City Council Home Page

Welcome to the Port St. Lucie City Council

Mayor Patricia Christensen Mayor@cityofpsl.com Mayor Patricia Christensen is serving her first term as mayor. She has previously served on the City Council for four terms as the representative of District 1. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Patricia moved to Port St. Lucie with her husband and three children in 1987. The move allowed her children to be closer to their grandparents, who had retired to Port St. Lucie. Soon after moving to the city, she became involved in her community by joining several homeowners groups. Through her involvement with these groups, Patricia realized there were many quality of life issues needing to be addressed. These included the availability of central water and sewer, parks and activities for residents of all ages, and the desperate need for better roads. In 1990 Patricia successfully ran for the City Council, the youngest person to hold office in the city’s history. During her first term in office, Patricia was instrumental in breaking the city’s ties with General Development. She worked with the council to begin addressing the quality of life issues that brought her to public service, such as building more parks, beginning a road resurfacing program and a stormwater improvement program - both sorely needed and previously non-existent. She also hold the distinction of being the only council member to give birth while in office – to twins no less. (Her twins were also the first to be born in the city limits.) Patricia held office until 1994. From 1994 to 1999, Patricia remained active in the community. She sat on the Board of Directors of the United Way of St. Lucie County and successfully raised $1.3 million as campaign chairman in 1998. She chaired the City of Port St. Lucie Economic Growth Team and became President of the Port St. Lucie Breakfast Rotary Club and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6930. She was employed by USA Waste & Waste Management as District Sales Manager. In 2000, Patricia realized she sorely missed public service and again ran for the City Council. She was elected to the District 3 seat and in 2002, after district lines were redrawn, Patricia successfully won the District 1 seat. “Public service is one of the most rewarding endeavors I have ever been involved with. I am honored by the opportunity I have been given to help guide the successes our city has experienced over the past years. I am excited about the new challenges we are facing and want to ensure the solutions benefit every citizen,” said Patricia. In addition to her Mayoral duties, she serves as a member of the Transportation Planning Organization, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, Executive Round Table, and the Treasure Coast League of Mayors. Patricia is married to Frans and the mother of five. Her eldest son Andrew is married to Sara and has a daughter Emma. Andrew is now stationed in California after serving two tours of duty in Iraq. Matthew discharged from the Air Force and is a student at IRCC. Patricia’s daughter, Jennifer is studying at the University of Florida. Twins Erik and Dane attend SLW Centennial High School
Vice Mayor Jack Kelly District4@cityofpsl.com Councilman Jack Kelly was re-elected to a third term on the Port St. Lucie City Council in November 2004. Originally from Fairfield County, Connecticut, Jack and his wife of 43 years, Gail, have been active locally since early 1991. The couple has two married children, John Jr. and Maureen, and are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Gail and daughter Maureen are teachers in Port St. Lucie. Jack’s career includes ownership of several diversified businesses, and he has extensive corporate management experience in training, recruiting and human behavior. He is Past Chair of the St. Lucie County Fire District Board, Chair of the St. Lucie County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), and he is on the St. Lucie County Expressway Authority. Jack also is the appointed liaison to the Martin County TPO, is Past District Governor of Lions Clubs International, and is Immediate Past President of the St. Lucie County Boys’ & Girls’ Club. He is a board member of The St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, The United Way, St. Lucie Medical Center, the Port St. Lucie High School Student Advisory Committee and the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce. Jack also serves on the city’s Fall Festival Board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has been named as the Elks’ Club Citizen of the Year. As a strong advocate for quality-of-life issues in Port St. Lucie, Jack was instrumental in strengthening the city’s anti-litter ordinances in 2007. Additionally, he has worked to improve economic development opportunities and relations with other governmental bodies, and to inform residents through various public awareness campaigns.
Councilwoman Michelle Berger District2@cityofpsl.com Michelle Berger was elected to the Port St. Lucie City Council in November 2004 with 60 percent of the voters approving of the fresh ideas and positive message she offered during her campaign. As the mother of two boys and the wife of a Palm Beach County firefighter, Michelle understands the expectations of Port St. Lucie’s families, and has been a strong proponent of the quality-of-life issues that make the city the destination of so many new residents. And with more than 14 years of management and small business owner experience, along with a bachelor's degree in business management, she understands the important role businesses play in the city’s stability and development. That’s why she has been a supporter of policies that ensure the city’s growth will include a healthy mix of commercial and residential areas, and that the local infrastructure will be among the best in Florida long into the future. As a persistent advocate for fiscal responsibility, Michelle urges that taxpayer money be used only for those projects that bring the most value to the city, and her support of a proposal to change the financing plan for construction of the Crosstown Parkway will help the city save millions of dollars on a project that won approval of 89 percent of Port St. Lucie’s voters in 2005. Perhaps her greatest strength, however, is her contagious energy and her ability to build consensus for the programs and projects she believes in. As a volunteer in several local organizations and committees, Michelle has demonstrated this to the residents and officials who have worked with her, and who now see the positive impact she has had on the future of the city. