CONTENTS
6 Welcome
8 At-A-Glance
12 Demographics
14 Chamber
connection
16 Industry
18 Health Care
22 Education
24 Things to
see AND DO
30 MEMBERS
50 ADVERTISER
INDEX
CONTENTS
6 Welcome
8 At-A-Glance
12 Demographics
14 Chamber
connection
16 Industry
18 Health Care
22 Education
24 Things to
see AND DO
30 MEMBERS
50 ADVERTISER
INDEX
WELCOME
On behalf of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, welcome to paradise! You have landed in a great place to live, work and play.
As the unified Chamber for all of St. Lucie County, we serve proudly as an advocate for business and a protector of the community’s quality of life. Our mission is to help business prosper, through advocacy, education, and exposure.
With two visitor information locations and a booking center, we provide an easy outlet for businesses to reach potential residents and customers seeking information or referrals within our community. We assist with business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing through networking events, ribbon cuttings and valuable marketing opportunities throughout the year.
To educate the business community about issues directly impacting our commercial climate, we interface with the public as well as our members. We provide our partners the opportunity to present monthly workshops on topics ranging from tax preparation and planning to the economic impact of our port expansion and the further development of our international airport.
Our Legislative Update Committee, along with our Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie monthly update committees, carefully monitor all aspects of government regulations impacting our businesses as we maintain open lines of communication with local policy makers.
Building upon our community partnerships and the work of various committees, the Chamber is able to serve its diverse membership with planning and assistance in the areas of education, tourism, business and industry, local and state government affairs, and membership.
Consistently, Chamber membership provides an effective way to advertise a new or existing business. Those most active in our events and with our committees enjoy the greatest success for their business. So, consider joining more than 800 businesses and organizations as a member of and independent non-profit that never stops working for you.
All are welcome to join the Chamber, so please call 772-595-9999 for more information.
Terissa Aronson, President/CEO
St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce
the
411
Animal Control of
St. Lucie County (772) 465‑5770
Birth and Death Certificate (772) 873‑4932
Better Business Bureau (772) 223‑1492
Code Enforcement (772) 871-5010
(After hours (772) 370‑2545)
County Administrative (772) 462‑2110
Child Support (850) 488‑5437
Clerk of the Court (772) 462‑6900
Consumer Helpline
(My Florida) (800) 342‑2762
County Court (772) 462‑6900
County Jail (772) 462‑7300
Cultural Affairs (772) 462‑1767
Department of
Children and Families (850) 487‑1111
Driver’s License (772) 462‑1650
Dump and Landfill (772) 462‑1768
Emergency Operations Center (772) 462‑8100
Extension Office (Co-Op) (772) 462‑1660
Facility Rental (772) 462‑1100
Fire District St. Lucie County (772) 621‑3400
Fairgrounds (772) 464‑2910
Fishing and Hunting Licenses. (772) 462‑1650
Florida Fish and Wildlife (772) 896-8626
Florida Highway Patrol
State Roads (772) 468‑3967
Florida’s Turnpike Public
Information Office (800) 749‑7453
HANDS Clinic (772) 462‑5646
Health Department (772) 462‑3800
Havert L. Fenn Center (772) 462‑1521
Housing and Urban Development
Hotline, Section 8 (800) 225‑5342
Housing Authority (772) 461‑1345
Housing and
Community Services (772) 462‑1777
Immigration Services (800) 375‑5283
Internal Revenue Services (800) 829‑1040
Internal Revenue
Services (recording) (772) 340‑5606
Legal Aid (772) 466‑4766
Lincoln Park
Community Center (772) 818-2277
Mosquito Control (772) 462‑1692
