Infinite Possibilities Exhibit at Court House Cultural Center

Members of MartinArts have a diverse and noteworthy range of talents on display at Court House Cultural Center from June 13-July 28 in a summertime showcase entitled “Infinite Possibilities.”

The exhibit will showcase 59 member artists working in a variety of media which include acrylic, charcoal, collage, mixed media, oils, pastel, pen and ink, photography, watercolor and more.

An opening reception on Friday, June 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. will bring both exhibitors and lovers of the arts to the Court House Cultural Center for an evening featuring light refreshments. Beverages will be available.

A unique fundraiser will be part of the opening night festivities. In addition to the pieces created for “Infinite Possibilities,” several of the participating artists have painted 9”x6” original canvases which will be available for purchase for $96 each. Proceeds from the sale of these beautiful signature pieces will benefit arts education programs offered by MartinArts.

A donation of $5 is suggested.

The mission of MartinArts is to inspire participation and passion for the arts in our community. MartinArts envisions a vibrant and thriving community where arts and culture are woven into every aspect of life. As a regional leader, MartinArts stimulates and advances the economy of the cultural community.

Court House Cultural Center is located at 80 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. Gallery Hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

For information, visit www.martinarts.org.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 8, 2023|

City of Fort Pierce honored with two Home Rule Hero Awards in 2023

The Florida League of Cities(FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently honored Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Johnson worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

“The League and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.

Jun. 1, 2023|

Sunrise Theatre announces Centennial Speakeasy

Join the SunriseTheatre for the Centennial Celebration at the Sunrise Theatre’s Speakeasy on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 7 p.m. - 11p.m.. The evening will feature delicious food and beverages in multiple locations throughout the theatre, entertainment, music and much more!

Imagine entering through the speakeasy door with a special password or knock and being transformed back to the early days of 1920’s, learn the Charleston on main stage, enjoy gambling at the Casino in the lobby and a bourbon bar at the historic second floor Friend’s Lounge.

Your tax deductible ticket will assist the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, with their mission to bring the experience of performing arts to children and to support theatre improvements which will enhance the theatre to fulfill its purpose within the community.

Thank you in advance for your support which will make a difference at the Sunrise Theatre, now and in the years to come. Please join in the 100 year celebration for a “roaring” good time! For tickets, visit https://www.sunrisetheatre.com/product/sunrise-theatre-centennial-celebration/

May. 25, 2023|

City of Vero Beach Forms Private-Public-Corporate Partnership for Rejuvenation of Pocahontas Park

Exciting news for the community is on the way, as the City of Vero Beach embarks on a partnership with entities from the private, corporate and non-profit sectors of the community addressing an important piece of the Master Plan puzzle…Pocahontas Park in downtown Vero Beach. What Mayor John Cotugno so passionately describes as “The Jewel of Downtown,” Cotugno, as well as his fellow city council and city administration, held a Call Meeting on May 17 to discuss the ideas and goals to rejuvenate the park known as the centerpiece in the heart of downtown.

“Some believe the park looks worn, even unsightly and those who have always enjoyed sitting on benches under the shade of the beautiful trees, or playing in the historic playground, are not feeling safe anymore” Cotugno shared. “The fountain is not working properly, restrooms need refurbishing, and some of the unhoused members of the community have become an issue in a one-time popular gathering spot in the center of town. Now is the right time to address this problem and come together as a caring community to beautify our Jewel. ”

The first non-profit to step up-to-the plate with some ideas to tackle the job, already had the same idea on their drawing board. There’s an endless stream of new and exciting programs coming out of The Source, and their newest is called Community Works. It is designed to help the community’s public streets and properties become clean, while at the same time allowing Source members to earn a paycheck.

“The name of the program was conceived because it’s about members from The Source community that will be doing the work,” according to Jade Alexander, Director of Operations for The Source. “We know that the leading cause of homelessness is a catastrophic loss of family and community. So, we are also making a statement that community is what will work to end homelessness.”

According to Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, “Members participating are paid by our organization and dressed in uniforms while picking up trash along streets, lawns and alleyways that might smell or need pressure cleaning, and do other work to help beautify the city. We are equipping an identifiable trailer with all the cleaning supplies needed to get the job done. We are proudly committing $30,000 from our operational budget to pay the Community Worksparticipants. The Source is trying to help the city by doing our part.”

In addition to The Source and the City of Vero Beach, others that are initially making commitments to help the crusade for change include Main Street Vero Beach, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, the Vero Beach Police Department as well as the incoming corporate sponsor, Piper Aircraft.

The Source, along with city representatives who include Monte Falls-City Manager, the Vero Beach Police Department and the Public Works Department, will launch the Community Works project from a meeting site at the Train Depot on 14^thAvenue on Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m.

According to Zorbaugh, “We will have a supervisor from the Source, along with members and staff ready to roll with all our cleaning equipment and community spirit. We will be there until 1 p.m. on the first day, then each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-1 p.m. Our first area of concentration will be the sidewalks on 14^th Avenue from the Vero Beach Community Center to 21^st Streets (both sides of the street), down to the Shuffleboard Courts, past the IRC Chamber of Commerce, the parking lots behind the Pickleball Courts and the Community Center, including the playground and the park outside of the Heritage Center. Right now it’s hard to say how long all this will take, but once finished, we will work with Public Works to move on to another needed area.”

