Vero Beach Podcast - Meet Your Neighbors. Support Local. ™

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What happens when a beloved local brewery needs consistent food and a dreamer with a wine-soaked notebook steps up? We bring you a front-row seat to how Courtney, co-owner of Salvador Deli in Vero Beach, turned years of travel, service work, and wine education into a cozy, art-forward kitchen inside Walking Tree Brewery. The story starts with AmeriCorps in the South Bronx, detours through New York and Australia, and comes home to Florida with a plan: quick service, high quality, and flavors designed to pair with beer rather than compete with it.
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Sunshine Pickle Co. didn’t just land in Vero Beach—it found a home that matches its flavor. We sit down with Josh to trace how a hunt for “old Florida” turned into a thriving, community-first brand built on quiet streets, beach-country contrasts, and a knack for smart partnerships. From the Fish Shack to Driftwood to Wabasso, he maps out the local spots that shaped their vibe and their voice, revealing how a town with rolled-up sidewalks after dark can spark bold, memorable products.

We get into the craft behind their signatur...

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A single crunch sets the tone—sweet heat, real cane sugar, and fresh habanero that lands clean instead of loud. From there, we open the jar on something bigger: why pickle juice earns a spot next to your water bottle. We talk electrolytes, cramps, hangover recovery, hiccups, and that surprising relief for acid reflux, with a nod to why dill brine often outperforms sweet when you’re chasing function as much as flavor.

Then we get honest about the grind. Moving from Cleveland’s accessible regional grocers to Florida’s Publix-dominated reality...

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What if the side dish is actually the business? We sit across from Josh, the force behind Sunshine Pickle Co, and trace the bold leap from Cleveland’s late-night hustle to Florida’s bright, briny mornings. He started as a chef, ran a nightclub, opened a gourmet sandwich shop, and then watched customers fall in love with the thing meant to ride shotgun: the pickles. That spark turned into farmers market sellouts, a 100-case retail order, and a decision that changed everything: close the restaurant and build a brand with crunch.

The...

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A sharp bang from the next room set the mood—then Charlotte opened the door to a living slice of Old Florida. We sat inside Waldo’s Secret Garden and traced how a mechanic shop became a flower shop and then an antique barn, how a former bedroom turned into a bridal lounge, and why preserving original bones matters when you’re welcoming new stories every weekend. Along the way, Charlotte pulled original Waldo family photos from the 1920s–1950s, offering a rare look at the early driftwood entrance and the humble roots that gre...

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A hidden garden can change the way a celebration feels. We sit with Charlotte at Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach and pull back the curtain on what it takes to run a 13-acre historic property that hosts romance by day and goosebumps by night. Two front acres are a polished wedding venue and living space; the back stretches into an old dairy with corridors, stories, and the kind of found history that complicates cleanup and sparks emotion. Charlotte talks openly about sorting inherited collections, when to call a junk crew, and wh...

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Step into the shade of a wrought-iron chandelier and a Spanish outdoor kitchen as we sit down with Charlotte, the owner of Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach. What started as a family space grew into a community landmark hosting art festivals, celebrations of life, and gatherings under twenty-foot “sister tables” that nod to the Hall of Giants. The garden’s magic isn’t just its look; it’s a feeling—part Driftwood Inn, part McKee Botanical, all Florida soul.

Charlotte traces her path from digital media and web design to stewarding...

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What happens when a wine shop owner decides to close up shop and take a much-needed break? Dana from Vino Vero Beach reveals the surprising benefits of stepping away from your business, even when conventional wisdom says you shouldn't.

Taking us behind the scenes of her Vero Beach wine shop, Dana shares her journey of prioritizing family connections and personal well-being after running her business nonstop since purchasing it. Her candid insights about balancing business ownership with life's important moments offer a valuable perspective for entrepreneurs everywhere. "I can't let it...

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Dana from Vino Vero pulls back the curtain on her wine shop operations, revealing a refreshingly authentic approach to wine retail that centers around what she playfully calls her three pillars: "clean, curate, connect." From her meticulous morning cleaning rituals to her thoughtful wine selection process, Dana's passion for creating a genuine wine experience shines through every aspect of her business.

What sets Vino Vero apart is Dana's commitment to constant evolution. Rather than maintaining a static inventory, she rotates approximately 75% of her wine producers every six weeks, keeping only beloved "...

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What happens when a Colorado-raised winemaker with years of California vineyard experience opens a wine bar in Vero Beach? You get Vino Vero – a warm, inviting space where wine knowledge meets genuine community connection.