Mosquito Fogging Hotline (772) 462‑1800
Parks and Recreation (772) 462‑1517
Planning Division (772) 462‑2822
Property Appraiser
Fort Pierce, County Government Complex
2300 Virginia Ave.,.................(772) 462‑1000
Port St. Lucie, City Center
1664 SE Walton Rd (772) 462‑1650
Public Defender (772) 462‑2048
Recreation Division (772) 462‑1521
Regional Historical Center (772) 462‑1795
Savannas Recreation Area
(Midway Rd) (772) 464‑7855
Sheriff’s Department (772) 462‑7300
Small Business
Administration (772) 336‑6285
Social Security Office (800) 772‑1213
Solid Waste and
Recycling Facility (772) 462‑1768
South Florida Water
Management (561) 686‑8800
State’s Attorney Office (772) 465‑3000
St. Lucie County Aquarium (772) 462‑3474
St. Lucie West Annex (772) 871‑7200
Supervisor of Election,
4132 Okeechobee Rd.,
Fort Pierce (772) 462‑1500
1664 SE. Walton Rd., PSL (772) 337‑5623
25 NW. Country
Club Dr., SLW (772) 871‑5410
Tax Collector – Motor Vehicle Tags
Fort Pierce, County Government Complex,
10264 SW Village Pkwy,
PSL FL 34987 (772) 462‑1650
1664 SE. Walton Rd (772) 462‑1650
Tourism Bureau (800) 344‑8443
Unemployment Services (800) 204‑2418
U.S. Coast Guard (772) 464‑6100
U.S. Post Office–Main Branch (772) 460‑0841
U.S. Small Business
Administration (772) 466‑3176
Veterans Services (772) 337‑5670
Walton Community Center (772) 462‑2110
Zoning Division (772) 871‑5212
Fort Pierce
Mayor’s Office (772) 467‑3065
Animal Control (772) 465‑5770
Building Department (772) 467‑3718
Business Licenses (772) 467‑3065
City Hall (772) 467‑3000
City Marina (772) 464‑1245
Code Enforcement (772) 467‑3720
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (772) 466‑1600
Park Rental (772) 461‑2905
Police Department (772) 467‑6800
Public Works (772) 467‑3811
River Walk Community Center (772) 489‑6473
Solid Waste (772) 466-1600
Port St. Lucie
Mayor’s Office (772) 871‑5159
Animal Control (772) 871‑5042
Building Department (772) 871‑5132
Business Licenses (772) 344‑4356
City Hall (772) 871‑5225
Civic Center (772) 807‑4488
Code Enforcement (772) 871‑5010
Community Center (772) 878‑2277
Litter Hotline (772) 871‑7000
Parks and Recreation (772) 878‑2277
Police Department (772) 871‑5000
Public Works (772) 871‑5100
Utilities Department (772) 873-6400
St. Lucie Village
Town Hall (772) 466‑6900
ST. LUCIE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Fort Pierce
101 Melody Ln (772) 462‑1615
Zora Neale Hurston,
3008 Ave., D (772) 462‑2154
Lakewood Park Library
7605 Santa Barbara Rd (772) 462‑6870
Port St. Lucie
2410 SE. Morningside Blvd (772) 337‑5632
180 SW. Prima Vista Blvd (772) 871‑5450
2950 SW. Rosser Blvd (772) 871‑5470
St. Lucie West Pruitt Campus
500 California Blvd (772) 336‑6380
A.E. Backus Museum
and Gallery (772) 465‑0630
AARP (772) 336‑3330
American Red Cross (772) 672‑8800
American Cancer Society (800) 227‑2345
Agape Senior Center,
Fort Pierce (772) 468‑9090
Beach Tours on Horseback (772) 468‑0101
Better Business Bureau (772) 223‑1492
Big Brothers/Big Sisters (772) 466‑8535
Boys & Girls Club (772) 460-9918
Career Source (866) 482‑4473
Children’s Services Council (772) 408‑1100
Children’s Home Society (800) 247‑4600
Comcast (800) 266‑2278
Community Transit –
Fort Pierce (772) 464‑7433
Community Transit –
Port St. Lucie (772) 879‑1287
Council on Aging – Fort Pierce (772) 465‑1485
Council on Aging –
St. Lucie County (772) 336‑8608
Economic
Development Council (772) 336‑6250
Education Foundation
of St. Lucie County (772) 429‑5505
Fairgrounds Association (772) 464‑2910
Farmers Markets, Fort Pierce (772) 940‑1145
Florida City Gas (800) 993‑7546
Florida Power and Light (772) 462‑0555
Friday Fest (772) 466‑3880
Greyhound Public Bus (800) 231-2222
Gulfstream
Goodwill Industries (561) 848‑7200
Guardian Ad Litem Program (772) 785‑5804
Habitat for Humanity (772) 464‑1117
Hallstrom Planetarium (772) 462‑4750
Harbor Branch Oceanographic (772) 242‑2293
Harvest Food and
Outreach Center (772) 770‑2665
