BI-WEEKLY REPORT CITY MANAGER'S - City of Port St. Lucie
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CITY MANAGER’S
BI-WEEKLY REPORT NOVE M B E R 1 5 , 201 9 | VOLUME 3 • I S S U E 2 0
A magazine-style report released every other week, highlighting
the City of Port St. Lucie’s latest news, projects updates and events.
CITYOFPSL .COM 772-87 1-5225 121 SW Por t St . Lucie Blvd.
CITY OFFICIALS
The City is led by a five-member elected Council, which sets policy and determines the long-term vision
for the City. The Council appoints a City Manager to handle the daily business affairs, and a City Attorney
to provide legal advice. This system is called a Council-Manager form of local government. Each Council
member has one vote, including the Mayor, so legislative authority is equally spread among all five members.
Gregory J. Oravec "Port St. Lucie is a safe, beautiful,
Mayor and prosperous City for all people.
Mayor@CityofPSL.com — Your hometown”
Shannon M. Martin
Vice Mayor/District 3 Councilmember
Shannon.Martin@CityofPSL.com
Stephanie Morgan
District 1 Councilmember
Stephanie.Morgan@CityofPSL.com
John Carvelli
District 2 Councilmember
John.Carvelli@CityofPSL.com
Jolien Caraballo
District 4 Councilmember
Jolien.Caraballo@CityofPSL.com
Russ Blackburn
City Manager
RBlackburn@CityofPSL.com
2 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M CITY OFFICIALS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOVEMBER 1 — NOVEMBER 15, 2019 HI GHLI GHT O F THE W EEK
2 CITY OFFICIALS
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
4 CROSSTOWN PARKWAY
5 BUILDING DEPARTMENT
6 CIVIC CENTER
7 COMMUNICATIONS
9 HUMAN RESOURCES
10 NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
12 PARKS & RECREATION
WAGS & WHISKERS WEDNESDAYS
13 PLANNING & ZONING
In an effort to help PSL Animal Control and St. Lucie
County find owners and potential adopters, the City’s
14 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Communications Department is working with Animal
Control with a new weekly outreach campaign called
19 PUBLIC WORKS “Wags & Whiskers Wednesdays.” Every Wednesday, new
photos of lost animals housed at PSL Animal Control
21 SALES TAX are published on the City’s website, PSL TV channel, and
social media. The City’s website also links to the County’s
22 KEEP PSL BEAUTIFUL Temporary Animal Shelter page where residents can find
more information about lost pets in the area.
23 UTILITY SYSTEMS
Visit the Lost Pets page: www.cityofpsl.com/lostpets.
24 FEATURE STORY
ON THE COVER:
Buddy Bench Ceremony on
America Recycles Day
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S / H I G H L I G H T O F T H E W E E K 3
update NOVEMBER 15
The latest project aerials are shown above. The bridge and roadway are open to traffic from Manth to U.S. 1. Lane
closures are anticipated throughout the project for construction activities and deficiency list items.
Pending Project Items:
• Pond 5 near Huffman Road, sodding and landscaping
• Final striping U.S. 1, Village Green, Manth, Preston and turn lanes at Floresta
• Pave Bayharbor adjacent to the Floresta Pond Area
• Paving corrections at Manth and Preston
• Construction of the plaza under the bridge including lighting, irrigation, brick pavers, landscaping and other
decorative features
• Paved Coral Reef next week
• Sidewalk installation at the plaza
• Pavers and concrete work
• Placing sod and landscaping on berms east of Bayharbor to the Coral Reef Waterway.
• Install benches and trash receptacles throughout the project
• Install work out equipment at Floresta Pond Area.
• Sign installation throughout the project
• Corrections and deficiency items
A final inspection will take place prior to project acceptance. The contractor continues to complete activities and
corrections throughout the corridor.
4 W W W. C R O S S TOW N E X T E N S I O N . C O M
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
» It starts with a good foundation.
Ardie R. Copas Veterans Nursing Home Construction
First Data Field Construction
ACTIVITY 10/25-11/7 2019 YTD 2018 2017 COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE
Permits Issued 1,632 36,023 39,899 32,020
OF OCCUPANCY
Dollar Tree – Interior Renovation –
Single-Family Permits 132 2,360 2,200 1,518
1749 NW St. Lucie West Blvd.
Certificates of Occupancy (SFR) 138 2,250 1,824 1,382
Publix – Renovation – 788 SE Becker
Inspections 5,486 117,088 115,073 84,510 Rd.
Plans Reviewed 532 12,009 13,559 10,352 Valurecare at Home – 10125 S U.S.
Hwy. 1
Online Permits 593 15,994 13,421 8,346
COMMERCIAL PERMITS
Tykes and Teens Inc – Interior Remodel – 451 SW Bethany Dr. #101 DEC. 9 PLUMBING
Atrium – Clubhouse – 5422 NW Fox Squirrel Ln. 3 p.m.
CONTRACTOR
Freshiis – Build-Out - 1361 NW St. Lucie West Blvd. STAKEHOLDER
MEETING
Riverwalk Boardwalk- Dock – 2488 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
1st Seventh Day Adventist Church – Interior Renovation – 320 SW Tulip Blvd.
BUILDING 5
CIVIC CENTER
» A full-service event venue.
22,099 people attended
33 events in FY 19/20.
