This Week's Latest Tech News in Port Saint Lucie, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Port Saint Lucie’s tech scene this week showcased a blend of rapid advancement and ongoing community challenges. Local schools continued to drive enthusiasm for technology, with STEM participation increasing by 35% and events like the “Junior Tech Tinkerers” Lego robotics competition reflecting a broader push in digital education.

• STEM participation surges: The increase in student involvement highlights growing excitement in technology across Port Saint Lucie schools.
• Community programs expand: Initiatives such as the “Code for All” program are targeting digital skill training for 2,500 residents by 2026, showing an inclusive approach to technology education.
• Coding bootcamps become more accessible: With tuition starting at $458, bootcamps at the community college have helped many, including Thomas Wilson, achieve meaningful salary gains and high job placement rates (recent developments in local tech education).

Initiative	Impact	Key Person
Junior Tech Tinkerers	Boosts student interest in robotics	Charles Jackson
Code for All	Trains 2,500 locals in digital skills by 2026	Thomas Miller

However, alongside these successes, concerns persist: the arrest of a local construction technology business owner highlighted a 12% rise in business fraud cases in the county, intensifying demands for transparency and accountability.

The city’s focus on tech innovation is also visible in partnerships with major employers and infrastructure upgrades, further cementing its role as a regional tech hub (tech hub initiatives and economic impact).

• Fraud remains a challenge: Business fraud rose by 12%, raising community concerns about ethics and oversight.
• Partnerships strengthen the ecosystem: Collaborations with major employers and infrastructure upgrades support ongoing tech innovation.
• Ethics emphasized by leaders: As Port Saint Lucie grows, community leaders underscore the importance of ethics to sustain progress (regional economic outlook).

Port St. Lucie’s focus on construction industry integrity came into sharp relief this week after Mark Montalto, owner of Port St. Lucie Properties Inc., was arrested on April 23, 2025, following a two-year investigation into construction fraud.

Authorities say Montalto faces 46 charges, including grand theft, racketeering, and aggravated white collar crime, after 21 victims reported losing from several thousand to over $100,000 each for new homes that were unfinished or missing permits.

Police indicate subcontractors went unpaid, which resulted in liens against homeowner properties, and lawsuits filed against Montalto and his company now total over $755,000 in judgments, with additional bankruptcy proceedings underway (WPBF local news).

The Port St. Lucie Police Department began their investigation in May 2023, identifying widespread misapplication of funds and failure to meet contractual obligations, which left families in financial and emotional distress (TCPalm coverage).

The case has sparked renewed urgency around accountability, with local builders increasingly adopting digital project management platforms such as Procore and Buildertrend to address transparency needs.

These tools support real-time budget tracking, automated document verification to help reduce forgery, and blockchain-enabled contracts for payment clarity (CBS12 news report).

As a result, Port St. Lucie is seeing a shift towards technology not just for efficiency, but as a practical necessity for building public trust and raising industry standards.

• Construction industry integrity: The city is emphasizing accountability after construction fraud cases emerge, aiming to restore trust.
• Charges and losses: Mark Montalto faces multiple felony counts after victims lost substantial sums for unfinished homes.
• Technological transparency: Digital platforms like Procore and Buildertrend are being adopted for transparent project management and payment tracking.
• Financial and emotional impact: Families affected by fraud experienced financial strain and distress due to lost investments and legal actions.

Local carpenter Robert Johnson sums it up: “Technology is now essential to protect both clients and businesses,” showing how recent events are driving cultural and operational change throughout the city’s construction sector.

The excitement was unmistakable as the 2025 "Junior Tech Tinkerers" Lego robotics showcase drew over 150 elementary and middle schoolers to the Fort Pierce Community Center last Saturday - highlighting a growing passion for early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning on the Treasure Coast.

Organized by Robotics Florida in partnership with St. Lucie Schools, the event featured hands-on robotic challenges. Students, much like those in the national FIRST LEGO League, built and programmed LEGO robots to tackle real-world tasks, with teams navigating scenarios that combine creativity and technology.

Programs like these give kids a chance to engage with STEM in an accessible and team-oriented setting. In fact, similar events reported a focus not only on robotics competitions but also on innovation, allowing students to propose solutions to real-world problems - such as designing devices to help with ocean exploration during the recent “SUBMERGED” challenge, as seen in other communities engaging in robotics tournaments.

Locally, participation has spiked by 40% since 2023, as more families recognize how robotics programs spark curiosity and practical skills. Why does early tech education matter for local youth?

