Serving St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties
New construction points to encouraging future
While it may not be a smooth upward trajectory, Treasure Coast building officials are confident that new housing and commercial construction will continue to grow in all three counties. Read more...
Real estate market is moving towards stability
Home sales and skyrocketing costs have been a concern for home sellers and home buyers for the past few years, but signs of steadiness are on the horizon. Although prices are still going up in the three counties, there could be some stability ahead. Read more...
Airports bring dollars — as well as passengers — to Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast’s airports are on the move, each in a different way.
While St. Lucie County’s Treasure Coast International Airport is growing and hoping to snag a passenger airline, the Vero Beach Regional Airport is booming thanks in great part to passenger flights by Breeze Airways. Read more...
High hopes for tourism in coming months
It has certainly been a rather chaotic past few months along the Treasure Coast, with the unexpected tornadoes from Hurricane Milton, the recovery that followed, and then the cooler than usual weather that winter has brought, so far. Read more...
Customers help fix the trouble at Harry’s
As Harry MacArthur, owner of Harry and the Natives bar and grill in Hobe Sound, enters his 60th year in the restaurant industry, his intent remains the same: to make at least one person smile every day. Read more...
Ever-changing downtown Fort Pierce is flourishing
The scarcity of parking spaces along the streets of downtown Fort Pierce indicate a strong economic outlook for local businesses. With new stores continuing to pop up, downtown remains a thriving center of commerce for the city. Read more...
Community deals with horrendous effects from Hurricane Milton
Recovery efforts continue for dwellings and structures in St. Lucie County following October’s destructive paths from Hurricane Milton and the historical number of tornadoes that terrified residents, causing loss of life. Read more...
Tornado wipes out opportunities for job growth
The destruction of a new warehouse, valued at $61 million, in St. Lucie County by a tornado from Hurricane Milton is not only a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation caused by natural disasters, but also a major setback that robbed the county of hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue. Read more...
Local tech experts are helping AI help themselves
Jurgen Schwanitz, CEO of Florida’s largest independent computer store, uses artificial intelligence — AI — every day. He calls it his “daily companion,” or the “smart parrot” on his shoulder.
Schwanitz’s business ACT Computers in Vero Beach, was invited more than three years ago for early testing on AI systems. Now, ACT Computers leverages the technology to improve their business operations. Read more...
Ashley Capital to purchase 111 acres for development
989999AI assists Schwanitz and his employees with daily workflow tasks. They’ve seen an increase in productivity. “It is a tool that you have to adapt and use every day,” Schwanitz said during a talk hosted by ACT Computers at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach. Read more...
Tornado wipes out opportunities for job growth
The destruction of a new warehouse, valued at $61 million, in St. Lucie County by a tornado from Hurricane Milton is not only a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation caused by natural disasters, but also a major setback that robbed the county of hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue. Read more...
Company plans to add 30 full-time positions
SportLife Distribution, a nationwide distributor of sports nutrition and health products based in Fort Pierce, plans to expand its operations and headquarters within the city, with the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot facility and the addition of 30 full-time employees. Read more...
Port St. Lucie jeweler celebrates 30th year in business
Hawk Levy, owner of St. Lucie Jewelry and Coins, has reached a soaring level of success by adjusting and adapting to the times. On June 30, Levy’s primary store celebrated its 30th anniversary, while his secondary location in St. Lucie West has been operating for three years. Read more...
New owner Perricone Farms says changes will be minor
A renowned juice company based in Fort Pierce that’s provided high-quality juices for generations has been sold, but local and worldwide customers will still be able to enjoy the taste and availability of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company products for a long time to come. Read more...
A-1 Industries raises the roof with state-of-the-art tech
Nearly half a century after its founding, A-1 Industries has emerged as one of the nation’s most progressive manufacturers of pre-engineered roof and floor trusses. Read more...
And so are planes, thanks to expansion and improvements at Vero Beach airport
The success of Breeze Airways, which has experienced monumental growth in the past year and a half, has spurred a flurry of activity and new development at Vero Beach Regional Airport. Read more...
Marriott to build baseball-themed hotel next to Jackie Robinson complex
When Cary Goldberg, president of Diversified Companies in Deerfield Beach, visited Vero Beach to check on an aviation project at the local airport, something unexpected caught his eye: a field of dreams. Read more...
Breeze Airways’ Vero routes exceed projections
Attracting passengers for commercial air travel in Vero Beach has been a breeze for Breeze Airways, which launched flights to and from Vero Beach in February 2023. Breeze is the only carrier to serve the airport since Elite Airways departed in July 2022. Read more...
