March 2007 Stories

March, 2007

1) Construction starts on Civic Center
March 02, 2007
Port St. Lucie City Council members Linda Bartz, Michelle Berger, Chris Cooper, Mayor Patricia Christensen, former Mayor Bob Minsky and Vice Mayor Jack Kelly began the construction of the city's future Civic Center with a groundbreaking event Thursday morning. The 100,000 square foot facility will include meeting rooms, a gymnasium and other public gathering places that will anchor the future downtown, to be called City Center, and bring new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.The Civic Center will consist of a grand entrance lobby, banquet hall, multipurpose gymnasium, exhibition space, art gallery, racquetball courts, fitness center, café and terrace overlooking a redeveloped lake and fountain.The Mediterranean architectural style of the Civic Center will provide an inviting meeting space for the new downtown and the sports venue inside will be the only one of its kind in the area.The Civic Center will be built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and will be complete by the end of 2008.

2) CivicCentergroundbreaking to air on PSL-TV20
March 5, 2007
Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony for Port St. Lucie’s future Civic Center will begin airing Monday on PSL-TV20 to help residents get a better idea of why the project is so important to the future of the city.
Mayor Patricia Christensen said the event was a celebration of the community’s efforts to work together and praised the many agencies, organizations and individuals who helped make the Civic Center a possibility. She said the public-private partnership that made the project possible will bring extensive new development to the city’s Community Redevelopment Area, which will become the city’s new downtown.
The Civic Center groundbreaking program will air on the following dates and times:

· Monday, March 5 — 8 a.m., 11a.m.
· Tuesday, March 6 — 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
· Wednesday, March 7 — 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
· Thursday, March 8 — 7 p.m.
· Friday, March 9 — 7 a.m.
· Saturday, March 10 — 7 p.m.
· Sunday, March 11 — 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

PSL-TV20 is available within city limits to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.

3) Torrey Pines groundbreaking to air on PSL-TV20
March 6, 2007
Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS) will begin airing this week on PSL-TV20.
Port St. Lucie City Council members believe the establishment of the biotech research company in the city will lead to a growth in high-paying, high tech jobs that will boost the local economy for years to come.
The program will air on the following dates and times:

· Tuesday, March 6 — 9 a.m., 11 a.m. 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
· Wednesday, March 7 — 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
· Thursday, March 8 — 7 a.m.
· Friday, March 9 — 7 p.m.
· Saturday, March 10 — 7 a.m.
· Sunday, March 11 — 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

PSL-TV20 is available within city limits to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.
For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofpsl.com

4) Leprechaun Village will be newest attraction at St. Patrick’s Day festival
March 7, 2007
Join the Friendly Sons & Daughters of Ireland, along with the City of Port St. Lucie's Community Redevelopment Agency and Parks & Recreation Department for the 18th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival & Parade. The celebration begins Saturday, March 17 with a parade at 11 a.m. that will march right into Lyngate Park, at the intersection of Midport Road and Lyngate Drive. The Festival will begin at noon, and will be kicked off with a step-dancing display by the Rondeau School of Irish Dance. Authentic Irish food, beer and music will be served up in the 40-by-80-foot main event tent where Irish music, singing and dance will be in abundance.
An Irish marketplace will magically appear in the center of Lyngate Park from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., offering traditional arts & crafts, food vendors and public information booths. Plus, the city's mobile stage will provide music and entertainment for the Leprechaun Village, at the park’s playground area. There will be a free bounce house obstacle course for the children, and a Hot-Shot Basketball tournament presented by the Police Athletic League & the Parks & Recreation Department.
The event is free to the public, and will offer many opportunities to win prizes, play games and simply enjoy the day in the park. For more information, please call (772) 344-4021. See you there!

5) PSL public meetings to air on PSL-TV20 this weekend
March 9, 2007
Public meetings to air on PSL-TV20 this weekend include the Contractors’ Licensing Board meeting of March 8, and the City Council meeting of February 26.
The meetings will air on the following dates and times:

Contractor’s Licensing Board
· Saturday, March 9 —8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

City Council meeting
· Sunday, March 10 —5 p.m.

Additionally, the Civic Center groundbreaking event will air on Saturday at 8 p.m. For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, click on the TV20 schedule link in the right-hand column.

