acquisition ofrecreational areas and protected severalthousand acres of environmentally sensi-tive lands.

Again, in 1998, county voters ap-proved a three-year one-cent sales taxincrease to fund similar activities. Of theapproximately $43 million raised, half isbeing used to buy lands needed to imple-ment the Everglades restoration plan de-scribed below, and the other half to buylands for natural resource protection andpreservation. These funds are being lever-aged with other state and federal dollarsto extend their buying potential.19

In all, the county has preserved morethan 3,100 acres of environmentally sen-sitive lands using these types of pro-grams.20 (Note: In 2001, the CountyCommission decided not to extend theone-cent sales tax, citing concerns aboutthe economy.)

Protecting Manatees

T o minimize the mortality rate forits manatee population, MartinCounty has adopted a Manatee

Protection Plan. Among its provisions arethose for siting of marinas, establishingspeed zones, and protecting the habitat ofthese gentle aquatic mammals.21

24 25

Protecting the EnvironmentA Treasury of Riches

Restoring the Everglades

The Comprehensive EvergladesRestoration Plan, known as CERP,is an ambitious 38-year, $7.8 bil-

lion joint state and federal project to re-store key portions of the Evergladessystem. The goal is to improve the quan-tity, quality, timing, and distribution ofwater throughout the ecosystem to benefitboth the natural environment and the morethan 6 million people who call SouthFlorida home.22

The restoration plan contains severalprograms designed to reverse the impactsof drainage, protect drinking water, andrestore the estuaries. Huge surface waterreservoirs are proposed to increase storagecapacity for stormwater that might other-wise have the potential to flood existingneighborhoods or be released prematurelyto tide. This project also will help estab-lish and maintain salinity at more naturallevels and lessen the impact of drainageon the estuaries. Muck and silt that havebuilt up on the bottom of the estuary willbe removed, and proposed modifications tothe drainage canals will help clean dis-charge before it reaches the estuary. Sev-eral water conservation programsunderway are directed at both urban andagricultural uses. Other plans will restorewetlands in and around the estuaries,plant mangroves and seagrasses, and alterexisting shorelines to create more naturalhabitats.

Local benefits of the Everglades res-toration include provisions to protect andrestore the Indian River Lagoon, St. LucieRiver Estuary, and the Loxahatchee River.Some of the 1998 one-cent sales tax pro-ceeds were directed toward cleaning up

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

Help protect the envi-

ronment—establish

natural preserves in

subdivisions, remove

exotic vegetation,

landscape with native

vegetation, water only

as needed, limit paved

surfaces, compost, and

properly dispose of

hazardous wastes.

the St. Lucie River. Accomplishing therestoration plan for Martin County is criti-cal to the long-term health of the localeconomy and quality of life.

What You Can Do

I t is Martin County’s comprehensiveplan and longstanding wetland andupland protection policies that in

part explain why the county still looksgreener than so many other places. Citi-zens must resist calls for the weakening ofthese policies which have been in placefor almost 20 years, and have not beenshown to slow growth or interfere with theability of people to profit from the devel-opment of land. Also, it is important tocontinue to support ongoing efforts to re-store and protect the St. Lucie River andthe Everglades.

26 27

O ne of the biggest threats to Martin County’s environment

and quality of life is the consequences of sprawling

development. As new, low density development

Sprawl or Smart Growth?The Future of Martin County

continues to eat into the landscape, roads become more congested,

and taxes rise to pay for the costs of growth, people are beginning to

question how we have developed our communities for the last half

century. Across the nation, some communities are beginning to follow

the principles of smart growth to promote more compact and

environmentally-sensitive development.

What is Martin County doing to address the problem of sprawl

and promote smarter growth, and what are some of the other issues

that will face the county in the next few years?

What’s Sprawl Got To DoWith It?

“Sprawl” generally refers to low-density residential developmenton the fringes of settled areas. It

saps the vitality from towns and cities, andeats up rural natural areas, productivefarmland, and open space. It spawns stripshopping centers and sterile office parkssurrounded by seas of parking. It isolateshomes from shopping, schools, and workplaces. It requires that residents use cars toget from one place to another, forcing evergreater numbers of cars onto already

crowded roads. It increases the demand formore roads, and wider roads, which thenattract even heavier traffic, furtherincreasing congestion.

