City highlights redevelopment potential during HUD secretary's visit

Published on April 14, 2026

Photo shows HUD Secretary Scott Turner (second from right) with officials from the City of Port St. Lucie after the Secretary toured Port St. Lucie.

The City of Port St. Lucie welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner today for an on‑site look at Walton & One, one of the City’s major redevelopment focus areas.

City leaders highlighted how the 73-acre Walton & One site, centrally located on U.S. 1 in the eastern portion of Port St. Lucie, is poised to become a vibrant mixed‑use district – and an ideal candidate for an updated federal Opportunity Zone designation.

A HUD Opportunity Zone provides opportunities for new private investments into a federally designated area that may be experiencing slower economic growth. Investors in Opportunity Zone areas may qualify for special federal tax benefits, while the communities can see enhanced job creation and economic revitalization.

Located within a community redevelopment area, Walton & One is primed to become an economic driver for Port St. Lucie. Already home to the MIDFLORIDA Event Center, there are plans for restaurants, retail businesses, office space, hotels and residential units, anchored by a future United Soccer League stadium – all within the Walton & One footprint.

City officials shared with Secretary Turner that establishing the Opportunity Zone at Walton & One would unlock new economic momentum on the City’s east side and better align with federal objectives such as job creation, revitalization and long‑term growth.

To make this change possible, the City will formally request that Gov. Ron DeSantis nominate the Census Group 381802 as a new Opportunity Zone.

“We are grateful for Secretary Turner’s visit and the chance to showcase how Walton & One can spark meaningful economic revitalization,” said Mayor Shannon M. Martin. “Realigning our Opportunity Zone to this strategic area will help us boost local jobs, accelerate redevelopment and attract investment that will benefit residents throughout the City.”

Photo Caption: From left to right: Jesus Merejo, City Manager; Jennifer Davis, Community Redevelopment Agency Director; Kate Parmelee, Deputy City Manager for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation; Shannon M. Martin, Mayor; Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Secretary; and Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce.