Residents in one Port St. Lucie neighborhood are turning ideas into real change.

On the latest episode of PSL On The Mic, we're joined by Melissa Yunas, engagement and marketing team manager, and Stephanie Vernot, engagement, who talk to us about the Love Your Block program, powered by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins, that brings city leaders and residents together to build stronger neighborhoods, one block at a time.

Port St. Lucie was selected as one of 16 cities in the nation this year to participate in the program.

For more information, visit www.cityofpsl.com/loveyourblock.

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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2025 was a big year for Port St. Lucie.

We were named an All-America City, we made great progress on key infrastructure projects and, with help from residents and volunteers, we transformed neighborhoods in inspiring ways.

On the year's final episode of PSL On The Mic, Mayor Shannon Martin shares a recap of 2025 and looks to 2026.

PSLinProgress: See the progress we're making in Port St. Lucie

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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Conservative financial management is our City’s foundation. We operate with a lean, efficient government and emphasize long-range financial planning. 

That has allowed us to:

• Reduce our millage rate for 10 straight years, making us the third-lowest millage rate among the 20 largest populated cities in Florida.
• Reduce our debt by $400 million
• Improve our bond ratings
• Increase services while decreasing staffing ratios. While Port St. Lucie’s population has increased, we’ve decreased the staffing ratio to 5.95 employees per 1,000 residents, down from 7.45 15 years ago.

These are all points to keep in mind as the state Legislature debates several proposals related to property taxes this upcoming legislative session. 

Stephen Okiye, the City of Port St. Lucie's Finance Director, was one of several representatives from local governments who spoke recently in front of a House committee to talk about how the reduction or elimination of property taxes could impact the ability of cities and counties to provide core services.

Stephen sits down with us for the latest episode of PSL On The Mic to discuss the proposals and what it would mean for our City if there was a significant reduction or total elimination of property taxes.

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

Like what you’re hearing? Suggest a topic for a future episode: www.cityofpsl.com/podcast

The essence of civic engagement is connecting a city with its residents.

On this episode of PSL On The Mic, we sit down with Makenzie Spittler, Communications' assistant manager for engagement and budget, who shares with us the story behind two recently launched community-driven programs that have already made lasting impacts in Port St. Lucie.

The first initiative is the Flag Retirement Box Program, born from a resident's idea to make it easier to properly retire worn or tattered U.S. flags. In just two weeks, more than 260 flags have been deposited in three boxes.

The second initiative, the Little Free Library program, helps us provide accessible literary resources to residents across the City. These are not just boxes of books,  however. They create neighborhood hubs for imagination, connection and lifelong learning.

Flag Retirement Program
Little Free Library

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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Florida’s newest professional soccer club now calls Port St. Lucie home. Port St. Lucie Sports Club has been awarded a USL franchise and will launch professional men’s and women’s soccer teams with plans to play at a new soccer stadium to be constructed at Walton & One.

So, how will a professional soccer team and a new stadium kick-start development on the east side of the City? On Episode 60, we'll hear from Community Redevelopment Director Jennifer Davis and Communications Director Sarah Prohaska, who will explain how the stadium will serve as that catalyst for that growth and opportunity, bringing people together for more than sport; it will energize the city and help us build our future.

Walton & One
Port St. Lucie Sports Club

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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The Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) is a nonprofit youth organization that partners with police departments to provide kids and teens with safe, structured and positive activities outside of school.

On Episode 59, we're joined by Port St. Lucie Police Officers Amanda McCarty and Fabio Improta, the director and assistant director of PSLPD P.A.L., who share with us how a revamped P.A.L. is keeping youth away from negative influences but is also helping to strengthen the bond between kids and the police.

P.A.L.: https://www.pslpolice.com/Community/Programs/Police-Athletic-League-PAL
P.A.L. free fishing clinic: https://www.pslpolice.com/Community/Programs/Police-Athletic-League-PAL/Free-Fishing-Clinic

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

Like what you’re hearing? Suggest a topic for a future episode: www.cityofpsl.com/podcast

Want a front-row seat to the projects shaping Port St. Lucie's future?

PSLinProgress.com is a dynamic new website that highlights projects across the City, from traffic improvements and vibrant new parks to drainage system upgrades and revitalized neighborhoods. The easy-to-navigate site doesn’t just list projects. It tells the stories behind them, whether it’s planning for growth or solving long-standing challenges.

On Episode 58, we're joined by Strategic Communications Manager Scott Samples and Innovation Strategist Avi Monina who talk about the genesis of PSL in Progress, how content for it is gathered, how residents can use it and what the City hopes residents learn from the website.

Explore the progress: https://PSLinProgress.com or www.cityofpsl.com/pslinprogress

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

Like what you’re hearing? Suggest a topic for a future episode: www.cityofpsl.com/podcast

On Episode 57, we're joined by Mayor Shannon Martin who answers some frequently asked questions from residents and shares highlights and key points from City Council's Summer Workshop.

Sign up for Mayor Martin's newsletter

Budget information

Your City tax bill explained

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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Public art brings color, culture and character to Port St. Lucie and creates beautiful spaces that draw our community together.

On Episode 56 of PSL On The Mic, Bethany Grubbs, senior planner with Planning & Zoning, tells us how public art benefits residents and visitors, and she also shares news about two upcoming projects, including the Heart in the Park, which opens to the public Aug. 23.

Public Art Master Plan: www.cityofpsl.com/art

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County's Mobile Club is changing the game — bringing fun, learning and support directly to Port St. Lucie parks.

Through our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, and with funding from the Community Development Block Grant program, more than 5,000 young people in the past four years have been positively impacted.

On Episode 55, Alex Tasca, deputy director of Neighborhood Services, and Jalene Henley, area club director at the Boys & Girls Clubs, share how this City + Club partnership is making a real difference.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County: www.bgcofslc.org 

Stay informed about City news, events, meetings and activities: www.cityofpsl.com/stayinformed

Like what you’re hearing? Suggest a topic for a future episode: www.cityofpsl.com/podcast