👋 Happy Monday!
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Connection!
This week we’re covering a $15 million beach nourishment project underway in Fort Pierce, new signs of progress for Buc-ee’s in St. Lucie County, and a major restoration project bringing new life to the historic House of Refuge in Martin County. We’re also sharing upcoming networking events and spotlighting Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and their role in maintaining one of the city’s most beautiful community spaces.
Nicholas, Michelle, and Danny
Co-Founders, Port St. Lucie Business Club
🐝 What’s Buzzing: Local News
Army Corps begins major beach nourishment project in Fort Pierce
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched a new $15 million beach nourishment project along approximately 1.3 miles of shoreline between Jetty Park and South Beach in Fort Pierce. Contractors will place nearly 400,000 cubic yards of sand sourced from Capron Shoal offshore to help restore beaches impacted by erosion and rising sea levels, with the project expected to continue through September and largely funded by federal dollars.
Buc-ee’s project moves forward in St. Lucie County
New “LOADING… ST. LUCIE” billboards along Interstate 95 signal continued progress toward a planned Buc-ee’s travel center near the Indrio Road interchange. While construction has not yet begun, county officials confirm that updated site plans have been submitted and are under review, with additional feedback expected by late March as the project moves closer to final approvals.
Historic House of Refuge undergoing $1.8 million restoration
Martin County is investing nearly $1.8 million to restore the historic House of Refuge, the county’s oldest building dating back to 1876. After nearly 10 months of repairs addressing structural deterioration, the landmark is expected to reopen later this spring, preserving a unique piece of Florida history that once served as a haven for shipwrecked sailors along the coast.
🗓 Don’t Miss Out: Events
➔ SLC Chamber: Networking Breakfast (Port St. Lucie)
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 24, 8:15–9:15am
Location: The Saints at Port St. Lucie Golf Course, 2601 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Cost: $17 (includes breakfast)
Join the fun while enjoying a hot breakfast with the nicest bunch of community-minded professionals you’ll ever want to meet.
➔ Shameless Promotion and Muffins
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 25, 8:15–9:15am
Location: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Cost: $5 (includes coffee and muffins)
Bring business cards, your most “shameless” 45-second commercial, and be ready to network. Only $5 cash (muffin & coffee included). Free for first-time attendees.
➔ NetWALKing in Tradition
Date & Time: Saturday, March 28, 7:00–8:30am
Location: Panera Bread Parking Lot, 10950 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie
Cost: Free
Enjoy a nice walk with like-minded business professionals and fellowship. This is a free event that occurs every Saturday, weather and other events permitting. Not affiliated with PSLBC.
No RSVP required.
These are just some highlights of the local events you might want to check out this week.
For all of the events, check out the full calendar at pslbusinessclub.com/calendar.
NOTE: We are not responsible for changes, cancellations, or inaccuracies. For the latest updates, please check with the hosting organization.
Two hours that could change how you run your business.
Money & Marketing Live is a private workshop for Treasure Coast business owners. Danny Velazquez covers the money side. Nicholas Scalice covers the marketing side. You leave with a plan for both.
This workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 29 from 12-2pm at Tutto Fresco, 9501 Reserve Blvd, Port St. Lucie. Lunch included. $47.
Limited seats. First come, first served.
Get your ticket now.
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⚡ The Spotlight: Changemakers
Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
The beautiful 20-acre Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens – featuring orchids, bromeliads, a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and more along the banks of the St. Lucie River – is managed and operated entirely by the “Friends of the PSL Botanical Gardens.” This 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded to support the city-owned Gardens’ daily operations.
A team of dedicated volunteers handles everything from horticultural care and landscaping, to staffing the welcome center and gift shop, to hosting plant sales, classes and community events throughout the year. Thanks to the Friends, the Botanical Gardens (est. 2010) remain a free or low-cost oasis for residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s flora and learn about conservation.
👉 Find visitor info, membership, and volunteer opportunities at PSLBG.org.
📣 The Marketplace: Local Classifieds
Want to reach 3,300+ local business owners? The Connection is now offering sponsorships for businesses ready to connect with our engaged community. Interested? Learn more at pslbusinessclub.com/sponsorships.
🤝 Ready to Get More Connected?
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