TREASURE COAST HOME EXPO EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF MARTIN COUNTY
Showcasing 110 vendors and attracting 1,200 people, TEACHER OF THE YEAR CEREMONY
the Treasure Coast Home Show at the Port St. Lucie Showtime! In recognition of outstanding teaching, the
Civic Center featured hundreds of experts in the field Education Foundation of Martin County in cooperation
of remodeling, home improvement, decor and outdoor with the Martin County School District, proudly
spaces - all under one roof! hosted the annual Martin County Teacher of the Year
Ceremony at the Civic Center.
43RD ANNUAL ST. LUCIE COUNTY ROCK, GEM AND JEWELRY SHOW
Over 35 vendors displayed their gemstones, jewelry, and various rocks during the 43rd Annual St. Lucie County
Rock, Gem and Jewelry show held at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. Sponsored by the St. Lucie County Rock &
Gem Club, over 500 people attended the event.
TESTIMONIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
Always a pleasure to work with the Civic
“ Center - very accommodating to any
special needs.
Susan Acocella, General Manager
»» 11/15: City of PSL Parks & Recreation Teen Dance
»» 11/16 & 11/17: Holiday Arts & Crafts Expo
»» 11/17: South Florida Church of Christ Service
»» 11/30: Rising Up from Silence, An Elegant Affair
Vitas Healthcare »» 12/4 & 12/5: 567 Taxes in Retirement Workshop
6 W W W. P S LC I V I C C E N T E R . C O M CIVIC CENTER
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
» Telling PSL’s story and engaging with the community.
P R E SS R E L E AS E S (1 1 /1 - 1 1 /1 5 )
»» 11/14: PSL City Council leases bio-sciences facility to Cleveland Clinic
»» 11/8: Tambone facilitates second sale to AHS Residential for Tradition Center for Commerce
»» 11/7: More Schools to Receive Buddy Bench on America Recycles Day
GOOD NEWS UPDATE
11/12: PSL ranked as #6 fastest-growing city in the US
To determine the fastest-growing American cities, 24/7 Tempo ranked U.S. cities by their percentage
population change from 2000 to 2018 using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American
Community Survey. Cities with fewer than 50,000 residents in 2000 were not considered.
11/7: PSL ranked #2 most dynamic small city in the US
Point2Homes.com examined 18 factors across four main dimensions: Human Capital, Education and
Culture, Economic Activity, and Housing. Then, we ranked the 150 largest urban centers in the U.S.
11/4: PSL ranked as best place in FL to pay off debt
The rankings are based on the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2017 5-year)
estimates for median monthly housing costs, median family income in inflation-adjusted dollars,
unemployment status, and means of transportation to work.
Assistant Communications Director Sarah Prohaska, Strategic
Initiatives Director Kate Parmelee and St. Lucie County
Communications Director Erick Gill served as panelists on a
FCCMA Coaching Webinar titled “Citizen Engagement to Drive
Results.” Kate focused on the City’s strategic planning process
and Sarah and Erick focused on citizen engagement relating to
the successful half-cent sales tax referendum. More than 75
FCCMA members were registered for the webinar.
VIDEO UPDATE
VETERANS DAY SERVICE CEREMONY: 11/11/19
The Parks & Recreation Department hosted the annual Veterans
Day Service Ceremony to honors those who have served. The
United Veterans of Port St. Lucie provided a moving tribute. The
Communications Department assisted filming and airing the event
live on Facebook, and designing the event program.
• Watch Online
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / N E W S C O M M U N I C AT I O N S 7
G R A PH I C D E S I G N
The Communications Department redesigned the St. Lucie River/C-23 Water Quality Project Fact
Sheet, and created the Festival of Lights, and 1PSL Utility System Bill Pay fliers, to name a few.
ST. LUCIE RIVER / C-23
WATER QUALITY PROJECT
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The water quality restoration/storage project located at McCarty Ranch Extension and Preserve will keep
nearly 9 billion gallons of water from entering the North Fork of the St. Lucie River annually. This will
result in a 21% reduction in excess freshwater discharge from the C-23 Canal into the river.
KEY FACTS
FUNDING
This water quality/storage treatment project will take approximately • $8 Million Total for Areas 3-7
1,871 acres of fallow citrus grove at McCarty Ranch Extension and a
730-acre water impoundment, located at McCarty Ranch Preserve, • $180K Annual Operating Cost
and convert them into a shallow water storage facility consisting of
seven reservoirs capable of receiving water diverted from the C-23
Canal. It also will capture an annual average of 53 inches of rain fall
on the property reducing the need to discharge.
21% 6.330 BILLION
Reduction in excess freshwater
discharge from the C-23 Canal into
the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.
gallons of water diverted from
the C-23 Canal annually. CIRCLE
2.554 BILLION
OF
RECHARGE
the local water table.
gallons of rainfall and
excess water during annual
BENEFITS
wet season stored annually.
71,797 LBS.
NITROGEN & 17,210 LBS.
PHOSPHORUS
8.884 BILLION
gallons total will be kept from
Removed from the water entering entering the North Fork of the
the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. St. Lucie River annually.
ALTERNATE WATER SOURCE
The Water Quality Storage/Treatment Project is the precursor to the City’s future alternative water supply. A
proposed future cyclic surface water treatment plant will be built to treat the water being pumped from the C-23
Canal to drinking water standards. A certain amount of this treated water will be distributed for public consumption
and the rest will be stored in on-site deep aquifer storage and recovery wells (ASRs). The stored water will then be
recovered and distributed for consumption ensuring that Port St. Lucie is able to meet growing water needs for
generations to come.
