In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, host Dash Hernandez sits down with Jolien Caraballo, the Vice Mayor of Port St. Lucie. A longtime resident and a driving force behind many of the city’s growth initiatives, Caraballo discusses her journey, her commitment to sustainable development, and the exciting projects in the pipeline. From the innovative “Jobs Corridor” to the new entertainment hub known as “The Heart,” Caraballo reveals how Port St. Lucie is preparing for the future while preserving its unique charm.
About Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo
Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo has been a resident of Port St. Lucie for over 30 years. She attended local schools, raised her family here, and is deeply committed to enhancing the city’s quality of life.
Key Projects and Initiatives
The Jobs Corridor: A New Economic Hub
The Jobs Corridor, a strategic development area, was originally owned by a Belgian company before being gifted to the city. Expected to create 22,000 jobs and bring $2.2 billion in economic impact, the Jobs Corridor is transforming Port St. Lucie into a thriving business and employment hub.
Caraballo explained, “It’s all about creating opportunities for our community and ensuring that Port St. Lucie residents have access to good jobs close to home.”
Introducing “The Heart” – A New Center for Dining and Entertainment
Caraballo shared her excitement about “The Heart,” a new entertainment and dining hub set to open by Valentine’s Day. This new landmark will feature unique dining options, scenic walking areas, and a public sculpture.
“Every major city has a spot where people want to stop. This is going to be our landmark,” Caraballo remarked, emphasizing how “The Heart” will enhance Port St. Lucie’s cultural identity.
Walkable, Multi-Downtown Development
Due to its large area, Port St. Lucie has the opportunity to develop multiple “downtown” areas. On the east side, the Port District will include Pioneer Park, botanical gardens, and waterfront views. Meanwhile, Tradition on the west side is evolving with new shops, cafes, and walkable spaces.
Sustainable Growth and Quality of Life
Caraballo emphasized the importance of sustainable development, ensuring that as the city grows, it maintains open spaces, parks, and recreational areas. She noted that the city is actively working on land conservation initiatives to preserve natural areas and create more neighborhood parks.
Upcoming Infrastructure and Job Opportunities
With companies like Costco and FedEx establishing a presence in Port St. Lucie, the city is becoming a hub for job creation. The new Costco distribution center is expected to bring over 200 jobs with above-average wages, and Caraballo hinted at the possibility of a Costco retail store coming soon.
“These are jobs that pay above the average wage, which is crucial as costs rise,” she added.
Community Engagement and Unity through “Common Grounds”
Caraballo’s “Common Grounds” initiative promotes unity and cooperation beyond political differences. This initiative has been widely embraced by city leaders and serves as a model for collaborative leadership.
Caraballo said, “Our job as elected leaders is to bring people together. We may have different ideas, but at the end of the day, we’re working towards a common goal of building a great city.”
