Photo Story: A stroll through Downtown Stuart, pandemic style
In normal times, this sign would not make sense to customers of The Gafford.
Small businesses need our support as sleepy sidewalks and simple signs tell the story of this historic moment
On Saturday, I took a walk in Downtown Stuart, one of my first since the pandemic began. I had wanted to go for awhile, to see what was happening in our cute little downtown area, knowing many of the businesses were closed. My husband and I walked around in the fresh air, surrounded by the hot mugginess of Florida as summer approaches. There seemed to be others doing the same as we were—getting out and about. A steady stream of cars came through, the drivers peering out their windows, most not parking. Some parking, but not leaving their vehicles. Others popping in quickly to pick up food ordered from one of the restaurants.
During our stroll, we saw other people, but not nearly the number we would typically see on an April in Saturday. Very few business owners peaked out from their shops, the doors closed and locked. Mostly we saw signs taped to windows, leaning on chairs or tables, signs explaining that the business was closed due to the coronavirus. Some businesses did not have an explanatory sign. I suppose they guessed we would know why they were closed at the moment.
Some signs had hopeful dates. Others had far-off dates. Some were handwritten, others designed on a computer. What I enjoyed most was the feeling of connection. The business owners who reached out, through a sign on the window, to let us know they are still thinking of us. Some left phone numbers, others put their email address. Some encouraged us to call them to place our order. Others asked us to wait outside. Others said we could come in. Some let us know they were open by appointment, just a phone call away. Restaurants offered takeout and curbside delivery.
As we meandered around, I remembered a more vibrant downtown. I remembered the Fourth of July events, the craft fairs and the Stuart Green Market. I remembered seeing shows at The Lyric Theatre, enjoying ice cream at Kilwins, buying gifts at Gumbo Limbo and eating pizza at Luna’s. A multitude of downtown memories created in the almost 30 years I have lived here. Actually, when I moved here, Downtown Stuart was not a popular destination. It was a ghost town, the victim of progress and advancement. Retail had moved to strip malls and the Treasure Coast Mall. The Stuart Main Street program changed that and brought us, with the toil and dedication of local business owners, the vibrant, yet quaint downtown that was named America’s Happiest Seaside Town, by Coastal Living Magazine in 2016.
I love our little town of Stuart, Florida! Join me in celebrating our local businesses and our unique area that is our hometown. During our Saturday walk, we only wandered around Flagler Avenue and Osceola Street, but downtown now extends over the railroad tracks and further down Colorado Avenue. How wonderful it was for my husband and I as we ran into a couple of long-time friends on Saturday, truly helping us appreciate the small town we call home, made up of people we call friends. It was nice to see their familiar faces and have a feeling of normalcy, as we were social distancing. I left Downtown Stuart feeling hopeful.
Join me in celebrating and supporting all our local businesses, so when the restrictions are lifted, they will still be here for us to enjoy. Small businesses are created and run by people. Those people need our support right now.
Order online for curbside pick up, purchase gift cards to use in the future, pick up a to-go order from a local restaurant. Come down for some ice cream or coffee. We can all do our part, even in small ways.
Click here to learn more about Diane Dultmeier’s community journalism.
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For 20+ years as a family portrait specialist on Florida’s Treasure Coast, I have been known for relaxed portrait sessions at locations around Stuart, Palm City, Hutchinson Island, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and all areas in between. I am not like most photographers these days because I believe your family deserves to be celebrated each day, as part of your home decor. When you work with me, we will collaborate in creating Fine Art Portraits of your family, which will live on your walls or in a custom-designed album or folio box and be remembered as one of the best investments you have ever made. In addition to creating portraits for families, I create headshots and personal branding images for business use. To learn more, go the the Dultmeier Photography homepage.