City of Port St. Lucie • 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 • 772-871-5225
CityofPSL.com/C23Project
SLR/C-23 Water Quality Fact Sheet: Page 1 SLR/C-23 Water Quality Fact Sheet: Page 2
"Your Favorite Holiday Story"
Festival
of Lights
Saturday, December 7, 2019
2-10 p.m.
Parade
of Lights
Holiday Tree
Lighting
Free admission for all ages
Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Pl., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
772-878-2277 • www.PSLParks.com/FestivalofLights
Festival of Lights Flyer 1PSL Utility Systems Bill Pay Flyer
8 C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
» Recruiting, training, motivating, and retaining a qualif ied and diverse workforce.
GOOD
NEWS
BEST PLACE TO WORK
The City of Port St. Lucie was
recognized as one of the “Best
Places to Work” in St. Lucie County
– the 12th year the City has earned
this prestigious honor. Read More
HIGHLIGHTS & STATS
INTERNS: Human Resources partnered with Emergency Management Professors at Indian River
State College to provide paid and unpaid internships to students who are currently enrolled or
who have graduated within the last 6 months from an EM related program.
VOLUNTEERS: There are currently 338 NEW HIRES: 12 full-time and 5
active volunteers, volunteering in Parks part-time employees recently
& Recreation, Building, Civic Center, joined the City team.
and Communications Departments.
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES
Human Resources hosted an
internal Halloween event and
150 employees joined the spooky
festivities. The contest winners are:
Door Decorating:
»» City Clerk’s Office, Care Bears
Costume Contest:
»» Funniest: Jason McElveen,
Neighborhood Services
»» Best Overall: Maria Santiago,
Utilities Customer Service
Department Contest:
»» City Clerk’s Office, Care Bears
Pumpkin Carving Contest:
»» Jessica Pratt, Parks & Recreation
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M HUMAN RESOURCES 9
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT » Preserving & revitalizing neighborhoods, helping residents access services & programs. WASTE PRO USA EXPANDS FLEET IN PORT ST. LUCIE Waste Pro USA announced the addition of three new 2019 rear loading Mac trucks to the fleet servicing Port St. Lucie at a cost of over $3 million. These trucks run on natural compressed gas. In order to keep up with the City’s growth plan, the new addition to the fleet will provide better service to the community. “As we strive to provide better customer service, Waste Pro is committed to go above and beyond our customers’ expectations,” said Lois Cardinale, City of Port St. Lucie Waste Pro Liaison. Tim Mooney, Government Liaison for the area said: “With the addition of these trucks to our fleet, we can provide a higher level of service to the City of Port St. Lucie.” With corporate headquarters in Longwood, Florida, the local Waste Pro office is located at 4100 Selvitz Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. For more information, visit www.WasteProUSA.com or call the local office at 772-595-9390. CITY UNIVERSITY CLASS #8 Congratulations to our latest class of City University graduates. Thirty-seven students completed the nine week program and graduated as the program’s 8th class. Thank you for taking the time to become a more informed and involved citizen. We look forward to hosting our next class that will begin in the spring on April 1, 2020. Registration will open online on March 4, 2020 here: www.cityofpsl.com/cityuniversity. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD On Oct. 28, 2019 City Council awarded the first ever N.I.C.E. (Neighborhood Improvement and Community Engagement) Community Involvement Award to three very deserving local organizations: Christ Fellowship Church, Calvary Port St. Lucie, and the Bridge Effect Foundation. Volunteers from these organizations went above and beyond to help residents in need during the Hurricane Dorian event. We are so proud of their response that it inspired us to create the N.I.C.E. Community Involvement Award. Our hope is that these awards will serve to inspire our residents and local organizations to come out and get involved in the community any way they can, during grey skies and blue skies. The organizations reached out to City staff during a time of need in the community and offered to help residents in need prepare their homes for the impending storm. We are thankful that we have such thoughtful and professional organizations in our community who were able to come out and help our residents prepare for the imminent danger that was Hurricane Dorian and welcome all organizations to participate in the state-wide network of Florida VOADs (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). We look forward to awarding the N.I.C.E. Community Involvement Award every year to deserving citizens and organizations that provide positive examples for us all. Congratulations, Christ Fellowship Church, Calvary Port St. Lucie and the Bridge Effect Foundation and thank you! 10 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / N S D NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
NICE SIGNS ARE CREATING A COMMUNITY
READ WPTV CHANNEL 5 STORY ONLINE
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Port St. Lucie is a sprawling city of 120
square miles with 195,000 people but the city is trying not to lose
a neighborhood feel.
Judy Sekscenski says what drew her to Port St. Lucie decades
ago was the aesthetics of the neighborhood along Southbend
Boulevard.
“I feel it’s easy to get lost in a city of this size,” said Sekscenski.
But that’s changing. Two years ago, the city of Port St. Lucie created the NICE program, which stands for
Neighborhood Improvement and Community Engagement.
“It’s really important that people keep tabs on what’s happening in their neighborhood and what the city is doing in
their neighborhood,” said Alex Tasca, the city’s Community Programs Administrator in the Neighborhood Services
Department.
Tasca says city residents were asked to come up with names for their own neighborhoods, names as opposed to
being identified by number.
Right now, there are 33 named neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie with another three on the horizon.
Sekscenski lives in Southbend Lakes and says the name not only adds a sense of community, but it also helps in her
profession, as a realtor.