Sprawl not only damages the environ-ment, but it is expensive. Study after studyhas shown that public services such asroads, water and sewer lines, schools, po-lice, and fire services required forsuburban residential development oftencost more than is covered by the taxes suchdevelopment generates. Other taxpayersand local government end up subsidizingthe high cost of sprawling, poorly planneddevelopment.

Impacts of SprawlRespected organizations such as the Centersfor Disease Control, American FarmlandTrust, Sierra Club, Surface TransportationPolicy Project, National Trust for HistoricPreservation and others have identifiedother costs—or impacts—associated withurban sprawl.23 Some are listed here.

Impacts on our daily lives• longer commutes, traffic congestion and

road rage• obesity from less walking• children less likely to be able to walk or

bike to school• social isolation, especially for the elderly

and children• increased asthma from auto emissions

Impacts on the built environment• decline of towns and cities as people

move to the suburbs• visual blight of strip commercial

development• monotony of sprawling residential areas

Impacts on the natural environment• loss of farmland, fields, forests, and

wetlands• increased flooding and erosion due

to impervious surfaces and wetlanddestruction

• worsening air and water pollution• loss of wildlife due to habitat

destruction and fragmentation

Impacts on our pocketbooks• higher taxes to subsidize

infrastructure and services for newdevelopment in outlying areas

• higher transportation costsassociated with one or more carsneeded per family that leave lessdisposable income available to fuelthe economy in the areas of housing,education, leisure, health care, etc.

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

28 29

Ten Strategies for SmarterGrowth

I f sprawl is bad growth, what is smartgrowth? Smart growth generally refersto well-planned communities that in-

clude a blend of housing, shops, and of-fices. Neighborhoods include homes andapartments for residents with varying in-comes and lifestyles, and easy access toshops and offices. Walkable in scale, thesecommunities often feature bike paths, side-walks and accessibility to public transit.Many have permanently protected openspace for recreation or other public uses.

Smart growth includes revitalizingdowntowns and older neighborhoods. Newsmart growth projects often are located onunderused parcels of urban land or adjoin-ing existing communities. Channeling newgrowth to already developed areas helps

revive older communities. It also protectsopen space and farmland in rural areas.Taxpayer dollars are saved by eliminatingthe need for extending water and sewerlines into the countryside and buildingnew roads.

A community that “grows smart” pro-tects its environment, strengthens itseconomy, and improves the quality of lifefor all of its residents. Specific smartgrowth strategies include:

1. Clustering businesses and servicesnear homes, jobs, and schools;

2. Laying out residential areas andneighborhoods to be walkable, and topromote a sense of community;

3. Providing a variety of transportationalternatives so people can walk, bikeor take public transit to shops,schools, and offices;

4. Protecting environmentally sensitivelands, agricultural lands and open spacefrom inappropriate development whichalso reduces lands available for sprawl;

5. Encouraging revitalization and compat-ible infill development on vacant orunderutilized parcels of land in tradi-tional downtowns and older neighbor-hoods which lessens the demand forsprawling new development;

6. If new areas need to be developed, de-signing them to be compact and placingthem adjacent to and connecting themwith existing communities to take ad-vantage of nearby infrastructure;

7. Providing a full spectrum of housingopportunities, including those that meetthe needs of the community’s low-in-come residents;

8. Protecting significant historic and cul-tural resources to maintain acommunity’s sense of place;

9. Providing for citizen participation in thecommunity’s planning process; and

10. Encouraging regional planning to ensureproper coordination between adjoiningcommunities and counties.

Comprehensive Planning Tools

M artin County already takes ad-vantage of a number of planningtools to discourage sprawl and

promote smarter growth. These are incorpo-rated into the county’s comprehensive planand land development regulations. Some ofthese are described below.

