Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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Youth Council Update 2025-2026
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Submitted By: Stephanie Vernot, Community Engagement Manger, Communications Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a Smart & Connected City.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie Youth Council (“Youth Council”) marked another successful year of leadership and community engagement.
Since December 2023, Youth Council has served as a fact-finding board, elevating the perspectives of local high school students and contributing to City initiatives. In 2025-26, thirty-nine (39) St. Lucie Public Schools students in grades 9-12 collaborated to make an impact. To strengthen participation, two (2) specialized committees were established: Naturally PSL and the Youth Recreation Committee. Both committees had a productive year and contributed significantly to community projects.
The Youth Recreation Committee partnered with the Special Events Department to host its first Outdoor Movie Night during the City’s Fall Fun Fest. The event drew more than one hundred (100) residents and featured complimentary popcorn and water, along with a Spin to Win game that included “Hocus Pocus” trivia and City-related questions. Planning began last year, with members meeting to discuss movie options, event costs, food, layout and volunteer roles.
The Naturally PSL Committee received a $500 grant from the National Youth Leadership Council to support a service-learning project focused on environmental sustainability in a City green space. Four (4) members led the effort, meeting monthly in addition to regular Youth Council and committee meetings. On April 25, 2026, after conducting surveys and engaging with residents and volunteers, the group planted five (5) native trees and organized a community cleanup in a City- owned green space located in the Whispering Pines neighborhood. This event was in collaboration with Naturally PSL and the Parks and Recreation Department. More than thirty (30) participants, including students from six (6) local high schools, took part. Members also secured a $1,900 Love Your Block mini-grant, powered by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, to install birdhouses, a bird bath, and a bench in a Whispering Pines neighborhood green space. Installation is scheduled for late June.
Beyond committee work, Youth Council members contributed input to community events including Fall Fun Fest, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and several Love Your Block projects. They also volunteered at Arts & Ideas, PSLinLights, the City's 65th Anniversary Celebration, Citizen Summit and FAM Fest, where they engaged with residents, staffed booths and conducted surveys.
Applications for the 2026-27 Youth Council are now open. Students interested in leadership and community involvement are encouraged to apply and join this impactful program. This inclusive structure continues to foster collaboration and empower every member to contribute, engage and help shape the future of their community.
Presentation Information: 15-minute PowerPoint presentation, by Stephanie Vernot, Community Engagement Manager
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council N/A
Background: N/A
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: PowerPoint presentation which contains updates and information
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:
N/A