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Thursday, October 18, 2018
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
American Homeowners Don’t Want to Move, Plan for Home Repairs Instead

As recent home value appreciation reports have pointed out, homeowners in America are not selling, and a recent analysis from Zillow said that many — 63% — are not looking to move at all.
Read more HERE
Monday, October 15, 2018
The Worst Advice Realtors And Mortgage Brokers Have Ever Heard

What’s tricky about bad advice is that often it sounds good.
Source: The Worst Advice Realtors And Mortgage Brokers Have Ever Heard
Friday, October 12, 2018
Crown Jewel, 6th Street Rocktoberfest, Artoberfest, Great Duck Derby top this weekend

Sports reporter Jon Santucci breaks down the Week 7 matchups, in case you missed a game.
It’s one of those weekends on the Treasure Coast where there’s something for everyone.
Rock out at a beer and music festival in the street. Rally for the river to learn about our waterways. Peruse art while drinking local hard cider. Learn line dancing at a workshop. Watch the great duck derby in the Indian River Lagoon. Enjoy one of the oldest continuous marching festivals in Florida.
Have fun at this weekend’s best events in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Rock out with beer
The 6th Street Rocktoberfest beer and music festival is 2-10 p.m. Saturday on Sixth Street off Colorado Avenue near The Crafted Keg and Terra Fermata in Stuart. Sixth Street will be closed to traffic.
The outdoor block party includes a beer fest from 2-6 p.m. with 60 beers from more than 20 breweries., live music with 14 bands, food trucks, vendors and games.
Here are the participating breweries:
- 26 Degree Brewing Company
- American Icon Brewery
- Barrel of Monks Brewing
- Broski Ciderworks
- Carlsberg
- Dinkelacker-Bierstüble
- Due South Brewing Company
- Funky Buddha Brewery
- Hofbräuhaus Freising
- Hop Life Brewing Company
- Islamorada Beer Company
- Karbach Brewing Company
- Orchid Island Brewery
- Pareidolia Brewing Company
- Pierced Ciderworks
- Sailfish Brewing Company
- SaltWater Brewery
- Side Door Brewing Company
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
- Southern Tier Brewing Company
- Tequesta Brewing Company
- Victory Brewing Company
- Walking Tree Brewery
- Warsteiner
- Weihenstephan
General admission is $12 plus fees in advance or $18 at the gate for all ages. Beer fest admission is $28 plus fees in advance or $38 at the gate for ages 21 and older and includes general admission. A bottomless beer stein on the day of the event is $15. Proceeds benefit Operation 300. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thecraftedkeg.
HOMEGROWN: Orchid Island Brewery in Vero Beach has zest for using Indian River citrus in its beer
Get ready for Halloween
The Trick-or-Treat Halloween Hoedown is 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Kane Center at 900 S.E. Salerno Road in Port Salerno.
Dress in your best ghoulish or glamorous gear and kick up your heels with a teacher leading line dancing and providing instruction for beginners. There will be a cash bar available.
Tickets are $12 for ages 21 and older and includes line dancing, a buffet dinner, raffle prizes and Halloween treats. No walk-ins accepted. To buy tickets, call 772-223-7800 or go to kanecenter.org.
MORE: Haunted Florida: 10 places guaranteed to scare you on Halloween
Rally for the river
The Florida Oceanographic Society’s Rally for the River is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Flagler Park at 201 S.W. Flagler Ave., in Stuart.
Join the rally and learn about preserving our waterways by touring downtown Stuart’s living oyster reef, participating in water quality and oyster bagging demonstrations and meeting local water experts to learn about the problems, including toxic algae.
Admission is free for all ages. For more information, go to www.floridaocean.org.
MORE: Male seahorse giving birth to hundreds at Florida Oceanographic Society
Clean up the beach
A beach cleanup is 8-10 a.m. Sunday at the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge at 13640 U.S. 1 . The refuge’s beach is on the north end of Beach Road on Jupiter Island.
Marine debris poses a serious risk to wildlife, and the refuge needs help to keep the species that call it home safe. Bring a bottle to fill with water that will be available, and wear a hat and sunscreen. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
Meet at the boardwalk pavilion. Parking is free for volunteers. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/hobesoundnwr.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Craggy rock meets turquoise water at Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island
Enjoy art with cider
Artoberfest starts at 3 p.m. Saturday at Pierced Ciderworks at 411 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce.