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family, and their boating and camping experiences have allowed them to enjoy the best of what the magnificent state of Florida has to offer. She currently serves on the St. Lucie County Scenic Highway Committee, the St. Lucie County Bridge and Expressway Authority, St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council, SLC/Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Atlantic University Advisory Committee, St. Lucie County Habitat for Humanity, North Fork of the St. Lucie River Management Advisory Committee, and as an alternate to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Michelle also serves on the Community Advisory Board for Seacoast Bank, as well as two non-profit organizations’ boards: the YMCA of the Treasure Coast and the Police Athletic League in Port St. Lucie. A major accomplishment recently has been the marriage of resources between the Y and PAL which resulted in a new facility for after school care within the City of Port St. Lucie funded by a Children’s Services Council grant. Michelle was also recently appointed by Senate President Ken Pruitt to a newly formed State of Florida Fireworks Task Force, which has been assigned the task of crafting new state legislation for fireworks sale and distribution.
Councilman Christopher Cooper District3@cityofpsl.com A Columbus, Ohio native, District III Councilman Christopher Cooper came to Port St. Lucie in 1993, relocating from Plantation, Florida. He was elected to a four-year term in November 2002 and was reelected without opposition in November 2006. He has represented the city for four years on the Harbor Port Authority, Community Redevelopment Agency and as a commissioner on the St. Lucie County Fire District Board. He also serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Port St. Lucie Urban Service Area and as an alternate liaison to the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Previously, he served as a member of the Florida League of Cities’ Criminal Justice Policy Committee for three years. Chris is a mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, where he works with two boys at Windmill Point Elementary School. He is also a mentor to young referees at the Mako Soccer Club, and has served as the club's president, treasurer, director of referees and as a soccer coach. Along with the support of the city's Mayor and fellow council members, he was instrumental in the expansion of the McChesney Park soccer facility. The complex now hosts major tournaments and can be arranged into different size fields to accommodate all age groups. It is without a doubt the finest soccer facility on the Treasure Coast. A co-founder of the club's soccer scholarship program, Chris continues to work with the referee program and is a grade 8 United States Soccer Federation (USSF) referee. The Mako Soccer Club works with more than 800 young men and women in Port St. Lucie. Chris is a member of the Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658, The Downtown Lions Club of Port St Lucie and the German American Club of The Treasure Coast. He was instrumental in helping establish the city's annual Oktoberfest at City Center in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), and he credits the German American Club for being a terrific partner in making this event a huge success. Currently he is working on bringing a 20-acre botanical garden to city property off Westmoreland and Port St. Lucie Boulevards. His interest in landscaping motivated him to work toward creating a beautiful park setting on the St. Lucie River, where everyone can enjoy the beautiful outdoors, as well as participate in the project as volunteers. He recently obtained his certification in landscape design. Professionally, Chris works as a driver engineer with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, where he began his career in April of 1987. He has been a member of the International Association of Firefighters for 19 years, and has earned numerous commendations and citations for his efforts, including the Distinguished Service Cross for helping contain the 1999 wildfires that ravaged western Port St. Lucie. Chris was also awarded Firefighter of The Year and Emergency Medical Technician of The Year. He also is a certified process server for the 19th Judicial Circuit. Recognizing the need for high paying jobs in the city, the Councilman supports the efforts to attract biomedical research jobs that will provide a community where our children will return after completing college. Other issues of importance to him are the improvement of roads and bridges, the timely completion of the Crosstown Parkway, the continued focus on parks and recreational activities, improved police and fire protection, and better preparedness for hurricanes and other natural disasters. Essential governmental services for the public are a priority for Chris, as are the success of the downtown concept in the CRA and the Riverwalk project. His wife of 21 years, Ruth, is a fitness instructor for the YMCA of Martin County. They have two sons; Brian, 17, is a senior at Centennial High School, where Chris sits as an involved parent on the school advisory committee. Brian is a member of the St. Lucie County Fire Rescue Explorers Program and hopes to follow in his father's footsteps to become a firefighter. He plays soccer for the Mako Soccer Club and is also a USSF grade 8 referee. Jeffrey, 14, has attended both the Port St Lucie Police Junior Explorers Program and the Advanced Explorers Program. Jeffrey also plays for the Mako Soccer Club. He is a freshman at the new Treasure Coast High School. His father, Chris, also sits on the school advisory committee for this school.
Councilwoman Linda Bartz District1@cityofpsl.com Linda Bartz is serving her first term as Councilwoman, District 1. A Vice President and Bank Manager at Riverside National Bank, Linda is a business woman who knows how to balance a budget and manage money. Linda is active in the community serving with the Port St. Lucie Rotary, Council on Aging, Treasure Coast Crimestoppers, the Exchange Club, Hospice Ethics Committee, Concerned Citizens, Big Heart Brigade, and the recently formed St. Lucie County Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee. Whether it’s helping to address important issues in the community such as traffic and roads to ensure that emergency vehicles can get to and from hospitals and accident scenes quickly, working with the Superintendent and members of the St. Lucie County School District to raise educational standards or helping to bring down the high cost of taxes, insurance and living on the Treasure Coast, Linda is dedicated and committed to keeping Port St. Lucie moving into the future. Originally from New Jersey, Linda and her husband Gary have been residents of Port St. Lucie for 20 years. They have three grown daughters and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. In her spare time, Linda relaxes by reading a good mystery.

