Runners talk about being “in the zone,” when everything just works. Their stride, breathing patterns and mental state are so in tune that they perform at their peak — undistracted, completely focused.

Law enforcement officers are commonly referred to as LEOs but in the case of Port St. Lucie Police Department’s new chief, the nickname is particularly apropos. Leo Niemczyk was sworn in on November 6, 2024.

In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi founded a religious order devoted to acts of charity and service. More than 800 years later, a Treasure Coast retiree follows in his footsteps as a Secular Franciscan brother. “It’s not a group or organization,” Jeff Shultz explained.

There are no medals for rescuing neglected animals or for buying the deadest-looking plants in order to nurture them back to health. And there are no medals for having the most interesting resume, though if there were, Port St. Lucie’s Barbra Rubin-Perry might give Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps a run for his money.

Most little girls dream of what they want to be when they grow up. But few dream of being an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. In fact, when Charlotte Arlidge was first born that would have been an impossible dream — girls weren’t allowed in the boy scout troops then.

You’ve probably seen the trope on television or in movies: A town so quiet that when a cat gets stuck in a tree, the entire fire department rushes to the rescue. Port St. Lucie firefighter Gustavo Santa helps cats on a regular basis, but more effectively in the long-term.