Rivella
Rivella
- Port St. Lucie, Floida -
Rivella is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. Our convenient location offers residents easy access to beaches, shopping, and dining and is just 45-minutes from West Palm Beach. Residents enjoy access to a Club with Fitness Room, Outdoor Pool, walking trails, and nature preserves within the community. Activities and destinations near Rivella range from dining, shopping, and golf to beaches, state parks, theme parks, and historic sites.
St. Lucie River
The St. Lucie River is a major waterway in the region that flows through Martin and St. Lucie counties before emptying into the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided into the North Fork and South Fork, with the North Fork running through Port St. Lucie. The river is a crucial part of the local ecosystem and supports a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and manatees.
THE PORT DISTRICT
The North Fork of the St. Lucie River flows through the heart of Port St. Lucie, playing a vital role in the city's history and identity. Unlike many other large Florida cities, Port St. Lucie remains uniquely connected to its natural surroundings, with the North Fork offering an unspoiled landscape free from excessive development. Its beauty continues to inspire residents while also serving as a key resource for recreation and economic activity.
Recognizing the river’s significance, the City of Port St. Lucie has long prioritized its preservation and accessibility. For years, residents, business owners, and visitors have expressed a desire for more opportunities to enjoy the river. The challenge has been to create these new experiences while maintaining harmony with the natural environment and preserving the city's character.
The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a beautiful natural attraction located along the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It offers a peaceful escape with a variety of themed gardens, native plants, and scenic walking paths. The gardens are home to a diverse collection of flora, including orchids, bromeliads, palms, and butterfly-friendly plants.
Key Features of the Gardens:
Themed Gardens – Includes rose gardens, a butterfly garden, a native plant garden, and a cactus/succulent garden.
Scenic Walkways – Trails wind through the lush landscape, offering great views of the river and wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing – Visitors can spot birds, butterflies, and other native species.
Events & Workshops – The gardens host educational programs, plant sales, and community events.
Pavilions & Meeting Spaces – Available for special occasions, weddings, and gatherings.
The gardens are managed by the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, a nonprofit organization that helps with conservation and maintenance efforts.
The Port St. Lucie Riverwalk Boardwalk is a scenic waterfront attraction along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It offers a peaceful setting for walking, sightseeing, and enjoying nature.
Key Features:
Scenic Views – The boardwalk stretches along the river, providing beautiful views of the water, mangroves, and local wildlife.
Wildlife Spotting – Visitors can see birds, fish, and sometimes even manatees in the river.
Fishing Access – Designated spots along the boardwalk allow for fishing.
Picnic Areas & Benches – Ideal for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Event Space – Nearby Veterans Park at Rivergate hosts community events, including festivals and concerts.
The boardwalk is a great place for a relaxing stroll, photography, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the St. Lucie River.
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The St. Lucie River in Florida has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, shaped by Native American cultures, European exploration, and modern development.
Early History:
The area surrounding the river was originally inhabited by the Ais and Seminole tribes, who relied on the river for food, transportation, and trade.
Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, and the river’s name is believed to have come from the Santa Lucia Mission, established by the Spanish in the 1560s near present-day Jupiter, Florida.
19th & Early 20th Century:
In the 1800s, settlers began moving into the region, using the river for fishing, agriculture, and trade.
The river played a role in the Seminole Wars, as U.S. military forces moved through the area.
The expansion of railroads and the construction of drainage canals in the early 1900s changed the river’s natural flow, affecting its ecosystem.
Environmental Challenges:
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Herbert Hoover Dike was built around Lake Okeechobee, altering water flow into the St. Lucie River.
The C-44 Canal was constructed to divert excess water from Lake Okeechobee into the river, leading to problems with pollution, sedimentation, and algal blooms.
Over time, urbanization and agriculture increased nutrient runoff, further impacting water quality.
Modern Conservation Efforts:
In recent decades, there has been a strong push for restoration, including efforts to reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and restore wetlands.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and state-funded initiatives aim to improve water quality and restore the river’s natural ecosystem.
Today, the St. Lucie River remains an important part of Florida’s environment, supporting fishing, boating, and wildlife conservation while facing ongoing challenges from development and pollution.
St. Lucie River | Up Close
Links to Port St. Lucie Guides
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The Beaches
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Dining
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Shopping
Let’s Connect.
Rivella
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