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The Rose Ball Shines a Light on Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Treasures 10th Anniversary
In Photo: Teri Dolecki and Jackie Brownie
Article & Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
Signature Gala Raises $200,000 for Specialized Pediatric Care Program
The Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation recently hosted the Rose Ball Bubbles & Blossoms event at the luxurious Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach. The signature gala, which celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Little Treasures, raised more than $200,000 to support the specialized pediatric care program.
The event featured many exciting components, such as a Bloom Bar, a Living Champagne Wall, Fairy Hair, and a 360-degree Photo Booth. A silent and live auction also helped raise critical funds.
The commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Little Treasures Program was marked with a celebratory toast and featured video testimonials from parents of children who have received or are currently under the care of the Little Treasures Program. Poster boards displayed outside the ballroom featured children served by the program along with words of appreciation from their parents. The event also highlighted others who have supported the program through the years, such as Little Smiles, the Loblolly Community Foundation, the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust, Celebrities Fore Kids, Elevate Hope and Post Insurance.
Chairperson Jackie Brownie and her large, dedicated committee worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a resounding success.
"The success of this year’s Rose Ball is a testament to the passion, creativity, and unwavering support of the women who serve on the committee,” said Brownie. “They understand the incredible impact that Little Treasures can have on a family and want to ensure the program is able to continue to provide vital care to children and families in our community.”
Brownie and her family had the opportunity to witness the compassionate and dedicated care administered by the Little Treasures Program when their daughter Kamden Rose was cared for as one of the first children in the program. Kamden Rose received palliative care, which included various services such as grief counseling, social work, pediatric program management, and music therapy. Although Kamden passed away at the age of seven, her family was able to experience the transformative impact of the Little Treasures Program and create many special memories.
Teri Dolecki was the presenting sponsor for the event in memory of her mother, Ginny. Ginny was under the loving care of Treasure Coast Hospice before she passed away in 2023. Many other sponsors joined in supporting the event, including Evergreen Private, Martin Funeral Home Crematory, Closets by Design, Wilmington Trust, and Waterpointe Realty.
Treasure Coast Hospice’s Pediatric Care Program, Little Treasures, focuses on the unique needs of children, teens and their families. The goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for children and teens with serious illness by supporting the entire family with palliative and hospice care. Surrounding families with individualized care and support, the Little Treasures Care Team addresses medical, psychosocial and spiritual concerns by providing intensive pain and symptom management along with counseling, guidance and education.
For more information, visit www.TreasureHealth.org
In Photo: The Committee with Jackie Brownie in center
In Photo: Susan King, Ewald Bender, Cheryl Mayes and Shannon Cooper
In Photo: Judy & Brian Gay and Charity Ginger
In Photo: Evergreen Private Care nurses Tara Meekins and Amanda Snyder, Sheriff William Snyder, Dr. Cheryl Jordan, Megan Merrifield
In Photo: Greg & CEO Jackie Kendrick
In Photo: Ronnie & Stormi Kirchman
In Photo: Judy & Brian Gay and Charity Ginger
In Photo: Bill & Susan Clifford
In Photo: Closets by Design- Jennifer johnson and Angela Saccaricca
In Photo: A Toast to Little Treasures 10th Anniversary
In Photo: Board Member Peter Culley with Mary Feherback and Ted Brown of Wilmington Trust
City of Fort Pierce Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr. Honored with the 2024 Home Rule Hero Award
Fort Pierce - Commissioner Curtis Johnson Jr. of the City of Fort Pierce has been recognized for his exceptional dedication and advocacy by the Florida League of Cities (FLC). He was recently honored with the prestigious 2024 Home Rule Hero Award, which celebrates individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to preserving local decision-making and advancing the interests of municipalities during the legislative process.
Commissioner Johnson's outstanding contributions were praised during the 2024 Legislative Session, where he championed the cause of local governance, ensuring that the voices of Fort Pierce and its residents were heard at the state level. His efforts were instrumental in safeguarding the Home Rule powers of Florida's municipalities and advocating for policies that benefit communities across the state.