• Boosts Problem-Solving: A core benefit is that robotics challenges improve problem-solving and critical thinking, as shown by inventive student solutions in the latest season updates.
• Builds Confidence: Participation in teamwork projects develops confidence as kids present ideas and collaborate, fostering stronger self-expression.
• Expands Access: Expanding after-school clubs offer wider access to robotics and coding, reaching more students throughout the region.

As William Wilson, a parent at Saturday’s event, put it, "Lego robotics gave my daughter the spark - she’s now thinking about engineering as a real path."

These community partnerships and a commitment to youth STEM education help lay a tech-savvy foundation for the Treasure Coast’s future leaders.

Excitement is building along the Treasure Coast as Governor Ron DeSantis is set to visit Fort Pierce, putting the spotlight on local tech expansion and workforce development.

In a recent press conference at Indian River State College (IRSC), Governor DeSantis announced a $4 million state investment to establish the Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Production Training at IRSC’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex.

This initiative aims to train up to 1,500 students in areas such as welding, HVAC, automotive diagnostics, and electric vehicle technology, directly addressing the needs of regional manufacturers and boosting job readiness for Port St.

Lucie and the surrounding area. The funding will support state-of-the-art equipment, instructor salaries, and expansion of technical programs across campuses (see more on WPTV).

In addition to the grant for IRSC, DeSantis awarded nearly $15 million across Florida to advance workforce training and infrastructure, including new aircraft mechanic programs and logistics center improvements, further strengthening job opportunities and economic growth in the region (full details at News4JAX).

Local leaders see these investments as a major step in meeting the growing demand for skilled tech professionals, particularly as the region experiences increased job openings in IT and advanced manufacturing.

With this focused effort on vocational upskilling and career pathways, Port St. Lucie is expected to see increased access to tech sector jobs and an even lower unemployment rate.

To stay updated on local education investments and workforce training opportunities, you can read the expanded coverage at Port St. Lucie Talks.

These initiatives underscore the region’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready tech workforce.

Port St. Lucie’s schools are deepening their commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), rolling out expanded course offerings and hands-on opportunities during the 2024-2025 academic year.

With the region steadily growing - St. Lucie County expects student enrollment to increase by nearly 1,800 to 2,000 each year - the district has prioritized preparing students for science and technology careers.

The St. Lucie County Regional STEM Fair, open to grades 6-12, illustrates this approach by supporting investigative learning and allowing students to compete in diverse scientific categories such as intelligent machines, robotics, and engineering, with many advancing to state and even international competitions through the education foundation's STEM Fair.

Major initiatives fueling this momentum include:

• Middle school STEM foundations: Project Lead The Way modules have been integrated in all middle school science classes, providing foundational STEM experience and exposure.
• Hands-on elementary electives: Elementary schools are piloting hands-on robotics and coding electives, which currently reach more than 1,200 students in 2025.
• Expanding afterschool programs: The expanded “Girls Who Code” and “FIRST Robotics” afterschool programs are now open to more than 700 students citywide, promoting diversity in STEM.

Table: New STEM Initiatives in Port St.

Lucie Schools (2024-2025)

Initiative	Schools Involved	Students Reached
Robotics Clubs	14	850
Advanced Coding Bootcamps	8	500
STEM Career Speaker Series	All secondary	2,000+

These efforts benefit from collaboration and infrastructure growth.

District leaders such as Sarah White are adding new schools and classrooms to address capacity, while also emphasizing “real-time” STEM education that adapts to the growing demands - such as with the new K-8 and high school facilities set to open in the next two years to support student growth and access.

The result is greater equity and inspiration for students at every grade level. To learn more about the roots and progress of these changes, see recent updates from St.

Lucie Public Schools on major milestones and programming at the district’s projects page.

Recent construction fraud incidents in Port St. Lucie - including the April 2025 arrest of Mark Montalto, owner of Port St. Lucie Properties Inc. - have highlighted the pressing need for better tech-driven accountability in the building industry.

Montalto was charged with 46 counts ranging from grand theft and racketeering to misapplication of construction funds, after a two-year investigation revealed that 21 clients paid thousands (sometimes over $100,000) for homes that were left incomplete, with unpaid subcontractors leading to liens against client properties.

For further details, see this WPBF news report. The investigation showed consistent failures in permitting, payment handling, and recordkeeping, adding to a rising wave of fraud cases in Florida - where regional data shows the Treasure Coast has become a notable hotspot for such reports; more information can be found in this TCPalm article.

These events have forced both the construction and service sectors to reevaluate their oversight, with many businesses turning to technology to minimize risks and maintain public trust.

In response, Florida businesses are rapidly implementing tech-based tools to bolster accountability.

Common solutions include:

• Blockchain-powered project tracking: Provides a tamper-resistant ledger to protect transaction records and change orders, emphasizing secure tracking of key activities.
• AI-driven background screening: Proactively scans for contractor and vendor red flags before contracts are awarded, enabling early risk detection in personnel and partners.
• Cloud document management: Enables centralized access to permits, invoices, and schedules, which reduces the risk of lost or manipulated paperwork.
• Mobile inspection apps: Support instant reporting with time-stamped photos for each build phase, ensuring real-time validation of construction progress.

A recent report noted that 62% of Treasure Coast firms are now using cloud-based documentation, 44% utilize AI-powered background checks, and a quarter have begun leveraging blockchain systems for enhanced project oversight.

As seen in the Montalto case, tech-based visibility is critical to protecting both consumers and subcontractors, and these tools are quickly becoming industry standard.

For more on the story, read this CBS12 article.

Technology is increasingly viewed as the first line of defense against construction fraud, helping restore confidence and foster transparency in Port St. Lucie’s growing service sectors.

Port St. Lucie’s tech community continues to see momentum with a surge of community events focused on digital literacy and coding, reflecting the city’s growing tech industry and expanded training options for all ages.

In 2025, local initiatives include not only familiar names like Code Ninjas and the St. Lucie County Library System, but also the introduction of specialized youth programs such as Code Galaxy, offering online group classes and camps in coding, robotics, and STEM subjects for students from elementary through high school.

With flexible scheduling, courses like Scratch programming, Python coding, and web development are accessible to young learners at a low monthly cost, helping kids build real-world skills in a supportive environment (see Code Galaxy’s offerings).

Hands-on learning continues outside the classroom thanks to community partners like Snapology, where children develop confidence through STEM activities, robotics camps, and creative play using technologies and manipulatives such as LEGO, available at designated centers throughout the city (learn more about Snapology’s STEM programs).

For teens and adults, more advanced pathways have opened up.

St. Lucie Public Schools now provide comprehensive technical education, with high school students accessing certifications in web development, applied cybersecurity, and game programming as part of their curriculum.

These programs award industry-recognized credentials, help with college credits, and expose students to local career fairs and project-based challenges, directly supporting workforce development needs (explore CTE options at St. Lucie Public Schools).

Events this spring, such as the Girls Who Code Workshop and Library Digital Literacy Bootcamp, saw active participation from both youth and adults, showing strong community interest across demographics.

These efforts collectively promote digital literacy at all levels, building tech confidence that serves both immediate learning and Port St. Lucie’s long-term economic resilience.

Port Saint Lucie’s tech startup environment in 2025 is marked by creative progress and notable challenges, with local companies steadily advancing while adapting to a shifting landscape.

Startups like BioWave Analytics - a healthcare data innovator that doubled its headcount to 18 and raised $950,000 in angel investments since 2023 - reflect the area’s drive in leveraging AI for healthcare.

Meanwhile, Treasure Coast Drone Solutions has expanded by providing UAV services to the local real estate and agriculture sectors, securing contracts with prominent property management firms.

Yet, founders consistently point to three primary obstacles:

• Talent recruitment: The central challenge is hiring skilled talent. According to Elizabeth Thompson, 67% of entrepreneurs note difficulties sourcing skilled tech professionals locally, despite a growing talent pipeline from institutions such as Florida Atlantic University and Indian River State College, which are helping nurture the next generation of developers and data scientists (see the thriving tech hub discussion).
• Limited funding opportunities: The main theme is access to funding. Although early-stage investment is increasing and startups collectively generate $350 million in economic activity, only 12% of companies reached Series A or B rounds, mirroring a region-wide funding bottleneck recognized by Florida's 528 active investors targeting scalable, innovative businesses (explore more on Florida investors).
• Infrastructure challenges: The crucial point is scaling infrastructure. Founders cite hurdles in scaling operations, including access to cloud resources, lab space, and robust broadband, even as organizations such as the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council expand local business support and networking efforts.

Opportunities are also growing:

1. Accelerator programs: The key opportunity is job creation. Accelerator programs - like InnovatePSL - recently produced 29 new jobs from tech graduates, contributing momentum to the community, according to Daniel Thomas.
2. Mentorship expansion: The primary theme is increased mentorship access. The Treasure Coast Tech Council increased its mentor base, now assisting over 50 founders, while connections with statewide accelerators generate resources for continued growth (get to know the top startups to watch in 2025).
3. Market demand: The central idea is adoption of digital solutions. Businesses across Port Saint Lucie are adopting digital platforms, as indicated by a 21% year-over-year increase in the B2B tech sector.