Dana welcomes us into her charming wine shop, lined with sparkling bottles, thoughtful decor touches, and a unique central bar counter that transforms strangers into friends. The intentional layout creates what her regulars describe as "hanging out in someone's kitchen" – an atmosphere where conversation flows as freely as the wine.

Her journey from brewing-influenced beginnings to p...

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What does it mean to truly find your place in a community? Calah, founder of Vero Beach Moms Nonprofit, takes us on a heartfelt journey through her experiences raising children in this charming coastal town and her mission to create spaces where every mother feels valued and seen.

The conversation begins with what makes Vero Beach special, its preserved small-town atmosphere, characterized by few beachside high-rises and a thriving small business community. Calah shares how raising her daughter (now 24) and son (10) here has connected her deeply to the area, shaping her...

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What happens when one woman's personal health struggles transform into a mission to support an entire community of mothers? Calah's journey with the Vero Beach Moms nonprofit reveals the power of vulnerability, relationship-building, and creating safe spaces where women can truly find their place.

At the heart of this conversation lies a simple but profound mission: helping every mom connect with her community in meaningful ways. Calah shares how she prioritizes face-to-face meetings and authentic relationships over digital connections, rotating between local coffee shops for her "Coffee and Testimonies" program. This...

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Behind every thriving community lies a story of personal transformation. For Calah Milliman, founder of Vero Beach Moms non-profit, that journey began with a simple realization: "I can't be the only one who needs this."

What started eight years ago as a Facebook group seeking to create a judgment-free zone for mothers has evolved into a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Calah openly shares her personal story of becoming a mother at 19, surviving an abusive relationship, finding herself divorced at 23, and experiencing homelessness with her young daughter. These profound challenges, rather than defining...

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Ever wonder what makes a community so special? Spencer from DIGG Gardens reveals the magic of Vero Beach in this conversation that goes far beyond plants and gardening.

Spencer paints a vivid picture of Vero's unique character. In this place, you might find a Ferrari at one stoplight and a lifted beat-up pickup truck at another, creating a charming juxtaposition that somehow works perfectly. Having moved here in 1998, he's discovered that "the longer you live here, the smaller town it gets," despite the area's growth.

The episode captures those...

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Ever wonder what actually happens behind those Instagram-perfect garden center photos? Spencer from DIGG Gardens pulls back the curtain on the reality of running a thriving plant business where no two days are ever the same.

The carefully planned workday that suddenly derails when equipment breaks down. The logistical nightmare of maintaining nearly 100 tires across trucks, trailers and equipment (averaging two flats weekly!). The complex web of relationships with multi-generational plant growers that Spencer has cultivated over 25+ years. These are the invisible foundations supporting the beautiful plants and peaceful atmosphere customers...

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The verdant world of Vero Beach's plant community comes alive as Spencer Porteous, owner of DIGG Gardens, welcomes us into his memorabilia-filled  headquarters. Against a backdrop of family heirlooms, including his grandfather's 1940s two-man saw and a Scottish rocking chair from the 1700s, Spencer reveals the roots of his botanical journey.

From childhood memories of tart rhubarb in his great-grandmother's Adirondack garden to pushing shopping carts at Home Depot before becoming their garden manager, Spencer's path to plant expertise was paved with mentorship and hands-on learning. "Ninety-five percent of my plant k...

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What makes a community the perfect place to launch a business? In this episode, Ashley from Apricot Lane Boutique shares her why, and it's something we continue to hear echoed throughout the town.

Having moved from Connecticut to Florida years ago, Ashley found herself drawn to Vero Beach for its unique ability to maintain a small-town atmosphere despite continuous growth. "No matter how big Vero Beach gets, it still has that hometown feel," she explains, referencing the perfect environment she's found for raising her family and building her boutique business.
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Step behind the racks and discover the fascinating world of boutique ownership through the eyes of Ashley, the passionate owner of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach. During this conversation, Ashley pulls back the curtain on juggling motherhood, caring for both a four-month-old baby and a 17-year-old daughter, while running a fashion boutique.

What makes this boutique special? Ashley's approach to creating a multi-generational shopping experience is to offer something for everyone: "a 17-year-old can walk in and find something, her mom in her 30s or 40s can find something, and...

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Ever wondered what it takes to leave the corporate world behind and open your own boutique? Ashley Borenz of Apricot Lane Boutique in Vero Beach shares her journey from big box retail manager to independent business owner.