In addition to his advocacy on behalf of Fort Pierce, Commissioner Johnson has further solidified his commitment to effective municipal leadership by successfully completing the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials II (IEMO II) course. Offered by the Florida League of Cities, the IEMO II course is an intensive two-day program designed specifically for elected municipal officials seeking advanced training in various aspects of municipal government.
The course curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including advanced financial tools, personnel and labor relations, decision-making models, and media relations, among others. By completing the IEMO II course, Commissioner Johnson has demonstrated his dedication to expanding his knowledge and skills to better serve the residents of Fort Pierce.
Mayor Greg Ross of Cooper City, who serves as President of the Florida League of Cities, emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive education and support to municipal officials. He commended Commissioner Johnson and his fellow IEMO II graduates for their commitment to excellence and leadership in municipal governance.
Commissioner Johnson's completion of the IEMO II course also earns him credit toward the FLCU's Certificate Program for Elected Officials, a multi-level certificate of achievement program that recognizes elected officials for their participation in the League's training opportunities.
"Commissioner C. Johnson's dedication to continuous learning and advocacy for our city exemplify the spirit of effective municipal leadership. His completion of the IEMO II course reflects his commitment to serving Fort Pierce with excellence. We are proud to have him represent our community, and his efforts truly embody the values of innovation and service that define our city." - Nick Mimms, City Manager
Piper's Landing Yacht & Country Club Hosts Palm City Chamber of Commerce 29th Annual Golf Tournament
In Photo: Tom Galinis, Steven Barney, James Mahoney, David Bradford and Pete Sicoli.
Article & Photos by: Robin Hall - Out2News.com
Palm City - On May 3, 2024 The Palm City Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a wonderful sunny day for a Golf Tournament! Hosted by Piper's Landing Yacht & Country Club, the day couldn't have been better!
With a total of nineteen teams that came to play they were not disappointed with the wonderful breakfast served by the club and a chance to get together.
Embrace Florida as it is meant to be with Piper's elegant yet unpretentious lifestyle. Enjoy your golf game at the stunning landscape of a private, championship golf course. Set sail from the calm waters of their naturally protected yacht basin or try your hand at the Har-tru tennis courts and Pickleball courts. Piper's Landing is a unique equity member-owned, private Club. For more information call them at: 772-283-7000.
The event started at 9:00 am with not worry about the weather. The Presenting sponsor for the tournament was FPL. Premier Sponsor: Sailfish Insurance Group. The Eagles sponsors for the event were: The Ranch, Aesthetic Dentistry, Alpha Zeta, Sunshine Land Design, U.S. Sugar and HBK. Beverage Cart Sponsors: Treasure Legal and R.K Hansen Construction. Beverage Station: White Glove Moving & Storage.Beverage Sponsors: Palm City Liquor and Grape Living. Many members of the Board and Ambassadors also helped to organize the planning and tee signs were also sponsored by many members of the chamber.
The winning team was "Sailfish Insurance Group with a winning score of 50! Congratulations to all the players. Check out Out2News.com Facebook page for additional photos!
The mission of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal advocate of the community and its businesses, acting as the catalyst in promoting the economic development of the Palm City area, stimulating jobs and improving the quality of life. Located at: 2701 SW Cornell Avenue in Palm City. For more information about the chamber call them at: 772-286-8121.
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In Photo: Stuart Kitchen Bath & Flooring (Not in order - Dan Braun, Roger Dewitt, Bob Colucci and Les Walsh
In Photo: Jenny Yingling - Seacoast National Bank
In Photo: Trophies standing tall
In Photo: The FPL Team - Alan Boaz, Rob Morris, Marshall Critchfield and Randy Keiser
In Photo: FPL Team 2 - Kate Cotner, Katherine Hogan, Victoria Toris, Michelle Cullom
In Photo: Beverage Carts and helpers for the tournament
Environment and Community Benefit from Dyer Difference Award
St. Lucie County Photos Courtesy of Ilena Luts: Dyer Sales Associates Cleve Borden, Josel Ulloa, Mustard Seed Executive Director Greg Smith, Dyer General Manager Jonathan Holmes, Sales Manager Jon Herman, and Finance Manager Ja’von White
For the third year in a row, Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association hosts an offshore fishing tournament to help maintain the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. While you may pass by the lagoon and smile, you might be surprised to learn that the Indian River Lagoon is considered one of the most diverse estuaries in North America, consisting of roughly 156 miles of mangrove covered shorelines comprised of three main bodies of water: The Banana River, The Indian River and The Mosquito Lagoon.
