Heart of the Matter
World’s tallest heart sculpture now on display in PSL
BY SUSAN BURGESS
Reflective of love, unity and the heart of Port St. Lucie, a shining 73-foot-tall heart sculpture is likely to become a symbol of the city and the community where it stands.
The polished stainless-steel heart, rising with graceful twists against a deep blue sky, was commissioned by developer Mattamy Homes for installation in the master-planned community Tradition. It was created by international artist Jefrë who signed one of the beams inside the heart while it was being assembled. It’s the tallest heart sculpture in the world. And can be seen from Interstate 95.
“Heart in the Park is a symbol of love, hope and resilience,” Jefrë said, “It represents the unity of the people in Port St. Lucie, and much like The Gateway Arch in St. Louis and “The Bean” in Chicago, we hope it will become a special place where people can create lasting memories.”
MATTAMY HOMES
Lasting memories for over a dozen couples were created in June when they were married or renewed their vows in a ceremony in the plaza below the heart. The artist thought of the heart and surrounding plaza as a place where people could meet, talk and hang out together. That wedding day was filled with not only the excitement of the couples, but also of their friends who attended and mingled with others.
The mirror-like reflections in the heart itself are fascinating. When people move, their reflections shift and change as the light bends on the polished surface. Taking photos of the changing images is a popular pastime.
“This artwork will bring our community closer, reflecting a message of love and inclusivity,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin. “Port St. Lucie is a city for all ages and the Heart of the Treasure Coast, and now we can proudly say that it’s a city with a heart for all.”
The space where the heart now stands is adjacent to the new 71,000-square-foot Shoppes at the Heart adjacent to the heart sculpture,
“Our goal with Heart in the Park was to transform open space into something meaningful that would resonate with the community,” said Dan Grosswald, southeast Florida division president for Mattamy Homes. “We worked with the City of Port St. Lucie and Jefrë to create something iconic that serves as the heart of Tradition and a gathering place to relax, spend time and stroll The Shoppes at the Heart.”
MATTAMY HOMES
Some of the shops are open; some are not. Aldi’s is, and so are Kyle G’s Amore Italian Chop House, Papa John’s, Sara’s Kitchen, Southpaw, Bardot Salon, Peach Cobbler Factory, Woof Gang Bakery and Robek’s Juice. More are opening soon.
During the grand opening in August visitors had a chance to meet the heart artist Jefrë, learn the cardiac revival technique called CPR, and were able to donate to the American Heart Association. “Hands-Only CPR can double, and in some cases triple, someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest,” said Stacey Comerford, executive director of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. “It’s simple to do, and we’re grateful for this opportunity to help our local community members learn this lifesaving skill.”
In addition to vehicular parking and bicycle parking, a T.I.M. stop for Tradition’s shuttle system is being provided at Heart in the Park, along with public seating and gathering areas.
Heart in the Park is situated along Tradition Trail, commonly known as the T-Trail, as one of a series of planned experiences. Other planned experiences include Stars and Stripes Park, which is slated to open this summer, nature trails, and Tradition Regional Park.
See the original article in print publication
Aug. 27, 2025
