St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County is a mirror of the past and a window to the future, where visitors can still see first-hand the area's connection to citrus farms and cattle ranches as well as its ties to the Ais Indians and World War II, while simultaneously looking toward the future.

Formed from Mosquito County, St. Lucie County was incorporated on July 1, 1905. More than 100 years later, St. Lucie County is approximately 600 square miles with a diverse population that includes two cities and one village: Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie Village. With a population in 2006 of over 228,800, it is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. And it's no wonder, with its miles of unspoiled beaches, charming neighborhoods, endless recreational activities, progressive businesses and friendly people, St. Lucie County is truly the crown jewel of the Treasure Coast!

Surrounded on one side by cattle ranches and citrus groves and, on the other side by 21 miles of pristine beaches, St. Lucie County became known as the Treasure Coast as a result of the abundance of gold and silver buried offshore after a 1715 hurricane sent 11 Spanish ships to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

The real treasure in St. Lucie County can be found in its native habitats and environmental education centers, which offer scenic pontoon boat tours, guided kayaking trips and hiking excursions taking guests on a behind-the-scenes look at the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River and native Florida landscapes. St. Lucie County's Environmental Resources Department has more than 10,000 acres of "real Florida" that are open to the public for hiking, biking and wildlife observation.

Local business leaders and elected officials are working to not only preserve St. Lucie County's rich cultural and historical past, but also to plan and prepare for its future. The area's economic growth and development prospects are enhanced by the multitude of research and educational opportunities available in this county through:

St. Lucie County Public and Private Schools

• Indian River Community College
• The University of Florida's Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences
• Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University
• Keiser University

Nestled between Miami and Orlando, St. Lucie County is easily accessible from both Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it an ideal location to work, live and play. For more information about this jewel on the Treasure Coast, visit our website at www.stlucieco.gov.