Local artists from the Treasure Coast Art Association will be set up on the cidery’s yard to show off and sell their art. There also will be live music, food for sale, an apple recipe contest and, of course, lots of hard cider.
If it rains, the event will be moved to Oct. 20. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/piercedcider.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Pierced Ciderworks opens in Fort Pierce as Treasure Coast’s first cidery
Go to the museum
An open house to kick off the 58th season of the A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 500 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce.
See “Best of the Best,” the annual competition that showcases the best works of art in a variety of media from artists across Florida. Admission is free. There will be refreshments. For more information, go to www.backusmuseum.com.
Learn line dancing
The sixth annual Wild Roses Workshop & Social Dances is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the River Walk Center at 600 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce. This year’s theme is “Rose Buds & Country Studs, An Old Time Western.”
Four instructors will bring some new dances to both the main room and the beginners room. Socials on Friday and Saturday nights begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with free coffee and goodies.
Registration is $60 and includes the Friday night social, entrance to all workshops, lunch Saturday and the Saturday night social. Proceeds benefit the Wild Roses Foundation. For more information, go to www.wildrosesfoundation.org.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Line dancing isn’t just about country music anymore
Glow in the dark

The GLOW Dance Party is 7 p.m. Saturday at the Regal Event Hall at 582 N.W. University Blvd., Suite. 350, in Port St. Lucie.
The glow-in-the-dark dance party includes a DJ and photo booth. Tickets are $45 each. Proceeds benefit HANDS of St. Lucie County. For more information, call at 772-812-8338 or go to thejeweliaproject.org.
MORE: A Sizzling Havana Night raises $10,000 for HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County
Watch a free concert
The Free Friday Concert Series with the Tom Jackson Band is 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place.
The event is rain or shine either outside at Village Square Stage or inside the Emerald Ballroom. There will be food for sale and a cash bar.
The concert series continues monthly throughout the year as space is available. For more information, call 772-807-4488 or go to www.cityofpsl.com/civic.
MORE: City of PSL apologizes after playing Nazi version of German anthem at Oktoberfest
Celebrate the brewery
Hop Life Brewing Company’s One-Year Anniversary is noon to 11 p.m. Saturday at 679 N.W. Enterprise Drive in Port St. Lucie.
The celebration includes special beer releases, live music, food trucks, local vendors and giveaways. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/hoplifebrewingcompany.
MORE: Firefighters open Hop Life Brewing Company in St. Lucie West
Race ducks in a derby
The Great Duck Derby is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Capt Hiram’s Resort at 1580 U.S. 1 in Sebastian. The duck launch is about 2 p.m.
During the derby, 5,000 yellow ducks will be launched into the Indian River Lagoon and race their way toward shore. The first duck to enter the finish gate will be declared the grand prize winner. First place gets $1,000, second place gets $500 and third place gets $250.
Adopt ducks starting at $5 each. Proceeds benefit Treasure Coast Community Health. For more information, go to www.duckrace.com/treasurecoast.
MORE: TCCH Fifth Annual Great Duck Derby
Adopt pets
No Tail Left Behind Indian River County is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Walking Tree Brewery at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach.
The pet adoption event includes food trucks, art and pet booths, raffle prizes, a face painter and adoptable pets from the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.
MORE: Local scientists, farmers and brewers exploring Florida-grown hops as a viable crop
March with the band
The 37th annual Crown Jewel Marching Band Festival starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Vero Beach High School’s Citrus Bowl at 1707 16th St. The final round begins at 6:30 p.m.
Founded in 1981, the Crown Jewel is one of the oldest continuous marching festivals in Florida. About 25 bands compete in five classifications every year.
Admission is $14 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-18 and free for kids age 5 and younger. For more information, go to www.crownjewelvb.com.
MORE: Jensen Beach, Martin County and South Fork come up winners at Crown Jewel Festival
Buy boating items
The Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market, Seafood Festival and Boat Show is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo Center at 7955 58th Ave., north of Vero Beach.