Causeway Cove Marina works hard at having fun
Heading east over South Bridge, you could miss one exciting place if you are not careful. It might be called Fort Pierce’s “best kept secret,” but Causeway Cove Marina manager Harold H. “Buzz” Smyth has dedicated himself to welcoming the community as well as its visitors. Read more...
Bob Brackett’s life is a lesson in leadership
In a world where leadership often involves grand gestures and high-stakes decision making, Robert L. “Bob’’ Brackett’s story stands out as a testament to the power of humble beginnings, consistent effort, and community-focused values. Read more...
Tambone’s vision for PSL merits leadership award
Richard Tambone, president of Tambone Companies, was honored with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County at its 10th annual leadership dinner in April. Read more...
APP Jet grows Fort Pierce footprint
APP Jet Center has announced a series of expansion and renovation projects at its Treasure Coast International Airport fixed-base operation in Fort Pierce. The project includes the marketing of a 20,000-square-foot hangar, which will be built to suit a charter operator, private corporation, or maintenance and repair organization. Read more...
Local tower supplier acquired by Ohio firm
Vero Beach-based Aluma Tower Co. Inc. has been acquired by the Will-Burt Company of Orrville, Ohio.
Founded in 1974, Aluma Tower is a supplier of aluminum telescopic tower systems. Aluma has extensive experience manufacturing military tower-trailer-shelter systems that withstand harsh environments, yet are quick and easy to operate and are lightweight, mobile, rugged, dependable Read more...
FPUAnet Communications increasing internet service
FPUAnet Communications, a division of Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, is expanding its high-speed fiber internet services to the airport industrial park adjacent to Treasure Coast International Airport and Business Park. The new service area covers more than 3,600 acres serving airport area businesses and nearby residents. Read more...
Brightline picks Martin County for Treasure Coast station
Brightline, the nation’s only privately owned and operated inter-city passenger railroad, has been praised and criticized on the Treasure Coast since 2012. Enthusiasm for increased tourism and convenience have countered concerns regarding noise, safety and traffic delays. Read more...
A treasured tradition of tackle and tall tales
In business, a good name carries a lot of weight. It can also weather the test of time.
On the Treasure Coast, the name Buck White is synonymous with quality fishing gear sold by a knowledgeable and helpful staff. While Buck White, who in 1935 founded what is now known as White’s Tackle, has been dead for 54 years Read more...
Neighboring salons share in each other’s success
Inflation is on everybody’s mind, these days. Yet two local hair salons are defying the trend by offering low, low prices on haircuts for men, women and children. Business has been so good, one of the stylists has opened her own place — in the same plaza as her former employer. Read more...
White’s Tackle is within striking distance of centennial
Fishermen are known for swapping larger-than-life stories, but the camaraderie at White’s Tackle is no fish tale. The nearly 100-year-old business fosters friendships that have lasted lifetimes. Read more...
Project to build affordable single-family homes, townhomes and apartments
INDIANTOWN – Construction has begun on Terra Lago, a new community coming to the Villages of Indiantown. The Terra Lago project will consist of more than 2,000 single-family homes, townhomes and apartments, an assisted living facility, and 100,000 square feet of retail space. Read more...
Nopetro Renewables plans to produce three million gallons of natural gas
VERO BEACH – Nopetro Renewables, a developer and operator of renewable natural gas projects, has begun construction in Indian River County on a landfill gas to renewable natural gas facility. Read more...
Tourist numbers hit by maelstrom of weather and inflation
After a robust rebound from the 2020-21 pandemic, many establishments on the Treasure Coast have had a disappointing start to the tourist season. The cold and stormy weather, along with the effects of inflation, have made an impact. Nevertheless, owners remain optimistic about the months ahead. Read more...
Life lessons learned from Nick Saban
Now that Nick Saban has declared himself a resident of Florida by signing up for the $50,000 homestead exemption on his new home on Jupiter Island, I want to be one of the first to welcome him to my beloved home state. I also want to thank him. Read more...
McFarlane Canvas covers the waterfront
Seven McFarlane Kirby has been around water her entire life. Her father and older brother are ship’s captains; her younger brother is a sailboat enthusiast. The three siblings surf. The family lived on board a ship that carried supplies to missionaries in the Caribbean for two and half years. It’s not surprising, then, that when she started a business, boats were involved. Read more...
-SPONSORED CONTENT-
Richard K. Davis Construction: History with a Strong Future
When Richard K. Davis ran away from his West Virginia home at 15-years old in 1945, he made his way to South Florida, traveling through Fort Pierce. Though he eventually returned home to West Virginia, Florida kept calling his name. Read more...