6) Saints clubhouse and pro shop opens Monday, March 12
March 9, 2007
Although the city-owned Saints Golf Course is experiencing one of its best seasons ever, things are about to get even better Monday, March 12 when the new clubhouse opens to the public at 6:30 a.m.
The new 11,000-square foot facility includes a pro shop, a banquet room that can be rented by the public, and Josef’s, a popular restaurant that has been operating out of a trailer on the property since the hurricanes destroyed the old clubhouse in 2004. Josef’s will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.The restaurant’s phone number is 398-6900.
The pro shop can be reached at 398-2901. Their hours will be from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The official ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the clubhouse will be Tuesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

7) PSL Council meeting going live on TV20
March 12, 2007
For the first time in the city’s 45-year history, Port St. Lucie City Council meetings will begin airing live on television beginning today at 7 p.m. The new broadcasts will allow citizens a chance to witness important local decisions as they happen.
The meetings will be broadcast on the city’s government-access channel, PSL-TV20, which is available to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus.

Council meetings are replayed on the following dates and times:
· Wednesday —1 a.m. and 8 p.m.
· Friday —8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
· Sunday —4 p.m.

The Council meets the second and fourth Monday of each month in City Hall, and on other Mondays as needed at 2 p.m. All meetings will be broadcast live, including when the Council convenes as the Community Redevelopment Agency or Government Finance Corporation.
For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, visit the city’s website at www.cityofpsl.com ( http://www.cityofpsl.com/ ).

8) City Council Capsules for March 12, 2007
March 13, 2007
At their March 7 meeting, the Port St. Lucie City Council:Rezoned 12 acres of property on the west side of St. James Drive, south of the C-107 canal, to allow for a housing development to be called St. James Mediterranean.
Approved the concept of establishing a city employee health clinic in an attempt to reduce health insurance costs. The City Attorney’s office will have to approve a contract with the health care provider before the clinic is established, and a financial review will be required every six months.
Re-appointed James Rich to a four-year term on the Planning and Zoning Board.
Raised the speed limits on California and Cashmere Boulevards to 40 miles per hour.
Authorized a series of financial transactions that will allow the city to raise as much as $47 million to build the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies.

9) PSLiving features Florida legislative update from Representative Gayle Harrell
March 13, 2007
This week’s episode of “PSLiving” includes:
· Update by State Representative Gayle Harrell from Tallahassee on the latest decisions during this year’s session of the Florida Legislature.
· Fighting pollution in city waterways.
· Police Department’s Spring Family Forum set for March 22.
· A review of upcoming events.
“PSLiving” is the city’s award-winning weekly TV magazine show which includes a short recap of the most recent City Council meeting, updates on city programs, interviews with community leaders, a special event calendar and more. “PSLiving” is shown everyday at 6 a.m., Noon, and 6 p.m. A new episode debuts every Thursday at 6 p.m. “PSLiving” earned an Award of Distinction from the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association during their 2006 Image Awards competition.
“PSLiving” is broadcast to Port St. Lucie citizens on the city’s government cable TV channel, PSL-TV20. The channel is available to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, click on the TV20 schedule link in the right-hand column.

10) Saints new clubhouse now open
March 14, 2007
The clubhouse at the city-owned Saints Golf Course opened its doors Monday to the public for the first time since hurricanes Francis and Jeanne destroyed it in 2004. The new 11,000 square-foot building houses a new and expanded pro shop, a rentable banquet hall and Josef’s restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Josef’s and the pro shop had been operating out of a trailer on the golf course since the storms.
The pro shop is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (772) 398-6900. Josef’s is open every day from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Their phone number is (772) 337-0180. On Sundays, Josef’s offers a brunch in the banquet hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The official ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the clubhouse will be Tuesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

11) City Council Capsules for March 19, 2007
March 21, 2007
At their March 19 meetings, the Port St. Lucie City Council:
Authorized a contract for $1.9 million of preparation work for the Civic Center site.
Approve the use of decorative banners on light poles in East Lake Village.
Delayed until early April, a vote on expanding the city’s water and sewer service to properties west of Range Line Road.
Authorized the City Manager to award $10,500 to three city employees who saved the city approximately $1.8 million in construction costs on the new Saints clubhouse.
Approved a change in landscaping plans along Bayshore Boulevard that will improve the look of the area.

