Partnership with Indian River State College to Empower Small Businesses

The City Council recently approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City and Indian River State College. This initiative aligns with the city's strategic goal of economic diversity and aims to provide small business consulting services. The agreement spans three years and includes funding for a full-time and part-time consultant to support the surge in start-up businesses. Anticipated benefits include access to business resources, training, and guidance for local businesses. This investment reflects the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant business landscape and ensuring support for new and existing small businesses in Port St. Lucie.

City Council Supports Grant for Enhanced River Access

In an effort to enrich recreational opportunities, the City Council approved a Resolution in support of the Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Grant. The resolution will reconfigure boat trailer parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp, a key element to the overall Port District, providing increased accessibility to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. With a vision to amplify leisure pursuits such as fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, the resolution propels the city closer to its goal of fostering vibrant outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Important

Public Works Projects

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

PSL on the Pulse

Read the latest edition of PSL on the Pulse.

Emergency

Management

Learn about this month's preparedness topic.



Recently, I, along with Deputy City Manager, Kate Parmelee and Communications Director, Sarah Prohaska traveled to Washington D.C., and met with key federal agencies to foster partnerships that promise a brighter future for our city.

During these discussions, we expressed heartfelt gratitude to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for their support in advancing our cultural endeavors. Their funding has brought to life transformative projects like the Minsky Gym mural and the PSL International Festival, enriching our community with creativity and diversity.

Additionally, we acknowledged the vital role of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in safeguarding our city. Through DOJ grants, initiatives like the Officer Steve Brown Model Traffic Stop program have set a gold standard for police-community relations, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.

Our conversation with Congressman Brian Mast underscored the power of collaboration in driving progress, particularly in addressing crucial environmental concerns. His advocacy has been instrumental in securing crucial grants for projects like the McCarty Ranch Water Quality initiative, which aims to improve the water quality of the St. Lucie River. This endeavor not only enhances the natural environment but also contributes to the overall quality of life for Port St. Lucie's citizens.

Furthermore, we celebrated the generosity of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, which has awarded our city $1 million to enhance our urban forestry efforts. This funding will facilitate the strategic planting of trees along roads and development sites, creating a greener, more resilient Port St. Lucie.

Lastly, discussions with the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) highlighted our commitment to pioneering transportation solutions. With a $2 million RAISE planning grant, the revitalization of the Village Green Drive corridor takes a significant step forward, addressing critical safety concerns and enhancing connectivity for our residents.

As a result of these productive discussions and the partnerships formed in the nation's capital, we feel invigorated and motivated to persist in our shared pursuit of progress and prosperity for Port St. Lucie.

The Kitty Cup Cat Cafe

1461 SW Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL

OPENING SOON!

Dave & Buster's

2270 SW Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL

OPENING JUNE 3, 2024!

RAW Athletic Club

760 NW Enterprise Dr., Port St. Lucie, FL

Port St. Lucie Boulevard South

In April 2024, the contractor continued shifting traffic to the median area to create the new work zone. The contractor continued to mill and remove existing asphalt on Port St. Lucie Boulevard from Gatlin to Aurelia and remove concrete curbs, gutters, and sidewalk to finish drainage work and reconstruct the new lanes of traffic as part of the Port St. Lucie Boulevard South improvements for Segment 3, the City Managed Project. The contractor removed the existing subgrade and base on Port St. Lucie Boulevard from Gatlin to Aurelia for reconstruction. The contractor anticipates shifting northbound traffic to the median area in May / June, weather permitting. Intermittent sidewalk closures are anticipated on the east side while construction takes place in this area.  

Simultaneously, the PSL Blvd South, Segment 2.1 FDOT Managed Project saw advancements in April, including installing drainage/Utility pipes, lateral ditch excavation and grading of slopes, and continued dig downs of mass backfill for areas of watermain and stormwater to achieve densities within the project limits, completing the 6-inch watermain connection on S. Globe Avenue, and installing drainage components on SW Alcantarra Boulevard to SW N Globe Avenue. The full reconstruction of Alcantarra Boulevard and Tunis Avenue began including installation of subgrade and curb and gutter. Other updates include the consolidation and turning of A3 material at the pond to help in drying out the embankment material. 

In May, the contractor anticipates installing drainage components from SW Tunis Avenue to Alexandria Avenue, continuing the excavation of the pond, and installing sod along the slopes of the canal. Other activities include continuing the full reconstruction of SW Alcantarra Boulevard and Tunis Avenue, beginning construction of temporary pavement along the east side of Port St. Lucie Boulevard in preparation for Phase I traffic shift, and continuing excavation work at mass backfill locations of stormwater and utility to achieve densities. 

Tradition & I-95 Turn Lane Extension

This project is complete. The contractor applied the thermoplastic pavement markings and completed the project ahead of schedule.

Torino Parkway

Construction activities started on Monday, May 13, 2024, for the East Torino Parkway Improvements, weather permitting. The contractor, Timothy Rose Contracting, will begin with turn-lane improvements at East Torino Parkway and Midway Road. The improvements include the construction of an additional lane and six-foot shoulder, that will result in a dedicated left-turn lane, a shared left / through lane, a dedicated right-turn lane, and a shoulder for the northbound approach.

Following the turn lane improvements, the contractor will begin the construction of a new modern roundabout at the intersection of North Torino Parkway and Turtle Dove Lane. Roundabouts support improving safety, reducing congestion, reducing pollution, and are considered functional and aesthetically pleasing. Artwork will be featured in the roundabout.

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

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