Heathcote Botanical Gardens (772) 464‑4672
Hibiscus Children’s Center (772) 334‑9311
Jazz Society (772) 460‑5299
Lincoln Park Main Street (772) 462‑2481
MainStreet Fort Pierce (772) 466‑3880
Make-A-Wish Foundation (954) 967‑9474
Manatee Center (772) 429‑6266
Mets Stadium (772) 871‑2115
Mustard Seed Ministries (772) 465‑6021
Navy SEAL Museum (772) 595‑5845
PGA Museum of Golf ( (800) 800‑4653
Poison Control (800) 222‑1222
Port St. Lucie
Botanical Gardens (772) 337‑1959
Project Response (HIV/AIDS) (772) 595-6772
Realtors Association (772) 465‑6080
Safe Space (772) 223‑2399
SBDC (772) 462‑7296
SCORE (772) 489‑0548
St. Lucie Public Schools (772) 429‑3600
Seven Gables Visitors Center (772) 468‑9152
St. Lucie County Regional
History Center (772) 462‑1795
Small Business Administration (800) 827‑5722
Smithsonian Marine Center (772) 462‑3474
Social Helpline Referral Service............... 211
Social Helpline Referral
Service outside Treasure
Coast and Palm Beach (866) 882‑2991
Suicide Help Hotline (772) 562‑2000
St. Lucie County Chamber
of Commerce (772) 595‑9999
Sunrise Theatre (772) 461‑4884
TC Art Association (772) 579‑1529
Treasure Coast Builders
Association (772) 336‑8222
Treasure Coast Connector (772) 464‑8878
Treasure Coast Food Bank (772) 489‑3034
Treasure Coast Model
Railroad Club (772) 621‑9636
Treasure Coast Research Park (772) 467‑3107
Treasure Health (772) 403‑4500
Tradition Square (772) 340‑3500
United for Families (772) 398‑2920
United Way of
St. Lucie County (772) 464‑5300
Visiting Nurses Association (772) 286‑1844
Waste Pro (772) 595‑9390
Florida Drivers License
The St. Lucie County Tax Collector provides driver’s license and motor vehicle services for the community. Bring original documents to prove identity, including a Social Security number and residential address. Visit www.tcslc.com/163/Driver-Licenses-Identification-Cards for a complete checklist of the other types of identification that can be used to renew, obtain or update a license.
Motor Vehicle Registration
Vehicles must be registered and have Florida tags within 30 days of newcomers establishing residency, their first day of work or when they register their children for school.
Boat Registration
Anyone who owns a boat and will keep it in the state for more than 90 days must have it registered through the tax collector. The length of the boat will determine the cost.
Voter Registration
Anyone wishing to vote can register online at www.slcelections.com/m/VOTER-REGISTRATION/Register-Online. Individuals must be a citizen of the United States, a Florida resident, age 18 or older, have never been convicted of a felony, not be mentally incapacitated and not have the right to vote in another country or state. Registration must be completed 29 days before the election in which an individual would like to participate.
School Registration
To register children for school, visit www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/departments/student-assignment to apply online. The following documentation is necessary: proof of residency, social security card (if available), a birth certificate and name and address of the last school attended.
Any dog or cat within St. Lucie County (including unincorporated areas) must have a pet license. Contact Animal Safety to secure one.
All residents and visitors are required to obtain a license for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Call the St. Lucie County Tax Collector’s office for details.
Those wishing to hunt any bird or animal in season on any land except game reserves or posted private property without permission must obtain a hunting license. These permits can be obtained through the St. Lucie County Tax Collector or at Wal-Mart or any local bait and tackle shops.
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Benefits of Membership
If you’re a small business in St. Lucie County, Florida, the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce has your back.
