Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.
If you’re anything like me, you’d probably rather have a needle stuck in your eye than go through the car buying process at a dealership.
That’s exactly why I did a lot of online research and gathered quotes from dealers across the state before deciding where to go.
We ended up purchasing a new GMC truck from Garber GMC in Ft. Pierce, and I have to say, it was a completely different experience than I expected. They’re not your typical high-volume dealership. Instead, they were easy to work with, helped us find exactly what we were looking for, and really went the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible.
Sometimes you stumble across a place that restores your faith a little. This was one of those times.
💰 $500,000 in transformative grants
The Gist: The local philanthropic powerhouse Impact 100 Indian River announced five winners of its $100,000 high-impact grants. This year’s recipients focus on critical community gaps, ranging from child literacy initiatives to expanded dental care for low-income residents and environmental restoration of the Indian River Lagoon.
Why It Matters: In a town where the wealth gap can be stark, Impact 100 represents a unique collective giving model where 500+ local women pool their resources to fund projects that smaller nonprofits could never afford on their own. These grants often serve as the make or break funding for essential social services in the county.
What’s Next: The five winning organizations will begin implementing their multi-year projects immediately, with progress reports expected at the next town hall.
🏗️ Industrial growth picks up in Palm City
The Gist: The Business Development Board of Martin County reports a significant spike in industrial construction, particularly in western Palm City. Key projects like the Newfield Workplace District are transforming zoned rural lands into commerce parks designed to house medical facilities, offices, and specialized warehouse spaces.
Why It Matters: This shift moves Martin County away from its traditional reliance on residential taxes. By creating thousands of high-paying local jobs, the county aims to retain its workforce and lower the tax burden for residents while finally embracing a managed version of the growth it has historically resisted.
What’s Next: Developers are focusing on keeping structures low-profile to maintain the county's aesthetic standards, with the first wave of businesses at the Newfield site expected to begin operations as construction hits its next phase.
🥩 A proper steakhouse, right on the harbor
106 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce
The Fort Steakhouse brings a polished, waterfront-adjacent dining experience to downtown Fort Pierce. Set inside the Galleria of Pierce Harbor, it reflects the area’s growing downtown momentum with a modern yet inviting atmosphere.
The kitchen focuses on quality cuts prepared with care, supported by seafood and classic steakhouse sides. A well-curated happy hour makes the space accessible beyond dinner service, offering a more relaxed way to experience the menu. With private dining available, it also fills an important need in Fort Pierce for intimate celebrations and group gatherings.
🌴 A Fort Pierce staple for fresh finds
875 W Midway Rd, Fort Pierce
Nelson Family Farms brings a stretch of the tropics into Fort Pierce, a presence that has grown with the community over decades. Across its multi-acre grounds, rows of palms and hibiscus unfold beside a bustling open-air market. It has become a community staple where the lush atmosphere makes shopping for local goods feel like a weekend getaway.
The nursery side offers over 30 varieties of citrus trees along with rare succulents and native Florida plants for any home landscape. On the market side, the farm is famous for its freshly squeezed juices and gourmet treats like signature zucchini chips and local raw honey. This business remains a premier example of the Treasure Coast’s rich agricultural heritage and dedication to local quality.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🌳 River Nights | The Port District | Port St. Lucie | 04/30 | More
A relaxing evening by the river with live music and local food trucks.
🎡 Friday Fest | Marina Square | Fort Pierce | 05/01 | More
A waterfront street party featuring food vendors, live music, and activities for all ages.
🎸 Country BBQ & Music Festival | Indian River Fairgrounds | Vero Beach | 05/01 - 05/03 | More
Live country bands, professional BBQ, and a dedicated kids' zone.
✨ This Is the May: Star Wars Day | Robert Morgade Library | Stuart | 05/02 | More
Create themed crafts and embrace the Force in this family-friendly library event.
🌿 Mangrove & Seagrass Walk | Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center | Stuart | 05/03 | More
A guided exploration to learn about local marine life and vital ecosystems.
🥕 Neighborhood Farmer’s Market | Tradition Square | Port St. Lucie | 05/03 | More
Browse local vendors and grab a bite in the heart of Tradition.
🎷 Velvet Vibes: Jazz After Dark | Sweet Desires | Vero Beach | 05/01 | More
A smooth evening of live jazz, soul music, and signature desserts.
🍷 Spring Stuart Stroll | Historic Downtown | Stuart | 05/01 | More
A social evening of sipping, sampling light bites, and exploring the local shops.
💃 Golden Years Senior Dance | MIDFLORIDA Event Center | Port St. Lucie | 05/02 | More
An evening for seniors featuring dancing, music, and a best-dressed couples contest.
🎸 One Night of Queen | Sunrise Theatre | Fort Pierce | 05/02 | More
A high-energy tribute concert recreating the legendary sound of Freddie Mercury and Queen.
🎭 Comedy Zone: Riverside Nights | Riverside Theatre | Vero Beach | 05/01 - 05/02 | More
A night of professional stand-up comedy featuring touring headliners.
🚗 Car Swap Meet & Show | County Fairgrounds | Vero Beach | 05/02 - 05/03 | More
A weekend event featuring a car and truck show plus a large automotive swap meet.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
