BI-WEEKLY REPORT CITY MANAGER'S - Port St. Lucie
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CITY MANAGER’S
BI-WEEKLY REPORT F E B R UAR Y 28 , 2020 | VOLUM E 4 • I S S U E 4
A magazine-style report released every other week, highlighting the
City of Port St. Lucie’s latest news, project updates and events.
www.cityofpsl.com 772-871-5225 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
CITY OFFICIALS
CITY OFFICIALS
The City is led by a five-member
elected Council, which sets policy
and determines the long-term vision Gregory J. Oravec
for the City. The Council appoints Mayor
a City Manager to handle the daily Mayor@CityofPSL.com
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.
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
“Port St. Lucie is a safe, beautiful, and prosperous
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM
City for all people. – Your hometown”
2
ON THE COVER
New York Mets opening day of
2020 Spring Training
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Report by visiting:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 • CITY OFFICIALS 13 • NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
4 • HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK 14 • PARKS & RECREATION
5 • CROSSTOWN PARKWAY 15 • PLANNING & ZONING
6 • 1PSL SYSTEM 16 • POLICE
8 • BUILDING 20 • PUBLIC WORKS
9 • MIDFLORIDA EVENT CENTER 22 • KEEP PORT ST. LUCIE BEAUTIFUL
10 • COMMUNICATIONS 24 • UTILITY SYSTEMS
11 • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 25 • FEATURE STORY
12 • HUMAN RESOURCES
3
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
CLOVER PARK LIVE
RIBBON-CUTTING EVENT
Residents flocked to the Mets
Stadium on Saturday, February
22 for opening day at the newly
renovated Clover Park. Port St.
Lucie Mayor, Gregory Oravec,
presented the New York Mets
with a key to the City!
» Watch on Facebook
4 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM
FEBRUARY 25
• The project final was accepted by the City of Port St.
Lucie on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
• All construction signs have been removed and all
roadways are fully open to traffic.
• The landscaping warranty period began on Monday,
February 10, 2020 with a duration of three months and
includes all small and large plants. During the three
months, the contractor is responsible for removing litter
and weeds from planting beds, replenishing mulch and
keeping the landscaping watered, fertilized and pruned.
The contractor will also operate and maintain the
irrigation system during this time. The City will take over
operations after this time has passed.
• All dead landscaping will be replaced by the contractor.
The contractor is currently working to secure a new tree
for the dead medjool.
• The contractor is responsible for warranty items. The
duration varies by warranty item. Public Works is
overseeing all warranty items.
• The contractor is working to review and respond to all
remaining open damage claims for the project.
• The contractor provided a key to the City for the
Crosstown Plaza under the bridge. This area will remain
closed for two weeks to allow sod to establish and
necessary signage. The Parks & Recreation Department
will open and close this gate daily once it is open to the
public.
• The kayak and canoe launch will be installed in mid-
March under the bridge.
WWW.CROSSTOWNEXTENSION.COM 5
1PSL SYSTEM
WHAT IS 1PSL?
The 1PSL all-in-one system allows residents to connect
with the City either via mobile app, phone or web
portal. Residents can use 1PSL to request services and
ask questions, pay bills, learn about City news and
upcoming events, pinpoint an issue with GPS location,
attach a photo with their comments, and receive status
updates and resolution notifications.
PAST TWO WEEKS
2/10/2020 to 2/23/2020 Request Type Total
Blocked Swale 26
Overgrown Vacant Lot Make a General 24
Garbage/Trash Customer Service Inquiry
Pavement Repair City Council 20
Administrative Request
Vehicle Speeding/Aggressive Driver
Other Code Issue 20
Debris in Roadway
General Litter 17
General Litter
Debris in Roadway 16
Other Code Issue
Vehicle Speeding/ 11
City Council Administrative Request Aggressive Driver
Make a General Customer Service Inquiry Pavement Repair 11
Blocked Swale Garbage/Trash 10
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Overgrown Vacant Lot 9
SINCE INCEPTION
Request Type Total
9/30/2019 - 2/23/2020 Blocked Swale 404
City Council 183
Canal/Waterway Overgrown
Administrative Request
Swale Liner Cleaning
General Litter 150
Other Code Issue
Vehicle Speeding/ 134
Right of Way Mowing Aggressive Driver
Plant/Tree Maintenance Overgrown Vacant Lot 118
Overgrown Vacant Lot Plant/Tree Maintenance 113
Vehicle Speeding/Aggressive Driver Right of Way Mowing 106
General Litter Other Code Issue 103
City Council Administrative Request Swale Liner Cleaning 75
Blocked Swale Canal/Waterway 67
Overgrown
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
6 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/1PSL
NUMBER OF CALLS
Date Total
9/30/2019 937
Total # of Calls
10/7/2019 813 1000
10/14/2019 797 900
10/21/2019 754 800
10/28/2019 769 700
11/4/2019 816 600
11/11/2019 704 500
11/18/2019 765 400
11/25/2019 520 300
12/2/2019 818 200
12/9/2019 756 100
12/16/2019 727 0
9/30/2019 10/31/2019 11/30/2019 12/31/2019 1/31/2020
12/23/2019 410
12/30/2019 568
1/6/2020 742
NEW DATA
1/13/2020 755
1/20/2020 713 The City updated the phone system the week of
2/17 and staff can now determine how many calls
1/27/2020 791
use the menu to select a department and how
2/3/2020 729 many calls go to a live agent. For example, even
2/10/2020 715 though 762 calls were made to 1 PSL, only 353 calls
spoke with a 1 PSL agent and the other 409 calls
2/17/2020 762 selected a department from the menu option.