The lagoon has been called “the cradle of the ocean and acts as a refuge for countless species of fish, birds and plants. The lagoon is a key driver to the wealth and health of Florida’s economy, too, generating $7.7 billion annually by providing jobs, housing, tourism, industry and recreation. Unfortunately, the lagoon, like most of Florida’s estuaries, is in a real crisis. Marine life and sea grass have been decimated by a chain reaction started from fertilizer run-off and waste water redistribution. Proceeds from the third annual Firefighters Benevolent Offshore Fishing Tournament, slated for June 8th and 9th, will benefit the Captains for Clean Water and help ensure the health and diversity of the magnificent Indian River Lagoon.
In St. Lucie County, the Dyer Difference Award recognizes the work of Mustard Seed Ministries, a nonprofit organization which serves nearly 60,000 individuals struggling to meet basic life necessities including food, shelter, and clothing. Since 1986, Mustard Seed has assisted St. Lucie County individuals who live at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level with financial, medical, emotional, and spiritual needs, which include rent and mortgage assistance, emergency food and two local food pantries serving hot meals, utilities assistance, and financial education classes, dental and prescription assistance, clothing, furniture, diapers, and basic household furnishings. The staff family at Dyer has long supported the work of Mustard Seed and is happy to recognize the tireless work of the staff and volunteers who keep Mustard Seed helping the community.
The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.
Indian River County Photos Courtesy of Ilena Luts: Tatiana Dyer, President Bradley Eskew, Vice-President Brian Guanch, Executive Manager Jonathan Hardie
Lights! Camera! Action!
Photo provided by Ilena Luts: Vero Beach Film Festival Associate Director Phil Osborne, Sponsorship and Fundraising Chair Gary Mastro celebrate the Festival with Dyer Sales Manager Frank Felkey, Dyer Subaru Executive Manager Jonathan Hardie,VBFF Executive Director David Yakir, and Sales Managers Thomas McGee and Carlos Vasquez.
Vero Beach - The lights went down, and a hush fell over the crowd as the Vero Beach Film Festival took the stage and the city of Vero Beach by storm. There were comedies, tragedies, and memorable moments galore as the Festival spotlighted creativity, artistry, and the importance of entertainment on a community, and the Dyer Automotive Group was delighted to participate in this year’s event, the seventh annual Vero Beach Film Festival. Festival organizers believe that independent filmmaking enriches our lives and our community both culturally and economically, and the magic of film is that it introduces us to new places, touches our hearts, and helps us to find solutions and solidarity in challenging times.
The Vero Beach Film Festival also helps spotlight the community, its beauty, restaurants, vistas, and residents and provides support to other local charities, too, through red carpet screenings, filmmaker events, and parties during the festival weekend. Believing that film unites us, the organizers of the Vero Beach Film Festival have created a way for the entire community to share in the creativity and entertainment that can help change lives and improve the world one frame at a time, and Dyer Subaru’s Share the Love Program was honored to help with this unifying festival that is loved by so many.
Dyer Subaru is active in the community in so many ways, so it is only natural for them to participate in Subaru’s Share the Love Program by diving in and helping to continue to make Indian River and St. Lucie Counties an even better place to live and work. How wonderful that just by having your car serviced or choosing to purchase your next vehicle at Dyer Subaru, you’re also helping to do the same. And isn’t that what community is really all about? If you’d like to learn more about Subaru’s Share the Love Promise, stop by Dyer Subaru today.
