Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“There are so many nursing homes to choose from, with their guidance I was able to find the right facility for my mother, right away. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Candace K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and Claudia at Always Best Care Senior Services were just awesome in how they provided at home care for my mother Carmen. Starting with the initial consultation by Steve to learn about mom's personal care needs to the follow-up visit of a registered nurse to the eventual placement of a compassionate caregiver; every step of their service was well thought out and they truly delivered on providing a level of care for mom that exceeded our families (and mom's) expectations. It can be very nerve racking to find and leave your loved one with a caregiver but this company gets that and they were just fantastic. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Mark B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC has provided the essential care and support my dad needed after hospitalization and chemo treatments. I have peace of mind knowing they are supporting him.”

Michelle B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been utilizing Always Best Care Senior Services for 2 years to care 24/7 for my elderly parents. I am very pleased with their services. The Owners and Office Staff bend over backwards to make sure that there is always coverage, to alert my parents Caregiver Team of any requests that I make, to advise me when there is an issue with my parents or their dog. The Caregiver Team working with my parents are all compassionate and caring, knowledgeable and skilled. Sadly, my Father passed away in the fall of 2020. Each of their Caregivers, the Owners and the Office Staff expressed to me that they would like to attend his memorial service when we are able to have it. During the weeks he was slipping away, the Caregiver team not only took care of my parents, they looked after me, gently reminding me to eat, rest or take a break. They truly care not only for my parents, but for all our family. I can’t begin to express what a comfort it has been to have them caring for my parents, especially during the pandemic when visits are prohibited. They are my eyes and ears. Working intimately with my parents, the Caregivers are very tuned in to even subtle changes. If you are in the market and looking for a senior services/home health care company, I strongly urge you to reach out to Always Best Care Senior Services. You’ll be happy you did.”

Heidi R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you want quality care for yourself or your loved ones, Steve and his time are the best, don’t waste your time looking elsewhere. As an estate planning attorney, I have recommended clients to Steve who have been very happy with his team. Steve and his team went above and beyond for one specific client of mine that had a very complex situation, and I am eternally grateful to them. I only hope I can continue to work together with him - Steve and his team are dedicated to making sure you are comfortable, happy and safe. My favorite part about Always Best Care is that all of their staff are TRAINED EMPLOYEES WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION - NOT INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS!”

Aldo C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is a top notch senior services company. They go above and beyond with their clients and treat them as if they are family. If you are looking for a great family oriented team to help take care of your love one look no further. Give Always best care a call you will not be disappointed!!”

Forrest H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Highly recommended! All the staff is very professional and courteous”

Ryan N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team were amazing. As my father’s Parkinson’s progress, we were in need of home health care desperately. Steve and his nurse came to our home, assess the situation, and set up a schedule to accommodate our needs. I would highly recommend them to any family or friends in need of their services.”

Claudine P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steven and his team are superior in caring for aging friends and family. The most important thing is having people who you can trust with your family.”

Allison T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve and his team will take superior care of your loved ones.”

John D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Steve Snell and Staff of Always Best Care Senior Services have been amazingly responsive, helpful and worked diligently to make sure my clients needs were met! Can't praise them enough. The case was staffed immediately and overseen at all levels. Thank you for Always providing the Best Care!”

Karen G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with, and explored working with, various agencies and registries in the Palm Beach County area. I am picky. Always Best Care is qualitatively a notch above every other organization I've encountered. Responsive. Amiable. Professional. The aide, Islande, who has worked with my mom is top-notch for our needs. And . . . I have no doubt Steve (the agency's owner) and his staff would strive to find someone else, if it hadn't been a fit. If you are looking for Nursing Care, I strongly recommend giving Always Best Care a chance. BTW: It is important to understand that working with an Nursing Agency (like Always Best Care), means the staff are employees, not independent contractors (as they are when working through a Nursing Registry). An Agency is vested in having good employees, and a good agency wants you to be happy. But even all Agencies are not created equal. I worked with one (Alternative Health Care) where aides did not always show up! That was painful and incredibly stressful, and the manager and other higher-up staff didn't give a hoot.”

