Port St. Lucie City Council has unanimously voted to construct a professional soccer stadium, following an hour of public comments that revealed mixed opinions on the project.”This is going to do a lot for our local economy. This is going to be a great benefit to our residents,” said City Councilman Anthony Bonna.The public comments were divided, with about half supporting the project. “I’m here today to support the city on the stadium and this project,” said Stacy Storms. Ken Krazow added, “It is the potential to be a complete transformative opportunity.” Mark Bryant expressed his support, saying, “Port St. Lucie needs large-scale events and we need something here.”The other half of the public was firmly against the project. “I come here to object to the passage of these resolutions,” said Michael Moses. Vincent Rowan raised concerns about noise, saying, “Nobody said anything about the noise complaint. Because it’s going to be bloody loud.” Jennifer Harris voiced worries about “safety, drunks, noise, and traffic”.The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing. City officials estimate it will bring in hundreds of jobs and about $40 million to the local economy every year.”Give it a chance. I’m in total support of this,” said City Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan.City Council also pointed out that the developer will be paying for the construction, and the city will only reimburse about $27 million once the stadium is up and running.”Whether we have a team that thrives for twenty years or a team that leaves after three, the city wins,” Bonna said. “Taxpayers aren’t on the hook.”Council members also pointed out the reimbursement will come from Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, meaning not one dollar will come from the general fund.”It’s beyond just a soccer stadium. It’s so much more. And I want every single person to be a part of it,” said Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo.The plan is for the stadium to be complete in time for the Port St. Lucie Sports Club to begin games there in 2027.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —

Port St. Lucie City Council has unanimously voted to construct a professional soccer stadium, following an hour of public comments that revealed mixed opinions on the project.

“This is going to do a lot for our local economy. This is going to be a great benefit to our residents,” said City Councilman Anthony Bonna.

The public comments were divided, with about half supporting the project.

“I’m here today to support the city on the stadium and this project,” said Stacy Storms.

Ken Krazow added, “It is the potential to be a complete transformative opportunity.”

Mark Bryant expressed his support, saying, “Port St. Lucie needs large-scale events and we need something here.”

The other half of the public was firmly against the project.

“I come here to object to the passage of these resolutions,” said Michael Moses.

Vincent Rowan raised concerns about noise, saying, “Nobody said anything about the noise complaint. Because it’s going to be bloody loud.”

Jennifer Harris voiced worries about “safety, drunks, noise, and traffic”.

The stadium will be set on 46 acres and include restaurants, shops, and housing. City officials estimate it will bring in hundreds of jobs and about $40 million to the local economy every year.

“Give it a chance. I’m in total support of this,” said City Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan.

City Council also pointed out that the developer will be paying for the construction, and the city will only reimburse about $27 million once the stadium is up and running.

“Whether we have a team that thrives for twenty years or a team that leaves after three, the city wins,” Bonna said. “Taxpayers aren’t on the hook.”

Council members also pointed out the reimbursement will come from Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, meaning not one dollar will come from the general fund.

“It’s beyond just a soccer stadium. It’s so much more. And I want every single person to be a part of it,” said Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo.

The plan is for the stadium to be complete in time for the Port St. Lucie Sports Club to begin games there in 2027.