“We are generating a time-table for these efforts and identifying others who wish to come on board,” Mayor Cotugno continues. “We see the theme of working together to be the pathway to our goal. We believe, for the community to enjoy the park again, we need it updated, better lit, safe and clean with more police presence for the public and businesses downtown. We have to begin the process and now the time is right. This is an immediate opportunity for all of us.”

For those interested in coming on board to lend their expertise and support in other ways, contact Mayor John Cotugno at [email protected] or Anthony Zorbaugh at The Source, [email protected].

May. 25, 2023|

City of Fort Pierce Public Works hosts Community Cleanup

The City of Fort Pierce Public Works Department is excited to announce its next Community Cleanup on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is a citywide event and individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate! Participants get to choose the times and locations they wish to clean up in Fort Pierce and are encouraged to share their city pride by posting photos on social media.

Registered volunteers may be provided with litter collection supplies such as trash bags, gloves, pickers, and buckets while supplies last. These items can be picked up from the Public Works Compound located at 52 Savannah Rd. Fort Pierce, FL 34982, on Wednesday, May 31, from 1 PM TO 4 PM, Friday, June 2, from 8 AM TO 3 PM, or Saturday, June 3, from 8 AM TO NOON.

There will be no designated meet-up area as you and/or your group choose the location you wish to clean up in the City of Fort Pierce. All participants are encouraged to share their Community Cleanup fun by taking photos and posting them on social media using the hashtags #lovethefort and #cleanthefort!

To take part in this upcoming Community Cleanup, please register on the City’s website at Community Cleanup | Fort Pierce, FL - Official Website (cityoffortpierce.com)

The City of Fort Pierce is the hidden gem among the Treasure Coast, so let’s get out there and make our City Shine!

For more information:
Kaitlyn Ballard, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Public Works
Phone: 772.467.3836
Email: [email protected]

May. 18, 2023|

Historic Preservation Month highlights 80th anniversary of Flagler Center

During WWII millions of American men and women from all over the country answered the call of duty, selflessly putting their lives on the line to keep America safe and free. To distract their minds from the news overseas, lift their morale, and nourish support on the home front, the United Service Organizations or USOs popped up across the country, including one at the Flagler Center in Historic Downtown Stuart.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stuart Main Street will be celebrating the 80^th Anniversary of the Flagler Center and the patriotic tradition of the USO with a Stars & Stripes-themed dance and silent auction. Complete with a 16-piece big band, swing dancing, 40’s themed libations and hospitality, WWII displays of memorabilia, militaria, vehicles, and re-enactors portraying service men and women of the period, the evening promises to be a festive soiree celebrating not only the rich history of the Flagler Center but also the County’s important role on our nation's history and all those who served during WWII.

“The grace and origin of this beautiful building have been an inspiration to me and the Stuart Main Street Board of Directors, and we wanted to share that with the community in a way that was fun and fitting to its history, during Historic Preservation Month,” says Candace Callahan, Executive Director, Stuart Main Street.

“Not just a military function or the traditional fundraiser, we want to celebrate that unforgettable era of our shared history. This dance is to honor that time when our community and country worked together for a common goal, for the greater good,” says Joe Flanagan, President of Stuart Main Street. “We hope to bring back that wonderful sense of camaraderie and support on May 19, this time for Stuart Main Street and to recognize Historic Preservation Month.”

Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the theme, by dressing up in 40’s era fashion. Whether they raid their attic for grandmother’s favorite swing dress, or grandfather’s WWII uniform, or shop for the perfect pair of dance shoes in downtown Stuart the event will be awash in the period.

Tickets are $150.00 and include live entertainment by The Dreamers and the 16^th Armored Division Reenactment group, generous and delicious hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail, a silent auction, and once-in-a-era photo opportunities. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. (Silent auction will be live and online one week prior to the event, and is open to everyone, no ticket is required to bid on any auction item.)

To purchase tickets, sponsor, or participate in our auction, visit www.stuartmainstreet.org/uso or by calling 772-286-2848.

Photos provided by Stuart Main Street and Stuart Heritage from archives.

Stuart Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building a vital downtown through community self-reliance and a focus on traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. Stuart Main Street aims to improve our downtown and commercial district through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. Formed in 1987, the organization follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach® as established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center and practiced in over 1,200 communities across the country.

Apr. 20, 2023|

An out of this world ‘Art Out of the Box’ exhibit

An out of this world 'Art Out of the Box' exhibit

Members of Martin Artisans Guild were delighted, energized and creatively stimulated by what they saw during a visit to Art Basel, during last December’s Miami Art Week. The sojourn generated the theme for the Guild’s next exhibit.

Opening day of the exhibit will be Wednesday, March 22 with a delightful reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Palm Room Art Gallery and Artisans Boutique, located at 3746 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart’s Harbour Bay Plaza. It will feature the live music, cash bar and the delectable appetizers for which the Guild has become known.

