The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 3, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on land use and development concerns in the region.

The meeting began with a presentation addressing community concerns regarding the proximity of industrial developments to residential areas. A representative highlighted various examples where industrial uses are located near residential neighborhoods, indicating that these arrangements have not typically resulted in significant issues. Specific locations discussed included areas near PGA Reserve and along Commerce Center Drive, where industrial and residential zones coexist.

Following this, staff recommended the approval of a future land use map amendment for the Rainbow Grove area, proposing a transition from agricultural use to mixed-use development. This amendment would allow for heavy industrial, light industrial, and light industrial commercial uses. The board was advised that if further analysis or information was required, they could direct staff to gather additional data and continue the public hearing to a later date.

Mike McCarty, representing the owners of the Rainbow Groves property, provided context about the land's historical use for agriculture, specifically citrus cultivation and cattle farming. He confirmed that all necessary notifications regarding the meeting had been properly issued, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the board, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing community concerns and moving forward with the proposed developments. The next steps will depend on the board's decisions regarding the recommendations presented.