“Absolutely,” said Terissa Aronson, president and CEO of the Chamber. “I don’t know anybody else that could possibly have it more. I have a great team making sure our day-to-day operations are running smoothly. This includes our 17 annual events and 14 monthly events.
“This has allowed me to fulfill a missing piece in the Chamber’s scope of work, advocacy, support and assistance,” she said.
The Chamber’s expanded Small Business Assistance Program features assistance in everything from nurturing an idea to building out a commercial space.
“We kind of walk them through the whole process, both on the regulatory side with local governance and also on the planning side with our free-aid partners SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and minimal cost partners SBDC (Small Business Development Center),” Aronson said. “Nobody else is offering a one-stop shop of referrals or one coupled with the commercial space assistance.”
The Chamber’s commercial space assistance program features a volunteer team that includes attorneys, planners, engineers and architects. Not only are they helping to advocate for regulation and policy both at the local and state level, but they are assessing commercial space plans and making recommendations.
“I love it. I absolutely love it,” she said. “When I first took my job, we were just starting to climb out of the recession. The recession of 2007, 2008 left the Chamber struggling ‘to keep our heads above water financially’ as cash-strapped businesses discontinued their memberships. We were not in a financial position to dedicate many resources to advocacy. It’s only been in the past 10 years, nine since I’ve taken over, that we’ve been able to afford to take up causes and provide more tangible services to business.
“But we’ve really bounced back well,” Aronson said. “I think we’ve streamlined, and we’ve been smart about fiscal matters. We’re now able to dedicate some resources to what I think matters the most and that is the process for business, the market for business, the environment for business. I think we’re making huge strides and changing that in a positive way.”
“We also have a political action committee,” Aronson said. “We have a PAC so we can assure our members their voice is being heard. It is common for a Chamber of Commerce to house a PAC, and it allows us to really get behind the issues that matter to local business.
“We endorse candidates (and) we will put our money behind referendums that make sense for business,” she added.
Aronson takes great joy in speaking up for businesses throughout the county. The 15-year Chamber veteran acknowledged that advocacy is now a bigger part of the Chamber’s operation.
MONTHLY Events
You’re Invited!
NETWORKING BREAKFAST:
Every 2nd Tuesday
Join us for a hot breakfast with the nicest bunch of community-minded professionals you’ll ever want to meet!
COFFEE WITH THE COUNCIL:
Every 3rd Tuesday
Coffee with the Council is a monthly informative update about what’s happening in the Port St. Lucie.
BUSINESS BOWL
& BREAKFAST:
Every 4 th Tuesday
Join us for networking, a hot breakfast and 2 rounds of local business trivia and more!
COVERING THE BASES:
Every 3rd Wednesday
Local TV Show Highlighting area non-profit organizations and their services. Sponsored by the St. Lucie Mets.
BUSINESS BINGO:
Every 4th Wednesday
Join us for our monthly lunch and a networking event with fellow business leaders, stay for Bingo, prizes and fun!
COFFEE WITH THE CHAIR:
Every 2nd Friday
A FREE monthly talk show Highlighting St. Lucie County, an open forum with the County Commission Chair.
INDUSTRY
TAMCO Group an area staple
Success highlights Port St. Lucie’s
reputation as manufacturing hub
TAMCO Group has been a staple of Port St. Lucie’s business and manufacturing scene for decades. The company works tirelessly amidst a constantly changing manufacturing landscape to grow into an organization that not only supports Port St. Lucie and its people, but produces vital products for the entire nation.
TAMCO Group, whose parent company is City Electric Supply (CES), manufactures and distributes lighting and electrical products that are housed under six key brands. Tamlite Lighting provides lighting fixtures for commercial, residential, and industrial markets. Fusion Lamps is dedicated to manufacturing products that feature LED lamps and bulbs. A variety of electrical products and materials such as wire connectors, fasteners, and safety gears are manufactured via F4P, while RRP produces cords and cables as well as connectors. Centaur Electrical-Installation manufactures and distributes installation materials such as junction boxes and struts, while MCG specializes in industrial motor controls and automation products.
