In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Mayor Shannon Martin returns to provide a comprehensive update on key developments shaping the future of Port St. Lucie. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the city’s new professional soccer stadium and revitalized downtown concept to park expansions, green space preservation, and the city’s ongoing infrastructure strategy.
Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium and Walton & One
Mayor Martin opened the conversation by discussing a major announcement: Port St. Lucie will soon be home to a professional USL League One soccer team. The stadium will be located in the Walton Road Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), also known as Walton & One, formerly City Center. This is the city’s long-envisioned “downtown,” redesigned as a mixed-use destination featuring sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and housing.
Key Details:
- The stadium will feature 6,000 seats and serve as a catalyst for broader redevelopment.
- The city negotiated 24 usage days per year for public events.
- No taxpayer money from the general fund is being used; funding includes a $27.5 million tax increment reimbursement from the CRA.
- The project developer is responsible for construction and performance bonding.
Mayor Martin clarified that the CRA structure ensures that new tax revenue generated from rising property values in the area is reinvested back into that specific district — not drawn from the general city budget.
Hotels, Restaurants, and Year-Round Events
The stadium is just the start. A request for proposals (RFP) will soon go out for one or two destination hotels in the area. The concept includes multi-story buildings with hotels above and restaurants or retail below, making Walton & One a walkable, active district.
While soccer season runs March through October, the stadium will be used for other events in the off-season. Festivals, concerts, and community programming are all on the table.
Workforce Housing and Parking in the Mix
Mayor Martin also highlighted the inclusion of multifamily housing in the next development phase. She emphasized the importance of workforce housing — specifically targeting local teachers, first responders, and skilled trades — to create attainable options for residents.
Additional parking garages are planned to accommodate the influx of visitors, and traffic considerations were discussed in detail, especially in light of seasonal fluctuations from snowbird migration.
Regional Parks and Recreational Innovation
The discussion shifted to parks and recreation, with updates on several major projects:
Tradition Regional Park:
- Expected to open Q1 of next year.
- Features the world’s first adaptive all-wheel BMX facility.
- Designed for bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards, along with a beginner zone for young children.
Source: City of PSL
Torino Regional Park:
- Under design with a groundbreaking set for December 9.
- Plans include a high-impact playground and splash pad with “wow factor” design.
Pioneer Park and the Port District:
- The Grove, a riverfront dining destination in the Port District, will break ground on October 23.
- Tenants include seafood, Italian, and sushi restaurants, plus a rooftop tequila bar.
- Outdoor stage and public boardwalk integration with the botanical gardens and history museum round out the port district.
Pioneer Park, which opened just over a year ago, has already welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors.
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Southern Grove and the Entertainment Corridor
The city’s southern sector, known as Southern Grove, has seen rapid buildout. Of the original 1,200 acres, only 105 remain undeveloped. Key projects include:
- Major industrial employers like FedEx, Oculus Surgical, and Cheney Brothers.
- A commercial corner at Becker Road and Village Parkway will soon be developed by Sandstone Group.
- New retail, entertainment, and restaurants are planned, including concepts like Chicken N Pickle and duckpin bowling venues.
Stars and Stripes Park:
- A new passive park with a celestial theme honoring veterans and first responders.
- Features art installations and astronomy-inspired designs.
- Currently awaiting final construction punch list items before an official opening.
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Housing, Growth, and Infrastructure Demands
Port St. Lucie added approximately 6,500 new residents over the past year, a slowdown compared to previous years but still significant. With the population now exceeding 260,000, the city continues to face pressure on infrastructure, services, and development oversight.
Mayor Martin shared that while the city cannot control existing development rights granted years ago, it can negotiate land use terms, pursue parkland acquisitions, and push for balanced growth. The city has acquired over 250 acres in recent months that will remain as green space or future parks.
Tax Strategy and Transparency
One of the standout commitments discussed is the city’s 10-year streak of lowering its millage rate. Port St. Lucie operates with a lean staffing model, prioritizing only essential hires tied to safety and growth, like police officers and public works staff.
The city also provides a “Balancing Act” tax tool on its website, which allows residents to input their property’s taxable value and see a breakdown of where each tax dollar goes.
Notable Points:
- Port St. Lucie’s tax rate is the third lowest among Florida’s 20 most populous cities.
- Only two line items on local tax bills are controlled by the city: the general millage rate and the voter-approved Crosstown Parkway assessment.
Green Space Priorities and Future Parks
In response to resident feedback, the city has prioritized preserving green space. Parcels originally intended for housing, such as a site on Rosser Boulevard, were acquired by the city and reclassified for future park use.
Former school board parcels have also been purchased with the same goal — keeping them out of development pipelines and instead using them to support the city’s strategic goal of having every resident within ten minutes of a park.
Closing Thoughts
Mayor Martin closed the episode with a call for more civic engagement. She encouraged residents to attend city council meetings, participate in workshops, and reach out directly with questions rather than relying solely on social media chatter.
She emphasized the complexity of city planning, the importance of transparency, and the value of community dialogue in ensuring future projects meet the city’s needs.
Listen to the full episode of The Current to hear directly from Mayor Shannon Martin as she outlines the path forward for Port St. Lucie.
