Martin County School District provides several programs most notably pre-kindergarten and Head Start for young children The term “school readiness” implies activities which prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn.  There is great awareness among educators, law enforcement professionals, business leaders and concerned citizens that the more care children have before they enter school the better chance they have at success in life.

The Early Learning Coalition of Martin and Okeechobee County (in the past called School Readiness) is the primary resource for parents seeking child care and other services for their children in Hobe Sound.  Call them to apply for child care, learn about child care options, obtain the “parent handbook” and see the listing of free services and programs available to Martin County residents.

The Early Learning Coalition of Martin and Okeechobee County
2020 SE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
772 463-3212 - phone
772 463-3213 - fax

Child Care Centers:

Bethel Lutheran Preschool
7905 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-7506 - phone
E-mail: bethluth@bellsouth.net

The Dunbar Center, Inc.
Early Head Start Organization
12100 SE Lantana Avenue
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Serving children from birth to 5 years old
772 545-0808 - phone
772 545-3173 - fax

Hobe Sound Child Care Center
11580 Gomez Avenue
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Serving children 2 through 5 years old
772 546-5462 - phone
772 546-5480 – fax

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Click here for detailed Martin County Demographics.

Population

Population by Age

Personal Income

Hobe Sound	Estimate 2005
Median House Hold Income	$44,391
Per Capita Income (dollars)	$26,765
Average House Hold Income	$58,532

Martin County

Median House Hold Income	$46,624
Per Capita Income (dollars)	$27,796
Average House Hold Income	$64,159

Price Level Indexes

County Comparisons	Index
Martin	97.06
St. Lucie	96.06
Indian

Sources – 2000 US Census, Martin County Growth Management Department, Demographics Now

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Education

From the kindergartner to the high school graduate looking forward to staying close to home to pursue a college degree, the Hobe Sound area answers the call academically. Both public and private schools provide quality education to the students whose families call Hobe Sound Home.

Thanks to the dedication of the District’s teachers, administrators, staff, and students, and continued support from the community, the Martin County School District is consistently ranked among the highest performing school districts in the state.  Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Sara Wilcox, Martin County was one of just two districts in Florida to earn all “A” schools in the 2006-2007 school year from the Florida Department of Education.   In addition, the District has earned an overall “A” grade for six consecutive years under Florida’s A+ Plan.  

In August of 2005, just in time for the 2005/2006 school year, the new Hobe Sound Elementary School opened on the school’s existing campus on Gomez Ave. The size of the campus increased from 85,184 square feet to 119,508 square feet. The total cost of the construction was approximately $16 million dollars.  In addition to the traditional aspects of an elementary school the new school includes a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor auditorium and butterfly/reading garden complete with engraved brick pathways. A cedar arbor covers the art and science lab allowing the students to work on projects in an outdoor setting, while keeping them somewhat protected from our Florida sun. In addition to having an award winning architectural design the school is adorned with tropical colors and murals inspired and created by famous artist Dan Mackin. 

The Martin County School District, in which Hobe Sound falls, operates under the direction of an elected five member school board. The superintendent of schools, also an elected position, oversees the school system. School board members serve four-year terms and although required to live in the district they represent, are voted on countywide. The district office is at 500 East Ocean Blvd., Stuart. The Martin County School District website has an enormous amount of information for students, parents and community members to share ranging from parent guides, lunch menus, job postings to bus routes. 

The Pine School (formerly St. Michael’s Independent) is now located on its brand new campus in Hobe Sound. This private school will provide a college preparatory program and outstanding educational opportunities for 7^th through 12^th grade students.  The campus offers state-of-the-art studios for art, music, and media and has been designed and integrated to compliment the natural beautiful settings and habitat.

Although Martin County students have the opportunity to select schools outside their communities such as in Palm Beach County, most Hobe Sound students attend one of the schools listed below.

Public Schools

Private Schools

Colleges and Universities

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Employment

Employment Resources

Martin County’s Largest Employers
As of 2005

Source – Business Development Board of Martin County / Treasure Coast Magazine

Labor Force

2005

Source - Employ Florida

Classified Job Listings
Hometown News
Stuart News
Palm Beach Post

Employment Training and Assistance
One Stop Career Center
900 SE Central Parkway
Stuart, FL 34994
772-223-2653

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Government

Hobe Sound Government
Hobe Sound is an unincorporated village located in Martin County. Governed by County Commissioners, Martin County is divided into 5 districts. Hobe Sound is located in district 3 and the county commissioner is Lee Weberman. The Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of Circuit Court and Property Appraiser each have satellite offices in Hobe Sound at the Winn Dixie Plaza. 

