STUART — Voters here are a step closer to getting the final say on what happens to the ballfields at Sailfish Ballpark and Guy Davis Park.

The next step will come Aug. 17 when city commissioners are expected to vote again whether to give voters that chance Nov. 3. Voters would do that by passing or rejecting a Charter amendment, which could appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

If that amendment passes, the future of the ballfields "will be in the hands of the city residents," said Stuart Commissioner Laura Giobbi. "And that's where it should be."

A banded (C37) endangered male Everglade snail kite calls to a juvenile and flaps its wings in a small wetlands preserve at the Del Webb community in Tradition, July 1, 2026. In 2021, the snail kite was banded at the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area impoundments in western Martin County. In 2023 and 2025 the snail kite was documented spending time around Lake Okeechobee. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A banded (C37) endangered male Everglade snail kite calls to a juvenile and flaps its wings in a small wetlands preserve at the Del Webb community in Tradition, July 1, 2026. In 2021, the snail kite was banded at the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area impoundments in western Martin County. In 2023 and 2025 the snail kite was documented spending time around Lake Okeechobee. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A summer storm forms off the coast as beachgoers spend time at Round Island Oceanside Beach Park, July 1, 2026. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
A summer storm forms off the coast as beachgoers spend time at Round Island Oceanside Beach Park, July 1, 2026. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
A peacock sits atop his image, hanging around the Peacock House, along Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, July 1, 2026. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
A peacock sits atop his image, hanging around the Peacock House, along Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, July 1, 2026. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Maj. Ruben Romero discusses the armed robbery of a 14-year-old boy in Palm City during a news conference at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on July 2, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Maj. Ruben Romero discusses the armed robbery of a 14-year-old boy in Palm City during a news conference at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on July 2, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
The city of Vero Beach hosts an Independence Day parade, July 4, 2026, along 14th Avenue downtown. The parade featured patriotic floats, an antique car display by the Indian River AACA club near the railroad station and a celebratory cake honoring America’s 250th birthday inside the community center. Festivities will continue at Riverside Park starting at 4 p.m., where there will be food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. A firework display is set to begin at 9 p.m. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
The city of Vero Beach hosts an Independence Day parade, July 4, 2026, along 14th Avenue downtown. The parade featured patriotic floats, an antique car display by the Indian River AACA club near the railroad station and a celebratory cake honoring America’s 250th birthday inside the community center. Festivities will continue at Riverside Park starting at 4 p.m., where there will be food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. A firework display is set to begin at 9 p.m. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Fort Pierce Yacht Club celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with the 16th Annual 4th of July Patriotic Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet on July 4, 2026. The patriotic flotilla gathered in the turning basin near Derecktor Shipyards for the 11 a.m. parade. Boats traveled through the Fort Pierce Inlet in a festive red, white and blue procession celebrating freedom, community and America’s maritime spirit. The Rev. Canon Dr. Audley Donaldson from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Pierce honored the boating community with a blessing of the fleet. (ROBERT GLASSBERG/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)
Fort Pierce Yacht Club celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with the 16th Annual 4th of July Patriotic Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet on July 4, 2026. The patriotic flotilla gathered in the turning basin near Derecktor Shipyards for the 11 a.m. parade. Boats traveled through the Fort Pierce Inlet in a festive red, white and blue procession celebrating freedom, community and America’s maritime spirit. The Rev. Canon Dr. Audley Donaldson from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Pierce honored the boating community with a blessing of the fleet. (ROBERT GLASSBERG/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)
Anika Novik, 6, participates in a watermelon eating contest hosted by the Sebastian Lions Club and Sebastian Masonic Lodge #232, July 4th, 2026, at Riverview Park in Sebastian. The 55th annual all-day Freedom Festival featured a morning parade and fireworks put on by the city of Sebastian. Other activities included live music, balloon toss, local vendors and kids karaoke before the 9 p.m. fireworks show. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Anika Novik, 6, participates in a watermelon eating contest hosted by the Sebastian Lions Club and Sebastian Masonic Lodge #232, July 4th, 2026, at Riverview Park in Sebastian. The 55th annual all-day Freedom Festival featured a morning parade and fireworks put on by the city of Sebastian. Other activities included live music, balloon toss, local vendors and kids karaoke before the 9 p.m. fireworks show. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
The Indiantown Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2026, at Timer Powers Park. The free community event featured food vendors, a kids zone, community exhibits and a fireworks display. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
The Indiantown Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2026, at Timer Powers Park. The free community event featured food vendors, a kids zone, community exhibits and a fireworks display. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A summer thunderstorm passes by Wabasso Causeway Park, July 5, 2026, in Indian River County. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
A summer thunderstorm passes by Wabasso Causeway Park, July 5, 2026, in Indian River County. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
The Indian River Mall demolition continues, July 6, 2026. The exterior walls of the Macy’s and Sears remain as demolition continues throughout the interior of buildings and inside the eastern portion of the mall. The demolition will clear the way for the mall’s anticipated redevelopment. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