Liz S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wish there were more that five stars. I can not say enough about the experience we have had in working with Always Best Care Senior Services. Not only were they extremely receptive to our needs, available immediately to every call, text or email, compassionate and kind...every single employee was better than the next. My Dad's recent death and my mothers recent surgery (with complications) requiring extra care was a traumatic time for our family. The care she received was beyond skilled and professional. We knew she was in trusting, caring hands. She was happy. I have recommended ABC to others and they have had the same experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to them if you are in need. I highly recommend them. I know I will be reaching out to Steven and Claudia the next time I am in need. My family and I are extremely grateful.”

Donna H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Fabulous experience with Always Best Care. Treated my 90 year old Father in Law with dignity and respect. We actually had fun with his aides and they were helpful and kind.”

Alicia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very glad to have chosen ABC Senior Services to get us through a very difficult time when my parents finally reached the end of their independent lifestyles at age 96 and 97. Scheduling was difficult and sometimes changes were made last minute, but ABC came through as well as could be expected. Despite losing his wife of 37 years, my father is currently doing very well back north in an assisted living facility. Thank you ABC for the compassion you expressed throughout the 4 months you were there for us.”

Rob C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great company who goes above and beyond for their clients. My mother fell at my brothers home in Connecticut and I called Steve Snell for some guidance. Even though Steve is in Florida he was able to get my family connected with a representative in Connecticut immediately. Thank you Steve!”

Mike B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC goes to great lengths to get to know their clients in order to provide the best possible match with ABC’s in home care providers. The aides blend into the home environment with professionalism, compassion and helpfulness. They are unobtrusive but available at all times. As a primary caregiver I wish I started with them years ago.”

cam2019
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TESTIMONIALS

“Extremely friendly and professional. I was very comfortable leaving my loved one in their care.”

happy C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great, helpful, supportive service! I tried others, but ANC is the beat!”

tas1111
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TESTIMONIALS

“Experiencing using ABC is the best you will find anywhere. The owners and employees are there for one reason and that is to make their clients happy with their caregivers. I have never seen such compassion from an agency. I am the client, so I know what to look for and the caregivers they recommend. Would be happy to talk to anyone with questions. Thanks”

Mimi B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care's caregivers and office staff are the best I have dealt with.”

Bruce M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can't say enough about how much ABC has helped both our parents and our family. Their name -- Always Best Care -- is clearly their guiding principle! From the highest level administration (Stephen and Beverly) to the amazing caregivers and schedulers -- the entire staff have been responsive and attentive from day one. They have been unfailingly respectful, caring, professional and competent. They were flexible and kind when my mother became terminally ill. And readily available and again responsive when we reinitiated services for my father. Their attentiveness and professionalism is reflected in the amazingly kind, competent and resourceful caregiving staff. Their exceptional caregivers have allowed us peace of mind, knowing that our Dad is getting great support from reliable providers who readily alert us of any matters that need attention. I highly recommend ABC!”

Carla R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been wonderful in many ways. Steve Snell, Owner and Area Representative, and Beverly Casper, RN were patient, kind and respectful while my Dad came to terms with the idea that he really did need help. They were flexible and open and that made all the difference. My Dad's aide Fabienne is responsible and caring and now more of a companion than aide. Steve and his scheduling team has been proactive about any changes that needed to occur and very good about communicating with me both by phone and email. Having them on board has lessened the worry I feel on a daily basis. My mother had a prolonged illness and through the years we dealt with many health care agencies. The attention and care we have received from Always Best Care is, by far, the best we ever have experienced and we are very grateful to have found them.”

Linda S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you have a loved one that needs personal care.”

Melanie T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dori, is such a wonderful person and makes such an impact on everyone she is involved with.”

Jamie W.
 In-Home Care Indiantown, FL

How does In-home Senior Care in Indiantown, FL work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Indiantown, FL

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Indiantown, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Indiantown, FL gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Indiantown, FL

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Indiantown,FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Indiantown, FL

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Indiantown, FL

Indiantown introduces innovative high school: A gateway to career and college readiness

INDIANTOWN, Fla. (CBS12) — The Martin County School District (MCSD) and Indian River State College (IRSC) unveiled their newest charter high school on Wednesday in Indiantown.The school called Indiantown High School (IHS), is geared toward career and technical education. But it also allows students to be dually enrolled at IRSC and high school starting as early as 9th grade. Students attending can earn their associate's degree before graduating high school.IRSC President Timothy Moore says the school was built in an under...

