From the Commissioner’s Desk

Dear Friends,

The 2025-2026 budget has been finalized, and I am happy to announce that for the 6th consecutive year in a row, St. Lucie County has decreased its millage rate by .46 percent! The budget process is long and arduous, yet you would not know it because St. Lucie County has such an amazing team of professionals who make it look so simple. First, I want to thank all our volunteers on the Citizens Budget Committee for the months of effort that you take out of your own time to learn the budget and provide insightful recommendations. I want to thank Clerk & Comptroller Michelle Miller for all her time as she and her team attend every budget meeting, and Property Appraiser Michelle Franklin, for always having courteous team members at our budget hearings to help residents with their questions. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank County Administrator George Landry and the administration and the entire OMB team for all their hard work. As usual, you knocked it out of the park, but this year you all deserve an extra heartfelt THANK-YOU!

Budget Highlights

• 6th consecutive year millage has decreased
• Decreased millage rate to an aggregate of 7.9982
• Represents a cumulative decrease of .8777 mills since 2020
• Fully funded our men and women in law enforcement at 114,638,949
• More funding set aside for road & stormwater projects
• 4% increase for employees to address inflationary pressure

Community Events

St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce’s 19 Annual Adult Spelling Bee

Over $9,000 raised for Dogs & Cats Forever - no kill animal shelter

St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce’s Back to School Night with the Mets

 

 

 

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Port St. Lucie Branch Library

180 S. Prima Vista Boulevard Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

This past week, I had the honor of serving as MC for a truly special event at the groundbreaking of the new Port St. Lucie Library—the existing building holds a piece of my heart. More than just a building, this library has long been a space where dreams begin, curiosity thrives, and imaginations take flight. Growing up just down the street, I spent countless hours lost in the pages of Nancy Drew and The Baby-Sitters Club. Later, authors like Patricia Cornwell deepened my love of reading—a passion I now share with my son, Easton, through bedtime stories and moments of discovery. Standing in the same library that shaped my childhood, now preparing for a new chapter through reconstruction, was a deeply emotional experience. The building will be new with vast improvements, but its spirit and impact will live on. I’m filled with hope imagining future generations—Easton included—wandering those renewed aisles, finding stories that spark their own dreams.

 

 

 

 

Town Hall Meeting at PGA Verano

Roger Jacobsen - SLC Mosquito Control Director, Commissioner Jamie Fowler, State Representative Dana Trabulsy and Sheriff Rich Del Toro gave county, legislative and public safety updates to our residents in the Verano community.

ARC of the Treasure Coast unveils new T.I.P. Community Center

The State of Florida and St. Lucie County were proud to contribute to the T.I.P (Therapeutic Intervention Program) at Ravenswood Lane in Port St. Lucie. The mission is to empower individuals with unique abilities by providing services for life skills, work and education. “Our community of individuals with unique abilities deserves to not only survive but to thrive”.

 

 

 

 

HIGH-FIVE HERO

Meet Dominick Torchia

 

I have been with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners since January 2024, currently marking one year and eight months of service. I began my journey as the executive aide to Chair Jamie Fowler and now proudly serve as a Human Resources Partner II. In this role, I provide both professional and tactical HR support across multiple departments. My responsibilities include advising management and staff on HR practices, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies, fostering employee engagement, and supporting initiatives that align with the County’s overall goals. Ultimately, my focus is on strengthening the relationship between management and employees to help drive organizational success. I have been a resident of St. Lucie County for three years and consider it a privilege to serve the community in this capacity. My achievements in this role would not have been possible without the continued support of Commissioner Fowler, the County Attorney team, the County Administration team, and the Commissioners’ Aides and staff. My approach is deeply rooted in collaboration, community, and teamwork —with a strong commitment to serving our residents through the dedication and resilience of our hardworking staff. As for major contributions, I believe that the most impactful outcomes are the result of collective effort. While individual contributions matter, true success stems from working together with colleagues who consistently give their all to ensure that St. Lucie County delivers the highest quality of service to its residents.