History of Stuart, Florida!

Stuart's History ...
Stuart was first settled in 1880. Incorporated 1914. Chartered 1925. Known as the County seat, Stuart was originally named Potsdam from 1893 to 1896 and was named by Otto Stypman one of the earliest settlers of Stuart.

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Pelican Hotel
Lyric Theatre
St. Lucie Ave


Stuart Hotel
Court House
Old Postcard


Stuart Florida is located on Florida’s East Coast, which borders the St. Lucie River and West of the Indian River. The climate is pleasant with mild winters and warm summers. The annual average temperature is 72°. Annual rainfall averages 70.44 inches. Stuart is famed for Sail fishing and all other types of sport fishing. You can enjoy Ocean fishing, river and bay fishing, fresh water fishing. The North and South forks of the St. Lucie River are tropical wonderlands for cruises. Stuart has quaint older neighborhoods in the downtown area. There is a mixture of town homes and condominiums. Stuart’s successful revitalization program has made the Downtown area a pleasant ambiance, lined with shops and restaurants.

Founded
Stuart was first settled in 1870. Incorporated 1914. Chartered 1925. Known as the County seat, Stuart was originally named Potsdam from 1893 to 1896 and was named by Otto Stypman one of the earliest settlers of Stuart (History of Martin County, by Janet Hutchinson) Otto Stypman and his brother, Ernest, came here in 1892 and were originally from Potsdam, Germany. The Stypman brothers originally owned what is now known as “Downtown Stuart”, and were large landowners. They started their fortunes here in pineapple farming. The name was changed to Stuart after the FEC railroad was established and was named after Homer Hine Stuart, Jr., another early settler. (more info on how Stuart was named)

Population
Stuart’s population is 17,285 and increases to 21,087 with winter visitors.

Municipal Finances
The city tax rate is 4.1539 mills with 2.8 of that for EMS services.

Industry
The top major employers are, Martin Memorial Hospital, Vought Aircraft, Municipal Government, and thousands of successful small businesses. The economy is driven by retail service, hospitality, construction and government sectors located throughout the city.

Growth
At the present time Stuart is a growing community, annexing new properties north and south of the city, currently 6.25 sq miles. Revitalization is in progress in the Potsdam section of the downtown area as well as North of the new Roosevelt Bridge. The new Roosevelt Bridge was completed in 1996, and the Department of Transportation is now reconstructing the Evans Crary Bridge, which leads to Stuart’s Public Beaches.

Stuart is proud of the latest project, the Southpoint Anchorage which consists of a managed mooring field with 69 permanent mooring buoys, a Harbormaster’s Facility featuring a ship’s store, day lounge rest rooms, bathing facilities and a laundromat. The entire operation is supervised by the City’s Harbormaster. In addition to being a great place to stop over or as a first class destination for boating week-enders, this anchorage will play a crucial role in helping clean up the St. Lucie River Estuary.

Municipal Government
The legislative body of the City of Stuart is comprised of a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and three (3) Commissioners. The Mayor is recognized as the head of city government.

The City Manager is appointed by the Commission and is responsible for the efficient administration of all departments. Stuart owns and operates it’s own Water Department getting the supply from shallow wells. Water is then treated at the plant, tested in our own certified laboratory, and confirmed by the State Environmental Department. The city has paved streets with sidewalks, curbs, gutters and streetlights. The city provides garbage and trash collection. The Police and Fire Departments are both operated by the city.



Municipal Parks & Recreation
The city maintains several large parks and also small street end parks. There are two Recreation centers for club meetings, youth activities, Senior Citizens programs and entertainment programs. The main Recreation department and Park are located on the St. Lucie River, as is City Hall. Another major passive park is also located on the south bank of the St. Lucie River with a Riverwalk and floating boat dock for the public.


The Stuart Museum has additional information, documents and photographs pertaining to Otto and Ernest Stypman and family in their archives.


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