Schedule & Activities - Main Street Fort Pierce

Volume 2, No. 12 July, 2007Schedule & ActivitiesWhat: • Food • Crafts • Vendors• Kid’s Activities • MusicWhere: Indian River Memorial Amphitheatre600 South Indian River Drive in Fort PierceWhen: Wednesday, July 4, 2007Festival: 5:00 – 9:30 p.m.Opening Band: 5:00 p.m.The Original Family Stone: 6:30 p.m.Fireworks: 9:00 p.m.Info: Main Street Fort Pierce, 772-466-3880by Thondra LaneseIndependence Day will be a “Family Affair” in Fort Piercethis month as The Original Family Stone headlines the annualStars Over St. Lucie Independence Day Celebration.The band, featuring three of the original members ofSly and the Family Stone, will reprise the hits that putthe original band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fameand landed them a spot at number 43 on RollingStone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.Continued on pageMain Street Focus122 AE Backus Ave.Fort Pierce, FL 34950PRESORTEDSTANDARDUS POSTAGEPAIDFORT PIERCE, FLPERMIT #53

2 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Delivering a Tradition...Helping To Build A Better WayFor Over 100 YearsYARDS - Cocoa, Ft. Pierce, Melbourne, Stuart and Vero BeachTRUSS PLANTS - Ft. Pierce, Melbourne1902 2007

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 3In the [ Construction] ZonePRESIDENT’S MESSAGE2006 - 2007Officers, Board of Directors & StaffAnne SatterleePresidentSue DannahowerSecretaryPat AlleyEdward BechtChris CraftPam CullyBrenda EavesDoris TillmanManagerStaffBritt ReynoldsVicePresidentDave MillerTreasurerNancy IngleMichelle MillerWanda SappEugene SeregBeth WilliamsPam GilletteMarketing ManagerPhone: 772.466.3880Anne Satterlee, PresidentIt is official: constructionhas begun on the historic1896, Platts-Backushouse, a.k.a. Fort PierceMain Street’s office. Itseems that everywhere yougo now in downtown FortPierce you encounter construction.Many changesare happening for the bettermentof our community.FOCUSMAIN STREETFORT PIERCEVol. 2 No. 12 July 2007Publisher Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc.Editor Joanne BlandfordAdvertising Director Delila McKennaProduction/Graphic Design Susan M. RobertsContributing Writers Doris Tillman, Joanne DavisPam Gillette, Sue Dannahower,Dan Dannahower, John Culverhouse,Kathleen McKee, Patty Reynolds, Jon Ward,Camille Yates, Tamara Dourney, Thondra LanesePhotography John Culverhouse, Art Boyd II,Tanya Sockol-HarringtonCopyright © 2007 Main Street Focus. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproducedwithout prior written permission of Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc., 122 AE Backus Ave., FortPierce, FL 34950. VOICE 772-466-3880 • FAX 772-466-3917 • mainstreetfocus@aol.com.With the Conkling-Lewis construction crew intow, ‘boss man Rick’ directedthe team of buildingprofessionals to began tacklingthe 111-year-old housejust over a month ago.Now, you are probablywondering how MainStreet Manager, Doris Tillman,and Marketing Manager,Pam Gillette, are functioningbeneath the termiteinvested rafters. Well, theyare now located directly infront of the historic housein a new construction trailer/officethat the staff andvolunteers have named‘Camp Main Street.’ Similarto a Quonset hut withoutthe rounded edges, thenew 3 office space serves asa temporary outpost fromthe construction zone.The renovation effortson the house are anticipatedto be completed byOctober 2008, so theCamp Main Street teamwill be in close quartersduring the restoration butare managing fine whilecoordinating over 26events a year. The MainStreet Board meetingshave temporarily relocatedto City Hall and the MainStreet Focus writers aremeeting at the Fort PierceUtilities Authority office.Fundraising efforts for thehistoric house are ongoingand even more importantnow that a recent grant wascut this year that MainStreet had an opportunityof receiving.When the renovation iscompleted, the first floorarea can be used for meetingsby smaller organizationsfor art exhibits, winetastings, etc. The upstairswill be used by the formerCamp Main Street employeeson a daily basis. MainStreet’s wise and timelypurchase of this significantstructure will ensure thatthe Platts-Backus Housewill continue to serve as avisual reminder of contributionsof one of FortPierce’s most favorite sons— Beanie Backus.

4 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007MembershipMain Street Fort PierceAs Fort Pierce Main Street begins its 18th successful year, it isundertaking an aggressive Membership Drive. “The Next Big Thing”campaign took off in May, 2006. Please consider becoming a MainStreet Member.Membership in Main Street Fort Pierce is open to anyone interested inhelping preserve our unique heritage. Our goal is to encourage andassist in keeping Downtown Fort Pierce a vibrant shopping and businessdistrict for future generations.We invite you to share your expertise and contribute toward makingFort Pierce Main Street a success in historic preservation and revitalization.Donations to Fort Pierce Main Street, a 501(c)3 corporation,are tax deductible.Membership Benefits:• Subscriptions to Main Street Focus and Website Links toFocus On-Line• Advance Notice and Invitation to Special Events• Membership to St. Lucie County Preservation Association• Listed on our On-Line Membership Page(Corporate & Private)• Networking & Volunteer OpportunitiesWhen residents support and appreciate the business district, thebusinesses flourish. When the businesses flourish, the residentsin the neighborhood prosper as well. We are all neighbors investingin each other’s success.Complete the form below and join our growing group of committed members. By joining Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc., you are supportingthe economic well being of the entire community.Main Street Membership LevelsPrivate:❑ Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00❑ Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00❑ Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00Corporate:❑ Small Business (less than 10 employees . .$100.00❑ Medium Business (11 - 50 employees) . . .$250.00❑ Large Business (51 or more employees) . .$500.00❑ Patron (all others) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00❑ Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00Name:______________________________________Company/Organization:________________________Street Address:_______________________________City / State / Zip:____________________ _________Phone:______________________________________Email:______________________________________❑ I would like to become a Main Street volunteer.Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. • 122 AE Backus Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34950For information call 772-466-3880 • www.mainstreetfortpierce.orgMain Street Fort Pierce, Inc., a 501©3 not-for-profit corporation,has encouraged and participated in the revitalization efforts ofdowntown Fort Pierce for the past 18 years.The efforts of many havepaid off. Downtown Fort Pierce is now recognized as one of the mostdesirable locations to live and work on the Treasure Coast, as well as,in the state of Florida.The Main Street program was created by the National Trust ofHistoric Preservation in the early 1980s.The program was designedto revitalize the historic commercial districts that were threatened toextinction by urban sprawl.The four-step Main Street approach isused by over 1,600 communities across the United States and itsmodel has been studied internationally.The success of Main Street Fort Pierce over the past 18 years is dueto the faithful commitment of current and past members of the MainStreet board of directors, the City of Fort Pierce, local communityorganizations, local businesses, and general public support.Currently, theprogram consists of twelve volunteer board members and two full-timeemployees.During its existence, Main Street Fort Pierce has held approximatelytwenty-six downtown promotional events each year, educatedpublic school children about the history of the area, won numerouslocal, state, and national awards, restored historic buildings including theSunrise Theatre, recruited businesses to the downtown area, held downtowncharrettes to encourage the public participation in revitalizationefforts, created outdoor art programs, and helped fund an award winningimage campaign along with the Downtown Business Association,the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Fort Pierce.

