October 2023

Welcome to Port St. Lucie, The Fresh Market!

The morning of Wednesday, September 13th we celebrated the Grand Opening of

The Fresh Market's newest store in Tradition, 10272 SW Meeting Street.

We're so glad you're here!

City Council Notables

Area Regional Transit (ART) expands service into St. Lucie West and Tornino

There is exciting news for public transit in Port St. Lucie! Starting September 26th, the county is doubling the size of the ART On-Demand service by adding a new North Zone to cover St. Lucie West and Torino while keeping the South Zone for Gatlin and Tradition. You can now travel between these zones if you start or end your ride at one of the following spots:

Port St. Lucie Intermodal, 395 SE Deacon Ave.
The Bayshore Park & Ride, 1918 SW Bayshore Blvd.
The Jobs Express Park & Ride, 2198 SW Gatlin Blvd.

To book your free ART On-Demand ride, download the app. If you don't have a smartphone, call 772-462-1778 to book.

We're all about making life easier for our community, and this expansion is a big step in that direction. Get more info at www.slcart.org or call 772-462-1778.

City Council meeting times to change in the New Year

Beginning in the new, 2024, year, the City Council meeting scheduled will be adjusted to help accommodate resident's varying schedules. This change is in response to feedback from the community and to accommodate the varying schedules and commitments of our diverse population. Currently, Regular City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m., while Special City Council meetings are currently held on the third Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

The new schedule will change the time of the second Monday of each month to 1:00 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month to 6:00 p.m., providing residents with an earlier opportunity to participate. Special City Council meetings will now be held on the third Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

The expanded meeting schedule reflects the Council's dedication to fostering a more transparent, accessible, and participatory local government. By offering meetings at different times, we aim to create a more inclusive and engaged community, where the voices of all residents are heard and valued.

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.

Emergency

Management

Learn about this month's preparedness topic.

Port St. Lucie Scores Big with Grants:

A Win-Win for All

Port St. Lucie residents have reason to celebrate as their city secured a number of grants in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. These financial wins, totaling an impressive $50,140,050, are helping the city realize its goals while reducing the impacts on local tax payers.

Ten city departments applied for a total of 64 grants, seeking a grand total of $126,176,961. The city successfully secured 26 of these grants. But the excitement doesn't stop there—23 grants, worth $50 million, are still pending, while 15 others unfortunately didn't make the cut this year.

These grants are like puzzle pieces fitting perfectly into the city's grand strategy:

Goal 1: Safe, Clean & Beautiful – Awarded grants include law enforcement tech, cigarette butt recycling, and victim advocate positions. The city was awarded $773,461 to make Port St. Lucie even safer and cleaner.

Goal 2: Vibrant Neighborhoods - Improvements in homeowner assistance, playgrounds, and rental assistance amounted to $4,277,359 for thriving neighborhoods.

Goal 4: Diverse Economy & Employment Opportunities - $3,423,707 will boost small businesses and support vital infrastructure projects.

Goal 5: High-Quality Infrastructure & Facilities - $28,341,210 is earmarked for high-quality infrastructure, including water quality projects and road improvements.

Goal 6: Culture, Nature & Fun Activities - Almost $1 million will amp up cultural activities, park amenities, and community festivals.

Goal 7: High Performing Government Organization - $2,000 ensures a bright future through a Florida Bar Student Internship.

Adding to this successful grant year is $24,739,425 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds will help a number of departments and make forward progress to many of the city's goals.

The city's success in grant funding is a win-win for everyone. These funds ease the tax burden while making the city even more safe, clean, and beautiful. As the Grants & Advocacy Team keeps the momentum going, residents can look forward to an even brighter future for Port St. Lucie.

Upcoming Events

Oktoberfest

(NEW LOCATION)

Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional German music, featuring DeLeon Oktoberfest Band, dancing and the wiener dog race (Saturday at 6 p.m. Preregistration is required.) Admission is free.

There’ll be a traditional keg-tapping, flag ceremony, German attire and Biergarten. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

McChesney Park & Dog Park

1585 SW Cashmere Blvd.

Saturday, Oct. 7th, 2:00-9:00 PM

Special Populations Dance

Specials populations participants, families and friends are invited to join us for an evening of fun Halloween-style!

Drinks & snacks will be served. Register in advance, as this is a popular dance!

Fee: $5 per person, caregivers are free.

For more information call Jaclynn Gazdacko: 772-807-4470

Community Center

2195 SE Airoso Blvd

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6:00-8:00 PM

River Nights

Keep the fall vibes moving with River Nights! Grab a comfortable chair, head to Veterans Park at Rivergate and listen to live music while gazing into the night sky. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

River Nights is free and takes place on the second Thursday of every month from October through April.

Veterans Park at Rivergate

2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway

Thursday, Oct. 12, 5:30-8:30 PM

Spooktacular House Decorating Contest

Calling all decorating goblins and creative ghouls – the City of Port St. Lucie wants to see your most Boo-ti-ful and frightening house decorations for the City’s inaugural Spooktacular House Decorating Contest. Whether you go full-blown haunted house, spooktacular yard display, or kid-friendly decorations, the City encourages residents to get into the Halloween spirit.

You could snag a $100 gift card &

be awarded a trophy!

Learn More

Coffee with the Council

Join me and the 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.

For more information, call the City Council Office at 772-871-5159.

Community Center

2195 SE Airoso Blvd.

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 8:15 AM

Neighborhood Scarecrow Competition JUDGING

Gather your neighbors, unleash your creativity and decorate and display a scarecrow next to your neighborhood sign from Oct. 1-20. Make your scarecrow stand out! The best scarecrow will be announced during Harvest Hayride and Bonfire in the Preserve at McCarty Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Learn More

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful (KPSLB) makes it easy for City of Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County residents (ID's required) to get rid of their unwanted household chemicals and hazardous waste.

Residents do not even need to leave their cars, they simply drive up to the drop-off location, and volunteers will help unload any items for disposal, free of charge.

Public Works Complex

450 SW Thornhill Dr.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Harvest Hayride &

Bonfire in the Preserve

Plan to light up the night at McCarty Ranch Preserve during the Harvest Hayride & Bonfire. Walking through the hand-carved jack-o-lantern trail with over 200 hand carved pumpkins would be a sight to see! Enjoy hayrides, a DJ & a live band, chills and thrills for the entire family. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

This event is free for all ages!

McCarty Ranch Preserve

12525 Rangel Line Rd.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2:00-8:00 PM

Learn More

Fall Fun Fest

There is a chill in the air, you know what that means … Fall Fun Fest!

Celebrate the return of autumn with this three-day event that is jam-packed with live music, a carnival, food vendors and our Street of Treats trick-or-treating event.

Free and for all ages. Bring your own chair. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Friday, Oct. 27, 5-10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 29, 1-6 p.m.

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

9221 SE Event Center Place

Friday, Oct. 27-29