St. Lucie County

Passport Saturday coming to SLC

Passport Saturday coming to SLC

St. Lucie County Clerk Michelle R. Miller is holding a special one-day passport event on Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make the process of applying for new passports more convenient for St. Lucie County residents.

Passport Saturday is an opportunity for first-time applicants, children under 16, or those with passports issued more than 15 years ago to complete their applications at the Clerk's downtown Fort Pierce location, with passport photos available for purchase on-site.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, appointments, and a checklist of what to bring when applying, please visit stlucieclerk.gov/passports.

 

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|

Russ Blackburn honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Russ Blackburn honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Russ Blackburn, Port St. Lucie’s recently retired city manager, was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) 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 St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life.  The annual dinner and celebration, held at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club and attended by approximately 200, was sponsored by Bank of America.

EDC’s eighth annual Pete Hegener Leadership Award winner Rob Lord presented the award to Blackburn, who was nominated by multiple community members.

Blackburn’s career in public service has spanned almost five decades. Starting out as a planning and community development staffer, he served in deputy administrator roles in South Carolina; Lee County, Florida; and Virginia prior to his appointment as Martin County Administrator in 1997. During his eight-year tenure in Martin County, he increased citizen satisfaction levels by 43%, received the 2003 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) award for intergovernmental cooperation, and led the post Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne recovery efforts.

Blackburn left Martin County in 2005 to become Gainesville’s city manager where he assisted the city in gaining recognition as one of the top municipalities in the nation. During his 10 years with the city, he developed innovative leadership and emerging leaders programs.

In 2016, as the city of Port St. Lucie reached the 200,000-population mark and struggled with significant financial challenges such as a dormant 1,200-acre jobs corridor, a vacant research facility for which the city had guaranteed the debt, and a city center mired in legal problems, Blackburn was hired as city manager.  Utilizing a team approach and strong organizational development skills, Blackburn’s leadership was a major factor in the city’s recovery and economic progress.

At the time Blackburn retired earlier this year, only approximately 250 acres of developable land remained unspoken for in the jobs corridor in Southern Grove, with millions of dollars in property values already created and thousands of jobs anticipated. The research centers are thriving under the direction of Cleveland Clinic and the Florida Institute of Technology with more than 140 scientists and staff engaged in high-level bio-science studies. And, after successful negotiations with multiple tax certificate holders led by Blackburn, Port St. Lucie was able to acquire city center from a federal receiver and begin planning for its future development.

“He left a legacy of taking challenges, turning them into opportunities, and ultimately success stories,” read one nomination. “Throughout his six-year tenure in Port St. Lucie, he continued to support and inspire the next generation of public servants and built an award-winning city team.”

Another nomination focused on the long-awaited creation of a jobs corridor: Russ’s leadership “accelerated the development of Tradition, brought in taxes much earlier and gave the residents of the city of Port St. Lucie and county opportunities to work closer to home so much earlier than expected.”

The dozen members of the EDC leadership selection committee chose Blackburn as the person who best embodies the leadership and vision of the award’s namesake, Pete Hegener, from a field of 11 nominees, including four other semi-finalists:  Charlotte Bireley, St. Lucie County tourism and marketing director; Philip Busch, Southern Eagle Distributing president; Larry Lee Jr., State Farm agent; and the late Anthony F. Sansone Sr., Sansone Group founder.

Recent Hegener Award recipients include Michael Minton, shareholder at Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore; the late Bud Adams of Adams Ranch; Ken Pruitt, former Florida Senate president and former St. Lucie County property appraiser; and Tammy Roncaglione, CenterState Bank community president.

In addition to Bank of America’s presenting sponsorship, other leadership dinner award sponsors were Ashley Capital; Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore; PGA Golf Club; Apfelbaum Law; Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie REALTORS®; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Culpepper & Terpening Inc.; Florida Power & Light Company; GL Homes; Hi-Tide Boat Lifts; OCULUS Surgical; Seacoast Bank; UES; BBL Medical Facilities®; Comcast Business and the Tambone Companies.

About the award

The recipient of the Pete Hegener Leadership Award exemplifies the qualities of a visionary, a trusted role model and leader whose inspiration and achievements impact the quality of job creation, economic vitality and business growth.

Pete Hegener, the man whose actions inspired this award, was a founding member and integral partner of the EDC, served on the Board of Directors, and was an Executive Committee member.  Pete was a pillar of the St. Lucie County community, having played a key role in the development of western St. Lucie County and Tradition.  Friends and colleagues described him as “honest, visionary, and caring.”  He passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is recognized through this award.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County 

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250, [email protected] or www.youredc.com.

 

 

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]

May. 25, 2023|

Swing into Summer Reading kicks off

Swing into Summer Reading kicks off

Come join us at Clover Park and cheer on the St. Lucie Mets as we kick-off summer and help our kids get a head start on their summer reading! All K-12 students and their guests get in for FREE and kids can also get FREE books (while supplies last).

You'll also be able to meet some of our community partners to learn about their services and bid on custom, book-themed jerseys. And the best part? Stick around for the post-game fireworks.