The Indian River Mall demolition continues, July 6, 2026. The exterior walls of the Macy’s and Sears remain as demolition continues throughout the interior of buildings and inside the eastern portion of the mall. The demolition will clear the way for the mall’s anticipated redevelopment. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Mike Karol, Stoke Surfboards, grinds down the edges of one of the rescue boards he is making for St. Lucie County Ocean Rescue on July 7, 2026, in Port Salerno. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Mike Karol, Stoke Surfboards, grinds down the edges of one of the rescue boards he is making for St. Lucie County Ocean Rescue on July 7, 2026, in Port Salerno. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A 162-acre brush fire burns in western Martin County near the Okeechobee County line, according to fire officials, July 8, 2026. The wildfire began about 6 p.m. July 7 and was 90% contained by 11:30 a.m. July 8, according to the Florida Forest Service online map. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A 162-acre brush fire burns in western Martin County near the Okeechobee County line, according to fire officials, July 8, 2026. The wildfire began about 6 p.m. July 7 and was 90% contained by 11:30 a.m. July 8, according to the Florida Forest Service online map. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Children and families cool off at the Royal Palm Pointe Park fountains July 8, 2026, in Vero Beach. A heat advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 8 for the entire Treasure Coast. The National Weather Service in Melbourne issued the advisory because the heat index, or what it feels like outside, would reach up to 109 degrees during that time. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Children and families cool off at the Royal Palm Pointe Park fountains July 8, 2026, in Vero Beach. A heat advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 8 for the entire Treasure Coast. The National Weather Service in Melbourne issued the advisory because the heat index, or what it feels like outside, would reach up to 109 degrees during that time. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Children with the Major League Players baseball summer camp stretch on one of the baseball fields at Sailfish Park on July 8, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Children with the Major League Players baseball summer camp stretch on one of the baseball fields at Sailfish Park on July 8, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers on July 9, 2026, provides an update on the two death investigations the IRCSO is currently working. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers on July 9, 2026, provides an update on the two death investigations the IRCSO is currently working. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Pio Cesa, left, 8, and Caleb Eck, 10, learn about sharks while attending the Hobe Sound Nature Center summer camp, July 9, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Pio Cesa, left, 8, and Caleb Eck, 10, learn about sharks while attending the Hobe Sound Nature Center summer camp, July 9, 2026. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A woman paddleboards with her dog as the sun sets over the Indian River Lagoon on Hutchinson Island in Martin County in July. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
A woman paddleboards with her dog as the sun sets over the Indian River Lagoon on Hutchinson Island in Martin County in July. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Five hundred and seventy one people skinny dipped in the Atlantic Ocean during International Skinny Dip Day at Blind Creek nude beach on July 11, 2026, in St. Lucie County. The event was hosted by Treasure Coast Naturists. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Five hundred and seventy one people skinny dipped in the Atlantic Ocean during International Skinny Dip Day at Blind Creek nude beach on July 11, 2026, in St. Lucie County. The event was hosted by Treasure Coast Naturists. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
P1 Motor Club founding partner Aurora Straus and circuit engineer Kenny Murillo pose for a portrait on the almost completed Treasure Coast Circuit on July 14, 2026, at 24101 Okeechobee Road in St. Lucie County. P1 Motor Club is an exclusive, 650-acre private motorsports country club lifestyle community with over 9 miles of private driving circuits, a clubhouse, pool, spa, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, garage townhouses and single-family homes. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
P1 Motor Club founding partner Aurora Straus and circuit engineer Kenny Murillo pose for a portrait on the almost completed Treasure Coast Circuit on July 14, 2026, at 24101 Okeechobee Road in St. Lucie County. P1 Motor Club is an exclusive, 650-acre private motorsports country club lifestyle community with over 9 miles of private driving circuits, a clubhouse, pool, spa, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, garage townhouses and single-family homes. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Children create art under the theme of treasure at Vero Beach Museum of Art’s summer art camp, July 14, 2026, at Vero Beach Museum of Art. The theme of the week-long summer camp is summer staycation and campers from ages 5 through 16 are provided with art materials and learn a wide array of mediums. Camps run through July 24th. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Children create art under the theme of treasure at Vero Beach Museum of Art’s summer art camp, July 14, 2026, at Vero Beach Museum of Art. The theme of the week-long summer camp is summer staycation and campers from ages 5 through 16 are provided with art materials and learn a wide array of mediums. Camps run through July 24th. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Crews from Turner Construction Company work on the Vero Beach Museum of Art expansion project, July 14, 2026, in Vero Beach. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Crews from Turner Construction Company work on the Vero Beach Museum of Art expansion project, July 14, 2026, in Vero Beach. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
The St. Lucie County Fire District officially opens Fire Station 19 at 7570 Pruitt Research Road in Fort Pierce on July 15, 2026. The new station is located within the county's growing northwestern commercial corridor and began serving residents and businesses immediately following the event. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