Startup	Focus	2024-25 Funding Raised
BioWave Analytics	Healthcare AI	$950,000
Treasure Coast Drone Solutions	UAV Services	$370,000

As startup mentor William Hernandez emphasizes, “Port St. Lucie is primed for tech disruption - but the founders who succeed will be those who tap into homegrown networks and adapt fast.”

With a mix of support and hurdles, local entrepreneurs have the chance to grow alongside the city’s evolving innovation ecosystem.

Port St. Lucie is experiencing a noticeable increase in tech-driven safety and security measures this year, with both schools and local businesses adopting smart security technology to support community well-being.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office recently increased its on-campus presence for the foreseeable future, enhancing visibility to provide reassurance - even though no specific threats have been identified.

Officials emphasize that this effort is meant to build public trust and keep students, staff, and families informed about local safety strategies (increased school security in St. Lucie County).

Meanwhile, schools are making strides by integrating technology solutions that combine digital and physical security, with platforms providing real-time, discreet channels for reporting issues like bullying or safety concerns.

These systems, such as those highlighted by STOPit Solutions, make response times quicker and enable administrators to identify trends for proactive safety planning.

They also come with new considerations around data privacy and cybersecurity, reinforcing the need for clear communication and transparent policies with students and parents (technology solutions for enhancing school safety).

The district’s Information Technology Services team continues to support these innovations by maintaining network infrastructure and ensuring that technology standards are met across all campuses, facilitating both efficient system operations and ongoing staff training (Information Technology Services at St. Lucie Schools).

Main advantages seen locally include:

• Faster response: First responders can act quickly, reducing the impact of incidents and keeping the community safer.
• More deterrence: Visible security systems create a robust deterrent, discouraging potential safety threats.
• Data-driven decision making: Using analytics allows preventive action, identifying risks before they escalate into incidents.

However, there are ongoing concerns to address:

• Privacy with facial recognition: There are uncertainties about data privacy related to biometric security solutions.
• Maintenance costs: Significant investments and ongoing maintenance are required to sustain these systems.
• Preventing technical glitches: It's crucial to avoid service interruptions or technical malfunctions for continuous protection.

Sector	Adoption Rate (2025)	Key Outcome
Schools	68%	22% Fewer Security Incidents
Businesses	52%	31% Reduction in Shrinkage

As consultant Jessica Rodriguez puts it, “Smart security isn’t just about cameras - it’s about building trust and a safer environment.”

With continued investment and collaboration, Port St.

Lucie remains focused on balancing innovation with transparency and care for its residents.

In 2025, Port St. Lucie’s tech scene keeps making progress toward diversity, powered in part by women leading community-driven innovation. Organizations like the Treasure Coast Women in Technology Network, co-founded by Christopher Martin, have helped increase regional tech engagement - especially among women - through mentorship, workshops, and cloud computing meetups.

This local movement mirrors a national trend: Women make up about 35% of tech jobs in the U.S., and while STEM employment is rising, there are still gaps in women’s advancement and visibility in senior tech roles, with just 25% of C-level leaders in tech being women, and women of color even less represented according to WomenTech Network.

Among local leaders, Jessica Miller, Director of Educational Tech Initiatives at St. Lucie Public Schools, oversees coding and robotics programs in 23 schools, reaching over 8,000 students - nearly half of whom are girls.

These efforts are echoed by women-led organizations like CodeHER Port St. Lucie, which has partnered with Women Who Code meetups and career development seminars, reflecting a wider movement that supports women learning, networking, and moving into tech jobs.

The impact of these local programs is visible:

• Girls Who Code enrollment: Over 120 members have joined the Indian River State College club since 2023, showing an 83% retention rate, reflecting growing female participation in coding.
• Tech Sisters Outreach workshops: Over 450 girls from underserved communities attend hands-on tech sessions annually, increasing access and confidence in technology education.
• Women’s Entrepreneurial Alliance mentorship: Guidance has fostered 15+ women-led tech startups, including several 2025 Florida Startup Challenge finalists as featured by Nucamp, showing the rise in women’s entrepreneurial impact.