12) PSL Arts & All That Jazz Festival set for March 31st & April 1st
March 22, 2007
Join The City of Port St. Lucie’s Parks and Recreation Department, Community Redevelopment Agency and the St. Lucie Professional Art League on Saturday & Sunday, March 31 & April 1, for the 5th Annual City of Port St. Lucie Arts & All That Jazz Festival!
This year, the fun will be in Lyngate Park, just north of the intersection of Lyngate Drive and Midport Road, starting at 11 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. both days.
Artists from around the state will present their work to be viewed by the public; including featured local artists like Ft. Pierce's own Highwayman Pastor Mary Carroll. National Jazz talent Ira Sullivan with Nicole Yarling from Miami, and New York's Lenore Raphael Piano Jazz Trio will perform with local favorites Ossie Wright and the Groove Division, as well as Joe Holiday and the Mark Green Trio.
An Arts & Crafts village with over 40 booths will be located by the children's area, where free face painting and a make-and-take crafts tent will provide the kids with a chance to make their own art. For those wishing for an extra touch of elegance, the Suffolk & Song VIP Tent will offer, for a small donation to the St. Lucie Professional Art League, entrance to a special tent featuring a wine tasting, light snacks, an award winning art gallery, and premier seating in front of the stage for the Jazz Festival. Light snacks will also be served.
For more information, call the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department special events at (772) 344.4021.

13) PSLiving features Parks & Recreation programs, Police Service Aides and Martin Memorial health tips
March 22, 2007
This week’s episode of “PSLiving” includes:
· Update by State Representative Gayle Harrell from Tallahassee on the latest decisions during this year’s session of the Florida Legislature.
· The interesting job of Police Service Aide.
· MartinMemorial Hospital’s health tips.
· Parks and Recreations Department programs.
· A review of upcoming events.
“PSLiving” is the city’s award-winning weekly TV magazine show which includes a short recap of the most recent City Council meeting, updates on city programs, interviews with community leaders, a special event calendar and more. “PSLiving” is shown everyday at 6 a.m., Noon, and 6 p.m. A new episode debuts every Thursday at 6 p.m. “PSLiving” earned an Award of Distinction from the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association during their 2006 Image Awards competition.
“PSLiving” is broadcast to Port St. Lucie citizens on the city’s government cable TV channel, PSL-TV20. The channel is available to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.
For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, click on the TV20 link in the right column.

14) Music, games and fun planned for Spring Eggstravaganza
March 22, 2007
The City of Port St. Lucie’s Parks and Recreation Department will host the Annual Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 7, at Whispering Pines Park, 800 SW Darwin Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.
Festivities in the Park begin at 9 a.m. and will include music, bounce house and slide, arts and craft projects, Jelly Bean counting contest, and face painting. Refreshments will be on sale. Starting at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Funny Bones will be providing entertainment for all ages on stage.
Following Mr. Funny Bones the Easter Bunny will arrive by helicopter to lead the children to the egg hunt for children 10 years and under. There will be 10,000 eggs and candy spread over the four baseball fields for the four age groups 0- 3 yrs., 4 –5 yrs., 6 – 7 yrs., and 8 – 10 yrs.
This event is free to the public! For additional information please contact special events at (772)344-4021.

15) West Virginia Driveclosing from Bayshore Boulevard to Manth Lane
March 22, 2007
April 2nd, West Virginia Drive will be closed from Bayshore Boulevard to Manth Lane to allow for construction on the Crosstown Parkway.
All intersections that connect to West Virginia Drive also will be closed to northbound and southbound through traffic, with the exception of Airoso Boulevard and Sandia Drive. Manth also will remain open to northbound, southbound and eastbound traffic.
Construction of the Bayshore-to-Manth segment of the Crosstown Parkway will be complete in early 2009.
For more information about progress on the Crosstown Parkway, call the project hotline at 1-866-StLucie (1-866-785-8243) or click on “Third East West Transportation Corridor Studies” in the right-hand column.
Click Here to see a map of the closings.

16) New TV20 program features Vice Mayor Kelly, Councilman Cooper touring Saints Clubhouse
March 26, 2007
PSL-TV20’s newest show, “The Jack Kelly and Chris Cooper Show,” begins airing this week, featuring a special tour of the new clubhouse at the city-owned Saints Golf course.
Vice Mayor Kelly and Councilman Cooper take viewers into the new restaurant and pro shop, and out to the greens, interviewing diners, golfers and clubhouse staff about the many benefits the new building brings to the community.
The 11,000 square-foot clubhouse was built in nine months —on time and on budget —to replace an older facility that was destroyed in the 2004 hurricanes.
“The Jack Kelly and Chris Cooper Show,” is broadcast to Port St. Lucie citizens on the city’s government cable TV channel, PSL-TV20. The channel is available to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.
The new show will air on the following dates and times:

· Monday, March 26 —9 a.m.
· Tuesday, March 27 —11 p.m.
· Wednesday, March 28 —1 p.m.
· Thursday, March 29 —1 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 7 p.m.
· Saturday, March 31 —7 p.m.
· Sunday, April 1 —8 a.m., 2 p.m., 9 p.m.