Salons give cosmetologists room to shine
Starting your own business is never easy. But there’s one company that has helped more than 22,000 salon professionals transition from being an employee of a salon to being their own boss. Sola Salons offers cosmetology professionals an opportunity to lease fully equipped, private studios, and then provides support and tools to launch those businesses. Read more...
Vero, Fort Pierce moving water treatment plants
It is, in essence, the tale of two Florida cities. Each built and prospering along the waterway connecting them with towns up and down the coast and places beyond. As the population of the towns grew, water and sewer systems were needed for residents. During the 20th century, facilities were constructed in the towns of Fort Pierce and Vero Beach along the waterway. Read more...
Hundreds of Costco jobs coming to Port St. Lucie
Costco will be bringing hundreds of jobs to St. Lucie County as the company develops a multi-phased cold and dry storage depot at the Sansone Group’s Legacy Park at Tradition. Read more...
Giant warehouse will support Treasure Coast Food bank's growth
Treasure Coast Food Bank is another step closer to breaking ground on a state-of-the-art 113,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility at the Orange 95 Commerce Center in Fort Pierce. The new facility will enable the regional nonprofit to consolidate its multiple properties and grow its operating capacity. Read more...
Local entrepreneur says healthy eating is all about the sprouting
Roughly 10 years ago, Jessica Smith just wasn’t feeling as energetic as she thought she should. She would typically sleep well, eat well, exercise and do all of the things one is supposed to do to feel their best. Yet, there she was one afternoon at her weekly guitar lesson: well-rested yet yawning incessantly. Read more...
Treasure Coast Business News 5.13.25
Pizza, books, & Pepsi winning combination with kids
Wednesdays at Big Apple Pizza in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie were once so slow, owner Scott Van Duzer didn’t even go into work, according to Rick Hynum of PMQ Magazine. Now the Port St. Lucie, Florida, restaurateur doesn’t dare stay home—that midweek night’s a “monster,” he said, thanks to a children’s literacy program he implemented two years ago: Read to Succeed.
Boot camp in skilled trades gives young people a solid foundation
PALM CITY – The Treasure Coast Builders Association, aided by dozens of mentors and sponsors, graduated 52 young men and women from the 2023 Ready-to-Work Skilled Trades, Marine & Manufacturing Boot Camp this summer at Project L.I.F.T.’s facilities in Palm City... Read more...
Simulated hospital gives nursing students a taste of real life
The ominous sound of a Code Blue alarm sends student nurses flying to a patient’s bedside in the simulated hospital on Indian River State College’s Port St. Lucie campus. They gather around the bed, working swiftly to save the “patient” who is struggling to breathe after a heart attack... Read more...
Treasure Coast reflects boating industry’s growing economic impact
Impactful statistics and testimonials tell the story when it comes to the popularity and importance of recreational boating on the Treasure Coast.
“Recreational boating has gone through the roof,’’ says Justin Beard, the new executive director of Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast. “It really has." Read more...
Love affair with boating grows stronger
In times of COVID, boating was the perfect pastime for social distancing. You got to stay close to your family, you saw other people from afar and you were able to experience the great outdoors.
If you had any idea about how popular boating had become all you had to do was visit your local boat dealers, many of whom were out of stock, or check the classifieds for used boats, many of which were overpriced because of the strong demand. Read more...
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Dyer Subaru in Vero Beach will soon be opening a state-of-the-art dealership to sell and service one of the highly regarded automotive brands on the road today and beloved by its owners.
The two-story, 17,000-square-foot structure is in the final phase of construction and projected to be completed in... Read more...
Okeechobee county gets new EDC president
Kaylee King, business manager of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, has been promoted to the role of president. King is approaching her third year with the corporation, which advocates for economic development in Okeechobee... Read more...
Giant warehouse near completion
The new 664,176-square-foot Kings Logistics Center warehouse in Fort Pierce is near completion.
Roofing of the massive building was completed last spring and the exterior of the building is scheduled to be completed this summer, with construction of the interior to take place... Read more...
Blackburn wins EDC Leadership award
Russ Blackburn, Port St. Lucie’s recently retired city manager, was presented with the Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County at its ninth annual leadership dinner on May 18.
The award is presented annually to a dedicated business leader who has made significant contributions to... Read more...
A ROCK-SOLID COMMITMENT
Working with various veterans groups, Real Stone Monuments has created memorials that recognize the ultimate sacrifice of service men and women in maintaining the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Vietnam veterans, Navy SEALS and veterans of World War II, Korea, Pearl Harbor, and recent conflicts have had memorials built in their honor.