Urban Service Districts. To help ad-dress the problem of sprawl, over the yearsMartin County established certain growthboundaries. These are shown as actual lineson the future land use map contained in the

comprehensive plan. One line, estab-lished in 1982, runs along the east coast,generally east of I-95, and defines thePrimary Urban Service District. Withinthis area the plan encourages higher den-sity development and requires that alldevelopment be served with water andsewers.

Another line, established in 1991,defines a Secondary Urban Service Dis-trict, with lower residential density andno water and sewer service requirement.The Indiantown Primary Service District,also enacted in 1991, encompasses thissmall, unincorporated town in westernMartin County.

Urban service districts establishboundaries for placing public infrastruc-ture that will support higher density de-velopment over a specified period. Theirpurpose is to encourage new developmentto occur near existing development and touse existing facilities. Properly developedurban service districts slow the prema-ture conversion of rural land for develop-ment and limit the premature need fornew public services in outlying areas.

Outside of the county’s urban servicedistricts lie agricultural and rural lands.Although residential and commercial de-velopment is discouraged in these areas,some zoning allows one dwelling unit pertwenty acres, permitting large estate de-velopment on these lands. Issues regard-ing these areas will grow in significanceas developable land in the county’s urbanservice districts diminishes.

Active Residential DevelopmentPreference (ARDP). The county hasdeveloped a formula to promote infill inalready-developed areas instead of en-couraging sprawling new development.

Sprawl or Smart Growth?The Future of Martin County

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

30 31

The ARDP planning system limits theamount of residential development to 125percent of the land needed for futuregrowth through the year 2005.

Impact Fees. To offset the costs ofadditional public services such as police,fire, roads, water, sewer, schools, andlibraries, the county collects this one-time fee on new development. An ImpactFee Ordinance in the comprehensiveplan establishes the county’s policy.

The county’s impact fees vary de-pending on the type of development andits demand on public services. For ex-ample, a developer of new 1,000-2,000square foot homes might be assessed$3,000 to $4,000 per house; industrialdevelopment is assessed about $300 forevery 1,000 square feet of floor area; andfast food restaurants pay as much as$13,000 per 1000 square feet.24

While they are clearly important,impact fees do not offset the full, truecosts of new development and do nothingto relieve the cost of serving existing de-velopment.

Community RedevelopmentAreas. Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, PortSalerno and Rio have producedredevelopment plans, established designguidelines, and launched projects tostimulate redevelopment in key areas.The first three have established overlayzoning districts to help implement theirplans. Port Salerno also is receivingassistance in revitalizing its waterfrontarea from the Florida Department ofCommunity Affairs through itsWaterfronts Florida program.

Mixed Use Ordinance. MartinCounty has adopted an ordinance to pro-mote infill and redevelopment in Com-

Mar

tin

Co

un

ty’s

Urb

an S

ervi

ces

Dis

tric

ts

munity Redevelopment Areas. The ordi-nance encourages a mixture of homes, shops,and offices, and also promotes increasingpedestrian links between neighboring com-mercial and residential areas.

Other provisions call for converting ex-isting underused shopping centers and stripcommercial developments for a mixture ofuses and the creation of Traditional Neigh-borhood Developments. Called “TNDs,”these are new developments with character-istics typically found in older communities.Besides a mixture of uses, features includesmaller lots and denser development, gridstreets with sidewalks, on-street parking,and buildings oriented toward the street.

What You Can Do

Smart planning regarding the timing,location and design of new develop-ment is essential. Citizens can help

ensure that county planners and leaderscontinue effective use of all available com-prehensive planning tools to promotesmarter growth.

St. L

ucie

Riv

er

Indian River Lagoon

Prim

ary

Urb

an S

ervi

ce D

istr

ict

Seco

nd

ary

Urb

an S

ervi

ce D

istr

ict

32 33

MChallenges for the Future

Growing Smarter

Challenges Ahead

O ver the next few years, MartinCounty will face growing chal-lenges. As Martin County’s

population continues to age–currentlymore than 28 percent of the population isover 65–demands for health care andother elder services will increase. Afford-able housing is in short supply, due to thecounty’s aging affordable housing stock,high per capita income, and strong secondhome market. The need to foster betterpaying jobs will remain in the forefront.