Council on Aging Martin Starts New Mobile Service with Impact100 Martin Grant
In Photo: Council on Aging President & CEO Karen Ripper, Chief Philanthropic Officer Michele Jacobs, Board Chair Nicki Schoonover, Case Manager Navigator Brian Sullivan, and Director of Case Management & Meal Services Annette Lopez
Stuart - The Council on Aging’s Elder Care Mobile Outreach program will soon be available to help seniors throughout Martin County neighborhoods who need assistance with the challenges of aging.
Thanks to a $100,000 Impact Grant from the generous members of Impact100 Martin, Council on Aging will be able to hire a second Case Manager Navigator to go directly to underserved seniors throughout Martin County who face social isolation and loneliness, and then connect them with essential services.
“The pandemic taught us that there is a reluctance among seniors to contact us to ask for help,” said Council on Aging Martin County CEO Karen Ripper. “Yet there are seniors in our affluent county who live in the shadows, possibly even in our own neighborhoods, who would benefit from our services. Now we will be able to go directly into the community to find them and offer the assistance they need.”
Funds from the Impact 100 grant will help to purchase a new high-top van, which will ultimately be converted into a mobile office. A Case Manager Navigator will use this office to go into mobile home parks and various neighborhoods throughout Martin County to help seniors find ways to minimize expenses so they can better afford to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible. The navigator will help with securing affordable housing, make referrals to Meals on Wheels or the Adult Day Club located at the Kane Center, offer assistance with utility bills, link seniors for medical consultation and screening with the Day Medical primary care office, and provide support to caregivers.
“By meeting people in their own neighborhoods,” Ripper said, “we will relieve some of the stigma of asking for help and overcome any transportation challenges. Our community will be healthier as we address problems before they become catastrophes for seniors and their families.” The Elder Care Mobile Outreach program will be operational by later this summer.
Impact100 Martin is a membership driven nonprofit organization that enables women to leverage their individual philanthropy and create positive, lasting change in the community. Each member contributes $1,000 a year and participates in choosing nonprofit projects to receive a $100,000 grant that will have true impact and sustainability. With 422 members in 2024, Impact100 Martin was able to award four $100,000 grants in April.
“The Council on Aging Martin and all of those we serve are grateful to Impact100 Martin,” Ripper said. “Everyone deserves a quality life at every age, and we’re eager to continue our mission to make this a reality for seniors in our community.”
Two Public Safety Personnel Honored by Stuart Rotary Club
In Photo: Lieutenant Sean Eichling
Stuart - This week, the Stuart Rotary Club honored two exemplary individuals from the City of Stuart for their exceptional dedication to service with the prestigious Service Above Self Awards.
Among the recipients were Stuart Fire Rescue's Lieutenant Sean Eichling and the executive assistant to the Stuart Police Chief, Lisa Scott.
Before their commendable tenure with the City of Stuart, both Lt. Eichling and Ms. Scott served honorably in the U.S. Army, reflecting their deep commitment to public service.
Lt. Eichling's journey within Stuart Fire Rescue has been marked by continuous growth and dedication. Starting as a firefighter/EMT, he has ascended the ranks, embodying the spirit of leadership as he now serves as Fire Rescue Lieutenant. Notably, he also undertakes the crucial role of the department's SCBA technician, ensuring the safety of his fellow responders in challenging environments.
Meanwhile, Ms. Scott's remarkable 37-year tenure at the Stuart Police Department speaks volumes about her unwavering dedication and professionalism. Beginning as a Police Clerk/Typist, she has seamlessly transitioned into pivotal roles, culminating in her current position as Executive Assistant to the Police Chief. Her numerous accolades and reputation as the "glue" of the department underscore her indispensable contribution to its smooth operation.
Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Lt. Eichling and Ms. Scott for their outstanding contributions. Their unwavering commitment to service embodies the very essence of the Service Above Self Awards, and we are immensely grateful for their invaluable service to our community. Thank you, Lt. Eichling and Ms. Scott, for your tireless dedication and selflessness.