What makes Real Stone’s involvement with veterans groups so special is... Read more...
Completion of commerce center rolling along
The Interstate Commerce Center, under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, has 1,300 feet of clear Interstate 95 frontage and is in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect...Read more...
NEW LOCATION, SAME PASSION
Pat Murray recently celebrated Indian River Bikram Yoga’s one-year anniversary at its new location at Seaway Plaza on the corner of North U.S. Highway 1 and Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce after spending the previous five years in Vero Beach.
So far, the move and reception have been quite positive... Read more...
Total Truck Parts breaks ground for new PSL location
Construction has begun on a 47,000-square foot building for Total Truck Parts’ largest facility. After an almost two-year search, the employee-owned company with six locations in central and South Florida selected a 6-acre site in Midway Business Park to build... Read more...
Cover StoryHooked on a system
On the west side of Vero Beach, 15 acres of verdant farmland are producing an environmentally sustainable food product. And there is something decidedly fishy about it. Read more...
Downtown UpswingDowntown Fort Pierce, like many other historical neighborhoods, is always in a state of flux. Businesses come in, some succeed while others fall by the wayside.
In recent years, the newcomers have outnumbered the failures, although there have been a few of the latter. Fort Pierce seems to have reached a steady-state period after a period of heady growth. According to reports by local merchants, shoppers are still discovering the charms of downtown and its small, independent stores that offer one-off boutiques, gift stores and eating and drinking establishments not found anywhere else. Read more...
Most folks in their 80s living on North Hutchinson Island are well into retirement, enjoying natural amenities found on the beautiful stretch of the barrier island between the Indian River County line and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.
Retirement? At age 84, Bob Lowe chooses to remain active by selling this Treasure Coast gem to out-of-towners looking to relocate, especially from the East Coast, North Florida and South Florida. Read more...
ExpansionSteering toward the future
A major renovation and expansion project at Bev Smith Toyota, located at 3350 South U.S. Highway 1 in Fort Pierce, will get underway this spring to accommodate continued business growth.
Frank Gonzalez, Bev Smith Automotive Group vice president, said the building will be completely gutted and then expanded. The front portion will be extended outward to where the customer parking spaces are located. Read more...
Home run slugger Aaron Judge uses bats made on Treasure Coast
Even as the National Football League and college football get into high season, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees is grabbing the attention of the American sports fan with his chase of Roger Maris’ record 61 home runs in a season, poetically 61 years after that mark was set.
As sports networks and websites break into regular programming to show Judge’s plate appearances, Treasure Coast residents can be proud that the bat he is using was made in Port St. Lucie at the manufacturing plant owned by privately held Chandler Bats... Read more...
Do your homework before buying an existing small business
Do you dream of owning your own business? There’s more than one way to make this dream come true. Some entrepreneurs launch a business from scratch, while others buy an existing business. There are certainly advantages to buying an established business, but is it the right move for you? Let’s find out... Read more...
St. Lucie Battery & Tire experiences growth spurt during tough economic times
St. Lucie Battery & Tire, at 54 years old, is about to experience another growth spurt.
Even without adding any stores, the Fort Pierce-based privately held company with 235 employees is poised to become one of the top 50 largest independent tire dealers in the United States as private equity and consolidation take out some of those with more than the company’s 17 outlets service centers.
Doug Miller, company president, says... Read more...
Workshops provide Treasure Coast owners with tools to succeed
Americans often start their own businesses to circumvent obstacles related to lack of education or experience needed to succeed in the formal economy.
Most minority-owned businesses operate under the premise of owner/operator and struggle to gain access to capital that will help sustain the business over a long period of time.
Historically, in comparison to other racial groups, Black and minority business owners possess fewer personal assets such as home ownership or stocks/bonds to generate startup capital for their businesses.
Scores of studies have shown that this deficiency results in less... Read more...
Small businesses can offer job candidates advantages when competing with larger companies
You have the business, you have the production, but you don’t have the people to make it all happen. Is this your business?
Imagine you’ve landed a big government contract but you can’t find enough workers to execute it. Right now, the talent shortage is affecting companies globally. In the fourth quarter alone, 15 million Americans resigned their jobs. This Great Resignation trend continues, according to Katherine Culhane, a business consultant at the Florida SBDC at Indian River State College... Read more...
Treasure Coast business movers and shakers contributing to regional growth
Vision for the future is an important component for any business owner, manager or aspiring entrepreneur. Whether it is a nonprofit, for-profit, government, small or big business, the organization will always require a vision for growth, expansion or innovation. The mechanism that allows the organization to execute this vision is leadership. From motivating and inspiring the team and community to creating and organizing the tasks and work plan — leadership plays a critical role.
