[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6251295,"mediaKeyId","3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5","parentId",3195965,"title","Votes at a glance: City Council approvals April 28 — bonds, ordinances and resolutions","audioSeconds",4447,"startMs",3051000,"endMs",7498000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5&start=3051&end=7498","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5/thumbnail_3051000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251295/Port-St-Lucie/St-Lucie-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-City-Council-approvals-April-28-bonds-ordinances-and-resolutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251295-70037cc62f74354b4030a6172bb15cec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149931&Signature=lRP33eZF1EI2YB38VJ-IJ1RaKiotFeG2zNXyU1WQYS89cFvLscgtnggwqQDtN1aQc~LVg8k85cdVQZfA4FWawYLnQ52lRiNLQzrjVAyIQNEXtW6aSGFP8AhGZZ8OhPfCEQy4~RQLMbfbnH-jdwP2l5U67UaIgH6VhyeexskDVTXLB2eseYhHlnedTTskcJXWAu626tJFFQkzDtiD9CsaeEBfKs6e23p6wVjcqTzrIbbPNam3bor8cSiK2HHTjbydEqAF~3x2BXTwmLttJ1ePy6NMISZ3SZw2SLUSnirbRmS2lR~e-7XSlWW9~-yQp-czGUOfczrOh0MfiqC6kjPMzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Port St. Lucie, FL","date","2025-04-28T00:00:00Z","article","At its April 28 meeting the Port St. Lucie City Council approved a slate of routine ordinances and resolutions and took action on several financial and policy matters. Notable actions included approval of a bond authorization and several code and land-record items. The Tradition DRI Seventh Amendment was tabled to May 27 (see separate article).

Summary of key approved items (motions recorded during the meeting):

- Ordinance 25-18: Amendments to Title 3 (Special Magistrate procedures) — approved at second reading.

- Ordinance 25-19: Abandonment of a 20-foot rear utility and drainage easement affecting Lot 19, Block 1720 (Port St. Lucie Section 31) — approved at second reading.

- Ordinance 25-20: Authorizing issuance of not-to-exceed $35,000,000 in general obligation refunding bonds (to refund series 02/2016 bonds) — approved at second reading.

- Ordinance 25-21: Amendments to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee code section — approved at second reading.

- Ordinance 25-23 and 25-25: Additional easement abandonments (various lots/blocks) — approved at second reading.

- Ordinance 25-24: Zoning text amendment (virtual auto sales and setback changes) — approved (see separate article).

- Resolution 25-R21: Authorizing issuance and sale of general obligation refunding bonds (delegating award authority and approving related documents) — approved.

- Resolution 25-R22: Adoption of a Capital Asset Renewal and Replacement Policy — approved.

- Resolution 25-R23: Authorization to execute an interlocal agreement with River Place CDD to complete infrastructure for a replat — approved.

- Resolution 25-R24: Authorization to acquire Lot 5, Block 689 (Port St. Lucie Section 18) for future police complex expansion — approved.

- Resolution 25-R25: Council statement supporting government efforts to identify unnecessary spending and create efficiencies (amended in-session to reference the State of Florida and a commitment to a good-faith partnership with state efficiency review teams) — approved.

How votes were recorded: The transcript records motions, seconds and the voice vote outcome (typically \"All those in favor? Aye.\"). Individual roll-call tallies or member-by-member votes were not included in the publicly available transcript for every item; where the transcript records only a voice vote, the minutes will reflect the formal approval.