Lee Weberman, County Commissioner
2401 S.E. Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34996
772-221-2357

Martin County Tax Collector
New residents must apply for car title, license plates and vehicle registration within 10 days of employment or school enrollment. Motorboats and sailboats used in Florida water, unless registered in another state and used less than 90 days must be registered at the Tax Collector’s office. Hunting and fishing licenses may also be obtained at the Tax Collector’s office.

Tax Collector:  The Honorable Mr. Larry O’Steen
11734 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL  33455    
772-288-5600

Hours of Operation: 
Monday-Friday Open: 8:00am -1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Closed for lunch 1:00pm-2:00pm

Supervisor of Elections

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote. You may document your residency by obtaining a notarized Declaration of Domicile. This Hobe Sound branch also provides information and services for voter registration, paying traffic tickets, marriage licenses, passports, and civil/small claims/eviction matters.

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Supervisor of Elections
11730 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-1307

Hours of Operation: 8:00am to 4:30pm

Property Appraiser
Florida has a Homestead Exemption law, whereby the first $25,000.00 of the assessed value of an owner-occupied residence is exempt from ad valorem taxes. To process tax exemption and to get information on properties located in Martin County please visit the Property Appraiser’s office.

Property Appraiser
11726 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-1309

Hours of Operation: 
Monday-Friday Open: 8 -1:00 and 2 - 4:30
Closed for lunch 1:00-2:00

Department of Motor Vehicles

Driver License Office in Hobe Sound
You must obtain a Florida Driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. Two forms of ID are required to prove your date of birth.

For driver licenseses, driving tests and ID cards please visit the Hobe Sound DMV.

Hobe Sound DMV
11734 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455     
772- 546 -7097 (Information)
772-546-6136 (Appointments)

Hours of Operation: 8 to 4:30 pm

Martin County Government
Our local Martin County government has a useful website where you can learn how to contact our County Commissioners by phone or email, download permit applications and forms, sign up for events at our parks – just a ton of information. The Martin County Directory is a valuable resource for all residents and visitors. The Martin County Property Appraiser’s office also sponsors a fantastic website where you can search for tax and property information. The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website allows you to see public records, access forms, learn about passport requirements and provides a useful “links” page directing you to other government websites.

State of Florida
The state of Florida also sponsors a fantastic website “My Florida.com” which has a wealth of tools and information for the resident and visitor alike. Everything from history and culture, nature, government offices, professional sports, licenses, setup of corporation, online paying of business taxes – the resources are mind blowing. You can even take a virtual tour of the Governor’s Mansion!  Take advantage of this great tool.

Everyone should know that you can access the White House, House of Representatives, the Senate and practically every area of our government via the web.  Here are the direct links to our local representatives and officials:

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Health Care Services

Heath Care is readily available and excellent.  There are 2 hospitals within miles of Hobe Sound. Martin Memorial and Jupiter Medical Center provide quality hospital care.

Martin Memorial Health Systems is proud to offer caring, compassionate healthcare services to members of the Treasure Coast community. Our two hospitals and three MediCenters, numerous rehabilitation and fitness centers, cancer care, doctors and many other services help to maintain the good health of residents of Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce, Florida. The Frances Langford Heart Center is now open at Martin Memorial. For more information call 772-287-5200.

Also, part of the Martin Memorial family is a medical facility and wellness center at 11600 S. Federal Highway here in Hobe Sound.  Doctors staff the medical center and memberships to the wellness center are available.

Jupiter Medical Center, a community-based medical center, has 156 private acute care hospital beds and 120 long-term care beds. It provides a broad range of care, with specialty concentrations in orthopedics, minimally invasive vascular care, women’s services, cancer care and advanced diagnostic imaging. JMC has more than 1,400 employees, 450 physicians and more than 1,100 volunteers. For more information, call 561-747-2234.