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 5MAIN STREET AND DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONCalendarDine, Shop and Enjoy Beautiful, Historic, Downtown Fort Pierce!Wednesday, July 4th: Stars Over St.Lucie Independence Day Celebration —5:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Main Street Fort Pierce,466-3880.Friday, July 6th: Friday Fest — 5:30 to8:30 p.m.; Main Street Fort Pierce, 466-3880.Wednesday, July 11th: 2nd WednesdayWalkabout — 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.; DowntownBusiness Association, 465-7080.WEEKLY EVENTSFt. Pierce Farmer’s Market – Saturdays,8:00 a.m. to Noon; Marina Square onMelody Lane; Market Manager, 940-1145.Arts and Crafts Show & Sale – Saturdays,8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; north ofdowntown Fort Pierce Library, 460-5124.Fort Pierce Bike Night – Thursdays, 6:00to 9:30 p.m.; 2nd Street, Downtown FortPierce;Yellowfin Grill & Raw Bar, 468-7071.FORT PIERCE COMMUNITYCENTER ACTIVITIESFor information, please call 462-1792.RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENTThe Original Tiki Bar – 461-0880; Music by“Barely Broken,” Sundays, 3 to 7:00 p.m.Governor’s Grill – 466-6900; “Open MikeNight” on Tuesdays, 9 p.m. to closing; “BluesNight at the Grill” on Wednesdays, 8 p.m.;“Ladies Night” on Thursdays, 10 p.m. to 12a.m.; Live Music on Friday evenings; LiveJazz with Matrix on Saturday evenings.DOWNTOWN FORT PIERCELIBRARY ACTIVITIESFor information, please call 462-2787.SUNRISE THEATREFor information, please call 461-4775.MANATEE OBSERVATIONAND EDUCATION CENTERFor information, please call 466-1600,ex. 3333.ST. LUCIE COUNTYHISTORICAL MUSEUMFor information, please call 462-1795.BACKUS GALLERY & MUSEUMFor information, please call 465-0630.BACKUS GALLERY SEASON’SPREMIERE EXHIBITIONSIndian River School of Painters: May 29– July 14. Whether formally instructed ormerely mentored by Backus, the legionsof artists gained in skill and wisdom fromthe influence of Bean Backus. Exhibitingartists may include Don Brown, JamesHutchinson, Jackie Brice, Jackie Schindehette,Sherrie Johnson, Therese Knowles,Tom Fresh, Julie Enders, Rick Kelly, DanHolt, Delores Hutcheson and more.

6 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 20074th of July: National Anthem, by TiffanyTiffany Bramblett is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at theArts Based Elementary School in Winston Salem, NC.Tiffany loves to share her gift of song and since her firstpublic solo performance at the tender age of 6, hersinging voice has wowed audiences at various events andchurches throughout the Southeast.She was the youngest semi-finalist in the 2006Triad Idol, a North Carolina singing competition,and sang the “National Anthem” to open theminor league Greenboro Grasshoppers’ baseballseason in April to a sold out crowd of 7500. InJune she also sang the “National Anthem” forminor league baseball’s Winston Salem Warthogs.Her heartwarming rendition of “Somewhere Over theRainbow”, has been a crowd favorite at many areafundraising events and garnered her an invitation to singthe song at the famed Children’s Art Museum in Atlanta.After receiving a recent special request, she sang “What aWonderful World” at an outdoor wedding as the bridewalked down the aisle.Tiffany is frequently a featured soloist with the CentralCarolina Children’s Choir and has been a member of theChildren’s Choir for the last three years. With only a yearof guitar under her belt the young artist has begun towrite her own music and lyrics. She aspires to not onlyshare her angelic voice but her songwriting as well.…continued from front pageTenor sax player Jerry Martini and trumpeter CynthiaRobinson will be joined by lead vocalist and keyboardplayer Rose Stone for hits like “Everyday People,”“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” “FamilyAffair,” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” The Hall ofFame artists also performed at the 2006 Grammy Awardsand are credited with keeping the legacy of Sly and theFamily Stone alive. The show starts at 5:00, July 4th atthe Indian River Memorial Amphitheater. The OriginalFamily Stone takes the stage at 6:30.

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 7Summer Vacation Starts Here & Nowby Fort Pierce Mayor Bob BentonEnjoy the Dog Days of Summeralong the beautiful TreasureCoast town of Fort Pierce! Summeris a great time to make thebest of our local treasures, especiallywith gas prices as high asthey are. Luckily, we have ourown paradise right in our backyard.I encourage you to take avacation this summer right hereat home! The days are longerand there are many adventures to partake in, on anygiven day of the week. You can begin by taking the familyto breakfast at one of our many delicious local restaurants.There are virtually no lines and Fort Pierce offersthe best hospitality in South Florida. Then, enjoy ourpristine beaches, fish the blue waters of the ocean or thebeautiful Indian River Lagoon, or go water skiing or diving.Early risers may enjoy watching the many boats travelingour inlet. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! If watersports are not for you, take the family golfing to IndianHills or one of many St. Lucie County first class golfcourses. Many courses have summer specials and no waitingat every tee. A good time can be enjoyed by all! Aftera fun filled morning, you and the family can have a tastylunch at any of our fine restaurants and then take a relaxingstroll through Heathcote Botanical Gardens, theBackus Gallery, the Manatee Center, the HistoricalMuseum, the Smithsonian Marine Station, and theFrog Museum. When you have completed that journey,shop the quaint and inviting shoppes and galleries ofdowntown Fort Pierce. There are always treasures to befound! As the evening arrives and it’s time for dinner,remember our local restaurants are some of the TreasureCoast’s best, with many cuisines to choose from andmany atmospheres to explore, you can’t go wrong. Youmay even catch a show at the Sunrise or movie at thelocal theater. Life is good right here at home on the TreasureCoast and Fort Pierce invites you to spend yourvacation right here in paradise!

8 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007“Tourist Season” 14th Annual Reverse Raffle & Silent Auctionby Pam GilletteGrab you cameras, sunglasses, and hats. Put on yourHawaiian shirts, shorts and sandals. It’s “Tourist Season”at the Pelican Yacht Club on Saturday, August 18, 2007.Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. presents the 14th AnnualReverse Raffle & Silent Auction. Come join us as wewatch and wait for your number NOT to be called.Wait! That’s right: I said you want your number NOTto be called. Main Street’s Reverse Raffle begins with 300numbers. The first number and every 50th numbercalled up to 250 wins $100.00. The last 10 numbers iswhen you want your number to be drawn, because thelast 10 numbers range from $250 to the grand prize of$2000. So last is best at this raffle.Main Street Fort Pierce will transform the PelicanYacht Club at 1120 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce into avacation resort. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. withregistration and the silent auction. The raffle begins at 7p.m. as the excitement begins counting down the numbersto the grand prize winner. The band will provideMike Goforth, Pam Gillette, Britt Reynolds, Pat Alley & Tom Kindred.music to help dance the night away. So, come enjoy theevening with us at the 14th Annual Reverse Raffle andSilent Auction.BRADFORD L. JEFFERSON, P.A.Proud supporter of Main Street Fort Pierce Personal Injury Wrongful Death Commercial and Civil Litigation Circuit Court MediatorHistoric Arcade Building101 North U.S. 1, Suite 208Downtown Fort PierceTelephone: 772.468.8887Fax: 772.468.2226

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 9Only 300 tickets will be sold for the raffle. Eachticket is $80 and entitles the bearer to one number,admission for two people, light hors devours, 2free drinks, live music, dancing, and a fabuloussilent auction. Tickets are limited, advanced ticketBoard Certified Civil Trial Lawyer200 South Indian River Drive, Suite 201Fort Pierce, Florida 34950Telephone(772) 461-7772NEWLOCATION!COMEVISIT!R.N. KOBLEGARD, IIIAttorney At LawLitigation, Business, Real Estate,Probate, Criminal & Family LawFax(772) 461-0226purchase only,and no ticketswill be availableat the door.The ReverseRaffle is afundraiser forprojects and goalsof Main StreetFort Pierce, Inc.Joanne Blandford and Linette TrabulsyRevenues fromthe raffle willbenefit the restoration of the Backus House and thecontinual revitalization of Historic Downtown FortPierce. For more information or to purchase a ticket,please call Main Street at (772) 466-3880.Treasure Coast Antique Mall4343 N US Highway One • Fort Pierce FL 34946Hours Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5GIANT YARD SALE2nd Saturday every monthBUYING OR SELLING“Have Art to Sell?”RENT WALL SPACE…1 PIECE TO MANY PIECES!(772) 468-2006tcantiquemall@bellsouth.net

