PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie’s 2026 mayoral race is in full swing and Steven “Steve” Giordano, a longtime resident, small-business owner and former security guard/deputy at the local power plant, stopped by ARC FL to talk about his campaign.

Giordano describes himself as a grassroots alternative in the race, he says residents want stronger oversight of city spending and development.

The campaign is unfolding against the backdrop of the city’s recent Waste Pro settlement, approved earlier this week, after years of complaints over missed garbage collection. City leaders voted to return the settlement proceeds to eligible residents in the form of a property tax credit, instead of sending out checks in the mail; that has been unpopular and controversial in some circles of the community.

The race comes as voters continue to assess the leadership of current Mayor Shannon Martin. Martin first won office in a special election that reshaped the city’s political landscape and elevated Martin to the city’s highest elected office.

See also: Jacksonville ranked Florida’s best-run city in new study; South Florida cities land lower

Stay with CBS 12 News as we get closer to the August 18th election; this mayor’s race is unfolding in one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, on our beloved Treasure Coast.

As this story is published, we have invitations out to Mayor Martin and Eric Daniel Strazzeri to appear on ARC FL in the weeks ahead to discuss their platforms.