Treasure Coast Hospices, Inc., a Medicare/Medicaid certified agency, provides palliative or comfort care to those persons and their families suffering from a life limiting illness.  More than 80% of the over 1,400 patients cared for annually, received care at home whether it be a private residence, assisted living community or skilled nursing facility.  There are two eight bed residences located on the Stuart campus for persons unable to stay at home.  In addition to providing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual assistance to patients through the efforts of over 150 multi-disciplined professional employees and 500 volunteers, grief support and education is provided to Hospice clients and the community.  Hospice also provides grief support and education to businesses, schools, and community organizations in need.  In response to the growing community, a capital campaign raised over 3.5 million dollars which enabled Treasure Coast Hospices, Inc. to give back to the community in the form of The Mayes Center for Hope. This Center focuses on patient and community grief services, volunteer services, as a day respite center for Hospice patients and transitions, a pre-hospice program for those with advanced medical illness. Community education programs are being presented in a one hundred seat room to a variety of professionals, businesses, schools and community members.

The Martin County Public Health Unit, Stuart, provides several medical services, including maturity care, family planning, pediatrics and immunizations. For more information, call 221-4000.

Addressing the needs of our “golden” residents is the Council on Aging of Martin County, 1071 East 10th Street, Stuart 772-223-7800. The Council offers many programs to seniors including Meals on Wheels and Community Coach.  The Council on Aging of Martin County’s Meals on Wheels department is committed to helping feed homebound seniors.  For more information please call the Hobe Sound Site Manager Neil Landon at 772-545-9255.  Community Coach is a public transit service that offers a convenient schedule and curbside service.  The service is available to everyone and transit schedules are available in the Hobe Sound Chamber office.  For more information call 772-283-1814.

Visiting Nurse Association of Florida, Inc., provides home health care to residents of Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties.  For more information, call 772-286-1844.

Several physicians, dentists, optometrists and other home health care providers meet Hobe Sound’s needs.

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History of Hobe Sound

It is easy to understand the naming of Hobe Sound if viewed in relation to nearby neighboring communities of Tequesta and Jupiter. It is also helpful to understand that in the late 1600’s three predominant cultures interacted in Hobe Sound including Native American tribes (Jove/Jobe, and Tekestas), Spanish and British descendants. Hobe Sound has welcomed visitors since 1696 when a British ship, in convoy from Jamaica to Philadelphia, sank north of Jupiter Inlet close to the shore.  Carrying 25 passengers and crew and it most notable passenger Jonathan Dickinson, the barkentine (three masted) ship, named Reformation, had cargo of sugar, rum, beef, molasses, and Spanish currency.

The Dickinson party encountered two groups of Indians, the inhabitants of the area, during their unplanned visit.  They were greeted by perhaps the forerunners of the modern “natives” who now greet visitors whose trips are planned.  The Tekestas (from which Tequesta got its name) and the Jove Indians, whose name the Spanish pronounced "Ho-bay" and who gave Hobe Sound its name, were helpful to the small Quaker party. Officially, Hobe (sounds like Robe) Sound got its original identity by 1699 according to the Florida WPA Guide.

Parts of Hobe Sound were included in the 12,000 acres of the Gomez grant given by Spain to Don Eusebio in 1815. In 1821, Gomez sold 8,000 acres, including Jupiter Island, to Joseph Delespine, for $1 per acre.

Shortly after the turn of the 20^th century, Henry Flagler built his railroad along the east coast of Florida passing through Hobe Sound. This gradually created many opportunities including jobs, the birth of tourism, and other related industries.

During the land boom of the 1920’s elaborate plans were announced for Hobe Sound by the Olympia Improvement Corporation.  Their goal was to create a town, in Greek style, where motion pictures could be produced.  Street names bore the Greek theme with names such as Zeus, Saturn, Mercury, Mars, Olympus, Plutus and Athena.  For a brief time Hobe Sound was renamed ‘Picture City’ and plans were presented for a movie picture production center.  The boom collapsed after a devastating hurricane in 1928 and the original name was restored.  Street names remained, however, as did the cement streetlights along Dixie Highway.

In 1924, the building which soon would become the new schoolhouse in Hobe Sound was constructed. The Martin County Board of Public Instruction secured the use of the new school building from the Picture City Corporation in 1925, and in October of that year, the Olympia School opened. The school was designated the “Picture City School” of Martin County. It remained in use as a school until 1962. There is a local interest in restoring the school, now known as the Apollo School.

Other mementos of the past are gone, including the ice plant, which was south of Bridge Road, and the old train station, which now, refurbished and relocated west of Hobe Sound, serves as an office building for Becker Groves.