Mayor Patricia Christensen Mayor@cityofpsl.com

Mayor Patricia Christensen is serving her first term as mayor. She has previously served on the City Council for four terms as the representative of Distr Mayor Christensen ict 1.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Patricia moved to Port St. Lucie with her husband and three children in 1987. The move allowed her children to be closer to their grandparents, who had retired to Port St. Lucie.

Soon after moving to the city, she became involved in her community by joining several homeowners groups. Through her involvement with these groups, Patricia realized there were many quality of life issues needing to be addressed. These included the availability of central water and sewer, parks and activities for residents of all ages, and the desperate need for better roads.

In 1990 Patricia successfully ran for the City Council, the youngest person to hold office in the city’s history. During her first term in office, Patricia was instrumental in breaking the city’s ties with General Development. She worked with the council to begin addressing the quality of life issues that brought her to public service, such as building more parks, beginning a road resurfacing program and a stormwater improvement program - both sorely needed and previously non-existent. She also hold the distinction of being the only council member to give birth while in office – to twins no less. (Her twins were also the first to be born in the city limits.) Patricia held office until 1994.

From 1994 to 1999, Patricia remained active in the community. She sat on the Board of Directors of the United Way of St. Lucie County and successfully raised $1.3 million as campaign chairman in 1998. She chaired the City of Port St. Lucie Economic Growth Team and became President of the Port St. Lucie Breakfast Rotary Club and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6930. She was employed by USA Waste & Waste Management as District Sales Manager. In 2000, Patricia realized she sorely missed public service and again ran for the City Council. She was elected to the District 3 seat and in 2002, after district lines were redrawn, Patricia successfully won the District 1 seat.

“Public service is one of the most rewarding endeavors I have ever been involved with. I am honored by the opportunity I have been given to help guide the successes our city has experienced over the past years. I am excited about the new challenges we are facing and want to ensure the solutions benefit every citizen,” said Patricia. In addition to her Mayoral duties, she serves as a member of the Transportation Planning Organization, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, Executive Round Table, and the Treasure Coast League of Mayors.