INDIANTOWN, Fla. (CBS12) — The Martin County School District (MCSD) and Indian River State College (IRSC) unveiled their newest charter high school on Wednesday in Indiantown.

The school called Indiantown High School (IHS), is geared toward career and technical education. But it also allows students to be dually enrolled at IRSC and high school starting as early as 9th grade. Students attending can earn their associate's degree before graduating high school.

IRSC President Timothy Moore says the school was built in an underserved region of Martin County because until now, the community of Indiantown didn't have a high school.

"This high school represents a traditional high school pathway, a collegiate acceleration pathway as well as vocational technical training pathways. So basically, this is the gateway for any young person in Indiantown in Western Martin County to be able to get their start," said Moore.

IHS is a 61,700-square-foot college preparedness and workforce education public charter high school featuring technologically advanced, immersive learning spaces.

The Martin County School District (MCSD) and Indian River State College (IRSC) unveiled their newest charter high school on Wednesday in Indiantown. CBS12 News Amber Raub reports.< > (WPEC)

The over $25 million project was built with the goal of those graduating being ready to go directly into the workforce.

To accomplish this MCSD and IRSC are integrating high school curriculum with college courses, all to help fill a need.

See also: Palm Beach County middle, high school students' IDs will feature national suicide hotline

MCSD Superintendent, Michael Maine says students who attend IHS will be able to learn trades and get certifications.

“We need so many vocational positions throughout the community, and this high school is geared towards providing those vocational opportunities for students," said Supt. Maine.

These opportunities include multiple career and technical certifications:

The funds for the $25 million project came from the state of Florida ($5.3 million), Plus Property Lease, from Martin County ($3 million), IRSC Foundation ($15 million), and m Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnston ($10 million). Johnston's donation played a key role in how the school was able to be built in a little over a year.

“This is a very exciting moment in time for Indiantown. The landscape here is gonna change considerably all for the better," said Johnston.

The school has the following features:

Before the school was built, the closest high school for students in Indiantown was South Fork High School in Stuart.

“This is where they can come, they don't have to ride a bus 45 minutes from Eastern Martin County to come home. They can come home to their hometown school," said Moore.

The school will have a smaller feel, with the student body not exceeding 400 students and a cap of 100 students per grade.

“They will provide all the same math science curriculum that a traditional school would offer. So we just encourage students if you're interested in a smaller feel, atmosphere, high school and you want to be a part of something great, that's just getting started and having a new tradition, then come out and register at Indiantown High School," said Supt. Maine.

Students also have the option to graduate by December of their junior year with the 24/18 CTE & Accelerated Standard Diploma option.

Indiantown High School is one of two public charter high schools that IRSC operates in Martin County in partnership with the Martin County School District. IRSC’s Clark Advanced Learning Center, a public charter high school on the College’s Chastain Campus in Stuart, opened in 2004. Clark is among the top-scoring Treasure Coast schools based on Florida’s school grading system and the top 20 high schools in all of Florida.

The school officially opens its doors to students on August 9.

Traditional high school curriculum is taught alongside workforce and college courses, producing graduates that can directly pursue career opportunities or college upon graduation. Students must register to attend. You can learn how to apply here.

Ammunition manufacturer's expansion to Indiantown set to come before Village Council

INDIANTOWN — An ammunition manufacturing company with operations in Stuart is planning to expand here, with its eye on producing up to a billion primers a year.Grind Hard Ammo started production of copper shell casings last month in its Stuart facility and plans to produce primer, an explosive substance that energizes the powder in the case of each shell, at its proposed Indiantown facility. The company sells ammunition primarily to law enforcement and the military but has retail ammunition on its website.T...

INDIANTOWN — An ammunition manufacturing company with operations in Stuart is planning to expand here, with its eye on producing up to a billion primers a year.

