03/16/2023 ISSUE 06

Port St. Lucie residents will gain access to eight city-owned conservation areas totaling 198 acres under a new five-year $2 million strategic property management plan. The City Council reached a consensus during a planning workshop on Feb. 23 to support the land management plan, which calls for the installation of security fencing, removal of exotic vegetation, restoration of wetlands and uplands, and planning for trails, boardwalks, signs and buildings. The city acquired the eight properties with grants and land donations under the state Conservation Trust Fund Program. The Conservation Trust Fund Management Plan created in 2015 recommended a variety of land-management activities, but has not yet been carried out because of a lack of funding, said city Planning & Zoning Director Mary Savage Dunham. “Currently, these lands are underutilized and unmanaged,” Dunham told the City Council. “Since 2015, the sites have not yet been managed or activated. We propose a five-year strategic action plan for management and improvements to the properties.” However, Mayor Shannon Martin balked at fully funding the $2 million plan during the next five years. Instead, Martin and the council agreed to prioritize providing public access and cleaning out exotic vegetation at two conservaThe owners and operators of defunct Casino Fort Pierce, a card room based in the old Fort Pierce Jai Alai fronton, want to establish a new card room with alcoholic beverage service in the St. Lucie Square Shopping Center on U.S. 1. The proposed Card House Port St. Lucie would be located in a 14,588-square-foot storefront at 6666 U.S. 1, formerly occupied by a Planet Fitness gymnasium, St. Lucie County records show. Alcoholic beverage service would be available between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m., seven days a week. But first, county commissioners must hold a public hearing in April to vote on a conditional use VOLUME 8, ISSUE 6 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 A6 A8 B6 Waste-to-energy project County considers FPL proposal Judicial court vacancy Two from St. Lucie on short list The challenge of Mamet Actor excited for ‘Oleanna’ role ‘FAIR’ WELL MEREJO’S FIRST MONTH Banding together at IRSC for special concert. Page B4 City looks to provide access to public in conservation areas CONTINUED ON PAGE A6 PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN CONTINUED ON PAGE A3 PETS ARTS/PEOPLE GAMES SPORTS A1-A11, A16 A12-A15 B19 A17-A28 B18 B1-B15 B20-B22 B23 © 2023 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved. IN THIS ISSUE NEWS HEALTH ADVICE REAL ESTATE Western projects among challenges for city manager BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer [email protected] New Port St. Lucie City Manager Jesus Merejo can call upon his expertise in water and sewer utility development as he faces challenges arising from massive residential and industrial projects west of Interstate 95. Merejo, who started working for the city in 1989 in the Utilities Department and oversaw its expansion as Port St. Lucie grew to 120 square miles and a population of 225,000, ascended to the city manager post on Feb. 17 following the retirement of Russ Blackburn. Coincidentally, the new St. Lucie County administrator, George Landry, served as the county’s Public Utility and Solid Waste Department director prior to his promotion effective March 1. St. Lucie Voice spoke with CONTINUED ON PAGE A6 It’s going to cost St. Lucie County an extra $1.1 million for the Edwards Road Reconstruction Project after work was delayed for a year-and-a-half by construction on the Florida East Coast Railway crossing. County commissioners voted unanimously March 7 to approve a change order bringing the total project cost to $8.7 million and the construction timeline to two years and nine months. “In May 2021, we paid $163,000 to FECR to begin the work within their right-of-way, which was a critical path item,” said County Engineer Daniel Zrallack. “We’ve had an 18-month delay waiting for BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer [email protected] CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 Chips and sips: Card room wants to serve alcohol RAILROAD-RELATED DELAYS ADD $1.1M TO EDWARDS ROAD PROJECT BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer [email protected] The 58th annual St. Lucie County Fair ended March 5 after 10 days of Midway magic. Photo collage, Page B1. BY CHARLES CALOIA | Correspondent PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN

Merejo on March 10 to discuss his vision for Port St. Lucie’s future and some of the specifics for the major projects in the development process west of I-95. “So far, it’s been better than I expected,” the always upbeat Merejo said about his first three weeks in his $275,000 per year job. Merejo said he intends to meet with Landry to discuss the issues the city and county government will be facing, including the extension of water and sewer facilities to the western development sites. “We both come from a utilities background, so there are some commonalities between both of us,” Merejo said. One issue is how to provide water and sewer service to the proposed Oak Ridge Ranch project, which envisions up to 9,688 residences and a variety of businesses on 3,229 acres north of Glades Cut-off Road, west of Rangeline Road and south of the C-24 Canal. The mixed-use project, also known as Solaeris, has advanced through the county’s approval process despite opposition by dozens of rural residents, who fear suburban development will ruin their agricultural lifestyles. The Port St. Lucie city limits end and unincorporated St. Lucie County begins at Rangeline Road, for now. However, a new project could restart the annexation trend of the 2000s that added 9,100 acres to the city between I-95 and Rangeline Road. The city’s utilities services area is generally south of Midway Road, while St. Lucie County Utilities and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority provide water and sewer service north of Midway Road. But that hasn’t stopped St. Lucie County Utilities from entering an agreement with The Kolter Group LLC to provide water and sewer service to Oak Ridge Ranch/Solaeris. Kolter is also the developer of PGA Village/Verano in western Port St. Lucie. “I believe the county has committed themselves to providing water and sewer to that development,” Merejo said about Oak Ridge Ranch/Solaeris. “If there is the opportunity, the county would have to ask the city if we’re willing to serve that development.” “If they were to ask the city of Port St. Lucie, we would evaluate the potential for the city to provide service, as long as it does not affect our current commitments that we have with the developers,” Merejo said. “The city would take that into consideration. I would take that to City Council for us to be able to provide that service.” If the City Council were to approve Port St. Lucie’s annexation of Oak Ridge Ranch/ Solaeris into city limits, Merejo said the Utilities Department would provide water and sewer service “within 30 to 40 days of when lines are available.” In addition to Oak Ridge Ranch/Solaeris, the 2,500-acre Wilson Grove project east of Rangeline Road, north of the C-23 Canal and south and west of the Riverland project, is starting development on 7,700 residences and more than 1 million square feet of commercial space. On the industrial side, Merejo and other top city officials have been overseeing the marketing, sale and development of 1,200 acres in the city-owned land in Tradition Commerce Center west of I-95 and north of Becker Road. “We don’t want our residents to travel outside of the city for good jobs,” Merejo said. “I think the trend is that you have more residents traveling into the city to get [them].” One company setting up shop in the Legacy Park project in Tradition Commerce Center is food distributor Cheney Brothers Inc., which is building a $65 million facility that is expected to employ 275 workers. Legacy Park developer Sansone Group of St. Louis is also building Amazon Fulfillment Center after completing a $44 million FedEx shipping facility in 2021. A former citrus grove near the Tropicana Plant, 6500 Glades Cut-off Road, Fort Pierce, is also up for redevelopment for industrial purposes, Merejo said. Tropicana workers were laid off in July and the plant shut down in September 2022 after meager citrus yields, according to Louis Llovio of the Business Observer. In addition to overseeing citywide utilities expansion for more than 20 years, Merejo coordinated the city’s program to remove residential septic tanks and connect homes to the city sewer system. “That has been a very successful program that most cities in Florida don’t ever do,” Merejo said. Maintaining the quality of the city’s drinking water is a crucial mission, Merejo said. The city’s drinking water originates from the Floridan aquifer 1,200 feet underground. “We do testing on a yearly basis,” Merejo said. “That’s a requirement of the state and we’ll be glad to provide [residents] with any information on quality water.” Another priority is completing major projects started during Blackburn’s tenure, Merejo said. They include the $60 million Floresta Drive Improvement Project, which has a long history of delays and cost overruns, and the $7.5 million Police Department Training Facility. “We need to make sure that we complete a lot of the projects started by Russ Blackburn,” Merejo said. “One of the things I remember with [Blackburn] is that he always looked at challenges as opportunities.” To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 16, 2023 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 NEW CITY MANAGER Jesus Merejo.

4 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com AMERICAN RED CROSS First Aid/AED/CPR Courses Adult & Pediatric NATIONWIDE BAIL BONDS Traffic - Misdeamenor - Felony Warrant Clearance FFL - FIREARMS & AMMO Concealed Carry Permit Classes Shotgun / Rifle Classes Personal Firearms Technique Training INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES: Nationwide Comprehensive Backgrounds Private & Family Investigations Corporate & Attorney Services ALL FLORIDA SECURITY SERVICES “Serious About Your Safety & Security!!” THE “ALL FLORIDA” FAMILY State Licenses: B-1200299 D1-1800193, DS-1800091, K-1800070 SECURITY OFFICERS FOR HIRE SECURITY TRAINING CENTER Duty Gear Store Unarmed - D Courses Armed - G Courses & Requals Handcuff & Pepper Spray NOTARY PUBLIC ALL FLORIDA 6971 Hancock Dr. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 • 772-595-5335 • www.SecurityInFlorida.com Armed & Unarmed Officers Any Shift - Multiple Sites 24/7 Security Manager Business, Event, Site & HOA St. Lucie County commissioners want to pursue a partnership with Florida Power & Light and other local governments on the Treasure Coast to develop an $800 million trash incinerator that generates electricity. FPL submitted a conceptual proposal to St. Lucie County in December to develop, build, finance, operate and maintain a waste-to-energy facility next to the county landfill, also known as the Solid Waste Baling and Recycling Facility. FPL would receive a tipping fee for each ton of waste accepted and processed by the facility proposed at 6120 Glades Cut-off Road, overlooking Interstate 95, county records show. The 331-acre county landfill has enough space to last 20-to-25 years, said County Administrator George Landry. Growth in recent years reduced the life expectancy from 40 years. County commissioners have four-tosix months to decide whether to spend $1 billion and 25 years developing a new landfill in western St. Lucie County, negotiate long-term contracts to truck the county’s waste to landfills in Okeechobee County or Osceola County, or partner with FPL and other governments on the waste-to-energy facility, Landry said. The commissioners reached a consensus during their informal meeting on March 7 to pursue the waste-to-energy project with FPL and nearby county and city governments, including Port St. Lucie. Commission Chairwoman Cathy Townsend said her behind the scenes conversations with officials from FPL and other counties convinced her there would be support for a partnership to develop the proposed waste-to-energy facility. “I think it’s time to have that conversation with Okeechobee, Indian River and Martin counties to see if they’re all on board to do this with us,” Townsend said. “This is something I’ve wanted to see for a long time. “I’ve had conversations with Indian River County and those commissioners are on board to partner if we do waste-to-energy,” Townsend said. Indian River County has its own landfill, while Martin County ships its South County trash to Palm Beach County’s waste-to-energy plant and its North County trash to the Okeechobee County Landfill. Townsend came out against the idea of identifying, purchasing, permitting and constructing a new landfill on 500-to1,000 acres in western St. Lucie County. “I’m not wanting to go out there and spend money and take property off the tax roll and have another landfill in west county and have people have to look at another landfill,” Townsend said. “I want an option that eventually we can maybe take away part of our landfill and use some of that to make it better than it is because it’s an eyesore,” Townsend said. Townsend said shipping the county’s trash to another county seemed like a short-term solution. “Obviously, the outof-county disposal is the least expensive, but we need to think of the future,” Townsend said. Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky said St. Lucie County could use Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority’s waste-to-energy plant in West Palm Beach as a model. Commissioner Jamie Fowler said she also supports pursuing the waste-to-energy project. “While we definitely need to look at all the different partners to make this more affordable, it’s definitely something we should definitely be looking at,” Fowler said. BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer [email protected] County considering FPL’s $800 million waste-to-energy project A Port St. Lucie homebuilder wants to build a 14,000-square-foot warehouse and office on a wooded lot on Northwest Reserve Park Trace, south of Commerce Centre Parkway, in The Reserve. A Great Home LLC plans to build the Reserve Park Warehouse on a 1.34-acre lot between the Packard Roof Waterproofing building and the CubeSmart Self-Storage facility, county records show. The City Council voted unanimously March 13 to approve the site plan for the warehouse and office building. The developer proposed making a payment into the city’s Conservation Trust Fund instead of preserving .33 acres of native uplands on the site No wetlands or gopher tortoises or any other state or federal protected species were found on the property. No significant traffic impacts are anticipated on the surrounding roadways as a result of the project, which will add 31 morning rush hour trips. A Great Home LLC purchased the lot for $220,000 on April 1, 2022, from Wiretec Solutions LLC, St. Lucie County property records show. The land has a market value of $111,430. City Council approves small warehouse in St. Lucie West – GEORGE ANDREASSI

tion areas as part of the development of larger parks as part of the 2023-2024 budget. First up are a 10.5-acre parcel on the southwest corner of North Torino Parkway and East Torino Parkway as part of the Torino Regional Park project and a 12.87-acre parcel on Westmoreland Boulevard as part of the Pioneer Park and Riverwalk Boardwalk projects. The use of the Torino preserve is limited to passive recreation, such as hiking, and bird and wildlife observation. Plans for the conservation tract south of Pioneer Park call for the connection of the existing trail system to a boardwalk and St. Lucie River observation deck, city records show. Another part of the plan calls for the formation of connections between two neighboring conservation areas totaling 35.11 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 95 and Crosstown Parkway. A 18.98-acre conservation parcel, which is being leased to a paintball park through 2025, will be linked to a 16.13- acre conservation parcel to its southwest, city records show. Potential amenities include parking, an educational pavilion, nature trails, a wetland boardwalk and an observation deck. There is evidence of dumping, littering and unauthorized vehicle access on both parcels. The city is also considering linking a 94.5- acre conservation area west of I-95 and north of Commerce Centre Drive to a 22.87-acre conservation area south and west of Commerce Centre Drive. The two conservation areas could be connected by a crosswalk on Commerce Centre Drive. The city could also try to obtain six wooded lots on Commerce Centre Drive, as well as a cleared 2-acre parcel owned by the Reserve Homeowners Association. The HOA parcel could be used for a parking lot. The city also owns a 19.75-acre conservation tract at 2280 SE Mariposa Avenue, between the Holy Family Catholic Church and a city-owned property on Lennard Road, north of Sam’s Club. Potential improvements include nature 6 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 CONSERVATION LANDS Practice areas Main Headquarters: 2940 S. 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 The Estate, Trust & Elder Law Firm,PL_SPEC 4_PR561 COMPLIMENTARY 1 Hour Nursing Home Consult* *Provided that our firm is a good fit for your goals Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? Are you a family caregiver? Do you have a loved one paying out of pocket for in-home, assisted living, or skilled nursing home expenses? Does your spouses income go to the nursing home? “ETELF got my husband’s nursing home bill paid!” Kathy Graham, Wife of actual client Prospective clients may not obtain same or similar results Don’t wait until your family is out of money and options! Your family has questions and we have over 60 years of experience combined. Visit www.ETELF.com WesLey r. Harvin ii, j.d., LL.m. micHaeL d. FoWLer, j.d., LL.m., b.c.s Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Of-Counsel • Long-Term Care Medicaid • Estate and Trust Planning • Senior Exploitation • Probate & Trust Administration RSVP to An Upcoming Seminar (772) 828-2588 Additional Offices In Port St. Lucie And Stuart permit to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption in a card room. The permit request was scheduled to face review by the county Planning & Zoning Commission during a public hearing on Thursday, March 16. The card room would have 20 seven-person gaming tables and operate from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, county records show. Instead of having a traditional bar, the card room would have servers taking orders and serving the alcoholic beverages. The proposed conditional use is not anticipated to have adverse impacts on nearby businesses in the St. Lucie Square Plaza, said Tahir Curry, a county planner, in a March 6 report. The plaza was built in 1986 in an unincorporated section of St. Lucie County, just outside the Port St. Lucie city limits. The plaza has businesses with similar uses such as the Jackpot Fever, Gold Rush and Freedom 7s arcades, Curry’s report said. Two restaurants in the plaza, the St. Lucie Draft House and Zapata’s Restaurant, are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Casino Fort Pierce closed in June 2022 and the fronton building at 1750 Kings Highway was demolished in August. CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 CARD ROOM PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 16, 2023 7 trails to a wetland boardwalk and observation deck. The city’s smallest conservation area is a 2.17-acre lot east of Peacock Boulevard in St. Lucie West, city records show. Nature trails to a wetland boardwalk and observation deck, or fishing piers are among the potential improvements. “What we’d like to see is that we open these areas up for the public to view the wildlife and the habitat there, which could be by virtue of boardwalk or walking trails,” said Stephen Mayer, a county planner. “We’d also like to secure the areas,” Mayer said. “It’s very important that all of these areas be secured by fencing. “We’d like to have signs be put in those areas so people realize those are conservation areas and they are not to disturb the areas and litter or dump,” Mayer told the City’s Council. “There could be areas for restrooms and parking in the trail head. “But first, before we are able to improve those sites, we would like to use Conservation Trust fund money to restore and maintain those sites, including the eradication of nuisance and invasive non-native vegetation,” Mayer said. “Very important for almost all the sites is to do that first. Restoration of wetland and upland habitat with supplemental planting.”