“My listings in Southbend, I always list them in MLS as Southbend Lakes.”
While most people have heard of St. Lucie West and Tradition, the program was also set up for the heart of the city.
“The beginnings of PSL were all around US 1 and it’s important that they have an identity just like the newer
developments being constructed out west,” said Tasca.
Recycling revenue, instead of taxpayer funds, was used for the new signs, which will be installed over the next few
months.
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / N S D NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES 11PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
» Improving quality of life one event, class and program at a time.
Community Center Civic Center - Recreation Robert E. Minsky Gym The Saints Golf Course
772-878-2277 772-807-4499 772-344-4142 772-398-2901
Leisure Time is a free bi-annual catalog of
events, programs and classes that can be
found at any of the City’s facilities or online:
www.pslparks.com/leisuretime.
F ESTI VAL O F LI GHTS: D EC 7
Join your neighbors at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center
from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to celebrate the 2019 holiday
season at the Festival of Lights. This annual popular
event will feature live music, food, vendors, parade
and lighting of the 26.5-foot holiday tree.
ONE STOP SHOP KIDS DAY OUT SPECIAL NEEDS
GARAGE SALE PROGRAM HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
November 24 at November 25-27 at December 11 at the
the Civic Center the Civic Center Community Center
P R OJ E C T S & U PDAT E S
THE SAINTS GOLF COURSE:
»» New Yamaha Golf carts (with built-in GPS systems) will
be arriving November 7.
»» The Saint Golf Course is currently taking bids for repairs
to the golf cart bridge located on Hole #17.
»» Fall rates at The Saints Golf Course are in effect as of
November 1st through December 31st. Our guest rate
for the morning is $38 and $32 for members which is
very affordable for this time of the year.
»» The SWGA Ladies Group has increased to five tee times
for the winter schedule.
»» The Men’s Golf League has increased to 52 players.
12 W W W. P S L PA R K S . C O M PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O NPLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
» Encouraging quality community development.
BAYS HO RE/S ELVI TZ RO U NDA BOUT
“Relate,” by Michael Szabo
APPR OV E D A R T S C UL PT U R E
The City has determined that art should be planned as an
integral part of the City. Enhancing the visual quality of
the cityscape will add to our residents quality of life and A B O U T TH E PU B LIC ART
raise the level of awareness to the importance of aesthetic
experiences in their everyday lives. A DV I S O R Y B OARD
The Public Art Advisory Board presents
On September 25, the Public Art Advisory Board invited a Public Art Master Plan for review and
residents to attend a public meeting where three finalists approval by City Council and recommends
presented their artwork to the Selection Committee. specific public art projects, including the
The Selection Committee’s recommendation was then selection of works of art. The Board is
presented to the Public Art Advisory Board to review. comprised of seven members who serve
on a voluntary basis.
After review, it was presented to City Council and they
approved the proposed public art piece at the meeting on Learn more
November 13, 2019. The photo above depicts what the
sculpture will look like once installed in the roundabout.
The sculpture will be created over the next year and
installed fall 2020.
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M PLANNING & ZONING 13POLICE DEPARTMENT
» To protect and serve with courage, knowledge and integrity.
HIGHLI G HT S
RANDOM ACTS OF PINK
During October, PSLPD employees participated in support Breast Cancer Awareness
with pink badges, shirts, jeans Fridays, the annual walk and donations. The department
raised $1,913, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society and Random Acts
of Pink. Random Acts of Pink is an organization that directly aids someone local who is
an extended part of our Police Family and currently fighting cancer. Way to go and thank
you for your support!
POLICE AWARDS
On Thursday, November 7, 2019, the 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony and
Promotional Ceremony was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Officer Ryan Lodwick was named Officer of the 3rd Quarter, Detective
John Morgan was bestowed Detective of the 3rd Quarter and Kelly Cathey
was presented with an award for Civilian of the 3rd Quarter. During the
ceremony, Detective John Dellacroce, Detective David Butterworth and
Officer Timothy Bordt were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Great job to
all of those who were honored.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: MELVIN ARMSTRONG
On Friday, November 8, 2019, at the Port St. Lucie Police
Headquarters, a brief memorial service was held to
remember Melvin L. Armstrong. Melvin L. Armstrong
worked for the Port St. Lucie Police Department as a Police
Service Aide from September 10, 1997, to November 8,
2005, when he passed away. He is survived by his wife, his
son, daughters, daughters-in-law, ten grandchildren and six
grandchildren. He will always be remembered and so will
his dedicated service to our agency and community.
CHILDREN’S EMPORIUM FALL FESTIVAL
On Saturday, November 2, 2019, a Crime Prevention table was set
up at the Children’s Emporium Fall Festival held at Rotary Park. The
community outreach event attracted approximately 250 people.
Distributed materials included information regarding child pedestrian
safety, gun safety, Internet safety, auto, and home burglary prevention,
and the Neighborhood Watch program. Child identification kits were
distributed, and parents were instructed as to how they would properly
complete them. Officers Knaggs and Kerns also attended the event to
the delight of students who had recently toured police headquarters.
Opportunities arose for Officers Knaggs and Kerns to educate parents
and daycare teachers about the positive role a police officer plays in
the lives of the children.
14 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / P O L I C E POLICEPOL I C E D RO P IN O N NIC E ME ETI N GS
NOVEMBER 2 MEETING
• On Saturday, November 2, 2019, Gretchen Raziela, Crime Prevention Specialist represented the department
at the Neighborhood Improvement & Community Engagement (NICE) meeting. Residents from the Bayshore
Heights, Cashmere Cove, Swan Park, Floresta Gardens, and Floresta Pointe neighborhoods were represented.
