Over the past several weeks the effort to beautify Stuart through planting and landscaping initiatives has been tremendous and judging from the comments on the street, from shop owners and tourists the effort has been worth it. Downtown Stuart is looking 'bloomin' beautiful. One of the final touches has been the hanging of dozens of floral baskets and Julia Kelly's winning banners hanging from many of the downtown light poles.

One of the efforts to raise funds and awareness for the Stuart in Bloom campaign over the past half year has been the 'sponsorship' of signs. Committed to long term success of Stuart and bringing visitors to the Stuart and Martin County area, the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) sponsored one of those signs. "The ambitious effort behind the Stuart in Bloom competition embraces the very essence of what makes this such a special place to live and to visit," said Terri Monaghan, executive director.

The MCCVB sign can be seen in Confusion Circle.

Stuart in Bloom is a 'branch' of the nationwide organization America in Bloom. Since 2001 America in Bloom has encouraged and helped over 150 communities, like Stuart, improve the quality of life for residents and quality of experience for visitors to those communities.

For more information about Stuart in Bloom call Lauren Palmero at 772-485-9092. For more information about the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau call 772-288-5451.