Treasure Coast Business News
November 3, 2026
Malcolm Drilling purchases Orange Ave property
Malcolm Drilling Company purchased a 6.84-acre industrial property at 15820 Orange Ave. in Fort Pierce for $1.65 million. Frank Strazzulla of Coldwell Banker Commercial Paradise represented the buyer in the acquisition. The acquisition establishes a local presence for Malcolm Drilling Company as industrial and commercial demand continues to expand across St. Lucie County.
The site includes two large pole barns.
Transaction details and contact information:
- Property: 15820 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34945; a 6.84-acre industrial site with two large pole barns
- Sale price: $1.65 million
- Buyer: Malcolm Drilling Company
- Buyer’s representative: Frank Strazzulla, Coldwell Banker Commercial Paradise. Phone: 772-473-0826. Email: strazzulla@cbparadise.com. Address: 411 N. U.S. Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Velocity expands membership eligibility to Treasure Coast
Velocity Community Credit Union has expanded membership eligibility to Martin and St. Lucie counties, extending its reach into two fast-growing Treasure Coast markets. The expansion follows the credit union’s recent transition from a federal to a state charter, providing greater flexibility to expand its service area and membership.
Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in either county is now eligible to join. The expansion extends the community-based membership model the credit union has used in Palm Beach County since 2008. Founded more than six decades ago by Pratt & Whitney employees, the credit union already serves members in Martin and St. Lucie counties who qualified through their association with the aerospace manufacturer.
“Expanding north not only allows us to better serve members who have been with us for years but also allows us to introduce our credit union to a broader group of people who may be looking for a new financial partner,” said Jeff Marshall, president and CEO of Velocity Community Credit Union. “As we grow our presence in Martin and St. Lucie counties, we want to bring the same personalized service and community-focused approach that has been part of who we are since our founding.”
The credit union plans to open branches in Martin and St. Lucie counties at a future date to improve convenience for existing members and serve new members across the region.
The expansion accompanies continued investment in the credit union’s branch network. In September, it opened a branch at 12455 Northlake Blvd. in Avenir, a growing master-planned community in Palm Beach Gardens. Its Jupiter branch at 6779 W. Indiantown Road temporarily closed Oct. 19 for a major renovation to improve the member experience. The Jupiter location will also support continued growth northward.
Velocity Community Credit Union offers consumer and business financial services, including checking and savings accounts, certificates, auto and personal loans, mortgages, credit cards and digital banking.
About Velocity Community Credit Union
Velocity Community Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Founded in 1958 as Florida Aircraft Federal Credit Union to serve Pratt & Whitney Aircraft employees and their families, the nearly $500 million institution now serves the broader community in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. It provides consumer and business financial products and services, emphasizing personalized service, competitive financial solutions and community involvement to help members achieve their financial goals. For more information, visit velocitycommunity.org.
Linda A. Soresi joins Center for Memory & Movement board
The Center for Memory & Movement has appointed Linda A. Soresi to its board of directors. Soresi brings experience in marketing, communications, brand management and community engagement, along with a longstanding commitment to the center’s mission of supporting people with cognitive and movement concerns and their caregivers.
Soresi has volunteered with the center since 2022. Through its Caregiver Support Group, she offers encouragement and perspective to people and families facing dementia. She has also organized a team for the center’s annual Walk to Remember for the past four years, helping raise more than $10,000 for its programs and services.
“Linda has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the Center and the people we serve,” said Peggy Cunningham, executive director of the Center for Memory & Movement. “Her professional expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to our mission make her a wonderful addition to our Board.”
Soresi began her marketing career in Bristol Myers’ Clairol division, working on brands including Final Net, Nice ’n Easy and Herbal Essence. After moving to Florida, she joined Eckerd Drugs as senior buyer for cosmetics and later served as marketing and communications manager for pharmacy.
She later held senior marketing positions with The Wall Music and Waterstone’s Booksellers, both divisions of London-based W.H. Smith. Earlier in her career, Soresi worked on brand-positioning projects for Foot Locker, The Limited and Wilson’s Leather.
Soresi holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a master’s degree in business administration from Fordham University. She has served multiple terms on her homeowners association board and has completed 31 marathons.
“I am honored to join the Board and continue supporting the Center’s important work in our community,” said Soresi. “The Center provides invaluable resources, education, and support to individuals and caregivers affected by cognitive and movement concerns, and I look forward to helping advance its mission.”
About the Center for Memory & Movement
The Center for Memory & Movement provides education, support, resources and programs in Indian River County to support people with cognitive and movement disorders and their caregivers. Its programs promote connection, wellness and quality of life.
Council on Aging welcomes Louann Robinson
The Council on Aging Martin County has named Louann Robinson, a registered nurse and Treasure Coast health care professional, director of its Adult Day Club. “We are delighted to welcome Lou Robinson to our team,” said Karen Ripper, CEO of the council. “She brings the leadership qualities, competence and compassion that our clients in the Adult Day Club need and deserve.”