Although TAMCO Group is now a multimillion dollar operation, it took decades of work to get where it is today. Frank McShane, co-vice president of TAMCO, first took the reins in 2005 as a transfer from operations at Tamlite Lighting in the United Kingdom. Since he took the lead, TAMCO has experienced its fair share of challenges, from a fire that burned down between 20,000 and 30,000 square-feet of TAMCO’s previous facility, to the Great Recession, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, McShane has focused on a core strategy of building a solid reputation based on reliability, consistency, and quality. This wasn’t always easy, especially when companies began manufacturing products overseas to reduce costs. McShane and his team stayed the course, and today, the Port St. Lucie facility is home to all of the six TAMCO brands.
Regardless of time or challenges, TAMCO has remained an integral part of Port St. Lucie’s economic environment. Today, the company employs 250 people, with nearly 200 of them working right in town. While the pandemic hit manufacturing hard, TAMCO was determined to keep operations running. McShane said the city council’s commitment to helping them remain in Port St. Lucie was key.
“The city council was very proactive in making sure TAMCO stayed here. They had an open door policy to help solve our problems and worked with us to continue to push forward and grow,” he said.
McShane said that attitude is beneficial not only to TAMCO, but to any manufacturer looking to move to or expand operations in the area. He credits Port St. Lucie’s welcoming attitude for helping TAMCO grow from humble roots on Peacock Boulevard into the over 400,000 square-foot space the company currently occupies on Tom Mackie Boulevard.
McShane has seen many changes in the manufacturing industry and is excited for what the future holds, especially in regard to growing manufacturing in Port St. Lucie. Recent shortages and supply chain challenges heavily impacted both consumers’ and businesses’ abilities to obtain necessary materials and items. He said that in a post-pandemic world, St. Lucie, and America as a whole, has the opportunity to create more essential products on home soil, furthering the nation’s capability to be self-sufficient. McShane believes there are few places better than Port St. Lucie to meet that challenge. He said the amount of available space upon which to build manufacturing facilities coupled with an eager workforce should entice any manufacturer to the area.
“Port St. Lucie is a safe community with hard-working people,” said McShane. “The weather is obviously amazing, as well. I love that when I return from my business travels I know the sun is always going to be shining.”
HEALTH CARE
Vital Signs
High-quality care meets high-tech treatment
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital is a 430-bed, full-service acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Specializing in emergency services, dedicated pediatric emergency services, Level II trauma services, maternity, Level III neonatal services, pediatric intensive care services, comprehensive stroke services, minimally invasive surgery, and open heart surgery, the hospital provides high-quality, exceptional patient care to Fort Pierce residents and surrounding communities. Additionally, Lawnwood is home to a freestanding ER in Vero Beach.
Lawnwood has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care and an American College of Surgeons Verified Level II Trauma Center. Some of Lawnwood’s many distinctions include being recognized by Newsweek for having one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in 2021. In addition, Healthgrades recognized Lawnwood for being one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery 2021-2023.
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is a 207-bed acute care facility. The combined efforts of more than 400 skilled physicians and more than 900 dedicated employees have resulted in one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in Port St. Lucie.
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital offers a full range of services that include a birthing center, cardiac catheterization lab, cancer care, minimally invasive robotic surgery, gynecologic, general and vascular surgery and wound care
with hyperbarics. Additionally, St. Lucie is home to a senior-friendly ER and freestanding ER at Darwin Square.
The hospital’s maternity services continue to earn St.
Lucie national recognition, including a Baby Friendly designation, Newsweek’s Best Hospital for Maternity Care in 2021 and the Blue Distinction for Maternity Care in the
same year.
St. Lucie has also earned top honors from Healthgrades for being one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and Patient Safety Excellence.
ClearPath Health
ClearPath Health LLC is an innovative community mental health provider with highly skilled professionals providing services such as counseling, medication management and groups. Personalized mental health care is offered through in-person appointments both in office and at your home in the Port St. Lucie region.