10 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007DMHBDiBARTOLOMEO,McBEE, HARTLEY& BARNES, P.A.Certified Public AccountantsEstablished 1985Accounting & Tax ServicesPlease visit our website atDMHBCPA.comTwo Locations to Serve You on the Treasure CoastNew Address in Port St. LucieFort Pierce Port St. Lucie461-8833 878-1952Fax 461-88722222 COLONIAL ROAD, SUITE 20034950Fax 878-1709439 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd. Ste.11534984YOU CAN’T RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSETIF YOUR NEST EGG WON’T CARRY YOU.We’re big believers in a long-term retirement strategybased on objective financial advice. And in havinga financial consultant who can help you every stepof the way. To see whether your nest egg could benefitfrom such Midwestern horse sense, call us today.J. JEFFREY COOK BRUCE D. PERRYFinancial Consultant Assistant Branch Manager311 South Second StreetFort Pierce, FL 34950(800) 766-4101 • (772) 465-4100agedwards.com2007 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Member SIPC[48147-v3] A-1076-0508

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 11Fort Pierce Yacht Club Unites Public and Private VenuesThe Fort Pierce Yacht Club (FPYC)has been an integral part of the Fort Piercecommunity for over twenty years. It currentlyhas an active membership of about220 people and supports many programsin the City of Fort Pierce.While it is a private club, anyone withan interest in sail or power boating mayapply for membership. The communityuses the Club facilities over a hundreddays a year at no cost for City and Countyprograms. It is used as a training sitefor the canine unit of the Fort PierceSheriff’s Department and from time totime, the Club has been made available tothe St. Lucie School Board at no cost. “Inmany years, community use of our facilitiesactually exceeds the usage by Clubmembers”, said Commodore GeorgeLange. The Club has also sponsoredOlympic sailboard try-outs and after the 2004 hurricanes,its facilities were made available to the Churchby the Sea at minimal cost, while its buildings werebeing reconstructed. A very special example of what theClub is currently doing for the community’s youth issponsorship of the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation(TCYSF) where members have already donatedmore than $26,000 to fund the establishment of thefoundation. “We take our responsibilities to the communityseriously and we hope to make a positive contributionin order to help make Fort Pierce a betterplace to live and work,” Lange said.The Fort Pierce Yacht Club clubhouse was completedin 1986 with the building and the dock beingPHOTO BY TANYA SOCKOL-HARRINGTONsubstantially rebuilt and renovated after the stormsover the past couple of years at a cost of about$117,000. The facility now provides a popular venueavailable for rent at reasonable rates to private citizensfor weddings and other special occasions.PHOTO BY TANYA SOCKOL-HARRINGTON

12 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Yates Funeral HomesServing the Area Since 1897SalutesMain Street Fort Pierce1101 So. U.S. 1, Fort Pierce, 461-7000PAXTON & WILLIAMSATTORNEYS AT LAWNORMAN L. PAXTON, JR.GEORGE L. WILLIAMS, III606 BOSTON AVENUEFORT PIERCE, FL 34950 772.465.5795Fuller – Armfield – WagnerAppraisal & Research, Inc.120 N. Second Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950Office: (772)468-0787 • Fax: (772)468-1103S. Florida: 1-800-273-7364Daniel D. Fuller, MAIPresidentE-Mail: FAW_app@bellsouth.netSt. Cert. Gen. REA#RZ567

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 13P.P. Cobb General Store & Deliby Pam GilletteAs you open the door thefirst thing that hits you is thearoma of fresh baked breadand the feeling of a Key Westgeneral store. Now let youreyes adjust and look around,for as with any general storethere is much more to see.A native of Japan, YukoWeisser moved to Florida in1989. She attended MiamiDade and then FIU, majoringin culinary arts. All Yukoreally wanted to do was cookand bake. In 2004, she andher husband moved to FortPierce and after being welcomeby 2 hurricanes, Yukodecided to pursue her dreamof owning her own business.One day as they weredriving down Avenue Athey noticed that the P. P.Cobb Building had avacancy and she knewthis was where she wantedto be. On May 11, 2007the P.P. Cobb GeneralStore & Deli opened forbusiness.Yuko wanted to targetthe healthy side of lunchesand focus on the wants ofwomen; but in sayingthat, she also wanted tolet me know that she hadsinfully delicious cookies,that are definitely not onthe healthy side.The General Store isopened for breakfast andlunch. Breakfast includesmuffins, croissants, birds nest, and breakfastsandwiches. Lunches include sandwiches, wraps,a large selection of salads and 2 homemade soupsdaily. All muffins, croissants,and cookies arebaked on premise, as wellas fresh bread. Most ofthe business is done bytake-out, but there are afew tables available insideand out for you to enjoyyour meal.Along with breakfastand lunch, Yuko isextremely proud of the117 different types ofbeer they carry. Do youlike to try different tastes?At the P.P. Cobb GeneralStore you can mix andmatch whatever varietyyou want in a 6-pack, sothat you can sample fromher wide selection. Alongwith the beer, the GeneralStore has a variety ofwines, gourmet saucesand dressings, locally producedsoaps, gifts andgrocery items.The P.P. Cobb GeneralStore is open Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, andFriday from 8:30 a.m. to6:00 p.m. They are openon Thursday from 8:30a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for BikeNight and on Saturdayfrom 8:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The are located inthe P.P. Cobb Building at100 Avenue A in HistoricDowntown Fort Pierce.Parking is available in therear of the building.So drop by the General Store, try a new beer,have a sandwich or wrap, and don’t forget to stopby their bakery for those sinful cookies!

14 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 20074850 Orange Ave. • Fort Pierce772.461.6056 • 800.226.5056www.stamm-mfg.comTreasure Coast AbstractAnd Title Insurance Co.500 Virginia Avenue, Suite 200Fort Pierce, Florida 34982Frank H. Fee III Esq.PresidentFrank H. Fee IV Esq.Vice PresidentWendy LoundsOffice ManagerTELEPHONE: (772)461-7190FAX: (772)461-0487302 Melton Drive • Fort Pierce 34982(772) 466-4040 • Fax (772) 468-8397BROWNINGFort Pierce 465-8425Vero Beach 569-9444Stuart 287-8972TOLL FREE 800-867-0793Fax 772-465-7627Brett W. Browning, LUTCFInsurance & Financial ServicesEileen Myers, CSRLaurie Wiley-Doughney, CSRAlice Iannarelli, CSRCatherine Browning, AccountingBrowning Corporation100 Avenue A , Suite 1FHistoric P.P. Cobb BuildingDowntown Fort Pierceemail: mail@browningins.com website: www.browningins.comTop ProducerMidwayIndependently Owned and OperatedJoanne McCurdyResidential, Land, Commercial909 W. Midway RoadFort Pierce, Florida 34982Direct: (772) 216-2821Direct Office: (772) 429-3588Direct Fax: (772) 429-3590 (772) 467-9097E-Mail: joannemccurdy1@aol.comO FFICEP RODUCTS &S ERVICES, INC.VERO BEACH713 SOUTH US 1PHONE 567-2404FAX # 567-4433Office FurnitureFORT PIERCE208 AVENUE APHONE 464-0450FAX # 468-0984Other Areas 1-800-226-6774Visit us online at: www.offproser.comE-mail: info@offproser.com

