Martin County Approves $45 Million Deal for Stuart Brightline Station
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Martin County commissioners approved a $45 million plan to build a Brightline station in Downtown Stuart . This agreement, reached just months after Stuart City Commissioners rescinded a similar deal, marks a significant development in transportation for the Treasure Coast .
The proposed Brightline station will be located on county-owned land at 500 Southeast Flagler Avenue. The county has committed up to $15 million to the project, with the remaining funds anticipated from state and federal grants.
Should the grants not materialize by June 2027, the county or Brightline may withdraw from the agreement or renegotiate terms.
Financial Commitments & Funding Strategies
Martin County plans to cover a portion of the project by borrowing $11.8 million and making annual payments of $1.05 million over 15 years without raising property taxes. To fulfill the projected costs, the county plans to apply for multiple grants, including the Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program , which could provide up to $60 million if approved by spring 2025.
The county currently has $3.2 million available for the station's design and permitting. Additional funds are contingent upon successful grant applications.
Community & Commissioner Reactions
The commissioners expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the Brightline station. Commissioner Ed Ciampi highlighted the need for future-focused infrastructure and noted the potential for positive impacts on the local economy. However, community feedback has been mixed, with some residents skeptical about the project's value and impact on the character and pace in Downtown Stuart.
Supporters, including local business owners, see the Brightline station as a potential economic driver that will attract more visitors and boost local commerce.
A vocal contingent of residents expressed fears that the station would disrupt Stuart's small-town charm and lead to overcrowding, increased traffic issues, and parking shortages. Comments on social media showed deep concerns about whether the infrastructure can handle increased traffic. Several residents pointed out the potential for worsening traffic congestion around "Confusion Corner," a notoriously complex intersection. Some argued that the station should be relocated to Fort Pierce , the geographic center point of the Treasure Coast where more space might allow for a less disruptive build-out.
While the county assures no property tax increases, the project stirred distrust regarding the financial commitments. Some residents that the reliance on grants could place unexpected burdens on taxpayers if funding does not materialize. "Who's paying for it?" and "Are we just subsidizing a private enterprise?" were recurring questions on local forums. Both sides could technically walk away from the deal should the grants not come to fruition.
These mixed sentiments underscore a fundamental tension in Stuart. While there is clear support for development that could connect Stuart with Florida's major cities, concerns about preserving the area's character and handling increased traffic and potential noise pollution loom large.
Station Timeline, Challenges, & Next Steps
Pending grant approval, construction on the station could begin as early as 2025, with the station operational by 2028. Brightline plans to implement safety features as well, including 6.6 miles of fencing along the tracks, to ensure safe travel through Martin County.
In the station's initial months, Brightline will offer at least four stops each way daily. Future service frequency will be determined by passenger demand.
As Martin County prepares to swear in new commissioners, questions arise about whether the project could face similar reversals to those seen in Stuart. However, Brightline executives have expressed confidence in the unanimous commission decision, emphasizing the strong local support for the project.
Both Martin County officials and Brightline remain hopeful that the project will proceed smoothly, with grant funding as the key determinant for its success.
