Port St. Lucie, FL — On February 19, 2025, city officials gathered to mark tangible advancements in the Floresta Drive Improvement Project, a major initiative backed by the Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters. Aimed at modernizing Floresta Drive with features like landscaping, street lighting, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes, this project promises to reshape a vital stretch of road in Port St. Lucie.
Significant Phases and Upcoming Endeavors
The Floresta Drive project, executed in carefully planned stages, is set to improve the route from Southbend Boulevard to Prima Vista Boulevard, covering over four miles. During a celebratory event at U.S. Submarine Veterans Park, Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo highlighted the project’s progress, praising the teamwork and foresight involved. “This beautifully landscaped corridor balances safety and traffic improvement and sets a template for future city projects,” Caraballo stated.
Funding and Phase Breakdown
The project’s funding was secured through the Half-Cent Sales Tax referendum passed in November 2018. Construction launched in 2020 with Phase 1, covering Southbend Boulevard to the Elkcam Waterway, and concluded in 2022. Phase 2, which expands from the Elkcam Waterway to Crosstown Parkway, began in 2022 and is almost finished as of February 2025.
- Phase 1: Southbend Boulevard to the Elkcam Waterway, completed in 2022.
- Phase 2: Elkcam Waterway to Crosstown Parkway, nearing completion.
- Phase 3: Begins March 2025, Crosstown Parkway to Prima Vista Boulevard, completion by Fall 2028.
Phase 3 is poised to begin in March 2025 and will extend from Crosstown Parkway to Prima Vista Boulevard. This final phase is slated for completion by Fall 2028, representing a cornerstone in the city’s infrastructure improvements and a model for regional connectivity and aesthetics.
Community Involvement and Future Implications
The project has become a symbol of cooperation between the City of Port St. Lucie and its residents, aiming to enhance traffic conditions and safety while stimulating local development. It serves as a reference point for upcoming infrastructure ventures within the area.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engage in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the project through the city’s official platforms. For questions or feedback, contact the City of Port St. Lucie at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., or by phone at 772-871-1775.
