A Budget Crisis That Should Alarm Every Port St. Lucie Resident
Port St. Lucie is my home. It’s where I built my business, where I raise my family, and where I plan to stay for the long haul. That’s exactly why I care so deeply about who leads this city — and why I’m publicly endorsing Steve Giordano for Mayor of Port St. Lucie.
Right now, our city is facing a crisis of leadership and fiscal responsibility that should concern every taxpayer, homeowner, and business owner in Port St. Lucie. We are not even halfway through the fiscal year, and our city government has already been forced to freeze hiring and restrict spending due to what can only be described as a failure of planning and financial stewardship.
The City Manager’s Letter: Evidence of a Budget in Crisis
On May 6, 2026, Jesus Merejo, the City Manager of Port St. Lucie, sent a letter to the city’s Leadership Team announcing immediate “Temporary Spending Restrictions.” The letter cites “considerable challenges and uncertainties” affecting the city’s financial outlook.
This is not a minor adjustment. This is an emergency measure. Here is the full text of the City Manager’s letter:
Date: May 6, 2026
To: Leadership Team
From: Jesus Merejo, City Manager
Subject: Temporary Spending RestrictionsDue to considerable challenges and uncertainties affecting the city’s financial outlook, we are implementing immediate temporary spending restrictions. The city is currently facing:
- Rising capital project costs
- Unfunded expenses
- Increased overtime
- A slowdown in construction activity
- Potential shifts in taxable property values
- Possible property tax reforms
Effective immediately, the following restrictions are in place:
- Hiring freeze on all vacant positions
- Suspension of all salary adjustments
- Restriction on all travel and conferences
- Strict limits on all non-essential spending
These measures are necessary to ensure the financial stability of Port St. Lucie. We must act responsibly to navigate these financial challenges.
Let that sink in. The city is reportedly facing $22 million in budget overruns — including massive cost overages on the Port District and Torino Park projects. Positions are frozen. Salary adjustments are suspended. Travel is restricted. And this is happening before we’ve even reached the halfway point of the fiscal year.
Steve Giordano Speaks the Truth
When this letter surfaced publicly, Steve Giordano — who is running for Mayor of Port St. Lucie — immediately spoke out on Facebook with the kind of clarity and directness that our current leadership lacks:
“It’s not even halfway through the year yet, and now we are seeing frozen positions and spending restrictions. That is not a good look for the City of Port St. Lucie. Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible budgeting with taxpayer money. Poor planning and mismanaged funds hurt city services, employees, and ultimately the community. We need leadership that focuses on smart spending, priorities, and putting the people of Port St. Lucie first.”
— Steve Giordano
He’s right. And his words reflect exactly what I hear from neighbors, fellow business owners, and community members every single day.
The Contrast Could Not Be Clearer
On one side, we have current leadership that has allowed capital projects to spiral out of control, failed to plan for predictable expenses, and is now scrambling to freeze spending mid-year — hurting city employees and the services that residents depend on.
On the other side, we have Steve Giordano — a lifelong Port St. Lucie resident since 1989, a father, a public safety professional with nearly 17 years of service, and a licensed Florida Realtor who understands fiscal discipline from the real world.
Steve’s platform is built on the principles Port St. Lucie desperately needs right now:
- Find the Money — Cut unnecessary spending and improve government efficiency
- Lower Property Taxes — Reduce the burden on homeowners and families
- Fix the Roads — Prioritize infrastructure without reckless overspending
- Create Opportunities — Bring investment and economic growth to PSL
- Transparency and Accountability — A government that works for the people, not insiders
I’m Personally Stepping Up — Because Someone Has To
As a local business owner, I see the impact of city leadership every single day. When government mismanages funds, it’s the everyday people who pay the price — through higher taxes, worse services, and a community that doesn’t reach its full potential.
I believe in Port St. Lucie so much that I have personally spoken with city officials and offered to help fund and donate to fill the gap caused by this budget mismanagement. I am stepping up as a private citizen to help where the city government has failed.
But let me be clear: private donations cannot fix systemic poor planning. We need a fundamental change in leadership at City Hall. We need someone who will treat taxpayer money with the same respect and discipline that a successful business demands. We need Steve Giordano.
Port St. Lucie Deserves Better — Support Steve Giordano
Port St. Lucie has incredible potential. We have amazing people, growing businesses, and a community worth fighting for. But we cannot afford more of the same reckless spending, lack of transparency, and absence of accountability.
If you believe Port St. Lucie deserves leadership that respects your tax dollars, prioritizes smart spending, and puts the community first, I urge you to support Steve Giordano for Mayor.
Visit steveng4psl.com to learn more, volunteer, and contribute to his campaign.
Together, we can bring the change our city needs. Let’s elect a mayor who puts the people of Port St. Lucie first.
Adam Levine
CEO, Levine Capital
(772) 732-0757
Adam Levine is a local business owner and CEO of Levine Capital, a private lending firm headquartered on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