Several planning challenges loom aswell. Given the county’s projected rate ofpopulation growth, its urban service dis-tricts combined have only enough land toaccommodate area residents until the year2015. Pressure to expand these bound-aries will intensify, but alternatives suchas promoting environmentally-sensitiveredevelopment, compatible infill andhigher densities should be examined.

Continued efforts to weaken thecounty’s wetland and upland protectionpolicies can also be expected. Meanwhile,efforts to clean up the St. Lucie River andthe Everglades restoration will continue toloom in the headlines. Through it all, theneed to balance protecting the environ-ment with promoting economic growth willremain in the forefront.

Attracting Smarter Growth

H ow can Martin County furtherintegrate the principles of smartgrowth into today’s and future

development? By building upon its solidplanning foundation, the county can con-tinue planning well for the future. Through

wiser design and smarter placement ofnew development, the county can meetthe ongoing challenges of containing sub-urban sprawl, protecting the environ-ment, strengthening its economy, andpromoting livable communities.

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

artin County faces three key planning challenges to

keep it growing smarter:

1. Ensuring that local comprehensive plans and land development

regulations are implemented;

2. Refining local plans and ordinances to enhance their ability to

promote redevelopment, protect natural areas, and achieve

compatible economic development goals; and,

3. Maintaining constant vigilance to ensure that the plans and

regulations are not weakened through many seemingly small but

incremental changes over the coming years.

To ensure that Martin County remains a leader in smart growth, citizens

must continue to play an active role in their local planning process.

Through wiser design

and smarter

placement of new

development, the

county can meet the

ongoing challenges

of containing

suburban sprawl,

protecting the

environment,

strengthening its

economy, and

promoting livable

communities.

34 35

Challenges for the FutureGrowing Smarter

Martin County Residents Speak!

Additionally, by a seven-to-one margin, the respondents supported limits onbuilding new roads into environmentally sensitive areas. More than 80 percentsupported strict rules on where to locate new development, limiting the clearingof native vegetation to prevent pollution from runoff, and helping to protect ruralareas by encouraging new development on already-developed land. Over halfalso supported purchasing farmlands to prevent their sale for development. Overhalf the respondents said they believed Martin County is growing too fast,compared with close to 30 percent who were satisfied with the pace of growth.Despite concerns, almost half felt that Martin County is becoming a better placeto live.

The telephone survey, conducted April 13-18, 2001, was directed bydeHaven-Smith & Associates and was conducted on behalf of 1000 Friends ofFlorida. The sample included 303 registered voters in Martin County, whichproduced a confidence interval of +/-6 percent.

In a poll conducted in 2001, Martin County residents revealed their views aboutgrowth management and the environment.

• 97 percent felt “we should leave behind a clean and healthy environment forour children and grandchildren.”

• 96 percent agreed that builders should pay their fair share for public facilitiesneeded to support new development.

• 94 percent supported keeping restrictions on development along the St. LucieRiver to protect it from pollution.

• 91 percent agreed that new schools should be built in urban areas unless aschool is needed to serve rural areas.

• 91 percent supported gathering public input on development before it isapproved.

• 91 percent agreed that poorly planned development will hurt property values.• 90 percent believed a healthy environment will bring jobs and tourist dollars to

the county.• 81 percent of the respondents felt their county could have both a clean

environment and a strong economy, without having to choose one over theother.

Rep

rinte

d w

ith p

erm

issi

on o

f the

art

ist.

35

36 37

Clearly, public participation is an integral part of every story of smart growth,economic prosperity, and preservation of natural resources. Every develop-ment needs a permit, and most permit decisions require hearings. Letappointed and elected officials at every level know that you want to supportand encourage smart growth. Attend some of the hearings where proposalsare being discussed. A number of boards and committees that decide uponproposals for Martin County hold public hearings. These are a few:

• Board of County Commissioners—approves or denies amendments to thecomprehensive plan and land development regulations.

• Board of Zoning Adjustment—issues variances to the land developmentregulations.

