Treasure Coast Blog
News and Events happening along Florida's Treasure Coast

The county has received bids from 14 architectural firms on the $1.2-million downtown transit depot that officials hope is a hub for Greyhound bus and Amtrak railway services in the next few years, local media report. County staff members will spend the next couple of weeks reviewing the projects and ranking the top four or five candidates before presenting them to the commission, said Judy Halaas, county purchasing technical coordinator. ”All we did was just open them, we haven’t had time to go through each proposal yet,” Halaas said.

A selection committee comprised of county staff members will narrow the list and possibly have the highest-ranked firms come in to make presentations before a final recommendation is made, she said. The process could take more than a month.
The 4,000-square-foot facility, which has been approved for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, would be along Southeast Flagler Avenue, across from Kiwanis Park and the Martin County Courthouse.

While the details of the bids won’t be released until early next month, Hobe Sound-based Scott Hughes_Architects released renderings of what the open-air facility could look like, including one envisioning passenger rail service having returned to the Florida East Coast Railroad tracks.

“Our vision of the Transit Depot is that of a simple shed structure, derived from the stations of old, but using materials that take advantage of the technology available in 2010,” said Scott Hughes, principal partner for SH_Arc. “The governing roof shape is based on the profile of the Original Stuart Train Station but modified to maximize its shade-making surface given the orientation of the building on the proposed site.”

Federal guidelines require the project to be completed within a year and prior stimulus paperwork had estimated the work requiring 30 to 50 temporary construction workers.
The facility could initially provide office space for county employees in addition to serving as a depot and transfer location for Community Coach. The federal stimulus application for the project described the building as being strictly for a bus depot. However, city and county officials envision its expansion into a train station. Planners hope to bring Amtrak service to the rail lines between Miami and Jacksonville, which the Florida Department of Transportation has estimated will cost $268 million, by 2013. Local governments would have to match 20 percent of the costs.

Local students who read books over the summer break can earn FREE ICE CREAM, thanks to Indian River Federal Credit Union’s annual Summer Reading Program!
The program runs June 3 through Aug 24. Here’s how it works:

1. Get your reading card at your local Indian River Federal Credit Union office (available late May).

2. Read 3 books.

3. Write a 25 word summary of each book.

4. Have a librarian initial your reading card.

5. Take your reading card and your three book summaries to either Marble Slab Creamery (6480 20th St, Vero Beach), OR to Paradise Ice Cream (661 Sebastian Blvd, Sebastian) for your FREE ICE CREAM!*

Thanks to our co-sponsor Florida Parenting News, and to our participating ice cream shops!
*For details, visit www.irfcu.com or call 770-5020.

Dear FVIP Members, (Flagler Very important Person)

When I was a child, long ago, we native Floridians used play action war games called the North vs. the South. Those of us on the Southern Forces would chant “The South Will Rise Again” not knowing what it meant. As it turns out, The South Has Risen Again but only in a culinary sense. The heart of the South is where our menu is based, New Orleans. The theme of our first wine tasting dinner of the year isthat great city, but it’s not the old style New Orleans ‘Cajun’ and ‘Creole’ food. We’re planning a contemporary New Orleans cuisine which is every bit as flavorful, but more diverse, encompassing all the delicacies of the South. The real difference is in lighter sauces and ingredients that are more international in scope with more current presentations. Chef Stacy and I have just completed this great dinner menu for your review. Some of our inspiration came from the last two episodes of the Bravo TV show ‘Top Chef’ which was set in New Orleans. We have not selected the wines yet, but will carefully pair them with the menu and get back to you soon with all the specifics.

Contemporary New Orleans Cuisine Wine Tasting Dinner
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Early Libation 6:45 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM

Early Libation ‘Big Easy’ a Julep with a Twist
Amuse-Bouche Corn Crusted Gulf Oyster In The Half Shell with Spicy Butter Garlic Sauce

Salad: Fresh Dandelion, Pumpkin Blossoms, Earthnuts, Collard Greens with a Szerac Dressing.

