Stuart, FL

Located about 12 miles from Palm Beach and 100 miles from Miami, Stuart, Florida is considered part of Florida's Treasure Coast, a name deriving from the many treasures found in the area's waters, the remains of shipwrecks that occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries. The city of Stuart is a small community with an estimated population of nearly 16,000. It is the county seat for Martin County and encompasses a land area of approximately 6 square miles.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

In spite of a recent increase in median income levels in the city, roughly 10 percent of the residents of Stuart are considered to be living below the poverty line. Tourism is one of the major industries fueling the local economy, with hospitality a close second. Many of the tourist attractions are built around water recreation and special water-related events. Retail industry also offers significant employment opportunities in the city of Stuart. The unemployment rate is at 4.6 percent.

Stuart is home to the Martin Memorial Medical Center, located at 200 Southeast Hospital Avenue. The hospital provides most of the services offered by major hospitals. A few of the health care services provided include:

• Emergency Room
• Cranial and Spinal Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Endovascular Treatment
• Cardiac Care
• Pediatrics
• Stroke Recovery
• Respiratory Therapy
• Neonatal, Child Birth, and Post Natal Care

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The neighborhoods of Stuart accommodate an all urban population. The city has some distinctive neighborhoods within its limits:

• Downtown Stuart is a congestion-free and peaceful neighborhood with the beautiful scenery of St. Lucie River.
• Downtown Towne Park is a condominium community with proximity to golf courses, shopping centers and beaches.
• Other major neighborhoods include Kanner Square, Windermere, North River Shores, Indian Pines, The Crossings, Golden Gate, Parkview, Astorwood and Ocean Boulevard area.

EDUCATION

A branch campus of the Indian River State College is maintained in Stuart. Two other institutions of higher education are located in the city:

• The Chapman School of Seamanship
• The Stuart School of Business and Academics

LOCAL MEDIA

The Stuart News is a daily newspaper established in the early-20th century and owned by Scripps since 1965.

One television station also operates in the city. WPEC Channel 12 is affiliated with the CBS television network.

Stuart is served by several radio stations, including:

• WHLG
• WAVW
• WPSL
• WSTU
• WCNO

SHOPPING

Stuart offers three distinct shopping options for residents and visitors:

• Harbour Bay Plaza offers fine dining, specialty shops, and a number of entertainment options, including movies.
• Treasure Coast Square Mall is a conventional mall anchored by several national department stores. Movies, a food court, and other amenities make the mall ideal for casual shopping.
• Downtown Stuart offers locally-owned shops along Osceola and Flagler Streets where soft pink sidewalks make walking relaxing and fun. Open-air cafes provide ideal places to stop and enjoy a coffee or a light meal, and antiques, stained glass, crafts, and various types of collectibles are all found within this three block shopping district.

GETTING AROUND

A public-use airport, Witham Field, is located roughly about a mile from Stuart's city center.

Stuart is easily accessed from Interstate 95.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Stuart is home to both community and regional theater performances:

• The Barn Theater is the oldest continuous community theater in Martin County. Organized as a nonprofit organization, the theater offers a full season, staging productions of classic comedies and musicals, as well as original plays.
• The Lyric Theater is a restored silent movie house originally built in 1925. Today, the theater hosts a wide range of entertainment events, including classical theater, jazz concerts, traveling revues, and live band performances. Classic movies are also shown at the Lyric, which is located in downtown Stuart.

FOR VISITORS

Water recreation in Stuart is a major attraction for locals and visitors. While several beaches are found in the area, the House of Refuge is one of the oldest and most popular. Featuring both a historic residence and a public beach, the House of Refuge has been open to the public since 1875.

A number of annual events are sponsored by local organizations and draw in a number of visitors each year.

• The Stuart Boat Show, sponsored by the Marine Industry Association of the Treasure Coast, offers exhibitions of a wide range of pleasure boats, including yachts.
• The Martin County Boat Parade is a December event that includes a parade of boats along the waterfront and a fireworks display.
• The Stuart Christmas Parade, also a December event, marches down East Ocean Boulevard and features floats by local civic organizations, schools, and individuals.
• The Stuart Air Show is held at Witham Field in the autumn.
• The Annual Rodeo and Barbecue is sponsored by the Martin County Sheriff's Department and includes roping and riding competitions, recipe cook-offs, and general amusements.
• The Finest Kind Swordfish Tournament is held in late summer and includes a competition and a free seminar on swordfishing.
• The Out of Hand Art Show, sponsored by the Historical Society of Martin County, spotlights art created by local artists.