December 2023

Our city has soared to the sixth-largest in Florida, affirming our role as the Treasure Coast's heartbeat. I'm excited to share the city's new logo, featuring a bold sandhill crane. This emblem, symbolizing family and fortitude, is an investment in our city's future, which will help us better connect our values and identity with those we serve. As good stewards of taxpayer dollars, it should be noted that city staff developed the logo and other graphic design elements. Together, let's celebrate our vibrant community!

 

As we come closer to the end of 2023, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season filled with joy, love, and peace. I look forward to a great 2024.

City Council Notables

Boutique Hotel, Italian Restaurant, & Retail Space Coming to Southern Grove

In an exciting step to shape the Southern Grove landscape, the Governmental Finance Corporation (GFC) approved a resolution in November, authorizing negotiations for the sale of 2.09 acres to Amandine, LLC. The proposed development will introduce a luxury boutique hotel, a premium high-end Italian restaurant, and retail space.


The site, located at the southwest corner of SW Trade Center Drive and Tom Mackie Boulevard, serves as a natural transition between residential and industrial zones and provides welcomed amenities to the Tradition area.


Project Bears Unveils Plans for Southern Grove Expansion

Also approved in November, covering nearly 31 acres in the Jobs Corridor, Project Bears, a respected multi-generation family-owned business in manufacturing and distribution, aims to establish a state-of-the-art 250,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution center. With an initial capital investment of $37.5 million, the project is anticipated to generate 200-300 jobs, all exceeding the county's average wage.


With this latest agreement, Southern Grove stands on the brink of an exciting new phase, positioning itself as a thriving hub for cutting-edge industrial and office development.

Floresta Drive

Important

Public Works Projects


Important ongoing and future infrastructure projects, including repaving, sidewalks & traffic calming.

Project List

City Manager's

Bi-Weekly Report


Read the latest edition of the City Manager's

Bi-Weekly Report.

Read More
Emergency Management

Emergency

Management


Learn about this month's preparedness topic.



Read More

Annual Millage Rate Analysis - Port St. Lucie Among Florida's Lowest Taxing Cities


The Office of Management and Budget has released its annual Millage Rate Benchmarking for Fiscal Year 2023-24, providing a comprehensive analysis of the twenty most populous cities in Florida. The report includes a breakdown of millage rates adopted by each city, incorporating additional rates from County, School Board, and Special Districts. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the total millage rate charged to taxpayers in each city. According to the ranking, Port St. Lucie stands out as the third-lowest city in terms of total millage among the analyzed cities. With only two cities boasting lower rates, Port St. Lucie demonstrates a favorable tax environment for its residents, outpacing seventeen other cities in the ranking.

Congratulations

City Manager, Jesus Merejo


Mr. Merejo was recognized as a 2023 International City Management Association (ICMA) awards recipient for his 25 years of service to the association.

New Businesses

this is not an exhaustive list of new businesses in Port St. Lucie

Modern Edge Frameworks

10370 SW Village Center Dr.,

Port St. Lucie, FL 34987

The Cottages Tradition

8950 Hegener Dr.,

Port St. Lucie, FL 34987

Total Wine & More

1725 St. Lucie West Blvd.,

Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Academy Sports + Outdoors

1525 St. Lucie West Blvd.,

Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Major Road Project Updates

Port St. Lucie Boulevard South

Project activities along SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard included ongoing stormwater drainage pipe installation on the northbound lanes and completing watermain pipe installation south of SW Thrift Avenue. Work continued on stormwater drainage pipes between SW Tunis Avenue and SW Darwin Boulevard, and SW Thrift Avenue and SW Rice Avenue. Other work involved removing an existing watermain on the northbound lanes between SW Tunis Avenue and SW Darwin Boulevard, completing the watermain relocation between SW Tulip Boulevard and SW Rice Avenue, and progressing pond excavation. Additionally, stormwater drainage pipes were installed on SW Trouville Avenue, and traffic signals and lighting installation continued.


