Port St. Lucie, Florida continues to be a favorite destination for those moving: Housing prices are an exceptional value, and construction continues to be successful. Living in Port St. Lucie leaves very little to be desired with regard to recreation and sports. The beach is just a short drive away, and fishing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and boating opportunities are plentiful. Tennis, golf and other sports such as bowling, skating and skateboarding are available at many facilities and public parks. Ease of living, central location, affordable housing and land, plentiful sporting and recreational facilities, not to mention choices for higher education, and gorgeous natural resources are just some of the many things this lovely city has to offer. Those moving to Port St. Lucie will find a city that is constantly changing and growing in population and opportunity.
History:
Port St. Lucie was a largely uninhabited tract of land south of White City, Florida in the 1950s, composed of a fishing camp, a few farms and businesses near US 1. In 1958, with a budget of $50 million, the General Development Corporation purchased the River Park development and 40,000 acres along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. In 1959, the GDC opened its first bridge over the St. Lucie River, allowing for direct automobile access to Port St. Lucie. By February 25, 1961, there were 250 homes in the new city. GDC requested the state legislature to incorporate 70 miles along with the River Park settlement into the City of Port St. Lucie. River Park did not incorporate into the city at the request of its residents. Port St. Lucie became a city on April 27, 1961 with the passage of House Bill No. 953, proposed by State Representative Rupert Smith and approved by Florida Governor C. Farris Bryant.
Economy:
What began as a predominantly residential "bedroom community" is now undergoing a transition, becoming a dynamic and diverse city. With its low density and affordable land, Port St. Lucie is appealing to business owners looking to move to a centrally located area. The city is undertaking aggressive redevelopment with the intention of creating a new downtown business area for the community. Over the next several years a massive roadway improvement program will be implemented, including the construction of the Crosstown Parkway, making traveling the city easier and faster. The Professional Golf Association (PGA) has a home in Port St. Lucie at PGA Village and has built a state of the art PGA Learning center, holding its winter tournaments here every year at one of its signature courses. Some of the city's largest employment sectors are in fabricated metal products, trailers, printing materials and processed stone. Tourism and telemarketing are also important to the city's local economy.
Tourism:
Start by heading to St Lucie River Princess. River cruising is, quite simply, the best way to explore the St Lucie River area. Comfortable, shaded and convenient, this scenic and historical narrated eco-cruise offers a greater variety of sights than you can encounter any other way. Next, during the spring months, head over to Tradition Field where you can spend the afternoon taking in a major league baseball game. Formerly named Thomas J. White Stadium, the Tradition Field is the home of the New York Mets during Spring Training. For the golfer in the group, check out the PGA Golf Club in PGA Village - Dye Course. This pro course offers everything you would expect from a tour-style golf course. Hit the rang, or grab a foursome and head out for a round of some of the country's best golfing. Finally, spend some time outside at the Savannas Preserve State Park, where you can enjoy amazing views while spending some time basking in the warm Florida sun.