FECR to complete their work so we could begin the project.” As a result, St. Lucie County gave Range Construction a 471-day extension to complete the Edwards Road Reconstruction Project, Zrallack said. “Of course, that 18-month delay resulted in a lot of cost escalations,” Zrallack told the commissioners. “Ranger Construction came to us and was demanding a cost increase because the FECR delay was not their fault. “FDOT has a formula they use that you can calculate the allowable cost increases,” Zrallack said. “The validation process did in fact show what they were asking for was fair.” “Of course, the county has a very long history with Ranger Construction,” Zrallack said. “They have always been good partners of ours.” Construction started in October and is expected to be completed in summer 2025, county records show. The project includes a new drainage system with curb inlets, manholes, piping and reinforced outfalls. The reconstruction project is needed because of pavement failures in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, which dumped nearly 2 feet of rain on Fort Pierce. County commissioners awarded a $6.7 million contract to Ranger Construction in September 2020 to rebuild the half-milelong section of Edwards Road between U.S. 1 and Oleander Avenue. The project budget amounted to $7.4 million with approximately $700,000 going for construction engineering, inspection and geotech services, county records show. Initially, the project was delayed for 106 days for additional permitting. ConstrucTwo St. Lucie County residents are on the short list of candidates to replace retired Judge Dan Vaughn on the 19th Judicial Circuit bench. Lillian Ewen, who serves as a 19th Circuit General Magistrate, and Anastasia Norman, a major crimes prosecutor for State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl’s office in Fort Pierce, were moved forward by the 19th Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee along with Martin County lawyer Brennan Keeler, who represents a Palm Beach County police union, and Vero Beach attorneys Jeff Battista and Bill Long. Nine people applied and were interviewed in Stuart last week by a nine-person panel chaired by Adam Schwartz, a Martin County attorney. Ewen, a John Carroll Catholic High School graduate, earned high marks at Wake Forest University. She graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2008 with a 3.0 grade point average, then returned to UF to earn a master’s in business management with a 3.59 grade point average. While a student, Ewen worked as a Deputy Clerk with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court, and as an intern with the Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver firm in Vero Beach. In addition to being a longtime Realtor, Ewen served for 12 years as a staff attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit Appellate Division. Assistant State Attorney Norman, 40, serves as a major crimes prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Fort Pierce office. Norman graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at Stetson University School of Law. She’s tried more than 150 cases since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007. Norman submitted an impressive set of recommendation letters from both the Martin and St. Lucie County sheriff’s offices, as well as from retired Assistant State Attorney Lev Evans. Keeler, 41, a Hobe Sound resident and 33-year Floridian, works as general counsel for the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2010, he earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University, and graduated in the top third of his class from the Florida State University College of Law. Keeler’s 13 years of experience includes three years as an assistant state attorney, three years as a staff attorney with the City of Port St. Lucie, six months as a Guardian ad Litem program attorney and three months as assistant county attorney for the Martin County government. Battista, 52, has practiced law for 23 years as an assistant state attorney, a private criminal defense attorney and a family law attorney, handling divorces and custody disputes. Battista also serves as a hearing officer for traffic court when local citizens fight a citation. He joined the Grall Law Group after his former law partner Nicole Menz was appointed a county judge. This is Battista’s sixth time in the running for a local judicial seat. Long, 40, serves as attorney in charge of Tom Bakkedahl’s Vero office, overseeing all Indian River County criminal cases and prosecuting hundreds of cases in his own felony caseload. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009, Long served as a teaching assistant while attending Stetson University College of Law, but has no civil, family or criminal defense trial experience. The five chosen by the panel were forwarded to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. Vaughn, a St. Lucie County resident who retired in January after serving 32 years as a county or circuit judge, has been watching the selection process for his replacement closely from home. Though he wouldn’t reveal his top pick on the record, Vaughn did offer some wisdom about what type of man or woman has the potential to be a good judge. “Some needed qualities are a serious work ethic – it’s not a part-time job. Treat clerks, bailiffs and others with the utmost respect and appreciation. Try to thank them every day. They are not a judge’s servants, although judges treat them that way,” Vaughn said. “A lot of patience. Never lose your cool or temper in front of people, especially in court. Go back to your office and blow steam if it’s needed. Treat parties with patience and give them your undivided attention. They expect and deserve that.” Vaughn continued, “Take your job very seriously as every decision, even the small seemingly insignificant ones, will affect someone’s life. But, on the other hand, don’t take yourself that seriously. Always try to explain your reasons why you made a decision the way you did. Thoroughly explain. The losing side will not like it or agree, but at least if you do a good job explaining, they will understand why you decided the way you did, and will appreciate you explaining it to them and respect you for it.” He said a good judge should be open-minded when approaching a case. “But not so open minded your brains fall out,” he added. “Be firm, so people respect you (and fear you a bit), but also fair. Be available at all times to help clerks and parties in case something needs to be fixed quickly, and to sign arrest and search warrants for law enforcement.” 8 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com MORE NEWS ON PAGE 16 TWO COUNTY RESIDENTS ON SHORT LIST FOR JUDICIAL VACANCY CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 EDWARDS ROAD PROJECT BY LISA ZAHNER | Staff Writer tion on the FECR railroad crossing that cuts diagonally across Edwards Road just west of U.S. 1 added another 471 days to the project deadline. The change order commissioners approved March 7 added 27 more days to the construction schedule to account for holidays and bad weather, county records show. “The project, if we currently bidded it, would likely result in pricing in line with the change order request,” Zrallick said.

COVID CASES DIP HERE To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 16, 2023 9 Environmental concerns prompted St. Lucie County officials to postpone closing on $9.3 million worth of property exchanges at the Port of Fort Pierce until mid-July. The delays further pushed back the development of long-awaited recreational, environmental and commercial projects on 20 acres of county-owned land at Harbour Pointe, including boat ramps and restaurants. St. Lucie County commissioners discussed the conceptual plans for the Harbour Pointe property on March 7 in anticipation of a March 28 meeting with the Fort Pierce City Commission, which shares an interest in the Port of Fort Pierce. The environmental issues found on the Harbor Pointe property, which the county purchased for $3.2 million in January 1997, are similar to those found on the 12-acre Indian River Terminal property the county purchased for $25 million in January 2018, Riley said. “We had a due diligence period that expired on Feb. 13,” said JoAnne Riley, the county’s property acquisition manager. “We have entered into a first addendum with the Bell sisters extending that due diligence period until June 13. “The due diligence period will end June 13 and we are to close 30 days after that,” Riley said. “We don’t foresee any problems in that occurring.” “The reason that was necessary is because, as we would have expected, we had a few environmental issues down in that port area – which we also incurred when we bought the port property – that we need to investigate to make sure we know what we’re getting and what we need to do with it going forward,” Riley told the commissioners. “So, fingers crossed that we get the balance of our due diligence in and we can wrap this up and put a big giant bow on it,” Riley said. Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky said he expects the county to clean up any toxic materials found in Harbour Pointe. “Regardless of what happens, the county is prepared and able to deal with any type of material that was there,” Dzadovsky said. “Whatever may be found, whatever may be there, we will likely take care of.” Dzadovsky suggested starting work on the removal of the old Avenue M roadway and construction of a new access road to Harbour Pointe. But county Air and Sea Port Director Stan Payne responded, “I am hesitant about spending FDOT funds for a project on property that we don’t own.” Among the facilities planned along the Harbour Pointe waterfront are four boat ramps with parking for 80 boat trailers, commercial fishing docks with a processing facility and market, a base for the county’s artificial reef program and a work area for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other components in the recently updated illustrative master plan include a vessel service dock on Taylor Creek, restaurants overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, an observation tower, a beach walk, a promenade, a linear park, picnic pavilions and a kayak launch. Three or four stormwater lakes will be needed to keep the runoff from flowing into the lagoon, Payne said. “I think it’s wonderful and I’m excited to get this going,” said County Commission Chairwoman Cathy Townsend. Harbour Pointe land swap closings delayed until mid-July BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer [email protected] The number of new COVID-19 cases inched down by five cases in St. Lucie County in late February compared to mid-February, according to the most recent report by the Florida Department of Health. A total of 140 county residents tested positive for the virus during the week ending March 2, compared to 145 cases during the week ending Feb. 16, a state Health Department report shows. That represented a 3 percent decline in new cases. The positivity rate of county residents tested for COVID-19 decreased to 9.5 percent during the week ending March 2, state Health Department records show. That represented a decline of roughly 3 percent compared to the week ending Feb. 16 when the positivity rate was 9.8 percent. Overall, as of March 2, a total of 95,859 county residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since March 2020, or nearly 28 percent of the county population of 342,398, state Health Department records show. The overall positivity rate was 31.7 percent as of the week ending March 2. A total of 22 county residents were vaccinated against COVID-19 during the week ending March 2, state Health Department records show. That was a 1 percent increase from the week ending Feb. 16 when 20 residents were vaccinated. – GEORGE ANDREASSI

10 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com When the family of show business legend Bruce Willis announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), people scurried to the Internet to learn more about this fatal disease. According to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD), it is the most common form of dementia for people under age 60. Dr. Samina Kazmi, a board-certified neurologist who practices in Cleveland Clinic’s Tradition Hospital complex and is not involved in Willis’ medical care, says the average age of onset is 45-to65, although the disease can present at a younger age. “Between 10 percent and 20 percent of cases are genetically transferred,” says Dr. Kazmi. If one parent has this type of FTD, there is a 50-percent chance it will be inherited by their child. Men and women develop FTD in similar percentages. “Because it starts in the front of the brain – where behavior and language functions are controlled – some early symptoms include blunting of emotions, inappropriate behavior and trouble expressing yourself. The person affected may experience increasing difficulty in planning or organizing activities.” The progression of symptoms varies by individual according to AFTD, but there is an inevitable decline in functioning. “The length of progression varies from two to over 20 years,” Dr Kazmi says. Over time, FTD predisposes an individual to physical complications such as pneumonia, infection or injury from a fall. Average life expectancy is 7-to-13 years after the start of symptoms. The most common cause of death is pneumonia. “Memory isn’t affected as first,” Dr. Kazmi says., “But no matter what part of the brain your neurological problem appears in initially, as it progresses, the entire brain will be involved.” And although presently there is no cure, she adds, “anti-depressants and medications that can treat certain behavioral symptoms and improve quality of life are available.” According to the National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Aging, there are several ways a doctor can diagnose frontotemporal dementia: Perform an exam and ask about symptoms. Look at personal and family medical history. Use laboratory tests to help rule out other conditions. Order genetic testing. Conduct tests to assess memory, thinking, language skills, and physical functioning. Order imaging of the brain. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine if depression or another mental health problem is causing or contributing to the condition. However, only genetic tests in familial cases or a brain autopsy after a person dies can confirm with certainty a diagnosis of FTD. Researchers are studying ways to diagnose FTD earlier and more accurately and to distinguish it from other types of dementia. One area of research involves biomarkers, such as proteins or other substances in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid which can be used to measure disease progression or the effects of treatment. Researchers are also exploring ways to improve brain imaging and neuropsychological testing. Anyone concerned about their risk for FTD has the option of meeting with a genetic counselor, either individually or accompanied by a family member or friend. In some cases, the genetic counselor may recommend genetic testing to help clarify risk, but genetic testing is never a required part of genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can evaluate the likelihood that a specific case has a genetic cause and help an individual think through the benefits and risks of genetic testing, ways to talk to family members about genetic testing, privacy concerns, and more. Last spring, Willis was diagnosed with Aphasia, a disorder that affects how you communicate, hampering speech, writing, and understanding of both spoken and written language. But Aphasia is really just a term given to a set of symptoms. It wasn’t until last month that the more specific underlying diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia was announced. After Willis’ condition was made public by his family, his wife, ex-wife and five daughters issued a statement which says, in part, “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues, both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.” Dr. Samina Kazmi, a board-certified neurologist, is on the staff of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. She earned her medical degree at Sindh Medical College, completed the residency program in the Department of Neurology at University of Mississippi Medical Center, and completed the fellowship program in Clinical Neurophysiology at West Virginia University. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, of the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and of the American Board of Vascular Neurology. She received her Florida medical license in 2010. She is accepting new patients at Tradition HealthPark One, 10050 SW Innovation Way, Port St. Lucie. Call 772-344-3811 or visit martinhealth. org/neurology for an appointment. Frontotemporal most common dementia for those under 60 BY JACKIE HOLFELDER | Correspondent Dr. Samina Kazmi. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS

THE HEALTHY SENIOR BY FRED CICETTI To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH March 16, 2023 11 John Daly Senior Care Authority Treasure Coast [email protected] C: 754-220-0298 Bonnie Beinhom Senior Care Authority Broward [email protected] C: 954-678-2770 Are you faced with challenging care decisions and difficult transitions? We can help. We will explain your senior living options and what they cost, answer questions about stay-at-home care planning, guide you to resources in the community, and help you navigate a complex healthcare system. Contact us for a no cost consultation. You don’t need to do this alone. Q. My doctor said I have good carotids. What did she mean? A. Your doctor checked your carotid arteries on the sides of your neck to see if the blood flow was blocked. Apparently, she felt your carotids are in good shape. Carotid arteries run from the aorta – the main trunk of the arterial system – up to your brain. When these vessels become blocked, you have carotid artery disease, which can cause a stroke. The chances of developing this disease increase with age. About one percent of people in their fifties have significantly blocked carotid arteries, but ten percent of people in their eighties have carotid artery disease. As you age, a sticky substance called plaque, which contains cholesterol, can accumulate on the inside walls of your arteries. The process is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The amount of blockage in a carotid artery determines the risk of having a stroke. If the blockage becomes severe enough, you may need surgery to open the blood flow to your brain. Q. What increases my chances of breaking a bone? A. For several reasons, seniors are in danger of breaking a bone. As we age, the power of our senses, reflexes and coordination diminishes. Maladies and the medicines we take for them can contribute to balance problems, which can lead to falls. Then there’s osteoporosis – a disease that makes bones more likely to snap. You may be in danger of having weak bones and should check with a doctor if you: smoke, are in poor health, are over 65, fractured a bone after age 50, have a close relative with osteoporosis, are underweight, started menopause before age 45, never got enough calcium, have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week, are inactive. The following are medical conditions that can weaken your bones: hyperthyroidism, chronic lung disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The following also put your bones at risk: oral glucocorticoids (steroids), radiation, chemotherapy, thyroid medicine, antiepileptic drugs, gonadal hormone suppression, and immunosuppressive agents. Because of the way bones are made, they also get stronger with regular but not excessive exercise. If a person is active, bones will become stronger and denser. Answers to 2 common health questions