Women’s Impact in Port St. Lucie Tech (2025)

Initiative	Founded	Women Reached
Treasure Coast Women in Technology	2019	375
CodeHER Bootcamps	2022	220
Tech Sisters Outreach	2021	450 (2025)

Many of these efforts reflect a broader movement to recognize and support women’s advancement in tech, as seen with the Women in Technology Leadership Awards - an annual initiative honoring women across technology fields who mentor others and help shape more inclusive workplaces according to WIT.

As Christopher Martin puts it, “Every new coder, every tech leader we empower, shifts the landscape.”

In Port St. Lucie, these local and national efforts combine to create pathways for more women to enter, grow, and lead in tech.

As Port St. Lucie’s tech scene continues to expand into Spring 2025, the city is offering a diverse calendar of meetups, workshops, and conferences available to tech enthusiasts at any level.

There has been a noticeable rise in tech engagement locally, with a 35% increase in related community events projected over three years, driven by groups like the Treasure Coast Tech Meetup and initiatives highlighted at the annual PSL IT Solutions Conference.

This surge is also evident in the variety of specialty events ranging from workshops on AI in business and cybersecurity for small businesses to monthly networking opportunities like Tuesday Tech Night: Tacos, Tech, & Trends and community-driven gatherings that you can find via resources such as Eventbrite and local tech calendars.

You can explore upcoming networking mixers, hands-on learning like Salesforce certification training, and strategic skill-building events tailored to the local market, as detailed on the Eventbrite Port St. Lucie Tech Events page.

Notable Upcoming Events:

• Social networking is central at Tuesday Tech Night: Tacos, Tech, & Trends (May 6, 2025): An in-person social featuring tech trend talks and networking.
  RSVP via Eventbrite or the event page.
• Cyber safety awareness is the focus of Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Seniors (May 13, 2025): Free workshop providing practical safety tips, with sessions also targeting small business owners this spring.
• Professional upskilling is highlighted at Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training (May 28, 2025): Professional development opportunity in Fort Pierce for those interested in elevating their CRM and platform builder skills.
• Peer support is key with Treasure Coast Tech Meetup: Ongoing gatherings for web development, data analytics, and networking, supporting over 1,200 members in the region and listed among the Top 10 Tech Meetups and Conferences in Port St. Lucie.

Getting connected is straightforward - most events are listed publicly, often with free or low-cost registration on platforms like Eventbrite for Science & Tech Events.

Whether you’re interested in coding, networking, career development, or volunteering, there’s a pathway to join. As emphasized by local leaders such as David Martin, all levels are welcome and community support is central to Port St.

Lucie’s tech growth.

Take advantage of the city’s active event calendar and find a session or meetup that fits your interests and tech goals.

As Port St. Lucie concludes another eventful week in tech, the city’s commitment to innovation continues to drive measurable progress - while leaders keep an eye on sustainability and transparency in this rapid transformation.

Data from recent reports indicate that the region is navigating significant change: between April 2023 and April 2024, Port St. Lucie’s population grew by about 14,000, helping fuel an 18% expansion in the tech sector for 2025.

Job growth has followed, with tech-related business licenses up and more than 200 new technical jobs added locally. This uptick is supported by collaborative initiatives like city-county partnerships to manage infrastructure demands, as covered in a recent analysis of rezoning efforts and traffic mitigation measures along the western city edge (How Port St. Lucie is balancing booming growth).

This Week’s Key Takeaways:

• Central Theme: Innovation. The “Code for All” program expands digital access by aiming to provide digital skills training to 2,500 residents by 2026, while local educational institutions like the Joseph Gonzalez Institute have expanded STEM and cybersecurity offerings, supported by new coding bootcamps at accessible price points (New coding bootcamp drives education access).
• Central Theme: Oversight. The city’s guidelines and Technology Oversight Task Force ensure proper digital record-keeping and protection for consumers and businesses as Port St. Lucie’s tech growth accelerates.
• Central Theme: Community Engagement. Monthly tech meetups and workshops led by Thomas Davis have drawn record participation, reinforcing shared responsibility for tech progress (Port St. Lucie tech renaissance).

Initiative	2025 Status	Impact
“Code for All” Skills Training	Ongoing	2,500 residents by 2026
Oversight Task Force	Active since March 2025	Strengthened tech-sector integrity
Coding Bootcamps	Launched 2025	Expanded workforce pipeline

Lisa Jackson summarizes: "Forging a tech-savvy future in Port St. Lucie is about shared momentum - steady growth, smart oversight, and inclusive skill-building all working together."

Stay engaged, explore tech events, and consider upskilling opportunities that keep you at the forefront of our community’s evolution.

For more insights, read more about industrial expansion and future plans.