All Neighbors in Fort Pierce's Portofino Shores
Top Neighbors: The magic behind the mirrors
You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE WEEK : PORTOFINO SHORES Traveling North and South on Kings Highway, you may have noticed a beautifully groomed entrance just south of the Indian River county line, in Fort Pierce,FL, St. Lucie county. The gated community is called Portofino Shores, and is a fully manned 24/7 guard gated community with a real,live person at the entrance. This is a rarity in this area, to have a fully manned entry. The people that live in the neighborhood have told me how wonderful it is ,to be able to go away for extended vacations, or just a "get-away" weekend, and not worry about their home while away. The entrance is very well manicured and if this is your style..You'll find more of the same while visiting the neighborhood. There are a total of 3 lakes-One large lake in the center of the community, and 2 smaller lakes as you drive in the entrance. All the homes feature barrel tile roofs, stucco exteriors, pavered driveways and walks. Floor plans range from 3 bedroom 2 bath plans, to the largest..a 5 bedroom, 3 bath design. All feature cathedral ceilings, open kitchens, arched doorways, and sliders to patio gardens or covered porches. The designs feel very Mediterranean. Landscaping in the community features many native trees, and bushes..with oak trees lining the roads. In a couple more years, the plantings will be mature, and the oaks will be quite lovely lining the drive around the community. Neighborhood pride is quite evident in the way the homes are kept. There is a nice mix of families with children, singles, young couples, seniors. Pets are allowed, and there are sidewalks and a nature trail that winds around the outside of the community..for the nightly dog walkers. The community does have a Home Owners Assoc. with a low monthly fee. The fee includes access to a lovely, inground pool, tennis courts, newly built kids playground, exercise room, community room with an area for entertaining, parties. As of this writing..there are 11 homes total on the market..in the price range from $99,0000! to $150,000. There have been brisk sales in the community, with about 1/2 of the sales due to banks sales and short-sales. The community is only a few minutes to 2 major banks, several popular restaurants, (Nino's being one of my favorites!) fruit grocer, and major groceries. I have a favorite home-made donut shop too..Don't get me started on that one! Community library is only a 10 minute drive, and there is a elementary school close by, also. Private schools are also available. US 1 is the closest major road, and is the fastest drive into the surrounding Fort Pierce area. Vero Beach is about 5 minutes north, for a fast commute to work or play. Fort Pierce's beautiful, historic downtown area is approx. a 20 minute drive, with the beach and inlets, being about the same distance. 
