SPOTLIGHT
A hometown with gusto
BY DEBRA MAGRANN
Port St. Lucie pivots from a once-sleepy retirement community
to becoming one of the nation’s top-performing cities
So what draws people to live, work and play
in Port St. Lucie?
For many, it is the affordability factor in the
housing market. For others, it is because their
relatives relocated here in the heydays of the early
‘60s, and it’s time to help the folks downsize or make
alternate living arrangements. And for still others,
it’s the lure of coastal living with beautiful beaches
within a short driving distance, ocean access through
canals and river fingerlets and unforgettable sunsets.
CITY ON THE RISE
Mayor Greg Oravec gave his State of the City
address in November to a packed council chamber at
City Hall. Recognizing the challenges ahead, Oravec
said Port St. Lucie is definitely a city on the rise,
basing his pride on hardworking city employees,
community champions, his fellow council members
and a fistful of recognitions from powerhouse
reviewers like Forbes, Investor’s Business Daily and
Bloomberg Business.
The criteria for evaluating a city’s ability to
provide a robust, baby-boomer retirement lifestyle
is built on key factors that include access to quality
physicians, volunteer opportunities, a caring social
support system and low crime rates. Since 2013, Port
St. Lucie has been favored by Forbes’ top 10 list two
years in a row as being a best place for business,
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CITY OF PSL
Ethnic festivals and beautiful weather bring people together for a good time. The diversity of its residents makes Port St. Lucie a model city.