Although a part of rapidly growing South Florida, St. Lucie County, with a  population of roughly 272,000, remains largely unspoiled. Growth is steady with a great year round climate, averaging 73 degrees Fahrenheit that varies plus or minus 16 degrees between normal winter and summer extremes.

Fort Pierce, also known as the Sunrise City, has been the center of St. Lucie County for more than 100 years. Streets have been reconstructed and buildings restored in the downtown area along with the modernization of the waterfront. Fort Pierce is known for its laid back atmosphere, beaches, boating and saltwater fishing. Port St. Lucie still retains its small town atmosphere offering a variety of home sizes and prices and an education system that allows a child to go from kindergarten to earning graduate college degrees without leaving home. Total communities that are master planned are being developed that create hometown environments where spirit, vision and pride form a foundation for living environments that blend quality residences with commercial centers, schools, recreation and employment that are convenient to all. These communities are being designed to meet residential, professional and commercial needs along with a responsible commitment to environmentally sound practices that include vast acreage of open space and wildlife habitat. These communities are truly making Port St. Lucie a City for all ages, where residents can really live, work and play without leaving the neighborhood.

Medical Facilities
Lawnwood Regional Medical Center serves the area as the largest medical facility in the county with 341 beds including physical rehabilitation, mental health beds and cardiac intensive care beds. Other services include maternal/child care, diabetes center, skilled nursing unit, dedicated cancer wing, and obstetrics. St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie provides a full range of health care services with a 194 bed hospital and 24 hour emergency room. A new hospital is being planned for either St. Lucie West or Tradition. There are nine walk-in medical clinics throughout the county, eleven nursing homes, and a variety of specialty clinics.

Parks & Preserves
Alongside St. Lucie County's sophisticated research centers and bold business opportunities lies an unspoiled natural environment ideal for exploration. Nature lovers will appreciate more than 11,000 acres of environmentally protected lands available for nature viewing and hiking seven days a week. The Oxbow Eco-Center is but one example of our many gems. With 3 miles of trails, a canoe dock with available tours, boardwalks, a nature center and observation towers, the Oxbow offers unique nature experiences. Perhaps St. Lucie County's most beloved natural amenity is our more than 20 miles of unspoiled emerald beaches. Uncrowded public access points all along the coast make it easy to swim, bask, surf, fish, look for shells or read a paperback to the sound of gently lapping waves.

The Arts & Culture
From the subtleties of literature to the bat-cracking excitement of professional baseball, St. Lucie County presents a broad range of cultural and sports experiences.

Located in Fort Pierce - the birthplace of the Navy Frogman - the National Navy SEAL Museum and Memorial http://www.navysealmuseum.com/romotes public education by providing the opportunity to explore the history of the Navy SEALs in an atmosphere of respect and honor. The museum is the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

Fort Pierce was also home to a literary giant and various renowned artists. Acclaimed African-American author Zora Neale Hurston lived out the final years of her life here. Following the Dust Track Trail will give you a glimpse of her time with us. A yearly cultural festival in her honor, Zora Fest, is held in late April. Renowned artist A. E. "Beanie" Backus' home and studio currently serve as Fort Pierce's Main Street offices. A gallery located near his home and studio gives Backus fans an opportunity to enjoy his art. Also featured at the A. E. Backus Gallery and Museum are several works by the highly acclaimed Highwaymen.

Catch a ballet, concert or an opera at the historic Sunrise Theatre in downtown Fort Pierce. Built in 1923, this 1,200-seat theatre has undergone substantial renovation. Today, it is full of life again, featuring such singers as Dionne Warwick, such comedians as Brett Butler, the opera La Bohème and the ballet of Gisselle.

Sports & Recreation

Whether you swing a bat, a 9 iron or a fishing rod, St. Lucie County is home to sports lovers. St. Lucie County Sports Complex in Port St. Lucie is the Spring Training Home of the New York Mets and the summer home to the minor league St. Lucie Mets. Those looking to do more than just watch the action can book a fishing excursion with one of many different charter fishing boats located in the Fort Pierce City Marina. Anglers can wet their lines and hope to catch grouper, red fish, snapper, sailfish and dolphin offshore Divers and spearfishermen can also explore natural and artificial reefs in waters as deep as 120 feet or as shallow as 12 feet, just 100 yards off of North Hutchinson Island.

Golfers delight in the area's acclaimed courses year round. Golf Digest magazine recently ranked Fort Pierce the eighth best place in Florida for golfers to live. The area boasts 12 public and semiprivate courses. The PGA Golf Club and Village in Port St. Lucie is the first PGA facility open to the public and the most advanced golf and practice center in the country.