👋 Happy Monday!

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Connection!

This week we’re covering the strongest sign yet that Costco may be coming to Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce approving a major parking garage project at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, and the opening of a new riverfront preserve at the Port District. We’re also sharing three upcoming events and spotlighting Big Brothers Big Sisters for the life-changing mentoring work they do with youth across the Treasure Coast.

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

🐝 What’s Buzzing: Local News

Costco proposal moves forward in Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie officials will soon consider selling approximately 23 acres in the Southern Grove area to Costco Wholesale Corp. for a proposed 170,000-square-foot store and gas station. The site would be located near the southeast corner of Southwest Village Parkway and Marshall Parkway, directly across from the new Costco distribution depot currently under construction. The Government Finance Corporation, composed of City Council members, is scheduled to review the potential land sale at a March 9 meeting.

Fort Pierce approves parking garage at Lawnwood hospital

The Fort Pierce City Commission unanimously approved a site plan allowing HCA Florida Lawnwood Medical Center to build a five-story parking garage to help address the hospital’s long-standing parking shortage. The structure will provide 591 parking spaces, including 10 for electric vehicles, and will be constructed on an existing surface lot at the 22-acre hospital campus. City officials said the project represents a major investment in infrastructure supporting the Treasure Coast’s only Level II trauma center.

Port St. Lucie opens new 13-acre riverfront preserve

Port St. Lucie has opened The Preserve, a new 13-acre park along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River at the Port District. The park includes about half a mile of trails and elevated walkways connecting to the existing boardwalk along the river, providing residents with additional access to natural spaces. The $970,000 project was funded through city park impact fees and a $400,000 grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District and sits next to The Grove, the city’s future entertainment district.

🗓 Don’t Miss Out: Events

SLC Chamber: Networking Breakfast - Fort Pierce

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 10, 8:15–9:15am
Location: Gator Trace Golf & Country Club, 4302 Gator Trace Dr, Fort Pierce
Cost: $17 (paid online in advance - includes breakfast)

Join the fun while enjoying a hot breakfast with a great group of community-minded professionals. RSVP required.

Martini Network

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 11, 6:00–8:00pm
Location: The Saints at Port St. Lucie Golf Course, 2601 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Cost: $10 cash at the door

No membership required. Bring a door prize to give your business a shout-out. RSVP required by Monday, March 9th at 5 pm.

Coffee with a Grant Writer

Date & Time: Friday, March 13, 9:00–10:00am
Location: CSC Training Room, 546 NW University Blvd, Port Saint Lucie
Cost: Free (includes coffee)

This casual session offers a chance to ask questions and gain insights from grant writing expert Jodi Riley. Whether you are new to grants or looking to refine your strategy, this session is designed to help. No RSVP needed.

These are just some highlights of the 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.

The Spotlight: Changemakers

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee

Big Brothers Big Sisters creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Opened in St. Lucie County in 1984, our local BBBS has since expanded to serve children across Indian River and Okeechobee as well – matching at-risk kids (“Littles”) with caring adult volunteers (“Bigs”) who serve as friends and positive role models.

Through regular outings and guidance, these matches have proven to boost children’s confidence, improve academic performance, and reduce risky behaviors. Whether it’s a few hours a month shooting hoops or visiting a museum, mentors help their Littles see a brighter future for themselves. BBBS is donor-supported and free for families.

👉 Interested in volunteering? Visit bbbsbigs.org to learn more about the “Big” impact you can make.

📣 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?

We’d love your feedback on this week’s newsletter. Just hit reply and let us know what you think.