• Land Acquisition Selection Committee—makes recommendations regarding thecounty’s acquisitions of environmentally sensitive lands.

• Local Planning Agency—makes recommendations regarding amendments tothe local land development regulations and the comprehensive plan.

• Metropolitan Planning Organization—provides transportation planning forMartin County.

• South Florida Water Management District—issues permits on large projectsinvolving such things as wetland impacts, drainage, and stormwater runoff.Other state and federal agencies, including the Florida Department ofEnvironmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers may also issue permits on projects of this nature.

• Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council—coordinates planning of large-scaledevelopments, assures state and regional goals and objectives are considered inlocal plan amendments, assists with long-range regional and neighborhoodplanning efforts, and brings communities together to identify and resolvegreater-than-local issues.

• City or Town Council—In addition to the above county and regional boards,each municipality has a local council that makes important planning and landuse decisions that should be monitored.

A Smart Growth Checklist forMartin County

A s Martin County’s planning pro-cess continues to evolve andmature, changes to the compre-

hensive plan and land developmentregulations are inevitable. To ensure thatthese planning documents continue to pro-mote smart growth, citizens should ask ifproposed changes will:

❏ Protect and maintain significant naturalresources, including wetlands anduplands.

❏ Promote greenway linkages between keynatural areas.

❏ Improve the ability to maintain farmlandin active, productive use.

❏ Provide uses (residential, commercial,industrial, etc.) or services (school,library, etc.) for which there is ademonstrated need in that location.

❏ Encourage new development onunderused urban land within the urbanservice districts.

❏ Foster new development that is compactin scale and includes a mix of homes,shops, offices, and needed services.

❏ Ensure appropriate locations for a mix ofhomes, shops, offices and services inalready developed areas.

❏ Increase the supply of affordablehousing.

❏ Meet the needs of the county’s agingpopulation.

❏ Revitalize older downtowns andneighborhoods.

❏ Preserve significant historic andcultural resources.

❏ Lessen dependence on the car bypromoting walking, biking, or use ofpublic transit.

❏ Take into account the impacts of thechanges on the region as a whole.

Martin County can have it all— ahealthy environment and a strongeconomy! Citizens need to continue toplay an active role in promoting smartergrowth to a bright future for MartinCounty. Participation is the key.

Participate!

Challenges for the FutureGrowing Smarter

38 39

For More Information

Local and Regional1000 Friends of Florida

www.1000friendsofflorida.orgCity of Stuart

www.cityofstuart.comComprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

www.evergladesplan.orgEnvironmental Land Use Law Center

www.nsulaw.nova.edu/Events/specialprograms/elulc/

Martin County Governmentwww.martin.fl.us

Martin County Conservation Alliancewww.homestead.com/martincca/files/mcca.htm

Martin County Sustainable Resource Centerwww.martin.fl.us/GOVT/depts/gmd/sustain/mhouse/mcrs_photos.html

South Florida Water Management Districtwww.sfwmd.gov

Town of Jupiter Islandwebserver.martin.fl.us/CIVIC/ji/

Town of Ocean Breeze Parkwebserver.martin.fl.us/CIVIC/opb

Town of Sewalls Pointwww.sewallspoint.org

Treasure Coast Regional Planning Councilwww.tcrpc.org

StateDepartment of Community Affairs,Division of Community Planning

www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/DCPDepartment of Environmental Protection

www.dep.state.fl.usDepartment of State,Division of Historical Resources

www.dos.state.fl.us/dhrDepartment of Transportation

www.dot.state.fl.usFlorida Housing Coalition

www.flhousing.org

NationalAmerican Farmland Trust

www.farmland.orgAmerican Planning Association

www.planning.orgCongress for the New Urbanism

www.cnu.orgThe Conservation Fund

www.conservationfund.orgGrowth Management Leadership Alliance

www.gmla.orgNational Neighborhood Coalition

www.neighborhoodcoalition.orgNational Trust for Historic Preservation

www.nationaltrust.orgSierra Club

www.sierraclub.orgSmart Growth America

www.smartgrowthamerica.comSmart Growth Network

www.smartgrowth.orgSprawl Watch Clearinghouse

www.sprawlwatch.orgSurface Transportation Policy Project

www.transact.org

40

Notes and References

1 Florida Population Studies: Projections of FloridaPopulation by County, Bureau of Economic andBusiness Research, Warrington College ofBusiness Administration, University of Florida,May 2001.