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 15Management Changes at Sunrise TheatreAfter overseeing final construction and guiding the successfulinaugural season of the Sunrise Theatre, ExecutiveDirector David Jenkins has submitted his letter of resignationto Fort Pierce City Manager Dennis W. Beach. “Mr.Jenkins is to be thanked for providing world class entertainmenton the Sunrise stage and bringing renewed spiritand vitality to our community”, states Beach.Mr. Jenkins will be replaced by John Wilkes, who willbe programming the theatre as the city seeks a permanentExecutive Director which is expected to take 6-9 months.Wilkes is the Chief Operating Officer for the Lyric Theatrein Stuart and will be providing assistance in the overallmanagement services of the Sunrise which includeprogramming, operations and fundraising efforts. Wilkeswas the former consulting Executive Director of the SunriseTheatre and was instrumental in developing a businessplan and fundraising efforts for the Sunrise Theatrewhile under renovation in 1999. Wilkes’ history of thecommunity and the Sunrise Theatre is an opportunity toexpand the Sunrise’s offerings to a wider audience.Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency Director, JonWard will add another job to his FPRA Director Responsibilitiesas Interim Executive Director of the theatrehandling the administrativeday to dayoperations of thecity owned theatre.Ward has a strongarts background asthe former Directorof Cultural Affairsfor St. Lucie Countyand has been withthe City of FortPierce for two years,overseeing a numberof major redevelopmentprojects.PHOTO BY TANYA SOCKOL-HARRINGTONThe renovation and reopening of the 1923 historictheatre in January 2006 was a $13 million dollar projectwith over $2 million dollars coming from private individualsinitiated by Main Street Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Preservation,Inc. and the former Sunrise Theatre Board. Since2006, the City of Fort Pierce assumed the ownership ofthe theatre and continues to operate the theatre as anenterprise fund of the city.Red, White and Blue Goose BumpsBy Leslie LafferandreIf you haven’t been to the marina at night to see thelatest patriotic light show, you are missing something special.It brings out the American in us all. We were therethe other night and there were people dancing in theplaza to the music. We saw one gentleman take off his hatand cover his heart when “God Bless America” played. Itis a great gathering place for family and friends and awonderful addition to historic downtown Fort Pierce.The show runs through the fourth, so hurry down.From the Friday Fest and Saturday Farmer’s Market tothe Second Wednesday Walkabout and numerous specialevents such as the light show, Fort Pierce has so much tooffer everyone and a lot of it is free. Like everything inlife, you get out of it what you put into it. You can attendthe events and enjoy them. You can volunteer (thesethings don’t just happen – there is a lot of work to makethem happen but the committees can be a lot of fun) andbe a bigger part of them. If you are new in town, becominga volunteer is a great way to meet people. If youhaven’t been taking advantage of all the fun there isdowntown, then it’s time to start!

16 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007FEE, DeROSS & FEEAttorneys at LawAn Affiliation of Professional Associations500 Virginia Avenue, Suite 200Fort Pierce, FL 34982Since 1905Now Celebrating Over 100 Yearsin Fort PierceFEE & FEE, P.A.Frank H. Fee, IIIFrank H. Fee, IV(772) 461-5020JOSEPH J. DeROSS, JR., P.A.Joseph J. DeRoss, Jr.(772) 465-3500Fred Fee (1888-1939) • Frank Fee (1913-1983)

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 17Downtown Hero: Dennis W. Beach, Our City Managerby John CulverhouseDennis BeachThe tangible results of theawe-inspiring revitalizationof Downtown Fort Pierce canbe attributed to many policymakers, non-profit organizations,and individual citizens.Dennis W. Beach, FortPierce’s City Manager, hasbeen at the helm for the betterpart of Fort Pierce’s greatturnaround. His steadfastdetermination to make FortPierce a more prosperous andenjoyable destination for residents, visitors, and investorsmakes Dennis Beach this month’s Downtown Hero.Beach was born in Arizona and lived in Oklahomawhere his parents were both natives. For the better partof his life, Beach has been in city management, serving asassistant city manager and city manager in cities in Oklahomaand Texas prior to coming to Saint Lucie County.Beach came to Fort Pierce for the first time in 1986 ona business trip when he was working in private business.He recalls meeting with locals over utility issues at the present-dayGuadalajara restaurant on Delaware Avenue. Duringour conversation, Beach fondly recalled how taken hewas with Fort Pierce and its beautiful weather and howdelicious the seafood lunch tasted at the restaurant.Beach returned to sunny South Florida in 1991 whenhe became the Assistant City Manager of Port SaintLucie. In 1995, the Fort Pierce City Commission hiredhim to become Fort Pierce’s City Manager, succeedingJames A. “Bo” Powell.Beach saw great opportunities in downtown’s potentialeven before he held the City’s top executive position. Heattended charettes regarding strategies for downtownrevitalization. These public meetings were started as aresult of a group of concerned citizens, including MayorBill Danahower, city commissioners and business leaderscoming together in the late 1980’s to jump-start publicinterest in downtown revitalization. Beach advocated –and later implemented the approach that he refers to as a“tremendous public investment in public infrastructure”.Anne Satterlee, President of Main Street Fort Pierce,said that at the time Beach became city manager,Mayor Eddie Enns and City Commissioners saw thatPHOTO BY JOHN CULVERHOUSEFort Pierce’s image and vitalitycould be preserved for future generationsby embracing the historicand architectural elements of thedowntown waterfront.“Beach’s hiring in Fort Pierce in the mid-90s wasinstrumental to the City’s revitalization effort as well ashiring of key city staff that saw the potential and visionof what the city could become,” she said. “It was a dedicated,positive team effort by the Fort Pierce City Commission,City Staff and the residents that participated inthe numerous planning activities that brought about theplans and projects we have today, and Beach was focusedand creative to guide this effort to fruition and he stilldoes today.”Among the city staff Dennis hired was Ramon Trias,who developed a master redevelopment plan for the city.The plan encompassed everything from road designs,including roundabouts, to public buildings in prominentlocations, including the downtown library and the FortPierce Police Department’s Willie B. Ellis Substation onAvenue D at Means Court. Trias’ architectural expertisemade his tenure as Planning Director valuable and effective.Beach holds the record of Fort Pierce’s longest servingCity Manager, serving for twelve years. During histenure, he has always kept the big picture in mind. Citiesnormally go through ten to fifteen year cycles before toppingout. Public interest tends to change over time andneeds and desires change as well. He stresses the importanceof making public investments in the city, as theyimprove the quality of the community, thereby leading tomajor private investments.Beach cites the Renaissance On The River projectdowntown as a good example of a significant privateContinued on page 18 …

18 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007…continued from page 17investment made possible by the City’s investments inpublic infrastructure. Harbour Isle, a recent South Beachdevelopment, is another good example of a major privateinvestment. Beach describes the Port of Fort Pierce asbeing one of the most significant potential private investmentsFort Pierce has ever seen. The privately ownedport property, if developed, could significantly improveFort Pierce’s economy.The current atmosphere in Tallahassee regarding propertytaxes has many people on edge – property owners andmunicipalities alike. Beach emphasized the importance ofavailable money for local governments to use for emergencyservices, community services, and communityimprovements. Beach notes that money the City of FortPierce spends is collected right here in Fort Pierce, andthat city residents have absolute access to those policymakers who make decisions on how to spend their money.The City of Fort Pierce will continue its citywideimprovement trend. The Fort Pierce RedevelopmentAgency (FPRA) now owns the old Saint Anastasia buildingon Orange Avenue, and restoration plans are inprogress. The FPRA is partnering with the St. Lucie HistoricalSociety to restore the Betts Building on Avenue Dat Means Court, and with the Martin Luther King, Jr.Commemorative Committee to restore the Lincoln Theatreon Avenue D at Douglas Court.When Beach isn’t working or attending city functionswith his wife Debbie, you might find him outon the high seas boating and diving. Dennis has twochildren and two stepchildren. He also has twograndchildren who live in Raleigh, North Carolina.Beach enjoys many aspects of being City Manager,but what he likes best is watching the evolution of thecommunity and the positive impact of the changesput through.“Fort Pierce’s accomplishments have far exceededwhat I ever could have imagined, and now it’s amatter of maintaining the focus, Beach said.“These accomplishments are a direct result of thecommunity’s determination.”

