According to an April 27-dated letter received by former City of Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins from Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), the railway told the city that there will not be a Brightline passenger station in the Martin County city as the FEC does not support or approve of a station in Stuart at this time. This decision follows a grant delay that has stalled Martin County and Stuart station plans, impacting local transportation development.
FEC Cites Bridge Concerns in Stuart
According to the letter, the FEC system would require the existing Stuart bridge to be down while a train stops at the proposed station. FEC’s position is that it cannot support any station that would result in the bridge being down in violation of United States Coast Guard (USCG) rules.
The letter was posted to Facebook by Stuart Commissioner Sean Reed on Wednesday. FEC has notified Brightline that the company has not met the requirements of their agreements for FEC to approve any Stuart passenger station. In response to increased train activity in the region, St. Lucie County has implemented quiet zones for train horns to address community concerns about noise.
Brightline cannot build anything on FEC property without FEC’s express written approval.
Parking Concerns at Martin County Courthouse
Before Collins resigned as mayor on April 30 to pursue a campaign to become a Martin County Commissioner in the November general election, he sent a letter to the Martin County Board of Commissioners. The letter raised concerns that the station’s construction would lead to 165 of the 334 current parking spaces designated for the county courthouse to be removed.
Construction would leave the courthouse below the minimum required 218 parking spaces. Meanwhile, the area has seen other major developments, such as the Costco Stuart grand opening, which drew over 1,000 early shoppers, signaling continued growth and demand for infrastructure.
History of the Stuart Station Proposal
In October 2024, the Stuart city commission voted 3 to 2 to not proceed with the proposed Brightline station. The Martin County Commission, however, moved forward to construct the station by applying for federal grants to offset the cost of building it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brightline Stuart Station
Why does FEC oppose the proposed station?
The FEC system would require the existing Stuart bridge to be down while the train stops at the proposed station.
How did the Stuart city commission vote on the proposal?
In October 2024, the city commission voted 3 to 2 to not proceed with the proposed Brightline station.
What parking impact would construction have on the courthouse?
Construction of the station would remove 165 of the 334 current parking spaces designated for the county courthouse, leaving it below the minimum required 218 spaces.
Can Brightline build the station without FEC approval?
Brightline cannot build anything on FEC property without FEC’s express written approval.
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