For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, click the link in the right-hand column.

17) More than 100 citizens attend first ‘Coffee with the Mayor’
March 26, 2007
A larger than anticipated crowd of more than 100 people attended Port St. Lucie Mayor Patricia Christensen’s first “Coffee with the Mayor” meeting Friday.
“Coffee with the Mayor” is a monthly event that will give citizens a chance to hear the Mayor’s ideas on timely topics and ask questions about issues of personal interest.
At Friday’s meeting Mayor Christensen talked about some of her long-term plans for the city, and said she hopes to keep the public as informed as possible on important issues. She said the large showing of residents was a good sign that people want to be involved with local government.
“It’s encouraging to see so many people who want to be a part of all the great things happening in our community, and I really appreciate their ideas and suggestions,” Christensen said.
The event was sponsored by Indian River National Bank and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, which will coordinate the event with various businesses, groups and associations in the future.
To find out when a “Coffee with the Mayor” meeting will be held, citizens can check the Chamber’s Web site at www.stluciechamber.org. Their phone number is (772) 595-9999. Once a date is determined each month, it also will be posted on the city’s Web site. The Mayor’s office number is (772) 871-5159.

18)City Council Capsules for March 26, 2007
March 27, 2007
At their March 26 meeting, the Port St. Lucie City Council:Heard from several residents about citizen opposition to the expansion of the Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant. More than 200 people in red shirts packed the Council Chambers to show their opposition to the plan. Mayor Christensen told the citizens that Councilman Chris Cooper, who represents the District 3 area surrounding the plant, will begin regular meetings with representatives from the neighborhood to find a solution.
Recognized Port St. Lucie Police Officer of the Year Michael Coulton as Riverside Bank’s “Hometown Hero.”
Amended the 2006-2007 budget by $110 million, increasing it to a total $805 million.
Authorized the transfer of $1.2 million in federal grant money to purchase land and build eight residential rental units for low income families.
Discussed the idea of encouraging residents to avoid doing business in local convenience stores that sell paraphernalia promoting illegal drug use.
Voted 4-1, with Vice Mayor Jack Kelly opposing, a plan to expand the city’s water and sewer services to the west of city limits.
Formally recognized the dedicated service of Planning and Zoning Director Cheryl Friend, who is retiring after several years of successful service to the city.

19) Public invited to botanical garden meeting on April 11
March 29, 2007
The next meeting of the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden will be Wednesday April 11th in the City Council chambers at 5:30 p.m. The group will then adjourn at 6:30 and take a field trip to the site on Westmoreland Blvd.
Residents are encouraged to join the group and to help plan the future of the botanical garden, which will become a notable tourist destination and a place of pride and beauty for all Port St. Lucie residents for many years to come. Citizen input into the plans will ensure that the botanical garden will have something for everyone.
For more information, e-mail Councilman Christopher Cooper at pslbotanicalgard@aol.com.

20)PSLiving features police recruiting, water conservation, legislative update
March 29, 2007
This week’s episode of “PSLiving” includes:
· Update by State Representative Gayle Harrell from Tallahassee on the latest decisions during this year’s session of the Florida Legislature.
· Recap of March 26 City Council meeting.
· Police Department’s efforts to recruit top candidates.
· South Florida Water Management District water conservation efforts.
· Update on Public Works Department projects.
· A review of upcoming events.
“PSLiving” is the city’s award-winning weekly TV magazine show which includes a short recap of the most recent City Council meeting, updates on city programs, interviews with community leaders, a special event calendar and more. “PSLiving” is shown everyday at 6 a.m., Noon, and 6 p.m. A new episode debuts every Thursday at 6 p.m. “PSLiving” earned an Award of Distinction from the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association during their 2006 Image Awards competition.
“PSLiving” is broadcast to Port St. Lucie citizens on the city’s government cable TV channel, PSL-TV20. The channel is available to customers of Comcast and Hometown Cable Plus. PSL-TV20 earned the City Manager’s 2006 Significant Achievement Award.
For a complete schedule of programs on PSL-TV20, click the link in the right-hand column to "PSL-TV20 weekly schedule."

Public Meetings / PSL TV 20