Additionally, ClearPath offers the same services virtually statewide in Florida from the comfort of your home through convenient live interactive telehealth video sessions from your phone or PC. This option is offered to address the emotional and behavioral difficulties facing those who have difficulties coming to a health center and prefer services in their homes.
Caring and skilled clinicians work with individuals and families to develop treatment solutions for adults, teenagers and children ages 5 to 99-plus who may be experiencing a mental illness, behavioral, emotional problems or substance use concerns.
Through outpatient therapy, individuals learn new strategies and techniques to help them better cope with problems and achieve personal goals and recovery. ClearPath Health bridges the gaps in care and provides the comprehensive quality health care you deserve.
ClearPath accepts private insurances, Medicaid, and self-pay options. New clients are accepted with no waiting lists. Call (772) 348-0900 or visit clearpathhealthllc.com.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides comprehensive and convenient healthcare to meet the needs of our growing community in St. Lucie County with an acute care hospital, free-standing emergency department, ambulatory clinics and a research center.
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital has 177 licensed beds in addition to 18 observation beds. Services provided include acute and intensive care, emergency services, labor and delivery, pediatrics and Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care. Surgical procedures are provided in the hospital surgical suites in addition to the Ambulatory Surgery Center. Traditional Hospital’s Neuroscience Program is designated as thrombectomy-capable for patients suffering from stroke and is pursuing comprehensive stroke designation (the highest level of stroke care) in 2023. The campus includes the Florida Research and Innovation Center which focuses on the advancement in research on immune-oncology and infectious diseases.
24/7 emergency care is provided at the Cleveland Clinic Martin Health St. Lucie West Emergency Department. Outpatient care is provided at Tradition Hospital, St. Lucie West and East Pt. St. Lucie.
MD Urgent Care
MD Now Urgent Care is one of the largest urgent care networks in the U.S., with over 200 locations nationwide. Seven are in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach: 1730 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie; 1900 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie; 4007 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie; 5550 S. US Highway One, Fort Pierce; 1801 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach; 5000 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce; 640 21st Street, Vero Beach; and one more opening Fall 2023 in Tradition..
MD Now urgent care clinics fill a gap between primary care physicians and hospital emergency rooms. The clinics provide quick care for illnesses and injuries that are not life threatening, such as sprains and strains, minor burns, cuts, flu and upper respiratory symptoms – as well as physicals, vaccinations and general diagnostic and treatment services. The clinics have X-ray and lab services on-site. Plus, they provide a wide range of occupational health services to businesses.
EDUCATION
Peak Performance
Comprehensive education prepares students for future
Higher Education
FAU Harbor Branch
In 1971, Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute was founded through a desire to explore – and save – our oceans. Fifty years later, its researchers focus on the most critical issues facing the Earth’s oceans.
The campus is located on the Indian River Lagoon, which means we have a front-row seat to Florida’s coastal beauty and challenges. From conserving marine ecosystems, to finding cancer treatments, to understanding harmful algal blooms, scientists are committed to developing innovative solutions to urgent concerns.
For more information, visit www.fau.edu/hboi.
FSU College of Medicine
The Florida State University College of Medicine is a community-based medical school, seeking to produce more physicians who will choose to practice in areas and specialties where they are needed the most.
Rather than operate its own teaching hospital, the FSU College of Medicine has six regional campuses throughout Florida. The third- and fourth-year medical students and the physician assistant students at the Fort Pierce Regional Campus complete clinical rotations throughout the Treasure Coast. The students work with physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in area hospitals, surgery centers and doctors’ offices, gaining a broad understanding of this community’s health care needs.
Fortis Institute
Fortis Institute provides postsecondary career education to traditional and nontraditional students through a variety of diploma and degree programs that assist adult students in enhancing their career opportunities and improving problem-solving abilities. Fortis Institute strives to develop within its students the desire for lifelong and continued education.
The educational process is a change-oriented approach that provides the community with graduates who possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in existing and emerging career occupations. Fortis Institute in Port St. Lucie offers the following programs: Associate of Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Assisting with Basic X-ray, Dental Assisting and Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
Indian River State College
Since 1960, Indian River State College has offered degree programs and career and technical education to meet the ever-changing workforce needs of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. It is the region’s comprehensive educational provider, state-designated career and technical center and cultural hub. Nearly 26,000 students enroll annually.
