Martin County School Board Deliberates on Arts Center and Alcohol Service in Schools

Overview: The Martin County School Board meeting intensely debated the proposed high school arts center, particularly the contentious issue of whether to allow alcohol service at events, which many argued could impact the project’s financial viability. Multiple stakeholders emphasized the center’s potential benefits in enriching arts education and community engagement, while also addressing the financial and regulatory concerns tied to alcohol service.

Martin County School Board Debates Arts Campus Lease and Alcohol Policy Amid Community Support

Overview: The Martin County School Board meeting focused heavily on a debate regarding the potential lease or sale of a former high school property to the Martin Arts Council for the development of an arts campus. Community members and board members discussed the benefits of the arts project, alongside the challenges of maintaining compliance with school district policies, especially concerning alcohol service at events.

Martin County Council Advances Key Developments Amid Community Concerns

Overview: In a recent Martin County Council meeting, discussions centered around the approval of a new gated entry for the Meadow Run community, the progression of the Martin Commerce Park project, and the designation of a brownfield site for redevelopment.

Martin County Considers Key Changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations

Overview: The Martin County Local Planning Agency convened on December 4, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the comprehensive plan and land development regulations concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and employee dwelling units (EDUs). These proposed changes aim to clarify definitions and criteria for ADUs on residential properties and EDUs on non-residential properties, aligning them with state statutes and addressing long-standing provisions within the county’s growth management framework.

Martin County Council Faces Heated Debate Over Fairgrounds Lease Terms

Overview: The recent Martin County Council meeting was marked by a discussion surrounding the lease agreement with the Martin County Fair Association. This issue has drawn attention due to concerns about past lease violations and the terms of the new agreement. The lease involves approximately 30.7 acres along Southwest Citrus Boulevard, and council members expressed diverging views on whether the terms adequately protect the county’s interests. One council member voiced frustration over a perceived lack of accountability toward the fair association’s past lease violations, pointing out that cars had been unlawfully parked on the premises for extended periods without any formal breach filed by the board.