🌅 💰 County Approves 25% Impact Fee Hike

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What happened: St. Lucie County commissioners voted to increase road impact fees by 25% over two years, starting October 1, 2026. This is half of what staff originally recommended.

The numbers: For a single-family home under 2,400 square feet (the most common type built here):

The debate: Commissioners struggled with balancing two competing needs: funding desperately needed road improvements versus in their words, keeping housing affordable.

"We're roughly $45 million behind in roads that should be repaired right now," Commissioner Larry Leet said, adding that Glades Cutoff alone will cost $20 million.

But one commissioner pushed back on affordability concerns: "There's mom and pop builders out there that build a couple of homes a year, and that's how they make their living. Giant increases to impact fees really does hurt the bottom line and their small businesses."

The context: County staff originally recommended a 50% increase over four years. Port St. Lucie voted earlier in the week to not increase their impact fees at all.

Commissioner Townsend made the motion for 25% over two years as a compromise. "I think it's meeting in the middle of being fair," she said, noting that massive growth is already approved and on the books.

Why it matters: The county has approved thousands of new homes that haven't been built yet. Impact fees are designed to make new development pay for the infrastructure it requires, rather than putting that burden on existing residents.

What's next: The new fees take effect October 1, 2026, and will be phased in over two years.

Watch the full meeting discussion
Read our previous coverage on impact fees

Your take: Is 25% the right compromise? Drop your thoughts here.

It happens every year. People wait until the last day, rush through the options, and end up with insurance that either costs too much or doesn't actually cover what they need.

Then they're stuck with it for 12 months.

Daisy Alexander is a local insurance agent with S.E. Benchmark Insurance Agency here in St. Lucie County. She helps people figure out what plan actually makes sense for them - not just what sounds cheapest on paper.

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What’s Going On: City Manager Richard Chess selected David M. Smith, Commander of Eastern District Operations for the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, as his choice to lead the Fort Pierce Police Department.

Who is David Smith: 24 years of law enforcement experience, including previous service as Commander of the Personnel Bureau. He has a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education, a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Management.

What Chess said: "Commander Smith's experience and proven leadership make him a compelling candidate to serve the residents of Fort Pierce."

What's next: Chess will formally present his recommendation to the Fort Pierce City Commission at their December 8th meeting, where commissioners will vote on the appointment. With only four commissioners, a 2-2 tie means the recommendation fails.

Watch my full breakdown of Monday night's meeting (10 minutes)

If you have an event, send it to me here

I’ve met so many people this week in person! It’s always nice to run into people and then do a deep dive on a random city topic! LOL. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thank you for being here! Alright…

See you Monday!
With Love, Ja’Min

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