Next steps: Items that require subsequent administrative steps (bond sale procedures, land transfers, interlocal agreements and site approvals) will be implemented by the city manager and relevant departments as described in the associated ordinances and resolutions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Port St. Lucie City Council Meeting Apr 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on April 28, including bond and policy measures; several easement abandonments and code updates were also adopted. The Tradition DRI amendment was tabled to May 27.","taxTitle","Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, Florida","taxId",21892,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251299,"Council adopts zoning text amendment to define and regulate virtual auto sales in warehouse-industrial areas",671,4222000,4893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5&start=4222&end=4893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5/thumbnail_4222000.jpg","/articles/6251299/Port-St-Lucie/St-Lucie-County/Florida/Council-adopts-zoning-text-amendment-to-define-and-regulate-virtual-auto-sales-in-warehouse-industrial-areas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251299-fe7ca625c6c831f460a547bca69cd1d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149931&Signature=CABRxNV9QshMMvSfQweeM5G71u1ARAQomeHdg4sSLPrxLQDhmFRTviikLypgb95ObMQumBlbZzlkbIu2-qDNC0BacX-RhskdJGQQUfYhf9TnFNZlfUhw3ixfKwPxIdaLFuO7w~L3udFLhpw9NgrWuPTqukKL3CwcXyie6zeb3KqhcBLVsPtcu93JrI-4j8gbdziDyg20ErFNgNfJiUb9U5lhK-vs-3K0csQizojjJkKg7lXnAOF5Dn13ekn8mADuzFbx7Du7~OalHwSgU6Nwip1zSLjdaJL2zXqWJiRfYPr3B3o~IqGZheNZSlWNbdnNccSMXg1QohM5cdPFSBLXDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on April 28 approved a text amendment to the zoning code that defines \"virtual auto sales\" and adds supplementary use regulations for that activity in the warehouse-industrial zoning district.

Planning staff presented the city-initiated amendment, describing a new definition for virtual auto sales (primarily online vehicle sales with limited physical display or office space), supplementary regulations that require indoor operations only, prohibit exterior vehicle storage or staging, and prohibit ancillary repair or retail sales on-site. Bethany Grubbs of planning staff said the proposed use is intended to accommodate niche online dealers and specialty restorers who operate from enclosed facilities and sell primarily through online platforms.

The amendment also proposes reduced rear-yard setbacks (from 25 feet to 10 feet) in specified zoning districts except where the property abuts residential future land use or a public right-of-way. Grubbs said the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval on April 1 and staff recommended council adoption.

Council members asked clarifying questions about how vehicles would be unloaded and staged at industrial properties; staff and the applicant said most modern warehouse properties have loading zones and that the ordinance is tailored to prevent large outdoor vehicle lots and protect neighboring businesses.

The council voted to approve Ordinance 25-24. Staff said final site plan reviews and parking/loading arrangements will be handled at the site-plan stage to ensure compliance with the new indoor-operation and loading requirements.","City approved a staff-initiated text amendment to add a definition and supplementary regulations for 'virtual auto sales,' allow the use in warehouse-industrial zones and adjust rear-yard setbacks in specific districts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251304,"Council approves America Walks MPUD amendment to reclassify 59 acres for mixed-use",978,3138000,4116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5&start=3138&end=4116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5/thumbnail_3138000.jpg","/articles/6251304/Port-St-Lucie/St-Lucie-County/Florida/Council-approves-America-Walks-MPUD-amendment-to-reclassify-59-acres-for-mixed-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251304-07af353eff4d791a748de409ea09d18d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149931&Signature=HNUDkflypoVZTxgBeJAxhxIMZzkzM3~zFLh~MPaYHSO4unkemJGe6XP6L3M8YTnh9Z5vOGMI849xQpOhx34Y9rkJnsSEYs~npdMSi8FvAycquQkdn1t2NdRYOGUtI8SpLO3J80zkyl4UPUcHJcY9NPK9FQsLtGey5CU-z20MV0aH2lEVH34a~2zRSrQgFP~drAxMdeUX2lyBi3pArwfxTGB-kC4ZfBXpftMieUi9i8fdDp~dTrAQKh3DAMqG-Mbwi9t-Tpqup3SAI3TdRP1SA7yWAo7XzHqut9DVqFC-KXmADRtITyATWidfEXfGklA2iGhFKm-YZ75h57QqgtBmDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved an amendment to the America Walks master planned unit development (MPUD) on April 28, revising the MPUD regulation book and concept plan to reclassify approximately 59 acres of vacant land for commercial mixed-use development.

Planning staff presented the amendment, saying it removes the institutional designation for a 10-acre parcel and removes entitlements for a proposed 150-bed assisted living facility, reclassifying the full 59-acre parcel for mixed-use and updating entitlements. Bridget Keane of the Planning and Zoning Department said the MPUD is part of the Southern Grove area and the change is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan; the Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval on April 1.

