Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Ratify Execution by the City Manager of Amendment #1 to Florida Inland Navigation District Grant SL-PSL-24-80 - The Port District - Reconfigured Boat Trailer Parking at Veterans Park at the Rivergate Boat Ramp
body
Submitted By: Calvin King, Jr. Project Manager, Parks & Recreation
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to Enjoy Culture, Nature and Recreation.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Calvin King, Jr. Project Manager, Parks & Recreation
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND)
3. Purpose: To request City Council ratification of the one-year extension of the FIND grant agreement, which was previously signed by the City Manager on August 19th, 2026, as the original agenda item did not include delegation of authority to execute amendments to the agreement.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: Modified
5. Duration: The extension is for 1 year (September 30th, 2027).
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Increased access to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, increased opportunities for leisure activities such as walking, kayaking, and canoeing are benefits for which City residents will enjoy, and serves as an outdoor space for people of all ages.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): $180,000 CIP Fund; $180,000 FIND Grant funding; $360,000 total.
Presentation Information: Staff will be present to answer any questions.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council ratify the previously executed one-year extension of the FIND grant agreement. This action will formally authorize the extension, ensuring compliance with Council approval requirements.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and complete the motion in the affirmative.
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff direction.
Background: Tens of thousands of locals and tourists visit the North Fork of the St. Lucie River each year. Within the Port District, planned modifications to the boat trailer parking at Veterans Park at the Rivergate Boat Ramp will enhance access to the North Fork and expand opportunities for fishing, walking, running, kayaking, canoeing, bird viewing, and boating. Nearby amenities include the destination river-themed playground, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, the Historic Peacock Lodge, and the Port Preserve.
With the completion of recent construction throughout the Port District, the number of visitors, attendance at City events, demand for parking spaces, and use of boat docks have all increased significantly. To support this growth, the City of Port St. Lucie has been awarded FIND grant funding to construct The Port District - Reconfigured Boat Trailer Parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp project.
The redesigned parking layout will improve accessibility to the boat launch, enhance circulation, and strengthen overall connectivity to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and all Port District amenities. The project aims to create an efficient, welcoming, and enjoyable recreational experience for all residents and visitors.
Issues/Analysis: The application for funding assistance was prepared by City staff and submitted to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) on April 1, 2024. City Council passed a supporting resolution on May 13, 2024, and the FIND grant was subsequently awarded in September, 2024. The project design phase has been completed, and staff is currently preparing to award the construction contract.
To maintain compliance with FIND’s grant reporting and project completion requirements, a one-year extension was necessary to allow additional time for contract award, construction, and closeout. An official extension request was submitted to FIND on April 30, 2026, approved at their Board meeting on July 27, 2026, and fully executed by FIND on August 19, 2026.
Because the original agenda item did not include language authorizing the City Manager to approve such amendments without returning to Council, the extension agreement should have been brought before City Council prior to execution. This agenda item now seeks City Council ratification of the already executed extension agreement.
Financial Information: The estimated construction cost for The Port District - Reconfigured Boat Trailer Parking at Veterans Park at the Rivergate Boat Ramp project is $360,000. Match funding in the amount of $180,000 was originally allocated in the City’s FY24/25 301 General Fund Capital Improvement Promenade Project program and has since been carried forward through approved budget amendments.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
Attachments: 1. SL-PSL-24-80 Rivergate Boat Ramp Trailer Parking at Veterans Park 1yr Ext Agr-signed; 2. SL-PSL-24-80 Rivergate Boat Ramp Trailer Parking at Veterans Park Agr-signed
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26208-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.