Private individuals and marine-related businesses will be selling used marine equipment, marine antiques, new and used boats, fishing tackle, diving gear, marine artwork and other boating-related items.
The weekend also includes craft beers. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/marinefleamkt.
Enjoy a craft show
A craft show is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Park at 415 E. Independence St., Sebastian.
Local crafters will be selling their wares at the show. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sebastiancraftclub.
Next weekend’s preview
- Indiantown Rodeo at Timer Powers Riding Arena
- Haunted Hotel at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach
- Redeemer Lutheran’s Fall Festival at Indian RiverSide Park in Jensen Beach
- Downtown Stuart Craft Festival
- Fall Garden Festival at Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce
- Family Fall Festival at Hideaway Hammock Venue in Fort Pierce
- Great Pumpkin Celebration at Bass Pro Shops in Port St. Lucie
- ‘80s Party at Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub in Port St. Lucie
- Pumpkin Patch at Tradition in Port St. Lucie
- Fall Cruise-In Car Show at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery near Fort Pierce
- Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County’s Steak & Stake at Port St. Lucie Civic Center
- Fire Truck Pull & Family Water Day at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach
- 30th anniversary of “Beetlejuice” at The Majestic 11 in Vero Beach
- American Icon Brewery’s first anniversary in Vero Beach
- Papercraft at the Pub at Pareidolia Brewing Company in Sebastian
- Nicholas Sparks at Vero Beach High School Center for the Performing Arts
- Bowl-Erina at Vero Bowl in Vero Beach
- Night Sounds Concert Series at Sebastian Inlet State Park
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Source: Crown Jewel, 6th Street Rocktoberfest, Artoberfest, Great Duck Derby top this weekend
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Thinking of Refinancing Your Mortgage? Check These 4 Financial Areas First

Thinking of refinancing your mortgage? Take a look at these four financial areas first to see if it’s the right move for you.
Source: Thinking of Refinancing Your Mortgage? Check These 4 Financial Areas First
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Melbourne, Port St. Lucie among best places to live, according to U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report analyzed the 125 most populous metro areas for its list. The highest-ranking city in Florida is Melbourne. Port St. Lucie ranked 79th.
Source: Melbourne, Port St. Lucie among best places to live, according to U.S. News & World Report
Friday, October 5, 2018
Wiener dogs race, Paddle in Pink, Pirate Festival, Oktoberfest events top this weekend

The first full weekend of October on the Treasure Coast is packed with 16 mostly family-friendly events.
Eat German food and drink German beer at Oktoberfest festivals. Watch wiener dogs run a race to help a no-kill shelter. Go to a local botanical garden for only $1. Paddle in pink for breast cancer awareness month. Climb aboard a real ship and find pirates and mermaids. Celebrate Bahamian culture. Have fun with the whole family.
Here’s how to enjoy this weekend in St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties.
Eat German food
The City of Port St. Lucie’s Oktoberfest is 5-10 p.m. Friday and 2-10 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place.
Celebrate German culture under a big tent, just like the annual event is celebrated in Munich, Germany. Enjoy a brat-eating contest, a stein-holding competition and a beer garden.
Both days also include authentic German beer and food, live entertainment and bounce houses. Admission and parking are free. For more information, go to www.cityofpsl.com.
MORE: Beerspeak for ‘Das Oktoberfest’
Drink German beer
Oktoberfest on 2nd Street is 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Sailfish Brewery Company at 130 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce.
The road in front of the brewery and neighbor 2nd Street Bistro will be shut down and lined with tents. The event includes a special Oktoberfest beer release lineup, German food from the Bistro, Oktoberfest games and live music from East Harbor.
Dress accordingly with lederhosen and dirndl. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sailfishbrewingcompany.
PHOTOS: Prost! Biers, bretzels, and more at Walking Tree Brewery’s Oktoberfest celebration in Vero
Vacation with country music
Chillin’ on the Lucie, a vacation and country music festival, is this weekend at Sandpiper Bay Club Med at 4500 S.E. Pine Valley St., in Port St. Lucie.
