In 2008, when I was first elected to the town commission of Sewall’s Point, I was appointed to be on the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, and sister entity, Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities. These wonderful organizations consist of elected officials from Indian River, St Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee Counties–counties on, or connected to, the Indian River Lagoon.
As is my style “as a new member,” I tried to keep my mouth shut until I could figure out the “politics” and the players of the game. But in 2008 the winds of fate would not have such…
One of the first discussions for the “League” was organizing to change the name of our region from “Treasure Coast ” to “Research Coast.” The goal at the time, in the wake of the Great Recession, was to attract research companies to our area, and this name change was believed to facilitate this goal.
As the daughter of a historian, I broke my “keep your mouth shut early member rule” and as politely as possible relayed that I thought changing the name from Treasure Coast to Research Coast was a “terrible idea in line with gutting our history and identity, not to mention years of branding…”
The discussions lasted months and finally the idea to change the name was dropped. Treasure Coast prevailed. Many others held my sentiments; the discussion had been going on for a while before I got there. It was controversial to say the least. In the end, I felt we’d “won,” but others felt we’d lost an opportunity.
The recent findings of gold treasure off of Ft Pierce by Queens Jewels LLC as reported by the Brinson family is just what is needed to reinvigorate our “Treasure Coast” identity and tourism is big business!
As we all know, Sebastian, Jupiter, Martin, Vero, and others have a rich history in unearthing treasures from along our shores and not all of it is gold. Lumber, pottery, gems, pearls,—the remaining ship itself and the swimming sea of creatures that have made these wrecks their home is enough for me!
Years ago, I went snorkeling off of the House of Refuge to see the Georges Valentine ship. It was fun and very near shore. You could always see the House of Refuge. I think I’ll get my husband to take me again to celebrate the findings off of Ft Pierce, and to pay homage to those over one-thousand souls who died in ships bound for Spain during a relentless hurricane 300 years ago this past July weekend.
Maybe you’ll go too? Have you already been? Did you find any gold?
If you want a simple map to get started, Stuart Heritage Museum at 161 SW Flager has a great one and it’s great for kids. Entitled “Shipwrecks of Florida and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico,” it gives a great visual history of all….to see why we are and always will be THE TREASURE COAST!
Stuart Heritage Museum and info: (http://www.stuartheritagemuseum.com)
Orlando Sentinel Rare Find: (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-florida-family-finds-rare-gold-coin-20150727-story.html)
The Republic: (http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/c4131fbbd61845fba16830be4ed6d850/FL–Treasure-Hunters)
My daughter and I were at the Stuart heritage museum this past Saturday. Donna gave us a wonderful tour and there was so much to explore there. The other staff were just as inviting and informative. Being new to the Treasure coast it was a great history lesson….and I am glad the name has remained the same it is special. Great job on the blog!enjoy each post.
Lori thank you for the report on the Stuart Heritage tour! SO glad it was fun. It is a trip thorough history that’s for sure.:)
I think they waunted to change the name because they have raked in more money doing “research” than all the treasure found put togather
I think you are right Brent!
I hope someone could contact a Lori Morris with the Saint Johns Water Management District and tell her that her front page article in the Florida Today newspaper is not correct. She hapens to be putting sea grass in the same places I have been putting sand and shell.I think they need to cut all funding for “research” and FIX THE LAGOON.. I also hope mis Moris will read all my commints on this blog
If I meet her I will tell her. I don’t know that many people “up there” That’s awesome Brent.
You are doing good work.
I think they waunted to change the name because they have raked in more money doing “research” than all the treasure found put togather. I hope someone could contact a Lori Morris with the Staint Johns Water Management Distric and tell her that her front page article in the florida(july 27) today is not correct. The places she is doing “research ” just happen to be where I am putting my sand. I hope she will read ALL my comments on this blog. They need to STOP the funding on the “research ‘ and FIX the lagoon
My computer skills stink
Thanks for writing. The blog thing can be a pain.
Either way, I feel blessed to finally embrace the “gift” given to me. I just s 1000 ay what I am given and being that I am a true southerner, I have a . Intuitive Readings by E-mail or Phone Worldwide or In-Person on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Thank you!