FIRST QUARTER TOTALS
• October 2019: 3,133
• November 2019: 2,805
• December 2019: 3,279
• January 2020: 3,001
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/1PSL 7
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
It starts with a good foundation.
ICRYO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PRESENTED
RECENT STATISTICS
DEPARTMENT 2/7-2/20 2020 2019 2018 2017
ACTIVITY
Permits Issued 2,106 6,500 41,504 39,899 32,020
Single-Family 118 436 2,722 2,200 1,518
Permits
Certificates of 120 417 2,711 1,824 1,382
Occupancy (SFR)
Inspections 5,393 20,976 137,302 115,073 84,510
Plans Reviewed 531 2,096 13,978 13,559 10,352
Online Permits 894 2,653 18,395 13,421 8,346
COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY “CO”
Burger King – 11295 SW Tradition Pkwy.
Burger King – 214 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Prestige Nail, Hair and Spa – 11200 SW Village Pkwy, Ste. 104
Poke Poke – Restaurant – 11200 SW Village Pkwy, Ste. 102
Teleperformance – Interior Remodel – 10400 S U.S. Hwy. 1
iCryo Wellness Center – 1461 NW St. Lucie West Blvd.
COMMERCIAL PERMITS
NEXT MEETING
Veranda Preserve – Gatehouse – 501 SE Veranda Preserve Blvd. The next stakeholder
Mattamy Homes – Sales Office – 10967 SW Magenta Ln. meeting is with Window
and Door Contractors on
Dairy Queen – New Restaurant – 9019 S U.S. Hwy. 1 March 2 at 3 p.m.
Park Ave BBQ – Renovation – 220 NW Peacock Blvd.
8 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/BUILDING
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION
EVENT CENTER A full-service event venue.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
73,337 people attended
BEE GEES & 147 events in FY 19/20
ABBA TRIBUTE as of 2/19/20
TOUR
A sell-out crowd of
500 fans packed
the Emerald UPCOMING EVENTS
Ballroom for
the Bee Gees • 2/28: The Uncle Louie Variety Show
NOW TOUR & • 2/29-3/1: PSL Seafood Festival
ABBA National
• 3/1: Night of Champions
Premier Tribute.
Fans enjoyed an • 3/3: Estate Planning 567
incredible technical • 3/7-3/8: PSL Home Show
and theatrical • 3/7-3/14: SLC Primary Voting
experience that
only ABBA and
Bee Gees music TESTIMONIALS
can provide. It was
“
an unforgettable
The opening reception was
night of incredible
fabulous! I have received an
entertainment.
abundance of compliments
on the food, the set-
up, & the professional
presentation of the gallery.
Looking forward to working
”
together in 2021!
MOTOWN IN MOTION:
TRIBUTE TO Joanne Flores,
"THE TEMPTATIONS" & Art Gallery Reception
"THE FOUR TOPS"
Over 400 fans danced and
“
sang in the aisles to all I can't say enough about
their favorite songs by The the outstanding facilities
Temptations and The Four and professional support
Tops. Impeccable vocals and provided by you guys for
choreography, incorporating our Military Ball on Friday
the actual dance steps from night. Thanks very much.
”
The Temptations, graced the We'll see you guys again
stage of the Emerald Ballroom. next year!
Col James Golden, USAF,
Retired. SASI, Treasure
MARTIN & LEWIS TRIBUTE Coast High School
"The Martin and Lewis Tribute"
show was in a class all of its
own. Never have two artists
captured the very essence and
chemistry of the celebrities they
portray as did Tom Stevens
and Tony Lewis. A portion of
the proceeds benefited local
Veterans in need through the
American Legion Post 318.
WWW.MIDFLORIDAEVENTCENTER.COM 9
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Telling PSL’s story and engaging with the community.
PRESS RELEASES & GOOD NEWS
• 02/27/2020
Nextera Energy Gas Line Upgrades for Club Med Sandpiper FOLLOW US
CIT YP O R TS TLU CI E
• 02/27/2020
PSL ranks #1 best place to live in FL
RECENT VIDEOS
• 02/27/2020
St. Lucie County Solid Waste Now Accepts Rigid Plastics in
Single Stream Recycling
• 02/24/2020
Sidewalk, lane closures anticipated during gas main
installation
• 02/20/2020
Moonraker 2020 at the Gardens
• 02/20/2020
PSL honored for digital transformation
Citizen Summit Promo Video
• 02/20/2020
PSL ranked #7 city with most business openings in the U.S.
• 02/14/2020
Demystify Climate Change at the Oxbow Feb. 22
• 02/14/2020
Stroll through the Gardens and see how we’ve grown in 10
years
• 02/14/2020
PSL ranks #11 safest Florida city
• 02/13/2020 KPSLB Promo Video: This will be played
FL Dept. of Health seeks input for 2020 Community at games within the Mets stadium.
Wellbeing Survey
Botanical Gardens 10-Year Anniversary
CITIZEN SUMMIT & COUNCIL RETREAT
The Communications Department assisted with promotional
materials for:
• Citizen Summit: Two Banners, Photo Booth and Facebook
Frame, Folder, Flyer, Adult Money, Kid Money, Shirt Design,
Webpage, PSL Living Segment Video, Promo Video, Social
Media event and posts, and tablecloths.
