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Council approves special-exception use for inclusive children’s gym franchise
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Summary
Port St. Lucie Council approved a special-exception use for a We Rock the Spectrum franchise to operate a 7,114.78 sq ft children’s recreational facility (enclosed assembly area over 3,000 sq ft) at a former CVS site; staff said parking and utilities are adequate and Planning & Zoning recommended approval.
Port St. Lucie City Council on Feb. 23 approved a special-exception use allowing a We Rock the Spectrum franchise to operate a children’s recreational facility at a commercial property west of U.S. 1 and north of Southeast Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Planning staff presented the application (P25-197), saying the proposed facility would include a 5,801.78-square-foot open activity area plus partitioned rooms that together create a total enclosed assembly area of 7,114.78 square feet — exceeding the 3,000-square-foot threshold that triggers a special exception under section 158.124 of the Port St. Lucie code of ordinances. Staff said the site retains two access points, provides 86 on-site parking spaces, has adequate utilities served by the Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department, and that the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval on Feb. 3. Betancourt of the planning and zoning department said the CRA staff provided a supporting letter because the property sits in the community redevelopment area.
The applicant, a tenant and franchise operator of We Rock the Spectrum, described an inclusive model focused on sensory equipment, therapy rooms for speech, occupational and physical therapies and ABA, and a calming room for children who become overwhelmed. The presenter said employees will be trained, parents are expected to supervise children on-site, exterior doors will have sensors and cameras, and the back door at that location will remain closed to prevent egress. “We want all the parents to be involved,” the applicant said when describing safety procedures.
Council members used the applicant’s presentation to ask about exterior landscaping and safety given a recent child-injury incident reported nearby. The applicant said landscaping and exterior repairs are the landlord’s responsibility, and that interior safety measures — staff training, sensors on doors, cameras and parent supervision — are part of the operating plan.
After questions, a council member moved and the council approved resolution 26‑R‑14, granting the special exception. The resolution and staff report record the applicant as Mary Rogers (authorized by property owners David, Joanne and Margaret Andrews) and the project name as David & Joanne Margaret Andrews Children’s Gym. The Planning & Zoning file number is referenced as P25‑197.
The council’s action allows the tenant to pursue building permits and required construction approvals; the applicant said any additional signage or exterior work would require separate permits from the city’s building department.
The meeting record does not list a roll-call tally for the vote; the clerk announced the motion carried.
