Port St. Lucie is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, and with that growth comes challenges in infrastructure, public safety, and long-term planning. In the latest episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we sat down with Mayor Shannon Martin to discuss how the city is managing its expansion while maintaining a high quality of life for residents.
Managing Growth in a Rapidly Expanding City
Port St. Lucie’s population has surged, with more than 14,000 new residents moving in just last year. This level of growth presents challenges in road infrastructure, public services, and development planning. Mayor Martin explained that while the city cannot stop new homes from being built—due to long-standing entitlements and property rights—officials are taking steps to manage growth responsibly.
One strategy is to ensure all development aligns with the city’s long-term strategic plan, which includes public engagement and data-driven decision-making. The city is also working to acquire land for future parks and conservation spaces to balance urban expansion with green spaces.
Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements
With more residents comes more traffic, and Mayor Martin acknowledged that road improvements are a top priority. The city has a 2050 long-range transportation plan, which outlines infrastructure projects, including road widening, intersection improvements, and traffic flow adjustments.
Some of the recent and upcoming projects discussed include:
- Saint Lucie West Boulevard improvements to ease congestion
- Roundabouts on Becker Road intersections to reduce backups
- Crosstown Parkway extension to improve east-west connectivity
- Florida Turnpike Phase 3 expansion to handle increased demand
Funding for these projects comes from a combination of local, state, and federal sources, but working through state and federal processes can sometimes delay implementation. Mayor Martin expressed her frustration with the timeline but assured residents that the city is doing everything possible to expedite essential projects.
Investing in Parks and Recreation
Port St. Lucie has made parks and recreation a major focus, ensuring that residents have access to world-class outdoor spaces. Mayor Martin highlighted the city’s 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which is guiding efforts to improve existing parks and develop new ones.
Exciting projects include:
- Pioneer Park, a state-of-the-art recreational space that has become a community favorite
- Tradition Regional Park, which will feature a first-of-its-kind adaptive all-wheel skate park and BMX park
- Torino Regional Park, breaking ground in December with skateboarding facilities designed with input from local skaters
The goal is for every resident to live within 10 minutes of a park, improving overall quality of life and property values in surrounding neighborhoods.
Keeping Port St. Lucie One of the Safest Cities in Florida
Despite rapid growth, Port St. Lucie has maintained its reputation as one of the safest cities in America. Mayor Martin shared that the city has been ranked #1 in Florida for safety for cities over 100,000 people and #2 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The city’s data-driven policing strategies and community engagement efforts have been key to maintaining public safety. In fact, despite the population increase, traffic crashes only increased by three incidents in the last year, and fatalities remained unchanged.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Mayor Martin emphasized that public engagement is critical to the city’s success. She regularly meets with residents through events like “Mornings with Mayor Martin,” where people can discuss concerns in a casual coffee shop setting. She also sends out a monthly e-newsletter to keep residents informed about city initiatives.
For those looking to stay updated, the mayor encourages residents to reach out via:
📧 Email: mayor@cityofpsl.com
📞 Phone: (772) 871-5159
📌 Facebook: Mayor Shannon Martin’s official page
A Balanced Future for Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is growing at an incredible pace, but city leaders are committed to ensuring that growth is sustainable, well-managed, and beneficial for all residents. By focusing on infrastructure, public safety, parks, and community engagement, Mayor Shannon Martin and the city council are aiming to shape a city that remains safe, clean, and beautiful for generations to come.
