After Susan Hamburger retired from academic life and moved to Fort Pierce a few years ago, she did what she describes as a 180-degree turn, pivoting from her background in English and history to a new avocation as a citizen-scientist who is passionate about protecting the environment.

For Gene Hull, it all started back in 1893, when his maternal grandfather came to America from Italy. His grandfather made and played his own mandolins and later made sure his daughter (Hull’s mother) learned to play piano.

AJ Ghent is a third generation steel guitar player who grew up with the creators of “Sacred Steel” as family.

Cats running loose in the neighborhood present a dilemma for residents who feel sorry for the wild animals but at the same time need order in their communities. Feral or lost cats can procreate at alarming rates when left on their own, leading to necessary capture and eventual death in many cases.

Fort Pierce native Caleta Scott grew up in Miami and worked in Atlanta for several years after college, but now she’s back in her hometown working on behalf of the Lincoln Park neighborhood she loves.

After 10 years as president of the Lakelas Mint Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Annmarie Loveridge is hanging up her garden gloves and pruning shears.

As a contractor, Osmond C. “Pete” Peterson was a major contributor to the construction of buildings and developments throughout Fort Pierce.