So, what is good leadership? Read more...
Treasure Coast business movers and shakers contributing to regional growth
Vision for the future is an important component for any business owner, manager or aspiring entrepreneur. Whether it is a nonprofit, for-profit, government, small or big business, the organization will always require a vision for growth, expansion or innovation. The mechanism that allows the organization to execute this vision is leadership. From motivating and inspiring the team and community to creating and organizing the tasks and work plan — leadership plays a critical role.
So, what is good leadership?
The most common definition is the ability to inspire confidence and support among the people who are needed to achieve organizational goals. An important element regarding leadership is that... Read more...
Indian River State College news
New college program to offer graduating seniors free tuition
In response to a pandemic that has disrupted lives and derailed plans for so many in the community, Indian River State College recently revealed its most significant investment ever in eliminating barriers to higher education.
At a special assembly for Fort Pierce Central High School seniors, the college launched the IRSC Promise Program — announcing tuition-free associate degrees for qualifying 2022 high school graduates from public and public charter schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties... Read more...
Treasure Coast Business News 7.20
Indian River Magazine takes home four statewide awards
Indian River Magazine took home four awards during the annual Florida Magazine Association gala ceremony held Friday night in Sarasota. The magazine received an overall best writing award that cited the works of, from right, Donna Crary, Kerry Firth, Bernie Woodall and Mary Ann Koenig. Crary also won a best writing public service award. Publisher Gregory Enns, left, won a a best column-writing award. The magazine also won a best special section award for its annual Best of the Treasure Coast competition.
St. Lucie County undergoing tremendous building boom along commercial corridors
Stop at almost any Interstate 95 interchange in St. Lucie County and listen carefully. That rumbling in the background isn’t traffic noise, it’s a rapidly intensifying torrent of industrial and commercial development coming down the pike.
The world has finally discovered St. Lucie County’s wide-open spaces for business parks. Easy access along I-95 to South Florida and an... Read more...
Stuart likely location of Brightline station
Brightline has shown an interest in adding a station on the Treasure Coast and one on the Space Coast. Cocoa is the most likely location for the Space Coast station due mostly to its proximity to the Port Canaveral cruise lines... Read more...
SBDC network urges business owners to have a plan to deal with hurricane damage
The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, urges small business owners to prepare for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and extends through November... Read more...
Intraprenuers are vital employees if a company is going to succeed
Internal Intraprenuership. If you’ve not heard the term, it’s time you get familiar with it as it could save your company or organization. The term intrapreneur is given to employees within organizations who exhibit entrepreneurial tendencies. These are employees who are motivated, optimistic and driven to solve problems. They are the idea generators, status quo disrupters and change agents. They can be leaders, managers, supervisors or frontline employees...Read more...
Tips to help working from home be a success for management and employees
Large and small businesses are finding interesting ways to keep employees engaged and feeling like they are part of the team while they are working from home. And amid the new reality, workers are expressing a desire to make the new arrangement work, even beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Is remote work here to stay? The jury is still out on what the post-COVID world will be like, but some workers already are asking for... Read more...
Do employers have the authority to require vaccinations?
Recent announcements regarding the availability of vaccines for the COVID-19 virus have been both exciting and concerning for some employers and employees.
Employers need to consider how they will address questions and concerns with respect to the vaccination and its effects on the workplace.
One question is whether employers may require employees or new hires to be vaccinated. In March, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission confirmed that ...Read more...
Treasure Coast Business named best new magazine in state
Treasure Coast Business Magazine, a publication of Indian River Magazine Inc., has been named the best new magazine in the state by the Florida Magazine Association.
The general excellence award was announced July 24 during the FMA’s annual awards ceremony. Read more...
Nonprofit fund provides loans and mentoring for Black business owners
Established in 1987, the Black Business Investment Fund of Florida is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that has successfully developed, capitalized and trained minority and underbanked businesses statewide for 30 years.
A Black business and investment corporation, BBIF was created through the Florida Small and Minority Business Act in 1985. This act was a response to the reality that Black business owners were being overlooked by large, traditional lenders, making it nearly impossible for them to obtain financing for their businesses. Read more...
Guide to business resiliency in times of disaster
• Cash Management • Pricing and Cost Containment • Supply Chain Management • Marketing Read more...
Interview on Aug. 16, 2019 with Indian River Magazine Publisher Gregory Enns about the company’s new business publication, Treasure Coast Business Magazine, on Tom Kindred’s “Startup Talk’’ show on WPSL radio. Read more...