The festival features more than 30 artists and bands, including headliners Joe Nichols, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Uncle Kracker and RaeLynn. Other appearances include Thompson Square, Craig Campbell, Cassadee Pope, Parmalee, Restless Heart, Josh Gracin, Love and Theft, Clare Dunn and Trent Tomlinson.
Festival packages include four-night accommodations with up to four guests, all-day food, drinks and alcohol and daily sporting and water activities. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. For prices, call 800-813-6884. For more information, go to chillinonthelucie.com.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Here’s why some county fairs can’t afford big concerts anymore
Clean up the beach
The Fort Pierce Lions Club’s Beach Cleanup is 8-9 a.m. Saturday at Jetty Park at 2098 Seaway Drive.
Gloves, bags and water are provided. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/fortpiercelions.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Sharky’s near Fort Pierce is perfect restaurant for surfers, beach bums
Go to the garden
Community Appreciation Days at McKee Botanical Garden are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 350 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. The last ticket is sold at 4 p.m.
Admission is discounted to $1 during these days in appreciation of the community’s support of McKee since 1932 and in recognition of Vero Beach’s Centennial Celebration.
McKee’s Garden Café will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days and feature a special menu before the café officially opens Nov. 1 for the season. For more information, call 772-794-0601 or go to www.mckeegarden.org.
MORE: Company with Disney parks experience making McKee children’s garden structures
Watch wieners run
Pareidolia Brewing Company’s fourth annual Running of the Wieners is 1-4 p.m. Saturday at 712 Cleveland St., in Sebastian. Registration begins at noon.
The event also includes live music by The Mixers, raffles and races for other friendly pets. Plus, the brewery just released its Estuary IPA and $1 of each beer sold through December goes to the Marine Resources Council.
The race is free to watch. Race registration is $20. Proceeds benefit H.A.L.O Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter in Sebastian. For more information, call 772-571-5693 or go to www.facebook.com/pareidoliabrewing.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Breweries aren’t just about beer anymore; game nights attract customers
Paddle to raise awareness
The fifth annual Paddle in Pink is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa at 3244 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach.The free event features a variety of paddling activities for all forms of non-motorized watercraft, SUP yoga, a group paddle, live music and drawings.
Tickets to win a standup paddleboard or an inflatable paddleboard are $25 each or five for $100. Proceeds benefit the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. For more information, call 321-438-8733 or go to www.paddleinpink.org.
MORE: Radiation improvements help local breast-cancer patients
Buy arts and crafts
The 31st annual Autumn in the Park is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Riverside Park at 3001 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach.
More than 90 vendors are expected to be under the oak trees selling original arts and crafts. Plus, there will be food vendors.
The event is the Treasure Coast Pilot Club’s largest fundraiser. For more information, go to www.autumninthepark.info.
MORE: Treasure Coast Pilot Club’s 31st annual Autumn in the Park set for Oct. 6-7 in Vero Beach
Touch a truck
A Touch-a-Truck event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Indian River County Fairgrounds at 7955 58th Ave., north of Vero Beach.The event includes a scavenger hunt for large trucks, farm equipment and service vehicles of all shapes, sizes and colors. Trucks will be accompanied by onsite agency representatives to help children learn about and explore the vehicles. Children can honk horns on many of the trucks after the first honk-free hour.
An indoor area includes games, activities and nonprofit tables. A children’s fitness area has soccer, Hula-Hoops, jump ropes and Zumba. Plus, there will be food trucks.
Tickets, which include all activities, are $5 each or $15 for a family and free for ages 3 and younger. For more information, call 772-617-4350 or go to www.krcirc.org.
PHOTOS: This year’s Touch-a-Truck event at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Stuart
Dress up for a ball
Smiling for the camera at the Black & White Masquerade Ball are, from left, seated, Terry Swett, Amy Banov, Robert Banov, Marllyn Justice, and Dale Justice. Standing: David Swett, Joe Binney, Peter O’Bryan, and Susan O’Bryan.Jan J. Binney/For Luminaries2017 Black & White Masquerade BallThe Exchange Club of Indian River Foundation’s fourth annual Black & White Masquerade Ball starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Vero Beach Country Club at 800 30th St.
The event features a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing to DJ music, silent and live auctions and a photo booth. Black and white country club attire is suggested and masks are encouraged, but optional.