This fun event is brought to you by the Children's Services Council of St. Lucie County, the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Lucie Mets. For additional information, click here.

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]

May. 11, 2023|

Fort Pierce Rotary honors business leaders

Fort Pierce Rotary honors business leaders

The Fort Pierce Rotary Club recently organized a Business Leaders Luncheon at the Pelican Yacht Club on Seaway Drive. The event was attended by 85 local business leaders and 40 Rotarians. The event's purpose was to recognize the contributions of the business leaders in making Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County what it is today and to encourage them to continue giving back to the community.

The guests at the event included a diverse range of professionals such as entrepreneurs, retirees, government officials, law enforcement officers, attorneys, real estate agents, ranchers, mortgage brokers, education professionals, the Fort Pierce Mayor and more. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals from various sectors of the community.

The event was organized by a team of seven led by the Past President of the club, Rick Haisley. The team worked hard to ensure that the event was a success, and it was well received by all attendees.

The luncheon provided a platform for business leaders to come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another to give back to the community.

During the meeting, President Ryan Abernethy presented Fort Pierce Chief of Police Diane Hobley Burney with a check for $3,000 for their new program called “Have a Heart”. For years, local Police officers have contributed daily to the growing financial concerns of local citizens, and Have a Heart will provide the officers with much needed gift cards that can be provided to those in our community in need of just a little something to get them by. This was an example of Rotary in Action, as the club donated half the funds while 5 generous members contributed the remaining half.

Overall, the Business Leaders Luncheon organized by the Fort Pierce Rotary Club was a great success. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and networking among business leaders in the community. It was an excellent opportunity for business leaders to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain insights into how they can continue to make a positive impact in their community.

 

 

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]

 

May. 11, 2023|

Clerk offers new legal resources to local residents

Clerk offers new legal resources to local residents

St. Lucie Clerk & Comptroller Michelle R. Miller is pleased to announce a new legal resource to assist residents who don’t have a lawyer or cannot afford one. The Ask an Attorney program will provide free 20-minute legal consultations with qualified attorneys at the Clerk’s main office in downtown Fort Pierce every Thursday.

 There is no income requirement to participate in Ask an Attorney, but appointments are required and can be booked online at stlucieclerk.gov.

“Ask an Attorney provides our customers with the opportunity to have their legal questions answered by a licensed attorney at no cost,” said clerk Michelle Miller. “We saw a need in our community for on-site legal assistance at the clerk’s office and are delighted to work in conjunction with Florida Rural Legal Services to offer this solution to St. Lucie residents.”

 To start, tenants facing residential eviction and family law cases (divorce, child support/custody, paternity, and domestic violence) will be eligible for the Ask an Attorney program, with an eye to expansion in the future.

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]

May. 4, 2023|

FDOT hosts public meeting concerning 25th Street

FDOT hosts public meeting concerning 25th Street

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites the public to attend an IN-PERSON MEETING tonight, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the River Walk Center located at 600 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL. 34950. The meeting concerns a future resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR) project on State Road 615/South 25th Street from Edwards Road to Virginia Avenue. The purpose of this project is to improve the longevity of the pavement and also improve safety along the corridor. Proposed improvements include repaving the existing roadway, replacing damaged sidewalks, upgrade pavement markings and signs to current standards, add lighting for the signalized crosswalks, upgrade pedestrian signals at the three signalized intersections, and replace signal mast arms at Edwards Road. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide assistance.

Comments and questions will be answered in the order they are received. If your question is not answered during the event, a response will be provided in writing following the meeting. Questions and comments may also be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing the Project Manager, Ms. Damaris Williams, at: [email protected]

Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2023 and is expected to be completed by December 2024.

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]

Apr. 27, 2023|

Bridges for a Brighter Future

Bridges for a Brighter Future

Don’t wait to register for Suncoast Mental Health's Bridges to a Brighter Future bridge walk for mental health awareness…there are only a few weeks left to secure an event t-shirt, organize a team or be a partner in bridging the way to mental wellness.

The event will be held at Bridge Walk at Fort Pierce South Bridge on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 9 a.m.

$25 for individuals, $20 per person for teams of 5+ walkers, $10 for students with valid ID, and free for children under 12. Register at www.suncoastmentalhealth.org.

The important work we do and essential services we provide would not be possible without the support of our generous community, and we look forward to having you join us in raising funds and awareness to ensure positive mental health and a brighter future for every child, adult and family.

 

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]

Apr. 20, 2023|

Be on hand to welcome veterans home

Be on hand to welcome veterans home

On Saturday, April 15th, Palm Beach International Airport will be the place to be as Southeast Florida Honor Flight returns from its first Honor Flight mission of the 2022 season. At 7:20 p.m., veterans will be returning from a full day of being honored and celebrated in Washington, D.C., courtesy of Southeast Florida Honor Flight. This first flight of 2023 includes two veterans who served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and you can help welcome them home.

As in the past, a crowd of individuals will gather at Palm Beach International Airport to welcome the veterans home from their epic journey and to honor them for their brave and selfless service to our country. Operation Homecoming, which features music, flags, loads of laughter, and a chance to share the memory of a lifetime with American heroes, is free and open to the public.