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 19Meet the Band: NAZZ R BLUEby Pam GilletteYou may ask yourself, “What is NAZZ R BLUE”? Theanswer is: a band. Ah, but there’s more to NAZZ RBLUE than just a band. Sociologists at the Rudolfo Institutefor the Slightly Nervous have been debating this veryquestion since the moment NAZZ R BLUE came intoexistence. No one is sure just how NAZZ R BLUE cameto be, but there are theories involving botched physicsexperiments, or that the guys all met in line at the DMV,or a rumor of an international plot by a shoe manufacturerto make people dance so their shoes will all wear outfaster. No one is really sure.Specializing in Ladies’ Fashions and Giftsnot found in Department Stores and MallsSince1950But one thing is for sure;these are the guys are good!NAZZ R BLUE consist ofthe following band members;Frank Falconieri, their bionicdrummer, the lovely and talentedGreg Kennedy is theirguitar slinger and vocalist,Mike Hollers (real name honest)shares the guitar andvocals and disguised as the mild mannered Peter Ferro,is Uncle Pete, ruler over all bass frequencies and singerof songs. On occasion, when they are able to enticehim away with promises of fun and adventures, ourheroes are joined by George Remer, whose super powersinclude playing the sax, flute and trumpet. CollectivelyNAZZ R BLUE explores such music styles asrock, R&B, blues, and country, with the occasionalforay into such strange etudes as Mr. Sandman, orHarlem Nocturne.So be sure to catch NAZZ R BLUE when they comeplay Friday Fest on July 6, 2007, and wear your boogieshoes, you will need them!To contact NAZZ R BLUE to play at your event,please call Frank Falconieri @ 772-359-4459 or email:bluzdrummer2@aol.comFriday Fest is held the first Friday of every month. FridayFest can be postponed to the following week due to weather.Friday Fest is held at Melody Lane and Marina Square.Friday Fest is sponsored by Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc.For more information please call the Main Street office at772-466-3880.VERA BRADLEYSpecial Occasion DressesDaytime DressesSportswearShoes & AccessoriesHome DecorBaby GiftsFree GiftWrapping105 S. 2nd St. Historic Downtown Ft. Pierce 461-1222

20 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Main Street NationwideQuotes from Around the Country“For the longest time, we all waited for a white knight to ride intotown and fix the problem. But the Main Street people made us realizethat the only way to get it done right was to do it ourselves.”—Russell Thomas, mayor, Americus, Georgia“Since Barracks Row Main Street opened five years ago, 27 newbusinesses have opened, 32 facades have been restored, and twonew buildings have been constructed. This has truly been a transformingeffort, and I am so proud to work with a great board ofdirectors and volunteers to revitalize Washington’s oldest commercialcorridor. We are now seeing exponential success after fiveyears of persistence!”—Bill McLeod, Executive Director, Barracks Row Main Street,Washington, D.C.“Gone are the days when we would sit back and react to bad news.Now we go out and make good things happen. That is what OkmulgeeMain Street has done for Okmulgee.”—Linda S. Milligan, Board Chairperson, Okmulgee Main Street,Oklahoma“The business and corporate community stopped asking ‘how comeyou’re always asking me,’ and starting asking ‘how come you neverlet me.’ “—Daniel Timm, Executive Director, MainStreet Libertyville,Illinois“Before 1986, we had lost pride in our downtown. Now we have itback again. Now we have clean-up days.”—Nolan Crowley, Okmulgee, Oklahoma“The four-point approach works because it gives every person achance to be listened to, giving each a platform to do what theythink is vital and important for the downtown.”—Julie Irish, Program Manager, Peabody Main Street, Kansas“Main Street opened up resources and gave direction to the peopleinterested in making a difference.”—Amy Yarcich, Program Manager, Dodgeville Revitalization,WisconsinContinued on page 23 …

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 21are YOU a member of MAIN STREET?a look at WHY Main Streets are IMPORTANTCan malls and discount centers take the place oftraditional commercial districts? The answer is aresounding “no.” It may no longer be the sole option inthe community, but the commercial district is much morethan a shopping center. Here are some reasons why MainStreet is still important:{Commercial districts are prominent employmentcenters. Even the smallest commercial districtemploys hundreds of people, and often the districtis collectively the community’s largest employer.The commercial district is a reflection of communityimage, pride, prosperity, and level of investment —critical factors in business retention andrecruitment efforts.Main Street represents a significant portion of thecommunity’s tax base. If the district declines, propertyvalues drop, placing more of a tax burden on other partsof town.The traditional commercial district is an ideal locationfor independent businesses, which in turn:{Keep profits in town — chain businesses send profitsout of town;Support other local businesses and services;Supports local families with family-owned businessesSupports local community projects, like teams and schools;Provide an extremely stable economic foundation, asopposed to a few large businesses and chains with noties to stay in the community.Main Street is the historic core of the community. Itsbuildings embody the community’s past and its visual identity.A historic commercial district is often a major touristattraction. When people travel or shop, they want to seeunique places — especially ones that offer a uniqueshopping “experience.”A vital Main Street area reduces sprawl by concentratingretail in one area and uses community resources wisely,such as infrastructure, tax dollars and land.A healthy Main Street core protects property values insurrounding residential neighborhoods.The commercial district offers convenience. MainStreets are often within walking distance of residentialareas, providing easy accessibility for the community andreducing the reliance on auto-dependent shopping.The district is usually a government center where cityhall, municipal buildings, the courthouse, and/or postoffice are located. It often is an important service centeras well for finding attorneys, physicians, insuranceoffices, and financial institutions.Main Street provides an important civic forum, wheremembers of the community can congregate. Parades, specialevents, and celebrations held there reinforce intangiblesense of community. Private developments like malls andstrip centers can and do restrict free speech and access.The commercial district represents a huge public andprivate investment. Imagine how much it would cost to recreateall ofthe buildingsand publicinfrastructurein yourcommercialdistrict.Information above isfrom the National MainStreet websitewww.mainstreet.org

22 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 20072006 National Main Street Reinvestment StatisticsThe cumulative success of the Main StreetApproach and Main Street programs on the local levelhas earned a reputation as one of the most powerful economicdevelopment tools in the nation. The NationalTrust Main Street Center annually collects statisticalinformation on economic activity in local Main Streetprograms nationwide. These statistics are tracked from1980 to December 2006 and reflect activity in more than2,050 communities.Dollars Reinvested: Total amount of reinvestment inphysical improvements from public and private sources.$41.6 billion Average investment per community$11,083,273 Net gain in businesses: 77,799 Net gain injobs: 349,148 Number of building rehabilitations:186,820 Reinvestment ratio: $25.76 to 1Notes: (i) The Average Reinvestment per Communityreflects investment in communities that have recentlybegun commercial district revitalization programs as wellas those that have been actively involved in Main Streetfor more than a decade. In addition, it includes investmentof communities of a wide variety of sizes and in allparts of the country. For these reasons, communitiesshould be cautious about using this figure as a benchmarkfor local performance.(ii) The Reinvestment Ratio measures the amount ofnew investment that occurs, on average, for every dollara participating community spends to support the operationof its Main Street program, based on medial annualprogram costs reported to the National Trust Main StreetCenter by its coordinating programs.First United Methodist ChurchDr. Ron ThomasSenior Pastor8:15 Traditional Service10:30 – 11:45 Combined Family Service(Broadcast on WPSL 1590 AM)616 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 464-0440www.fumc-online.com firstunitedftp@bellsouth.netHalf-Day Preschool Monday through Friday

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 23Quotes from Around the Country . . . continued from page 20“Even though there were those who were suspicious of ourmotives, we have shown them that we mean it when we saywe’re all in this together.”—Larry Pierce, board member,Eureka Main Street, California“In today’s business climate, a building may need to lookgood, but it is equally important for that business to bemanaged well.”—Jenny Harmon, director, Main Street Rogers, Arkansas“We saw other downtowns disintegrating and we said, wedon’t want to be like that.”—John Caywood, Main Street merchant,Danville, Kentucky“This project is happening only because of the impact thatMainStreet has had on the village. These investors wouldhave never considered this project before.”—Daniel Timm, executive director,MainStreet Libertyville, Illinois“Downtown was in bad shape. It didn’t get that wayovernight and it wasn’t going to get better overnight.”—John Mabrey, founding chairperson,Okmulgee Main Street, Oklahoma“Without all the assistance we received from the SheboyganFalls Main Street program, our dreams might still beon paper.”—Dorothy Schueffner, business owner,Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin“We took a negative and turned it into a positive—that’sthe story of Main Street in Peabody.”—Steve Hamous, building owner, Peabody, Kansas“As events unfolded, the people of the communityembraced the downtown in a new way. Gradually embarrassmentwas replaced with great pride and satisfaction.”—Mendi Smith, executive director,Tifton-Tift County Main Street Program, Georgia“Parkville, Missouri suffered from a devastating flood (MissouriRiver) in 1993. Many businesses on Main Street wereflooded out and never returned. Now in 1999 we have ‘novacancy’ on Main Street and a list of ‘want to be’s’ waitingfor a vacancy so they can bring their business to Parkville.This is a tribute to the Main Street Program which began in1996, and allowed the incentive to rebuild, move in, historicallyvaluable buildings that just needed a tenant to clearthem up and call them home.”—Linda Colt Graham, manager,Main Street Parkville, Missouri“There’s a continual assault of all types from variousinterests who want to move the center of town to somewhereelse.”—Winfrey Houston, business owner, Stillwater, Oklahoma“After … settling on the Main Street program as the way weshould go to rekindle our downtown area, I am extremelygratified to see how well it is working. So many storefrontsrenovated! Almost all buildings occupied! Merchants planningcooperative ventures! Great activities going on yearround downtown! Our faith in the program and the peopleof downtown has been rewarded!”—Priscilla Thompson, downtown property ownerand merchant, Conway, South Carolina“Support for a revitalized Conway was more than an economicissue, it was about saving the heart of a town andpreserving its character.”—Edwin ‘Chip’ Brown, city councilman, Conway,South Carolina“The only good business is one that’s always improving,because if you stop improving, you might as well go out ofbusiness; it’s the same with Main Street.”—Jerry Trower, banker, Hannibal, Missouri“It’s been too easy. Merchants are now coming to us tolocate downtown.”—Karen Grimm, PROUD manager, Pontiac, Illinois“I saw other merchants making commitments, both personaland financial, and saw the positive results. I decided Iwanted to be involved, too.”—Joe Brown, business owner,Okmulgee Main Street, Oklahoma

