Referendum to Buy Natural Lands in Martin County Passes with Nearly 64% of the Vote

Martin County, Fla. – Martin County is a special place to live and unique among communities along Florida’s coast. Voters took decisive action on November 5 to preserve its character and protect its natural resources for generations to come by approving a one-half cent sales tax for conservation efforts.

The Martin County Forever referendum, which passed with nearly 63.93% of the vote, is a clear demonstration of the community’s commitment to protecting natural lands, water quality, and wildlife. Funds raised through the sales tax will go towards purchasing land from willing sellers in strategic areas that benefit our local ecosystem. This critical measure will generate over $18 million a year for ten years and enable the county to leverage that revenue to obtain grants from state and federal funding sources. Targeted lands include approximately 46,000 acres with ecological significance. The four regions include properties in the Blueways Program (undeveloped parcels “in town” along the water); Indian River Lagoon South; Pal-Mar; and the headwaters of the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers, the Indian River Lagoon watershed, and Pal-Mar.

“Martin County voters have spoken. We’ll now be able to move ahead with identifying the specific properties available for acquisition,” said Jim Snedeker, Chairperson of the Martin County Forever Campaign Committee.

“While those of us who worked on this initiative over the past two years are certainly celebrating this success, we know we must remain vigilant and ensure the funds that are raised are spent the way voters intended,” Snedeker added.

“But for right now, in the moment, we are overjoyed.  This is an environmental legacy we are creating for our kids, our grandkids and future generations in Martin County. The vote and this victory speaks volumes about our community’s values and commitment to a sustainable, healthy environment.”

The Martin County Forever Campaign Committee offers a heartfelt thank you to all of its dedicated volunteers, to The Firefly Group for running the campaign, and to the many local organizations, environmental groups, and community advocates who supported the referendum. Their collaboration and efforts were instrumental in the sales tax referendum passing. Some of the key supporters include 1000 Friends of Florida, Audubon of Martin County, The Conservation Fund, Keep Martin Beautiful, Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Florida Wildlife Federation, Friends & Neighbors of Martin County, Friends of the Everglades, Indian Riverkeeper, Rivers Coalition, River Kidz, Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Trust for Public Land, and Vote Water Florida.

This significant win for conservation reflects a collective vision for Martin County, where natural beauty, clean water, and abundant wildlife remain integral to our identity as a community,” added Snedeker.  “The passage of this referendum marks the beginning of a decade of meaningful change, making it possible for Martin County to continue to be a special place, different from the overdeveloped cities and counties to the north and south of us. We have more work to do, and we look forward to the challenge.”