12 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com “Caring for women of all ages and stages of their lives for over 50 years” • 10771 SW Trade St., Port St. Lucie • 501 NW Lake Whitney Pl #106, Port St. Lucie • 3498 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach Add our new phone number to your contact list Schedule Your Exam and Mammogram Today! 772-261-9636 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! • WWW.WHSFL.COM “Heart failure remains the leading cause of hospitalization and deaths, affecting about 45 million people worldwide, including 5-to-6 million in the United States,” said Dr. Raghavendra Makam, a cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. That’s more than all the victims of all cancers put together, and the disease affects all genders, ethnicities and economic strata, sparing no one. “The prevalence of heart failure has been on the rise with associated increase in hospitalizations, morbidity and mortality,” according to the National Institutes of Health. “These hospitalizations have led to increasingly more cost on and decreased quality of life for patients.” Fortunately, Dr. Makam has at his disposal CardioMEMS, which NIH calls “one of the newer devices designed to help tackle this condition by allowing for better monitoring of heart failure patients.” The device senses pressure increases in the pulmonary artery and alerts doctors when intervention is needed to prevent a crisis. “Once you get heart failure, it’s all about how to optimize it. If you don’t do anything about it or treat it symptomatically you may get better, but if the underlying cause is not addressed it can lead to worsening of the cardiomyopathy, making further treatment very difficult,” Dr. Makam said. “The survival rate for patients with heart failure is worse than those of patients with cancer, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With appropriate care it can be stabilized. “This is a reasonably resistant condition,” Dr. Makam continued. “We can only manage the condition and not cure it. Each patient must be seen in a personalized manner even if they have the same type of heart failure because everyone has a different recovery.” Heart failure patients typically exhibit classic symptoms like shortness of breath, especially on exertion, weight gain and swelling of the feet. Often symptoms are attributed to age and the patient will simply limit their activities, without seeking diagnosis or treatment for a heart condition. Patients at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital are treated with multi-disciplinary resources that can diagnose patients early to ensure timely interventions. The first step in diagnosis is telling your primary care physician about any changes in your physical ability or condition, including the onset of symptoms mentioned above. If your doctor sees signs of cardiomyopathy, he will refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation. After evaluation the cardiologist will determine if the condition can be managed or if it requires more intensive investigation to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Heart failure is not like a heart attack, which has a more acute presentation. There is lead time to catch it early on, and since not all heart failures are the same, seeing a cardiologist early is important. Diagnosing the type of heart failure the patient is experiencing is the first step to formulating a treatment plan. According to the American Heart Association, there are two types of left-side heart failure and drug treatments are different for each of them. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, also called systolic failure, occurs when the left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally. The pumping action of the heart is weak and can’t pump with enough force to push enough blood into circulation. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, also called diastolic failure, occurs when the left ventricle loses its elasticity and becomes stiff. The heart can’t properly fill with blood during the resting period between each beat. Right-side or right ventricular heart failure usually occurs as a result of left-sided failure. When the left ventricle fails, the fluid pressure transfers back through the lungs, damaging the heart’s right side. As blood flow from the heart slows, the blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing congestion in the body’s tissues that results in swelling. “The way we manage each case is different,” Dr. Makam said. “About half of the cases with reduced ejection in the pumping function is caused by ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease. Significant blockage of the blood lining the heart causes the heart muscle to become weak. We may do an angiogram or place a stint to open up the blood vessel, or perform bypass surgery if the heart blockage is causing the heart failure. CardioMEMS device detects heart failure early, saving lives BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent Dr. Raghavendra Makam. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH March 16, 2023 13 “The other half is caused by cardiomyopathy because of inflammation in the system. Once we have a diagnosis, we can initiate a treatment plan. We have to counter the weak heart in four or five different pathways, and constantly monitor and regulate the doses of medication. If intervention isn’t done in the first six months or so, the patient might survive but the heart muscle is now hard and the healing is difficult from here.” Scientists trying find a way to predict heart failure before symptoms appear discovered that pressures inside the heart begin building up about two weeks before symptoms appeared on the outside. Initially they monitored heart pressure by inserting a catheter in the heart, but since a patient can’t walk around with a catheter in their heart, doctors and scientists developed a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device which is implanted in the heart to monitor the pressure. The CardioMEMS device, which was approved by the FDA in 2014 and has been improved since then, “is proven through clinical trial data to reduce heart failure hospitalizations and mortality, as well as improve quality of life for patients,” according to Abbott, which manufactures the device. Last year the FDA approved “an expanded indication for the CardioMEMS system to support the care of more people living with CONTINUED ON PAGE A14

14 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com heart failure. With the expanded indication, an additional 1.2 million U.S. patients are now eligible to benefit from advanced monitoring, which marks a significant increase over the current addressable population. The sensor provides an early warning system enabling doctors to protect against worsening heart failure.” “The small remote monitoring device is implanted within the pulmonary artery that comes from the right side of the heart and goes to the left,” Dr. Makam explained. “It is a small pressure sensor with no batteries attached to it so it does not require replacement, and once you have it, you have it for life. It senses the pressure in the heart even before the patient starts having symptoms. Pressure readings are automatically transmitted to the doctor’s office. When the doctor gets an elevated reading, it becomes a trigger that something needs to be done. “Normally the device is implanted when the patient is in ideal health so that the sensor has a normal benchmark pressure reading. Anytime the pressure reading goes beyond the benchmark limit, it indicates the pressure inside the heart is building up and if something isn’t done now, then in 7-to-10 days the patient will start having symptoms. This is purely a monitoring device and it does not assist in the pumping blood. By intervening early, we can often avoid hospitalization. CONTINUED FROM PAGE A13 CARDIOMEMS DEVICE

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH March 16, 2023 15 Studies have shown that it does prevent worsening of heart failure, decreases the mortality rate and improves the quality of life.” If none of the interventional procedures have helped and the patient enters advanced heart failure, there are three options left: The first is to evaluate the patient for a left ventricular assist device, which is a pump that takes over the pumping function of the heart. It is implanted into your heart with open heart surgery. A charging cable comes out of the abdomen wall and needs to be connected to batteries to recharge every day. It can add up to a decade of quality life. Second, if a patient meets all of the qualifications, a successful heart transplant done with open heart surgery could potentially add up to 15 years of life. Finally, a patient who is unable to tolerate major heart failure surgeries will most likely choose palliative care. Dr. Makam said he is proud to be part of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital’s progressive heart failure and cardiomyopathy program that has been awarded a gold-plus certification by the American Heart Association. He was awarded fellowships in cardiac critical care from John Hopkins Hospital; in cardiology from University of Massachusetts Medical Center; and in advanced heart transplants from Jackson Memorial Hospital/ University of Miami. He can be reached at his office located at the Welsh Heart Center, 3450 11th Court, Suite 102, in Vero Beach or by phone at 772-778-8687.

Revised numbers dampen St. Lucie’s 2022 employment achievement, but only slightly 16 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com St. Lucie County started 2023 with a rise in unemployment and, it turns out, last year’s employment picture was a less rosy than the state previously reported. But, it was still a record-breaking employment year for St. Lucie. The county’s January not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1 percent, up from 2.7 percent in December. Seasonal adjustment is a statistical tool to even out normal fluctuations in monthly employment numbers. Seasonally adjusted numbers are regularly reported for the state and national level, but not on the local levels such as counties. Previously, the state had St. Lucie’s December 2022 unemployment rate at 2.6 percent. However, every March the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and state economic opportunity department release revised employment information for the previous year. In a process called “benchmarking,” the bureau and department add additional information not available month-to-month when they released preliminary employment numbers through the year. The revised numbers for 2022 had all but one month with higher unemployment rates in St. Lucie than previously reported. Since 2000 the county’s record employment years had previously been 2006 and 2019. Both those years the county’s unemployment dipped to 3.3 percent not seasonally adjusted at least once. In 2022 the unemployment in St. Lucie was below that previous record-setting rate for six months – April, May, September, October, November and December. Averaging all 12 months, St. Lucie’s 2022 annual unemployment rate was 3.4 percent. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity released its first state jobs report for 2023, and revised numbers for 2022, on March 13. The February jobs report will be released on March 24. Unemployment rates are calculated using a variety of methods. Among them are random telephone interviews with people in working ages. In general, those that are able to work and report not having jobs, but looked for employment in the previous 30 days, are counted as unemployed. Discouraged workers – those who are able to work and want jobs, but have not sought employment in the previous 30 days – are not counted in the unemployment figure. BY PATRICK McCALLISTER Correspondent

Call the leading sales specialists at Lang Realty. (772) 467-1299 800-682-5551 | LangRealty.com The Real Estate Leader Serving The Treasure Coast TREASURE COAST FEATURED PROPERTIES Real Estate. Redefined NOW SEEKING TOP PRODUCING AGENTS To join our team Call John Falkenhagen: 772.467.1299 Exceptional Sabal Creek home will amaze you at every turn 7928 Saddlebrook Drive in Sabal Creek in PGA Village: 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 4,623-square-foot pool home offered for $1,695,000 by AnnMarie Napolitano, 954-675-2804 of Keller Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie

18 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com Sometimes I have to take a deep breath before I start working on a House of the Week. Sometimes the house is a bit overwhelming and you want to do it justice, getting in as many details as you can. The house at 7928 Saddlebrook Drive, in the Sabal Creek section of PGA Village, is such a house. The award-winning home, known as the House of the Seven Gables, is a two-story estate home with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, a 4.5- car garage and so many custom and fine details that it’s hard to fit them all on the page. The house opens to a foyer and the living room, an amazing 30 feet by 28 feet, that opens onto the lanai and has a custom bar. Guests will wander in and out, enjoying the pool or just sitting poolside, and then coming back in to relax. The formal dining room, a spacious 17-b-13, with its gorgeous Venetian plaster leaves on the walls and ceilings, is where you’ll celebrate your family’s important events, but you’ll probably eat informally at the large breakfast bar in the gourmet kitchen, an astonishing 40-by-23, or at the dining nook. The kitchen has new appliances and lighting, a butler’s pantry, flooring with inserts, and a corner seat under the window for storage. Entertaining is a breeze with the living room, again a wonExceptional Sabal Creek home will amaze you at every turn BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Columnist [email protected] • Help reduce your monthly utility costs with Hunter Douglas shades specifically designed to provide year-round insulation • Contribute to a more sustainable environment by lowering your energy use Contact Us to Learn More Save when temps heat up SAVE up to $1,200 with a New Federal Tax Credit on Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Shades* Save when temps dip 1489 NW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 772-678-1040 www.DowDecorating.com Dow Decorating 20% Off all Blinds, Shades & Shutters * For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, see the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and FAQs at www.hunterdouglas.com/tax-credit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of the qualifying Duette®Honeycomb Shades. © 2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm or by appt. Offer Expires 3/30/23

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE March 16, 2023 19 derfully-sized 30-by-28, featuring a custom bar, and the family room (30-by-19) with a custom mural and built-ins. The master suite begins with the bedroom, which, at 27-by-21, is the master bedroom we’d all love to have. There is an adjacent office with a pass-through to the master bedroom. The stunning master bath has dual vanities, each with extensive counter space, a sports shower and separate tub. Bedroom 2 has an ensuite bath and Bedrooms 3 and 4 share a large cabana bath. There’s also a den, if you just want to read or relax. Upstairs, bedroom 5, which is 36-by-25, is also a game room, and has a full bath, large walk-in closet, built-ins and luxury vinyl flooring. Outside, the attention to detail continues. There is a screen-enclosed, heated pool/spa, travertine marble decking and an extended outside lanai. The party comes outside with a summer kitchen with luxury Alfresco grill and burner, small refrigerator, and counter space. This is a dream spot for entertaining CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

20 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com TOP SALES OF THE WEEK An impressive fortnight of real estate sales in the Tradition and St. Lucie West market saw 49 transactions of single-family residences and lots reported (some shown below). The top recent sale was of the residence at 20103 SW Matera Way. Listed in January for $799,900, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home sold for $795,000 on March 9. Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Sheryl Glants Pina of Keller Williams Realty. Representing the buyer was agent Jeanne Trujillo, also of Keller Williams Realty. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS PORT SAINT LUCIE 20103 SW MATERA WAY 1/13/2023 $799,900 3/9/2023 $795,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 10840 SW SUNRAY STREET 12/27/2022 $824,999 2/28/2023 $775,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 9871 SW CORAL TREE CIRCLE 1/3/2023 $750,000 2/28/2023 $725,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 11619 SW AVENTINO DRIVE 12/12/2022 $745,000 2/28/2023 $720,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 8924 ONE PUTT PLACE 1/26/2023 $749,900 3/8/2023 $711,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 9624 CROOKED STICK LANE 9/17/2022 $875,000 2/27/2023 $650,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 9488 SW PEPOLI WAY 1/3/2023 $627,175 3/3/2023 $627,175 PORT SAINT LUCIE 1218 SW PARADISE COVE 1/25/2023 $549,000 2/28/2023 $549,100 PORT SAINT LUCIE 11430 SW HALTON STREET 1/20/2023 $549,000 3/10/2023 $549,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 5790 NW CHESBORO TERRACE 12/19/2022 $530,000 3/8/2023 $515,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 10638 SW VASARI WAY 11/26/2022 $579,900 2/27/2023 $509,900 PORT SAINT LUCIE 11604 SW HAWKINS TERRACE 1/20/2023 $499,900 3/1/2023 $500,000 PORT SAINT LUCIE 11925 SW CORAL COVE PARKWAY 3/9/2023 $488,900 3/9/2023 $488,900 ORIGINAL SELLING TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD PRICE TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES Stats were pulled 3/11/23 9:50 AM

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE March 16, 2023 21 Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES 1/26/2023 $749,900 3/8/2023 $711,000 Donald Baetzold Keller Williams Realty Matthew Celidonio Baron Real Estate 8924 One Putt Place, Port Saint Lucie 12/12/2022 $745,000 2/28/2023 $720,000 Cary Engelhardt Mel-Ry Realty Group Inc. Angela Geller Oceanside Realty Partners LLC 11619 SW Aventino Drive, Port Saint Lucie 1/3/2023 $750,000 2/28/2023 $725,000 Cesar Trujillo Keller Williams Realty Jennifer Eggeling RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty 9871 SW Coral Tree Circle, Port Saint Lucie 12/27/2022 $824,999 2/28/2023 $775,000 Debra Simon The Keyes Company Tiffany Shlomi The Keyes Company 10840 SW Sunray Street, Port Saint Lucie