The college offers more than 100 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates and applied technology diplomas, as well as career training and apprenticeship programs that lead to professional licensure or certification.
Students enjoy small classes, personal attention and state-of-the-art facilities, with friendly professors and advisers who are active partners in their educational journey.
The IRSC Promise Program offers all local public high school and public charter high school students a tuition-free associate degree.
Keiser University
Conveniently located at 9400 SW Discovery Way, Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie campus offers students a hands-on collaborative learning experience with academic degrees in Florida’s emerging and critically needed industries. Keiser University is Florida’s largest private, independent, nonprofit university, serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online and at two international sites.
With a student-first mission, Keiser University is community based and continues to address the talent needed to help create a robust economy.
Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and the Keiser family, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Florida in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.
University of Florida Indian River
Research and Education Center
The University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center serves local agricultural and natural resources industries with research, extension and education programs. The center, or IRREC, is one of 12 research and education centers that serve the state’s prominent agricultural regions and is part of the university’s statewide Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, of UF/IFAS’s mission to advance agricultural and environmental sustainability.
Eleven faculty members research topics such as aquaculture, biological control for invasive species, entomology, citrus horticulture, soil and water science, plant root biology, agricultural engineering, plant pathology and post-harvest technology. Extension agents assist local growers and natural resources managers as they apply IRREC research findings to their operations.
The center also serves as a location for students at undergraduate and graduate levels to perform the research facet of their degree programs. Local science fair students gain mentors for their work; university-level students enroll for degree programs with UF in Gainesville, complete coursework online and perform research at IRREC. International and U.S. visiting scientists, visiting scholars and interns work closely with IRREC research professors.
Things to
See and Do
A Toast to the Florida Coast
Photo courtesy of Visit St. Lucie
Airboat Tours
Cruise around with Southern Style Airboat Tours, Florida Cracker Airboat Rides & Guide Service, Marsh Beast Airboat Tours and Airboat Adventures. www.airboatrides.tours, www.airboatadventuretours.com, www.floridacrackerairboatride.com and www.marshbeastairboattours.com
Dining & Shopping
Looking for a great place to gather with friends and family? Downtown Fort Pierce and Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie offer restaurants, shopping and events throughout the year.
www.mainstreetfortpierce.org;
www.traditionfl.com
Farms
In search for local produce? Al’s Family Farm creates the finest Indian River citrus. Browns Family Farm offers fresh vegetables, an organic store, and Juice Bar and Café. Nelson Family Farms features locally fresh produce, fresh fruits, freshly squeezed orange juice and honeys and jams. www.alsfamilyfarms.com,
www.brownfamily.farm and www.nelsonfamilyfarms.com
The Zora Neale Hurston
Dust Tracks Heritage Trail
Learn about the great Harlem Renaissance author and storyteller who was laid to rest in Fort Pierce. With three kiosks and eight trail markers, the self- guided tour takes you down memory lane of Zora’s life and the impact she made in Fort Pierce.
www.cityoffortpierce.com
Botanical Gardens
Stroll through an array of gorgeous flowers and plants. Some of the types of garden rooms you’ll find include a Japanese Garden, Reflection Garden, Herb Garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plants Garden and a Palm & Cycad Walk garden. Both beautiful gardens offer a gift shop and space for events. Heathcote Botanical Gardens is famous for featuring the largest public display of tropical bonsai trees in the country. It’s a must-see!
www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org; www.pslbg.org
Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center
Explore interactive exhibits, small aquaria, a video theater and other marine environment displays depicting the research efforts of FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Free and open to the public. www.fau.edu/hboi/discover-fau-harbor-branch/
The Highwaymen Trail
In the 1950s, the Florida Highwaymen were a group of African-Americans from Fort Pierce who sold beautiful paintings out of their cars. While their paintings were originally sold for very small sums, many are now sought after by collectors all over the world. The self-guided trail begins in downtown Fort Pierce and includes 10 stops with historical information.
