The Naturally PSL: Green Spaces and Places initiative was a perfect example of why Port St. Lucie was selected to receive the All-America City Award in 2025.
The initiative was created in response to feedback from residents, who cited preserving and activating green space in Port St. Lucie as a top priority. The City took the problem to the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and worked with more than 1,000 residents to co-create solutions through participating in the innovation track through the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins
University with support from the Centre for Public Impact.
The initiative introduced a Citywide trails map to raise awareness of Port St. Lucie’ s cherished outdoor spaces.
Through the Naturally PSL Conservation Corps, volunteers will help steward City green spaces. With grant and technical support from the Trust for Public Land, this program is set out to create an engagement model to activate more underused green spaces in the City with resident-led stewardship activities and environmental projects.
In September, the City honored 13 individuals, youth and organizations with its first-ever Naturally PSL Environmental Stewardship Awards, recognizing those who go above and beyond to protect and preserve our natural environment.
The most outstanding achievement under the Naturally PSL Initiative is in acquiring approximately 256 acres of land— the equivalent of adding about one acre of future green space for every 1,000 residents in Port St. Lucie— as part of a goal to expand conservation and recreation spaces Citywide.
Continuing this momentum to acquire land for the City’ s future, Naturally PSL has initiated the development of a non-profit trust to leverage public and private funding for future land acquisitions and green space activations that benefit all residents.
Ensuring a smart, secure IT infrastructure
Behind the scenes, the City’ s Information Technology team is working hard to keep Port St. Lucie connected, secure and running smoothly.
The IT Department made major strides in 2025 to strengthen the City’ s digital foundation. A key infrastructure upgrade improved system resilience and connectivity that is critical for day-to-day operations and emergency response.
The team also began developing performance dashboards in collaboration with external partners, giving departments new tools to track service delivery and align technology with Citywide goals.
Internally, IT continued to support staff through enhanced digital learning opportunities, helping employees build confidence with essential tools and stay current in an evolving tech landscape. These efforts will ensure the City has secure, efficient and forward-thinking technology that supports residents and employees.
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