Reconnecting to our humanity
When COVID-19 made its way to Florida in March, we knew we were in for turbulent times. Many thought that the virus would be around for a few months before dissipating like seasonal flu.
To my No. 1 fan
In the 15 years since we launched this magazine, one reader has shared her opinion about how we are doing or what we should be doing more than any other. That would be my mother, Katie Enns, who has always been quick to suggest a good story, note who might be a good advertiser or critique our latest issue.
Downtown Stuart business owner Patricia O’Connell displays her store’s wares promoting the buy local campaign. O’Connell, owner of Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Kidz stores, is featured in the fall issue of Treasure Coast Business Magazine, a sister publication of Indian River Magazine, on how Treasure Coast retailers plan to regain their footing after the coronavirus pandemic.
First of all, thank you
Thank you to our readers for your support over the last six months as we adjusted to the new reality brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Our paid subscriptions are actually up over the previous year during the same time, demonstrating that the demand for our magazine is stronger than ever.
City’s reputation garners recognition
We all know Port St. Lucie is a great place to live. But if that’s not enough, the outside world keeps telling us, too.
Publisher’s note
We all know Port St. Lucie is a great place to live. But if that’s not enough, the outside world keeps telling us, too.
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.
