Public Update on Martin County’s Land Acquisition Sales Tax Program Scheduled for Sept. 5
Stuart, Fla. – The Martin County Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) will hold its next public meeting on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, providing residents with an update on the county’s progress since voters overwhelmingly approved the Martin County Forever Half-Cent Sales Surtax Referendum last November.
On Nov. 5, 2024, nearly 64% of Martin County voters supported a half-cent sales surtax to fund the permanent protection of environmentally significant lands. The surtax, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025, will generate more than $18 million annually—with total revenues expected to exceed $220 million over the 10-year life of the program. As of August, $12 million has already been generated.
These funds are being directed exclusively toward acquiring and preserving lands in four key conservation areas: the Indian River Lagoon watershed; the Loxahatchee–St. Lucie headwaters; Pal-Mar wetlands; and Blueways urban waterways.
So far, approximately 3,000 acres have been acquired – or are in the process of being acquired – in Pal Mar and the Indian River Lagoon watershed (Bar B Ranch). The county is leveraging $5 million in sales tax monies with Florida Forever funding to secure conservation easements on nearly 1,900 acres at Bar B Ranch (part of the Indian River Lagoon watershed) stretching local tax dollars even further.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the referendum required the creation of the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) - a nine-member citizen advisory board. The committee reviews environmental assessments, scores nominated properties and makes acquisition recommendations to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
Since its formation in February, the ELOC has been reviewing nominated parcels, applying ranking criteria, and preparing the first recommendations for purchase and conservation easements.
“Thanks to the overwhelming support of Martin County voters, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve our most critical lands and waterways,” said Jim Snedeker, Co-Chair of the Martin County Forever Committee and ELOC member. “The upcoming meeting will allow us to share with residents the important progress that’s already been made and the next steps we’ll be taking to protect our water, wildlife, and way of life.”
The Sept. 5 ELOC meeting will include presentations on up to 16 properties. Public transparency remains central to the process, with all agendas, minutes, and meeting recordings made available online.
Meeting Details:
Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) Meeting
Date: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Martin County Administrative Center in the County Commission Chamber at 2401 SE Monterey Rd in Stuart
Access: Open to the public. The meeting will be broadcast on MCTV at https://www.martin.fl.us/watch-mctv and on the county’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/MartinCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners
For more information on the Martin County Land Acquisition Program, including how to nominate properties for consideration, call 772-220-7114 or visit www.martincountyforever.com
More information about the two properties to be discussed during the Sept. 5 ELOC Meeting
Pal Mar: Essential and Irreplaceable. Pal Mar is one of Martin County's most precious and intact wetlands—an ecological gem teeming with pine flatwoods, marshes, and rare wildlife. These high quality wetlands support endangered species, protect the Loxahatchee River, and form a vital wildlife and water flow corridor connecting public conservation lands.
Bar-B Ranch: A Win for Land and Legacy
Spanning nearly 1,900 acres in central Martin County, Bar-B Ranch is a key link in our local ecosystem — buffering the Indian River Lagoon, storing water, and providing habitat for wading birds and other wildlife. Through a conservation easement, this land will continue as a working cattle ranch while permanently preventing development. It’s a perfect example of how Martin County can honor its agricultural heritage and protect the natural environment at the same time.