On this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Baldy Eats returns for another deep dive into the Treasure Coast food scene, this time with even more bold takes, local insight, and community-driven conversation. From the area's most debated pizza joints to up-and-coming tacos and standout smashburgers, Baldy breaks down his latest reviews and what’s trending on his Facebook group, Baldy’s Treasure Coast Reviews. We talk about the evolution of the local dining scene, why consistency still matters most, and how his grassroots platform is shaping where people eat and how they talk about food. Baldy also shares what’s next on his radar, restaurants that have surprised him, and where the Treasure Coast still has room to grow.

In this episode of The Current, we talk with Ja’Min Devon, the founder of Sunland News, a growing independent media platform focused on storytelling and community life in St. Lucie County.

The conversation covers Ja’Min’s journey from Fort Pierce native to full-time content creator, highlighting the evolution of Sunland News and its marquee newsletter.

Listeners will learn how Sunland News blends digital newsletters, video content, local event guides, and experimental tools like free library finders and food quizzes, all centered on preserving and promoting the spirit of home.

The episode dives into Ja’Min’s goals for community-driven journalism that focuses on useful, positive, and locally-rooted content. It also explores the vision behind his upcoming brick-and-mortar bookstore on 25th Street.

Whether you're a lifelong Treasure Coast resident or someone new to St. Lucie County, this episode offers a grounded look at modern local media and what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.

∙ Learn about Sunland News: https://www.sunlandnews.com/

∙ Subscribe to Sunland News: https://www.sunlandnews.com/subscribe

∙ Follow Sunland News: / thesunlandnews

On this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Michael Mortell, City Manager of the City of Stuart, joins us to talk about urban planning, public perception, and what shapes Stuart’s future.

Mortell shares how his long career from private attorney to city commissioner, city attorney, and now city manager gives him a unique view of how policy is implemented and how local government functions. The conversation covers zoning, land use rights, Brightline, traffic infrastructure, the impact of state mandates like the Live Local Act, and public misunderstandings around Stuart’s development.

Mortell also unpacks misconceptions surrounding projects like Costco and local population growth, highlighting the difference between perception and reality in civic development. The episode offers a grounded perspective on how growth is managed, how Stuart fits into a larger regional forecast, and why infrastructure decisions made decades ago still shape today’s outcomes.

Michelle Byriel, Community Engagement Coordinator at Florida Oceanographic Society, joins The Current to discuss how the organization inspires environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education, research, and advocacy. With nearly two decades of experience, Michelle shares how Florida Oceanographic connects people of all ages to the coastal environment through hands-on science, public outreach, and policy engagement. This episode covers oyster reef and seagrass restoration, water quality monitoring, and the role of community involvement in driving measurable change. We also look at how the Hutchinson Island Coastal Center supports year-round programs that educate, inform, and inspire action. Learn more at floridaocean.org.

In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we talk with Darryl Bey, founder of Bluebird Bistro & Wine Bar in Fort Pierce and a longtime community leader. Darryl shares how he and his wife, Gina, combined their passions for baking, music, and wine to create Bluebird Bistro, a space rooted in music, food, and local culture.

The conversation covers the couple’s early days running Gina’s Bakeshop and Bluebird Productions, Darryl’s history founding the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society, and how his nonprofit Bluebird Educational Foundation helps local youth through music. They also discuss the evolving cultural landscape of Fort Pierce, the importance of creating meaningful spaces for residents and visitors, and how Bluebird plans to bring national and local talent to the Treasure Coast.

• Learn about Bluebird Bistro: https://www.bluebirdbistro809.com/

• Follow Bluebird: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

• Bluebird Educational Foundation: https://bluebirdeducationalfoundation..

Commissioner Sean Reed of Stuart, Florida, joins The Current by TreasureCoast.com to discuss the various issues facing the city today. This episode explores how the city allocates revenue from the Half-Cent sales tax, balancing improvements with conservation goals, and the local impact of development proposals, such as the Willoughby Road extension. Reed explains the balance between residents’ desire to preserve Stuart’s small-town character and the pressure to accommodate sustainable growth.

🌊 Watch our First Podcast with Commissioner Reed: • Commissioner Sean Reed Talks Zoning, Devel...

The conversation includes a close look at stormwater management efforts, East Stuart zoning debates, CRA funding limits, and how variances on parking and density can spark division within city leadership and the community. Reed also discusses the role of Martin County, his concerns about state legislation potentially undermining local decisions, and his experience navigating development requests as both a business owner and elected official.

In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we speak with Patrice Bowes with Voices for Children of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast. The conversation covers how the nonprofit works across Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties to support children in foster care, victims of abuse, and those facing serious life challenges. Patrice explains how the organization connects with law enforcement, child services, and community agencies to fill critical gaps in funding and resources. She also highlights how Voices for Children raises money through events, monthly giving programs, and community partnerships. From organizing local fundraisers to providing basic supplies for foster youth, this episode explores how everyday people can contribute through time, money, or attention to improve the lives of vulnerable children across the Treasure Coast.

In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we talk with David Austin, UF/IFAS Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator. The discussion centers around food forests in Florida, edible landscaping, and practical permaculture techniques for homeowners across the state. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their own food on the Treasure Coast and beyond.

Austin shares practical advice for homeowners, ranging from soil testing and microclimates to managing pests and planning the placement of fruit trees. The episode also explores common challenges, including water use, disease resistance, and how to build a resilient landscape that produces food year-round. Whether you're in a suburban HOA or rural acreage, the conversation offers actionable ideas for making your yard productive and ecological so you can start to "know your food".

Topics include Florida food forest design, sustainable gardening principles, and edible plants suited for Florida’s diverse climates. Get started on the Treasure Coast with your own Florida food forest!

In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we sit down with Caitlin Swindell, Chief Curator at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. She shares a behind-the-scenes look at how exhibitions are curated, from internationally renowned shows to local artists and beyond.

🎨 Learn more about Vero Beach Museum of Art: https://www.vbmuseum.org/

🖼️ Second Saturdays - Free admission every Second Saturday: https://www.vbmuseum.org/second-saturdays/

🗓️ Upcoming Performances & Lectures: https://www.vbmuseum.org/upcoming-events-lectures-seminars/

We discuss the complexities of transporting historic works, collaborating with living artists, and the decision-making process involved in selecting exhibitions. Caitlin offers insight into her process of discovering talent, the significance of thematic exhibitions, and how the museum balances accessibility with academic rigor. This conversation provides a window into the curatorial role and the planning that powers one of the Treasure Coast’s most respected and valued cultural institutions.

In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we sit down with Krista Garofalo, Chief Strategy Officer at Treasure Coast Food Bank. Krista shares a powerful look into the organization’s mission to alleviate hunger and build long-term stability across St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. She explains how food insecurity impacts one in four local residents, including working families, seniors, veterans, and children.

This episode dives into how the Treasure Coast Food Bank operates, from daily warehouse logistics and volunteer coordination to job training programs that equip people for careers in culinary arts, CDL trucking, hospitality, and more. Krista also discusses their response to hurricanes and disasters, including meal prep, mobile units, and community partnerships.

Listeners will hear how food assistance is just the starting point; programs now address root causes of food insecurity, like lack of access to healthcare, childcare, and stable employment. Whether you're looking to understand local poverty better or find ways to get involved and informed, this episode offers a grounded, inside look at one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.