The City of Stuart congratulates the following photographers for their winning entries submitted in the 2026 "Creating a Healthier St. Lucie River...Day-By-Day" Calendar Photo Contest:
COVER:               Mia Gifford, "Whistling Ducklings"
JANUARY:           Anastazia Huryan, "Tranquility"
FEBRUARY:        Mark A. Stall, "Stuart Colorado Avenue Park"
MARCH:              Paul Strauss, "Sailboat Sunset"
APRIL:                 Darlene Encomio, "Railroad Bridge Oyster Reef"
MAY:                   Wayne King, "Sunset in Downtown Stuart"
JUNE:                  Anastazia Huryan, "Reflection"
JULY:                   Karl H. Krueger, "Thirsty Hummingbird"
AUGUST:            Mia Gifford, "Anhinga"
SEPTEMBER:     Mark A. Stall, "Foggy Roosevelt Bridge"
OCTOBER:          Karl H. Krueger, "Great Blue Heron"
NOVEMBER:      Paul Strauss, "River Otter"
DECEMBER:        Vincent Encomio, "St. Lucie River Oyster Reef"
Winners will be presented certificates at the December 8, 2025, city commission meeting. Calendars will be available to the public in December.

 
The holidays are about to burst into full swing! Thanksgiving kicks things off next week, and from there it’s a joyful sleigh ride straight into Christmas on Main Street, the VNA Christmas Parade, the MIATC Christmas Boat Parade, Santa’s City Lights, and so much more.
Here’s a look at some of Stuart’s favorite seasonal traditions you definitely don’t want to miss:

 Christmas on Main Street

 
Get ready to feel the magic! On Friday, November 28, 2025, Historic Downtown Stuart transforms into a holiday wonderland from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring the family, grab some cocoa, and enjoy a night of festive fun.
 🎄 26th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
 📸 Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
 🎶 Live Holiday Music & Performances
 🎨 Fairy Hair, Arts & Crafts & More
 🍴 Seasonal Sips, Local Eats & Sweet Treats
 🎉 Fun Activities for Kids 
A perfect way to launch the most wonderful time of the year! 
(Please see Traffic Advisories below for important information on parking for this event.)
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Stuart Christmas Parade

 
A Martin County classic since 1960, the Stuart Christmas Parade—presented by the Visiting Nurse Association—rolls down East Ocean Boulevard on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
Grab a bite from the food trucks or one of the downtown restaurants, settle in along the route, and enjoy this year’s theme: 100 Years of Martin County.
Oh, and get ready for serious sparkle — every float must shine with at least 1,000 lights!
The parade lasts about two hours, so bring chairs, blankets, and your comfiest shoes.
Photographers, don’t forget to enter the photo contest — your perfect shot might just earn you some extra holiday shopping money!
Parade route here.
Photo contest info here.
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Downtown Stuart Boat Parade Watch Party

 
Nothing says “Florida holidays” like twinkling boats on the river. Join Stuart Main Street and the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast for a waterfront celebration on Saturday, December 6, from 6–9 p.m.
📍 Riverwalk Stage Plaza by the Christmas Tree
🎶 Live Music by Farm Funk
🎅 DIY Photos with Santa
🎁 Local Vendors & Kids Activities
It's the perfect spot to catch the parade, soak up the music, and enjoy the glow dancing across the water.
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Santa's City Lights

 
The magic continues on Friday, December 12, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Memorial Park.
Wander through a glowing forest of illuminated trees, snack on sweet treats, snap a photo with Santa, and settle in on the lawn for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6:30 p.m.
Presented by the City of Stuart and the Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast, the twinkling forest will stay lit through Christmas.
For more info, call (772) 288-5340.

FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE

 
As we gear up for another Thanksgiving filled with family, food, and tradition, it’s a good time to remember a few simple steps that keep holiday cooking both fun and safe. The kitchen is the heart of the home this time of year, but it’s also where most holiday fires begin.
Unattended cooking remains the leading cause of kitchen fires, so stay close to the stove whenever you’re frying, boiling, or broiling. Keep flammable items—like towels, packaging, and wooden utensils—clear of the cooking area, and make sure pot handles are turned inward to avoid accidental spills. If you’re using a fryer, set it up outdoors on a flat surface and never leave it alone.
It’s also smart to check that smoke alarms are working and that your fire extinguisher is easy to reach. A quick review of your family’s fire escape plan doesn’t hurt either.
With a little extra care, you can enjoy the holiday feast and keep your home safe. Wishing everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving!

 
City offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, to allow our staff time to spend the holiday with their families. Sanitation schedules next week will be adjusted as follow:
GARBAGE CARTS - Thursday's pickup moved to Friday, and Friday's regularly scheduled pickup moved to Saturday.
RECYCLE - Thursday's carts will be picked up on Friday, and Friday's regularly scheduled cart pickup moved to Saturday.
BULK TRASH - Thursday's bulk route moved to Friday.

 
For the most up-to-date traffic advisories and alerts, visit ROAD / LANE CLOSURES on the City of Stuart website.
1. Downtown Stuart undergrounding construction project temporary lane closures and lane shifts, week of November 24, 2025: 

• SW Seminole Street from S. Colorado to SW St. Lucie Avenue will close on 5/27/2025 and remain closed through November 2025.
• S Colorado from SW Osceola to Seminole, including the intersections. Flaggers on site to direct traffic.
• SW Osceola Street from S Colorado to SW St. Lucie Ave, flaggers on site to direct traffic.

2.  Due to the 26th Annual Christmas on Main Street, Seminole will remain closed for the Holiday event.  No parking is permitted in the City of Stuart Annex Parking Lot and near the Holiday Tree area after 2 a.m. November 27, 2025.  Signs will be posted, and cars will be towed at owner’s expense.