The Agenda (Feb. - Mar.) 2020
• City Council Retreat: PowerPoint Templates, Filming & TV20
Broadcasting, and social media promotions. PSL Living:
• St. Lucie Farmers Market
• Friends of the Botanical Gardens
• 2020 Citizen Summit
10 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/NEWSDIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
TRAINING EXERCISE
The City’s Division of
Emergency Management
partnered with Indian River
State College’s (IRSC's)
Emergency Administration
& Management Program
to develop and facilitate
a tabletop exercise held
on February 7 for the
Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) Team. Being
the first exercise in nearly
a decade, this training
brought together the City’s
EOC Team to develop
and enhance their ability
to successfully manage
future hazards or crises
which the City may face.
This exercise utilized the
Alert St. Lucie emergency
notification system and
trained personnel in
response efforts for a
local terrorist attack;
helping to conceptualize
an all-hazards emergency
management program.
Exercises and trainings
are key factors which
engage and improve team
readiness and capabilities.
Emergency Management
would like to thank the
EOC Team for placing high
importance on training and
exercising together; Joan
Rivera, Assistant Professor
at IRSC’s Treasure Coast
Safety Complex for
partnering with the City
to develop and facilitate
the exercise; and Sergeant
John Holman and Officer
Fred Knaggs for evaluating
the team’s response.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/EM 11HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Recruiting, training, motivating and retaining a qualif ied and diverse workforce.
UPCOMING MANDATORY TRAININGS
SUNSHINE
FLORIDA’S
GOVERNMENT-IN-THE-SUNSHINE
TRAINING
MANDATORY TRAINING
TOPIC: O PE N M E E T I N G S
A N D PUBL I C R ECOR D S
The City Attorney’s Office will provide a
general overview of the laws governing
Council members, City Board and
Committee members, municipal
employees, and volunteers with respect
to open (public) meeting requirements
and access to municipal records. The
purpose of this training is to ensure
that the City of Port St. Lucie maintains
compliance with Chapter 119, Florida
Statutes, and adheres to Florida’s
Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws.
These laws are designed to provide
transparency and openness with
respect to government records.
WHEN
Thursday, March 5, 2020
10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Friday, March 6, 2020
8:30-10:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
WHERE
City Hall Council Chambers,
121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Building A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
City Attorney's Office: 772-873-6513
PUBLIC RECORDS TRAINING:
MARCH 5, 6 AND 10
The City Attorney’s Office will provide a general
overview of the laws governing Council members, City
Board/Committee members, municipal employees,
and volunteers with respect to open (public) meeting
requirements and access to municipal records. The
purpose of this training is to ensure that the City of
Port St. Lucie maintains compliance with Chapter 119,
Florida Statutes, and adheres to Florida’s Government-
in-the-Sunshine Laws. These laws are designed to
provide transparency and openness with respect to
government records.
ANTI-HARASSMENT TRAINING:
MARCH 26, 31 AND APRIL 3
This course will help employees gain a greater
understanding of what constitutes harassment; how to
recognize it in the workplace; and the necessary steps
to create a working environment free from harassment.
12 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COMNEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Preserving & revitalizing neighborhoods, helping residents access services and programs.
CODE COMPLIANCE COLLABORATES
WITH PROPERTY OWNER ON
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Code Compliance partnered with a commercial property
in St. Lucie West that was in and out of compliance
due to violations dating back to 2018. Unmaintained
landscaping and litter reached a point where
vegetation covered lighting in the parking lot and water BEFORE AFTER
retention areas could not properly drain due to lack of
maintenance and litter piles.
Code Compliance met with the property manager and
provided a site plan of action. The overgrowth, including
invasive plants, were removed and trimmed back, the
retention areas were cleared and vegetation around
the light poles was cut to provide proper lighting and
safety. Although there is more work to be done on this
property, staff is currently working with the property
owner, and other commercial properties in St. Lucie BEFORE AFTER
West, to resolve property maintenance issues.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UPDATE
St. Lucie Habitat for Humanity continues
to work diligently on building affordable
housing in our community. The fifth home,
out of the seven City lots that were donated
to the organization, is now completed. Staff
and volunteers are working on completing
the last two homes. The City is proud of our
partnership with the local Habitat organization
and applaud the work that they are doing.
This newly completed home will be part of the Parade of Homes Treasure Coast in March (paradeofhomestreasurecoast.com).
During the parade, builders in every category, from affordable housing to luxury homes, will be showcasing their very best
while competing for awards with their peers. From private gated communities, golf course homes, waterfront or beachfront
properties, to affordable family-oriented developments, you’re sure to find your perfect Florida home. Come and join the
community at this event.
If you'd like to donate, volunteer, or find other ways to be involved, please visit www.stluciehabitat.org for more information.
NSD DIRECTOR SPEAKS AT CHRIST FELLOWSHIP'S 2020
CONFERENCE
Neighborhood Services Director, Carmen Capezzuto, was honored to speak at
Christ Fellowship’s 2020 Conference in Palm Beach Gardens on February 12. The
session, involving community partnerships and volunteerism, was hosted by Becky
Kyle, Director of Life Missions, and highlighted municipal partnerships.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/NSD 13PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
To strengthen our community by offering exceptional leisure, cultural
and innovative recreational opportunities.
