Port St Lucie Talks

Discover how Indian River State College’s Promise Program is transforming access to higher education for local families.

On Port St Lucie Talks Podcast, Host Dash Hernandez sits down with Rebecca Shearer (Chief Retention Officer) and Maygan Johnson (Senior Director of Development) to discuss how this community-funded initiative makes tuition-free college a reality.

🎓 What You’ll Learn:

Simple eligibility requirements (no GPA cutoff!)
Coverage across St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties
Career pathways starting at $28/hour after 2 years
The River’s 100% nursing board pass rate
Support for first-generation college students
How community members can give back to sustain the program

📌 Key Program Details:

Must graduate from an eligible high school & enroll full-time immediately
Tuition covers AA/AS degrees (≈ $10,000 value)
77% of graduates remain local, building our workforce
More than 10,000 students impacted since 2022
Full wraparound support: advising, tutoring, counseling, and work-study

🌊 Learn more: irsc.edu/promise | Support the program: giving.irsc.edu

The River is developing talent and strengthening our community across the Treasure Coast.

Host: Dash Hernandez

Guests: Rebecca Shearer & Maygan Johnson

#TuitionFreeCollege #CollegeOpportunity #FloridaEducation #IRSCPromise #WorkforceDevelopment #HealthcareCareers #FutureLeaders

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Season 2 kicks off with a blockbuster episode! Dash Hernandez sits down with St. Lucie County District 5 Commissioner Cathy Townsend to reveal exclusive inside details about the biggest developments reshaping our area. From the Fort Pierce Airport’s new commercial flights and a major hotel project with a lazy river… to the Wave Park update, Buc-ee’s groundbreaking, new boat ramps, and tax relief plans — this episode is packed with game-changing news for Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce residents.

Commissioner Townsend also shares her personal journey from small business owner to county leader, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at growth management, infrastructure, and government transparency on the Treasure Coast.

If you live in St. Lucie County, own property here, or are considering a move to Florida’s Treasure Coast, you don’t want to miss this episode.

👉 Like, Subscribe & Comment: Which project are YOU most excited about?

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In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo joins host Dash Hernandez to discuss the exciting developments shaping Port St. Lucie’s future. Caraballo dives into the Jobs Corridor project, which promises thousands of new jobs, and shares her vision for “The Heart” entertainment hub, a new community gathering space. She also emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth, ensuring Port St. Lucie remains a beautiful and thriving place to live. Tune in to hear how Vice Mayor Caraballo is leading Port St. Lucie into its next chapter!

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Port St. Lucie Talks! In this episode, host Dash Hernandez sits down with the talented Stephanie, owner and stylist of Boulevard Hair Boutique, located right here in Port St. Lucie. Stephanie has been a stylist for over 15 years and is now the proud owner of one of the most highly-rated salons in the area. She shares her journey from working for others to becoming a business owner, the challenges she faced along the way, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own small businesses in Port St. Lucie. If you're interested in beauty, business, or balancing it all as a working mom, this episode is for you!

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In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, we sit down with JEFRË, the renowned public artist behind the world’s largest heart sculpture in Tradition, Port St. Lucie. Listen as JEFRË shares his journey from urban design to creating monumental public art, including how a personal health crisis inspired his career shift. Discover the story behind Tradition’s iconic heart sculpture and how it’s shaping community identity and connection in Port St. Lucie. Tune in to hear the insights of an artist whose work resonates around the world.

#PortStLucie #TraditionPSL #JEFRË #PublicArt #HeartSculpture #CommunityArt #FloridaArt"

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Join us in this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks as we interview Dana Trabulsy, a dedicated member of the Florida House of Representatives. Dana shares her inspiring journey from a background in marketing and communications to her current role as a state representative. We dive into her efforts to enhance education, mental health, and environmental protection, and discuss her key legislative accomplishments, including the New World's Reading Initiative and the John W. Ray Act. Discover how Dana is making a positive impact in Port St. Lucie and learn how you can get involved in supporting local initiatives.

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In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, host Dash Hernandez interviews Dr. Jon Prince, Superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools. They discuss the district’s remarkable advancements, including a rise in graduation rates to nearly 95%, the introduction of innovative programs like the Accelerated Math Program (AMP), and future initiatives such as the Space Academy. Dr. Prince shares his vision for preparing students for both college and high-demand jobs in industries like construction and space technology. Tune in for insights on the future of education in St. Lucie County.

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In this insightful episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, we are honored to sit down with Chief Jeff Lee, the esteemed leader of the St. Lucie County Fire District. Chief Lee shares his remarkable journey, from his early days in the Navy to becoming a central figure in the fire service, where he has played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Port St. Lucie residents.

Chief Lee delves into the challenges and triumphs of his career, including the implementation of cutting-edge technologies like preemption systems that improve emergency response times and enhance community safety. He also reflects on his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that tested the resilience and adaptability of the fire service in unprecedented ways.

Throughout the interview, Chief Lee offers valuable advice to those aspiring to join the firefighting profession or public service, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others. He also highlights the significant innovations that have shaped the future of emergency services in St. Lucie County, from advanced communication systems to strategic community partnerships.

This episode provides an in-depth look at the operations of the St. Lucie County Fire District and sheds light on the ongoing efforts to keep Port St. Lucie a safe and thriving community. Whether you're interested in public safety, leadership, or community development, this conversation with Chief Lee is a must-listen.

Tune in to discover how the St. Lucie County Fire District is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city, and learn how you can contribute to the safety and well-being of your community. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode of Port St. Lucie Talks!

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In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, Sean Boyle, CEO of the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, shares his inspiring journey from Chicago to St. Lucie County. Discover how Sean's leadership has transformed community support systems, reduced teen birth rates, and expanded healthcare access for children. Tune in to learn about the pivotal programs and initiatives that are making a lasting difference in the lives of local families. Don't miss this insightful conversation on community service and dedication to the wellbeing of our children.

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In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, Michelle Miller, the Clerk & Comptroller of St. Lucie County, shares her remarkable journey from military service to public office. Interviewed by Dash Hernandez, Michelle discusses the challenges she’s faced, the innovative solutions she’s implemented, and her commitment to enhancing transparency and community service. Tune in to learn how Michelle is making a lasting impact in our community and her vision for the future of St. Lucie County. Don't miss this insightful conversation! 🎙️ #PortStLucieTalks

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