The MPUD concept plan retains three Becker Road access points and adds a proposed fourth access aligned with the Anthony F. Sansone Sr. Boulevard intersection. Keane noted a traffic-signal agreement exists for a second access point; until the signal is installed the access is limited to right-in/right-out movements and temporary median changes may be required. The public works department and the city's third-party traffic consultant reviewed the changes and staff recommended approval.

Steve Garrett of Lucido and Associates, representing property owner Mattamy Palm Beach LLC, confirmed the applicant agrees with conditions and said the change brings uniform mixed use across the remaining vacant acreage. Council had limited additional public comment on the item and voted to approve the ordinance.","Council approved the first amendment to the America Walks MPUD to remove a previously designated 10-acre institutional parcel and classify approximately 59 acres for commercial mixed use, with changes to access points and traffic signal requirements noted as conditions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251309,"Council tables major Tradition DRI amendment after extended debate; staff and applicant to meet with council members",0,5040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5&start=5040&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5/thumbnail_5040000.jpg","/articles/6251309/Port-St-Lucie/St-Lucie-County/Florida/Council-tables-major-Tradition-DRI-amendment-after-extended-debate-staff-and-applicant-to-meet-with-council-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251309-46ae8a84c1ec11ca7f7473a5f42ff718/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149931&Signature=j5WGpaIQq-6vGB6rz8AxcvWDm9ljrJlFTG-3FKkPehqOJZVswVWEk56qiPKv7fioSXLHzB~jpgjFSgx-8-sMTge34l7UPjjhbwndPiDDGgq6AXz5xJ6ouQKVoRNC7bbW-IarGVIP3aUu3uC7OiRKnL1zH4dbMd6V1s2i2njxscnIpPSqF0n-mKXg~craWclvpx8rY4ppTE2n305V5LIJlT2LQsDmndOFd~tFNO4GytkjoHJNbld3Hr3PPtps2m3jr0rM6eXykusfTwO5ff~OCVFigqW9bi8Vp7OcqELiJAzWG4UVdpDzPCMGRG-rgz4XQbpuASqGSXNEB3beS-bplw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port St. Lucie City Council on April 28 tabled a proposed Seventh Amendment to the Tradition Development of Regional Impact (DRI) after extended presentations by staff and the applicant and multiple council members requested more one-on-one briefings.

Bridget Keane of the Planning and Zoning Department described changes the amendment would make to the existing Tradition development order, including updated entitlements, a revised conversion matrix, updated phasing, and date-certain requirements for certain roadway and utility obligations. She said the amendment would increase multifamily entitlements by 397 units and assisted-living entitlements by 120 units while reducing commercial and office square footage under the DRI's conversion rules; staff recommended approval after finding the proposal consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and the DRI equivalency matrix.

Steve Garrett of Lucido and Associates, representing Mattamy Palm Beach LLC, told the council the amendment used the DRI's established conversion matrix and added date-certain commitments for key road connections including Fern Lake Drive to Westcliff Lane and Westcliff Lane to North South A, with construction and dedication dates attached. \"We have committed dates certain that either planning of right-of-ways and dedication over to the city and/or construction of those road segments will be done,\" Garrett said.

Council members pressed staff and the applicant for details on traffic impacts, signalization and the proximity of multiple traffic signals along Becker and Village Parkway. Several council members, including Vice Mayor Caraballo and others, said they had not received 1-on-1 briefings and requested them before acting. Residents also raised traffic and safety concerns during public comment, with one speaker noting congestion near Crosstown Parkway and Village Parkway and asking that speed limits and roadside safety near the new K–8 school be reviewed.

After discussion, the council voted to table the resolution to a date-certain, May 27, to allow staff, council members and the applicant to meet for additional briefings and to re-advertise the item for that meeting. Staff said re-advertising would occur for the May 27 hearing. The tabled amendment had been recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Board earlier in April but drew sustained scrutiny from the council about whether increases in residential entitlements and related traffic mitigation were fully justified.