First Course: Fresh Crawfish Tails in Puff Pastry with Saffron Seafood Cream, Scallion Chiffonade and Lemon Grass

Second Course: Shrimp and Scallops Etouffee with West Indian Veggies

Third Course: Gulf Red Snapper En Papillote, Pontchartrain Vegetables, Olive Oil, White Wine and Creole Spices. Served with Pecan Praline and Basil Brown Rice

Dessert: Soft Chocolate Gateau and Café Du Monde Ice Cream

Bread: French Quarter Baguette

Maybe you burned the beet soufflé, or ate all the chocolate in that satiny red heart-shaped box before you remembered to give it to your sweetie. Or maybe you put the wrong name on the Valentine’s card. Whatever the faux pas, if you want the perfect gift, why not pick up the phone and call Big Brothers Big Sisters right now and get your tickets to Taste of St. Lucie on Wednesday, March 25th in historic downtown Fort Pierce?

Featuring a tropical theme, this spectacular evening is like sampling 60 restaurants’ very best and tastiest offerings while enjoying a glorious sunset and historic downtown Fort Pierce all in one simple evening. We’ve even provided the background music just to suit your style. It’s a tasty evening and a perfect gift for someone you love, someone you work with, or maybe even someone you’d like to get to know a little better..

Nearly sixty area restaurants will be participating in this year’s Taste of St. Lucie, with proceeds from the event benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs right here in our own community. One of the great things about Taste of St. Lucie is that, once you’re in, you’re in. That means you get to sample everything – some of it two or three times, if you’d like, and you don’t have to pay for beer, wine or water all night long. It’s just $40 per person and $70 a couple, and honestly, you couldn’t get that kind of
deal in anywhere else around.

To find out more about Taste of St. Lucie, including what restaurants will be represented, along with a super slideshow from last year’s event featuring – well, possibly you, please visit www.bbbsbigs.org and click on Taste of St Lucie. For tickets, call (772) 466-8535.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE STUART COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 23, 2009 AT 5:15 PM IN THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS  121 S.W. FLAGLER AVE. STUART, FLORIDA 34994

AGENDA

Chairperson James A. Christie, Jr.
Vice Chairperson Michael J. Mortell
Board Member Mary L. Hutchinson
Board Member Jeffrey A. Krauskopf
Board Member Carol S. Waxler
Board Member Gene C. Rifkin
Board Member Samia Ferraro

ADMINISTRATIVE

City Manager, Dan Hudson
City Attorney, Paul J. Nicoletti
City Clerk, Cheryl White

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who needs a special accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the City’s ADA coordinator at 288-5306 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, excluding Saturday and Sunday.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he will need a record of the proceeding, and that for such purpose he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

5:15 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 

ROLL CALL

1. Request to approve the Minutes of the Community Redevelopment Agency from December 22, 2008 (RC)

2. RESOLUTION 01-09 CRA Authorizing the partial funding of the purchase of the 131 SW Flagler Avenue from Paradise Enterprises of Brevard, Inc. and appropriation and transfer of $1,000,000.00 from the CRA fund, unrestricted fund balance (RC)

ADJOURNMENT

BOCA RATON, FL (February 18, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, FAU President Frank T. Brogan and community leaders unveiled downtown Fort Lauderdale’s first large-scale solar roof installation today on FAU’s Higher Education Complex (HEC) building, Fort Lauderdale campus.

“Florida’s universities are taking a leadership role in the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy technologies,” said Governor Crist. “The research done on campuses like FAU not only prepares our future workforce, but it also fosters advances that will lead to more ‘green’ jobs.”

The Photovoltaic Solar Panel installation project, conducted by Advanced Roofing, Inc. and headed by Dr. Jaap Vos, associate professor and director of FAU’s School of Urban & Regional Planning, is funded by a generous private gift from an anonymous donor, as well funds from Florida Power & Light, the State of Florida Solar Energy System Incentives program and other state funding.  FAU is the first university in South Florida to implement the solar panel project initiative.

“This is an exciting time for Florida Atlantic University, as we continue to embark on our mission to promote sustainability,” said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. “The solar panel initiative reflects how FAU continues to chart new ground in this mission, serving as a role model in the implementation and success of alternative energy through educational outreach.”

