The people behind the places
Because of our intense interest in history, you’ve probably learned about the origins of the region’s geographic names from many of the stories that have appeared in this magazine over the last decade.
Mike’s flag rises from the sea to welcome a stunning sunrise on Vero’s beach. JOE SEMKOW
Extraordinary efforts for extraordinary times
What a difference a few months make. When I was writing this letter for the last issue in late February, our magazine company, like many Treasure Coast businesses, was headed for another record year, with plans to expand our business and no end in sight.
A letter from the publisher
Please know that you have been in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as we all face the coronavirus pandemic together.
Massey was the right one
Back when Associate Publisher Allen Osteen and I launched this modest publishing effort 14 years ago, we set out on a mission to visit several key community leaders to let them know what we were doing. At the top of our list to visit was Ed Massey, the president of Indian River State College.
Downtown Fort Pierce began a decline in the 1970s as suburban malls and strip malls drew away customers. One unsuccessful response was the closing of Second Street between Avenue A and Orange Avenue and the construction of planters and pavilions in the 1980s, creating an outdoor mall that eliminated valuable parking spaces. Downtown is now enjoying a renaissance. FLORIDA MEMORY PROJECT
Downtown on the rebound
When I was a child growing up in Fort Pierce, I lived just a few blocks from downtown, and it became a sort of secondary playground when things got dull in the neighborhood. Mostly, I liked to ride my three-speed Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle to the Fort Pierce newsstand in the old Fort Pierce Hotel building, which had a wide selection of comic books and candy.
“Driving Force: Alfred Hair and the Florida Highwaymen” will run at the Backus Museum Jan. 8 to Feb. 16. ROGER LIGHTLE COLLECTION
A Future of Possibilities
“Ambition — Artist.” That’s what the late Alfred Hair’s yearbook photo says, right above a portrait of a captivating young man gazing into the distance, as if he’s imagining that future and exactly how he’s going to get there.
Spectacular scenes handcrafted by volunteers all year long come to life in Heathcote Botanical Gardens’ Garden of Lights.
Hello, Season
What does the word “season” mean to you? Does it call to mind that time of the year on the Treasure Coast when the weather gets a little cooler, the roads get a little busier and the calendar gets a lot fuller? Us, too. Or does it make you think of turkey stuffing, strands of lights and “Auld Lang Syne?” We’re right with you. In this issue, we celebrate it all.
Yachts are among the many vessels gracing our waterways, but there’s also enough room for all boaters to enjoy. CHRISTINA TASCON
Of ships, yachts and boats
Boating, fishing and other water-related activities are among the enjoyable pursuits that attract residents and visitors to the area. In this annual boating issue, readers will discover just how important this specialty has been for our shores in the past and the present.
Publishers’ Note Winter 2019
Saving history one page at a time The archives of newspapers such as the Fort Pierce News-Tribune provide snapshots of life along the Treasure Coast over the last century. A…
