🟣 PSL's Green Legacy, Fort Pierce's Tallest Bridge & IRSC's Growing Nursing Class

Port St. Lucie is being recognized on the world stage once again — this time for 21 consecutive years of Tree City USA honors and a fourth straight year as one of only 210 Tree Cities of the World. Up the coast, Fort Pierce's new North Causeway Bridge is taking shape over the Indian River Lagoon, and Indian River State College is preparing to send a new wave of nursing graduates into a healthcare system that needs them. This week's nonprofit spotlight features Team Miranda Strong, a heartfelt local organization turning personal loss into life-saving resources for families facing asthma and allergies.

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

Port St. Lucie has once again been honored with the Tree City USA Award — for the 21st year in a row — along with the Tree City USA Growth Award for the 20th consecutive year, recognizing the city's sustained commitment to urban forest management. Even more notably, PSL earned international designation as one of only 210 Tree Cities of the World for the fourth straight year, placing it among just eight Florida cities to receive that recognition from a program spanning 24 countries across six continents. It's a distinction that reflects the city's long-term investment in green infrastructure, sustainability, and the quality of life that makes PSL a place people want to call home.

Construction is well underway on Fort Pierce's new North Causeway Bridge, a $111.5 million fixed-span structure that will replace the aging D.H. "Banty" Saunders drawbridge — built in 1963 and flagged by FDOT as being in poor condition. When completed in late 2027, the new bridge will be the tallest on the Treasure Coast, clearing 85 feet at its peak as it spans the Indian River Lagoon, the Florida East Coast Railroad, Old Dixie Highway, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The project is a significant piece of regional infrastructure that will improve connectivity to North Hutchinson Island for years to come.

Indian River State College's nursing program is expanding its impact, with 443 enrolled students preparing to enter a healthcare workforce that needs them — and a $3.25 million federal grant supporting the program through the next four years. Since relocating to the St. Lucie West Pruitt Campus in 2023, the program has grown steadily inside an 11,000-square-foot simulation facility designed to replicate real hospital conditions, from lighting and equipment to lifelike mannequins covering patients of every age and circumstance. Last year alone, 151 graduates entered the field — a meaningful contribution to addressing the nursing shortage that healthcare leaders say is very real on the Treasure Coast.

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 28, 8:15–9:15 AM
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.

RSVP to Networking Breakfast

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 29, 12:00–2:00 PM
Location: Tutto Fresco, 9501 Reserve Blvd, Port St. Lucie
Cost: $47 (includes workshop + lunch)

A hands-on afternoon workshop for business owners who want a clearer picture of their finances, a sharper marketing strategy, and real connections with other serious Treasure Coast entrepreneurs.

Purchase Ticket to PSLBC Workshop

Date & Time: Saturday, May 2, 7:00–8:30 AM
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 needed — just show up!

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

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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Team Miranda Strong is a nonprofit dedicated to providing life-saving medical equipment, financial assistance, and education to families navigating the challenges of asthma and allergies — conditions that can be unpredictable, expensive, and frightening without the right support in place.

Through imaginative fundraising events like "Boujee Bags and Bingo" and "Celebrity Chef," the organization has raised tens of thousands of dollars to keep that support accessible to those who need it most. By working alongside medical professionals, raising public awareness, and offering compassionate one-on-one guidance, Team Miranda Strong ensures that no family on the Treasure Coast has to face a respiratory health crisis alone. Miranda's memory lives on in every family helped, every inhaler provided, and every life made a little safer.

👉 To learn more, visit teammirandastrong.org.

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.

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