The initiative covers the installation of 240 photovoltaic panels, as well as the future installation of a flat panel display and a “real time” monitoring system in the building to allow users to see the energy produced. The panel is designed to produce 50,000 watts of energy.

Other benefits that the university and environment will reap from the project annually are as follows:

• Reducing between 20 and 25 percent of current energy demand
• Preventing 70,000 pounds of carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere
• Saving 4,000 gallons of oil
• Preserving more than 4,200 trees
• Providing a pilot for other buildings in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area

A portion of the budget savings from the HEC building utility bills will be used to fund the Sun Fund Scholarship for one graduate student each year in the School of Urban and Regional Planning. This is believed to be the first scholarship of its kind in the nation to be completely paid for by the sun.

For more information, contact Daniel Morris at 954-762-5661 or dmorri47@fau.edu.

- FAU -
Lisa Freed
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-297-3022 – OFFICE
561-297-3001 – FAX
561-706-2030 – CELL

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Freed 561-297-3022, lfreed@fau.edu

Jupiter, FL:    The Loxahatchee River Historical Society in Jupiter, FL is looking for friendly folks to volunteer for various positions at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum on weekdays or weekends.  Volunteers should have a friendly smile, willingness to work with the public, and have an interest in preserving local history.  Students age 15 or older may also apply and receive volunteer service hours for school.

Volunteer positions include: Tour Guides, Gift Shop & Admissions, Museum Front Desk, and Snack Shop. Volunteering at the nation’s first eastern Outstanding Natural Area is a fun and rewarding learning experience.

Volunteers interested in any positions should stop by and pick up an application, download one from the website or call 561/747-8380 ext. 101 to have one mailed.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum offers climbing tours of the landmark 1860 lighthouse. The waterfront Museum in the newly restored WWII building offers indoor exhibits on Florida maritime, Lighthouse, Native American and Pioneer history and outdoor exhibits including the Tindall Pioneer Homestead, and the Pennock Plantation Bell. Also available are the museum gift shop, Station J Café, a World War II themed snack shop, educational programs, sunset tours, weddings and special events.  The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the 126 acre federally designated, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm, with the last lighthouse tour leaving at 4pm. Check our calendar of events and  programs at www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 

#          #          #

The Loxahatchee River Historical Society operates: www.jupiterlighthouse.org

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Lighthouse Park, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL, 33469  PH: 561-747-8380
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm, last lighthouse tour leaves at 4pm. Call for tour information.

DuBois Pioneer Home, DuBois Park off Jupiter Beach Road, Jupiter, FL PH: 561-747-8380
Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 1-4pm (Temporarily Closed for Repairs, check website for reopening)
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
CONTACT: Kathleen Glover PH: 561.747.8380 x105

BOCA RATON, FL (February 13, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s Mechanical Engineering senior design teams are presenting their “Rube Goldberg” machines.  This semester’s challenge is to set a golf tee, tee up a golf ball and hit it off the tee into a hole at least six feet away. The minimum amount of steps that can be used is twelve in a maximum time of two minutes, and the design cannot exceed 4x4x4 feet in size.

This year’s competition will be held on Tuesday, February 17 from 11 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  The competition will take place in the lobby of the engineering building on FAU’s Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road.  The event is free and open to the public.

The judges for this year’s competition include Dr. Oren Masory, FAU’s chair of mechanical engineering; Dr. Gary Salivar, assistant dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Dr. Kader Mazouz, associate professor of mechanical engineering.
For more information about the competition, contact KC Coyle at 561-297-3580 or kcoyle1@fau.edu .

-FAU-
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing accessible and responsive programs of education and research recognized nationally for their high quality. Course offerings are presented on-campus, off-campus, and through distance learning in bioengineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering and ocean engineering.  For more information about the college, please visit www.eng.fau.edu.
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Halle – 561-297-1399, challe@fau.edu
 
Lisa Freed
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-297-3022 – OFFICE
561-297-3001 – FAX
561-706-2030 – CELL