In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Mayor Shannon Martin returns to provide a comprehensive update on key developments shaping the future of Port St. Lucie. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the city’s new professional soccer stadium and revitalized downtown concept to park expansions, green space preservation, and the city’s ongoing infrastructure strategy.
Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium and Walton & One
Mayor Martin opened the conversation by discussing a major announcement: Port St. Lucie will soon be home to a professional USL League One soccer team. The stadium will be located in the Walton Road Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), also known as Walton & One, formerly City Center. This is the city’s long-envisioned “downtown,” redesigned as a mixed-use destination featuring sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and housing.
Key Details:
- The stadium will feature 6,000 seats and serve as a catalyst for broader redevelopment.
- The city negotiated 24 usage days per year for public events.
- No taxpayer money from the general fund is being used; funding includes a $27.5 million tax increment reimbursement from the CRA.
- The project developer is responsible for construction and performance bonding.
Mayor Martin clarified that the CRA structure ensures that new tax revenue generated from rising property values in the area is reinvested back into that specific district — not drawn from the general city budget.
Hotels, Restaurants, and Year-Round Events
The stadium is just the start. A request for proposals (RFP) will soon go out for one or two destination hotels in the area. The concept includes multi-story buildings with hotels above and restaurants or retail below, making Walton & One a walkable, active district.
While soccer season runs March through October, the stadium will be used for other events in the off-season. Festivals, concerts, and community programming are all on the table.
Workforce Housing and Parking in the Mix
Mayor Martin also highlighted the inclusion of multifamily housing in the next development phase. She emphasized the importance of workforce housing — specifically targeting local teachers, first responders, and skilled trades — to create attainable options for residents…