Every veteran on the flight has stories to share and memories – some they haven’t thought of in decades, and some they have never shared with anyone. During an Honor Flight mission, veterans on the trip are flown at no cost to Washington, DC, where they are served throughout the day by volunteer guardians who have been trained to ensure the safety and enjoyment of each hero veteran flying.

Even if you don’t know anyone on the flight, you will find friends and neighbors in the crowd, and you’ll have a chance to cheer the veterans through the final steps of the day most say they remember as second only to their weddings and births of their children. Well-wishers are encouraged to bring signs, flags, and smiles to share with the veterans and guardians as they return, and you are guaranteed to walk away from the event with a lump in your throat, a smile on your face, and gratitude and pride in your heart for these humble heroes you’ve helped welcome home. Remember, some of these veterans never had the welcome home they so deserve.

If you, your neighbors, your church or social group, or family and friends are interested in being part of something special, please mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 15th, at 7:20 p.m. at Palm Beach International Airport. Volunteers from the ground crew will direct you on where to go, but be ready for a heartwarming homecoming for some very special veterans and volunteers. To learn more about Southeast Florida Honor Flight and how you can become involved or to donate to the next flight, please visit www.honorflightsefl.org today.

 

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]

Apr. 6, 2023|

FDOT meeting addresses FP project

FDOT meeting addresses FP project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites the public to attend a virtual meeting on Monday, April 24, 2023 beginning at 5:30 PM concerning a future resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR) project on State Road 615/South 25th Street from Edwards Road to Virginia Avenue. The purpose of this project is to improve the longevity of the pavement and also improve safety along the corridor. Proposed improvements include repaving the existing roadway, replacing damaged sidewalks, upgrade pavement markings and signs to current standards, add lighting for the signalized crosswalks, upgrade pedestrian signals at the three signalized intersections, and replace signal mast arms at Edwards Road.

Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2023 and is expected to be completed by December 2024.

This virtual public meeting will consist of a formal presentation followed by an open discussion. To participate virtually from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, please register using this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8059596580145065740

Participants can also attend using their standard phone by dialing 1 (562)247-8321; Access code: 196-116-129.

FDOT project information is posted online at: https://www.d4fdot.com/tcfdot/sr_615_south_25th_street_from_north_of_edwards_road.asp

 

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]

 

Apr. 6, 2023|

Kings Logistics Center tops off

Kings Logistics Center tops off

Celebrating the installation of the roof and the near-completion of the Kings Logistics Center warehouse in Fort Pierce, the project’s general contractor Catamount Constructors hosted a “topping off” event on March 28.

“Roofing a 664,176-square-foot building is a substantial undertaking and well worth celebrating,” said construction superintendent Thomas Naumann. “A topping off party is an opportunity to thank our workers, contractors and community partners.”

Naumann estimates that the Class A cross-dock facility will be completed in early May, with construction of the interior to take place once an end user’s requirements are known. Space is offered for lease from 300,000 square feet up to the full facility.

“The Kings Logistics Center is an anchor for the new Kings Highway jobs corridor,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “Based on industry averages, we  anticipate that approximately 433 people will be employed here once a tenant or tenants are in place.”

The facility is located just off Exit 131 (Orange Avenue) on Interstate 95, with easy access to Florida’s Turnpike as well. St. Lucie County is located midway between Miami and Orlando, with a population of 20 million within a four-hour drive.

The center’s cross-dock design offers 40-foot clear height, 130 loading doors, and four drive-in doors with 284 trailer spots and 676 car parks on the 65-acre site.

Seefried Industrial Properties is the project’s developer.  Upon completion of the shell, Affinius Capital (formerly USAA® Real Estate) will take ownership of the facility. For leasing information, contact Lee Morris, [email protected], or Michael Falk, [email protected], of Colliers at  407.782.8212 and  561.662.2624, respectively.

About Catamount Constructors

Catamount is a 100% employee-owned company with over 25 years of experience providing construction management and general contracting services nationwide. Ranked in Engineering News Record’s ‘Top 400 National Contractors’ for 16 consecutive years, Catamount provides contracting services to owners and developers including general contracting, construction management, sustainable construction, design-build, cost estimating, conceptual budgeting, scheduling, and value engineering. Markets include industrial, multifamily, senior living, healthcare, office/office interiors, retail, automotive, energy, and government. Serving clients throughout the U.S., Catamount maintains offices in Atlanta, Denver, San Antonio, Savannah, and Tampa. For more information, visit www.catamountinc.com.

About Colliers

Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 63 countries, our 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 27 years, Colliers’ experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.6 billion and $92 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of its clients, investors and people.

About Affinius Capital 

Affinius Capital (previously known as USAA Real Estate and Square Mile Capital Management) is an integrated institutional real estate investment firm focused on value-creation and income generation.  With a 40-year track record and $35 billion in net assets under management, Affinius has a diversified portfolio across North American and Europe delivering both equity and credit to its trusted partners and on behalf of its institutional clients globally.  For more information, visit www.affiniuscapital.com.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community. The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC a 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

 

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]

Mar. 30, 2023|