In Photo: Ms. Lisa Scott
Pace Treasure Coast Honors Rising Leaders at Believing in Girls Empowerment Luncheon
In Photo: Naykerria, Aggie Pappas and Pindora
Article by: PACE Center for Girls / Photos by: MaryAnn Ketcham
Treasure Coast – On Friday, April 12, Pace Center for Girls, Treasure Coast hosted their annual Believing in Girls Empowerment Luncheon at Crane Club at Tesoro.
This event presented by Asbury Cares, drew in over 150 guests, including local
professionals, businesses, and community leaders, all converging to show their support for girls in their community. Pace believes that ‘Every Girl Deserves’ a future filled with opportunities, respect, and the agency to pursue her dreams. The event served as a reminder of the progress we've achieved as a community, while also urging us to envision the next phase of this critical mission.
The girls and young women Pace Treasure Coast support receive academic instruction and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma based therapy. They also receive life coaching to learn basic life skills, such as personal hygiene, shopping for groceries and how to land their first job. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
“Our girls have overcome tremendous obstacles, but they see themselves as we see them — as strong, beautiful, intellectual women that will be successful as they grow into their young adulthood,” said Terri Shermett, Executive Director of Pace Treasure Coast.
“As our programming expands to provide more girls with social and academic services, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our community.”
At the heart of the luncheon was a profound belief in the power of community support.
Every girl, it was emphasized, deserves a network of encouragement and empowerment to realize her full potential. This sentiment resonated deeply as speakers and participants alike shared stories of resilience, growth, and triumph.
Fakiya, a Pace girl, shared her testimony at the luncheon. “As a 17-year-old girl, I want to tell you that every girl deserves a chance. There are a lot of challenges to be a girl today. Many of us face uphill battles from the moment we wake up. Some of us live in unsafe neighborhoods where every step outside feels like a risk. Others battle with mental health challenges, like anxiety and self-image, and don’t know who to turn to for help. It can feel like the odds are stacked against us. But Pace taught me to make myself a priority and showed me the leader that I can be.”
Since its founding in 1998, Pace Treasure Coast has seen transformational
improvements among girls personally and professionally. To date, more than 1,000 girls in St. Lucie County have been served. Program highlights from fiscal year 2023
include:
7 out of 10 girls have experienced overall academic improvement.
7 out of 10 are engaged in their community, measured by being enrolled in
school, higher education or employment
To learn more about how Pace is finding the great in every girl, visit
www.pacecenter.org.
In Photo: Dawn Walker, Pastor Vernon Schezler and Tia Lamb
In Photo: Tia, Terri Shermett, Seth Daub and Fakiya
In Photo: Anchara Marshall and Natalie Marciniak- FPL
In Photo: Steven Rivera, Melissa Rivera and Ann Rodriguez- Truist Bank
In Photo: Fran Joans Karney, Christy Romano, Veronica Kolibab, State Rep. Dana Trabulsy, Jennifer Picardi and Nikta Lloyd
In Photo: Louise Robinson, Fakiya H., Renee Adderly-Clark, Tia S. and Angel Clark-Clampitt
In Photo: Leslie Kristoff and Linda Fitzpatrick
In Photo: Sen. Gayle Harrell and SLC Commissioner Linda Bartz
In Photo: Jennifer Rivera, Lina Sifuentes, Callie Walker and jill Rowland
In Photo: Lisa Shockley, April King and Dayna Horner
In Photo: Exec. Dir. Terri Shermett and WPBF 25's Yasmine Julmisse
Martin County Top Chef Cooks Up Success for House of Hope
In Photo: Ed Ciampi, Wendy Kohler, Jenifer Atikisson-Lovett, Sonita Farr, Niki Norton, Katy O'Neil, and Rob Ranieri at House of Hope’s 2024 Top Chef competition.
Stuart – Over blazing stoves, with a roomful of people watching their every move, five Martin County residents turned into professional chefs for an evening to compete in House of Hope’s Top Chef competition for 2024.