www.thehighwaymentrail.com
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Saddle up and enjoy a relaxing day of horseback riding on the beach or along beautiful trails. Beach tours are offered at Fredrick Douglass Memorial Park and trail tours are offered at other natural areas throughout the County.
www.beachtoursonhorseback.com
Manatee Observation and Education Center
The Manatee Observation & Education Center is considered to be one of the best places to spot a manatee in St. Lucie County. Visit inside for opportunities to interact with marine animals and learn more about the local ecosystems. Visitors can also book a boat ride along the Indian River Lagoon with Indian River Lagoon Wildlife Boat Tours and experience the lagoon first-hand. www.manateecenter.com
Motorized Kayak Adventures
Go kayaking with guides such as Lisa’s Kayaks, Get Up & Go Kayaking or Motorized Kayak Adventures and glide along Florida’s famous Indian River Lagoon or the St. Lucie River Estuary System. www.lisaskayaks.com, www.motorizedkayakadventures.com; www.getupandgokayaking.com/locations/fort-pierce/
Museums
Learn about cultural art, historic artifacts and military memorabilia at the various museums St. Lucie County has to offer including the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, the St. Lucie County Historical Center and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. www.backusmuseum.com and www.navysealmuseum.org
Oxbow Eco-Center
Explore this 225-acre preserve filled with beautiful trails along the St. Lucie River. In the Eco-Center, visitors can hang out in the Discovery Room where they can interact with animals, play and learn. www.oxboweco.com
River Nights, Festivals & Concerts
On the second Thursday of each month, check out River Nights at The Event Lawn at the Port in Port St. Lucie. Enjoy live bands, food & drink and a fun riverfront atmosphere. And at the MidFlorida Event Center in Port St. Lucie, a packed calendar of shows, festivals and concerts are happening year-round. www.cityofpsl.com
Performing Arts
The Historic Sunrise Theatre, located in Downtown Fort Pierce, can seat up to 1,200 guests. Performers present Broadway shows, ballets, comedy acts, country stars and classic rock icons. The McAlpin Fine Arts Theatre offers a schedule of shows presented by students of the IRSC Theatre program every semester.
www.sunrisetheatre.com, https://www.irsc.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture.html
River Lilly Cruises
This family-owned business is the longest operating tour in St. Lucie County. Visitors can enjoy an experience of lifetime along this river cruise and spot alligators, otters, birds and turtles. www.riverlillycruises.com
Salty’s Water Sports
Love being out on the water? Salty’s offers various rentals from boats, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and water bikes. https://saltyswatersports.com
St. Lucie County Aquarium
The 5,000-square-foot facility offers six aquarium displays, the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, a touch tank and many educational and hand-on programs for kids.
St. Lucie County Regional History Center
Learn how St. Lucie County got its name from the Spanish and the “Santa Lucia” colony between Vero Beach and Stuart Florida. Tour the Gardner House from the 1900s and visit the gift shop with many historic items.
Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail
From small nano-breweries to larger breweries, the Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail will introduce you to a vibrant, diverse group of entrepreneurs who are helping redefine the character of our Coast, one perfect pint at a time. Visit each of the 10 breweries, one winery and one cidery along the “trail” and redeem your treasure at the end! www.tcwineandaletrail.com
Farmers Markets
No matter what the weather is, the local community loves the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market – consistently ranked one of the top 10 in the country. Enjoy food, plants, jewelry, spices, handmade gifts and soaps from over 70 vendors. Open every Wednesday at the Green Market and every Saturday morning at the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market. In Tradition, visit the Saturday Neighborhood market for more fresh baked goods, local produce, arts & crafts and more each Saturday.
www.facebook.com/wednesdaygreenmarket;
www.fortpiercefarmersmarket.com
New York Mets Spring Training &
St. Lucie Mets Minor League Baseball
Catch America’s favorite pastime right here in Port St. Lucie – every Spring the New York Mets major leaguers are here to train and every summer the St. Lucie Mets are in full-swing at Clover Park. www.milb.com/st-lucie
For a full overview of all the places to see, do and stay in St. Lucie County, go to www.VisitStLucie.com. Be sure to check out the calendar of events, too!
