Martin County high school students were not permitted to have a Senior Prom this year. The Superintendent decided that the coronavirus was too prevalent to risk a gathering of students to celebrate their years together growing up. It was a decision that rose to the level of anger and frustration for these students.

They took matters into their own hands, and made it happen. A very industrious Eduardo Diaz took it upon himself to create a night that his fellow classmates would remember; not just for his school, South Fork, but all of the high schools in Martin County.

Along the way, they were met with obstacle after obstacle, including opposition from parents, teachers, and other students. These folks called venues that the students were in discussions with and pressured them not to allow the students to use their facilities. Teachers openly spoke out against Eddie and his classmates throughout this planning.

Ultimately, the County rented them the Mansion at Tuckahoe for the full price. In addition, they had them sign waivers holding the County harmless from any liability. Once the students started signing and returning the waivers, they added another roadblock; the waivers had to be notarized!

At the March 23 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, I asked the Commissioners why the students were expected to have these waivers notarized, and why weren’t they told upfront. The County Administrator answered my question. It wasn’t satisfactory. In short, she told the room that once the students made their event “public,” waivers had to be notarized. I am glad that this exchange was on the public record, and that they were exposed for their part in trying to spoil such a momentous occasion.

County overreach is becoming more and more the normal behavior. We need to step up and push back! I volunteered to chaperone this event, and I couldn’t be prouder of these young adults. Eddie showed them that their diligence, perseverance, and hard work can pay off.

Teach your children well! 

Amy Pritchett

On Thursday, February 25, I attended the State of County presentation at Hope Fellowship Church in Palm City. I sat with my husband and two fellow patriots. I was taken aback that the Pledge of Allegiance, which was clearly part of the program agenda, was not performed.

Our County Chairwoman, Stacey Hetherington, began the program with a video of her and her roots. She grew up in Indiantown, on a farm, and she folded that into her opening remarks. Riding on a horse named Sage, she tackled the County problems in her own way!

County Administrator, Taryn Kryzda, took it from there and presented the annual budget, along with all of the major projects that were completed throughout the year. I urge everyone to go to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners’ website, and read the 2020 Annual Report: Martin County Board of County Commissioners – 20210212-MC-Annual Report 2020-FINAL Digital – Page 1 – Created with Publitas.com

On Page 4 of the report, there is an organizational chart, clearly showing that the Martin County Residents preside at the top. We need to remind all of our elected officials that “We The People” have a voice, and it’s time to use our voices all the time, not just when there is a crisis or a problem we want remedied.

This chart is a reminder that during an extremely tumultuous 2020, we were not represented properly, we were not given factual information, we were not united. The BOCC in one fell swoop, turned neighbors and friends against one another. They represented a portion of our community, which is not how County government should operate.

Come to the meetings, get involved, let your voices be heard.

Amy Pritchett