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 ...
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