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New pain management specialist joins South Florida Orthopaedics
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 Gregory M. Benedict, M.D., has joined the South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team and is seeing patients at the practice’s Stuart and Tradition office locations.
Benedict is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with fellowship sub-specialized training in pain management.
Dr. Benedict has extensive training in all aspects of pain management, including interventional techniques and non-interventional medication management and physical activity modification to improve quality of life for patients.
Dr. Benedict earned his medical degree from University of Toledo College of Medicine, in Toledo, Ohio, where he also completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency training. He completed his fellowship training at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Benedict is a member of the Spine Interventional Society, North American Neuromodulation Society, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the Association of Academic Physiatrists.
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UF/IFAS director wins U.K. Royal Entomological Society award
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FORT PIERCE — For their work to complete five volumes on New World faunal surveys and taxonomy of a scarab beetle subfamily, a University of Florida scientist and his colleague have won the U.K.’s Royal Entomological Society’s J.O. Westwood Medal of Excellence.
Ronald D. Cave is director of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) in Fort Pierce, Florida. Cave and his co-author, Brett C. Ratcliffe, professor and curator of insects at the University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, are career colleagues who gather and compile data on the Western Hemispheres’ species of dynastine scarab beetles, also known as rhinoceros beetles and Hercules beetles, and sometimes identify species new to science.
Cave and Ratcliffe will be honored for their work, “Neotropical Dynastinae Monograph Series,” by members of the Royal Entomological Society at the next International Congress of Entomology, currently scheduled for July 2021 in Helsinki, Finland.
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According to the Royal Entomology Society website, “in 2006, the Royal Entomological Society established a prestigious award aiming to encourage insect taxonomy, particularly revisionary work resulting in definitive monographs — the J.O. Westwood Medal for excellence in insect taxonomy.”
The first volume to appear, by Ratcliffe alone, addressed the fauna of Costa Rica and Panama. The book was followed by Cave and Ratcliffe’s work on the fauna of Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, then a tome covering the fauna of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, a monograph on the West Indian fauna, and finally a book on the dynastine scarab beetles of the U.S. and Canada. “In the five volumes, we treat 596 species, that is, we provide a description, diagnosis, distribution map and locality data, temporal activity data, natural history notes, and illustrations,” said Cave. “A total of 31 species are proposed as ‘new to science,’ meaning we described the species and named it, which is taxonomy.”
In a broad sense, Cave and Ratcliffe are Coleopterists, or beetle scientists. Together the professors published their monographs with keys for identify specimens to genus and species. Work to complete the monographs was funded by three grants from the National Science Foundation.
Since the Royal Entomological Society’s award selection for Cave and Ratcliffe’s work, a sixth monograph is in print for the dynastine scarab beetles in Ecuador, which was supported by funding from the National Geographic Society. They also have a journal article in review that covers the fauna in Chile. Currently, the two entomologists are at work on the dynastine scarab beetle fauna in Paraguay.
The monographs are peer-reviewed and range from 300 to 666 pages. On the front and back of each volume are full-color images of beetles. The elephant beetle, Megasoma elephas, on the back of “The Dynastine Scarab Beetles of Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador,” is double-winged. Its extended hind wings resemble bat wings; its front are hard, like armor. The male of the species sports four horns, the foremost of which is long, thick, and ends in a sharp 2-tined point.
“We find species in museums and in the field,” said Cave. “For fieldwork, we set up a vertical above a second sheet on the ground and hang a mercury vapor lamp in front of the vertical sheet. At dusk, we turn on the bright lights to attract insects, and if the collecting is good, we will work all through the night until dawn.”
Most dynastine scarab beetles are beneficial to natural ecosystems because the larvae decompose fallen logs and recycle forest nutrients and the adults are pollinators, while some are crop pests. “Males of many species are spectacular animals due to their armature and very large size,” Cave said. Cave and Ratcliffe will receive their own armature during the Helsinki award event,” a specially struck silver-gilt medal inscribed with J.O. Westwood’s name and image,” wrote K.L. Whiteford, registrar for the award.
Most dynastine scarab beetles are beneficial to natural ecosystems because the larvae decompose fallen logs and recycle forest nutrients and the adults are pollinators, while some are crop pests. “Males of many species are spectacular animals due to their armature and very large size,” Cave said. Cave and Ratcliffe will receive their own armature during the Helsinki award event, “a specially struck silver-gilt medal inscribed with J.O. Westwood’s name and image,” wrote K.L. Whiteford, register for the award.
In the formal nomination letter submitted to judges of the Royal Entomology Society, Cave and Ratcliffe were recognized for laying a foundation “for understanding ecology, evolution, and conservation of this poorly known group of invertebrates; to train a generation of taxonomists, and to connect the natural world with citizen scientists and academics alike.”
Support letters were also submitted by scientists who represent the Smithsonian Institution, a professor with the Instituto de Ecología in Mexico, an entomologist at the Insectarium de Montréal in Canada, and an official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I am honored to receive this award and am looking forward to presenting our future work to the international entomology community,” said Cave.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media.
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SBDC Mobile Consultation and Assistance Van coming to Vero
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Thursday Aug. 27 9a.m.-12a.m.
VERO BEACH — The SBDC Mobile Consultation and Assistance Van will be available to assist in Getting You Back to Biz across the Treasure Coast with Small Business CARES Act grant applications at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Building in Vero Beach. Other dates are available in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Martin County. Contact the Small Business Development Center at IRSC for more information. We Are Here For You! Call 772-336-6285 for an appointment or email fsbdc@irsc.edu.
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2020 Proposed Property Taxes/Trim Notices mailed
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 The Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser's Office has mailed the 2020 Proposed Property Tax (TRIM) Notices. The TRIM Notice includes a list of any applicable exemptions applied to your property and the value of your property as of Jan. 1, 2020. Pursuant to Florida law, the value reflect-ed on the TRIM Notice is based on a Jan. 1, 2020, assessment.
