Port St. Lucie's New Riverfront District Draws Parking, Traffic Fears
The Grove promises five dining spots by 2027, but residents say the Port District already struggles with congestion
WHAT HAPPENED: Port St. Lucie is planning to open The Grove, a riverfront entertainment district featuring five dining experiences on an empty lot at the Port District, with completion targeted for 2027.
WHAT IT MEANS: Residents who already circle packed parking lots and sit in bridge traffic on Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Westmoreland Boulevard say the new development will deepen congestion in an area they describe as already strained. The city currently offers 365 parking spaces at the Port District — a number many neighbors say falls short today, before any new restaurants open.
WHO IS AFFECTED: Residents who use the Port District, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens playground, Veterans Park at Rivergate, and Tom Hooper Park, as well as commuters traveling Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Westmoreland Boulevard, and the US-1 corridor.
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW: The city has not released a traffic study, a formal parking plan, or cost estimates for the proposed improvements. No timeline has been given for acquiring the Bridge Plaza land or adding spaces along Westmoreland Boulevard.
WHAT TO WATCH: The city says it is in the process of acquiring land at Bridge Plaza for an additional 62 parking spaces and is exploring transportation connections from Veterans Park at Rivergate and Tom Hooper Park. Scott Samples, a city spokesperson, said Port St. Lucie will continue to evaluate traffic conditions on the affected corridors as the project moves toward its 2027 opening.
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