Next steps: staff and the applicant will meet with council members for additional review; the item will be re-advertised and returned to council on May 27 for further consideration.","Council members asked for more one-on-one briefings and tabled the Tradition Development of Regional Impact (DRI) seventh amendment to May 27 after detailed presentations and public comments raising traffic and infrastructure concerns.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251313,"Residents urge City Council to put backyard chickens on 2026 ballot; city attorney outlines referendum steps",1234,1393000,2627000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5&start=1393&end=2627","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195965-1eea0736e756d5bcec0397d4834ef7f5/thumbnail_1393000.jpg","/articles/6251313/Port-St-Lucie/St-Lucie-County/Florida/Residents-urge-City-Council-to-put-backyard-chickens-on-2026-ballot-city-attorney-outlines-referendum-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251313-f877964eac84bb60616f03620719cafb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149931&Signature=ojaVwFAZUS8WE2nISZIAgL3rEUkfMxD8jeNlE25K553SRVvdDtmJez7Yimxk767oBbwJDYK~KSsq5Q68PkgaIDCL0rcLqV7gLvHywxuvHi6edSQQhFTwghDNYxOaPcivj5yjmmLdXa3OuhhzaHgAj-go2b8Fb1mYtim5cHxngKMrTJNNrImyPsTml78nZJF9HV0ZfBVOAodpSus6q7OiU-NGu4LfgBWGM1unweFeF0W7oEs3gWPXRepX3O5e0XlPwZqgJpiYccM~8UjstmY6xV9Z0OWZ2vmxKMrsL6UJt1VgyhS~muikVoCBAlG3dxwBpZhM~sQjoQ1C2Pq29KaULg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Port St. Lucie residents asked the City Council on April 28 to allow backyard hens inside city limits and urged officials to place the question on the 2026 general election ballot.

Supporters said backyard chickens would provide fresh eggs, reduce food waste, offer pest control and add educational opportunities for children. Several speakers said they had organized petitions: one speaker said the petition had 2,649 signatures. \"Putting this on the ballot is the best path forward and it aligns with the city's record of listening to its residents,\" said Katie Whalen, who identified herself as a Port St. Lucie resident.

The petitioners also asked the council to provide guidance on how a citizen-led referendum would reach the ballot. City Attorney Berrios told the chamber that the city charter contains the procedure for voter-initiated referendums. \"Article 7 of the City Charter lays out the process by which the citizens of the city of Port St. Lucie can trigger a voter-initiated referendum that goes on at the general election,\" he said, and he warned petitioners that the clerk, the supervisor of elections and precise timing all matter for meeting ballot deadlines. Mayor Shannon Martin and other council members agreed staff would provide the petitioners with the relevant charter sections and contact points.

Speakers described various regulatory approaches used elsewhere in Florida and Saint Lucie County, including one-time registration fees, coop-screening requirements and 6-foot vegetative or fence buffering. Residents also said county programs had not required additional code-enforcement staff and that setbacks had addressed many neighbor concerns. Several callers asked that if hens are allowed the city adopt setback, screening and registration rules similar to neighboring jurisdictions.

Council discussion stayed at a procedural level. Vice Mayor Caraballo and other members said the question should be decided by voters if petitioners gather the required signatures; several council members said they would sign a petition supporting placement on the ballot. Council directed staff to send the relevant charter sections to the organizers and did not take a formal vote on changing the code at the meeting.

A timeline for a referendum depends on the petitioners' ability to meet the charter's signature and timing requirements and the supervisor of elections' calendar; the next general election in Port St. Lucie is in 2026.

About this coverage: This article summarizes testimony and the legal guidance contained in the April 28 council meeting. It reports speakers' claims as stated; where the transcript did not include specific figures, the article says so.","Multiple residents asked the Port St. Lucie City Council to allow backyard hens and urged a citizen referendum in 2026. City staff described the charter process for voter-initiated referendums and council agreed to share the charter section with petition organizers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: City Council approvals April 28 — bonds, ordinances and resolutions

Council adopts zoning text amendment to define and regulate virtual auto sales in warehouse-industrial areas

Council approves America Walks MPUD amendment to reclassify 59 acres for mixed-use

Council tables major Tradition DRI amendment after extended debate; staff and applicant to meet with council members

Residents urge City Council to put backyard chickens on 2026 ballot; city attorney outlines referendum steps