During a recent government meeting, officials from Port St. Lucie expressed significant concerns regarding intergovernmental relations and the impacts of county development decisions on city infrastructure. The discussions were sparked by a county meeting held on August 6, where a future land use amendment application raised alarms about potential adverse effects on city roads and infrastructure.

Vice Mayor Caraballo represented the city at the county meeting, advocating for a delay in the decision to allow for further collaboration. However, the county commission proceeded with the vote, prompting the city council to draft a letter to residents outlining their concerns. Mayor Shannon acknowledged the community's support and emphasized the need for transparency and collaboration between the city and county.

The mayor criticized comments made by Commissioner Townsend, who suggested the city was only engaging at the last minute. Mayor Shannon countered this claim, stating that the city had been in communication with the county regarding various development applications since summer 2023. The mayor also highlighted that concerns about traffic impacts were shared by multiple state agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation.

In a subsequent county meeting, the Board of County Commissioners discussed a rebuttal letter to the city’s concerns, which the mayor described as deflective. The mayor reiterated that growth in Port St. Lucie affects the entire county, noting that the city comprises 65% of the county's population. He expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from certain county commissioners, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address infrastructure challenges.

The meeting also featured comments from council members who echoed the mayor's sentiments, criticizing the county's management of roads and infrastructure within the city. They pointed out that many of the worst roads in Port St. Lucie are county-maintained, raising questions about the allocation of tax revenues and the perceived neglect of city needs.

Overall, the discussions underscored a growing frustration among city officials regarding the county's approach to development and infrastructure planning, with a clear call for improved communication and collaboration to better serve the residents of Port St. Lucie.