Community Center: MIDFLORIDA Event Center - Robert E. Minsky Gym: The Saints Golf Course:
772-878-2277 Recreation: 772-807-4499 772-344-4142 772-398-2901
UPCOMING EVENTS
District 1
• PSL Road Runners (new program
for ages 7-17), begins, March 9 at
Sportsman’s Park West Track,
Mondays and Wednesdays, from
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
District 3
• The Saints Golf Course will be
participating in the City of Port St.
Lucie Citizen Summit, Saturday,
February 29, 2020. Staff will be
displaying information on the Golf
Course, memberships and programs
offered. There will be a putting contest
and a PGA Professional will be giving
putting instructions.
• The Saint Golf Course continues with
its steady open play, hosting between
180 to 240 players per day, and group
play has reached its maximum for the
season months.
• Middle School Spring Dance:
March 13, Minsky Gym
District 4
• City of Port St Lucie City Council
Winter Retreat concludes on Friday, February 28, Community Center
• City of Port St. Lucie Citizen Summit, Saturday, February 29, Community Center
• The City of Port St. Lucie Neighborhood Services, VITA Tax Preparation, Mondays & Tuesdays, March 2 & 3, 9
& 10, Community Center
• Pretty Princess Tea Party, Wednesday, March 4, Community Center
• 10-Year Botanical Gardens Celebration, Saturday, March 7, Botanical Gardens
• City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation River Nights, Thursday, March 12, Westmoreland Riverfront Park
• City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation St. Patrick’s Day Event, Friday & Saturday March 13 & 14,
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center
14 WWW.PSLPARKS.COM/LEISURETIMEPLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
Encouraging quality community development.
NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS
CITY LIMITS
PLANNING SINGLE MULTIPLE TOTAL
AREA FAMILY UNITS FAMILY UNITS UNITS
1 3,330 752 4,082
2 2,671 470 3,141
3 16,678 1 16,679
4N 15,931 529 16,460
4S 10,395 26 10,421
5 2,056 12 2,068
6 4,549 1,214 5,763
7 5,498 2,267 7,765
2018 U.S. Census data estimates the
8 5,320 1,653 6,973 City’s population to be 195,248.
9 3,291 1,613 4,904
The City of Port St. Lucie is the 7th
10 687 196 879 largest city in Florida with over 195,000
residents. Currently, it is the 3rd largest
11 0 0 0 city in South Florida, surpassing Fort
12 516 34 550 Lauderdale’s population.
13 0 0 0 Numbers in this table are as of
January 2020.
14 272 0 272
TOTAL 71,194 8,767 79,957
15POLICE DEPARTMENT
To protect and serve with courage, knowledge and integrity.
Do you know your district?
Find out online: cityofpsl.com/districts.
DISTRICT 3
• A 29-year-old male was arrested after he confessed to C.I.D. Detectives that he shared nude photos of himself
with a 14-year-old girl on social media and then met with the teen and engaged in criminal acts with her
at a home on NW Curtis Street. The suspect is currently incarcerated and charged with Lewd & Lascivious
Conduct by a Person Over 18-year-old and Under 16-years of age. He is awaiting trial.
• While investigating multiple burglaries that occurred in the NW Pine Trail Circle area, Detectives located
numerous residents who provided video surveillance of the suspects. The same suspects used the credit cards
they stole to purchase numerous items from stores located in West Palm Beach. Detectives retrieved the
video surveillance and transaction receipts from each store. The clothes worn during the burglary were able to
be matched to two of the subjects on the surveillance videos. Subpoenas were sent to eight different banks,
and the information received was matched to the transaction receipts. Contact was made with the driver who
was involved with all these burglaries. He confessed to her part as well as the three suspects. Warrants were
submitted for a female suspect and male suspect, which were approved. The male subject was arrested by
the Broward Sheriff’s Office for Trespassing. He was then transported to the St. Lucie County Jail. Detectives
spoke with the man, who gave a full post-Miranda confession about the incident. He was charged with seven
counts of Burglary, three counts of Criminal Mischief, and nine fraud charges.
DISTRICT 2
• A child had her bike stolen, and Officer Klearman reached out to District Support about getting her another
one. The department had a bike left from the toy drive in December 2019, and he offered it to her. The child,
of course, gladly accepted the bicycle.
• A 21-year-old man was arrested after confessing to Criminal Investigation Division Detectives that he exposed
himself to a six-year-old girl as the two were sitting in a parked car waiting for the child’s mother to return to
the vehicle. The suspect is currently out on bond and is awaiting trial.
DISTRICT 3
• Criminal Investigations Division Detectives arrested a 19-year-old male and 17-year-old male after the pair
forced their way into the home of a local drug dealer on SW Hickock Terrace. The drug dealer was shot by the
older male several times. Both suspects fled the scene after stealing cash and Psilocybin mushrooms. These
male subjects were quickly identified and subsequently arrested. The drug dealer is expected to survive and is
also potentially facing narcotics-related charges. The two suspects are currently incarcerated and are awaiting
trial.
• A 30-year-old man confessed to C.I.D. Detectives that he pulled a gun out during a drug transaction at a home
on SW Cherryhill Road because he believed the victim/drug dealer was reaching for a weapon. The suspect
ordered the victim to drop everything, and he then fled to a Fort Pierce hotel. The suspect was arrested for
Armed Robbery with a Firearm and was taken to jail. He is currently out on bond and is awaiting trial.
