Introduction to Port St. Lucie, Florida
The Florida city of Port St. Lucie is located in St. Lucie County, about equidistant (approximately 120 miles) from Miami (to the south) and Orlando (to the northwest). The Florida Turnpike runs through the city, which is also near Interstate I-95 and U.S. Route 1. Port St. Lucie is home to the Treasure Coast campus of Florida Atlantic University.
The city's genesis traces back to 1958, when General Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Mackle Co., allocated $50 million to develop a new community on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Land marketing, sales and development soon ensued, leading ultimately to the city's incorporation in 1961. A population boom followed years later, with the city's population more than tripling between 1980 and 1990. Today, the city has transitioned from a residential bedroom community to one of Florida's fastest growing and dynamic cities.
Port St. Lucie Attractions
Recreational opportunities are abundant in Port St. Lucie. The beach is only a short drive away, and water-related activities (fishing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sailing, etc.) can be enjoyed in numerous locations. Golf, tennis, skating and other outdoor activities are available at many facilities and public parks. Port St. Lucie is home to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Learning Center and also to the PGA Historical Center, home of the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame and the Probst Library, one of the world's premier collections of golf periodicals and memorabilia.
Art and culture are also prominent in St. Lucie County. Highly original artworks of famed Florida painter A.E. Backus are on display at the A.E. "Bean" Backus Gallery & Museum, located in nearby Fort Pierce. The St. Lucie County Historical Museum, also in Fort Pierce, chronicles the county's rich historical heritage. The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the world's only museum dedicated exclusively to the elite warriors of Naval Special Warfare. Visitors and residents, young and old alike, can enjoy the Hallstrom Planetarium, located on the Indian River Community College campus in Fort Pierce.
Sports fans in Port St. Lucie can enjoy some of the best professional baseball in the state of Florida. Major League Baseball's New York Mets make the city their Spring Training headquarters. Port St. Lucie is also home to Minor League Baseball's St. Lucie Mets, a Class High-A affiliate of the New York team. Both teams play at newly renovated Tradition Field.
