TO:         SAINT LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida 34982

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. LUCIE WATERFRONT COUNCIL, WANT TO MAKE VERY CLEAR OUR POSITION ON THE ACQUISITION OF THE PORT PROPERTY BY THE COUNTY.  

We encourage the county to continue their effort to acquire the 67 acres currently owned by Destin Beach, Inc.

We are totally opposed to the expansion of cargo in any form on the 87 acres of port property.

We fully endorse the county's effort to attract the mega-yacht industry, and particularly the comprehensive World Port plan, as tenants on the property.

We support either a "Quick Take" or a regular taking under eminent domain by the County rather than a full purchase and partial lease-back of any of the land to any cargo related enterprise.

We do not consider the perceived risk of losing the mega-yacht industry in any way worth the economic and environmental damage that will occur with cargo expansion. However, because of the great demand, we know there is no real risk of losing the mega-yacht industry. The real risk is losing the high-end mega yacht proposal because of any cargo expansion.

We believe St. Lucie County has been offered a wonderful opportunity by World Port on the 87 acres and should not compromise the offer with any other proposal that will be at the expense of our people, our economy and our environment.

Again, the St. Lucie Waterfront Council, a 501(c)(3), Florida not-for-profit corporation, dedicated to the preservation of the Indian River Lagoon, will make every effort possible to prevent any expansion of cargo at the Port.

Respectfully,

Delores Hogan Johnson, President
Saint Lucie Waterfront Council