Referendum to Buy Natural Lands in Martin County on the Ballot Nov 5 Gains Momentum

If approved, funds raised from half-cent sales tax would be used to purchase lands to protect water quality, natural areas and wildlife habitat in Martin County

 

Martin County, Fla. – Martin County is a special place to live and different from areas to the north and south. Residents want to keep it that way.

 

“The recent outcry from the public about the proposed plans to build golf courses in our beloved Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a stark reminder of why we must take matters into our own hands. We need to buy and protect environmentally sensitive lands in Martin County right now,” said Jim Snedeker, Chairperson of the Martin County Forever campaign.

 

On the Martin County ballot on November 5 is a referendum to Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat through a half cent sales tax. If approved, it will raise over $18 million a year for ten years to acquire and preserve approximately 46,000 acres of land in specific areas.  The amount of land targeted for purchase and permanent protection is more than four times the size of JD State Park.  The lands to be purchased from willing sellers would help to improve water quality in our rivers and waterways, ensure safe drinking water sources, preserve wildlife habitats and open spaces, and create more recreational opportunities.

 

Safeguards Built into the Referendum

Martin County Forever advocates worked with county staff to structure the referendum with built-in safeguards to ensure the funds raised are only spent the way voters intended.  The land purchases will be overseen by a Citizens Advisory Committee, with activities conducted with public transparency and annual audits required.  Only lands within four key areas are identified for purchase. Those areas are: Blueways, 400 acres of “in town” parcels, adjacent to local waterways; Indian River Lagoon South, 27,000 acres of critical importance to the health of the Lagoon; Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Headwaters, 9,800 acres essential to the health of both rivers; and Pal-Mar, 8,500 acres of high-quality wetlands in Martin County.

 

Key Facts About the Half Cent Sales Tax:

• In 10 years, it would generate about $183 million.
• More than a third of the total (37.5%) would be paid by people who don’t live in Martin County.
• The dollars raised locally could leverage matching funds from federal, state and other land conservation sources.
• The current sales tax rate would increase from 6.5% to 7%.
• Importantly, just like our current sales tax, the half-cent increase would NOT apply to groceries, prescription medications or school supplies or to the portion of any purchase over $5,000.

 

“This referendum puts the future of Martin County in our own hands,” said Merritt Matheson, former Mayor of the City of Stuart, environmental advocate and strong supporter of the referendum. “We urge all Martin County voters to educate themselves on the referendum, get involved and help spread the word. The clock is ticking. If we don’t buy the land now, it can be developed and gone forever.

 

Many Ways to Be Part of the Campaign

Volunteers are needed to spread the word and campaign organizers have some fun ways to get the message out to voters. A song, “Let’s Buy the Land” was produced to make the campaign more memorable. The folksy tune and heartfelt lyrics are a fun way to get across a serious message, according to Martin County Forever organizers. The song is easy to learn and available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and other streaming services. A full cut video featuring the song as well as shorter versions are also available to watch and share through Martin County Forever’s YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit www.martincountyforever.com. Follow Martin County Forever on Facebook,  Instagram and YouTube.

 

Additional Referendum Information.

Here’s how the official referendum wording will appear on the ballot:

 

Lands to Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat

Shall Martin County protect its water quality and unique character by acquiring critical natural lands in Martin Couty within the Indian River Lagoon South, Pal-Mar, Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Headwaters, Blueways areas and provide municipal infrastructure allowed by law, by levying a one-half percent (0.5%) county sales tax for 10 years starting January 1, 2025 with Annual Audit and Citizen Oversight?