• Criminal Investigations Division Property Crimes Detectives investigated a theft case of a stolen gaming
console. The victim reported the console missing and believed the suspect was the former tenant. The victim
did not know the actual name of the suspect, but using the little information she did provide, coupled with an
extensive search of an online investigating system, a suspect was developed. The suspect took the gaming
console when he moved out and pawned it at a local pawnshop. The victim confirmed the suspect’s name
and the gaming console to be hers. The gaming console was placed on hold and returned to the victim. The
suspect is a drug addict and is currently bouncing from sober home to sober home. He was arrested by the St.
Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
16 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/POLICE• C.I.D. Property Crime Detectives investigated a retail theft from a store on SW Gatlin Boulevard in September
2019. An unknown male and female entered the store through the automotive center. The male suspect
purchased items at the self-checkout with an EBT card. The suspects then selected numerous articles, placing
some in the cart, concealing some in the bag with the purchased items, as well as appearing to have hidden
some items in the female’s purse. The suspects passed all points of sale with the cart without paying for the
merchandise and were stopped by a store employee. The suspects left the cart and got into a white SUV.
The vehicle was reported as stolen out of Rivera Beach. During the investigation, Detectives contacted the
Department of Financial Services for assistance on obtaining information on who was the recipient of the EBT
card used by the suspects. Both suspects were positivity identified and were arrested on January 27, 2020, for
Petit Theft, 2nd degree, 3rd offense, based upon the information received.
• On February 18, 2020, at around 8:30 a.m., Port
St. Lucie Police and St. Lucie County Fire District
responded to the intersection of SW Becker Road
and SW Savona Boulevard for reports of a crash
involving a truck and an SUV. Police learned
the driver of the truck was traveling west on
SW Becker Road and turned onto SW Savona
Boulevard. While making the turn, the “drop off
dumpster” rolled off the truck, lifting a portion of
the truck off the ground. The dumpster impacted
the SUV that was stopped at the turn lane causing
extensive damages. The SUV was occupied
by 39-year-old female driver and a 7-year-
old child; however, no injuries were reported.
Everyone safely exited the vehicles. The road was
temporarily closed to clear the debris and remove
the vehicle.
DISTRICT 4
• Sergeant Rick Schichtel and Officer Russ Jackson
staffed the Riverwalk Kick-off Party with the
Marine Unit.
• A retail theft occurred at a store located on South
U.S. Highway 1, where two female suspects entered
the store and stole several boxes of razor blades
totaling $993.46. The two female suspects then fled the store and left in a black SUV, where the third female
suspect was waiting to drive them away. Several other incidents occurred involving these female suspects
in St. Lucie County, Indian River County, and Martin County. The females were eventually captured in Indian
River County after a theft in progress and subsequently were interviewed, where they each confessed to their
part of the Port St Lucie incident. These suspects are being charged with 3rd Degree Grand Theft and Use of
Anti-Shoplifting Device.
• C.I.D. Property Crime Detectives investigated an Auto Burglary Spree and Auto Theft. The incident occurred
in the SW Sandy Way Area on January 30, 2020. Port St. Lucie Officers responded to a stolen vehicle report
at a convenience store located on SW Walton Road. The stolen vehicle was seen traveling on Walton Road
to Indian River Drive, and the driver was apprehended by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office after the driver
crashed the car. The juvenile driver had a wallet belonging to a victim who resides on SW Sandy Way. The
male suspect was interviewed by the Property Detectives and confessed to eight vehicle burglaries and auto
theft. The subject refused to identify the other suspects that were with him during the spree. He was charged
with six counts of Burglary to a Conveyance, Petit Theft, one count of Vehicle Theft-Grand Theft of a Motor
Vehicle, one count of Larceny-Possession/Receive/Retain Stolen Credit or Debit Card and one count of
Possession of Forged Driver’s License or ID Card.
@PSL.POLICEATHLETICLEAGUE
@PORTSTLUCIEPOLICE
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/POLICE 17IN OTHER NEWS
Congratulations to PSLPD School Crossing Guards for their years of service
and awards received on February 12, 2020, at the Crossing Guard Appreciation
Luncheon. The PSLPD appreciates the outstanding job ensuring the safety of our
children. These Crossing Guards have a genuine passion, affection, and protection
of the children. These individuals sincerely make a difference in the lives of our
community, and we thank them!
On February 12, 2020, PSLPD
gathered to honor and celebrate
the life of fallen Trooper Joseph
Bullock. Our law enforcement
brothers and sisters participated
in the Funeral Procession of Fallen
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper,
Joseph Bullock, who was laid
to rest in Sarasota, Florida. Our
thoughts and prayers are sent
Three new officers were sworn into the PSLPD on February to family and friends who are
12, 2020. Welcome to the family and best of luck on your grieving the loss of a true hero.
new career with this agency, Officers Brennan Lawton,
Joseph Rathnam, and Brennan Vega.