Tickets are $100 each or $750 for a table of eight. Proceeds benefit local projects for child abuse prevention. For more information, call 772-532-8758 or go to www.exchangeclubofindianriver.org.
MORE: Fall’s full of fabulous galas and fundraisers, plus gobs of golf tournaments
Climb aboard a pirate ship
The Port Salerno Pirate Fest is 2-11 p.m. Saturday at The Twisted Tuna at 4290 S.E. Salerno Road in the Manatee Pocket.The festival includes a real pirate ship, a live mermaid tank, sword fighting, a pirate show, food and art vendors, live music from Blackfoot, a children’s fun zone, face painting, a raffle giveaway and costume contests for pets, kids and adults.
Admission is free. For more information, call 772-600-7239 or go to portsalernopiratefest.com.
PHOTOS: Landlubbers shiver their timbers during the fourth annual Vero Beach Pirate Festival
Have a fun night with family
Fall Family Fun Night is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Langford Park at 2369 N.E. Dixie Highway in Jensen Beach.
The night includes arts and crafts, face painting, children’s games and activities, food vendors, an interactive animal educational display, a pumpkin decorating station and costume contests for pets and people.
Admission is free. For more information, call 772-288-5690 or go to www.facebook.com/mymcparks.
MORE: Haunted Florida: 10 places guaranteed to scare you on Halloween
Have a fun day with family
Family Fun Day is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Environmental Studies Council at 2900 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.
The annual open house features saltwater aquariums, hands-on learning and a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle. Guests can meet an alligator, tour the wet labs, check out the new educational sea turtle display, visit a special plankton display, explore the school grounds and shop at the gift shop.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 772-219-1887 or go to www.escmc.org.
PHOTOS: This year’s Rum Runner Gala for the Environmental Studies Council
Celebrate Bahamian culture
The 21st annual Bahamian Festival is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at New Monrovia Park at 4450 S.E. Field St., in Port Salerno.Join in the 11 a.m. parade by dancing in the street through town in carnival attire with a Junkanoo band. Plus, there’s a children’s zone, live music, food, vendor booths and entertainment. For more information, go to discovermartin.com.
PHOTOS: Last year’s Bahamian Festival at New Monrovia Park in Port Salerno
Find a yard sale deal
The Yard Sale at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach.
Raid the museum’s closets for crafts, activities and furniture goodies. There will be priced tables of items displayed outside of the museum’s entrance. The sale is first come, first serve. Cash and cards are accepted. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thechildrensmuseumtc.
LAURIE’S STORIES: Polka restaurant in Jensen Beach serves authentic Eastern European food
Dine around town
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce’s Dine Around Progressive Dinner is 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday at the Hobe Sound Golf Club at 11671 S.E. Plandome Drive.Guests begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and mingling at the golf club. Then, they will progress to the home of a celebrity chef where each will provide a variety of delicacies. Then, they will go to the Flash Beach Grille at 9126 S.E Bridge Road for an after-party featuring dessert and a nightcap under a tiki hut.
Tickets are $65 each and includes three courses. For more information, call 772-546-4724 or go to www.hobesound.org.
MORE: Dig your toes in the sand and dine at Hobe Sound’s Flash Beach Grille
Next weekend’s preview
- The 6th Street Rocktoberfest at The Crafted Keg and Terra Fermata in Stuart
- Trick or Treat Halloween Hoedown at Kane Center in Stuart
- Rally for the River at Flagler Park in Stuart
- Sock Hop at The Cambridge Club in Hobe Sound
- Artoberfest at Pierced Ciderworks in Fort Pierce
- Rose Buds & Country Studs Old Time Western Workshop at River Walk Center in Fort Pierce
- Glow Dance Party at Regal Event Hall in Port St. Lucie
- Free Friday Concert Series at Port St. Lucie Civic Center
- The Great Duck Derby at Capt Hiram’s in Sebastian
- Craft Show at Riverside Park in Sebastian
- No Tail Left Behind Indian River County at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach
- Crown Jewel Marching Band Festival at Vero Beach High School
- Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market and Seafood Festival at Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Source: Wiener dogs race, Paddle in Pink, Pirate Festival, Oktoberfest events top this weekend