24 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Wendall Butler Award Given to Local Nurseryman, Gary RobertsBecome a Memberof Main Street Fort PierceToday! Call 772-466-3880.See page 4.Local Nurseryman andLandscaper, Gary Roberts,has been awarded the WendallButler Award for 2007by the Florida NurseryGrowers and LandscapeAssociation (FNGLA).The Wendall ButlerAward is the most prestigiousaward given by theGary Roberts FNGLA and is a lifetimeachievement award givento the person who has best served the nursery andlandscape industry over the course of many years.Gary has served the FNGLA in many levels throughthe years from Treasure Coast Chapter President to StatePresident (1995-1996). Other award and honor highlightsinclude: Eagle Scout, Florida Jaycees OutstandingYoung Farmer, Florida Farm Bureau Outstanding YoungFarmer, FNGLA Young Nurseryman of the Year, St.Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Small Business ofthe Year, two time Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Landscaperof the Year winner, and St. Lucie County Conservationistof the Year.Gary will received the award during the FNGLA’s annualconvention, this year at the Marriott Resort in MarcoIsland, June 14-17. Gary and his wife, Susan own and operateGary Roberts Nursery & Landscape, Inc. in Fort Pierce.State FarmFamilyInsuranceCheckupIt’s the simple wayto answerany questionsabout your familyinsurance protection.And it’s free.Bill Knight, Jr., Agent“24 Hour Good Neighbor Service”2301 Sunrise Blvd. • Fort Pierce • 772-461-7900State Farm Insurance CompaniesHome Offices Bloomington, IL“Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.”You have been waiting to STEAL a property…Look at this NEW 2 bedroom Villa EAST of US1WEATHERBEE VILLASST. LUCIE COUNTYRClose-Out Sale — $103,900Don’t Miss Out! Call Now!Two Units for Rent-to-Own from $850.00/monthDirectly across the street from Gator Trace County Club1221 Weatherbee Road (corner of Silver Oaks & Weatherbee)Just blocks to Savannah Park & Weatherbee ElementaryIdeal for local investment, retirement, first time homeownersPrivate showings available Saturday & Sunday mornings (9am-11am)Call Larry at 772-359-0360 or E-mail LLQ@bellsouth.netLicensed RE Broker BK0260090

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 25Yacht Club Adopts IslandThe Fort Pierce Yacht Club, in conjunction withthe Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection,Spoil Island Project, has adopted island “SL7” inthe Indian River Lagoon in Northern Saint LucieCounty. Spoil Island SL7 is located just south ofthe channel leading into Queen’s Cove on the Eastside of the Intracoastal Waterway. Lou Tomasovic,Vice-Commodore of Fleet for the Yacht Club, iscoordinating this new effort.The Fort Pierce Yacht Club gathered 22 of it’smembers on the island on Saturday, June 16, 2007for the initial clean up under the Spoil IslandAdoption Program. They gathered 8 bags of trashincluding bottles, cans, paper, broken glass, plastic,styrofoam and other items. They gathered up andremoved large pieces of metal that had to be cutinto smaller pieces so they would fit into the boatsavailable to haul it away. There are numerousdowned trees on the island and members were cuttingand clearing the dead trees, providing firewoodfor island visitors to use.In the coming weeks the Yacht Club memberswill be building fire and barbeque pits, buildingand installing picnic benches and the continuedcutting and stacking of fallen , dead trees.This island, and all of the ‘recreational’ islandsin the Indian River Lagoon, is open to all boaters.The public is encouraged to use the islands forfamily outings, picnics and cookouts, takingadvantage of the beauty and solitude in our ownback yard.There are also conservation islands in theLagoon. These are islands which typically have thehighest percentage of native resources both on andaround the island. These fragile islands are not tobe used for public recreation according to FloridaDept. of Environmental Protection.The Fort Pierce Yacht Club has long been activein community projects since it was founded in1980. The most recent examples include theirinvolvement in and sponsorship of the TreasureCoast Youth Sailing Foundation as well as the SpoilIsland Adoption Project.For more information about the Fort PierceYacht Club call 772-461-9152. For more informationabout the Spoil Island Project contact DanaMoller at 772-429-2995.

26 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Explore Your Own Little Corner of the Worldby Patty ReynoldsWondering what to read as the summer winds down?Ever consider your next adventure might take you justaround the corner or back in time?At the Sandy Shoes Festival this year I was pleased tomeet Mrs. Ada Coats Williams. I’d heard of her of course,teacher, author, playwright and noted local historian. Iwas so happy to have an opportunity to say hello and seefor myself what a charming lady she is.As chance would have it, before I ever met Mrs.Williams she gave me a magic carpet. With it I traveledten miles from home and five hundred years back intime, all while cozily ensconced in my well worn reclinerbathed in the glow of a warm reading light.I am the lucky steward of a little book written in 1963by Mrs. Ada Coats Williams. Given to me by my mom, I’llpass it along someday to my children. Just 35 pages long,it’s packed with stories of our early pioneers, their strugglesand triumphs and the strength of character that helpedthem carve a home out of an often inhospitable land.If you like your history more up close and personal,swing by the St. Lucie County Historical Museum.Inside you’ll find information and exhibits detailing the:1715 wreck of the Spanish treasure fleet;1838 Seminole War, uniforms and material fromOld Fort Pierce;Seminole Indian encampment;Turn-of-the-century industries: fishing, pineapple,cattle and citrus;1907 restored typical Florida house;1919 operational American La France fire enginepumper;Harry Hill photographic collection (1880s-1920sSt. Lucie County);PEACOCK + LEWISArchitects and Planners, IncEstablished 1961Donald L. Bergman, AIA210-A North 2nd StreetFort Pierce, FL 34950T: 772.460.6085F: 772.460.8515www.peacockandlewis.comMemorial garden with Spanish canons andanchors (1715).Small research library open by appointment. Searchthe holdings using the St. Lucie County Library System’siBistro (select Library “Historical Museum” using thePower Search option.After touring the museum visit the Pineapple Patchgift shop, the Source for “Florida” Books. Just a few ofthe titles you’ll find there are:Different Battles, by Johnson;East Coast Florida Memories, by Ranson;Fort Pierce A Town In Florida, by Trias, et. al.;Fort Pierce The Sunrise City, by McIverFlorida’s Ashley Gang, by Williams50th Anniversary U.S. Naval Amphibious,by AdamsMartin County, Our Heritage, by ZiembaMemories of Eden, by BrownOur Worthy Commander, by BurbeyBUILDINGMATERIALSServing Your Building Needs With 6 LocationsFrom Jupiter to Titusville Since 1980For All Your Building and Remodeling Needs❑✓ Gypsum Drywall & Accessories❑✓ Roofing Materials❑✓ Stucco & Plastering Products❑✓ Hand and Power ToolsTop Quality ProductsCompetitive PricesPrompt, Dependable Service945 Wagner Place • Fort Pierce464-6900

