🟣 Transportation, Environment & Public Safety in Focus

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Connection!

This week we’re highlighting a new free after-hours transportation program helping dialysis patients access lifesaving care, major coastal restoration work underway on South Hutchinson Island, and burn bans affecting parts of the Treasure Coast amid severe drought conditions. We’re also sharing upcoming networking opportunities and spotlighting an organization dedicated to supporting early childhood education across St. Lucie County.

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

St. Lucie County has expanded a free after-hours transportation program for dialysis patients after accepting a $200,000 state grant, allowing residents to reach early-morning and late-evening appointments outside regular transit hours. About 100 residents currently use the service, which provides direct rides from home to dialysis centers and has significantly reduced wait and travel times for patients who cannot drive or lack access to reliable transportation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a $14.7 million, six-month beach restoration project along approximately 3.3 miles of South Hutchinson Island shoreline, including Dollman Beach. The project will place roughly 315,000 cubic yards of sand sourced from offshore St. Lucie Shoals to combat erosion, with intermittent beach closures expected through the scheduled completion date of June 30.

Burn bans went into effect in St. Lucie and Indian River counties following a red flag warning and worsening drought conditions across much of the Treasure Coast. Most outdoor burning is prohibited in St. Lucie County except for limited agricultural use, while Indian River County allows only burning permitted by the Florida Forest Service, as officials work to reduce wildfire risk during dry conditions.

Date & Time: Tuesday, February 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.

RSVP to the Chamber Networking Breakfast

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 11, 6–8pm
Location: Renato’s & Josephine’s Restaurant, 3714 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart
Cost: $10 cash at the door

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

RSVP to Martini Network required on SignUpGenius

Date & Time: Thursday, February 12, 6:00–8:00pm
Location: ARC of the Treasure Coast, 451 SW Ravenswood Ln, Port St. Lucie
Cost: $25 (paid online in advance - includes networking, education, dinner)

Join us for an evening focused on HR education, social impact, and meaningful professional connections. RSVP required.

RSVP to HR & Business Leaders Networking Event

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

Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of St. Lucie is the community organization that helps our youngest children get a great start in life. The ELC assists local families in accessing quality early childhood education – administering the School Readiness child care subsidy program for working parents and enrolling all eligible four-year-olds in Florida’s free Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program. They also offer parent education, developmental screenings, and referrals to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

As St. Lucie’s state-designated early learning agency, the ELC works with dozens of childcare centers and family homes to raise program quality through teacher training and grants. Their mission is to make early education and care affordable and accessible for every child, because the first five years form the foundation for future success.

👉 Visit ELCSLC.org for more information and resources.

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.

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