PORT ST. LUCIE – St. Lucie County’s business growth in 2025 is seen as yet another year of triumphant achievements for those responsible for economic development in the county. At a recent luncheon, St. Lucie Economic Development Council (EDC) executives and directors revealed the many wins the county has seen by way of business expansions, completed projects and new businesses.
Local business leaders came together at the annual luncheon to celebrate the successes and to support the installation of a new board of directors for the organization. St. Lucie Clerk of Courts Michelle Miller installed the new directors which included naming new chair Robert Barfield.
“This is an honor and a privilege to work with such a great organization,” Barfield said. “I think this community continues to be a place that wants to grow, and attract the right businesses. I think we have the right leaders in the room, and the right people at the table to make the best decisions.”
The 2025 St. Lucie EDC Annual Report includes a wrap-up of the past nine years as well as the most recent accomplishments. From 2017 to 2015, there have been thirty-six expansions of existing businesses and fifty-five new businesses attracted to the county. Those industries include manufacturing, life sciences, professional services, aviation, marine, aquaculture, distribution/industrial and business headquarters.
In 2025, the EDC oversaw two expansions and four new businesses with more than $266 million in total capital investment and 1,664 new jobs projected. “It was another year of impressive growth and activity at the EDC,” said Wes McCurry, the recently named president of the St. Lucie EDC.
Freedom Boat Club expanded with a second facility at the former Sandpiper Bay Marina. And Mohnark Pharmaceuticals is investing $2 million to expand its current operations.
One of the most highly-anticipated projects is the new Costco Distribution Center currently under construction in the Southern Grove Jobs Corridor. When completed, the facility will be the county’s largest single-user project at 1.87 million square feet. Phase 2 will add an additional 1.25 million square feet. The project is expected to begin operations in August of 2026.
Other new businesses are INKAS Group, a manufacturer of armored vehicles, the Port St. Lucie Sports Club, developers of the future Port St. Lucie Soccer Stadium at Walton and One, and Ashley Capital’s Pruitt Commerce Center.
Another highpoint of the year was the success of The Treasure Coast Center for Educational and Economic Development’s (TCEED) first summer internship program for high-school students. The program, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and the local school district, placed fifty-five students in local businesses with fourteen of those students being offered employment at the end of the summer.
TCEED also launched its first eighth-grade experience, which saw thirty local businesses bringing hands-on experiences to more than 750 students as an introduction to a variety of career options.
Barfield is excited about the direction of the area’s workforce. “Today we have an A-rated school system under the leadership of Dr. Prince (St. Lucie County School District superintendent), so we have a great future work force and the projection is that we will continue to move forward.”