22 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com friends and family and watching kids and grandkids play in the yard. Adults can play, too, with the batting cage, half-court basketball court and putting green. This is a resort disguised as a stunning home. For AnnMarie Napolitano of Keller Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie, the word for this home is “exceptional.” “This exceptional custom-built luxury estate home on 1.72 acres has wonderful curb appeal, with a new paver driveway, beautiful front porch and lush tropical setting,” she said. “Inside, it has a gourmet kitchen, stunning formal dining room with Venetian plaster leaves imprinted on the ceiling and walls, a gorgeous custom mural in the family room and so many more designer features. Outside, there is a screen-enclosed heated pool/ spa and summer kitchen. A recreation area features a park-like setting with batting cage, half-court basketball court and putting green surrounded by palm trees and lots of places to play. It is an extraordinary home.” Indeed, it is. This is a special home that speaks to the pride of ownership and the joy of living there. If it is yours, you will feel that same pride and joy. Have More Money for Living Expenses Pay off Mortgage or Other Debts Cash for Medical Expenses or Emergencies Home Repairs or Upgrades Travel or Just to Have Fun in Retirement! How? With today’s Reverse Mortgage* Get Tax-Free Cash Unlock Equity in Your Home Michael A. Ciardi Broker / Loan Originator *Homeowner remains responsible for property taxes, required insurance, homeowner’s fees, and maintenance of the property. Loan becomes due and payable upon a maturity event such as no longer maintaining the home as your primary residence or failure to remain current on property taxes, homeowners insurance or HOA fees. Other conditions may apply. CAREFREE RETIREMENT FUNDING, LLC • 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd., Ste. 100, Port St. Lucie FL 34986 NMLS #1550787 • Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR2123 These materials are not from, and were not approved by HUD or FHA or any other governmental agency. Phone: (772) 212-1450 E-mail: [email protected] NMLS ID#343232 20 Years Experience Neighborhood: Sabal Creek in PGA Village • Year built: 2004 • Construction: CBS Square footage: 4,623 sq. ft. • Total square footage: 7,125 sq. ft. Bedrooms: 5 • Bathrooms: 4 • Flooring: tile, vinyl Security: burglar alarm, motion detector, security system, TV camera around the property with alarm, three newer air conditioning units, two newer tankless water heaters, new septic tank and drain field Additional features: on 1.72 acres, 2 stories, heated, salt-chlorinated pool, impact glass, plantation shutters, furniture negotiable, barrel tile roof, new paver driveway, front porch, volume ceilings, crown molding, summer kitchen, 4.5-car garage, Community amenities: basketball, billiards, clubhouse, fitness center, golf, library, pickleball, picnic area, playground, pool, putting green, tennis Listing brokerage: Keller Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie Listing agent: AnnMarie Napolitano, 954-675-2804 Listing price: $1,695,000 FEATURES FOR 7928 SADDLEBROOK DRIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE March 16, 2023 23 The U.S. housing market has softened a bit after years of soaring prices and frantic bidding wars, but there’s little reprieve for buyers trying to crack into the market. First-time buyers made up the smallest share of sales on record last year, at 26 percent, even as home values started to cool, according to the National Association of Realtors. And rising borrowing costs and still-high prices have pushed housing to the most unaffordable levels seen in decades. With the spring homebuying season approaching – a time young families often try to find houses before summer and a new school year – scant inventory means the market is still tight. That’s pushing the American Dream of a single-family house with a yard, or even just a simple starter condo, increasingly to people who already have an economic advantage – be it high-paying jobs, a lot of cash or access to the bank of mom and dad. Many others are left out of a key opportunity to build wealth. “We’re far from affordability for the masses,” said Nicole Bachaud, senior economist at Zillow Group Inc. “The scales are shifted toward homebuyers with higher incomes and a better financial background. This will be the norm until we get more inventory in the market.” The average rate for a 30-year, fixed mortgage climbed for a fourth straight week, reaching 6.65 percent, Freddie Mac data released last Thursday show. The difficulties for first-time buyers have been escalating for years. During the pandemic boom, they were frequently squeezed out as they competed against people with cash and investors who frequently target starter homes. The typical household income for first-time buyers soared to as much as $90,000 in 2022 from about $70,000 in 2019. Now, the rapid surge in borrowing costs has created an additional barrier, Bachaud said. When mortgage rates hit 7 percent last fall, Zillow estimated it would take nearly 10 years for an individual saving 5 percent of the median household income every month to put aside a 10 percent down payment on a typical home. And entry-level supply remains tight: The inventory of the country’s cheapest houses was down 1.5 percent in January from a year earlier, while it jumped 37 percent for the most-expensive properties. After waiting out two years of all-cash buyers and bidding wars, Rob and Kelsey Scott began the hunt for their first home in Seattle in August. With a combined income of $200,000, they had jobs that enabled them to save a $70,000 down payment, but they had to lower their budget from $800,000 after the surge in mortgage rates. The newlyweds were able to land a two-bedroom house in a quaint neighborhood with local pubs and parks just north of Seattle, but only after bidding $50,000 over the $650,000 asking price. “If we compared ourselves to our parents who bought in their late 20s, we felt like we were behind. But if we look around today, we’re on track,” said Rob Scott, 35. “Where we were workwise as a couple is the only reason we’re in a house.” Indeed, the median age of first-time buyers jumped from 29 in 1981 to 36 in 2022 – the oldest in the National Association of Realtors’ records. That’s because home values have far outpaced wage gains, said Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s chief economist. The widening chasm stands to exacerbate wealth and racial disparities. For a disproportionate number of Black and Latino families who have never owned, it’s harder to “get a foot on the wealth-building ladder,” said Jenny Schuetz, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute’s Brookings Metro. It also hinders the type of generational wealth that helps some first-time buyers get in the door in the first place. In New York City, Maddy Duleyrie was able to buy a condo for one reason: help from her parents. Even though she’s “fortunate to have a well-paying job,” the 29-yearold New Jersey native said she couldn’t buy her own place on her own with the “cost of living and the lifestyle” she wants. “I don’t know how anyone could afford a home on their own at my age,” she said. With her parents funding the purchase, Duleyrie placed an all-cash offer for a unit in an elegant postwar building with a full-service doorman in Manhattan’s West Village at the end of the year and is on track to close by March. “It’s a buyers market for a few,” Duleyrie said. Before the pandemic, about a third of first-time homeowners relied on a gift or loan from families or friends for at least part of their down payment, said Zillow’s Olsen. That increased to about 40 percent in 2021, she said. Meanwhile, the number of young adult buyers with a co-borrower over the age of 55 has spiked since 2021, according to Freddie Mac. “I see some parents giving gifts for the full price of a million-dollar property,” said Kimberly Jay, a New York broker with Compass, whose clients include the Duleyrie family. “This is a city with wealthy people.” Even in far-cheaper Dallas, at least half of young first-time buyers are getting financial assistance from their families, said real estate agent Connie Segovia. Most are receiving the entirety of the minimum down payment, she said. For other buyers, the only option is to stretch. Ashley Shipp-McGhee didn’t just want to buy her first house – she urgently needed more space after adopting her late aunt’s two children. The 39-year-old nurse started her search in December 2021 in the Illinois suburbs north of St. Louis, with a $260,000 budget. Nearly one year and 30 houses viewed later, she finally landed a place for $256,000, a higher price than she had hoped. She used an escalation clause to pay $1,000 over competing offers, waived the inspection and paid all the closing costs. She felt “uncomfortable” with her monthly mortgage payments after she was preapproved for 2.9 percent at the beginning of her hunt, only to close on the home at 6.4%. But she’s holding on to hope that she can refinance down the line if rates go down. “We needed a house now,” Shipp-McGhee said. “With two additional kids, I knew I had to finish and do this.” Americans need to be richer than ever to buy their first home BY PAULINA COCHERO | Bloomberg

24 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com Q: I’m interested in a property that is under contract but is also under a contingency. I find it odd that this house has been contingent for over six months! I want to submit a backup offer. How can I find out if their deal is rocky or just slow to go through? A: The residential real estate market continues to befuddle most buyers these days. Millions of homeowners are locked into extremely low interest rates and have no desire to sell. Meanwhile, hedge funds and private equity groups have bought tens of thousands of homes to keep as rental properties. This has led to far fewer properties being listed for sale. Meanwhile, between rising interest rates and the high cost of homes, many buyers are finding it tough to qualify for loans. You found a property that shows as “under contract” in the multiple listing service. The listing also shows that the sale is “contingent.” Let’s start with what “contingent” might mean in this context. Real estate agents generally use a multiple listing service for their properties. The goal is to get as much information out about a property to other agents, so those agents will bring their buyers – and hopefully an offer. Once the seller signs a contract with a buyer, the property is considered to be “under contract.” However, buyers may have certain conditions they need satisfied before they proceed to close on the property. Some of these conditions or contingencies may involve the buyers obtaining financing, inspecting the property to ensure they understand the property’s physical condition, and the ability (in some states) for the buyers’ attorney to review and approve the contract. These three conditions are the most common, but there are others. In some areas of the country, common contingencies include a wood-boring insect inspection, septic system inspection, well water inspection, and radon inspection, among others. If a home is of a certain age, there may be a lead paint or water inspection. Or, a home buyer may want to inspect for mold or structural defects. Less frequently, a buyer may put a bid in for a home with the anticipation of tearing it down or renovating and expanding the home. When this happens, the buyer may add a contingency to the contract giving the buyer the right to apply for permits, zoning changes or to satisfy other municipal requirements before completing the purchase of the home. Sometimes sellers want to remain in their home for an extended period of time before closing and moving. The seller may be building a home and needs to delay closing until the new home is finished. The seller may want to move to an assisted living facility and has to wait for space to open up. Or, the seller is waiting for the buyer to obtain financing, and the buyer has been unable to obtain it. There could be other matters on the buyer’s side that have delayed the buyer’s purchase of the home including the buyer’s ability to sell their existing home. In any case, you can always reach out to the listing agent and put in a backup offer. We doubt the listing agent will give you any information as to the details of the transaction but will likely welcome the backup. If you submit an offer, one of several things might happen: the seller can ignore it, thank you for it, negotiate with you on the offer, or accept the offer subject to terminating the existing contract. In some cases, they may terminate the existing contract and simply accept your offer. You never know until you try. We know a number of people who have lucked into a property simply by submitting a back-up offer and then checking back regularly with the listing agent. If you don’t put in an offer, you’ll never know if the seller is just sitting there, waiting for a better offer to come along. If you’re working with a real estate agent, that agent could submit the offer. Another option is to continue to monitor the property to see if the original deal falls through. If it does, you can put in your offer then. But there may be more competition for the property at that point, as other buyers are likely watching it as well. One possible risk: Submitting your offer may prompt the current buyer to close quickly on the property because that buyer doesn’t want to lose it. In that case, though, you’re not really losing out since the property was already under contract. Let us know how things turn out! Buyer interested in property listed as ‘contingent’ for long time BY ILYCE GLINK AND SAMUEL J. TAMKIN | Tribune

26 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com IRS audits aren’t personal. It’s not you. It’s all about your return – and the inconsistencies identified by the agency’s computer system. For the most part, if you get audited, it’s not a personal attack on your integrity. Rather, the IRS’ automated system has spotted something that doesn’t appear right. In fact, read IRS Publication 556 (Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund) and you’ll see that the agency says it accepts most federal tax returns as filed, no questions asked. But, as the agency points out: “If your return is selected for examination, it does not suggest that you made an error or are dishonest. Returns are chosen by computerized screening, by random sample, or by an income document matching program.” A return can be selected for an audit based on a computer score that assigns a numeric value to each individual and some corporate tax returns after they have been processed, according to the IRS. But this is one test where you don’t want a high score, because it could cost you. So let’s examine six common red flags for an audit. 1. Being a millionaire The more you earn, the higher the likelihood of an audit. “Although audit rates decreased more for higher-income taxpayers, IRS generally audited them at higher rates compared to lower-income taxpayers,” according to a 2022 report by the Government Accountability Office. Based on 2019 returns, 1.3 percent of taxpayers earning $1 million to $5 million were audited, according to the latest IRS data. Audits for taxpayers earning more than $10 million reached close to 9 percent. That’s compared with 0.2 percent for taxpayers earning $25,000 to $50,000. Interestingly, that was the same audit rate for taxpayers with income ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. In a statement last year about the audit rate, the agency said it was “taking steps toward addressing high-end noncompliance.” 2. Failing to report all your income The IRS compares what it receives on documents such as W-2s or 1099s with what you report on your tax return. You might get a letter that was generated as part of the agency’s “automated underreporter” program, which issues notices if it appears you haven’t reported all income. When a discrepancy is found, the IRS sends you a proposal to adjust your return. How you respond could result in additional taxes owed or possibly a refund. The IRS closed nearly 2.4 million cases under the automated underreporter program in fiscal 2021, resulting in nearly $10.3 billion in additional tax assessments. Substantially understating your income could result in a pretty severe penalty. The IRS has the authority to hit filers with an accuracy-related penalty equal to 20 percent of their underpayment of taxes. 3. Forgetting the IRS is receiving income information about you Under the American Rescue Plan Act, there’s a new reporting rule for Form 1099- K. Starting next year, the IRS will require all third-party payment processors to report payments received for goods and services of $600 or more a year. You can still use the payment applications to split a restaurant check with friends or send birthday money to relatives without triggering a tax bill. The reporting rule change is intended to help the IRS track income received, not the exchange of funds between family and friends. If you receive an IRS CP2000 notice generated by the automated underreporter program, respond right away, because it could be an error. 4. Out-of-the-ordinary deductions Wondering why your return is selected for review? “Sometimes returns are selected based solely on a statistical formula,” the IRS says. “We compare your tax return against ‘norms’ for similar returns.” If the deduction is legit, take it. But large deductions that seem out of line for your income or business can be a red flag. For instance, if you have a home-based business, claim every legitimate deduction, even if it might increase your odds of an audit. Just be prepared to prove you meet all the deduction requirements. 5. Showing a pattern of losses for your small business Changes made under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act mean it’s crucial to know the difference between a hobby and a legitimate profit-making enterprise. Before, you could claim hobby expenses – up to the income it generated – as part of the class of miscellaneous itemized deductions that needed to exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. However, starting in 2018 and until 2025, these types of deductions are no longer allowed. 6. Claiming business deductions for meals, travel and entertainment I’ve been at seminars where “experts” have openly encouraged people to use a business as a tax shelter. To help steer clear of trouble with the IRS, you’ll find much of what you need to know on this issue in IRS Publication 535 (Business Expenses). Fear an IRS audit? Here are 6 alarms that trigger the system BY MICHELLE SINGLETARY | Washington Post

