Hobe Sound incorporation bill passes Florida Senate, heads to Gov. Rick Scott's desk

Treasure Coast Newspapers

An aerial of the area along U.S. 1 and south of Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. The aerial was taken in 2014.

A bill that would allow Hobe Sound residents to vote to incorporate is headed to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.

The Senate voted unanimously Thursday to pass a package of local bills, including the Hobe Sound incorporation bill.

If Scott signs it into law, a referendum to incorporate the town would be on the Aug. 28 primary ballot.

Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who grew up in Hobe Sound, said in a statement he supports the bill.

“The people of this community have waited years for this legislation, and I am pleased to see it earn the favorable support of both the House and Senate and move to the governor’s desk for his consideration," Negron said.

More:Hobe Sound renews push for incorporation

If incorporated, the town would be nearly 16 square miles with a population of 15,400, according to the proposed town charter. It also would envelop about 10 percent of Martin County's current population of 146,318 and $2 billion of its tax base.

Five town council members would govern it.

Martin County supports incorporation efforts. The county still would provide the town's law enforcement and fire rescue services and maintain parks, roads and stormwater systems.

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If the bill is signed into law, Hobe Sound would be the second area of Martin County to push an incorporation effort in two years. Indiantown successfully incorporated in November.