Heathcote Botanical Gardens Tour

I had the pleasure of touring the beautiful Heathcote Botanical Gardens, and it was an inspiring experience to explore the stunning landscapes, diverse plant collections, and tranquil spaces the gardens offer. The dedication of the staff and volunteers in preserving and enhancing this local gem is truly commendable. I’m excited to see how the gardens continue to serve as a resource for education, relaxation, and environmental stewardship for our community. If you haven't visited yet, I highly recommend checking it out.

 

Community Highlights

As someone with years of experience in education, this experience holds a special place in my heart. I had the privilege of visiting White City Elementary School in Fort Pierce, where I had the honor of reading a book to one of the classrooms. Engaging with the students, sharing a story, and witnessing their enthusiasm for learning was truly heartwarming. I'm grateful for the opportunity to support our young learners and to continue fostering a love for reading and education within our community. Moments like these underscore the importance of investing in the future of our children.

 

 

 

Spotlight on Achievements

 

My fellow Commissioners and I had the pleasure of presenting a graduation certificate to Dr. Chauncelor Howell, a long-time Port St. Lucie resident and Marine Veteran. Dr. Howell recently completed the Citizens Academy but was unable to attend the graduation ceremony. To recognize his commitment, I arranged a special certificate presentation.

United Against Poverty Tour

 

This remarkable organization is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing essential services such as crisis care, education, employment training, and nutritional food. During a recent visit to United Against Poverty's St. Lucie campus in Fort Pierce, I had the privilege of touring their facilities alongside my executive aide. Their mission to help people achieve economic self-sufficiency and a brighter future is truly inspiring. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact they’re making in our community was an eye-opening experience, and I’m proud to support their important work in creating lasting change.

HANDS of St. Lucie County

HANDS of St. Lucie County is a beacon of hope for our community, providing free primary healthcare services to uninsured, low-income adults. Their comprehensive care includes medical, dental, vision, and women's health services, along with health education and prescription assistance. Their mission to bridge the healthcare gap and empower individuals toward better health is truly inspiring. Their unwavering commitment to community well-being is a testament to the power of collective action in addressing local health disparities.

 

 

Florida Association of Counties Legislative Conference

My recent trip to Tallahassee for the Florida Association of Counties Legislative Conference was both enlightening and inspiring. The opportunity to engage with key State Department leaders provided invaluable insights, further strengthening my commitment to serving our community. A standout moment was meeting with our dedicated legislative leaders—State Representatives Dana Trabulsy and Toby Overdorf, as well as State Senator Erin Grall. Their leadership and collaboration continue to drive positive changes, and it was a privilege to connect with them during this impactful trip. Additionally, I had the honor of meeting with Wilton Simpson, Florida's Agriculture Commissioner. His dedication to our state's agricultural sector and his vision for its future were truly inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

St. Lucie County Employee Spotlight

 

Rebecca is the Director of Public Utilities and Solid Waste for St. Lucie County. With over 20 years of experience in the utilities sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her time in the US Navy, nuclear power, and international teaching. Since joining St. Lucie County in 2015, Rebecca has earned numerous certifications, including FEMA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and a master’s in management. We're lucky to have her leadership.

Inside St. Lucie

 

Check out this episode of Inside St. Lucie with host Erick Gill, featuring Amy Griffin, Director of the Environmental Resources Department, and me, as we discuss the vital work being done to manage and protect our county’s preserves.

In this conversation, we delve into the critical efforts to maintain our environmental resources, ensuring these beautiful natural spaces remain sustainable and accessible for generations to come. It's a privilege to be part of efforts that protect the heart of St. Lucie County for future generations to enjoy.

St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Tour

 

Touring the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance was a rewarding experience that highlighted the vibrant artistic community of Fort Pierce. The gallery showcased a diverse array of works from over 100 local artists, reflecting the area's rich cultural tapestry. Engaging with the artists and witnessing their creative processes firsthand provided valuable insights into the artistic landscape of St. Lucie County. The Alliance's commitment to fostering local talent and promoting the arts was evident throughout the visit.

Sunshine Kitchen Tour

I had the chance to check out the Sunshine Kitchen, a 10,000-square-foot food incubator located in Fort Pierce, Florida. This facility offers 24/7 access to professional kitchens, helping chefs, caterers, and food entrepreneurs create, package, and market their products. It's a valuable resource for growing local food businesses, with training and support from partners like Indian River State College and UF’s IFAS.

These collaborations provide valuable training and resources to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing a food business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your food venture, the Sunshine Kitchen offers the tools, support, and community to help you succeed.

 

 

 

Public Works Tour

Commissioner Lowry touring Public Works and learning about infrastructure improvements across St. Lucie County.

The St. Lucie County Public Works Department is dedicated to enhancing our community's infrastructure. I had the chance to tour their facilities and see firsthand the critical work they do. Their mission is clear: to serve residents by delivering essential improvements promptly and efficiently. The department encompasses four key divisions: Administration, Engineering, Road & Bridge, and Water Quality. Each division plays a vital role in maintaining and upgrading the county's infrastructure, from stormwater management and transportation enhancements to road maintenance and water quality initiatives. This tour highlighted the department's dedication to providing a solid, dependable infrastructure program, ensuring a high quality of life for all St. Lucie County residents.

 

 

 

 

Fun Fact: Local Tax Dollars at Work!

Did you know? A portion of the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax in St. Lucie County funded the Melville Road Stormwater Improvement Project—Phase 2. This initiative transformed an 8.8-acre parcel along South Citrus Avenue into a stormwater treatment area designed to capture and treat runoff from the western part of the Melville Road neighborhood. The project aims to improve the timing and quality of water flowing into the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, benefiting both the local community and the environment.

St. Lucie County Public Utilities Tour

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of St. Lucie County's Public Utilities facilities. This immersive experience provided a comprehensive overview of how the county manages its water and wastewater systems. During the tour, we explored both indoor and outdoor components of the wastewater treatment process, learning about the various stages involved in treating and reusing water. The knowledgeable staff shared insights into the technologies and practices employed to ensure sustainable water management and environmental protection. This firsthand exposure deepened my understanding of the critical infrastructure that supports our community's water needs.

 

 

Get to know your Commissioner & her Executive Aide!!

Meeting Requests

If you’d like to request a meeting or have any questions, feel free to email my aide, Carly Ceglio, at carly.ceglio@stlucieco.gov with the details of your request, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Erin Lowry

District 3 County Commissioner

Cell: 772-332-3836
2300 Virginia Ave.
Fort Pierce, FL 34982