Floresta Drive

The Floresta Drive Improvement Project continues to make progress. Thornhill Drive was open to traffic ahead of schedule and the contractor has completed construction of a new bridge and roundabout to improve traffic and pedestrian flow. Roadway closures in the area of Floresta Drive may occur on the east side of Walters Terrace from Nov. 20 to Dec. 22.


St. Lucie West Boulevard & I-95

Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) St. Lucie West Boulevard Widening Project is making substantial progress as of November. Various milestones, including the grading of the median and sidewalk along westbound St. Lucie West Boulevard have been achieved. Construction of the westbound widening section and installation of light poles and pull boxes are underway. Additionally, key developments include the completion of the curb and separator along the median east of St. Lucie West Boulevard/I-95, installation of sidewalks, guardrail bridge connections, and sod placement along the project corridor. In December, the focus will be on paving, signage installation, pedestrian and traffic signal implementation, and the completion of lighting work and sod placement throughout the corridor.


Gatlin Boulevard & I-95

As of November, the Gatlin Boulevard/I-95 project has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of asphalt paving and guardrail installation on the northbound Gatlin Boulevard off-ramp. Wrong Way Vehicle Detection System infrastructure work is ongoing, alongside finished lighting on both northbound and southbound off-ramps. Southbound auxiliary travel lane and off-ramp paving are complete, with final surface repairs and markings pending. Project-wide sign installations are done, pending inspections. In December, work includes grading, sod placements, WWVDS testing, final paving, permit closure, inspections, cleanup, punchlist completion, and potential opening of all lanes, weather and incidents permitting.


Torino Parkway

Construction was scheduled to begin this month on a roundabout to replace an existing four-way stop at East Torino Parkway and Turtle Dove Lane. The roundabout will provide sidewalk connections as well as a school bus pick-up and drop-off with sidewalk connection.


In addition this project will provide extended turn lanes at Torino and Midway to accommodate periods of heavy traffic.

Upcoming Events

PSLinLights Party 2023

PSLinLights Party

The City of Port St. Lucie is hosting the PSLinLights Party at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center. This free event promises a festive night for all ages, featuring activities like a visit from Santa, a pet contest, and a showcase of the city's best holiday lights. The highlight is an 8 p.m. performance by Forever Motown, delivering timeless holiday classics by legendary Motown groups. Don't miss this memorable Yuletide concert for the whole family.


MIDFLORIDA Event Center

9221 SE Event Center Place

Friday, Dec. 15, 5:00-9:00 PM

Holiday Lights at the Gardens Day

Experience the gardens at night with nearly 100,000 lights. On select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights* the gardens will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy.


Botanical Gardens

2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd.

Learn More

Coffee with the Council

Councilman David Pickett joins St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Terissa Aronson to talk about the latest happenings in the City of Port St. Lucie. This event is free and the public is encouraged to attend in person to participate and ask questions.


Port St. Lucie Community Center

2195 SE Airoso Blvd.,

Tuesday, Dec.15th, 2023, 9:30 AM

Pancakes with Santa

Visit with Santa and tell him what special gift you would like this holiday season! Parents, bring your camera to take your child's picture with Santa. Children, after your visit with Santa, you'll receive some yummy holiday treats.


This special event includes an early visit from Santa, a hot pancake breakfast, holiday crafts, festive music and holiday fun!


  • Ages 2 and up
  • $5 per person
  • Preregistration is required

Port St. Lucie Community Center

2195 SE Airoso Blvd.,

Friday, Dec.15th, 2023, 9:30 AM


Learn More

Is there a topic you would like to read about in a future issue?

Please email me at mayor@cityofpsl.com or call, 772-871-5159,

with your comments or questions.

Shannon M. Martin

Mayor

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The City of Port St. Lucie is sharing this information on behalf of Mayor Shannon M. Martin.

This is from the mayor's monthly newsletter, which residents can sign up for at: www.cityofpsl.com/newsletter