The TRIM Notice also contains a property tax estimate based upon the proposed millage rate of each taxing authority.
Scheduled budget hearings for each taxing authority are listed on the TRIM Notice.
The deadline to file a formal appeal with the Value Adjustment Board is Sept. 11, 2020.
“All property owners are encouraged to open and review their TRIM Notice. It would be our pleasure to assist with any questions. Through Sept. 11 we will offer extended hours for your convenience by phone from 8a.m. to 6p.m.,” remarked Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser, Michelle Franklin.
Our office is aware of the impacts of COVID-19 on our community and respects that property owners may have concerns about the value of their property as well as their property tax obligations during this challenging period. Our office consistently monitors market transactions and trends. Any increase or decrease in sale prices which occur in 2020 will impact property values as of our Jan. 1, 2021 assessment.
Due to COVID-19 our office is currently not accepting in-person visits. However, we are still here to serve our community. We welcome you to call our office at 772.462.1000 to speak with a professional or you may visit us at paslc.org, where all our resources are at your fingertips.
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Two special sections included in the Fall issue:
Annual Port St. Lucie Medical Report
• Your profile or ad will appear in the Port St. Lucie Medical Section of the fall issue of Port St. Lucie Magazine. You can choose between a traditional ad or a biography that will appear in our Medical Profiles Section. Participation includes a free listing in our Port St. Lucie Medical directory.
Thank You Section for First Responders, Front Liners and Veterans
• Your ad will appear in our special Thank You Section for First Responders, Front Liners & Veterans in the fall issue of Port St. Lucie Magazine, a full-color, glossy magazine highlighting the best Port St. Lucie offers. Take this opportunity to thank First Responders, Front Liners and Veterans with a special message and/or special discount/promotion for all they have done for our community.
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For more information about the Annual Port St. Lucie Medical Report, click here
For more information about the Thank You Section for First Responders, Front Liners and Veterans, click here
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Crosstown Parkway Extension and Bridge project wins two awards
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PORT ST. LUCIE – Two prestigious engineering associations have recognized the City's Crosstown Parkway Extension and Bridge Project among the best public works projects in both Florida and the Southeast United States.
On Friday, Aug. 7, the Crosstown project received the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) Award for Best in Construction for a Local Agency Program (LAP) Project. After celebrating one win, it was announced on Monday, Aug. 10, that the Crosstown project won the Engineering News Record (ENR) Southeast’s Best Highway Bridge Project. This win also puts Crosstown in the running for the national ENR Best of the Best awards.
“It is such an outstanding honor to be recognized for this work on the scenic Crosstown Bridge and extension project,” said Bob Sweeney, City of Port St. Lucie’s director of public works. “This award could not have been achieved if not for the enormous collaborative effort that went into this work. Many agencies, individuals and groups came together to ensure not only the protection of the environment, but the safety and efficiency for residents traveling and experiencing the corridor.”
The $91.5 million Crosstown Parkway Extension Project was the largest LAP-funded project ever constructed in Florida and was completed under budget. The project was administered similar to a full Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on-system project but was managed by the City of Port St. Lucie through a LAP agreement with the FDOT. The City, FDOT and all project team members are recognized for working well together to provide a signature bridge for the city of Port St. Lucie and residents.
The project was an immense undertaking. It is estimated the bridge utilized 29,212 linear feet of concrete piling; 36,664 linear feet of concrete beams; 3,728,000 pounds of reinforced steel to construct 31 concrete spans (up to 145 feet in length); and 32 intermediate supports required to span the crossing. The job met the highest standards for safety and focused on training personnel to make sure everyone went home safe. Unique features of the project include; project bid coming in $13 million below the estimate; a dedicated public outreach program; opening the road 27 months after the start of construction; facilitating a job fair; and coordinating a Community Grand Opening Celebration
The Crosstown Parkway Grand Opening celebration has also been recognized having won a local Florida Public Relations Association Grand All Image award and the Public Relations Society America Sunshine District Radiance commendation for its coverage of the event.
FTBA has hundreds of members from the transportation construction industry. FTBA leaders are recognized as the state and national spokespeople for the transportation construction industry in Florida. The Best in Construction awards are meant to highlight those companies and individuals who worked on the most innovative, complex and impactful projects around the state each year.
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Remember Treasure Coast nonprofits
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If you are in a position, consider a gift to a Treasure Coast nonprofit affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Find the needs of many area nonprofits and how to give at treasurecoastnonprofits.com
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As a service to readers and restaurants on the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. has created a website directory of restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries in St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties. The site includes hours of operation, if carryout/delivery is available, as well as popular dishes. See the site at treasurecoastrestaurants.com
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Does your business have news of a reopening or change in operations due to COVID-19 that you would like us to share with readers of this newsletter?
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Promote your business where it matters
NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHES IN OCTOBER
 If you would like a copy of Treasure Coast Business, click here. To advertise click here or contact your advertising representative. To report news about your business click here. |
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Let us help you promote your business in Indian River, the largest and most widely distributed magazine on the Treasure Coast, and on our Web sites, indianrivermagazine.com and tcbusiness.com, and through this weekly e-newsletter and our widely followed social media pages. Become an Indian River partner today.
• In Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie contact Lisa Crawford at lisa@indianrivermag.com or 516.721.0848.
• In Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound contact Marsha Lange at marsha@indianrivermag.com
or 772.237.1717.
• In Fort Pierce contact Sunny Gates at sunny@indianrivermag.com or 772.204.5043.
• Outside the Treasure Coast, contact Publisher Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com or 772.940.9005.
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