Jennifer Atkisson-Lovett, Sonita Farr, Wendy Kohler, Niki Norton, and Katy O'Neil all donned their aprons and created original dishes at District Table and Bar in Stuart.
This annual event is always a sell-out. This year, the 200 attendees and the Top Chef contestants raised over $80,000 for the essential programs and transformative services for Martin County residents facing food insecurity and financial hardships.
Jennifer Atkisson-Lovett, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX of Stuart, won the overall Top Chef title with her tuna tartare, voted “Top Dish,” and her energetic fundraising. “I was honored and shocked to win Top Chef!” Jennifer said. “I had such a blast participating in the fundraising aspect leading up to the event. Of course, meeting the other contestants and cooking with them on night of the event was just amazing! House of Hope does so much in our community and it truly was my honor to help raise awareness of their efforts.”
Sonita Farr was honored as Top Fundraiser. Ed Ciampi, Martin County Commissioner, once again served as emcee. The judges were Taylor Mohlmann, Chef District Table & Bar; Carra Crehan, Owner/Operator of Chefs Table & Fruits and Roots; and Jessica Bohner, 2023 Top Chef & Top Dish Winner.
“The competition was really fierce this year,” House of Hope Rob Ranieri said. “We’re grateful to everyone who competed and contributed to make this a fun evening. Their efforts will have a huge impact on House of Hope and the thousands of Martin County residents that we assist throughout the year.”
House of Hope extended a special thanks to Jason Stocks, Chef and Owner of District Table and Bar and Colab Kitchen FL. He hosts this annual event year after year, closing his own operations for the evening to support House of Hope.
Sponsors for the event include District Table and Bar, Stifel Investment Services, RE/MAX of Stuart, The Hawkins Family, Treasure Coast Legal, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Molly K. O'Neil Esq., n2 Architecture + Design, Russell & Dianne Weller, Century 21 Move with Us, Crabby's Port Salerno, Deborah Lovequist, Girls Scout Troop 71734, Jim & Elaine Matts, Johnson Honda of Stuart, Justice for Kaitlyn Kohler, Manchester Insurance, Mann's Education Consulting, Stuart Financial, Treasure Coast Accounting Inc., and the Wong Family Foundation. These local restaurants provided delicious bits for the attendees: Chef's Table, Colab Kitchen, District Table & Bar, Fruits & Roots, Guanabanas, Salerno Pizza, Sunset Sliders, The Grove, Tide House, and Unique Sweets Supply.
Plans Finalized for Revitalization of the IRSC Historic Coast Guard House
Fort Pierce - Six months ago, the Indian River State College District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a proposal from Audubon Development Inc. to renovate, redevelop, and revitalize the IRSC Historic Coast Guard House located at 1420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Audubon has now finalized a comprehensive development plan to transform the historic house into a boutique bed and breakfast with wedding, meeting and event spaces and a bourbon and cigar bar.
According to Dale Matteson, president and CEO of Audubon Development Inc., minimal external changes to the Historic Coast Guard House are required. The main entryway will be moved to the structure's west side, and a new two-story balcony will encompass the north (rear) side. The bulk of the revitalization will occur within the house.
“When viewing the Historic Coast Guard House from the street, you won’t notice much, but the interior will be completely transformed, and the rear of the property will spring to life with patios, a seawall, and docks,” said Matteson. “We’re breathing new life into an historic structure.”
Inside, all four floors of the Historic Coast Guard House will be completely reimagined:
Main floor: Elegant entry foyer, service kitchen, main event space with a grand spiral staircase connecting to the basement and second floors, and restrooms.
Second floor: Two expansive, self-contained Winward and Leeward suites—half a floor each, complete with living and dining areas—can be entered by the grand spiral staircase or by period-correct exterior staircases connected to private landings; a hidden door reveals a smaller spiral staircase to the third-floor suite.
Third floor: The well-appointed Admiral Suite, with access to Crow’s Nest, spans the entire third floor and offers multiple unobstructed views of the intercoastal and surrounding area.