A second opportunity for celebration is a “Meet the Artists” event. Plan on being there Wednesday, April 12 from 4-6 p.m.

The talented artists included in Art Out of the Box include:

Barb Bucci
Billie Jo Thomson
Candy Walsh
Caryl Pomales
Charlie Cote’
Deborah Bottorff
Dinija Berkien
Doreen Lepore
Dot Galfond
Glen Allen
Jane Lawton Baldridge
Janis Clary “O”
Laura Kay Whiticar Darvill
Linda Reymore
Lynn Morgan
Mallo Bisset
Maria Miele
Mark Stall
Mary Mirabito
Patricia Pasbrig

While you’re enjoying the fabulous show, be sure to check out the very special and one-of-a-kind items in the Artisans Boutique. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase something exciting and unique from one of the Guild’s talented artists and artisans.

The Palm Room Gallery is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from noon - 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.martinartisansguild.org.

Mar. 15, 2023|

Fort Pierce Gold Hammer Awards nominations now open

Mayor Linda Hudson is now accepting nominations for Gold Hammer Awards. The award recognizes the efforts of residents and business owners in the Fort Pierce community that have significantly improved their homes or businesses through new construction or rehabilitation efforts.

The Gold Hammer Awards will be announced at the Coffee with the Mayor on Friday, April 21st at 8:00 AM at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 31, 2023, and should be submitted to the Office of the City Clerk, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34954, or via email to [email protected].

The form can be found at

http://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/989/Gold-Hammer-Nomination-Form

Mar. 15, 2023|

Jazz Week returns with free concerts and more

Jazz Week returns March 19 - 24
with free concerts and more

All year long, the members of Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society provide great, live music at an affordable price and offer the community opportunities to enjoy live entertainment and a little bit of fun. Once a year, members like to pull out all the stops and give back by sharing a whole week of awesome music from players near and far. 2023 is no exception, so mark your calendars and plan to join the fun…all of it open to the public and much of it free.

Jazz Week 2023 will kick off on Sunday, March 19^th with Waterside Blues. If you’re not familiar with it, Waterside Blues is a free, annual concert held on Melody Lane, right by the fountains and the beautiful Indian River. This year, the afternoon concert will cover something for everyone, starting at 1:15 p.m. with Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society’s own Jazz Ensemble, playing music from the All-American Songbook and providing loads of opportunities for dancing and merriment. At 3 p.m., fan-favorites the Reckless Shots will take the stage and rock your world with bluesy guitars and an energy you just won’t find elsewhere. Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, or sit under the tents on chairs we’ll provide – however you choose to listen, you’ll enjoy every minute of this very special gift. Vendors will be on hand to offer adult beverages and food items to keep you well-fueled for the free afternoon of fun and music.

On Tuesday, we’ll share our gratitude once again as we gather at the Sunrise Black Box Theatre in historic downtown Fort Pierce. We’ll have our regular jam with sit-ins starting at 7 p.m., but at 8:30, the Matt Wiggler Band will take the stage and blow your mind. The Matt Wiggler Band has performed at venues and jazz/blues festivals around the world. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Wiggler began his music career at the young age of 13, with the release of his first studio album. In 2009, Matt’s second album, “Epiphony”, was nominated for Best Jazz CD by the Washington DC Area Music Association. As a musical artist, Matt has performed at major venues including The Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, Adrienne Arsht Center, Detroit Music Hall, Blues Alley, Birdland Jazz Club, Monterey Blues Festival, and Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. Wiggler’s immense talent and ability to work a crowd will make for a memorable night of music and a great addition to Jazz Week 2023.

On Wednesday, we’ll feature a special guest at our usual weekly jam session at Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens starting at 6:30, so help make hump-day go by with a little bit of music.

Thursdays during Jazz Week are always special as we close down 2^nd Street and bring together FDO, our big-swingin’ band playing music designed for dancing, which is exactly what will happen from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. right there on 2^nd Street in our beautiful, historic downtown. It’s fun for the whole family, and there are loads of wonderful eateries right there in downtown, so you can grab dinner and get a free show, to boot.

To wind up Jazz Week 2023, we’ll be offering one final free concert on Melody Lane, and this one is perfect for a lunchtime picnic. Our beloved and talented Max Duhalde and his Latin Heritage Band will set the perfect tempo to start your weekend early and will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. right there by the waterside in Fort Pierce. And just when you thought it was safe to call the week and take off your dancing shoes, think again because at 7 p.m. at the Sunrise Black Box, we’re planning one last thank you event to share our gratitude and love of music with the community we call home. We’re not going to tell you who the surprise guest will be; just trust us – you’ll want to be there to join the fun and enjoy the music.

We know it’s a lot, and believe us, we’re beat by the end of the week with all those concerts, but we wouldn’t have it any other way, and we hope you wouldn’t either. If you’d like to know more about what we do and how you can get involved, give us a call today at 772.460.JAZZ, or stop by one of our live events and introduce yourself. And if you want to know about all our upcoming gigs in advance so you can plan your week, become a member with just a click at www.jazzsociety.org, and we’ll send you an invite to every one of them.

Mar. 9, 2023|

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