Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Recommendation for Appointment to Serve on the City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council.
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Submitted By: Stephanie Vernot, Community Engagement Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a Smart & Connected City.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council, with Council’s approval, will consist of fifty-six (56) appointed members for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, representing the largest membership in the program’s history. Members will participate in designated subcommittees, elect Council officers, and engage in civic and educational activities. City Council approval is requested for the appointment of the fifty-six (56) nominees.
Presentation Information: N/A
1. Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council appoint the fifty-six (56) nominees.
Alternate Recommendations:
2. Move that that the Council not appoint and provide new directions to staff.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council (“Youth Council”) was established in 2023 and has served as a fact-finding board since December of that year. Membership is comprised of high school students in grades nine through twelve and reside within the city. Members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council and serve a one (1) year term, automatically opted into the next term, provided the member is in good standing, with no term limits.
For FY 2026-27, the application period closed with fifteen (15) returning members and forty-one (41) new applicants, resulting in a fifty-six (56) member Youth Council, the largest cohort in the program’s four-year history.
Building on last year’s current trend, two subcommittees will be available, and all members will be required to select one to encourage active participation and deeper engagement throughout the term.
The Youth and Teen Recreation Subcommittee will collaborate with Special Events and Parks & Recreation to provide ideas for the Big Summer Blowout, support the creation of a new outdoor movie night during PSLinLights at the Port, and contribute youth-focused suggestions for City events while continuing to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote the Youth Council. Additionally, the newly established Legislative Subcommittee will advance members’ understanding of the legislative process, leverage resources from the Florida League of Cities, and prepare select participants for Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee later in the program year.
The Youth Council Board will continue fulfilling its leadership responsibilities through six (6) primary roles: Chair, Vice Chair, Chair Pro Tem, Secretary, and two Subcommittee Chairs. These officers will help guide the Council’s initiatives and overall direction. All Youth Council members will have the opportunity to run for an officer position and participate in the voting process.
To launch the new term, the 3rd Annual Youth Council Leadership Summit will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Youth Council members, their guardians, and city officials will come together to connect, collaborate, and participate in educational activities designed to inspire and prepare them for the year ahead.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: Attached is the memorandum listing the nominees recommended for appointment. The purpose is to appoint fifty-six (56) individuals as regular members of the Youth Council for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Carly Fabien, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.