18 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/POLICESenior Drill Instructor Officer, Mike Casey, along with Explorer
Advisors, McCarty, Lewis, Green, and Pietrzak, hosted the
Fourth Annual Explorer “Mini-Bootcamp” at the Police Academy
from February 14-17, 2020. PSLPD Explorers were not able
to participate, however, Explorers from Jupiter, Palm Beach The Victims' Advocate Unit informed
Gardens, and St. Lucie County had a great weekend of learning officers about a PSL foster parent who
drill, customs and courtesies, and various law enforcement had purchased bunk beds for kids, but
scenarios that mirror state competition. A special thank you needed assistance building them. So,
goes out to the Law Offices of Hughes and Ball, through the as police officers often do, hats were
Port St. Lucie Police Foundation, for providing catered food for switched, and off to work they went and
the Bootcamp. completed the task! The foster parent
was delighted and mentioned: "the kids
are going to be excited when they arrive
home from school!" Kudos to our Victims'
Advocate Unit for always supporting and
assisting victims!
On February 15, 2020, Assistant Chief
Del Toro represented the PSLPD at the
Port St. Lucie American Little League
Opening Ceremony. Assistant Chief Del
Toro provided those youth words of
encouragement and threw the first pitch of
the game.
EVENTS FROM THE PSL POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL)
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/PAL
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 as
the foundation, we intend to improve the quality of life in our respective communities.
PAL’s core programs follow the same schedule each month throughout the year (Boxing,
Karate, Wrestling, Baton Clinics and Drum Line practices).
• Feb. 29, 10 a.m.: PSLHS “JV” baseball team plays Martin County “JV” baseball team at PSLHS – PAL sponsors
and staff coach at PSLHS.
• Mar. 3, 6 p.m.: PSLHS “JV” baseball team plays Jensen Beach HS “JV” baseball team at Jensen Beach HS.
• Mar. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: PAL’s staff will help cook and serve food at the United Way Barbecue at the PSL
Police Dept. Parking Lot.
• Mar. 5, 3:30 p.m.: PSLHS “JV” baseball team plays Fort Pierce HS “JV” baseball team at Fort Pierce HS
• Mar. 7, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.: PSLHS “JV” baseball team plays Centennial HS “JV” baseball team at Centennial HS
• Mar. 8, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Blue Water Kids fishing trip on the Lady Chris Fishing Boat (Taylor Creek Marina)
Fort Pierce, FL – eight youth (ages 10 to 14) and four adult chaperones.
• Mar. 10, 3:30 p.m.: PSLHS “JV” baseball team plays Jensen Beach HS “JV” baseball team at PSLHS.
• Mar. 10, 6 p.m.: Men at Arms (motorcycle club) meeting at PAL for Motorcycle Run on April 18.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/PAL 19PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Protecting the environment and inf rastructure.
BETTER ROADS,
MORE SIDEWALKS,
CLEANER RIVERS
HALF-CENT SALES TAX PROJECTS
NEW PHOTOS!
St. Lucie West Blvd. Intersection Improvements: CITYOFPSL.COM/
• Cashmere Blvd., Peacock Blvd. – Construction started on September 16, 2019
and is now complete. SALESTAX
• Bayshore Blvd. - Construction started on September 16, 2019 and
is now complete. Only punch list items remain.
• 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:
Design is complete and construction contract is advertised for
bidding for the following:
• Torino Blvd.: California Boulevard to Cashmere Boulevard.
• Torino Blvd.: Villa Vizcaya to Midway Road.
• Delwood Dr.: Torino Boulevard to Winterlakes Park.
• Selvitz Rd.: Peach Tree to Milner - Construction is underway.
Repaving Projects:
• Morningside Blvd.: Westmoreland Blvd. to Club Med – Repaving is
scheduled to begin following the ongoing FPL pole replacement
project (spring/summer 2020).
• Tulip Blvd.: College Park Rd. to 368 Tulip Repaving is scheduled for
the week of March 2.
• California Blvd.: Country Club Blvd. to SLW Blvd. Repaving is
scheduled to begin following upcoming Public Works drainage
improvements (Spring/Summer 2020).
• Gatlin Blvd. - Repaving starts in FY 26/27.
Traffic Signal Coordination:
• Port St. Lucie Blvd. starts in FY 27/28.
• Crosstown Parkway was originally scheduled to be implemented
in FY 27/28. This project has been expedited with funds from the
Crosstown Parkway Extension Project. The adaptive coordination
system is now expected to be functional by June 2020.
Floresta Blvd. Widening:
• Southbend Blvd. to Elkcam Waterway - Design is complete. Procurement Department is preparing
construction bid documents. CEI selection is underway. Right-of-way acquisition is ongoing.
• Elkcam Waterway to Crosstown Pkwy. – Design is underway.
• Crosstown Parkway to Prima Vista Blvd. – Design is underway.
Torino Blvd. Intersection Improvements:
• Construction began on October 14, 2019 for California Blvd. roundabout and Cashmere Blvd. roundabout. A
diversion and three-way stop have been installed to facilitate construction. Construction is currently estimated
to be complete by July 2020.
U.S. Highway 1 Beautification with Landscaping starts in FY 20/21.
For more information about PSL’s Half-Cent Sales Tax, visit: www.cityofpsl.com/salestax.
20 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/SALESTAXSIDEWALK PROGRAM
Macedo Blvd – Selvitz Road to St. James Drive (1.0 miles) – FY 19/20 – LAP Funded - McTeague Construction
has been awarded the construction contract and construction is underway.
For more information about the City's Sidewalk Plan, visit www.cityofpsl.com/sidewalks.
REPAVING PROGRAM
The street repaving goal for FY 19/20 is 28.9 miles with 12.2 miles completed to date. No paving has taken place
in the last two weeks. For more information about the City's Repaving Plan, visit www.cityofpsl.com/repaving.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
City Electric Supply Loop Road - The project is complete and has now entered its one-year warranty period.
