Read more about the article Life lessons
The Rev. Dr. Alvin E. Miller Sr. was an All-Ohio Valley Conference running back for Eastern Kentucky University and ran for more than 1,000 yards in the 1979 season and postseason. A delinquent middle school student in Fort Pierce, he became a successful high school graduate and collegiate scholar through the relentless efforts of his seventh grade teacher, Rita Marie Johnson. EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Life lessons

In second grade, Alvin Miller missed more than 90 straight days of school. He simply went AWOL when he realized he was out of his depth.

Continue ReadingLife lessons
Read more about the article Rebirth of a neighborhood
The Restoring the Village Initiative erected stone markers on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in 2014, marking the north and south boundaries of Fort Pierce’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Pronouncing the area as the home of The Original Highwaymen, a noted group of black landscape artists, and the final home of famed writer Zora Neale Hurston adds a sense of pride in the neighborhood. ANTHONY WESTBURY

Rebirth of a neighborhood

Larry Lee Jr. and Alvin Miller grew up in the Lincoln Park area in the 1960s and ’70s. They remember their neighborhood fondly as a place where everyone knew and looked out for each other.

Continue ReadingRebirth of a neighborhood
Read more about the article Downtown Upswing
Business is booming in the wintertime at downtown eateries and bars. Cobb’s Landing, at the Fort Pierce City Marina, recently added additional seating under the cover of a thatched roof to its waterfront restaurant. The dining area, created by Seminole Tiki Huts, was built in Seminole chickee hut style, with cypress wood framing and a thatching of sabal palm fronds. RUSTY DURHAM

Downtown Upswing

Downtown Fort Pierce, like many other historical neighborhoods, is always in a state of flux. Businesses come in, some succeed while others fall by the wayside.

Continue ReadingDowntown Upswing
Read more about the article It was a very good year …
The 100-year history of Lincoln Park Academy, one of the first schools for black high school students in Florida, was discussed during a presentation at the Sunrise Theatre Jan. 14 as part of Indian River Magazine’s annual Treasure Coast History Festival. The session was hosted by Bernie Woodall, far left, and Veryl Moore, far right. Panelists were, seated from left, Samuel S. Gaines, Ernestine Trice English, Francenia Tripp Mimms, Dorothy Jackson, Harry Williams and Dave Perry. Woodall’s story on the school’s history begins on Page 22. GREGORY ENNS

It was a very good year …

1923 was a pivotal year for Fort Pierce and we’re happy to celebrate a few centennials.

Continue ReadingIt was a very good year …
Read more about the article THE BROADCASTING VETERAN
Although some aspects of the media are constantly transitioning, Thomas Waterman is clear about two things: Radio is here to stay, and he intends to be part of it. ANTHONY INSWASTY

THE BROADCASTING VETERAN

Thomas Waterman’s radio career spans four decades but chances are not many people have heard of him. Not by that name, anyway. Waterman got his start listening to WNBC as a boy in New York. Born in Brooklyn, he and his family moved to Long Island.

Continue ReadingTHE BROADCASTING VETERAN
Read more about the article THE CLASSICAL GUITARIST
Joette Giorgis, who doesn’t let a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease define her, finds and teaches ways to cope through music. ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS

THE CLASSICAL GUITARIST

Joette Giorgis was introduced to music in the fourth grade, learning to play trumpet, then piano. At 15, she bought her first guitar and is proficient at guitar and ukelele. A professional musician who plays at local events and teaches others, she says that music has become the primary focus in her life. “I see my guitar as a friend, and I don’t go anywhere without it.”

Continue ReadingTHE CLASSICAL GUITARIST