Patricia is married to Frans and the mother of five. Her eldest son Andrew is married to Sara and has a daughter Emma. Andrew is now stationed in California after serving two tours of duty in Iraq. Matthew discharged from the Air Force and is a student at IRCC. Patricia’s daughter, Jennifer is studying at the University of Florida. Twins Erik and Dane attend SLW Centennial High School

Vice Mayor Jack Kelly District4@cityofpsl.com

Vice Mayor Kelly

Councilman Jack Kelly was re-elected to a third term on the Port St. Lucie City Council in November 2004. Originally from Fairfield County, Connecticut, Jack and his wife of 43 years, Gail, have been active locally since early 1991. The couple has two married children, John Jr. and Maureen, and are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Gail and daughter Maureen are teachers in Port St. Lucie.

Jack’s career includes ownership of several diversified businesses, and he has extensive corporate management experience in training, recruiting and human behavior. He is Past Chair of the St. Lucie County Fire District Board, Chair of the St. Lucie County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), and he is on the St. Lucie County Expressway Authority. Jack also is the appointed liaison to the Martin County TPO, is Past District Governor of Lions Clubs International, and is Immediate Past President of the St. Lucie County Boys’ & Girls’ Club.

He is a board member of The St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, The United Way, St. Lucie Medical Center, the Port St. Lucie High School Student Advisory Committee and the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce.

Jack also serves on the city’s Fall Festival Board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has been named as the Elks’ Club Citizen of the Year.

As a strong advocate for quality-of-life issues in Port St. Lucie, Jack was instrumental in strengthening the city’s anti-litter ordinances in 2007. Additionally, he has worked to improve economic development opportunities and relations with other governmental bodies, and to inform residents through various public awareness campaigns.

Councilwoman Michelle Berger District2@cityofpsl.com

Michelle. Berger Michelle Berger was elected to the Port St. Lucie City Council in November 2004 with 60 percent of the voters approving of the fresh ideas and positive message she offered during her campaign.

As the mother of two boys and the wife of a Palm Beach County firefighter, Michelle understands the expectations of Port St. Lucie’s families, and has been a strong proponent of the quality-of-life issues that make the city the destination of so many new residents.

And with more than 14 years of management and small business owner experience, along with a bachelor's degree in business management, she understands the important role businesses play in the city’s stability and development. That’s why she has been a supporter of policies that ensure the city’s growth will include a healthy mix of commercial and residential areas, and that the local infrastructure will be among the best in Florida long into the future.

As a persistent advocate for fiscal responsibility, Michelle urges that taxpayer money be used only for those projects that bring the most value to the city, and her support of a proposal to change the financing plan for construction of the Crosstown Parkway will help the city save millions of dollars on a project that won approval of 89 percent of Port St. Lucie’s voters in 2005.

Perhaps her greatest strength, however, is her contagious energy and her ability to build consensus for the programs and projects she believes in. As a volunteer in several local organizations and committees, Michelle has demonstrated this to the residents and officials who have worked with her, and who now see the positive impact she has had on the future of the city.

Her favorite activity is spending time with her family, and their boating and camping experiences have allowed them to enjoy the best of what the magnificent state of Florida has to offer. She currently serves on the St. Lucie County Scenic Highway Committee, the St. Lucie County Bridge and Expressway Authority, St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council, SLC/Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Atlantic University Advisory Committee, St. Lucie County Habitat for Humanity, North Fork of the St. Lucie River Management Advisory Committee, and as an alternate to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Michelle also serves on the Community Advisory Board for Seacoast Bank, as well as two non-profit organizations’ boards: the YMCA of the Treasure Coast and the Police Athletic League in Port St. Lucie. A major accomplishment recently has been the marriage of resources between the Y and PAL which resulted in a new facility for after school care within the City of Port St. Lucie funded by a Children’s Services Council grant. Michelle was also recently appointed by Senate President Ken Pruitt to a newly formed State of Florida Fireworks Task Force, which has been assigned the task of crafting new state legislation for fireworks sale and distribution.