Sergeant Pavlyshin presented the residents with crime activity information in the community between April 1,
2019, through September 30, 2019. Residents engaged in a question and answer session regarding the issues
going on in their respective communities. The primary topic of concern was speeding through residential
neighborhoods. Sergeant Pavlyshin explained the agency focus on speeding and aggressive driving concerns.
Residents were provided with copies of the “Speeding Is Not Worth It / It’s 30 for a Reason” brochures. The
campaign to educate residents about the dangers and ultimate cost of speeding was explained and well
received by those in attendance. Residents expressed additional concerns regarding the use of cell phones
while driving. Information was shared regarding the recent “Texting and Driving” training provided to all city
employees by the Police Department’s Traffic Unit. There was further discussion regarding the education of
F.S.S. 316.305 “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving” now being a primary offense for which a driver can be
cited and how it is being rolled out to the city citizenry at large. Additional Crime Prevention materials were
provided and explained including, Auto Burglary, Residential Burglary, Neighborhood Watch, Neighbors by
Ring partnership, Fraud Prevention, and Active Shooter. Residents in attendance expressed interest in forming
Neighborhood Watch groups for two of the five neighborhoods represented. Follow up contact is planned with
those residents.
NOVEMBER 5 MEETING
• On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Gretchen Raziela represented the Crime Prevention Unit at the Neighborhood
Improvement & Community Engagement (NICE) meeting. Residents from the Becker Ridge, Crane Landing, Paar
Estates, Parks Edge, Sawgrass Lakes, Tulip Park, and Whispering Pines neighborhoods were present. Assistant
Chief Del Toro was in attendance to provide residents with an update from the Police Department. Residents
in attendance were provided with crime activity information in their neighborhoods between April 1, 2019,
through September 30, 2019. Assistant Chief Del Toro engaged in dialogue with residents regarding concerns
specific to thoroughfares in their respective neighborhoods among a myriad of other topics.
N.I.C.E. Community Programs Administrator Alessandra Tasca used the conclusion of Assistant Chief Del
Toro’s address as a segue to the importance of Crime Prevention. The Chief also introduced Crime Prevention
principles as a tool being used to help maintain Port St. Lucie’s status as one of America’s safest cities. Residents
were presented information regarding the Crime Prevention Unit and programs offered through it. Brochures
about Fraud Prevention, Auto and Residential Burglary prevention, the Ring Neighbors App partnership and
Neighborhood Watch were distributed. Information regarding the inclusion of Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) in current and future planning was also discussed. At the conclusion of the
meeting, residents expressed appreciation of the attention they had received from Assistant Chief Del Toro and
the Police Department.
D IST R I CT O NE
• On November 5, 2019, at around 11:35 p.m., Patrol Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, traveling east on
SW Crosstown Parkway due to the vehicle speeding 62 mph in a posted speed limit of 45 mph. The vehicle came
to a stop at SE Eyerly Avenue and SW Airoso Boulevard. During the investigation, Police observed the barrel of
a rifle attempting to be concealed; sticking out of a towel located in the back seat of the car, in immediate reach
of the two vehicle occupants. As one suspect stepped out of the car, a black ski mask fell from his person and
landed on the ground by the driver side door. Combined with the rifle and ski mask, Officers located additional
items commonly used in conjunction with criminal activity; another ski mask and gloves were located on the
second occupant’s person and a magazine and loaded 9mm handgun in the center console, unholstered and
readily accessible. Also, located were clear empty plastic ‘baggies’, a digital scale and a grinder. Both suspects were
dressed in long sleeve hooded sweaters and dark pants. One man’s shirt was turned inside out preventing the
shirt logo from being displayed. He also had an additional pair of pants on. Both men were arrested on charges of
Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Unlicensed Firearm and Loitering and/or Prowling, and transported to the St. Lucie
County Jail. In addition, the driver was cited for the traffic violation for his excessive speeding.
POLICE 15D IST R I CT TWO
• Case 2019-22470: Criminal Investigation Division Detectives arrested a 34-year-old man after it was discovered he
was utilizing the “face-time” feature of his phone to allow the 15-year-old female victim to see him masturbating.
The suspect is currently out on bond and awaiting trial.
D IST R I CT T H RE E
• Case 2019-12310: On June 14, 2019, three individuals (one male and two females) entered a drug store on SE Port
St. Lucie Boulevard, where they proceeded to take perfumes totaling $3,199 and left the store without paying. The
three individuals continued the same modus operandi across the state of Florida where it cumulated in a robbery
in Palm Beach County at a cosmetic store. A Pembroke Pines Police Officer identified one female from a previous
arrest. A subsequent warrant for her arrest led to it being served while incarcerated in Miami.
• Case 2019-22288: On October 28, 2019, three men ambushed a male and female victim, who were summoned
to a defunct Marijuana grow house on SW Lakota Avenue. The victims were held at gunpoint, handcuffed, and
beaten by the suspects who accused them of stealing from their organization. The male victim was driven to a
nearby bank on SW Gatlin Boulevard, where he was supposed to withdraw a significant amount of cash. The male
victim managed to escape, and bank employees called 9-1-1 at his request. The suspects fled from both locations
as Officers and Detectives were responding. One male suspect and owner of the home was apprehended by
responding officers as he was fleeing in his vehicle. C.I.D. Detectives and C.S.I. personnel ultimately identified
the other two male suspects after collecting physical evidence at the crime scenes. Detectives also recovered 55
pounds of packaged Marijuana along with $6,400 in cash.
