PORT ST. LUCIE – The City Council unanimously approved the 90% design plans for Phase 1 of Torino Regional Park on July 14, despite being warned the project is already $7 million over budget.
City Manager Jesus Merejo delivered the financial reality check near the end of the discussion, stating the current cost estimate for the first phase has ballooned to $20.5 million—well beyond the $14 million originally budgeted.
That didn’t stop Council members from pushing for a high-end playground and amenities with the same “wow factor” as Pioneer Park, which opened last year and has attracted more than 250,000 visitors…