Port St. Lucie Magazine

Hundreds of jobs lost when warehouse demolished

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The enormous warehouse is shown just as it was finishing up completion at the South Florida Logistics Center 95. It was totally destroyed by a devastating tornado that ripped through the building during Hurricane Milton in October. Stonemont Financial, the developer, is in the process of evaluating the scope of restoration that would be required for rebuilding. ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Tornado wipes out opportunities for job growth

BY JERRY SHAW

The destruction of a new warehouse, valued at $61 million, in St. Lucie County by a tornado from Hurricane Milton is not only a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation caused by natural disasters, but also a major setback that robbed the county of hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The building was completed in early 2024 with 1.1 million square feet of space at the South Florida Logistics Center 95 near Orange Avenue and Kings Highway. It was considered to be a possible distribution center. 

Employment was estimated at 733 jobs, based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration Energy Consumption Survey, according to Maureen Saltzer, director of communications and outreach at the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. The actual number of employees would depend on user needs by the company.