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 27St. Lucie County Almanac, by Byrn, et. al.Sewalls Point, by ThurlowStuart — A Portrait of the St. Lucie River Region,by Scripps HowardThe Early Years of Port St. Lucie, Florida,by SchreiberTreasure Coast Black Heritage A Pictorial History,by Jackson, et. al.World War II in Fort Pierce, by TaylorTo whet your appetite take a brief trip through timeand consider how far we’ve come both here in St. LucieCounty and in Fort Pierce herself:1512 — Ponce De Leon discovers Florida. The areawe now know as St. Lucie County is populated by AysIndians1565 — The Spanish explores Menendez traveleddown the Indian River establishing blockhouses alongthe coast for shipwrecked sailors.Shortly there after Jauan Valez Medrano established asettlement here and named it Santa Lucia after an earlyCatholic martyr.The Ays Indians weren’t too keen on outsiders movinginto their area. Adding their hostility to the problems ofdysentery and lack of food sent the new settlement of soldiersback to Saint Augustine and left the Ays Indians inpeace for a time.1807 — James Hutchinson obtains a grant from theSpanish Governor for two thousand acres between theSaint Lucie Inlet and the Indian River Inlet. AlthoughJames only lived for one year after receiving the grant,Hutchinson’s Island is a jewel in our treasure coast.1837 — Colonel Benjamin K. Pierce ordered the constructionof the fort that would soon bear his name andprovide the name for our own town.1842 — Congress passed the Armed Occupation ActMrs. Ada Coats Williamsgranting one hundred and sixty acres to anyone whocould hold it against the Indians for seven years.1850 — This area leaves Mosquito County andbecomes part of Brevard County.1870 and 1875 — The Paines, the Hendreys, theBells, the Carltons and the Hoggs settled in this area.1878 — Billy Anderson, who had once been a memberto the Jesse James gang bought property in the tenMile area west of fort Pierce and set up camp. Despite hisdisreputable past, he was an entertaining fellow and goton well with his neighbors.1894 — Henry Flagler extended his railroad throughour area bringing an influx on travelers and settlers alike.1905 — Saint Lucie County incorporates standingproudly on her own. The dawn of a new chapter in localhistory spreading across the horizon.Take some time this summer and explore yourown backyard!• AntiqueRestoration• New ClockSales & Service“THE CLOCK SHOP”of Fort PierceCELEBRATING 26 YEARSON AVENUE “A”YOUR TIME KEEPER100 Avenue A • Suite BThe P.P. Cobb BuildingHistoric Downtown Fort Pierce772-465-2768461-4686209 Avenue AFort Pierce★ Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry★ Handmade Custom Designs★ Jewelry Repair

28 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Epicurious.comLooking for a good recipe — go to www. Epicurious.com.Here you will find a collection of recipes fromBon Appetit, Gourmet, and SELF magazines. Recipesare tested and rated by people like you and me.Once in Epicurious click on Advanced Searchlink. Advanced search lets you look for dishes thatfit a specific set of needs. You can enter a term inthe keyword search box and/or choose any of theother categories. You can even exclude ingredients.For example, you could search for a kid-friendlymain course that features chicken but contains nonuts. Enter “chicken” in the search box, check off“kid-friendly” under recipe categories, select “maincourse” from the course pulldown, and check theexclude “nuts” box.

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 29Manatee Center Brown Bag Lunch Lecturer: Tommy Goreby Jann WidmayerHave you been to one of the Manatee Center’s BrownBag Lunch Lectures lately? If not, you are missing out ona world of information and entertainment! Last monthwe had the pleasure of introducing Mr. Tommy Gore asour speaker. He captivated the attention of over 45 visitorswith his lecture ‘Treasure Tales to Gator Tails.’Tommy Gore is a colorful character. Growing up inFort Pierce, he was around 17 years old when he hadhis first treasure hunting experience. In 1955, Tommywas diving off the Fort Pierce Inlet when he wasapproached by a landing craft skippered by Art McKee.He was asked if he knew of any sunken cannons in thearea and Tommy showed him the spot where he and afriend often dived for lobsters. For the next three days,he worked as part of McKee’s crew, bringing up thecannons. Art even found some silver wedges in thesand. After that experience Tommy was hooked. Heplanned on gaining fame and fortune as a treasurehunter but as fate would have it, things worked out abit differently than he planned. In 1965, Tommy tooka job with Florida’s State Board of History and Archive,now the Bureau of Archaeological Research. For thenext 36 years, he became Florida’s most widely recognizedfield authority known to treasure salvers in thestate. He did not work from an office but worked inthe field; diving, examining, tagging and cataloguingitems recovered by those treasure salvers. It was a trulyhands-on job. He recounts his years of fascinating& restorativecosmeticdentistryCompassionate dentistry.New patientsalways welcome!Specializing in painless dentistryfor over 15 years.Dental Implants – the preferred alternative to bridges.Why cut down healthy teeth to replace missing teeth?Norman D. Knowles, DMD1511-B South 25th Street • Fort Pierce • 772-464-7214adventures in hisnew book titledThe RainbowChasers. There isno shortage ofintriguing storiesand photographs.As if this was notenough excitementin Tommy’s life, hewas also a Statelicensed nuisancealligator hunter. Hehad many tales totell about theexcitement of trappinggators. Hebrought the head ofthe largest alligatorhe ever trapped to show at the lecture. It was enormous!He also performed all of the taxidermy work himself. Histalents are amazing. His yearning for excitement musthave rubbed off on his wife because she has trapped manygators herself. As Tommy tells it, she holds the familyrecord for trapping the largest gator.Be sure to come to the Manatee Center’s Brown BagLunch Lectures held on the second Friday of every monthat 12:00 PM. You’ll be amazed with lecturers like TommyGore. While visiting the Center, be sure to pick up yourautographed copy of The Rainbow Chasers in the ManateeCenter’s Vanishing Mermaid Gift Shop. See youon July 13th!SUNRISE CITY CARPETS, INC.127 N. Second St.Brian & Angela CampbellHistoric DowntownFort Pierce“Come see your next new floor!”772-489-8859In-Home Consultation Available

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July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 31Backus Museum Features Work from the Indian River School of Artistsin the Final Show of the Seasonby Robin DannahowerPainting by Jackie Brice.The Backus Museum’s final show of the 2006 – 2007Season, The Indian River School of Artists, will be onview now through July 15. Artists included in this years’exhibition are Jack Biedenharn, Jackie Brice, Don D.Brown, Juan Dale Brown, Cookie Delaplane, Julie EndersSneed, Gregory Enns, Michael G. Enns, Dick Franks, TomFresh, Paul Gottardo, Carl Hantman, Dan Holt, DeloresHutcheson, James Hutchinson, Rick Kelly, Therese Knowles,John Kral, Duke Merwin, Phil Nash, Harold Newton,Paige Ogden, Jack Roberts, Jackie Schindehette, MichaelSitaras, Leslie Szakacs, Bruce Tomlin, Fred “Booker” Turner,and Charles Walker.The Indian River School of Artists has earned its namebecause the members of the group paint Florida’s beautifullandscape as their main subject. More importantlythough, this group of artists studied with or were greatlyinfluenced by A.E. Backus.Historically, the term “school of artists” refers to agroup of artists whose inspiration or style demonstrates acommon thread, rather than a learning institution.One of the best examples and certainly one of the bestknown“schools of artists” in America’s past is the HudsonRiver School. A mid-19th century art movement, the HudsonRiver School included a group of landscape painterswhose style was influenced by European romanticism.Painting by Therese KnowlesContinued on page 32 …