After 15 years in Vero Beach and years working alongside her husband at Lowe's, Ashley took the entrepreneurial leap. Her motivation wasn't just about being her own boss, it stemmed from a desire to create a genuinely personable shopping experience where customer connections matter and employees love coming to work. With her best friend Jamie...

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The success story of sea turtle conservation in Vero Beach isn't just about scientists; it's about an entire community making conscious choices. Kendra Bergman, founder and executive director of Coastal Connections, shares how the organization has become woven into the fabric of Vero Beach over the past decade.

When Hurricane Milton struck, Coastal Connections immediately mobilized volunteers, removing thousands of pounds of debris from beaches while other groups focused on neighborhoods. This exemplifies what makes Vero special, according to Kendra: "It's a small town without the small town amenities. You get...

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Ever wondered what makes those colorful ribbons and stakes appear on Florida beaches during turtle season? Kendra from Coastal Connections pulls back the curtain on sea turtle conservation in this enlightening second installment of our three-part series.

Running a marine conservation nonprofit requires remarkable versatility. During nesting season (March-October), the team conducts nighttime turtle walks and their popular "turtle digs" - scientific evaluations of hatched nests that often draw crowds of 100+ in-person observers and thousands of virtual viewers. These careful excavations serve dual purposes: collecting crucial data on nest success rates...

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Meet Kendra Bergman, marine biologist and founder of Coastal Connections, who's passionate about protecting the endangered sea turtles of Vero Beach.

From a chance childhood encounter with a green turtle in Hawaii to establishing a thriving conservation organization, Kendra's journey reveals how dedication and community involvement can create remarkable change. She shares the incredible success story of green turtles on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, where annual nests have exploded from just 50 to an astonishing 20,000 in recent decades.

Discover why sea turtles are essential keystone species. Their unique...

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Finding your tribe in a new city can be one of life's greatest challenges, especially for adults. When Danielle moved to Vero Beach, leaving behind her tight-knit friend group in Westfield, she discovered firsthand how challenging it can be to build new social connections, particularly for women. While men had golf clubs and fishing spots to forge friendships, women's traditional gathering spaces, such as nail salons, rarely facilitated meaningful conversations.

This social gap became the inspiration behind REsistance, Vero Beach's innovative fitness studio, which is transforming how newcomers and locals alike...

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Ever wondered what makes a boutique fitness studio truly special? Danielle, owner of REsistance Fitness Studio in Vero Beach, pulls back the curtain on creating a fitness experience that goes beyond just workouts.

Dive into REsistance's creative "Christmas in July" programming, where holiday cheer meets fitness goals through themed spin classes like "Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Wine" and strength classes focused on building the perfect "backside" (aptly dubbed "Merry FitmAss"). This isn't just holiday fun, it's a thoughtful approach to keeping members engaged and excited about their fitness...

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What happens when you blend psychology, creativity, and fitness expertise into one dynamic space? Danielle Kireyczyk, founder of REsistance Fitness Studio in Vero Beach, joins us to share her remarkable journey from Massachusetts fitness instructor to Florida studio owner.

Remember that intimidating feeling of walking into a fitness class for the first time? Danielle has built her entire business around eliminating that barrier. "My goal is to make that room look different," she explains, rejecting the stereotype of identical-looking participants in favor of genuine diversity in age, background, and ability. The...

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What makes a community truly special? In this heartwarming conversation with Danielle, founder of the influential Vero Beach Neighborhood® group, we discuss the magic that sets Vero Beach apart from other coastal towns.

Danielle paints a vivid picture of Vero as "stepping back in time," a place where mom-and-pop businesses still thrive alongside chains, creating an ecosystem of local commerce and genuine connection. With over 74,000 members in her online community, she's witnessed countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors, from an elderly resident with a broken AC unit receiving immediate assistance to c...

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Stepping behind the digital curtain of Vero Beach Neighborhood (VBN), the Facebook group that connects 74,000 local residents, reveals an astonishing commitment to community stewardship. Danielle, the driving force behind this thriving online space, shares the raw realities of her 4am wake-ups and the manual processing of thousands of posts and comments each month.

"The workload, the manual amounts of work... There's less that can be automated with how I have it set up," Danielle explains, detailing her daily routine of monitoring content for hours before dawn, hosting a radio program, managing...

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What happens when a simple Facebook group transforms into the digital heartbeat of an entire community? Meet Danielle Wynkoop, the creator of Vero Beach Neighborhood® (VBN) - a 74,000-member strong online community that's become an essential part of life in this Florida coastal town.