• Case 2019-22971: Detectives arrested two male suspects and a female suspect after the trio executed a home
invasion robbery at home on SW Culpepper Avenue on November 5, 2019. The victims were held at gunpoint
by the suspects, and one victim was pistol-whipped. The suspects stole a small amount of cash and fled the
scene. Once Detectives identified the trio, the suspects were quickly apprehended by The United States Marshals
Regional Fugitive Task Force.
D IST R I CT FO U R
• Case 2019-18609: C.I.D. Property Crimes Detectives investigated a theft of money and an empty prescription
bottle which occurred at a home on SE Morningside Boulevard between September 5, 2019, and September 10,
2019, while the victims were out of town. The victim suspected their 35-year-old female neighbor had stolen their
items. Text messages between the victim and suspect showed the suspect admitted to entering the victim’s house
without permission. In addition, a family member who was caring for animals in the house said they had physical
contact with a female inside the living room while the victims were out of town. A photo lineup was conducted,
and the witness chose the neighbor as the female inside the house. Warrants were approved for the suspect and
she was arrested for Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.
• Case 2019-20926: Criminal Investigation Division Property Crime Detectives investigated a theft of a phone
from a local high school, in the phone was the victim’s debit card and Florida driver’s license. The suspect took
the phone from the school gymnasium and then utilized the stolen debit card to buy their lunch at a fast-food
restaurant located on SE Port St. Lucie Boulevard. The Detective met with the victim, obtained the stolen debit
card information and followed up with the restaurant’s staff to review the video. Photos of the suspect utilizing
the cards were given to School Resource Officer, who reviewed the video at the high school. The suspect was
ultimately identified. Detectives obtained a recorded confession the suspect and hold was obtained for the
»»»»
suspect.
16 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / P O L I C E POLICESTATI ST I CS CI TYWI DE A U TO B U R GL A R I ES
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019
Linear (Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018) Linear (Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019)
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 27 31 40 11 27 32 25 29 53 20 30 57
Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019 57 26 68 27 16 31 30 40 41 21 45 61
CI TYWI DE R ESI DEN TI A L B U R GL A R I ES
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019
Linear (Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018) Linear (Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019)
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 20 14 30 26 22 21 12 12 15 12 13 14
Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019 20 15 14 8 6 21 20 14 11 12 17 6
POLICE 17CI TYWI DE R ETA I L THEF T
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019
Linear (Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018) Linear (Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019)
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 24 48 38 35 40 39 27 28 21 26 30 38
Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019 25 46 27 25 23 22 36 23 23 29 28 32
CI TYWI DE CON STR U CTI ON SI TE
B U R GL A R I ES & THEF TS
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019
Linear (Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018) Linear (Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019)
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct
Nov. 2017 - Oct. 2018 3 4 4 6 7 6 4 1 4 1 5 4
Nov. 2018 - Oct. 2019 2 0 10 2 9 2 2 1 1 6 2 4
P .A.L. U P DAT E S
Police Athletic Leagues across the country exist to help unite Law Enforcement Officers and youth,
promoting an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. With these attributes at the foundation,
we intend to improve the quality of life in our respective communities. For more information
about the PSL Police Athletic League, visit www.cityofpsl.com/pal.
»» Boxing Program: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
»» Karate Program: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m.
»» Wrestling: Tuesday, Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, from 9 to 11 a.m.
»» Wrestling Tournament: November 16 at 10 a.m. in Wellington, Florida
»» Baton Clinic: November 16 and 23, noon to 5 p.m.
»» Drum Line Practices: November 17, from 3 to 5 p.m.
»» Free Fishing Clinic at the P.A.L. Building: November 16, from noon to 5 p.m.
»» P.A.L. Board Meeting at the P.A.L. Building on Tiffany Avenue: Tuesday, November 19, 6 p.m.
18 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / P O L I C E POLICEPUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
» Protecting the environment and inf rastructure.
SIDE WA LK P RO G R AM
• Paar Drive – Savona Blvd. to Port St. Lucie Blvd. (0.8 miles) – FY 18/19 – City Funded, Completed.
• Paar Drive – Port St. Lucie Blvd. to Darwin Blvd. (1.0 miles) – FY 18/19 – LAP Funded, Completed.
• Southbend Blvd. – Oakridge to Eagle (0.2 miles over bridge) – FY 18/19 – CDBG Funded - Completed.
• Macedo Blvd. – Selvitz Rd. to St. James Dr. (1.0 miles) – FY 19/20 – LAP Funded. Bids opened on October 30, 2019.
The Bid Tab will be sent to FDOT for concurrence prior to recommendation of award.
Sidewalk Program: www.cityofpsl.com/sidewalks.
R E PAV ING P R O G R A M
The street repaving goal for FY 19/20 is 28.9 miles with 3.25 miles
completed to date. For more information about the City’s Street
Repaving Program, please visit www.cityofpsl.com/repaving.
• Completed: SE Pine Valley St. - SE Westmoreland Blvd. to SE
Monte Vista St.
• Completed Section 17:
• SW Albenga Ave. – SW San Miguel St. to SW Parsons St.
• SW Patricia Ave. – SW San Miguel St. to SW Savona Blvd.