Grind Hard Ammo started production of copper shell casings last month in its Stuart facility and plans to produce primer, an explosive substance that energizes the powder in the case of each shell, at its proposed Indiantown facility. The company sells ammunition primarily to law enforcement and the military but has retail ammunition on its website.

The proposed facility — regulated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — would be on the north side of Southwest Farm Road at Silver Fox Lane, according to plans. The roughly 19-acre property would have a 26,116-square-foot facility with 800 feet of explosives storage separate from the main building.

More:Ammunition manufacturer Grind Hard Ammo to open facilities in Stuart, Indiantown

TV feature:'Wheel of Fortune' features Indiantown native on Valentine's Day episode

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Even though the company's plans comply with village development codes and other regulations, the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board last month still showed resistance to the project. The board recommended Village Council approval by a 4-3 vote after Chair Vernestine Palmer walked back her original objections.

“I just really don’t believe that this is the community for it. That’s my opinion,” she said at the Feb. 2 meeting.

Board member Karen Onsager told her colleagues she understood concerns about the project, but urged them to separate their personal sentiments from their analysis of the project's code compliance.

“None of the evidence shows that this is a danger to our community whatsoever. It could be a substantial boost to our community, with tax revenue and with jobs, which we desperately need,” Onsager said.

The Village Council is to consider the project March 9.

Explosives and regulations

Questioned about the potential for an explosion, Grind Hard Ammo co-owner Austin Weiss told board members the chemical process of producing the primer happens “within a very big concrete blast wall” that directs the material “to go up, not out” in the event of an explosion.

Moreover, site plans show any explosion would stay within the property.

“In the very worst-case scenario, nothing will be affected. The blast zone completely stays on the property, and it doesn’t even reach the road,” Barry Skolnick, principal of Grind Hard Ammo, told TCPalm. “If you follow protocol, it’s a very safe procedure.”

Nearby properties include Florida Power & Light Co.’s former Indiantown Cogeneration Plant and the adjacent land slated for its Monarch Solar Energy Center. The closest residential community is Joseph L. Lee Gardens Apartments about a mile east.

Martin County Fire Marshal Doug Killane told TCPalm county and state regulations tend to overlap with ATF’s for a development such as this. Killane’s main responsibilities are to assure site access for emergency vehicles and sufficient water flow, in addition to certifying sprinkler and fire alarm plans.

“There’s got to be available water on site, whether it’s through municipal water supply or some other means: pumps, tanks, whatever it takes in order to provide water in case there was a fire incident,” Killane said.

The development is the first of its kind in Martin County since 2009, when he started in his position, he said.

“There’s storage facilities that have stored premade ammunition, and they just brought it in on pallets," Killane said. "But this is the first time in my history with the county that we’ve actually been looking at plans for ammunition assembly.”

Lina Ruiz is TCPalm's watchdog reporter for Martin County. You can reach her at l[email protected], on Twitter @Lina_Ruiz48 or at 321-501-3845.

'Wheel of Fortune' features Indiantown native on Valentine's Day episode

If you tuned in to watch Wheel of Fortune on Feb. 17, you might have been one of the few people who could point out where Indiantown is on a map.During the show's Sweetheart Week, Miller and Alicia Exantus competed to be the lucky winners of that evening's episode. Miller said he was born and raised in Indiantown, and met his wife while t...

If you tuned in to watch Wheel of Fortune on Feb. 17, you might have been one of the few people who could point out where Indiantown is on a map.

During the show's Sweetheart Week, Miller and Alicia Exantus competed to be the lucky winners of that evening's episode. Miller said he was born and raised in Indiantown, and met his wife while they were students at Florida State University.

The couple, who now lives in Palmetto in Manatee County on Florida's west coast, have been married for five years and have two daughters, he said on the show.

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The Exantuses did not immediately respond to TCPalm's request for comment.

Miller Exantus told Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak that he and his wife had promised their daughters they would win and bring back a unicorn. Unfortunately, the couple did not win.

