PORT ST. LUCIE PEOPLE
The MACHINIST
David Parnell has seen dreams fall apart, but instead of
quitting, he redirected his goals and took a chance.
Born in Jamaica, Parnell moved to Fort Pierce when he
was 5. At St. Lucie West Centennial High School, he played
varsity basketball and football. Although math was his favorite
subject, football looked to be his best path in life.
Parnell credits his middle school basketball coach with setting
him on that path.
“It was my first time playing on a team. Mr. Plowder
inspired me, motivating me to keep my grades up so that I
could play sports.”
A cornerback in high school, Parnell thought his future was
set. Scouted by several colleges, he hoped to attend Wittenberg
University in Ohio on scholarship.
“I’d never been out of Florida since coming here,” Parnell
says. “I wanted that experience.”
During football camp in Lake Placid, however, a torn meniscus
in his left knee changed things.
ELLEN GILLETTE PHOTOS
“I didn’t know if I’d ever play sports again.”
With physical therapy, Parnell was able to play his senior
year — despite the double whammy with hurricanes Frances
and Jeanne in 2004.
Parnell enrolled at Indian River State College after graduation,
working full time at Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment
Center in Indiantown, a facility for people who aren’t competent
to stand trial.
Making sure patients behaved during their time there was
challenging.
“I worked the 3-11 shift and saw everything,” Parnell says.
“One guy tried to hang himself. I got hit with a shoe. I felt
like I was in prison with them.”
Earning an associate of science degree in digital media,
Parnell created music videos and commercials. He secured an
interview at Digital Domain in Port St. Lucie, but the com-
40 Port St. Lucie Magazine
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In his garage shop, David Parnell is building unique products for satisfied customers. He hopes to build a business that will enable him to hire others.
BY ELLEN GILLETTE