That’s the question facing the municipality of Stuart, located in Martin County on Florida’s east coast. The question arises after commissioners in the charming little town refused to build a Brightline train station. What’s at stake? Taxpayers’ money, at the federal and Martin County levels, would be used to build the station, while Brightline would invest little or nothing, according to TCPalm. It should be noted that the company is currently in financial difficulty and could cease operations within two years if the situation remains unchanged. In addition, Brightline has asked Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to help by contributing financially.
And what about the costs incurred by Trump’s frequent visits to Florida? They amount to between $200,000 and $300,000 per day due to increased local security when he is in town, depending on his activities. According to the Palm Beach Daily News, from January 20, 2025, to May 4, 2025, Trump spent at least 35 days at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, including 10 full or partial weekends. Palm Beach County has requested reimbursement from the federal government, which will compensate Palm Beach for security expenses incurred due to presidential visits to Mar-a-Lago. A $300 million fund over five years is planned to reimburse municipalities where Trump owns residences.
Another source of funding that has attracted fierce criticism is the « Alligator Alcatraz » center for detaining migrants suspected of criminal activity. Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were used to build the center in record time in the heart of the Everglades. FEMA funds are supposed to be used for natural disasters. The controversy surrounding the detention center—both its funding, its inhumane nature, and the threat it poses to the environment—is covered on page 13 of this newspaper.
In addition, there is a lack of funding for a non-profit organization that cares for a botanical garden in Miami-Dade, on the edge of the Everglades. The NPO needs resources to maintain and preserve this precious natural site and the Everglades ecosystem. Denise Dumont presents a fascinating report on pages 14 and 15, tracing the history of this garden.
So what should our taxes be used for? Shouldn’t they fund more projects that care about the human condition and the preservation of the environment?