Elise Danielian 772-418-2992 [email protected] Ingrid Hewitt 772-203-7800 [email protected] Isabelle Pollock 772-713-3221 [email protected] TREASURE COAST TRIO Top Producing Team WE’VE BEEN BUSY! PGA VILLAGE $489,900 FANTASTIC FAIRVIEW MODEL W/ LAKE VIEWS Move right into this 3BR/2BA/2CG home in PGA Village. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, tile through the living areas, updated lighting & fans and neutral paint. Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, SS appliances, tile backsplash and an abundance of cabinetry. Generous master suite with lots of windows, dual closets and ensuite w/ wall-to-wall vanity, soaker tub and walk in shower. Guest bedrooms share a hall bath. Enjoy lake views from your screened patio. 9044 Champions Way Elise Danielian 772-418-2992 [email protected] Ingrid Hewitt 772-203-7800 [email protected] Isabelle Pollock 772-713-3221 [email protected] PGA VILLAGE $589,900 FAIRVIEW FLOORPLAN W/ POOL IN PGA VILLAGE! Ever popular 2BR+Den/ 2BA/2CG Fairview plan with private garden views located walking distance to the community clubhouse. Open kitchen with wood cabinetry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage. Large master suite overlooks the pool area and has dual walk in closets as well as spa-like ensuite complete with walk-in shower and soaking tub. Open floor plan is ideal for entertaining. Screened & heated pool and spa. 8824 Champions Way CRESSWIND AT VERANO $645,000 ALESSA PLAN ON A CORNER LAKE LOT Cresswind beauty! Light & airy 3BR/2.5BA/2CG home across the street from the community pool. Impeccably maintained with wood look plank tile in the living areas, hard surface flooring in the bedrooms, impact glass windows & doors, elegant lighting throughout and more. Kitchen features quartz counters, large island, SS appliances, breakfast nook overlooking lake, butler’s pantry, pendant lighting, glass front cabinetry and tile backsplash. Master suite with dual closets and ensuite with dual vanities, frameless glass shower and soaker tub. 11250 SW Lunata Way PGA VILLAGE $699,900 FIXER UPPER IN PGA VILLAGE ON 2.09 ACRES! Rare opportunity to own a pool home on an estate sized lot. This 3BR/2BA/2CG home features metal roof, tile & vinyl plank flooring, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace, & cabana bath to newly screened pool & patio Wood cabinetry, granite counters & SS appliances grace the kitchen as well as new dishwasher & new dryer. Great value - Call today! 7835 Saddlebrook Drive PGA VERANO $494,900 BEAUTIFUL BELLA PLAN W/ MODERN FINISHES! Private backyard with lake views from the front of this home make this 2BR+Den/2BA/2CG property a great find. Modern gray tile flooring through living areas and carpeted bedrooms. Kitchen with white cabinetry, quartz counters, SS appliances, breakfast nook and snack bar. Master suite with tranquil ensuite and dual closets. Elegant light fixtures and fans throughout. Built in 2019, with impact glass windows & doors. Call today! 11251 SW Visconti Way PGA VERANO $510,000 BELLA PLAN W/ LAKE VIEWS IN VERANO Lovely 2BR+Den/2BA/2CG home nestled on a lakefront lot. Tile t/o the main living areas and carpeted bedrooms. Tranquil master bedroom w/ spa-like ensuite overlooks the lake. Special features include custom landscaping, plantation shutters, EV charger and more upgrades throughout. Bright kitchen w/ granite counters, SS appliances, breakfast nook and snack bar. Impact glass windows & doors. 19020 SW Positano Way PALM CITY $380,000 SINGLE FAMILY HOME W/ NO HOA! Bring your boat to this 3BR/2BA/2+CG home located just down the street from the boat ramp! Brand new metal roof finished January of 2023. Engineered wood flooring through most of the home. Fenced back yard and large driveway. Martin county has A+ rated schools. Don’t miss this one! 1052 SW 27th Street CRESSWIND AT VERANO $799,900 BRAND NEW HOME IN 55+ COMMUNITY! Popular ‘Collina’ plan just completed in January of 2023. Space for everyone with formal living and dining, family room and casual eating area. 3BR+Den/3.5BA/2+CG. Lake views from covered patio. White kitchen w/ granite, SS, pendant lighting, wall oven, center island and more. Impact glass windows & doors. Live the resort lifestyle! 9045 SW Roccia Way PGA VILLAGE $538,000 PRIVATE POOL HOME IN PGA VILLAGE! Updated 3BR/2BA/2CG home w/ private dipping pool! Special features include kitchen w/ granite counters, SS appliances, apron sink and subway tile backsplash. Living room has stone feature wall w/ sconce lighting. Master suite w/ dual closets and ensuite w/ dual granite topped vanities. Private back yard is a tropical oasis. 7225 Maidstone Drive PGA VILLAGE $1,250,000 ELEGANT HOME W/ ATTACHED GUEST HOUSE RARE FIND! Beautifully updated CBS home on 0.67 acre lot w/ attached guest house, heated pool & spa, updated kitchen and more. Kitchen w/ massive center island, white perimeter cabinetry, quartz counters, SS appliances and more. Spacious screened area w/ tons of covered space. Incredible opportunity to own a special home. 7688 Charleston Way ST. LUCIE WEST $379,000 LAKEFRONT VILLA IN THE HEART OF SLW! This Divosta built 2BR/2BA/2CG villa nestled on a lakefront lot boasts hard surface flooring throughout, built-in wall unit, solid surface countertops, SS appliances, & newer AC, WH & Plumbing. The master bedroom’s spacious ensuite bath doubles as a cabana bath. Enjoy serene lake views from the screened lanai while floating your own private pool! 1525 NW Amherst Drive, Apt. B FT. PIERCE $370,000 CREEKSIDE BEAUTY IN FT. PIERCE No need to wait for new construction with this practically new 4BR/2BA/2CG home. Built in 2019 with solid surface flooring t/o, neutral interior paint, gutters, screened entry and more. Kitchen opens to living area and has quartz counters, espresso cabinetry and SS appliances. Master suite overlooks private back yard. Low HOA dues and just a few minute drive to town. Call today! 8704 Cobblestone Drive SAVANNA CLUB $239,900 SAVANNA CLUB GEM! Enjoy the 55+ community lifestyle in this lakefront 3BR/2BA/2CG manufactured home on LEASED LAND in Savanna Club with many community amenities. Features include charming front porch, hard surface flooring throughout, bright kitchen w/ center island and screened patio overlooking the lake views. Roof replaced in 2018 and new A/C in 2020. Large garage is ideal for storage. Come enjoy the Florida lifestyle! 7724 White Egret Lane TRADITION $389,900 PEACEFUL WATER VIEWS IN HERITAGE OAKS! Welcome home! Meticulously cared for 3BR/2BA/2CG home with oversized screened lanai overlooking the lake. This open floor plan features hard surface flooring t/o, spacious eat-in kitchen with wood cabinetry, SS appliances, breakfast bar and solid surface counters. Master suite w/ access to the lanai and private ensuite. Two guest bedrooms share a guest bathroom. Walking distance to clubhouse and a short bike ride to the heart of Tradition! 9931 SW Stonegate Drive PGA VERANO $614,900 LONG LAKE VIEWS IN VERANO! GORGEOUS SUNSETS FROM THIS LAKEFRONT 3BR/2.5BA/2CG property beaming w/ pride of ownership. Great room living w/ long lake views invading main living spaces & master bedroom. Kitchen boasts a 42” espresso cabinetry, oversized island, butler’s pantry, SS appliances, granite countertops & casual dining space overlooking lake. Master suite overlooks the lake and features access to the patio, double walk-in closets and ensuite w/dual vanities, soaking tub & shower. Tile t/o main living areas & carpeting in the bedrooms. Newer AC, WH and impact glass windows & doors. Screened & covered lanai to enjoy the peaceful lake view. 10618 SW Visconti Way PGA VERANO $589,900 POOL HOME W/ GORGEOUS LAKE VIEWS! LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Charming Giordana plan in Verano with screened pool overlooking serene lake views with no neighbor across the lake! This 2BR+Den/2BA/2CG home features tile flooring t/o, impact glass windows & doors, tasteful window treatments and newer A/C & WH. Upgraded kitchen with espresso cabinetry, granite counters & backsplash, single basin SS sink, SS appliances and built in pantry. Master suite overlooks the pool & lake and features dual closets with built-in organizers as well as oversized, curbless walk-in shower. 9557 SW Nuova Way AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE PRICE REDUCED UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

fun, festivities food THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SECTION PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN A FAIR WITH FLAIR! With matching hats, Ella Buckskin and Tatum Hindman, both 10, swing on a ride and get an aerial view of the St. Lucie County Fair from the Midway. Below left, Emmett Cabrera, 9, tries to last 8 seconds on the mechanical bull. Below right, illusionist Jay Mattoli demonstrates the sharpness of the fan blades before placing his arm through the chamber. The popular 10-day event at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds on West Midway Road concluded on March 5.

Creative expression and visual beauty have been lifelong passions for Vero Beach artist Reggie McCormack, whose studio offers an all-encompassing view of an extraordinary woman, one who creates beauty in everything she touches. A self-described mixed-media abstract artist, her range is eclectic, and includes acrylics, oils, pastels, wax and collages. Another favorite is encaustics, an ancient art form where oil paint is mixed with beeswax and then torched, a technique that creates multiple layers with rich depth and texture. “I love mixed media,” says McCormack. “It allows so much freedom to create a lot of interesting layers which evoke much emotion.” McCormack says she signs her work on the back, so as to not interrupt the flow of the eye and, not wanting to influence what the viewer sees, does not name her abstracts. “Abstract art can be appreciated on many levels, considering the use of color, shape, texture, line and how these relate to one another,” she explains. “Moving in and out of a painting and connecting on a deeper level often is related to our life experiences and where we are on our journey.” She says her creativity and love of art stems from her artistic mother, who was always working on some sort of creative project. As a child growing up on the New Jersey coast, she followed suit, drawing and doodling, and dreaming of becoming an artist. “I’m just so passionate about creating. It’s in my blood. I’ve always felt like this. In my late teens, it was just pouring out of me. Through all of these careers, decades in my life, they were all creative,” says McCormack. She has drawn influence from many artists, such as Picasso, for his genius in continually changing and experimenting with his art; Matisse, for his use of color and shapes; and Andy Warhol, for his pop art and graphic-like painting. She was also inspired by a quote by Maya Angelou: “Everyone born comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory. We come from the Creator with creativity. I think each one of us is born with creativity.” Her current works are a culmination of those years of creativity and the wonderful gift she has been given. “I am humbled by it. My love for God, my family and home ignites me and brings me great joy,” says McCormack. “This joy fills my life and my studio and is mirrored in my paintings.” McCormack and husband Steve moved from Duxbury, Mass., to Vero Beach several years ago, where her artistic journey continues to evolve. Moved by nature’s exquisite hues and the beauty of her surroundings, she seeks to transpose the richness of the elements onto a canvas. “I feel we need to be happy and joyful in this world we are living in. I look at so much art that is sad, dark and depressing. Creating positive, happy art, I am sharing my joy.” She believes that while everyone has difficulties in life, if they are able to work through them, they will find love, light and beauty. “If you don’t get through the muck, that’s your lens for life; you don’t see clearly, you don’t appreciate it,” she explains. McCormack graduated with a B.A. in English from Monmouth University in New Jersey, where she also studied studio art and art history, and spent many hours throwing on the wheel and hand building in clay. Afterward, she spent 10 rewarding years as the in-house stylist for designer Liz Claiborne, and ran Claiborne’s fashion office, producing press shows and photo shoots, and traveling with the designer. That experience influenced her creation of fashion collages, using designer names coupled with photos of women and exciting places, and various textures. When her daughter Liz was growing up, she enjoyed working on the collages as well. “We collaged every box we could get our hands on and just loved the process of cutting, pasting and creating together.” To add additional skills to her repertoire, she earned an associate degree in interior architecture and design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. For the next 35 years, she ran her own company designing residential interiors, with a specialization in historic restoration in and around Boston. As with her artwork, she would approach each room differently, but they all had a thread that connected them. While she has continued working on special projects in the design field, her main passion is her artwork. “Every day is a different experience in the studio, connecting, letting go and loving the process, along with exploring, learning and moving beyond existing boundaries. It’s a continual and exciting journey while painting from my heart and soul,” she says. McCormack is very involved with an online arts community called Art2Life, based in Marin, Calif., that BY DEBBIE TIMMERMANN | Correspondent ARTIST PROFILE 2 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com MIXED-MEDIA ARTIST REJOICES IN ‘CONTINUAL AND EXCITING JOURNEY’ Reggie McCormack. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS

The Barn Theatre is gaining quite a reputation for its musical productions, and for the 2023-2024 season, the community theater is bringing some exciting shows to the Treasure Coast. With everything from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” and her glass slipper to “Kinky Boots,” there is literally something for everyone. Jeanette Mazzella, marketing vice president for the Barn, called Season 53 of the community theater “a season filled with Tony Award-winning blockbusters.” “We looked at the season and said, ‘Let’s choose something for everyone, from the younger to the seniors,” she said. “They’re all Tony Award winners and each has a different story.” Choosing plays for a season is not a simple matter. First of all, the theater must be able to get the rights to the show, and that is not always easy or even possible. Then the selection committee has to ask Barn-specific questions. “Can we cast it?” Mazzella asked. “Can we afford it? Can we costume it and do the sets? Will it fit on our stage?” And then there is the big unknown: If they stage it, will audiences come? All of this goes into choosing which shows make the cut. The season begins with “Kinky Boots,” which will be presented Sept. 14-Oct. 1. The hit musical combines a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, and yes, it’s that Cyndi Lauper. Based on a British film, it is the story of Charlie Price, who inherits a near-bankrupt shoe factory and becomes partners with Lola, a drag queen and cabaret performer, to produce high-heeled boots and rescue the business. The show was nominated for a season-high 13 Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical and Best Score for Lauper, who became the first woman to win alone in that category. “It’s a great show,” Mazzella said. “Everyone likes it. Older and younger people can audition. It is a fun musical that most people have seen.” Show Two, from Nov. 2-19, is the Ken Ludwig play “Lend Me a Tenor.” “This is a comedic farce, with a little naughtiness and a little flirtiness,” Mazzella said. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARN THEATRE CONTINUED ON PAGE B5 To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS March 16, 2023 3 involves artists from around the world, painting in a variety of styles and mediums. “It’s a wonderful way of seeing what other artists are creating and to continue learning and growing. I love keeping my finger on the pulse of the design and art world. It’s such an exciting journey,” she says. McCormack describes the textures and layers in her work as reflective of those of our own life’s experiences, which is what people see in art. Quoting Vincent Van Gogh, she says, “‘Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul.’ That’s why it’s so exciting for me. I am pulling in all of these multi-faceted pieces in my art. I am learning so much about myself and the eclecticism of all of this work, and it all marries. It just works.” BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer [email protected] Barn season will kick it up a notch

