District 4 Highlights

Safety

Community Update: St. James Drive Sidewalk Link Approved!

The missing sidewalk link on St. James Drive from NE Lazy River Parkway to NE Royce Avenue has officially been approved!

I am thrilled to share this major safety win for our community. For too long, residents have had to navigate an incomplete path along this busy stretch of road. This new project will finally close that gap. Once we have a construction timeline, we will be sure to update you.

What You Need to Know:

• The Scope: A new 6-8-foot-wide concrete sidewalk on the east side of St. James Drive.
• The Features: Brand new, fully compliant ADA curb ramps and embankment slope stabilization.
• The Funding: Secured via the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP). This means we are maximizing state resources to protect your local tax dollars.

Stormwater & Water Quality

Following successful completion of Phase I swale and drainage grading in 2024, this next phase brings comprehensive infrastructure upgrades right where they are needed most. The upcoming work includes:

• Two New Retention Ponds: Constructed specifically to capture, hold, and safely treat heavy stormwater runoff.
• Outfall Upgrades: New, heavy-duty drainage structures directing water directly away from homes and into the Hogpen Slough Canal. Holding the water and allowing it to cleanse before running south will help water quality in the St. Lucie River.

Government

The local bill has been approved by legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature; however, I will share that we do not know yet how property tax reforms being proposed in Tallahassee will impact this bill.

What the Bill Means for St. Lucie County

• The Goal: This expansion will allow our team to provide public health protections where they are not currently in place, ensuring more residential developments receive the same comprehensive Integrated Mosquito Management services as the rest of the county.
• The Final Say: Because this involves modifying tax boundaries, the expansion will ultimately be subject to a voter referendum on the November 2026 general election ballot for residents living within the proposed new service areas.

Shadow the Commissioner

I was thrilled to have members of Leadership Class #42 join me for a day of our Shadow the Commissioner program. Thank you William Tally, Christine Favata and Amanda Jackson-Paramore for spending time with me learning about all things District 4.

 

 

White House Easter Egg Roll

First visit to the White House as a family. From chasing eggs to soaking in the atmosphere on the South Lawn, every little moment felt meaningful. It wasn't just about the event, it was about being together, making memories, and celebrating all the milestones, big and small, along the way.

Grateful for this experience and the memories we'll carry with us for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRSC State of the College Luncheon

I attended the State of the College Luncheon at Indian River State College and left feeling optimistic about the future of education in our community.

The Promise Program is truly making a difference by offering tuition-free opportunities to local students, expanding access and investing in the Treasure Coast's future.

 

 

 

Coffee with the Chair

It's always great to sit with Terissa Aronson for our monthly Coffee with the Chair. Last month our Facilities Director, Matt Baum joined and this month was our Director of Mosquito Control, Roger Jacobsen. Keeping residents informed!!