Councilman Christopher Cooper District3@cityofpsl.com

Chris Cooper A Columbus, Ohio native, District III Councilman Christopher Cooper came to Port St. Lucie in 1993, relocating from Plantation, Florida. He was elected to a four-year term in November 2002 and was reelected without opposition in November 2006. He has represented the city for four years on the Harbor Port Authority, Community Redevelopment Agency and as a commissioner on the St. Lucie County Fire District Board. He also serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Port St. Lucie Urban Service Area and as an alternate liaison to the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Previously, he served as a member of the Florida League of Cities’ Criminal Justice Policy Committee for three years.

Chris is a mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, where he works with two boys at Windmill Point Elementary School. He is also a mentor to young referees at the Mako Soccer Club, and has served as the club's president, treasurer, director of referees and as a soccer coach. Along with the support of the city's Mayor and fellow council members, he was instrumental in the expansion of the McChesney Park soccer facility. The complex now hosts major tournaments and can be arranged into different size fields to accommodate all age groups. It is without a doubt the finest soccer facility on the Treasure Coast. A co-founder of the club's soccer scholarship program, Chris continues to work with the referee program and is a grade 8 United States Soccer Federation (USSF) referee. The Mako Soccer Club works with more than 800 young men and women in Port St. Lucie.

Chris is a member of the Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658, The Downtown Lions Club of Port St Lucie and the German American Club of The Treasure Coast. He was instrumental in helping establish the city's annual Oktoberfest at City Center in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), and he credits the German American Club for being a terrific partner in making this event a huge success.

Currently he is working on bringing a 20-acre botanical garden to city property off Westmoreland and Port St. Lucie Boulevards. His interest in landscaping motivated him to work toward creating a beautiful park setting on the St. Lucie River, where everyone can enjoy the beautiful outdoors, as well as participate in the project as volunteers. He recently obtained his certification in landscape design.

Professionally, Chris works as a driver engineer with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, where he began his career in April of 1987. He has been a member of the International Association of Firefighters for 19 years, and has earned numerous commendations and citations for his efforts, including the Distinguished Service Cross for helping contain the 1999 wildfires that ravaged western Port St. Lucie. Chris was also awarded Firefighter of The Year and Emergency Medical Technician of The Year. He also is a certified process server for the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Recognizing the need for high paying jobs in the city, the Councilman supports the efforts to attract biomedical research jobs that will provide a community where our children will return after completing college. Other issues of importance to him are the improvement of roads and bridges, the timely completion of the Crosstown Parkway, the continued focus on parks and recreational activities, improved police and fire protection, and better preparedness for hurricanes and other natural disasters. Essential governmental services for the public are a priority for Chris, as are the success of the downtown concept in the CRA and the Riverwalk project.

His wife of 21 years, Ruth, is a fitness instructor for the YMCA of Martin County. They have two sons; Brian, 17, is a senior at Centennial High School, where Chris sits as an involved parent on the school advisory committee. Brian is a member of the St. Lucie County Fire Rescue Explorers Program and hopes to follow in his father's footsteps to become a firefighter. He plays soccer for the Mako Soccer Club and is also a USSF grade 8 referee. Jeffrey, 14, has attended both the Port St Lucie Police Junior Explorers Program and the Advanced Explorers Program. Jeffrey also plays for the Mako Soccer Club. He is a freshman at the new Treasure Coast High School. His father, Chris, also sits on the school advisory committee for this school.

Councilwoman Linda Bartz District1@cityofpsl.com

Linda Bartz is serving her first term as Councilwoman, District 1.
A Vice President and Bank Manager at Riverside National Bank, Linda is a business woman who knows how to balance a budget and manage money.

Linda is active in the community serving with the Port St. Lucie Rotary, Council on Aging, Treasure Coast Crimestoppers, the Exchange Club, Hospice Ethics Committee, Concerned Citizens, Big Heart Brigade, and the recently formed St. Lucie County Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee.

Whether it’s helping to address important issues in the community such as traffic and roads to ensure that emergency vehicles can get to and from hospitals and accident scenes quickly, working with the Superintendent and members of the St. Lucie County School District to raise educational standards or helping to bring down the high cost of taxes, insurance and living on the Treasure Coast, Linda is dedicated and committed to keeping Port St. Lucie moving into the future.

Originally from New Jersey, Linda and her husband Gary have been residents of Port St. Lucie for 20 years. They have three grown daughters and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. In her spare time, Linda relaxes by reading a good mystery.