Community Localism Continues - An Unexpected History Lesson 
ActiveRain defines Localism "as the valued point of connection, it's where neighbors and local merchants share what's happening in the community".
In 1991, the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce created the LEADERship Program. This program provided education and networking opportunities for its members, enhanced community (localism) awareness by providing opportunities to evaluate and act on issues affecting the Community. As of August 2010, twenty classes of approximately 30 members per class have graduated from the LEADERship Martin County program. September 2010, I'm excited to be included in the next graduating class, the 21st Class of Leaders in Martin County.
My first project assignment was to visit one of the major historical and cultural events. Martin County has such a diverse heritage with a vibrant artistic community, so the decision was tough to make. Sunday was a perfect day for a drive to Indiantown and the Seminole Inn. Unique to Martin County, Indiantown is situated in the midst of citrus groves and located near the St. Lucie Canal. The first known inhabitants were Georgia-born Seminole Indians who, in the early 1800's, found the area.
Arriving at the Seminole Inn, I couldn't help but think that I would have missed out on this opportunity to visit this historic hotel if it wasn't for this leadership assignment. The Seminole Country Inn is a Mission Revival style historic hotel. It was built by S. Davies Warfield, who was president of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which developed Indiantown. His niece Wallis Warfield Simpson, later the Duchess of Windsor, was its most famous guest. On May 31, 2006, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The architectural design style is Mediterranean Revival, which was typical of the construction used during the Florida Railroad Boom period. 
As you enter the Inn, you are immediately captured in history of the "old south". Adorned with an open fireplace, the winding staircases lead you to a sitting room. The Inn has 22 rooms for quests to stay over, and offers a dining room area to sample their "famous Sunday Buffet. Banquet facilities are also available. For more information on this charming restored Inn, visit www.seminoleinn.com.
Another great place to visit when you come to Stuart, Indiantown, and Martin County, Florida.