The St. Lucie County Fire District officially opens Fire Station 19 at 7570 Pruitt Research Road in Fort Pierce on July 15, 2026. The new station is located within the county's growing northwestern commercial corridor and began serving residents and businesses immediately following the event. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Judge William Roby hears arguments Martin County commissioner candidate Christopher Collins made against opponent Susan O'Rourke, alleging O'Rourke lied about where she lived when she filed paperwork to run for the District 2 seat, July 15, 2026, at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart. Roby ruled in favor of O'Rourke, she will remain on the Aug. 18 ballot with two other candidates for the District 2 Martin County Commission seat. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Judge William Roby hears arguments Martin County commissioner candidate Christopher Collins made against opponent Susan O'Rourke, alleging O'Rourke lied about where she lived when she filed paperwork to run for the District 2 seat, July 15, 2026, at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart. Roby ruled in favor of O'Rourke, she will remain on the Aug. 18 ballot with two other candidates for the District 2 Martin County Commission seat. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Construction on the James H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Sebastian Inlet Bridge, began June 1. Sections of Sebastian Inlet State Park's north and south parking lots are closed because of the $102 million project. The main part of the project is the construction of a new bridge east of the existing span, with a 51-foot vertical clearance, 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders. Observation decks will be constructed under the bridge from the north and south shores. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Construction on the James H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Sebastian Inlet Bridge, began June 1. Sections of Sebastian Inlet State Park's north and south parking lots are closed because of the $102 million project. The main part of the project is the construction of a new bridge east of the existing span, with a 51-foot vertical clearance, 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders. Observation decks will be constructed under the bridge from the north and south shores. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
World War II veteran Santo Miceli, of Port St. Lucie, is given a Centenarian Coin during his 100th birthday celebration at his daughter’s home in Port St. Lucie on July 20, 2026. The Centenarian Recognition Program is a special initiative to honor veterans who are or have turned 100 years old. Veterans receive a letter from the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs (VA) along with the commemorative coin and public recognition from their respective VA facility. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
World War II veteran Santo Miceli, of Port St. Lucie, is given a Centenarian Coin during his 100th birthday celebration at his daughter’s home in Port St. Lucie on July 20, 2026. The Centenarian Recognition Program is a special initiative to honor veterans who are or have turned 100 years old. Veterans receive a letter from the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs (VA) along with the commemorative coin and public recognition from their respective VA facility. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Martin County Sheriff's Office, Animal Control personnel and Martin County Fire Rescue crews rescue animals at 11586 SW Meadowlark Circle in an extreme hoarding and animal rescue case, July 20, 2026. Sheriff John Budensiek said about 80 animals, maybe more, were found in horrible conditions inside a home without air conditioning or ventilation. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Martin County Sheriff's Office, Animal Control personnel and Martin County Fire Rescue crews rescue animals at 11586 SW Meadowlark Circle in an extreme hoarding and animal rescue case, July 20, 2026. Sheriff John Budensiek said about 80 animals, maybe more, were found in horrible conditions inside a home without air conditioning or ventilation. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Bailee Lendzion, 7, during Whispering Pines Equestrian’s summer camp, July 21, 2026, in Fellsmere. The summer camp, located at 13070 105th St., runs through the first week of August from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owned and operated by Sarah Schlaich, the horseback riding center also offers camps during school breaks throughout the year as well as horseback riding lessons, obstacle courses, trail riding and day camps for all ages and skill levels. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Bailee Lendzion, 7, during Whispering Pines Equestrian’s summer camp, July 21, 2026, in Fellsmere. The summer camp, located at 13070 105th St., runs through the first week of August from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owned and operated by Sarah Schlaich, the horseback riding center also offers camps during school breaks throughout the year as well as horseback riding lessons, obstacle courses, trail riding and day camps for all ages and skill levels. (KAILA JONES/TCPALM)
Twelve dogs and 80 cats are being taken care of at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast in Palm City on July 21, 2026, following an animal hoarding case in Martin County. On July 20, Gail Giustino, 77, of Stuart, was arrested on suspicion of two misdemeanors. The two misdemeanor charges are tormenting, depriving, mutilating, or killing an animal and impounding or confining an animal without food and water, according to the Martin County Jail website. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Twelve dogs and 80 cats are being taken care of at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast in Palm City on July 21, 2026, following an animal hoarding case in Martin County. On July 20, Gail Giustino, 77, of Stuart, was arrested on suspicion of two misdemeanors. The two misdemeanor charges are tormenting, depriving, mutilating, or killing an animal and impounding or confining an animal without food and water, according to the Martin County Jail website. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Linh Nguyen, of Stuart, reunited with her cat Patchy, 7, the morning of July 22, 2026 at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast after he had been missing since Jan. 2. She said his microchip was registered to her name and address which helped the shelter find her. Patchy was one of the 92 animals rescued from the animal hoarding case. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Linh Nguyen, of Stuart, reunited with her cat Patchy, 7, the morning of July 22, 2026 at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast after he had been missing since Jan. 2. She said his microchip was registered to her name and address which helped the shelter find her. Patchy was one of the 92 animals rescued from the animal hoarding case. (CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM)
Martin County Fire Rescue personnel prepare to transport Deputy Felix Moros, portraying an injured deputy, during the Martin County Sheriff's Office annual Active Threat Training at Martin County High School in Stuart on July 22, 2026. The exercise trains law enforcement and fire rescue personnel to coordinate the evacuation and treatment of injured victims during an active threat. (TAI RANDALL/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)
Martin County Fire Rescue personnel prepare to transport Deputy Felix Moros, portraying an injured deputy, during the Martin County Sheriff's Office annual Active Threat Training at Martin County High School in Stuart on July 22, 2026. The exercise trains law enforcement and fire rescue personnel to coordinate the evacuation and treatment of injured victims during an active threat. (TAI RANDALL/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)

