Author: <span>Michelle Moore</span>

Working in a unique partnership between the City of Port St. Lucie and the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College are, from left: Elijah Wooten, business navigator for the city, City Manager Russ Blackburn and Tom KIndred, regional director of the Florida SBDC at IRSC. IRSC PHOTO

Unique partnership helps small Port St. Lucie businesses cope

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 2, 2021
Post category:Economy Port St. Lucie

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on America has been immense — almost 400,000 deaths as of January and the economic fallout from shuttered businesses has ranged from layoffs to bankruptcies.

A tranquil scene at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. The round platform is often the setting for beautiful weddings with the fountain in the background.

Best among the best

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 2, 2021
Post category:Awards Port St. Lucie

The city continues to garner honors and awards for its continued growth and the accomplishments of its departments and citizens.

The shuttle, which opened its doors in December, employs full-time attendants. Danilo Silva, left, and Michelle Sanders have been trained extensively and are great knowledge bases concerning TIM’s technological capabilities. ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS

Beep, Beep …

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 1, 2021
Post category:Port St. Lucie Transportation

Many folks are a bit apprehensive when they hear autonomous vehicle or driverless shuttle, as it is unfamiliar territory.

Spring Cleaning

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 1, 2021
Post category:Port St. Lucie Sports

Mets are making sure pandemic safety and cleaning guidelines are in place at the complex for spring training

Kathy and David Dow of Dow Decorating have found the Business Accelerator Program classes, part of the partnership between Port St. Lucie and the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, very useful as they promote their business during the pandemic. ROB DOWNEY

Alliance to help small businesses in a big way

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:March 1, 2021
Post category:Port St. Lucie Publishers Note

Anyone familiar with Port St. Lucie commerce knows that the small business community is its heart and soul.

Tom Laigo, 70, entertains motorists daily along U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce. Now retired, he has nine part-time advertising jobs for local businesses. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

The WAVE MASTER

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

Tom Laigo, 70, entertains motorists daily along U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce. Now retired, he has nine part-time advertising jobs for local businesses.

Last look

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Last Look

Fort Pierce has long been known for the excellent fishing off its shores. Once a large base for commercial fishermen, the Sunrise City is recognized today for its recreational fishing opportunities on the ocean and in the Indian River Lagoon. As the sun sinks slowly in the west, throwing colors on the clouds, these anglers motor out the Fort Pierce Inlet to try their luck with some evening fishing.

On the job or advocating for the LGBTQ community and their families, Suzi James uses empathy and humor to meet the challenges of life head-on. ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS

The ADVOCATE

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

On the job or advocating for the LGBTQ community and their families, Suzi James uses empathy and humor to meet the challenges of life head-on.

Growing up in Fort Pierce, Randy Ard’s fishing pole was always at the ready. Now retired, Ard uses his knowledge of local fish and his background as a ship carpenter to perfect his carvings, like this one of a flounder. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

The WOODCARVER

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Treasure Coast Personalities

Life, it seems, has come full circle for Randy Ard. Two of the things he loved most from his childhood — fishing and sculpting clay animals — have come together as the retired ship carpenter whiles away the hours creating wooden fish sculptures.

Corey Paul checks his vegetable garden in downtown Fort Pierce. He has many followers on social media where he promotes the benefits of home gardening through his videos and written instructions, all under Gardening With Goo. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

Cultivating a following

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:February 22, 2021
Post category:Fort Pierce Gardening

Homemade videos raise interest in backyard gardener