🟣 PSL Wins “Great Place in Florida” Award & Holiday Fest Announced

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Connection!

From statewide recognition for Pioneer Park and The Port District to the debut of a new holiday festival at Clover Park, it’s a week full of local pride and festive announcements. We’ll also share an important update on the city’s waste services and spotlight United Against Poverty – St. Lucie, helping families build stability and opportunity.

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

Port St. Lucie’s Pioneer Park and The Port District have been named the 2025 Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award winner by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association.

This year’s theme, Great Places That Ground Us, celebrated spaces that reflect cultural identity and community connection. The Port District was praised for its design, recreation opportunities, and storytelling that celebrate PSL’s roots and diversity. The award was determined by public voting, showcasing strong local pride in the city’s revitalized riverfront.

Mark your calendars for the first-ever Treasure Coast Holiday Food Fest & Craft Fair, happening Saturday, Dec. 13, noon–9 p.m. at Clover Park. Every food item will be $5 or less, making this a family-friendly and affordable day of fun.

The event will feature 100+ craft vendors, live entertainment, axe throwing, holiday lights, and appearances by Santa and The Grinch. In partnership with the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, the “Whiskers in Wonderland” cat adoption event will also take place. A portion of proceeds will benefit local animal welfare efforts.

The City of Port St. Lucie will permanently close its Solid Waste Convenient Drop-Off Center on Cameo Boulevard starting Jan. 5, 2026, due to low usage and high costs. Officials say only 25% of residents use the facility, but it costs over $2 million annually to operate.

Residents can continue to use curbside pickup (up to 2 cubic yards), the St. Lucie County landfill, or schedule additional pickups through 1PSL (772-871-1775). The closure reflects the city’s ongoing focus on fiscal responsibility and efficient services.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8:15–9:15 am at The Saints Golf Course, PSL. Enjoy breakfast with a welcoming group of community-minded professionals and start your morning with great connections. RSVP required.

RSVP to Business Bowl & Breakfast

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8:15–9:15 am at PSL Community Center. $5 cash at the door (muffin & coffee included). Free for first-time guests!

Join the Shameless Promotion & Muffins Facebook Group

Saturday, Nov. 1, 7–8:30 am at Panera Bread Parking Lot, Tradition. Free weekly networking walk for business professionals and community members.

Join the NetWALKing Facebook Group

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

At the UP Center on Orange Avenue, United Against Poverty serves as a one-stop lifeline for families in crisis—offering a hand up, not a handout. Residents can access crisis stabilization services, enroll in the STEP workforce training program, or shop at the Member-Share Grocery, which stretches food budgets by up to 70%. By blending emergency care, job skills training, and affordable groceries, UP helps break the cycle of poverty and empowers long-term self-sufficiency.

👉 Learn more or get involved at unitedagainstpoverty.org.

Want to reach 3,200+ local business owners? The Connection offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses ready to connect with Treasure Coast professionals.

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.

Wednesday, November 19th, 6-8 pm
IRSC Pruitt Campus - STEM Center Building
500 NW California Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34986