GOVERNMENT
Treasure Coast Hospice
A TREASURE HEALTH SERVICE
CARE
COMPASSION
COMMITMENT
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You Need Us
Hospice care has always been at
the heart of all that we do. Since
1982, Treasure Coast Hospice has
been providing compassionate
end-of-life care to patients and
families in our community.
772-403-4500
Licensed since 1982. Treasure Coast Hospice complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 772-403-4500. (Spanish)
ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 772-403-4500. (French Creole).
MEREJO TAKES OVER THE
REINS AS NEW CITY MANAGER
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
Jesus Merejo replaced Russ Blackburn
as Port St. Lucie city manager.
Residential and Commercial
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Personally, having worked with Mr. Merejo
for the past 12 years, I have always been
impressed with him as a leader. I have always
been able to trust his judgment wholeheartedly.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 27
The City of Port St. Lucie
has a new city manager.
Jesus Merejo moved up
one step from chief assistant
city manager to the top job on
Feb. 17.
He replaces Russ Blackburn
who retired the same day
after six years in the position
and a 47-year career in
government. The council
formally agreed on Jan. 23
to contract with Merejo at a
yearly salary of $275,000. Like
other city employees, he will
receive benefits, a yearly costof
living increase and, after
an annual performance evaluation, may receive a merit raise.
Merejo served as Blackburn’s assistant beginning in 2018.
But he began working for the city in 1994, working his way
up from chief wastewater-treatment plant operator to the director
of the city’s Utility Department in 2003, staying in that
job for 15 years until he moved to the assistant city manager
position at city hall.
Merejo received high praise from Mayor Shannon Martin
when the council agreed not to conduct a search for a new
manager, but instead to hire from within. Blackburn, she said,
had done an excellent job of succession planning, something
the city departments have been working on for a while.
“Personally, having worked with Mr. Merejo for the past 12
years, I have always been impressed with him as a leader. I
have always been able to trust his judgment wholeheartedly,”
Martin said.
Council members said Merejo will provide continuity for
the organization and noted the respect that both the staff and
community members have for him. They complimented his
vision for the city, proactive leadership style and his willingness
to embrace innovation.
Blackburn’s accomplishments were many, council members
said, citing his work to reduce the city’s debt, the Crosstown
Parkway completion, regaining ownership of the city center
and acquisition of the Southern Grove property in the western
part of the city.
“I feel very proud that he Blackburn chose Port St. Lucie
as his final destination before retiring,” Councilwoman Jolien
Caraballo said after describing how he had helped her to
become a better council member.
Merejo started his new job on Friday, Feb. 18. His office can
be reached at 871.5163. E
MillersCentralAir.com
673 SW Carter Ave.
Port Saint Lucie
— Since 1995 —
#CAC058675 “
”
— Mayor Shannon Martin
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