Idle Speed( No Wake) markers have been installed near the C-24 Canal Boat Ramp, Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp and in The Port District where the ADA-accessible canoe / kayak launch was recently constructed. An Idle Speed( No Wake) designation provides protection for users by requiring no wake in a 500-foot radius around these waterway access points.
Slow Speed( Minimum Wake) allows for slightly more speed, but the vessel must remain completely off-plane and settled in the water, creating only a small ripple.
Slow Speed( Minimum Wake) zones have been established near the Port St. Lucie Boulevard bridge and Southbend Boulevard bridge. This zone requires boaters to decrease speed to a point where minimum wake is generated within a 300- foot radius of the bridge abutments.
The key difference between the zones is the amount of wake allowed: none for idle, minimal for slow speed. The value of establishing these zones is to ensure safe boating in our community and to protect local marine wildlife.
It is imperative that boaters adhere to these speed-controlled zones and familiarize themselves with safety markers and their respective laws as violations could result in civil citations and fines. If approached by a law enforcement vessel with flashing blue lights, boaters should immediately reduce speed to idle, stop safely and follow the officer ' s directions.
On City streets, traffic signs and signals help to maintain order and safety for drivers and pedestrians. And just like our roads, boater safety on the river is dependent on navigation markers to guide boaters to operate their watercrafts in a manner which protects the safety of all waterway users.
Happy boating!
Empowering entrepreneurs with grants and growth
In January, the City of Port St. Lucie launched the Spring 2026 Business Accelerator Program, welcoming 36 businesses to this exciting initiative.
Designed to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the local economy, the BAP provides valuable tools and resources for new and existing businesses to thrive in today’ s competitive marketplace.
The 10-week course, conducted by Indian River State College’ s School of Adult and Continuing Education,
covers essential topics such as time management, bookkeeping, advertising, marketing, social media, networking and business planning.
Over the last eight years, 261 businesses have attended the course, with 168 successfully completing the program. These graduates have gained practical knowledge and strategies to enhance their operations and position their business for long-term success. In addition, businesses that successfully complete the program are eligible for a $ 5,000 small business reimbursement grant. Over the last eight years, small businesses have been awarded a total of $ 265,000 in grants through the BAP!
The City of Port St. Lucie remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant business community through programs like the Business Accelerator Program. Please visit link. cityofpsl. com / bapinfo for additional information. www. CityofPSL. com / CRA
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