PROJECT TRACKER
Residents have an easy way to stay informed about projects happening in the City of
Port St. Lucie – everything from road improvements to new development – through
the Project Tracker tool.
Adding a new level of transparency for the City organization, this tool was created
by City staff to provide easily accessible information to the public, Mayor and City
Council, and City Manager on capital projects. It will facilitate stronger strategic
planning, communications and collaboration. This tool gives all citizens the
opportunity to explore neighborhoods, examine projects in progress and see their tax
dollars at work.
This dynamic tool includes several ways for a user to explore City projects, including: searching for “projects
near me;” using a project list tool of all projects; and a project report tool that includes maps, project
information and a comment history table that can be downloaded into a PDF file.
The Project Tracker includes projects managed by several City departments, including: Public Works,
Neighborhood Services, Parks & Recreation, Planning and Zoning and Building. It also includes development
happening in the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor in Tradition.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/PROJECTTRACKER
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM 21KEEP PORT ST. LUCIE BEAUTIFUL (KPSLB)
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS
COLLECTION & TIRE AMNESTY DAY
One Stop Drop for all your household hazardous items.
Come join Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful for our bi-
annual Household Hazardous Waste & Tire Amnesty
Waste Collection &
Day Event on March 14, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at
the Public Works Facility, 450 SW Thornhill Drive. This Tire Amnesty
Anmesty Day
event is for Port St. Lucie residents only - ID's required.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Each March and October, KPSLB hosts the bi-annual 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This event makes it easy for Port St. Lucie residents (ID’s required) to get
Household Hazardous Waste Day event that makes it rid of their unwanted household chemicals and hazardous waste. Hand
convenient for residents to dispose of their unwanted over these materials to the experts for proper disposal, free of charge.
household chemicals and hazardous waste safely. The Accepted Not Accepted
• Ammunition • Bio-hazard/Medical Waste
collected material is handed over to experts, free of • Automotive Fluids
• Batteries (rechargeable & vehicle*)
• Containers larger than Five
Gallons
charge, for proper disposal. • Bug Sprays
• Computers/Electronics
• Explosives
• Flares
• Drain Cleaners • Paint (Water-based or Latex)
• Fire Extinguishers • Sharps
• Fluorescent Light Bulbs/Tubes
This year, two new components have been added to • Fuels
• Herbicides
Now collecting
• Insecticides
the event: Tires, up to four per vehicle, R18 or smaller • Lighter Fluid
• Mercury Thermometers
(no commercial tires) and fats, oils and grease (F.O.G.) Fats, Oils & Greases
• Oil-based Paint
• Propane Tanks (20lbs or less)
• RX Drugs
in containers no larger than five gallons. (F.O.G.)
• Solvents/Thinners
• Thermostats
• Tires**
No container over 5 gallons will be accepted. The
*Vehicle Batteries: Includes car, truck, boat, lawn, mower, etc. event is for RESIDENTS and RESIDENTIAL items only,
** 4 RESIDENTIAL tires, 14”-18” in size. NO COMMERCIAL TIRES NO COMMERCIAL accepted.
This year’s ability to collect F.O.G. is made possible
by our new partnership with Jenny Tomes and Kevin
Palmer of the City of Port St. Lucie’s Utility Systems
450 SW Thornhill Dr., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
Department, and Ally Berry with St. Lucie County Solid
772-871-5103 • www.CityofPSL.com/HHW
Waste Baling and Recycling Facility. More items than
ever before will be accepted.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/HHW
Fats, oils and grease are not necessarily hazardous, but
harmful. They cause issues when not properly disposed
of. Jenny Tomes, Utility Marketing and Digital Video
Coordinator, explains:
"You can help maintain the integrity of the City’s vast
wastewater system, which includes over 1,000 miles
of sewer pipe, by properly disposing of fats, oil and
grease. By making a few simple changes at home, you
are protecting your pipes, as well as the environment."
FOG comes from a variety of food sources, including
lard, meat fats, food scraps, dairy products, butter,
margarine, sandwich spreads, cooking oil, shortening,
sauces, gravies, and dressings. When FOG enters
pipes, it cools and forms blockages that prevent
wastewater from flowing efficiently. It builds up over
time and collects other flushed debris. The clogs create
backups and damage infrastructure, and ultimately
wastewater cannot be properly processed and treated
to make reuse, which is used for irrigation.
22 WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/KPSLBW.R.A.P. LOCATIONS UPDATE
Expanding the W.R.A.P. Project, KPSLB and the City
are broadening their partnership with the St. Lucie
County Solid Waste Baling and Recycling Facility. Staff
is working to make the recycling of plastic bags, wraps,
and films in St. Lucie County and the City of Port St.
Lucie easier since they cannot collect these in curbside
carts. In September 2019, KPSLB implemented a pilot
program with four collection sites:
1. St. Lucie County Solid Waste Facility
2. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
3. Port St. Lucie Community Center
4. Morningside Library
This month, due to the success of the pilot project, we
have added a fifth collection site at the MIDFLORIDA
Event Center Parking Garage.•
LEAP: LITTER ERADICATION ACTION PLAN
The Litter Eradication Action Plan (LEAP) encourages
City staff to volunteer within the Adopt-a-Street
Program to help with litter prevention. The City has
a large number of employees which can help cover
the miles of roadway that do not have a designated
Adopt-a-Street (AAS) group. To help this objective
become a reality, employees who participate in AAS
and/or Community Cleanup Day can add these as
activities in their monthly exercise log for credit in the
City's Living Well in PSL wellness program.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/KPSLB 23UTILITY SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
Dedicated to leading the water quality industry.
