Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency

𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐑𝐢𝐨 🌊

Did you know Rio is pronounced "Rye-Oh"?

While the name comes from the Spanish word for river, local tradition traces the pronunciation to German and Dutch settlers who struggled to pronounce the Spanish "Ree-o" and instead said "Rye-Oh." More than a century later, the pronunciation has stuck.

Located between the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, Rio's identity has always been closely tied to the water. Originally known as Rio St. Lucie and Rio San Lucie, the community grew around boating, fishing, and waterfront living — traditions that continue to shape the area today.

Home to landmarks such as the historic 1926 Stuart Welcome Arch, Rio Nature Park, and the iconic Mrs. Peters Smokehouse, Rio blends old Florida charm with a strong connection to its coastal heritage.

The Rio CRA was established in 2001 and spans approximately 542 acres.

Today, CRA efforts in Rio focus on:

✔ Enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity
✔ Improving streetscapes, infrastructure, and community gateways
✔ Supporting neighborhood revitalization and reinvestment
✔ Preserving Rio's historic character and landmarks
✔ Expanding parks, green spaces, and access to the waterfront

Community input continues to help guide projects and improvements throughout the Rio CRA.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Rio CRA!

𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 ⚓🐟

Did you know Port Salerno began as a small fishing settlement along the shores of Manatee Pocket more than 100 years ago?

What started as a cluster of humble homes, fishing docks, and local businesses grew into one of Martin County's most recognizable waterfront communities. Through the early 1900s, commercial fishing—particularly shark fishing and processing—served as the economic engine of the area, shaping both the culture and character of the village. The formation of the Commercial Fishermen's League in the late 1920s reflected just how important the fishing industry had become to the community.

While Port Salerno has evolved over the years, its connection to the working waterfront remains an important part of what makes the area unique today.

The Port Salerno CRA was established in 2000 and spans approximately 860 acres. It is envisioned as a unique historic fishing village that connects community identity with smart economic and socially conscious investments focused on neighborhoods and local businesses.

Today, CRA efforts in Port Salerno focus on:
✔ Supporting the working waterfront and maritime economy
✔ Enhancing public spaces and waterfront access
✔ Improving neighborhood infrastructure and connectivity
✔ Supporting reinvestment in local businesses
✔ Preserving Port Salerno's historic fishing village character

Community input continues to help guide projects and improvements throughout the Port Salerno CRA.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Port Salerno CRA!

𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 🌴🌊

Did you know Palm City began to flourish more than 100 years ago as a small agricultural community along the St. Lucie River?

In the early 1900s, the river served as Palm City's primary transportation route, supporting local farms that produced citrus, pineapples, vegetables, and flowers. Growth accelerated between 1913 and 1919 with the construction of the Palm Villa Hotel, a bridge connecting the community to Stuart, and the establishment of a local post office.

Over time, Old Palm City developed into the close-knit riverfront community residents know today, where its agricultural roots and small-town character remain an important part of its identity.

The Old Palm City CRA was established in 2003 and spans approximately 609 acres. The area is envisioned as an Old Florida landscape where greenways seamlessly connect a modern town center with family-owned farmland, well-worn horse trails, friendly neighborhoods, and thriving businesses.

Today, CRA efforts in Old Palm City focus on:
✔ Enhancing neighborhood infrastructure and drainage
✔ Expanding pedestrian, bicycle, and greenway connections
✔ Improving public spaces and community gathering areas
✔ Supporting local businesses and reinvestment opportunities
✔ Preserving Old Palm City's unique character and sense of place

Community input continues to help guide projects and improvements throughout the Old Palm City CRA.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Old Palm City CRA!

🌴 Attention Martin County CRA Area Businesses! 🌴

The deadline to participate in the regional “Locals Only” Summer Savings Program is tomorrow, Friday, May 22! ☀️

After a successful launch last year, Discover Martin County is once again partnering with Visit St. Lucie and Visit Indian River to bring back this exciting regional campaign for Summer 2026.

This initiative encourages Treasure Coast residents to explore, shop, dine, stay, and experience everything our communities have to offer while supporting local businesses during the summer season.

Tourism-facing businesses located within Martin County’s CRA areas are encouraged to participate by submitting a special offer for the campaign running June through September 30.

