🟣 Retail Expansion, Airport Activity & Arts in Focus

This week we’re covering Port St. Lucie’s approval of a $6 million land deal that clears the way for Costco to build a major new retail store, Fort Pierce’s Sunrise Theatre nearing an agreement with a national venue management company, and increasing activity at Treasure Coast International Airport as preparations continue for possible future commercial flights. We’re also sharing upcoming networking opportunities and spotlighting the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and its work supporting the region’s growing arts community.

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

Port St. Lucie officials approved the sale of 22.8 acres in the Southern Grove area to Costco Wholesale Corp. for $6 million, clearing the way for construction of a 170,000-square-foot retail store and gas station. The property sits along Village Parkway near the new Costco distribution depot currently under construction, and the agreement includes a 270-day development approval period along with requirements for road extensions, utilities and grading that are already underway.

Fort Pierce leaders are close to finalizing an agreement with Iowa-based VenuWorks to manage operations at the historic Sunrise Theatre downtown. Under the proposed arrangement, the company would oversee programming, marketing, ticketing, food and beverage services, maintenance and other operations while the city retains ownership and responsibility for capital improvements. VenuWorks currently manages more than 65 venues nationwide and the Sunrise Theatre would become its first location in Florida.

Activity at Treasure Coast International Airport continues to increase as officials work toward eventually launching commercial passenger service. The airport recently celebrated the opening of a newly remodeled fixed base operator facility by APP Jet Center and secured a $1 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to help prepare its terminal for future passenger flights. Although the airport received FAA Part 139 certification in 2024 allowing it to pursue commercial service, officials say airline announcements may not come until later this year.

Date & Time: Monday, March 16, 11:45am–1:00pm
Location: Mission Kitchen, 6650 S Federal Hwy Unit 1, Port St. Lucie
Cost: $20 cash (includes lunch)

For $20, enjoy lunch while networking with fellow professionals and learning more about the featured nonprofit of the month. Bring a friend, a door prize if you’d like, and an appetite for good food and good deeds.

RSVP to Marketing with a Mission

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 18, 8:30–9:30am
Location: Mission BBQ, 1407 NW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Cost: $16 cash or online (includes breakfast)

All proceeds go back to the charities that the St. Lucie County Fire District supports, along with the 50/50. Bring a door prize and business cards.

RSVP to Honoring a Life Saver - Networking Breakfast

Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 8:15–9:30am
Location: The Junction Cafe, 6666 S US Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie
Cost: $10 (includes breakfast)

Start your day building connections with professionals from across the Treasure Coast.

RSVP to Speed Networking

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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St. Lucie Cultural Alliance is the official local arts agency for St. Lucie County – the nonprofit tasked with elevating our arts and cultural sector as a key driver of community vibrancy, education and economic well-being. The Cultural Alliance provides funding and support to local arts organizations and artists, advocates for arts education and public art, and promotes cultural events from gallery exhibitions to festivals.

After a period of dormancy, the Alliance was revitalized in 2018 with a new name and energy, and today it represents 100+ artists and cultural groups in St. Lucie. By forging partnerships and offering professional resources (like grants, workshops, and collaborative marketing), the Cultural Alliance is helping to grow the creative economy and make St. Lucie a more art-infused place to live, work, and visit.

👉 Check out upcoming events or artist opportunities at artstlucie.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.