From her sun-drenched VBN Beach Shop and Gifts store, Danielle shares how what began as a "dumping ground" for miscellaneous questions eight years ago has evolved into a powerful force for connection, inside jokes, and community support. With disarming honesty, she reveals the unexpected journey from casual g...

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Ever wondered if that nagging hip pain might be connected to something else? Or why healthcare often feels so disconnected from our real lives? Ashley from Breeze Pelvic Health joins us to transform how we think about our bodies and healthcare delivery.

Ashley takes us behind the scenes of her mobile pelvic floor physical therapy practice, where she literally carries a 50-pound treatment table to clients' homes to create safe, comfortable healing environments. This approach removes barriers for patients dealing with sensitive health issues, allowing them to receive specialized care without...

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Taboo topics and awkward silences have no place in healthcare, especially when they prevent us from addressing issues that affect our daily lives and wellbeing. That's what makes this conversation with Ashley Murray, founder of Breeze Pelvic Health, so refreshingly important.

Ashley demystifies pelvic floor therapy with clarity and compassion, explaining that her work goes far beyond the simplified "just do Kegels" advice many people receive. She treats urinary and bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and helps people through pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Most importantly, she normalizes these conversations, making...

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In Part Three, we'll dive into the heart and soul of Walking Tree Brewery with founders Mike and Brooke as they unpack their powerful mission statement: "Staying rooted in practice, promise, and people." This candid conversation reveals how a personal art project evolved into an iconic brewery logo, and why mangrove roots perfectly symbolize their commitment to community strength.

What happens when business ideals meet operational realities? Mike and Brooke share refreshingly honest insights about the challenges of local sourcing at brewery scale. While they'd love to use exclusively Florida-grown ingredients...

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What does it truly take to run a successful craft brewery? The Walking Tree Brewery founders pull back the curtain on the daily realities of their business, a world where passion for great beer meets the unglamorous tasks of plumbing repairs and navigating outdated alcohol regulations.

This candid conversation reveals how Walking Tree's journey evolved from their initial focus on distribution to embracing their unexpected role as a community hub. The owners discuss how managing 17 employees, coordinating a packed events calendar, and maintaining their 80-year-old facility creates a constant juggling act...

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Tucked away in Vero Beach sits an extraordinary 24,000 square foot piece of World War II history that nearly faced demolition. Instead, it became the home of Walking Tree Brewery, a testament to what happens when passion meets perseverance, even during tough economic times.

Meet Mike and Brooke, the husband-and-wife team who transformed this abandoned 1940s naval aviation supply warehouse into one of Florida's distinctive craft breweries. What makes their story remarkable isn't just the jaw-dropping Douglas fir trusses soaring overhead or the clear 160-foot span that leaves first-time visitors momentarily speechless...

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What happens when a hometown you once called "Vero Zero Beach" becomes the perfect place to build your dream business? Amanda from Level Yoga takes us on her journey from skeptical local to passionate small business owner, revealing how Vero Beach transformed before her eyes into a community of extraordinary support and connection.

Growing up in Vero Beach, Amanda never imagined returning to her roots until life brought her back through marriage to another Vero native. Now, she couldn't imagine running her yoga studio anywhere else.

Amanda shares how...

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Ever wondered what it takes to run a successful yoga studio? Amanda from Level Yoga Studio pulls back the curtain on her entrepreneurial journey, revealing the surprising balance of teaching, practicing, and business management that fills her days.

Despite founding and running two successful yoga locations, Amanda remains committed to teaching four classes weekly while maintaining her own practice. "When I'm teaching, I don't look at that as my yoga practice," she explains, highlighting the mindful separation between guiding others and nurturing her personal connection with yoga. This dedication to both...

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Discovering how yoga can transform both body and mind is at the heart of our conversation with Amanda Steadman, owner of Level Yoga Studio. As she celebrates an impressive 10-year milestone with her Vero Beach studios, Amanda reveals how a dark period of her life evolved into a thriving community space that's changing lives.

As Amanda explains, yoga's transformative power extends far beyond the physical benefits most newcomers initially seek. While increased flexibility draws people in, it's the mental clarity and emotional stability that keeps them committed to the practice. At...

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Ever wondered about the real Florida beyond theme parks and beaches? Pull up a chair and pour yourself something smooth as Ray, owner of Indian River Distillery, takes us on a captivating journey through Vero Beach's colorful past.

Ray's Florida roots run deep. His pioneering family settled on John's Island in 1903, well before Indian River County even existed. This connection to local history infuses everything about his distillery. As Indian River County celebrates its centennial, Ray created a special limited edition whiskey with just 100 bottles. When plans to place the final...