32 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007… continued from page 31Their paintings depicted idyllic scenes of the Hudson RiverValley and the surrounding area, as well as the Catskill andAdirondack Mountains.In strong contrast, the Ashcan School of Artistsshocked audiences as they documented everyday life inturn-of-the-century New York City. The group paintedrealistic portraits of the city crowded with immigrantsand the struggling poor. An art critic bestowed uponthem the pejorative label Ashcan School because theychoose to focus on unfashionable subjects.Understanding that the label “school of artists”describes a group linked together by a common elementsuch as a geographical region, style or even a political orsocial movement provides a unique prospective on theIndian River School of Artists.It’s clear that whether formally instructed or merelymentored by Backus, these artists gained skill and wisdomfrom his influence. The Indian River School ofArtists, many of whom are award-winning, accomplishedartists in their own right are highly regarded for the qualityof their work. Their artwork, primarily paintings ofFlorida’s beautiful, unspoiled landscapes clearly reflectthe subject and style of Backus.The influence of Fort Pierce’s most celebratedartist, A.E. “Bean” Backus, is multifaceted and farreaching.As the Founder of the Indian River School,Backus is commonly called The Dean of FloridaLandscape Painters. Now nationally recognized, manyare aware of Backus’ important contributions to Florida’sart. Apart from a few occasional visiting artistslike Winslow Homer and acclaimed Hudson RiverSchool artist Herman Herzog, Backus practicallyinvented painting Florida.A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is located at 500 N.Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce; phone 465-0630;www.backusmuseum.com.Regular seasonal hours through June 16, 2007: Tuesday– Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m.;Monday, closed. Summer hours, June 17 to July 15, 2007:Friday & Saturday:, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 4p.m. Closed to the public/hours by appointment: July 16 tomid September, 2007.Digital Cameras & Accessories • Film1-Hour Lab • Equipment • Repairs940 South U.S. 1, Ft. Pierce, FL772-461-0872• VERO BEACH .................. 569-0686• STUART ........................... 335-2500• FT. PIERCE .............. 461-48004200 SOUTH U.S. HWY. 1 • FT. PIERCEComplete Sales & Service Center forNEW & USED CARS AND TRUCKS

34 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007Ask a Professional: St. Lucie Restaurant SupplyFT. PIERCEALTERNATOR SERVICEIn Business Since 1961• Batteries • Alternators• Starters • Exchange or RepairPassenger Cars • Marine • Heavy Equipment1913 Okeechobee Rd., Ft. Pierce461-6786Nick and Lynne GiovannettiNick and Lynne Giovannetti have owned and operatedSt. Lucie Restaurant Supply in downtown FortPierce for roughly 6 years. The late Nick Giovannettipassed the business down to his son, also named Nick.Lynne and her son both have extensive restaurant backgrounds.Lynne owned and operated an InternationalHouse of Pancakes restaurant for 10 years alongsideher husband as well as many other restaurants. Lynnewas also Assistant General Manager for Bob Evansrestaurant in Vero Beach for several years. Her son Nickalso worked in kitchens for several years before comingto the business. He worked in the restaurants CaféCaribe and John’s Island, both in Vero Beach. Withexperience in the kitchen, as well as, in the front-of-thehouseand management, Nick and Lynne use their pastexperience to help make good and helpful decisions that?benefit the customer.QUESTION: Is commercial equipment really better thanresidential?ANSWER: Most people will tell you that you get whatyou pay for. In most cases, that’s true; and this is one ofthem. Commercial equipment is not only made to last,but if you look in the right places the price isn’t muchmore. Some people will tell you that the pots and pansthey bought from the dollar store have been with themfor 20 years. That may be true but the difference is quality.For example, commercial stainless steel pots and panshave a thick plate on the bottom. On plain stainless steelpots the heat becomes centralized in one point and tendsto burn whatever is touching the metal. This is wherethick plate comes in. The plate heats much better thanthin stainless. The heat spreads more evenly and createsless of a drastic change in temperature. The plate dispersesthe heat giving you the heating results of an aluminumpot with the durability of a stainless steel pot.While many name brand stores are selling what they callGUARANTEED . . .Lowest Service Department Prices in Town!Warranty with every vehicle!• Computer Diagnostics • Brakes• Air Conditioning • Tuneups• Oil & Transmission ServiceYou need it — we can do it414 South U.S. 1Fort Pierce 465-2100

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 35“commercial” cooking supplies, nothing really beats truecommercial equipment?that you would find in a restaurant.QUESTION: What’s the best brand of knives?ANSWER: Once again, you get what you pay for. If youwere to come into our store looking for knives, you wouldfind many different brands and styles. We sell Larry Greban,Mundial, F. Dick, Forschner, Henkel, Wüsthof, andour new line of ceramic knives from Boker. Unfortunatelythe only true answer to this question is, ‘It depends onthe person.’ I personally like the Forschner Victorinoxseries with the Fibrox handles. They’re good quality knivesat a decent price. In the lower end of the scale are the Grebanand Mundial knives with Henkel and Wüsthof areconsidered high end knives. With something likeWusthof you are going to pay more for the name thananything else, you still get a great knife, but it’s still toopricey for most people. We also just got in Boker ceramicknives. While not being “new” to the market, ceramicknives are still rare to see in the kitchen or the home. Theknives are ceramic so on occasion they’ll chip if you’re✓❑✓❑✓❑Quality optical service since 19612305 Oleander Ave., Suite 1 • Ft. Pierce, 34982(Corner of Virginia and Oleander)465-0544Rain or Shine —Our Focusis Quality.Same or Next Day Serviceon Most PrescriptionsExaminations byDr. Shannon Clark Leitenbauer, O.D., F.A.A.O.Contact Lens Services& Surgical Consultations AvailableSt. Lucie Restaurant Supply in downtown Fort Piercerough with them, but the material is a blend of ceramicand zirconium. The only thing harder than the blade isdiamond; therefore ceramic knives are known to almostnever dull. I have seen ceramic knives used for 5+ yearsand it will sharper than a brand new knife on my shelf.Not to worry, if ceramic knife ever does dull they makediamond blocks and diamond steels to sharpen the blade.So in short, if you’re looking for the “best” knife, try a fewdifferent types and get a feel for the knife, but if you’relooking For a good,?cheap knife, then good luck.QUESTION: What does it take to open a restaurant?ANSWER: Sanity and lots of it. Nearly all people whoopen up a restaurant will tell you the same thing:“opening a restaurant is hard work”. You have permitsto be passed, hoods, equipment, seating, not to mentionany repairs to the actual building. I find that theone thing you need for opening any restaurant is a passion.You can’t run a good restaurant if you don’t likethe food, the atmosphere, or just the style of work.Anyone who has worked in a kitchen, myself included,will tell you that the restaurant business is stressful.Some people will even say it’s just too stressful for themoney. Opening a restaurant may be difficult butthat’s why we’re here. We don’t just sell the equipmentand send you on your way; we sit down with the customerand plan out every step. We make sure that thecustomer is happy with their buying decision whetherit is one piece or an entire restaurant. We’re not happyuntil the customer is happy.

38 MAIN STREET FOCUS July 2007+Roy’s Liquors!Boozgeois SaloonFine Wines • Full Beverage Catering720 South U.S. 1, Ft. Pierce461-3097+Governor’s GrillNow OpenMonday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to Close,Lunch & DinnerSaturday, 4:00 p.m. to CloseDinner OnlyCountry Western Night Wednesdays – Line Dancing Coming SoonLadies Night Thursday with D.J., Ladies drink FREE 10 – 12 p.m.Coyote Ugly Night Friday 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.Dine & Dance with “Matrix” Saturday 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Happy Hour 4-7 Monday – Friday122 North Second Street • Downtown Fort Pierce772.466.6944++GATOR TRACEGolf & Country Club“tee times 464-0407”BANQUETSOur Beautiful Clubhouseis Availablefor your Special FunctionCall us at464-74424302 Gator Trace Drive • Fort PierceConveniently Located 1/2 Mile East of U.S. 1 Off Weatherbee RoadLocated at the Northwest end of theHistoric Arcade Building in Downtown Fort Pierce• Breakfast • Sandwiches • Subs • Catering • DeliveryMonday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.465-4888 Fax 465-4969

July 2007 MAIN STREET FOCUS 39The OriginalIn the middle of everythingthat makes Fort Pierce Fun . . .“We overlook nothing . . .except the beautiful Indian River”Daily Drink SpecialsfeaturingCruzan Rum&Margaritaville TequilaLive EntertainmentFriday, Saturday & SundayServing Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week Fort Pierce Tribune’s People’s ChoiceAward for Best Happy HourTwo Avenue A • Fort Pierce City MarinaTel: 772.461.0880 • Fax: 772.461.3989 • www.originaltikibar.com