🟣 A Clear Path to College, Big Plans for Eastern PSL & the Port District's Next Chapter

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Connection!

Indian River State College and Florida Atlantic University have joined forces to give Treasure Coast students a guaranteed road to a university degree — a major win for local workforce development and educational access. Meanwhile, Port St. Lucie's City Council is pursuing federal opportunity zone designations for key areas on the eastern side of the city, hoping to attract new businesses and jobs to long-underserved corridors. And the highly anticipated Port District dining venue is one step closer to becoming a reality. This week's nonprofit spotlight features Voices for Children of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast — a vital organization ensuring that every child in the court system has someone in their corner.

Nicholas, Michelle, and Danny
Co-Founders, Port St. Lucie Business Club

Indian River State College and Florida Atlantic University have launched Link2FAU, a new program that gives IRSC students a guaranteed pathway to a bachelor's degree at FAU upon completing an associate degree with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Students entering the program gain access to scholarship opportunities, dedicated support services, and university resources from day one — removing much of the uncertainty that often keeps community college students from continuing their education. For the Treasure Coast's workforce pipeline, this partnership is a meaningful step toward keeping local talent local and giving more residents access to a four-year degree without leaving the region.

The Port St. Lucie City Council has submitted several areas of the city for federal opportunity zone consideration, with a focus on driving economic investment to the eastern side of the city. The designations — which provide tax incentives to encourage private development — were submitted for the Walton and One area around the MidFlorida Event Center, a section of US-1, and a stretch along Port St. Lucie Boulevard. Mayor Shannon Martin noted that the Walton and One designation aligns directly with the city's existing master plan to bring retail, restaurants, and residential uses to the 46 underdeveloped acres in that corridor. For business owners and investors, opportunity zone status can significantly lower the barriers to entry for new development.

The Port St. Lucie City Council voted unanimously in April to approve the first amendment to the lease agreement for the long-anticipated River Food Garden dining venue in the Port District, situated along the banks of the St. Lucie River south of the Botanic Garden. The amendment permits temporary structures on the site and adds an expanded lift station to be provided by the city, clearing key logistical hurdles for Miami developer Gaurav Butani. The multi-venue food garden concept could encompass up to 15,000 square feet across one or more structures, with no direct cost to the city — and the potential to deliver meaningful cultural, recreational, and economic benefits to the waterfront corridor.

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Location: Tutto Fresco, 9501 Reserve Blvd, Port St. Lucie
Cost: $22 (includes lunch)

A monthly women-only networking luncheon open to all industries — includes a 20–30 second business commercial, door prize drawing, and the chance to build your referral and resource network. Bring a door prize. RSVP required.

RSVP to Premier Women’s Network PSL

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6, 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Frazier Creek Brewing & Distilling Co., 973 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart
Cost: Free

A new networking event bringing together Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals from across industries to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful business relationships. RSVP encouraged.

RSVP to Hispanic Business Networking Night

Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: CSC Training Room, 546 NW University Blvd, Port Saint Lucie
Cost: Free

A free monthly session for anyone exploring funding opportunities, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned grant seeker — expert insights and real answers, all over a fresh cup of coffee. No RSVP needed.

NOTE: We are not responsible for changes, cancellations, or inaccuracies. For the latest updates, please check with the hosting organization.

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Every child who enters the court system deserves someone who will speak up for them — and that is exactly what Voices for Children of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast exists to do. Founded in 2013 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization raises funds in support of Florida's Guardian ad Litem Program within the 19th Judicial Circuit, which serves abused, neglected, and abandoned children who might otherwise navigate the legal system without a consistent advocate in their corner.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court — attending hearings, building relationships with children, and delivering firsthand accounts of each child's situation directly to the judge, ensuring the most vulnerable voices in the room are actually heard. Voices for Children works to build bridges between the Guardian ad Litem Program and the broader community — connecting with businesses, civic groups, faith-based organizations, and private supporters to develop the resources needed to reach their goal of 100% representation for every child under the court's jurisdiction.

Behind every case file is a child who deserves a champion. Voices for Children makes sure they have one.

👉 To learn more or get involved, visit voicesforchildrenotc.org.

Want to reach 3,300+ local business owners? The Connection is now offering advertisements for businesses ready to connect with our engaged community. Interested? Learn more at app.pslbusinessclub.com/advertise.

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