Jay and Jennifer Chalk of Arkansas won the game that consisted of 10 rounds of word puzzles. They took home a cash prize of $20,310.

If you missed the episode, you can watch it here.

Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's underserved communities reporter. You can contact her at [email protected], 772-409-1429 or follow her on Twitter @gmontesano13. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

Indiantown Village Council split in search for interim and permanent managers

INDIANTOWN — After a split discussion and vote during a recent Village Council meeting, potential candidates for the interim village manager position were given two weeks to submit their applications after the abrupt resignation of Howard Brown this month.He resigned Dec. 8 after almost four years in the position. He was the village's first manager after its incorporation in late 2017; hired in January 2019 after a nationwide search.In a 3-2 vote at a special meeting Dec. 15, the council approved a search f...

INDIANTOWN — After a split discussion and vote during a recent Village Council meeting, potential candidates for the interim village manager position were given two weeks to submit their applications after the abrupt resignation of Howard Brown this month.

He resigned Dec. 8 after almost four years in the position. He was the village's first manager after its incorporation in late 2017; hired in January 2019 after a nationwide search.

In a 3-2 vote at a special meeting Dec. 15, the council approved a search for the temporary position with the help of the Florida City and County Management Association and the Florida League of Cities. Candidates have until Dec. 29 to apply, and the council will discuss applications at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas and Council Member Carmine Dipaolo voted against the search after a tense discussion about village staff’s recommendation to appoint Parks and Recreation Director Deborah Resos as the interim village manager.

More:Indiantown Village Manager Howard Brown resigns; few details known about his departure

Indiantown election:Why did voters oust mayor, vice mayor? What's the newcomers' agenda?

Opinion:Post-election, the future of Indiantown's government remains a work in progress

Council Member Guyton Stone told Gibbs Thomas he felt that she deceived the public by asking staff to discuss an internal recommendation for interim manager without notifying council members beforehand. Village Attorney Wade Vose confirmed he was not notified of the direction given by Gibbs Thomas.

“I’m truly disappointed in that. I feel like you’re trying to take things in your own hands, and not having the council do what needs to be done. And that’s not how this government is supposed to be running,” Stone said at the meeting.

When Gibbs Thomas asked Vose if she had done anything wrong when asking staff to discuss a recommendation, Vose said it was at the discretion of Acting Village Manager Susan Owens “to determine whether or not to bring it up, discuss it, come back with any sort of recommendation or what have you.”

Council Member Janet Hernández agreed with Stone’s comments, adding that existing village staff are already overloaded and should stay in their current position.

“I thank Ms. Resos for trying to step in, but I really think that Indiantown is too new to have someone that does not have the experience. We can’t afford one penny or one decision to go wrong, and then it just will all crumble down,” Hernández said.

Dipaolo and Gibbs Thomas both voiced support for Resos.

“I know that staff is definitely overworked, but your staff has come together, and the council is not listening to what your overwhelmed staff has requested, what they have said, and what their recommendation is,” Gibbs Thomas said.

Moreover, the council was split in its decision on how to recruit a permanent village manager.

Council members pushed the discussion to the Jan. 12 meeting after a motion failed, in a 3-2 vote, to have the Florida City and County Management Association spearhead the search.

Stone and Hernández were the two votes in favor of using the association.

Lina Ruiz is TCPalm's watchdog reporter for Martin County. You can reach her at [email protected], on Twitter @Lina_Ruiz48 or at 321-501-3845.

Indiantown Village Council: Voters oust two of three incumbents in Aug. 23 primary

Indiantown residents opted for some new representation, electing two newcomers and reelecting one incumbent to the Village Council in the area's second election since incorporating in 2018.Challenger Carmine Dipaolo beat incumbent Anthony Dowling by 19%, challenger Angelina Perez beat incumbent Jacqueline Clarke by 5% and incumbent Susan Gibbs Thomas beat challenger Janet Rosado by 35%, according to unofficial results from the Martin County elections office.Two of three winners of the Aug. 23 primary election are...

Indiantown residents opted for some new representation, electing two newcomers and reelecting one incumbent to the Village Council in the area's second election since incorporating in 2018.