4 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com BANDING TOGETHER FOR ‘BROADWAY AND THE MOVIES FOREVER!’ I love writing about band concerts. There’s something so upbeat and happy about them and they give so much pleasure to the audience. The only “agenda” is fun. When the music-makers are the Indian River State College Symphonic Band, in collaboration with the Port St. Lucie Community Band, a good time is guaranteed to all. As always, Dr. John Southall, who heads the department of performing and visual arts and is the director of bands, will be holding the baton. He has titled the April 1-2 concert “Broadway and the Movies Forever!” and he promises a celebration of music from Broadway, the movies and the classical era. The show begins with the National Anthem and ends, as all IRSC band concerts do, with an Armed Forces Salute to veterans and those currently serving, and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.” In between, there’s a little of everything. The program includes “The Cowboys” by John Williams, perhaps the preeminent film composer of the 20th century; Symphonic Dances from “Fiddler on the Roof” by Jerry Bock; and selections from “Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Webber will be heard from again in the program. “We are doing three selections written by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber,” Southall said. “You would not know that he has written so much. In addition to ‘Phantom,’ there will be selections from outstanding musicals adapted for the screen in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’” In a nod to the classical repertoire, Gustav Holst’s First Suite in E Flat will be presented. After an intermission, a new arrangement of the popular tune “Funiculi, Funicula” will be on tap, followed by selections from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and Richard Rodgers’ “The Sound of Music.” If you are wondering why only George Gershwin and not his lyricist brother Ira and Richard Rodgers and not his lyricist partner Oscar Hammerstein are credited, Southall said it is because this is an instrumental concert, without words. It actually makes a lot of sense. BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer [email protected] PHOTO COURTESY OF INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS March 16, 2023 5 The play takes place in 1934 in a hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio, where the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company is awaiting the arrival of the world-famous tenor, Tito Merelli. Throw in a jealous wife and the usual misunderstandings that put the funny in farce, and you have “Lend Me a Tenor.” Next up is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” which will be presented Jan. 11-28. The show was originally written for television and is the only musical the famed duo wrote for the medium. The original broadcast, in 1957, starred Julie Andrews, and it has been remade several times, with Lesley Ann Warren and Brandy in the title role. It has also been adapted for the stage. Mazzella describes the famed show as “Unforgettable.” March brings the classic musical “West Side Story,” with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Inspired by “Romeo and Juliet,” the story of the rival gangs won the Best Musical Tony in 1958 and the Best Picture Oscar in 1961. The Sharks and Jets will take the stage March 7-24. Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be presented May 9-26. A Tony Award winner for Best Musical, the show is almost operatic in its sweep. The musical about the murderous barber is dark, but the Barn’s president, Chris Mazzella, noted that the Barn had an excellent turnout for another “dark” musical, “Jekyll and Hyde.” The regular season ends with the summer musical “Seussical: The Musical,” which will be presented July 11-28. A musical comedy by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, it is based on the stories of Dr. Seuss, especially “Horton Hears a Who!” “Gertrude McFuzz” and “Horton Hatches an Egg.” Outside of the season, the Barn will present a Reader’ Theater in April and two concerts, one in December and one in February. Both Mazzellas are proud of what the Barn has accomplished. “We’ve sold out 26 straight performances,” Chris Mazzella. “We’re the little theater that would, and could, and is,” Jeanette added. The Barn Theatre is located at 2400 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Call 772-287-4884 or visit barn-theatre.com. “This should be an outstanding concert,” Southall said. “I’m excited to have our community in attendance and I’m looking forward to making great music for our wonderful audience. We still do the live camera zoom-ins so the audience can see what the musicians are doing. It’s a popular feature of our series.” This concert, the last of the season, is the culmination of an ongoing project. “The college instrumental program and the Port St. Lucie Community Band have had a mentorship program,” Southall said. “College musicians sit side by side with community band members, many of whom are outstanding musicians. The goal is to develop a relationship between the student and the band member to encourage life-long participation in music. Some of the students have developed relationships with the mentors and when they leave, that mentorship continues.” The instrumental program will be dark this summer, so if you want to hear some rousing band music, now is the time. Keep in mind that the concerts on April 1-2 are at 2 p.m. The IRSC Symphonic Band, in collaboration with the Port St. Lucie Community Band, presents “Broadway and the Movies Forever!” April 1-2 at 2 p.m. at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. Call 1-800-220-9915, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3 BARN THEATRE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARN THEATRE

along with Irish dancing, displays, arts and crafts, a pet costume contest, carnivals rides and a lot of family fun. The Young Wolfe Tones will bring the entertainment. A parade starts 11 a.m. Saturday. The hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, March 17, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie. For more information, visit CityOfPSL.com or call 772-878-2277. The Port St. Lucie Police Department will host a “Tip-A-Cop” event Friday, March 24, at Oak and Ember Steakhouse by Kyle G, with all proceeds going to the Special Olympics Florida. The idea here is that you will tip officers as they assist waiters and waitresses serving customers. Tip-A-Cop runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oak and Ember Steakhouse by Kyle G is at 848 SE Becker Road. For more information, call 772-871-5012 or visit CityOfPSL.com. 6 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com Writing about a David Mamet play is always a challenge. His two-person play “Oleanna,” which will be presented at the Riverside Theatre March 21 through April 9, explores the escalating power struggle between a university professor and a failing student. The woman files a sexual harassment report that threatens the professor’s career and the play explores the power dynamics between the two as the situation spirals out of control. Denis Lambert plays the professor, John, and he spoke recently about a play he describes as “famous for upsetting people” since its 1992 premiere. “There are all sorts of stories from the original production of fights in the lobby and yelling at the actress,” he said. “In shorthand, it’s about sexual harassment, but in fact, what David Mamet is writing about is not good guys or bad. He’s siding with both. It’s upsetting because of the unexpected level of male aggression that arises in the final moments. People don’t know who to side with. For Mamet, it’s a tragedy about power.” The play is in three acts and Lambert noted that the power shifts in each act. “Both characters abuse power and don’t have the ability to listen to the other,” he said. “The phrase, ‘Do you see?’ shows up 35 times. It feels like if they could listen to each other, their lives would not go down as quickly.” Because it’s Mamet, Lambert is ready for the challenge the playwright presents. “I’m so excited because it’s such a fantastic (artistic) workout,” he said. “It’s 90 minutes and it’s all about the text. There’s a quicker pace and more words. It’s a challenge and there’s nothing better than being challenged.” The question always arises in a discussion of a play like “Oleanna” as to how a power struggle can arise when one of the players is clearly in a power position. “He has the power,” Lambert said. “In terms of the drama, she increasingly gains power to give him what he wants or not. She’s holding the cards in Act Three. He cannot say, ‘I’m sorry’ and is completely blind through his power and privilege.” For Lambert, the play is also about class. “She comes from a poorer background and it’s a battle of gender and class,” he said. “He’s a victim of his own privilege and she’s a victim of her own self-righteousness.” The actor said that some of the nuances of the play depend on the staging : how John touches Carol on the shoulder and the tone in which they speak. “I did a scene from this years ago in an acting class and a woman friend came up to me, upset that she kept changing sides. These are both deeply flawed people in a flawed system. Mamet makes it hard to take sides, even though we want to.” Much has changed in our perception of sexual harassment and in our feelings of violence against women. Lambert acknowledged that Carol was good at pushing John’s buttons, but that violence is never justified. “We’ve spent 90 minutes with this guy and see this monster come out,” he said. “The first line in Act Three is, ‘I have asked you here against my better judgment.’ She says that she was advised not to come. By Act Three the allegations are more serious and things escalate.” John also manipulates Carol into revealing a secret from her past and gaining her trust before leaving her in a moment of vulnerability. “It’s a turning point for her and a part of her motivation.” Lambert said. “It’s incredibly irresponsible. There are so many questions to ask about his behavior in Act One. He says to his wife that he’s leaving the office and then spends time with a young girl. She’s struggling in class and he tells her he understands her and knows what it’s like. Then, because of privilege, one thing leads to another. My feeling is that both characters speak before they think.” Lambert said that John’s character is more fully defined than Carol’s. “We learn about John’s family and she doesn’t get that. The audience is given the chance to see that John had a loving wife and son and a house – what he has to lose. We don’t see that with Carol. It must be taken into consideration. That element is not balanced.” The actor knows that audience feelings and sympathy can change very quickly and that few people remain in the middle. “I hope we can create a product that’s as balanced as possible,” he said. “It’s not easy to do a work that makes people think and feel. I think it’s incredibly relevant.” Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach, presents David Mamet’s ”Oleanna,” March 21 through April 9. Call 772-231- 6990 or visit riversidetheatre.com. Co-starring role in Mamet’s ‘Oleanna’ appeals to actor on many levels BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer [email protected] Coming Up! ‘RIBS AND WINGS FESTIVAL’ FULL OF FINGER-LICKIN’ FOOD If music, ribs and wings on the river is your thing, then head to the 4th Annual Treasure Cost Ribs and Wings Festival running this weekend at the Causeway Cover Marina in Fort Pierce. The event includes beers, drinks, two stages where music will be constant, a family fun zone, games, rides, local artists and vendors, and even a cornhole tournament with a $1,000 guaranteed payout. The 2023 Treasure Coast Ribs and Wings Festival runs 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19 at the Causeway Cover Marina, 601 Seaway Dr., Hutchinson Island. Admission is $10 and free for children 12 years and younger. Call 772-696-2350 or visit Treasure CoastRibsWingsFestival.com. Everybody’s a bit Irish for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival running March 17 and March 18 at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center. The celebration is brought to the public by the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department along with the Friendly Sons & Daughters of Ireland. There will be traditional Irish cuisine, beer, music and other tasty tidbits BY PAM HARBAUGH | Correspondent 1 2 Denis Lambert, seen in a previous Riverside Theatre play, will play John in Riverside’s upcoming production of David Mamet’s “Oleanna.” PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE THEATRE 3 LIVE! From Vero Beach concludes its 10th Year Anniversary somewhat how it started ... that is, with the Space Coast Symphony. But this concert is all about Classic Rock and features some of the best musicians around. Don’t miss the show at the Emerson Center on Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m. Expanding on last season’s program, Space Coast Symphony will combine their considerable talents with specialty vocalists to take on some of the greatest rock and pop classics in recent history. The special concert, in collaboration with Live! From Vero Beach and produced by MusicWorks, will feature the Space Coast Symphony performing music from top bands and artists including Queen, U2, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin, ABBA, James Brown, the Eagles, ELO, Pink Floyd and more. Tickets $35 to $95. Visit MusicWorksConcerts.com or call the TIX Customer Service line 1-800-595-4849. The Emerson Center is located at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. ‘Live!’ series ends on high note with Space Coast Symphony – CONTRIBUTED

8 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com 3,000 Bolts of Cotton & Batik Fabrics Servicing All Brands of Sewing Machines Check Our Website For Our Class Schedule www.PamsFabricNook.com Email Us At: [email protected] Authorized Dealer WE HAVE A FULL RANGE OF MACHINES FOR SALE! 10% OFF 1 Item. Not combinable; Exp 4/13/23 Stuart: 2462 SE Federal Hwy. 772-600-5455 Port St. Lucie: 8615 S. US Hwy. 1 772-800-3019 TUES-FRI 10-4, SAT 10-3 There was music in the air and excitement in the crowd during the annual Juice and Jazz outdoor concert at A.E. Backus Museum on March 5. Mother Nature cooperated with a brilliant blue sky, much like the one depicted in the Highwaymen painting that was given away as the grand prize for the ‘Win a Masterpiece of Florida Art Raffle’ at the end of the event. The 18-inch-by-24-inch painting by Sam Newton entitled ‘Beautiful Morning’ captures the iconic beautify of Florida’s wild and wonderful landscape. In the same altruistic spirit as A.E. “Bean” Backus. who used his artwork to help local nonprofits, the painting valued at $6,500 was donated to the Backus Museum for the fundraiser by Highwaymen Art Specialists. Over 2,000 $25 tickets were sold with all the proceeds going to the museum. The lucky winners of the coveted painting were Nancy and Joe Moore of Lake Wales, although they were not present to take the treasure home. Prior to the drawing, guests enjoyed live music from the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society on the Outdoor Mural Plaza while indulging in a delicious assortment of sweet and savory delights with fresh juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. Bloody Marys, $5 Mimosas and Proseccos made the morning event sweeter and perhaps loosened the bidding on the silent-auction items. Dorthea Hair Truesdell, widow of legendary Highwaymen artist Alfred Hair, gave a passionate, personal speech about how “Bean” Backus opened up his heart and his home to people of all races and colors during the 1960s when the world was still highly segregated. “This was a man who supported everybody and always paid it forward,” she said. Marshal Adams, executive director of the museum, stressed how while not everyone could be a winner of the painting, everyone at the event and those who entered the raffle drawing were all winners as they were supporting the museum and helping to raise operating funds for the upcoming year. “We have been doing this for a long, long time and ticket sales from the raffle help us do everything we do. It makes each of you a part of the process and we are grateful for your support.” In addition to the permanent collection of Backus masterpieces, the museum is currently featuring a special exhibition – Rediscovering the Backus Portfolio on Paper and Canvas – with a display of the limited-edition print portfolio ‘Florida and the West Indies – Sketches by A.E. Backus.’ Images drawn from the artist’s travels over 20 years reveal his deep connection to the places and people he encountered. Original drawings and rarely seen oil paintings showcase his creative process and breathe new life into the classic 18 prints known and cherished for generations. The A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery is located at 500 North Indian River Dr. in Fort Pierce and open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Good times roll at Backus Museum’s ‘Juice and Jazz’ event BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent Having fun at the A.E. Backus Museum’s Juice and Jazz outdoor concert, from left: Pat Donaldson and Patti Gibbons; Brenda Clarke, Loretta Taylor and Debra Snowten; John Cuddy and Lana Mclain. PHOTOS: KERRY FIRTH The Fort Pierce Blues Jazz & Blues Society provides the musical entertainment at the Juice and Jazz event. At right, Dorthea Hair Truesdell addresses the crowd.

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE March 16, 2023 9 LITTLE LEAGUE, BIG EXCITEMENT PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN The action was intense as the A-League Mets and the A-League Cardinals faced off in a Southwest Port St. Lucie Little League game last Saturday at Whispering Pines Park in Port St. Lucie. Clockwise from far left: Jordan Beauford leaps to make a play, then slides safely under the tag attempt by Wyatt Lawston; Kayden Duval makes it to first base safely as Angelo Parano reaches for the ball; and Jaden Prince-Battistelli rounds third base to score a run.