• SW Santiago Ave. – SW San Miguel St. to SW Parsons St.
• SW Medina Ave. – SW San Miguel St. to SW Parsons St. SE Pine Valley St. - SE Westmoreland Blvd. to SE
• SW San Miguel St. – SW Alcantarra Blvd. to SW Marmore St. Monte Vista St.
• SW Parsons St. – SW Alcantarra Blvd. to SW Albenga Ave.
• Ongoing Section 19:
• SW Ingrassina Ave. – SW Belshaw St. to SW Winslow St.
• SW Hebner Ave. - SW Belshaw t. to SW Spickler St.
• SW Tadlock Ave. – SW Belshaw St. to SW Spickler St.
• SW Halford Ave. – SW Belshaw St. to SW Spickler St.
• SW Belshaw St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Spickler St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Tuscol St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Utterback St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Winslow St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Haycroft St. – SW Paar Dr. to SW Ingrassina Ave.
• SW Hamrock Ave. – SW Haycroft St. to SW Winslow St.
• SW Spartaro Ave. – SW Haycroft St. to SW Winslow St.
• SW Janar Ave. – SW Haycroft St. to SW Winslow St.
SW Marmore St. – SW Savona Blvd. to
SW San Miguel St.
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M P U B L I C WO R K S 19CONS T R U CT I O N PR O JE C T S
CITY ELECTRIC LOOP ROAD: Final lift of asphalt has been installed for entire roadway as well as all sidewalk and
trees. Sod installation is underway, Lift Station power and fiber connections anticipated for next week. All work is
anticipated to be complete 11/30/19.
Construction of a right turn lane on Port St.
Lucie Blvd. at Paar Drive has been completed.
Cashmere Blvd. Construction
SW St. Lucie West Blvd.
20 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M P U B L I C WO R K SSALES TAX PROJECTS
Better roads, more sidewalks and cleaner rivers.
»» St. Lucie West Blvd. Intersection Improvements:
Construction contract has been awarded to Pave-Co Construction. Construction
started on September 16, 2019 for Cashmere Blvd., Peacock Blvd. and Bayshore
Blvd. California Blvd. construction starts in FY 25/26.
»» California Blvd. Widening from St. Lucie West Blvd. to Crosstown Pkwy:
• Construction starts in FY 25/26.
»» Sidewalk Projects:
• Torino Blvd.:
»» California Blvd. to Cashmere Blvd. – Design is underway.
»» Villa Vizcaya to Midway Rd. – Design is underway.
• Delwood Dr.: Torino Blvd. to Winterlakes Park – Design is underway.
»» Repaving Projects:
• Morningside Blvd.: Westmoreland Boulevard to Club Med – Repaving is scheduled to begin following the
ongoing FPL pole replacement project (Spring 2020)
• Tulip Blvd.: College Park Rd. to 368 Tulip (Fall 2019/ Spring 2020)
• California Blvd.: Country Club Blvd. to SLW Blvd. (Fall 2019/ Spring 2020)
• Gatlin Blvd. - Repaving starts in FY 26/27.
»» Traffic Signal Coordination
• Traffic signal coordination along Port St. Lucie Blvd. & Crosstown Parkway starts in FY 27/28.
• Floresta Blvd. Widening
• Southbend Blvd. to Elkcam Waterway - Design is underway with a completion date of February 2020. The
contract has been extended ninety days to allow redesign of a control structure which will reduce flood stages
in the Kingsway Waterway.
• Elkcam Waterway to Crosstown Parkway - Construction starts in FY 20/21.
• Crosstown Parkway to Prima Vista Blvd. - Construction starts in FY 22/23.
»» Torino Blvd. Intersection Improvements:
Construction began on October 14, 2019. Current operations include clearing and grubbing, and base rock
placement for a temporary road for the following:
• California Blvd. Roundabout
• Cashmere Blvd. Roundabout
»» U.S. Highway 1 Beautification with Landscaping starts in FY 20/21.
Peacock Boulevard
W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / S A L E S TA X S A L E S TA X 21KE E P P OR T S T . L U C I E B E AU T I FU L
America Recycles Day Buddy Bench Kickoff
On America Recycles Day, Friday, November 15, KPSLB began the Ribbon
Ceremonies for the four schools that have completed their Buddy Benches!
• Somerset Academy: November 15, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.
• Southport Middle School: November 15, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
• Sunlight Christian Academy: November 18, 2019 at 8:45 a.m.
• Village Green Environmental Studies School: November 18, 2019 at 11 a.m.
KPSLB is also partnering with four new schools to work towards attaining their own Buddy Benches:
• St. Lucie West K-8
• Rivers Edge Elementary
• Savanna Ridge Elementary
• PACE Center for Girls
For more information about the Buddy Bench Project, please visit www.cityofpsl.com/buddybench.
KPSLB EVENTS
LITTER SYMPOSIUM: DEC 7
KPSLB is participating in the Litter Symposium LITTER
SYMPOSIUM
at the Civic Center on December 7, 2019, from
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Residents are welcome to stop
in to enjoy the guest speakers and learn how to
help make a difference in keeping Port St. Lucie
clean and beautiful!
22 W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M / K P S L B K E E P P O R T S T. LU C I E B E AU T I F U LUTILITY SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
» Dedicated to leading the water quality industry.