Challenger Carmine Dipaolo beat incumbent Anthony Dowling by 19%, challenger Angelina Perez beat incumbent Jacqueline Clarke by 5% and incumbent Susan Gibbs Thomas beat challenger Janet Rosado by 35%, according to unofficial results from the Martin County elections office.

Two of three winners of the Aug. 23 primary election are multigenerational Indiantown natives who have seen their work affect the livelihoods of their own family and friends:

2022 election:TCPalm's complete coverage

Editorial Board:Recommendations for Indiantown Village Council

Questionnaires:How Martin County candidates answered them

Nonpartisan municipal elections typically don't involve large sums of money. Dipaolo and Thomas outspent and outraised their opponents in campaign financing:

Seat 4

Seat 5

Village Council members, who will be sworn in Sept. 8, are paid $10,000 a year plus reimbursements and/or per diems for business travel and conferences.

In the next four years, they will face a host of ongoing issues, including water management, infrastructure needs, rising real estate costs and a lack of affordable housing in this small, rural, lower-income, agricultural community of 6,650 residents.

Water and wastewater

Residents have long complained about their drinking water appearing brown and reeking of chlorine, so they had to spend their own money on costly filters.

With the help of state grants, the village purchased a water treatment facility for $8.5 million in 2020 and since has poured $18 million into modernizing it, according to a village newsletter.

But the water quality still needs improvement, some residents and council candidates said. Miguel Garcia, an Indiantown resident of 25 years, told TCPalm the water is tinted green, despite his having a water softener in his home.

The water and wastewater treatment plants, which had not been upgraded since 1957, still need improvements estimated to cost $9.4 million and $13 million, respectively.

Flooding and stormwater drainage have also been longtime problems caused by poor infrastructure. Indiantown is tackling part of that problem with a $2.2 million drainage project in the Booker Park neighborhood in the southwest part of the village, which began in January and is estimated to be completed by December.

Indiantown Village Hall

Another priority for some residents and council candidates is building a Village Hall.

Indiantown, which incorporated in 2017, spends about $3,225 a month leasing office space at 15516 Southwest Osceola St. The lease expires July 31, 2024.

The Village Council bought a 5.1-acre parcel at Southwest Warfield Boulevard and Southwest Seminole Drive, where it plans to build a Village Hall with a community center and a public gym, fitness center and baseball and soccer fields, records show.

Indiantown paid $32,017 for REG Architects of West Palm Beach to design the project, estimated to cost $15 million to $18 million, plus $3.8 million if the council opts for a three-story building instead of two.

The Village Council has not approved funding for a Village Hall yet, and is facing a 5% drop in revenue because it lowered property taxes the past two years.

Housing and development

In Martin County last year, Indiantown and surrounding properties in its 34956 ZIP code saw the largest increase in single-family home sales: up 81% in Indiantown and 127% in the 34956 ZIP code. The average sale price increased about 57% increase.

The potential for overdevelopment and gentrification amid Florida's runaway real estate market is a concern for Indiantown. Development could price out locals as more affluent homebuyers who are flocking to the Sunshine State amid the coronavirus pandemic are paying well over the asking price — and in cash.

In Indiantown, the median income is $43,406, with 24.3% of the population living in poverty. The population is 65% Latino, 41% white and 17% Black, with 25% of residents being foreign-born, census data shows.

There's plenty of room to grow, as over 5,000 of the village's 8,734 acres remain vacant.

Two recent developments have been built, two are under construction, three have been approved, four are under review and three are in the pre-application phase:

Completed developments

Under construction

Approved development

Under review

Pre-application

The largest residential development is the Terra Lago project being planned by the Garcia Group of Virginia. The investment group plans to build over 2,700 homes plus 100,000 square feet of commercial space within 10 years on 806 acres in northeastern Indiantown bordered by:

Thomas promised to investigate ways the village can help residents afford housing, as Indiantown currently relies on nonprofits for such assistance.

"We do not have any programs," Thomas said. "It is a concern moving forward. We do not want people priced out."

Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's underserved communities reporter. You can contact her at [email protected], 772-409-1429 or follow her on Twitter @gmontesano13.

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