10 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent 18,000 EGGS + 1 EASTER BUNNY = FANTASTIC (AND FREE) FUN! The Easter bunny’s bringing 18,000 eggs, tons of pancakes, and lots of fun to Port St. Lucie. The holiday hare will make his first local stop at the Easter Bunny Breakfast on Friday, April 7. Then he’ll return in the wee hours of Saturday, April 8, to help city workers leave a Treasure Coast trove of eggs for the annual Eggstravaganza. “That’s the city’s largest egg hunt,” said Paul Grives, special events coordinator. “We have 18,000 eggs we spread out over four baseball fields.” That’s 3,000 more eggs than last year. Eggstravaganza, which is free, will be at Whispering Pines Park & Tennis Center, 800 SW Darwin Blvd. The event starts at 9 a.m. “We start at (9 a.m.) sharp, and it is usually done in two to three minutes,” he said. “Be there at (9 a.m.) sharp.” The eggs will be spread on four baseball fields that are designated for age groups. One field is for those 3 and younger. Parents may accompany those young’uns. The second field is for youngsters 4 to 5. Then there are fields for children 6 to 7, and 8 to 10. That’s the maximum age group for the hunts. The city realizes that some children have conditions that limit their ability to participate in egg hunts, such as vision, sensory-processing and developmental problems. “We have a few eggs that we hold just in case,” Grives said. Families can approach any city employee to request a share of those eggs. Grives said that the supply of eggs is on the honor system – city employees will take families at their word and not insist on proof of limiting conditions. The eggs will contain candy. A few will contain prizes. “There are going to be two specific golden eggs per field,” said Grives. “They will either win a bicycle or a gift basket.” Florida law requires those 16 and younger to wear bicycle helmets. Grives said the city is looking at providing those to the bicycle winners, too. “The Easter bunny will also be there after the egg hunt is over for pictures,” remarked Grives. That will be the second PSL photo opp with the party animal. The first will be at the Easter Bunny Breakfast. “The Easter Bunny Breakfast is an annual tradition we do for the children ages 2 to 6,” Grives explained. “It’s a great event. They come out, have some pancakes, do some crafts, and meet the Easter bunny.” The breakfast at the Port St. Lucie Community Center (2195 SE Airoso Blvd.), which starts at 9:30 a.m., is $9.50 per child. There’ll be a limited number of seats. “We like to preregister in advance,” Grives said. “You can register online or at any one of our locations.” Those parks and recreation office locations are the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Robert E. Minsky Gym, 750 SW Darwin Blvd., and the community center. After Easter, parents have one more shot at a date at this season’s River Nights, Thursday, April 13, at Veterans Park, Rivergate, 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway. “Kids are allowed to come, but it’s an adult-themed event,” said Grives. “We have a great musical act for that night [local musician Ben Prestage]. He’s a one-man band, so he does everything.” Attendees are urged to take their own comfortable chairs, get some food and drinks at the trucks, and enjoy the show. There’s no admission charge. Danielle Shalginewicz, Erin Minner and Sue DeOnofrio, above, representing Team Miranda Strong, attend the Country Nights – Boots on the Ground event last Saturday in Palm City, where Deb Doherty, left, CEO of DDS4Vets, presented Mike Gretzon, Marine and Purple Heart recipient, with a challenge coin as service dog trainer Michael Colton looks on. Gretzon was injured in the withdrawal from Afghanistan and is currently in Port St. Lucie training with his new service dog Shylah that was given to him by DDS4Vets. INSPIRATION WAS AFOOT AT ‘BOOTS ON GROUND’ EVENT PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN

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John Carroll High School is proud to announce two seniors were recently named as finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. In February, over 15,000 semifinalists were notified that they had advanced to the finalist standing, including John Carroll seniors Lauren Richards and Noah Perez. They are the only high school students in Fort Pierce to receive this recognition. Before choosing more than 15,000 finalists, the National Merit Scholarship Committee (NMSC) chose 16,000 students out of 1.5 million entrants as semifinalists. “I am very glad to have been chosen as a finalist,” Richards said, “and I want to thank everyone, including my family, friends, and teachers, who helped me through the testing and application process.” Richards is undecided on a major and is waiting to hear back from the remaining schools she applied to. “Looking back at my freshman year, when I first heard of National Merit and set it as a goal in my mind, has been a nostalgic experience. The help of the Lord, the support from my family, the instruction of my teachers, particularly Mrs. Shevak, my math teacher, and the joy of my friends have all contributed to this moment,” Perez said. Perez plans to attend Ave Maria University to study philosophy and theology. Principal Corey Heroux recently announced the news of Lauren and Noah’s status as National Merit finalists to the larger school community. “Lauren and Noah’s determination in their studies and their outstanding academics were deservingly recognized at the national level, and we could not be more proud of them,” Heroux said. Visit johncarrollhigh.com or call 772- 464-5200 for more information about John Carroll High School. Pickleball Club fetes groundbreaking for 12-court PSL facility 14 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com – CONTRIBUTED Sudoku Page B14 Sudoku Page B15 Crossword Page B14 Solutions from Games Pages in March 2, 2023 Edition ACROSS 1 FORTNIGHTLY 9 AISLE 10 STRANGE 11 STREETS 12 OCEAN 13 PECAN 15 GRAPE 20 WORTH 22 UNLUCKY 24 FIGMENT 25 MOOSE 26 ALTERCATION DOWN 2 OBSERVE 3 THEME 4 INSIST 5 HARBOUR 6 LUNGE 7 HARSH 8 JEANS 14 ACHIEVE 16 PICCOLO 17 SWIFT 18 RUSTIC 19 TYPES 21 REGAL 23 LIMIT Crossword Page B15 (RUNNING THE GAMUT) The Pickleball Club, a brand-new, healthy0living, private pickleball complex featuring 12 indoor pickleball courts and a number of exclusive amenities, held a groundbreaking ceremony March 3 for its Port St. Lucie location. The Pickleball Club, founded in 2021 by commercial real estate and business entrepreneurs Brian and Valerie McCarthy and their business partner Matthew Gordon, is a firm that owns and operates membership-based indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida. “Florida’s climate with rain, heat, wind, insects and humidity frequently disrupts the opportunity to play outdoor sports,” said Brian McCarthy, founder and CEO. “These indoor pickleball clubs will give members an upscale country club atmosphere to play and socialize year-round, no matter what the weather is like outside. We can’t wait to open our first location next month, followed by several others over the next few years to bring pickleball players across the state our brand-new concept for the fastest growing sport in America.” Set to open in early 2024, the 33,293-square-foot complex, situated at 455 NW Enterprise Dr., will feature championship-grade pickleball courts, a café, pro shop, locker rooms and a lounge. The second-floor mezzanine will house a bar, lounge, viewing area to the courts below, offices, conference rooms and storage. The space will also include two outdoor pickleball courts and two bocce ball courts with canopy shades. During the event, the Play for Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization that the Pickleball Club sponsors, donated a portable pickleball set, known as a Club-N-Box, to the St. Lucie County Fire District. The foundation’s mission is to introduce the sport of pickleball to youth, veterans and first responders. For more, visit ThePickleballClub.com. J. McLaughlin hosted a fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties at the Village Shops location in Vero Beach on Feb. 17. Shoppers were invited to sip and shop from noon to 5 p.m., with 15 percent of sales benefiting BBBS programs in Indian River County. The event included light eats, Perrier and chilled Rosé. Assistant Store Manager Wanda Welch and her stylish, outgoing team entertained shoppers with BBBS CEO Debbie Hawley. Friends and couples from Houston and Ann Arbor to the Hamptons and Vero Beach attended in support of BBBS. Brothers and co-owners Jay and Kevin McLaughlin set out to create a company culture of being good neighbors by partnering with trusted nonprofits. This fundraiser is one example of 700 events hosted at J. McLaughlin stores every year. The successful afternoon of shopping raised $1,200 for the children BBBS serves in Indian River County. BBBS programs are free for all participants. Events such as the sip and shop fund these programs so youth can continue to achieve their full potential. For more information visit bbbsbigs.org or call 772-466-8535. J. McLaughlin event bags $1.2K for Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Debbie Hawley and J. McLaughlin Assistant Store Manager Wanda Welch. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAYNE PLATTS JOHN CARROLL HIGH DUO FINALISTS FOR NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS John Carroll seniors Noah Perez and Lauren Richards. – CONTRIBUTED – CONTRIBUTED

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY March 16, 2023 15 McAlpin Fine Arts Center 3209 Virginia Ave, Ft. Pierce, FL April 1st & 2nd, 2023 2:00 PM Call for Tickets 772-462-4772 PSLCB/ IRSC Symphonic Band Directed by Dr. John Southall Presents “Broadway & Movies Forever” Foster parent Ilena Hones is committed to helping families stay connected while their children are in foster care. It’s an important practice in the child-welfare community called co-parenting, and Hones excels at it by keeping families engaged in their children’s lives. “Ilena promotes parent-child relationships and modeling, and she invites the parent to be part of the child’s life,” said Maria Gonzalez, a dependency case manager who nominated the caregiver. Communities Connected for Kids is the organization that oversees and coordinates the child-welfare community in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. Recently, it awarded Hones its quarterly Going the Extra Mile – or GEM – award for her dedication and advocacy for the children in her home, particularly in regard to co-parenting. She won in the Topaz category, which is a special GEM award reserved for caregivers. “Coparenting reminds us that our children deserve quality parenting every day,” said Jerra Wisecup, CCKids Licensing and Caregiver Support Specialist, who also coordinates the area’s Quality Parenting Initiative. “To ensure this occurs, each member of a child’s team – especially family members – work to prioritize not just child safety but also child well-being.” For Ilena, it’s about helping others. “We choose this role because we care deeply for others and want the best outcome for them,” she said. “The award is very much appreciated, but the real award is getting to love these amazing children and their families.” A real ‘GEM’: Hones honored for her work with children and their families – CONTRIBUTED Ilena Hones. Residents visit different stations explaining how certain departments and projects function during the Port St. Lucie Citizens Summit last month at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. Above left: Bret Kaiser, project manager for Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, talks with a resident. Above right: Alejandro Resendiz steams wontons to demonstrate the culinary skills of Port St. Lucie High School students. PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN At the Summit ...

16 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CALENDAR/SERVICE DIRECTORY www.stlucievoice.com Stuart Recycling 2963 Se Dominica Terrace Stuart, FL 34997 1145 SW Biltmore St. Stuart, FL 34997 Buyer: Ryan Marcellino 772-341-4581 Port St. Lucie Recycling [email protected] • www.portstlucierecycling.com NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN ThaT The Undersigned, desiring To engage in BUsiness Under The FicTiTioUs name oF W. J. FITZ HOME IMPROVEMENTS InTends To regisTer The said name WiTh The Florida deparTmenT oF sTaTe, division oF corporaTions, Tallahassee, Florida and/or clerk oF The circUiT coUrT oF sT. lUcie coUnTy. William J. Fitzgibbons 342 nW tuscany Way Port st. lucie, Fl 34986 tel: 203-241-7863 Shyrell Copas CTA SHYRELL’S TAX, LLC — www.shyrellstaxllc.com — Schedule a FREE Consultation Personal & Business Tax Accounting Since 1990’s REFUND ADVANCE Coming Soon! Join monthly tax club for discounts & FREE stuff! 772-999-5589 • Cell 615-927-1155 Licensed & Insured No job too small - Free estimates Over 20 Years Experience Sol Holcomb SOL THE HANDYMAN 772-240-1495 BUSINESS MANAGER POSITION AVAILABLE For a Janitorial Service Co. Min. education Bachelor Deg. in Business Admin. 12 Mo. Exp. Mail Resume to: Inside & Out Maintenance LLC. 651 NW Enterprise Dr., Unit 107, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. (561) 255-5717 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Paper Passionistas Intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporation, Tallahassee, Florida and/or Clerk of the Circuit Court of St. Lucie County. Amina Amran, PO Box 13423, Port St. Lucie, FL 34979 • 772-979-5566 ST. LUCIE VOICE SERVICE DIRECTORY: ADVERTISING ST. LUCIE AND TRADITION SERVICES Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services and products to the local community an opportunity at a very reasonable cost. Lisa Crawford can help you to reach this audience. Call Lisa at 516-721-0848 or email at [email protected]. TRUE TEMP Air Conditioning & Refrigeration [email protected] CAC#1819112 772-607-1077 Residential Commercial Licensed & Insured Free Estimates Se Habla Español AIRPORT & CRUISE TRANSPORTATION Retired UPS driver with over 25 years safe driving experience. CALL or TEXT John Polinice 954-709-0785 BULL MASTIFF TERRIER PUPPIES AVAILABLE 2 Boys & 6 Girls • $750 each; $375 non-refundable deposit to hold 1st round of shots included Ready to go home today! Call Ryan 603-923-928 MARCH 1 The Traveling Youth 3rd Annual Family Fun Exploration Day. Memorial Park, Stuart. This day is filled with fun with activities that range from games for the kids, karaoke, music, raffle prizes, and so much more. Businesses from all over the Treasure Coast set up booths that represent a country and each family is given a “passport” to go around and get stamped ‘around the world’. This event is held as an annual fundraiser for The Traveling Youth, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps fund underprivileged college students to take study-abroad trips overseas where they develop intercultural skills through an educational program that allows them to come back and apply those skills to our local community. Sponsorships available; for more information contact [email protected]. APRIL 21 Consumer Fraud Prevention Seminar, presented by the Port St. Lucie Sunset Rotary Club. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tradition Town Hall, 10799 SW Civic Lane, Port St. Lucie. Speakers from several organizations, including the Florida Division of Consumer Services, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office,and the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts, will discuss how to spot certain 21 Treasure Coast Genealogical Society March Meeting. 1 p.m. at our new location: Paula A. Lewis Branch of the St. Lucie County Library, 2950 SW Rosser Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Program will be a “BRICK WALL WORKDYSLEXIA * ADD * ADHD TESTING www.JimForgan.com 561-625-4125 Ages 5 - College School Neuropsychologist scams and avoid falling for them. While the event is free, seating is limited and guests must register in advance. RSVP to https://ConsumerFraudPreventionSeminar.eventbrite.com. For more about the PSL Sunset Rotary Club, visit www.pslsunsetrotary.com. Commercial & Residential • Licensed & Insured 772-398-2600 • www.AbsoluteCritter.com • Raccoons • Rats • Bats • Birds • Armadillos WILDLIFE REMOVAL SHOP.” Looking for a family member? Come to the Brick Wall Workshop and we will try to help you find them. The meeting is free and open to the public.

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | BOOKS March 16, 2023 17 It is story, in my opinion, that is the most important, most decisive of the various components that make a book good. The other components, such as character development, plotline, pacing, surprise and twists, etc., can also have a major effect on quality. One underrated component is the author’s use of language, i.e., how well does she write, how vivid are the images, how interesting is the flow of thought. While there are varied ways to evaluate the quality of the writing, in my case, I feel like I know from the first paragraph of a new book whether it’s well written, or something less. In that regard, Jane Pek’s first novel, “The Verifiers,” had me right out of the gate. Pek writes with a mastery of the English language that compels the reader to consider each sentence and each paragraph as high art form. She is also extremely creative in her writing; she constantly weaves in references to other books, to literary characters, to external events and ancillary thoughts which add a life and texture to her writing, and which illuminate the story in quite an effective way. Further to that writing quality, she grew up in Singapore, is Asian, and adroitly shares the too-common life experiences of an Asian women in America (which she experienced – see more about her below) through her protagonist, Claudia Lin. The central focus of the story is online matchmaking services, where moderns go when they are looking for love: that perfect person refined and dissected by secret algorithms which do all the work and allegedly excel in finding that perfect mate. Except that there’s a lot of hocus pocus behind the scenes. Claudia hates her current job, answers an ad, and succeeds in getting hired at Veracity, a private company which verifies that the person on the other end of that perfect match is actually telling the truth about themselves … or not. The company uses many online tools and apps, but also goes into the field for on-site verification, such as for where the person works, where he really lives, with whom he is having an affair, etc. It is a fascinating glimpse into a world which is both high tech and low tech, and which is used more and more in current relationship dynamics. Author Pek brilliantly gives us the technology, the terminology, and a good look at the overarching surveillance – both state and corporate – which threatens all of us; thus, we get to learn a lot from this book. One of those tools Claudia gets to use is an app which allows the Veracity employees to follow subjects in real time through the GPS on the subject’s cellphone, a critical tool which gives a wealth of information and cuts down on the need for field time. Claudia’s first case with Veracity turns out to be one of the most difficult the company has ever handled, with sisters impersonating each other, affairs with married matches, and the threat to the industry to expose a dark secret through an article the client was working on. Claudia spends the entire story working on this case, showing her employer – and us readers – how inherently smart she is, even after they fire her for unauthorized surveillance contrary to orders. She is too involved to stand down. Finally, the company realizes her brilliance, and sees the need to pursue the case (the client commits suicide – say the officials – but Claudia knows it was actually a murder). She and the company principals solve the case in true literary brilliance at a black tie gala … nice touch by the author. One of the danger shards that penetrates throughout the story is the creation, use and discovery of what she refers to as “synths,” artificial (synthesized) intelligence bots which take on all of the characteristics and predilections of otherwise real people. Because, if you’re online, how do you know if you’re dealing with a man, a woman, a child, a bot (an algorithm?) etc. When matches are reluctant to actually meet, or even Zoom, maybe there’s something not kosher about the “person” on the other end. This dark theme flows through the story as what we might label an “uncredited actor,” and with a strong flavor which portends danger. Pek is quite skillful the way she uses this actor. There are several other layers in the story which make it a good read. Claudia’s family situation is all over the place, in a way readers will enjoy and relate to. She has a mother, a brother and a sister. She feels like her mother is never satisfied with anything she has done. Her brother and sister feel like their mother loved Claudia, the youngest, more than them. The brother and sister have successful careers, whereas Claudia is drifting in life, and was not able to share her new job at Veracity, for fear of disapproval, until later in the story when it was forced out by circumstances. Their family gatherings are a treat in discord, menu-selection, tardiness and other well-known family dramas, all funneled to us in luscious prose and crystal-clear images. The author Jane Pek is quite accomplished in her own right. Born in Singapore, currently a New York resident, B.A. from Yale, J.D. from New York University Law School, MFA from Brooklyn College, current lawyer in a global investment company, and martial artist in Tae Kwando and Krav Maga. This book is a well-done showcase of her knowledge in various fields and subjects, as well as her super high-level writing skills. A good story, well written, wrapped around unusual subject matter, this is a book that can be enjoyed on several levels. Larry David Allman is a resident of PGA Village Verano. His new book ,“TACTICAL YOGA: A Guide to the Strategic Use of Posture, Breath and Meditation,” will be released next month. He is a former lawyer and Broker Associate with Branca Realty Professionals. He can be reached at [email protected]. BOOK REVIEW BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN

18 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PETS www.stlucievoice.com Well there’s totally no chance I’m EVER gonna get bored or ever know everything there is to know about fellow pooches. I learn something new pretty much every week, it feels like. This week, for ex-zam-ple, I learned about Nosework. My innerview-eee was Duke Sumner, a big frenly poocheroo, short coarse hair, budderscotch color with Crispy Biscuits white sprinkles on it, stick-uppy ears that flop over a liddle at the ends, an a nice, smiley face. He says his mixture’s a miss-tery, but “Mom says, cuz I’m so big an such a pain in the butt, I’m probly part Great Dane an part Jack Russell. I’m not sure if she’s kiddin’, tho.” We decided to meet on the padio where it was nice an cool. I introduced myself an my assistant an Duke introduced himself an his Mom, Cissie. Following the Wag-an-Sniff, we got comf-tubble, an I opened my notebook. “I’m ready to hear your story,” I said. “And your career sounds in-TREE-ging.” “It IS,” he agreed. “I guess I should start at the buh-ginning, right?” “Absolutely. How’d you an your Mom find each other?” “Well, I was inna town called, um, CLUEwiss-tun, stayin’ at a foster home that’s part of the Ewenity Farm Herding Dog Haven foster-based rescue organization (I think I got that right). “Mom already had Sally, she’s a sorta hound like me but smaller; an Odie, a Rat Terrier; an Rio, who she’d had since he was as pupper and he was getting Up There (he was 11); an she was lookin’ for another pooch. She was swipin’ thru pooch pickshurs on The Web: like, swipe, NOPE; swipe, NOPE; swipe, NOPE; then swipe, YEP! when she saw mine! She says there was Something in My Ex-preshun. She says it was Pure Luck.” “Woof! What was it?” I wondered. “I’m not sure,” Duke replied. “It’s a MISS-tree to me, but Mom’s been a pruh-fessional dog trainer for 25 years in human an she Knows Stuff, an the look I had in the pick-shur told her I would be TRAIN-ubble. And, guess what? I Totally AM! A week later I was dropped off!” “So what was it like at first, meetin’ your new famly?” “Mom innerduced me to my new brothers an sister one atta time so there’d be no, you know, drama. It was pretty easy peasy. I’m jus’ naturally a frenly sorta pooch, kinda silly I guess. It did take a while for me to get the message that Odie was old an didn’t wanna play. Rio was kinda old too, but him an me hung out for about a year, he was sorta like a big brother, I guess, an he taught me a lotta basic dog stuff, then he hadda go to Dog Heaven. We still miss him a lot. Me an Sally love playin’ an runnin’ around together, sorta pooches of a feather, ya’ know?” “So tell me about your excitin’ nosework training. I see you have a lotta ribbons!” I prompted. “Rio had been a really Hot Dog competitor in what humans call the Canine Sport of Nosework, and he really loved it, so Mom started my training the very first week I got here. I hadda learn what she calls Target OH-ders, which us pooches call SMELLS: Anise, Birch an Clove. Nosework’s for civilian dogs to learn the same skills as pruh-fessional puh-leece and military dogs do for sniffin’ out drugs and BOMS, but with no danger an no bad guys.” “That sounds So Ex-citin’!” “It IS. The smells are hidden inside or outside, an we have to find ’um (it’s called Trailing) an let our human know. Turns out, I’m Really Good at it. I’ve got lotsa ribbons and titles, which are pieces of paper, pretty much. Important pieces of paper, tho. “I love Nosework, an goin’ to events. Me an Mom an Sally go for car rides almost every day, events all over Florida an other fun stuff.” “That is SO Cool Kibbles, Duke! You must have some Super Sniffer! So do you have any fave foodstuffs. Toys? Where do you pooches sleep? Who’s the Alpha?” “Well, thanks, Bonz! To tell you the truth, everything I eat is my favorite. Chicken for dinner? That’s my fave! Turkey? My Fave! Animal Crackers? Oh, yeah! Food is my favrite food! Hi Dog Buddies! Bonz’s bud Duke ‘Nosework’ … and knows how to play! Duke. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ADVICE March 16, 2023 19 Celeste Rubanick booked a hotel in Scotland using points, and then was told the points had already been used. Not by me, she said. So why won’t Marriott restore them? Q: I made reservations at the Residence Inn, Edinburgh, Scotland, for two nights, using 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I subsequently received a notification from Marriott claiming that I had used the points for a stay almost three weeks earlier. I called Marriott, and they assigned me a case number. I have been going back and forth with the company ever since. I was on the phone for more than two hours speaking to several agents, one of whom told me, “You’re not going to get these points back until we find out who took them.” I have tried the executive contacts on your website but have received no reply. It’s been 10 weeks since Marriott took my Bonvoy points. Can you help me get them back? A: Marriott deducted points from your account for someone else’s stay. It should have quickly restored your loyalty points when you pointed out the problem – not strung you along for 10 weeks. What happened to your points? It appears an unauthorized party gained access to your account. It’s unclear how that happened. There are certain things you should do for any online account, like Marriott’s Bonvoy program. You can enable two-factor authentication (you can do that in the settings of your Bonvoy account). Also, consider using a complex phrase as a password and updating it frequently. I’m not comfortable with Marriott’s assertion that it needed to find the points before it returned them to your account. That could happen tomorrow or next week – or never. Marriott needs a better system to verify if someone fraudulently used points, and the process should be quick. You blazed a paper trail, which included contacting Marriott’s executives in writing after all other efforts failed. I’m surprised the executives didn’t bother responding. Usually, they will delegate an assistant to help facilitate a fast resolution. Marriott also has a reputation for great customer service – although it has faced some criticism from travelers about its Bonvoy loyalty program. Unfortunately, there’s no other place to appeal this type of problem. If the executives don’t respond, you’re out of luck. Unless you get me involved. I reviewed your case, and I agreed that 10 weeks is far too long to wait for a resolution. I contacted Marriott on your behalf. In response, Marriott sent you an email acknowledging “unauthorized activity” on your Bonvoy account. “Evidence shows unauthorized account access with data compromise of unknown source,” the email said. Marriott recommended that you change your password and enable two-factor authentication. It also restored the 80,000 missing Bonvoy points. Get help with any consumer problem by contacting Christopher Elliott at http://www.elliott.org/help. I lost 80K Marriott Bonvoy points. Can you get them back? The Bonz “Toys? Well, pretty much anything that squeaks. They don’t last that long, tho. I ’specially like to employ a nice squeaky toy when it’s meal time an Mom apparently needs a subtle liddle reminder. I usually squeak a squeaky toy every day at 5:15 p.m. on the nose. “We have our own dog beds, an we sorta sleep wherever we feel most comfy. “As far as the Alpha, that’s easy. It’s Mom! I’ve heard humans say she’s a Dog Whisperer. The way us pooches look at it, we like learnin’ Important Stuff from her cuz we respect an understand each other. She doesn’t yell and scare the dog biscuits outta us; she gives us a treat when we do the right thing and also pats us on the head an says lotsa nice words. I can’t say she ackshully whispers. It usually sounds like regular human talk to me.” Headin’ home, I was thinkin’ about big, frenly, somewhat goofy Duke an his happily blended family. An how Cool Kibbles his Nosework Sport Career is. It’d be fun to go to one of his competitions someday an report back to you. I’ve never put my own sniffer to the test, but I’m confident I can sniff out my evening yoghurt in the back of the fridge or a random piece of bread on the kitchen counter. Till next time,

20 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com The Telegraph How to do Sudoku: Fill in the grid so the numbers one through nine appear just once in every column, row and three-by-three square. The Telegraph SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (MARCH 9) ON PAGE B16 ACROSS 1 Exhaled audibly (6) 4 Grassy plain (6) 9 Hooded garment (5) 10 Foolish (7) 11 Loud noise (3) 12 Illustrious (5) 13 Thin and bony (7) 15 Science fiction hero (5,6) 19 Prickly plant (7) 20 Fertile patch in a desert (5) 21 Viscid substance (3) 22 No longer existing (7) 24 Male duck (5) 25 Hypnotic state (6) 26 Burial places (6) DOWN 1 Lying on one’s back (6) 2 Currant biscuit (9) 3 Artfully dodge (5) 5 Set in motion (7) 6 Coalmine (3) 7 Armed guard (6) 8 Salad dressing (11) 14 Hurry up (4,5) 16 Supremely evil (7) 17 Thoroughfare (6) 18 Evaluate (6) 20 Command (5) 23 Beverage; meal (3) PREVIOUS EDITION’S SOLUTIONS, SEE PAGE B14

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES March 16, 2023 21 ACROSS 1 Gab 4 Linger in the tub 8 Like some poker hands 11 Unix units 14 Fussy bustling 15 Port named for a fur merchant 18 Over-50 grp. 19 Drop heavily 20 DVD musical of 1964 22 DVD comedy of 1990 24 The Green Hornet’s houseboy (played on TV by Bruce Lee) 25 Gary Cooper role 27 Candle part 28 Wet, in a way 30 DVD comedy of 1968 37 Benz ending 38 Body of knowledge 39 A driving concern? 40 Busy as ___ 41 DVD musical of 1963 46 Egg part 48 Apple of Popeye’s eye 49 Assume control 50 Deli sandwich 52 Electrolysis mover 54 It’s OK on a boat 55 Of the service: abbr. 57 Start of a question 60 Like wood before it’s paper 64 DVD comedy of 1967 70 Prez during Lindy’s flight 71 Letters on Toleration author 72 Stars, in Latin 73 Off somewhere 74 DVD musical of 1968 80 Streamlined 81 ___-Tiki 82 Language finish 83 My relative? 84 Com preceder 86 Received 88 Habitual denier 93 Hampshire hangout 96 Mushy 99 DVD comedy of 1964 102 “Somebody needs ___” (Mom’s remark) 104 Jane Grey’s lasted nine days 106 Eater of invisible bananas 107 Actor Tognazzi 108 DVD comedy of 1966 112 Mr. Bones of Sleepy Hollow 113 Slots mecca 114 Ruined 115 Ms. McClurg 117 DVD comedy of 1967 120 Theme of this puzzle 126 Lofty legend 127 Costs of doing business 128 Like a rock 129 Go into a dive? 130 Ms. Lupino 131 Glum 132 Chill to the bone 133 A Chaplin DOWN 1 Predicament 2 Nabokov novel 3 Time at one’s job 4 Engine additive 5 Alley ___ 6 Onassis’s nickname 7 Very similar 8 Ornate, as some fabrics 9 Circle part 10 Toll rte. 11 Sugar pill 12 Certain Londoner 13 Bond, for one 15 Likely 16 In a jiffy 17 Sailing 18 Figure 19 Jazzy Louis 21 “___, team!” 23 Honeymoon quorum 26 Ford flop 28 Credit card buildup 29 “Orinoco Flow” singer 31 Dresden’s river 32 To see, in Paris 33 Transgress 34 Zodiac sign 35 1551 36 Pt. of AT&T 42 Young Cleaver, for short 43 String toy 44 Singer Don or Phil 45 Ed ending 47 Keystone ___ 51 Pyramis’s love 53 Brazil, e.g. 55 Earning 56 “That was before ___ you” 58 8 starter 59 Admonish 61 Sue who played Lolita 62 Outlet insert 63 So far 64 Author who wed 111 Down 65 Netter Nastase 66 Pull back the hammer of 67 Sound effect 68 Sunbeams 69 Japanese city 70 Hypo units 75 Baxter of TV station WJM 76 Ring stats 77 Hebrew letter 78 Occupied 79 “I smell ___” 85 Ms. Spelling 87 Admit 88 Killer whale of filmdom 89 Overwhelms 90 “___ are like pools ... cesspools” (old gag line) 91 Waffle brand 92 Live (with) 93 Buddy 94 Not tested 95 Robert Blake TV series 97 Swampy area 98 ___ pink 100 File ___ (take legal action) 101 Cravat 103 Charles for whom a scheme is named 105 Gets older 109 Violinist’s buy 110 Foam 111 Actress Patricia 112 Sotheby’s signal 116 Abbr. after Senator Schumer’s name 117 Memo abbr. 118 Unknown factors 119 Meadow 121 Mr. Gulager 122 Ms. Novak 123 Abbr. on rare pennies 124 Ms. Starr 125 Airport info: abbr. The Telegraph The Washington Post DVD MOVIES By Merl Reagle

22 March 16, 2023 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com THE MYSTERIOUS NEGATIVE DOUBLE By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist In 1957, Al Roth and Tobias Stone introduced the Sputnik double, named for the Russian satellite. It was renamed the negative double, and the original version was modified so that now its primary aim is to locate a 4-4 major-suit fit. For example, you have the North hand in today’s diagram. After your partner opens one club and West unkindly overcalls one spade, what do you do? If playing penalty doubles, you are in an untenable position. You have the points to bid, but you have no sensible call available. Enter the negative double. It shows enough points to contest at the level the auction has reached and, in principle, four cards in an unbid major. (However, in this position, North might have five or six hearts when holding too few points to bid a forcing two hearts.) No length is promised in the second unbid suit, though the doubler will usually have length there, or length in partner’s first suit, or the values for a no-trump rebid. South made a value rebid when he jumped to game. If North were very strong, he could move higher. Against four hearts, West cashed his two top spades before shifting to the diamond jack. Having lost two tricks, declarer had to play the trumps for only one loser. This required finding an opponent with ace-doubleton. Judging that East would have one top honor for his two-spade raise, declarer won trick three with dummy’s diamond queen and led a heart to the queen. When that won, he returned a low heart and ducked in the dummy. The appearance of East’s ace was a pleasing sight. Dealer: South; Vulnerable: Both NORTH Q 4 K 8 4 3 Q 8 4 3 8 7 4 WEST A K 10 9 3 J 9 5 J 10 7 6 2 SOUTH 7 2 Q 7 6 2 A K 2 A K Q J EAST J 8 6 5 A 10 9 6 5 10 9 5 3 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: K Spades SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1 Clubs 1 Spades Dbl. 2 Spades 4 Hearts Pass Pass Pass