Eligible businesses may include:
🍽 Restaurants
🛍 Retail shops & boutiques
🏨 Hotels & lodging
🎣 Tour operators & attractions
🍹 Bars & entertainment venues
🌊 Recreation & experiential businesses

Examples of offers include:
• Resident hotel discounts
• Buy one cocktail, get one free
• Free appetizer with entrée purchase
• Boutique shopping discounts
• Discounted attraction admission
• Deals on tours or excursions

Participating businesses will receive exposure through a regional marketing and PR campaign, including dedicated “Locals Only” pages featured on tourism websites across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties.

📧 To participate, send your offer details and a photo to: [email protected]

⏰ Deadline to submit: Friday, May 22

Thank you to for continuing to support local businesses and regional tourism initiatives throughout the Treasure Coast!

𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 🍍

Did you know Jensen Beach was once known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World”?

Founded by Danish settler John Jensen, the community became internationally recognized during the late 1800s and early 1900s for its thriving pineapple industry. At its peak, more than one million pineapples were harvested each year.

Although freezes, fires, and changing industries reshaped the area over time, Jensen Beach continued to evolve into the vibrant waterfront community residents know and love today. The pineapple remains a lasting symbol of hospitality and local heritage throughout the community.

Known for its walkable downtown, local restaurants and shops, waterfront views, and strong sense of community, Jensen Beach blends historic character with coastal charm.

The Jensen Beach CRA was established in 2002 and spans approximately 67 acres.

Today, CRA efforts in Jensen Beach focus on:
✔ Supporting a vibrant and walkable downtown area
✔ Enhancing streetscapes, sidewalks, and community connections
✔ Supporting local businesses and community events
✔ Preserving Jensen Beach’s historic small-town character
✔ Improving public spaces and beautification efforts

Community input continues to help guide projects and improvements throughout the Jensen Beach CRA.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Jensen Beach CRA!

🌴 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐍𝐀𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 | 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Jensen Beach Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) recently met in downtown Jensen Beach to discuss ongoing projects, community updates, and future improvements within the CRA area. Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to stay engaged in the future of Jensen Beach!

Read the full Jensen Beach CRA Community Pulse recap here: https://conta.cc/4cXph9Y

CRA Community Pulse: Jensen Beach Email from Martin County BOCC Highlights from the May 6, 2026 NAC Meeting CRA Community Pulse Highlights from the May 6, 2026 Jensen Beach Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting Dear Community Member

𝐇𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 📚🏛

As Martin County celebrates Historic Preservation Month, we’re highlighting one of Hobe Sound’s most significant historic landmarks.

Constructed in 1925 during the “Picture City” era of Hobe Sound, the Apollo School was built to support the expected population growth tied to the community’s planned silent film industry hub.

Today, the Apollo School is recognized as the only surviving two-room schoolhouse in Martin County and remains one of the most important reminders of Hobe Sound’s early history.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and was later added to the Martin County Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Today, the building is operated by the Apollo School Foundation Inc. and serves the community as a center for historical, educational, and cultural activities.

Preservation of historic buildings like the Apollo School helps connect present and future generations to the stories, architecture, and identity that shaped Martin County’s communities.

📅 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
Join the Apollo School Foundation TOMORROW, Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM for a FREE Open House at the Historic Apollo School located at 9141 SE Apollo Street in Hobe Sound.

Visitors are invited to explore the restored two-room schoolhouse and learn more about this important piece of Martin County history.

📞 Contact: 772-486-9737

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Hobe Sound CRA!

𝐂𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝🌴🎬

Did you know Hobe Sound was once envisioned as Florida’s next movie-making capital?

During the 1920s Florida Land Boom, silent film investors and entertainment entrepreneurs renamed Hobe Sound “Picture City” and hoped to create a major East Coast film industry hub to rival Hollywood.

This vision helped shape parts of the community that still exist today. The Zeus Park neighborhood was designed with streets named after Greek and Roman gods, the historic Apollo School was constructed, and decorative street lighting was created for the planned film community.

While the movie studios never arrived, Hobe Sound continued to grow into the unique coastal town residents know and love today — known for its small-town Main Street feel, connected neighborhoods, sweeping banyan trees, and beautiful beaches.

Established in 2000, the Hobe Sound CRA spans approximately 1,024 acres.

Today, CRA efforts in Hobe Sound focus on:
✔ Supporting a vibrant and walkable downtown area
✔ Enhancing streetscapes, sidewalks, and community connections
✔ Preserving Hobe Sound’s small-town coastal character
✔ Supporting reinvestment in local businesses and neighborhoods
✔ Improving public spaces and community amenities

Community input continues to help guide projects and improvements throughout the Hobe Sound CRA.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting projects, improvements, and history from the Hobe Sound CRA!