Basement level: The floor comprises a private bedroom and bath on one side and a “downtown” bourbon and cigar bar with separate restrooms and an exterior entrance.
Exterior property improvements include dramatic landscaping, elevated outdoor gathering spaces, a fanciful star-shaped dock for dingy and jet ski parking, and a 20-slip boat dock with a 75-foot t-head for a water taxi that will connect the property with the King’s Landing site Audubon is developing in downtown Fort Pierce. A seawall will regain and nourish the lost shoreline.
“We are activating the entire property,” continues Matteson. “We are preserving the House’s historical integrity and repurposing it in a more regal setting.”
Audubon Development expects to select a construction partner by June and complete the project over the following 24 months.
Meanwhile, passersby will already notice “little signs of life,” as Matteson calls them. A large flagpole flies the American flag, and a period-correct mailbox has replaced a long-weathered receptacle. A neighbor provided Matteson with a “foul weather” flag hoisted in times of small craft advisories.
Matteson is heartened by the neighborhood reaction so far and welcomes additional collaboration. He is eager to assemble photographs and artifacts to decorate and share Coast Guard history at the venue. He has reached out to the Coast Guard archives for memorabilia and encourages community members to contact him to contribute additional material to illuminate the House’s history.
“Audubon Development is creating a showpiece for our community and a new, real-world learning environment for students in our Culinary and Hospitality programs,” adds Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy Moore. “Dale and his team are deliberate in their approach to reviving this critical piece of national history. This is one of the area’s most significant revitalization projects and a gem and point of pride for all who live and visit here.”
In addition to providing educational opportunities for Indian River State College students at the Historic Coast Guard House, Audubon has committed 1,200 square feet of retail space for a “Kids are Cooking” restaurant at the King’s Landing Development, a mixed-use project in downtown Fort Pierce comprised of a hotel, residential units, shops, restaurants, and a parking garage. The restaurant will be operated in conjunction with the Indian River State College Culinary program.
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency Continues to Offer its Paint Program to Enhance Community Revitalization
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) is excited to continue offering its Paint Program as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize both residential and commercial properties in the FPRA district. This program, which has seen significant success since its launch, is open to qualified applicants.
Through the FPRA Paint Program, eligible participants can receive financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable grant of up to $1,000 per property. This grant can be utilized for the purchase of exterior paint and related supplies, with a maximum allocation of $100 for paint supplies. Properties must be situated within the FPRA District to qualify for this program, and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the designated funds are exhausted.
The FPRA remains dedicated to promoting community development and encourages all eligible property owners to seize this opportunity to contribute to the ongoing revitalization endeavors in the Fort Pierce area.
For access to the application and a list of eligibility criteria, please visit https://choosefortpierce.com/969/FPRA-Incentive-Program. For further inquiries, please contact Miriam Garcia at 772-467-3786 or via email at mgarcia@cityoffortpierce.com.
Preserving Paradise: A Half Cent at a Time New Martin County Forever Initiative Underway to Purchase Natural Lands
Article by: Firefly Group
Martin County – A group of concerned citizens, passionate about preserving vast areas of environmentally sensitive lands, has created a new conservation initiative called Martin County Forever. The group has spent most of this year on outreach and education to determine whether citizens would be supportive of a sales-tax referendum to acquire these lands. Acquiring undeveloped land would help to protect the unique character of Martin County, clean and restore rivers and waterways, safeguard sources of drinking water, preserve valuable wildlife habitat and wetlands, create wildlife corridors and expand recreational opportunities.
“There are environmentally sensitive lands throughout Martin County that need to be preserved now or they are at risk of being lost forever. Our community will never be the same if we don’t act now,” said Merritt Matheson, Martin County Forever committee member and former City of Stuart Mayor.