Passage of the Charter amendment will prevent the sale or lease — for more than one year — of city-owned land containing recreational ballfields unless voters approve a sale or lease in the future.

The term of a lease was changed by city commissioners July 27. Previously, it was 10 years. The language for the Charter amendment was modeled after language for leases of city-owned waterfront property.

The ballfields, especially at Sailfish Ballpark, are close to where Martin County hopes to have a Brightline train station built. Some residents fear construction of the station might lead to the sale of the ballfields to a developer who wants to build housing.

Will Laughlin is one person concerned the fields might be sold. He's also a candidate for Stuart City Commission running against incumbent Campbell Rich.

The Live Local Act and Senate Bill 180 both would allow the ballfields to be developed if commissioners sold them, Laughlin said during public comment at the Aug. 3. special commission meeting.

Commissioners held the special meeting solely to take the first of two votes to give voters a chance to amend the Charter. The language for the amendment must be sent to the Martin County Supervisor of Elections Office by Aug. 21.

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Sale of the ballfields at Sailfish Ballpark was considered in 2018 amid stiff public opposition. Commissioners were expected to vote on the issue in November 2018 but tabled it until March 2019. Ultimately, commissioners voted that March against the sale.

"Those ballfields need to be protected," said Derreck Ogden, who spoke during public comment Aug. 3 and is running for City Commission against former Mayor Merritt Matheson. "Give the power to the voters, it's the residents property."

Keith Burbank is a watchdog reporter for TCPalm, covering Martin County. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Voters might get say on future of ballfields in this Florida city