2 Florida Statistical Abstract 2000, Bureau ofEconomic and Business Research, WarringtonCollege of Business Administration, Universityof Florida.

3 US Census Bureau State and County QuickFacts,www.quickfacts.census.gov.

4 The following provide more information onMartin County’s history and distinctivecommunities: WPA Guide to Florida, FederalWriters Project, Works ProgressAdministration, New York: Pantheon Books,1984 edition; www.sca-roadside.org/DIXIE/dixiehistory.HTM; A Kaleidoscope of JupiterIsland from the Year 1931, Permelia P. Reed,Privately Published, 1978; www.tcpalm.com/stuart/obituaries/13shoke.html; Jan P. Loftin,“Savannas: The Circle of Life Continues,” inFlorida Water, Summer 1995;www.palmcity.org/history.asp.

5 The Upper East Coast Water Supply Plan,www.sfwmd.gov/org/pld/proj/wsp/vec/plnissues.htm.

6 South Florida Water Management District,www.sfwmd.gov.

7 Loxahatchee Greenways Project: Building a Life-Sustaining Vision, 1000 Friends of Florida andThe Conservation Fund, 1996.

8 2001 Martin County Poll available atwww.1000friendsofflorida.org.

9 Florida Statistical Abstract 2000;www.fl-ag.com/agfacts/receipts.htm. andwww.sfwmd.gov.

10 Economic Element Technical Report, GrowthManagement Analysts, Inc., Martin County,Florida, July 16, 2000, p. 23.

11 Florida’s Recreational Marine Industry-EconomicImpact and Growth, Thomas J. Murry &Associates and Dr. Richard I. McHugh, MarineIndustries Association of Florida, Inc., October1997.

12 The Role of Nature-Based Activities onVacations, Visit Florida, September 10, 1998.

13 Florida Statistical Abstract 2000.

14 www.hobesound.fws.gov/index.html.

15 www.sfwmd.gov coastal ecosystems, IndianRiver Lagoon License Plate.

16 “Vision for a Sustainable Martin County”www.martin.fl.us/GOVT/depts/gmd/sustain/#vis; Correspondence with Nikki van Vonno,AICP, Growth Management Director, MartinCounty, December 28, 2001.

17 Florida Statutes, Section 163.3177.

18 Martin County Comprehensive GrowthManagement Plan, Section 4-5 of the FutureLand Use Element, Section 9-4 of theConservation Element.

19 Martin County “One Cent Sales Tax”newsletter, July 2001, www.sfwmd.gov/org/pld/proj/wsp/uec/plnissues.htm.

20 Conversation with Environmental LandsAdministrator, Martin County ParksDepartment, February 12, 2002.

21 Conversation with Ross Wilcox, Martin CountyEnvironmental Administrator, February 12,2002.

22 Rescuing an Endangered Ecosystem: The Plan toRestore America’s Everglades, U.S. Army Corpsof Engineers, Jacksonville District, and SouthFlorida Water Management District, July 2000.

23 Studies on the impacts of sprawl include:Creating A Healthy Environment: The Impact ofthe Built Environment on Public Health, SprawlWatch Clearinghouse and Centers for DiseaseControl, 2001; Driven to Spend and MeanStreets 2000, Surface Transportation PolicyProject, 2000; Historic Neighborhood Schools inthe Age of Sprawl: Why Johnny Can’t Walk toSchool, National Trust for Historic Preservation,2000; The Dark Side of the American Dream:The Costs and Consequences of SuburbanSprawl, Sierra Club, 1998; Farming on theEdge, American Farmland Trust, 1997.

24 The Facts About Impact Fees, Martin CountyComprehensive Planning Division,www.martin.fl.us/GOVT/depts/gmd/gmp/impact_fee_faqs.html.