Southern Grove is a 3,605-acre Development of Regional Impact (DRI) located south of Tradition Parkway. It is part of the larger 8,200-acre region known publicly and marketed as “Tradition.”
Southern Grove falls within the Southwest Annexation Agreement and includes land east and west of Village Parkway, south of Tradition Parkway, and north of the Martin County line at Becker Road. This area is approved for a mix of uses, including research and development, industrial, commercial and multi-family residential units. The Southern Grove Community Redevelopment Area was established in 2012(PDF, 3MB).
With high visibility and direct access to Interstate 95, Southern Grove is shovel-ready and entitled for commercial and industrial development. It has long been envisioned as Port St. Lucie’s future jobs corridor and a cornerstone of the City’s long-term economic prosperity.
As early as 2004, 1,321 acres were designated as a jobs corridor/employment center in a report by the Urban Land Institute(PDF, 1MB), which analyzed optimal land uses in the area. Due to the original platting by General Development Corp., there are no other comparable vacant, large-scale commercial and industrial parcels in Port St. Lucie—or all of South Florida. This corridor has the potential to generate more than 22,500 jobs across sectors such as retail, office, hotel, warehousing, healthcare, and research and development.
A Bold Vision for Economic Transformation
Port St. Lucie’s unconventional beginnings—without a traditional downtown or employment hub—led to decades of out-commuting and limited access to high-paying local jobs. At one point, nearly 70,000 residents commuted out of the city daily. To reverse this trend, city leaders envisioned the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor: a 1,200-acre tract along I-95 that could redefine the City’s economic future.
In 2018, after the original developer (Tradition Land Company) exited the community, the City acquired the land to prevent foreclosure and took on the role of master developer. Working with the Urban Land Institute, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and community stakeholders, the City created a long-term master plan to attract high-value employers in manufacturing, logistics, research, and healthcare. Though experts projected a 30-year build-out, by 2025 fewer than 20 acres remain available.
The State of Florida has recognized the corridor’s regional importance. In 2018, the Governor awarded the City a $3 million Florida Job Growth Grant for roadway construction. In 2021, another $3.5 million was awarded for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $5.53 million for Phase IV of Tom Mackie Boulevard and Marshall Parkway, including water, sewer and stormwater systems.
Job Creation and Major Investments
Southern Grove’s master plan supports a diversified job base, with land designated for manufacturing and other high-value uses. Key developments include:
- City Electric Supply (TAMCO): A 411,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility with a $38 million investment, retaining 200 jobs and creating 50 new ones.
- Legacy Park by Sansone Group: A Class A industrial complex. Its first tenant, FedEx, opened a 245,000-square-foot sortation center, bringing 450 jobs and a $44 million investment. At build-out, Legacy Park will exceed 5 million square feet and employ over 3,000 people.
- Amazon: A 220,000-square-foot delivery station creating 200 full-time jobs.
- Cheney Brothers: A $55 million food distribution center offering hundreds of jobs with wages 35% above the county average.
- Accel International Holdings: A 10-acre wire and cable manufacturing facility generating 125 new positions.
- OCULUS Surgical: Expanded into a new 10-acre headquarters, creating 50 high-wage jobs.
- Warehomes Precision: Developing 400,000 square feet of manufacturing, distribution, and flex space.
- Costco Warehouse Distribution Center: In 2024, acquired 192 acres and began construction of a 1.8 million-square-foot facility expected to bring 500 well-paying jobs.
Innovation and Research Hub
Southern Grove has also become a magnet for medical and biomedical investment. Cleveland Clinic has established a major presence with its seven story Tradition Hospital and its only research institute outside Cleveland. In 2020, it opened the Florida Research and Innovation Center—a 107,000-square-foot facility with biosafety level 3 labs and teams of scientists tackling global health challenges.
Following Cleveland Clinic’s announcement, Florida International University opened the Center for Translational Science in Southern Grove, bringing over 50 jobs to the City.
Southern Grove stands as a testament to Port St. Lucie’s determination to overcome its legacy challenges. Through strategic planning and bold action, the City has created unprecedented economic opportunities for its residents and positioned itself as a regional leader in innovation, industry and job creation.