Hobe Sound is positioned at the southern end of environmentally-sensitive Martin (named after Governor Martin) County.  It has been stated that at Hobe Sound’s front door lies the Gold Coast and that at her back door lies the Treasure Coast.  Thus, Hobe Sound can lend to both while retaining its proud heritage and unique personality. Hobe Sound’s proximity to the coast affords immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean and the deep-channeled Intracoastal Waterway, a 1,200-mile water route that provides a sheltered passage for boats along the eastern seaboard.

Hobe Sound, in Martin County, has been tossed about not unlike the ship that discovered her, with its waterway and lands, and that once belonged to:

St. John’s County     1821-1824

Mosquito County      1824-1844

St. Lucie County       1844-1855

Brevard County         1855-1866

Dade County             1866-1909

Palm Beach County  1909-1924

Despite 7 county identities in Hobe Sound’s history, Martin County is now indeed graced with pride as Hobe Sound is a Jewel in any treasure or gold coast.

Sources: Shipwrecks in Florida Waters, Robert F. Marx; Places in the Sun, Bertha E. Bloodworth and Alton C. Morris.

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Welcome to the neighborhood. We are so glad that you have made Hobe Sound your new home. The information provided here will help you become acclimated with local and state information and laws. If you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call us. One of our friendly volunteers is waiting to help you.

Establishing Residency/Register to Vote

Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote. You may document your residency by obtaining a notarized Declaration of Domicile. The Hobe Sound Branch of the Circuit Court office also provides information and services for paying traffic tickets, obtaining marriage licenses and passports.

            *Clerk of the Circuit Court
            8775 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
            546-1308
            http://clerk-web.martin.fl.us/ClerkWeb/

You may also establish residency by registering to vote at the Supervisor of Elections Office.

            *Supervisor of Elections Office
            8771 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
            772-546-1307
            www.martinvotes.com

Driver’s License

You must obtain a Florida Driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will be required to take the vision and written exams, even if you already have a license from another state. You must have two forms of identification to prove your date of birth. For your convenience and to avoid a long wait make an appointment.

Martin County Driver License Bureau, located at 8917 Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. For more information, call 772-564-6136. For appointments, call 772-546-7097.

Vehicle License Plates and Auto Tags

When you establish residency in Florida, you also must obtain Florida license plates or tags for your vehicle(s). A Florida license tag is required within ten days of establishing residency, employment, or a child's enrollment in school in Florida. Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Personal injury protection and liability coverage is required by law. Individuals registering vehicles must pay an initial registration fee of $100, a tag fee and a title charge. Bring your title, registration, and proof of insurance to the Tag Office at the Tax Collector's Office, at which time an odometer reading will also be taken. In addition to the standard tags, a number of specialty tags are available at an additional charge. Your tag expires on your birthday.  Tax Collector’s Office: 8771 SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound.  For more information, call 772-288-5595.

Boat Registration

Motorboats and sailboats used in Florida waters, unless registered in another state and used less than 90 days must be registered. Tax Collector’s Office: 8771 SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound.  For more information, call 772-288-5595.

Licensing of Pets

All dogs and cats must be licensed. To obtain a license, you must bring proof of rabies vaccination. For more information, contact Tax Collector's Office

Post Office

Hobe Sound Post Office
 9995 US Highway 1 Hobe Sound, FL
 772-546-5630

*Please note that these government agencies will be relocating to the Publix Island Crossing Shopping Center (Located at the intersection of Bridge Road and US Highway 1) in the Summer of 06

Taxes

As a newcomer to Florida, there may be differences in tax laws, e.g. there is not a State Inheritance Tax. There is also not a State Income Tax, but you should consult attorney, tax advisor or Trust Officer to take advantage of any tax savings. For additional information on any Florida tax, contact:

Florida Department of Revenue
900 Prima Vista Blvd. Suite 300, Port St. Lucie
(800) 352-3671

Sales Tax

The State Sales Tax is six percent (6%) of the total amount of any sale. However, medicines, medical services and most food items are exempt.