Robinson holds a Master of Science in nursing with a specialty in health care system leadership from Norwich University. She most recently served as director of a patient care unit at HCA Florida Lawnwood in Fort Pierce and previously directed critical care nursing services at Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Robinson received the Daisy Award for Outstanding COVID-19 Nursing Care. Her credentials include MSN, BSN, RN and CCRN.
Robinson succeeds Phyllis Brown, who is retiring after overseeing recent renovations to the Adult Day Club. “Phyllis has helped to build our program to an extraordinary level of client interaction and family involvement,” Ripper said. “She leaves an impressive legacy. We are grateful for all she did for our clients and wish her the best in her retirement.”
The Adult Day Club serves older adults with mild or moderate dementia or mobility issues. The program offers social activities, specialized therapies, memory care and brain fitness while providing respite for caregivers and enhancing participants’ quality of life.
The club operates at the council’s Kane Center on Salerno Road. “I’m very excited to be working at the ground level, interacting with our clients every day, and having a positive impact on their quality of life,” Robinson said.
For information about the Adult Day Club and other resources for older adults, visit www.coa.org or call 772-223-7843.
About the Council on Aging Martin County
The Council on Aging Martin County provides comprehensive resources for older adults, their families and caregivers. It works with the community to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness and hunger and help older adults lead safer, healthier lives.
Services at the council’s Kane Center on Salerno Road include the Adult Day Club, Day Primary Care Center, case management, memory enhancement programming, nutrition and exercise classes, memory games, concerts and social events. Meals on Wheels delivers a hot meal each day to more than 500 homebound Martin County residents in need. Senior Dining Centers operate in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus brings staff directly to older adults in local neighborhoods.
For 52 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. Stay healthy. Be active. Eat well. Get help when you need it from the Council on Aging Martin County. Please visit us in person, online at coamartin.org, or on social media, and learn more about the many services of the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help.
GoLine earns national APTA Award for excellence
Senior Resource Association, operator of Indian River Transit’s GoLine system, received a national award from the American Public Transportation Association for operational excellence and community impact. The award recognizes GoLine as one of the nation’s top-performing transit systems.
Karen Deigl, president and CEO of Senior Resource Association, accepted the award at APTA’s annual ceremony, which recognized transit agencies nationwide for innovation, service quality and leadership. The award reflects GoLine’s continued ridership growth, strong fiscal management and commitment to accessible, fare-free transportation for Indian River County residents.
Senior Resource Association Inc. (SRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Area Agency on Aging’s designated lead agency for home- and community-based care for older adults in Indian River County. Since 1974, SRA has provided essential services and support to older adults and their families. Its programs promote independence and dignity for all adults and include Meals on Wheels, DayAway Adult Daycare, In-Home Services, Guardianship, Supportive Services and public and door-to-door transportation. The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged has designated SRA as the community transportation coordinator for Indian River and Martin counties. SRA has operated GoLine, Indian River County’s public transit program, since 1992. For more information, visit www.SeniorResourceAssociation.org.
City of Fort Pierce seeks applicants for boards and committees
The Fort Pierce City Commission is accepting applications from residents to serve on four city boards and committees. The volunteer positions offer opportunities to contribute expertise, participate in local government and provide input on community issues.
Applications are being accepted for the following boards and committees:
Parks Advisory Committee
The Parks Advisory Committee advises the City Commission on park activities, policies and initiatives. Members research assignments directed by the commission and educate the public about commission-directed parks initiatives.
Applicants must live in Fort Pierce. The committee meets at 10 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment reviews applications for variances, special exceptions and appeals involving the city code. Members review property-related requests and ensure decisions comply with applicable regulations.
Applicants must live within Fort Pierce city limits. The board meets as needed at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board
The Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board promotes a cleaner, more attractive and welcoming community through litter prevention, community cleanups, waste reduction, recycling and beautification initiatives. Members work with residents, businesses and organizations to encourage environmental stewardship and community pride.
The board meets at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee
The Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee oversees infrastructure surtax funds approved by voters in a 2018 referendum. Members review surtax-funded projects and report findings to the City Commission to promote transparency, accountability and compliance with voter-approved measures and state law.
The committee serves in an advisory and oversight role. It does not select or prioritize projects outside the approved project list.
Applicants must live in Fort Pierce. Residents with experience in engineering, planning or finance are especially encouraged to apply. The committee meets quarterly.
How to apply
Residents interested in serving on a city board or committee can submit an application online at Boards & Committees | Fort Pierce, FL – Official Website.
Applications are due Mon., Nov. 30, 2026.
For more information about board responsibilities, eligibility requirements or the application process, visit Boards & Committees | Fort Pierce, FL – Official Website or contact the city clerk’s office at 772-467-3065.