About 46,000 acres of natural lands within four target areas have been identified by Martin County’s Ecosystem Division for potential acquisition:
Indian River Lagoon Watershed, 27,000 acres essential to the health of the Lagoon
Loxa-Lucie, 9,800 acres essential to the health of the St. Lucie and Loxahatchee Rivers
Pal-Mar, 8,500 acres of some of the highest quality wetlands in Martin County
Blue-ways, about 400 acres of smaller parcels inside our urban areas and near waterways
The group is proposing that a referendum for a half-cent sales tax be placed on the November 2024 ballot for citizens to vote on. “Martin County residents have a history of taking matters into their own hands to protect our environment and quality of life,” added Matheson. “We’re simply asking the Martin County Commission to allow the citizens to decide if they want to support an initiative to buy these lands.”
If approved, the sales tax could generate about $18.3 million a year for ten years, and much of the land would be eligible for matching state or federal funds, stretching those dollars even further. More than a third of the monies raised would be from visitors who live elsewhere but spend their money in Martin County. The sales tax would only apply to the first $5,000 of any purchase. Importantly, groceries, prescription medication and school supplies would all be exempt.
Martin County has a long, proud history of supporting the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands. Several referendums have been passed where citizens voted to tax themselves to generate funding for land acquisition. A voter approved half-cent sales tax in 2006, for example, generated about $30 million and was used to leverage an additional $30 million from state and federal sources. In fact, many popular local parks and preserves were acquired with funds generated from past referendums. These acquisitions include important preserve areas such as Halpatiokee and Atlantic Ridge state parks, beaches throughout Hutchinson Island, and regionally significant park facilities like Indian Riverside Park. These places are part of the recreational fabric of the community while also improving water quality in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.
“We know there may be skeptics, and the devil is in the details, but we’ve structured the referendum language to ensure it does what it is supposed to do and nothing else,” according to committee member Jim Snedeker. A Citizens Advisory Committee would be created to screen land acquisition opportunities. An annual audit would be required. Properties would only be purchased from willing sellers. “Even though discussions about taxes can be controversial, we’ve been surprised and encouraged by the widespread support we’ve received for the initiative,” added Snedeker.
“Martin County is a special place, and we want to keep it that way. It’s our small-town charm, slower pace, low density, beautiful waterways and beaches and abundance of undeveloped, natural lands that sets Martin County apart from so many other places in Florida,” said Matheson. “The time is right to create a funding mechanism to purchase these natural lands and ensure they remain that way during our lifetime and for future generations.”
Martin County Forever has launched a website, www.martincountyforever.com, with more information. To schedule a presentation to your group or association, please contact them at martincountyforever@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/martincountyforever or Instagram at @martincountyforever.
The Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Inc. Awarded $625,000
The Roundtable of St. Lucie County was awarded a continuation grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s, Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program for $125,000 per year for 5 years through 2028 to support Drug Free St. Lucie, our community’s coalition. DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local drug problems. Under the umbrella of the Roundtable, Drug Free St. Lucie (DFSL) is a countywide community coalition working to prevent and reduce youth substance misuse and address associated problems in St. Lucie County, Florida. The coalition is comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, the school district, religious organizations, health care and business professionals, and law enforcement. The grant provides local community coalitions funding to prevent youth substance use, including prescription drugs, marijuana, and underage drinking.
Drug Free St. Lucie will utilize these funds to provide education and training sessions for youth, parents, educators, and other community members; implement social norming and marketing campaigns, host Town Hall Meetings and Summits, disseminate information; support compliance strategies and host alcohol and drug free events for teens.
This continued funding is recognition from the federal government of the ongoing work of Drug Free St. Lucie and the commitment of all our esteemed community partners to create a safe and healthy environment for all St. Lucie County youth. If you are interested in joining our efforts, please visit www.RoundtableSLC.org or contact 772.871.5880 for more information.
COUNTY PROJECTS
County projects prioritized within the CIP include roads, bridges, wastewater and stormwater systems, and other projects that serve the public good and help ensure safe and thriving communities. CLICK HERE!
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Private developer projects found in the Proposed Developments map include residential, commercial and industrial applications which are currently under review or have been approved. CLICK HERE!