Tangible Tax

Business property is subject to Florida's Tangible Tax, which includes everything used in the performance of your business except real estate. All businesses, whether individuals, partnerships or corporations, which control, manage, lease or own any tangible personal property such as furniture, equipment, computers, machines, etc. must file a Tangible Tax Return prior to April 1st of each year. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Intangible Tax

Florida taxes stocks, bonds and other securities with combined value of $100,000 or less at $1.00 per thousand: $200,000 for joint filing. The rate increases to $2.00 per thousand for individuals reporting over $100,000 and joint returns over $200,000.

Utilities

Phone Service/Internet
Bell South
1-800-753-0710
772-780-2355
www.bellsouth.com

Dial-Up Internet Services
Bell South Dial-Up Internet Services
800-436-8638
www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs

FastAccess DSL Service
Bell South Fast Access DSL Service
888-321-2375 5
www.fastaccess.com

Cable

Adelphia
772-692-1400
www.adelphia.com

Local Newspapers

Stuart News
772-287-1550
www.tcpalm.com

Palm Beach Post, Martin County Edition
772-223-3550
www.pbpost.com

Hometown News
772-465-5656
www.hometownnewsol.com

Inside Hobe Sound
Come and enjoy an inside look at how unincorporated Hobe Sound works. This day begins with an introduction by Hobe Sound Chamber's Executive Director and a chance to hear from our constitutional officers and community leaders. Then Community Coach will transport you around town as you tour the behind the scenes of the water company, library, post office, elementary school and so much more. Don't miss out on this quarterly event. Sign up today as seating is limited.  There is no charge for the tour, but lunch is $6.

Inside Hobe Sound is scheduled four time each year. Watch the Chamber calendar and local newspapers for the next event.

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Churches and Places of Worship

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Transportation & Travel

Airports

Palm Beach International Airport
"Palm Beach International Airport voted third-best in the U.S. and sixth-best in the world"
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine -- March 2003 issue
561-471-7400
www.pbia.org
I 95 to Exit 69, West Palm Beach

Martin County Airport
Airport Directors Office
1871 SE Airport Rd.
Stuart, Florida 34996
Witham Field
772-221-2374

Bus Service
Greyhound
1308 US Highway One, Stuart
772-287-7777

Community Transportation

Community Coach
A transportation service of the Council on Aging and Martin County. Curbside service from your home to many Martin County destinations.
772-283-1814

Private Transportation

Diamond Transfer & Garage
Bridge Road and A1A, Hobe Sound
772-546-3471

Executive Services
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
561-718-2393

Seaports

Port of Palm Beach
Home of the Palm Beach Princess Casino Day Cruise
One East 11th Street, Riviera Beach, FL
561-842-4201
www.portofpalmbeach.com
From I-95 take Exit 74, 45th Street, and proceed east to US Highway 1 (Broadway).Turn left onto US Highway 1. Proceed north over the Skypass Bridge to East 11th Street (located at the north end of the bridge) and turn right.
Proceed to the parking area located on the right.

Port Everglades
More than 5,400 ships call at Port Everglades in a year forming the basis of a diverse maritime operation that includes a thriving cruise industry and a reputation as the "world's premier cruise port".
1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tel: (954) 523-3404
www.broward.org/port
I-95 to I-595 East – Follow signs

Port of Miami
Miami is the world's busiest cruise port, with a fleet of more than 14 ships, including the newest megaships.
1015 N. America Way, Miami, Florida
(305) 371-7678
http://www.metro-dade.com/portofmiami/
Take I-95 north or south to I-395. Follow the directional signs to the Biscayne Boulevard exit. When you get to Biscayne Blvd., make a right. Go to 5th Street which converts to Port Blvd. (landmark: American Airlines Basketball Arena) Make a left and go over the Port bridge. Follow directional signs to designated terminal.  

Train Service
Amtrak
201 S. Tamarind Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL
1800-872-7245
www.amtrak.com
1-95 to Okeechobee Blvd, Exit East on Okeechoobee Blvd. to Tamarind Ave. Turn left on Tamarind Ave and station will be on the west side.

Tri-Rail Commuter Service
Runs north to south from West Palm Beach to Miami
1415 45^th Street, Mangonia Park
1-800-TRI-RAIL or 1-800-874-7245
www.tri-rail.com
1-95 to 45^th Street, Exit 74. East on 45^th Street. After 3^rd stoplight, turn north into Jai-Alai’s east entrance. Watch for signs.

Miles to (From County Seat)

Tallahassee	334
Jacksonville	231
Tampa	149
Orlando	115
Miami	98

Utilities

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