Service on a city board or committee allows residents to share their perspectives, contribute to community initiatives and help shape Fort Pierce’s future.
Hummingbird Institute launches to Elevate Home Care Training
Hummingbird Care Services has launched the Hummingbird Institute for Professional Advancement, a caregiver training and development initiative designed to strengthen the home care workforce, develop future leaders and improve care for individuals and families in their homes. Colby Bechtold, an Indian River County educator and the company’s owner and CEO, launched the institute to expand the award-winning home care provider’s work on the Treasure Coast and across Florida. Bechtold’s commitment to the region reflects a family legacy spanning four generations.
The initiative comes as the population ages 71 to 89 is projected to grow notably from 2025 to 2035 as baby boomers enter that age range, according to the Brookings Institution. The institute aims to support quality home care that helps older adults age safely in their homes.
The institute’s curriculum goes beyond basic caregiver skills to emphasize leadership, communication, professionalism, critical thinking, client-centered care and career advancement. “Exceptional and meaningful home care begins with exceptional caregivers and exceptional caregivers deserve the opportunity to grow,” said Bechtold, CEO and founder. “The HIPA is created to invest in the people who make home care possible every day. We want our caregivers and community participants to see themselves as trusted professionals, advocates and ambassadors, problem-solvers, and leaders.”
Training will include:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) testing and certification
- Leadership, professionalism and career advancement
By creating a pathway from caregiver to leader, the institute aims to help the home care industry attract, develop and retain a skilled, engaged and committed workforce. Through collaboration with regional education systems and workforce development programs, the initiative seeks to foster lifelong learning and encourage caregivers to continue developing their skills.
VNA hosts Vet-to-Vet Café
VNA of the Treasure Coast will host a Vet-to-Vet Café from 10:30 a.m. to noon Fri., Nov. 13, at the Senior Resource Association Activity Center, 694 14th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. The event will give local veterans an opportunity to connect with others who have served in the military. Veterans can share experiences, exchange stories and enjoy light refreshments in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
As a We Honor Veterans partner, VNA of the Treasure Coast recognizes veterans’ unique experiences and needs and works to help them feel valued and supported. The Vet-to-Vet Café advances that commitment by connecting veterans who share military experience.
To RSVP, contact Luz Molina-Lopez by Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 772-978-5513 or lmolina-lopez@vnatc.com.
For information about VNA of the Treasure Coast and its services, visit vnatc.com.
About the VNA
The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing home health care services throughout Indian River County. Services include Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech and occupational therapy; and in-home companions. VNA is the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County and offers end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, assisted living facilities and the VNA Hospice House. The organization also provides low-cost medical care aboard the VNA Mobile Health Clinic at convenient locations throughout the county, as well as no-cost blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. For more information, visit www.vnatc.com.
National Navy SEAL Museum expands 41st Annual Muster
The National Navy SEAL Museum will expand its 41st Annual Muster on Nov. 6 and 7 with the introduction of the Muster Legacy Compound, a full-day community event on the World War II training grounds of the first Navy frogmen. The free celebration will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, welcoming veterans, families and the public to explore the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare. The weekend will begin with the annual Membership Muster Dinner at 6 p.m. Fri.Nov. 6, catered by Mission BBQ and Mia’s Italian Restaurant.
A military working dog demonstration will replace the event’s traditional single tactical demonstration. The program will showcase the dogs’ capabilities, training and partnerships with their handlers on Saturday,
Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. Navy SEALs wearing tactical equipment will be stationed throughout the museum grounds, giving visitors opportunities to meet and interact with members of the special operations community.
The Muster Legacy Compound will feature military vehicles and equipment displays, veterans service organizations, guest speakers, interactive activities, live DJs, food trucks and two outdoor bars. A dedicated Kids Zone will offer bounce houses, face painting and activities for younger visitors. The expanded format will provide opportunities throughout the day to explore Naval Special Warfare history and connect with veterans.
The 22nd Annual 5K Beach Challenge will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, offering runners and walkers a course along the Fort Pierce shoreline where Navy frogmen trained more than eight decades ago. The race requires separate paid registration. Admission to the outdoor Muster Legacy Compound and its general activities will be free, and museum admission will be available at half price.
About the National Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
The National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, preserves the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Located on the original training grounds of the first Navy combat divers, the museum opened on Veterans Day in 1985.
The museum has grown from its early beginnings, achieving national stature in 2007. The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opened in October 2025, continuing that legacy of preservation and inspiration.
The museum promotes public education through interactive exhibits exploring Naval Special Warfare history, honors the fallen at the SEAL Memorial and supports Naval Special Warfare families through charitable outreach initiatives.
For more information, visit NavySEALMuseum.org/Muster.
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 news@indianrivermedia.com.