Stuart's water tower, constructed in 1959 and rising above the tree line along historic Osceola Street, gained its American flag design after the Martin County High School bi-centennial Class of 1976 suggested encircling the tank with the flag. In 1991, when the city considered repainting the tower green or silver, traditional water tower colors, community representatives including the local VFW, Boy Scouts, Stuart Main Street, veterans, and private citizens spoke in favor of keeping the flag. Resident Mabel Witham appeared before the city commission with an American flag draped around her shoulders in honor of veterans and urged that the flag remain. In response to this strong community support, the city commission unanimously adopted a compromise plan to place two American flags and the city's name on the 250,000-gallon tower, and the emblazoned name Stuart became a landmark for residents and visitors alike.