UTI LIT Y SYST E M S A S S I S T S W I T H S TU D E N T- LE D PR O J E C T C I TI Z E N
Seventh grade students at Northport K-8 are leading
Project Citizen—an active-learning program that
engages students in developing public policy for their
communities. This year, students are focusing on the
negative impacts of water pollution. They are tasked
with finding possible solutions for the problem, but
must first research the causes of pollution and its
effects on the environment.
The group asked Port St. Lucie Utility Systems to
participate in a roundtable discussion where students
shared their ideas and asked for input from Utility
Marketing Coordinator Jenny Tomes. They discussed
the resources available to help support their project,
as well as the importance of bridging the gap between
education and action.
This was the first of several future discussions that will lead to the final showcasing in 2020 of their action plan and
portfolio before a panel of civic-minded community members.
WATER Q UA LIT Y P RO J E C T C LO S E TO R E AC H I N G G OA L
Area 1 of the St. Lucie River/C-23 Canal water Quality Project
has been capturing rainfall from the site since January 2019.
We received permission from the Army Corps of Engineers
to begin pumping into Area 1 in July 2019, thus allowing
additional freshwater to be pumped in from the adjacent
C-23 Canal and McCarty Preserve’s internal canals. In total,
Area 1 has captured and stored 938 million gallons of excess
freshwater, which would have otherwise entered the North
Fork of the St. Lucie River. Area 1 is close to meeting its goal
of storing 974.79 million gallons of water in just a few months.
Keeping that freshwater out of the waterways helps maintain
nutrient balance reducing the possibility of harmful algal
blooms.
Area 1
Once all areas of the project are complete, it is anticipated
to keep up to 21% of excess freshwater C-23 Canal
discharges from entering the North Fork of the St. Lucie
River. Construction of Area 2 is underway and expected to be
complete in March 2020.
The construction schedule of this project is based on the grant
funding received. In order to comply with the grant spending
guidelines, each area will be complete and operational within 2
years of receiving the corresponding grant funds.
To learn more about this project visit:
Area 1 Pump Station www.cityofpsl.com/c23project.
W W W. U T I L I T Y. C I T YO F P S L . C O M UTILITY SYSTEMS 23F E AT U R E S T O R Y
CITY CO U N CIL L E ASE S BIO -SC I ENCES FACI LI TY TO CLEVEL AND CLI NI C
Agreement expected to usher in transformational economic development
PORT ST. LUCIE – In what is expected to become the foundation for a new pillar of the City’s economy, world-
renowned health care leader Cleveland Clinic will conduct preeminent bio-science research in Port St. Lucie, under a
lease agreement approved this week.
The Port St. Lucie City Council unanimously approved a lease with purchase option agreement with Cleveland Clinic
Florida to occupy the Florida Center for Bio-Sciences building in Tradition. Under the agreement, Cleveland Clinic
was permitted to occupy the building beginning November 13, 2019.
This agreement allows the City to fulfill its long-held vision to bring high-wage research jobs to Port St. Lucie through
the facility that was originally occupied by the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, which closed during the Great
Recession.
“This building is one of the most important strategic assets of the City – it is a world-class research facility,” Port St.
Lucie Mayor Gregory Oravec said. “With this agreement, we are taking this important strategic asset and investing
it in one of the best names in health care. We should expect this investment to return translational research that
improves people’s lives and transformational change in our economy that lifts up our community. We look forward
to our continuing collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, to the many additional opportunities that will follow as a
»»»»
result, and to an increasingly bright future for Southern Grove and all of Port St. Lucie.”
24 F E AT U R E S TO R YThis is the first time Cleveland Clinic has chosen a city outside of Cleveland, Ohio for a research facility. In addition to Cleveland Clinic conducting research in the facility, Australian-based research company Vaxine, and Florida International University also are in discussions to co-occupy space in the facility. Port St. Lucie would become Vaxine’s North American headquarters. The agreement allows Cleveland Clinic to lease the facility at 9801 SW Discovery Way for 15 years. Cleveland Clinic plans to create a translational vaccine and immunotherapy institute that will become the focal point for development of therapies across the areas of cancer, neuroscience, infectious disease and allergies. The goal of the collaboration with Vaxine is to create 100 jobs above the average wage over five years. Under the lease agreement, Cleveland Clinic would pay $1 a year and the new occupants would assume full responsibility for all building maintenance, operating expenses and the payment of special assessment district fees and community development district fees. The lease would result in a reduction of $1.5 million in operating expenses plus property taxes that are incurred annually by the City. The City would be responsible for the annual debt service on the building. The 15-year lease includes options to purchase the building for $14.5 million. In an effort to encourage the creation of more of high-wage employment in the building, purchase price reductions have been included if Cleveland Clinic reaches certain job-creation milestones. Benefits of the agreement include: • Establishing Port St. Lucie as a major hub for Cleveland Clinic Florida; • Creating a minimum of 100 jobs in the first five years of the lease, with an average wage that is 125 percent above the average wage in St. Lucie County; • Cleveland Clinic’s international reputation and brand will attract private and public research and investment dollars, which could create spin-off businesses in Port St. Lucie; • The City will no longer fund operational and maintenance spending on an empty building saving a minimum of $1.5 million annually; • The City will not have to pay any costs for potentially costly building repairs. The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie estimates that the minimum of 100 jobs would generate $9.09 million in direct and indirect wages annually; with 150 jobs generating $13.8 million in direct and indirect wages annually; and 200 jobs would generate $18.1 million in direct and indirect wages annually. W W W. C I T YO F P S L . C O M F E AT U R E S TO R Y 25
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