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What happens when passionate craftsmanship meets Florida's unique environment and rich history? At Indian River Distillery in Vero Beach, Ray and his team aren't just making spirits—they're bottling the essence of the Treasure Coast itself.

From the moment you step into their "tasting room" (not a bar, as they'll kindly remind you), you're immersed in an experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. The distillery operates under a craft designation, serving only what they produce on-site—a commitment to authenticity that shapes everything they do.

During our conversation, Ray...

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Ray Hooker sits down at Indian River Distillery to share the story behind Vero Beach's premier craft spirits destination. As a third-generation Indian River County resident with deep local ties, Ray brings an authentic Florida perspective that challenges the theme park and beach stereotype visitors often associate with the Sunshine State.

The journey from landscaper to distiller wasn't a straightforward one. After fourteen years building a successful lawn and pest control company with nineteen employees, Ray found himself seeking a creative outlet. What began as experimentation with home distilling ("allegedly," as...

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From snowsuits to flip-flops and surfboards, Linda's journey to Vero Beach began with skepticism but quickly transformed into a 25-year love affair with this charming Florida coastal town. Despite her initial resistance—"I've done spring break, I've done Florida"—Linda found herself captivated by the lush greenery and stunning beauty of Vero Beach during what was supposed to be a brief reconnaissance trip for her husband's job opportunity.

Linda's story takes us from beachfront living (where she learned that salt air "eats everything") to the historic district near the arts village, and...

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Ever wondered what it really takes to run a successful Airbnb? Linda from the Coconut Casita in Vero Beach, Florida takes us behind the scenes of vacation rental hosting, revealing both the magic and the madness of this increasingly popular business venture.

The labor of love that is Airbnb hosting extends far beyond changing sheets and handing over keys. "Running an Airbnb can be 24/7 almost, although you learn to create your boundaries," Linda shares as she describes days filled with preparing for back-to-back guests, maintaining lush gardens, creating personalized experiences, and...

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Stepping through the doorway of the Coconut Casita feels like entering another world – a tropical sanctuary where every object tells a story and the surrounding "jungle garden" whispers secrets of times past. In this heartfelt conversation with Linda Roberts, we uncover the remarkable journey of how a once "smoky, dingy, and sad" guesthouse transformed into one of Vero Beach's most beloved Airbnb destinations.

Linda shares her fascinating dual identity as both an internationally board certified lactation consultant and doula by day, and a passionate Airbnb host by night. The Coconut Casita wa...

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What happens when hometown pride meets entrepreneurship and a desire to give back? Seahorse Lane Boutique owners Audrey and Mike reveal their journey from Vero Beach roots to creating a beloved local business with community impact at its heart.

Audrey shares how an unexpected high school relocation to Mississippi sparked her passion for boutique retail—experiencing firsthand the personal connections formed in small-town shops where owners knew customers' preferences and needs. When life brought them back to Vero Beach, the couple embraced their hometown, creating a boutique that embodies that same we...

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What does it take to create a thriving local boutique in an Amazon-dominated world? At Seahorse Lane Boutique, owners Audrey and Mike have discovered the secret ingredient: genuine human connection.

Step inside their Vero Beach shop where customers aren't just shoppers—they're welcomed friends deserving to be seen and valued. "We reflect love," Audrey explains, describing how her team matches customers' energy and creates an experience that transcends typical retail interactions. The store's thoughtfully curated merchandise, including their custom-designed Vero line, serves as the medium through which they fulfill what Audrey de...

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Stepping through the doors of Seahorse Lane Boutique feels like discovering a carefully curated treasure trove—beautiful displays of jewelry, clothing, and gifts that immediately catch your eye. But behind this inviting space lies a remarkable story of courage, faith, and entrepreneurship that began with a single, life-changing decision.

When Audrey Mosel found herself studying agricultural economics at Auburn University, something deep within told her she was on the wrong path. In a moment of bravery that would define her future, she packed up her belongings and headed home, unsure of wh...

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Welcome to the very first episode of the Vero Beach Podcast! In this kickoff conversation, Brian and Shawna Curee share the heart behind launching the local vero beach podcast.

This podcast is all about shining a light on the amazing people, businesses, artists, musicians, and leaders who make Vero Beach such a special place to live and visit. Whether you're a local or just stopping by for a vacation, this is your chance to "Meet Your Neighbors. Support Local. ™️" and hear the stories that make Vero Beach so unique.

In...