DECREASE DRINKING WATER DEMANDS BY PROPERLY DISPOSING OF HOUSEHOLD
COOKING OIL AND GREASE
Thanks to a partnership with Port St. Lucie Utility
Systems, Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful, and St. Lucie
County, residents now have the opportunity to properly
dispose of their household cooking oil and grease. On
March 14 and October 24, 2020, residents can bring
their used cooking oil and grease in containers 5 gallons
or less, to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Day event held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Public
Works Complex located at 450 SW Thornhill Drive.
Cooking Oil refers to vegetable, corn, peanut, olive,
coconut, etc. Grease refers to lard, butter, shortening,
bacon grease, etc.
By adding cooking oil and grease collection to this
annual event, residents are helping to maintain
the integrity of the City’s vast wastewater system,
which includes over 1,000 miles of sewer pipe. When
household cooking oil and grease enter pipes, it cools
and forms blockages, which prevent wastewater from
flowing efficiently. It builds up over time and collects
other flushed debris like wipes, medicine, and plastic
products. The clogs create backups in your home and
can damage infrastructure, and ultimately, wastewater
cannot be properly processed and treated to make
reuse. Reuse is highly treated wastewater used for the
irrigation of golf courses and community green spaces,
which reduces the demands on drinking water supplies.
The cooking oil and grease dropped off will be collected by Greenwave/OilMatic and recycled into biofuel.
In addition to the collection events, the St. Lucie Baling & Recycling Facility is now accepting used household
cooking oil and grease from residents free of charge for recycling.
Residents can bring cooking oil and grease to the facility, located at 6120 Glades Cut Off Road in Fort Pierce,
Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Upon entering the facility,
residents should drive straight ahead to the Scale House, pull up on the scale closest to the building, let the
operator know what items they are dropping off and the operator will direct them. A Solid Waste staff member
will meet them to receive the used cooking oil, which will be deposited into a collection container. When the
container is full, it will be collected by Greenwave/OilMatic and recycled into biofuel.
Cooking Oil Acceptance Guidelines:
• No containers larger than 5 gallons will be accepted.
• Use a clean container and do not mix anything other than cooking oil and grease from cooking in a container.
• Remove chunks of food/bones.
• Containers must be labeled as “cooking oil” before dropping them off.
• Residents should be prepared to leave their container of cooking oil.
Learn more about properly disposing of household cooking oil and grease.
24 WWW.UTILITY.CITYOFPSL.COMFEATURE STORY
2020 CENSUS
By Sarah Prohaska
Has your child played on the new playground at Lyngate Park? Or, perhaps,
you’ve taken a stroll along the new sidewalk on Oakridge Drive or relaxed
at the pavilion at Rotary Park. If you’ve enjoyed any of these Port St. Lucie
amenities, you can thank your neighbors who took the time to fill out a U.S.
Census form 10 years ago. Many citizens may not realize that demographic
data from the Census helps determine how billions of dollars in federal
funding are allocated each year, and the recipients of these dollars include
ultra-local projects like the new slides at Lyngate Park – things that
directly impact our quality of life here in Port St. Lucie. That’s why during
the next couple of months, you’ll likely see and hear a lot from your local
governments about why it’s so important to fill out that form.
The U.S. Census happens once every 10 years. To help stretch our local tax
dollars, the City relies upon federal funding and grants for many projects
and initiatives that are allocated based on Census data. Other than the few
I’ve already mentioned, the recipients of these federal dollars in PSL have
included security cameras at parks, crosswalk improvements, sidewalks
and public exercise equipment. It has also benefited health clinics, fire
stations, affordable housing and school programs. In the 2010 Census, St.
Lucie County had a 75 percent response rate. That may sound good but,
in reality, it meant we left money on the table – a lot of it. For every person
not counted, it costs our local governments $1,600. It is estimated St. Lucie
County lost up to $1 billion from the undercount in 2010. Just imagine all the
sidewalks and playgrounds we could have built with some of that money.
So, let’s work together to do better in 2020. Please help your city and county ensure a complete and accurate
count by filling out your Census form as soon as you receive an invitation in the mail. This year, it’s easier than
ever because every household will have the option of responding online, by mail or by phone. Those invitations
will be mailed to residents beginning March 12. Census Day is officially April 1, and that is the date by which
everyone should have received the notice. Port St. Lucie is trying to make it even easier by offering computer
access to those who may not have it. Citizens can access these Census kiosks, beginning March 12, at:
• Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd.
• MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place
• City Hall Buildings A and B, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
• County Libraries
If you worry about the security of your data and personal information, our
Census representative has assured us that privacy is fully protected by
strict federal laws. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to
disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual or
business. Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality
to handle data responsibly and keep respondents’ information private. The
penalty for wrongful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment
for up to 5 years or both. No law enforcement agency (not the Department
of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal
Bureau of Investigation, or any other agency) can access or use your
personal information at any time. Data collected can only be used for
statistical purposes that help inform important decisions, including how
much federal funding your community receives. If you would like to learn more, please visit 2020census.gov.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/CENSUS 25You can also read
