Minds elsewhere on the Treasure Coast are open to the idea of a Brightline stop in their community if plans for a Stuart stop fall apart.
Stuart Mayor Sean Reed on May 6 publicized on Facebook a letter from Florida East Coast Railway that says it fails to approve a stop in Stuart. The letter also says Brightline needs FEC’s approval to build there.
TCPalm obtained a copy of the letter the same day.
The letter says furthermore, “FEC cannot support any station that would result in the existing Stuart bridge being down in violation of USCG rules,” likely referring to the St. Lucie River drawbridge in Stuart, which is subject to U.S. Coast Guard rules.
“The FEC system would require the bridge to be down while the train stops at the station,” the letter adds.
But Brightline said May 6 that FEC’s “objections” have “no merit,” and Martin County Administrator Don Donaldson said, “We don’t believe” the letter has implications for the project in Stuart.
Fort Pierce, Stuart and at least one private developer submitted proposals for a Treasure Coast stop when Brightline was accepting them in 2023. Brightline chose Stuart, announcing its selection in March 2024.
Some open minds in St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson declined to comment for this story. But at least one Fort Pierce commissioner would be open to talking with Brightline.
“I certainly would engage in a discussion with them and proceed accordingly,” Commissioner Mike Broderick said.
Despite his willingness, “I’m concerned about their financial capability to remain solvent,” Broderick said. Two reasons he’s concerned, he said, are empty trains and prices are high for Brightline to attract commuters.
Fort Pierce was going to build the station at its cost, Broderick said. He’s unsure what the consensus on the City Commission would be for a deal now.
In terms of advocacy, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, which helped promote Fort Pierce to Brightline, ended discussions with and about Brightline following its decision to locate a Treasure Coast station in Stuart, EDC spokesperson Maureen Saltzer said by email.
“We view the location of a station anywhere on the Treasure Coast as beneficial to all the region’s residents and businesses,” Saltzer added. “Should the city of Fort Pierce choose to re-engage with Brightline regarding a station, the EDC would, as always, be available to assist the city in their efforts but that decision would need to come from the city.”
And at least one county commissioner is open to having a station in St. Lucie County, but not at the expense of taxpayers.
“I’m not interested in subsidizing tens of millions of dollars to make it happen,” Commissioner James Clasby said. But if Brightline makes a decision to come here, he would be open to it, he said.
Clasby’s opposed to any amount of subsidy, he said. He’s trying to cut the budget to provide some relief to taxpayers.
Indian River County officials open
Plans for a Brightline station in Indian River County were discussed with Vero Beach officials “many years ago” and those discussions dissolved, said Deryl Loar, Indian River County Commission chairman.
“The only quasi-suitable area would be in downtown Vero,” he said.
Like Clasby, Loar “can’t advocate using tax dollars,” he said. “Pending legislation over property tax reform has too many potential budget reductions.”
Vero Beach might consider a station again, Mayor John Cotugno said, but right now it is focused on improving passenger experience at its airport and making sure the airport is providing what the community wants and needs.
If something definite were to happen in Stuart, Cotugno said, “maybe it would be something we would consider.”
Keith Burbank is a watchdog reporter for TCPalm, usually covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida cities may be interested in Brightline station if Stuart can’t
Reporting by Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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