BRIGHTLINE ANNOUNCES STATION EXPANSION FOR DOWNTOWN STUART & MARTIN COUNTY

Stuart, Fla. (March 4, 2024) – Brightline, seamlessly connecting travelers between Central and South Florida, formally announced today that it has selected Martin County and the City of Stuart as the site for its next intercity passenger rail station. The location was chosen after a review of five proposals from private and public land owners along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Brightline was joined at today’s announcement by Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21) and elected officials from the County and City. Expanding into the Treasure Coast will make Brightline one of the most accessible forms of transportation in Florida, giving access to nearly half of the state’s residents and millions of visitors.

 

The decision to select Stuart was driven by a number of key factors, including the location and physical characteristics of the site and the ease with which the site will integrate into Brightline’s existing rail infrastructure network. Brightline also highlighted various dynamics of the local market and the site’s accessibility to key local attractions.

 

“I congratulate the City of Stuart and Martin County on its successful bid to secure the new Brightline station and parking structure. This is proof that our community can work together and come to a solution if we use common sense. I look forward to the economic development the Treasure Coast stop will bring to our local businesses and the opportunities it will provide to the surrounding cities and the region,” said Congressman Brian Mast, FL District 21.

 

“We’ve seen significant demand and support for a Brightline Station in the Treasure Coast which was evident during this process. It was a difficult decision and we’re grateful for everyone’s support and efforts to make this happen,” said Brian Kronberg, Brightline’s Senior Vice President of Development and Construction. “We couldn’t be more excited to make the City of Stuart our hub for Brightline along Florida’s Treasure Coast.”

 

The announcement of the station site kicks off the process of memorializing a deal structure with Martin County and the City of Stuart. Following City and County approvals, Brightline and its partners will start the design and engineering of the station, parking structure and necessary rail infrastructure.

 

The proposed Brightline Stuart station is located on 2.35 acres in the heart of historic downtown Stuart in Martin County. The station is conveniently located between the Miami and Orlando stations. Its location is approximately 40 miles north of Brightline West Palm Beach, just 40 minutes by train, and the station is easily accessible from I-95, Florida’s Turnpike and the local roadway network. Brightline Stuart guests will be within walking distance of the award-winning downtown and minutes from Stuart’s pristine beaches, oceanfront resorts, and internationally acclaimed “Treasure Coast” lifestyle.

 

“Brightline believes in ‘Connecting People for Good’ and I think that’s a great thing to believe in,” said Martin County Chairman Harold Jenkins, District 3. “A Brightline station in Martin County will make it easier for folks to discover what makes our community unique. And, with a blend of cultures and backgrounds, this location has the potential to attract a good number of passengers. Together with Brightline, we look forward to connecting Martin County with other parts of this great state.”

 

"The City of Stuart is thrilled to announce that Brightline has chosen Stuart for the next station in Florida's expanding passenger rail network,” said City of Stuart Mayor Becky Brunner. “This marks a historic return to our roots and fulfills a vision held by Stuart for over 30 years, offering residents and visitors alike a first-class journey to Stuart, away from the congestion of highways. Stuart welcomes Brightline to our seaside town and looks forward to developing a partnership that defines the future of travel and transportation in Florida.”

 

“The addition of a Brightline station will transform Stuart into a hub of modern transportation, fostering connectivity, and economic prosperity,” said Chair Troy McDonald, Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization, and City of Stuart Commissioner.

 

Brightline recently surpassed 5 million rides after first launching operations in South Florida in 2018 connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. In 2022, Brightline opened stations in Boca Raton and Aventura. In September 2023, Brightline rolled out the yellow carpet to welcome long-haul travelers between South Florida and Orlando, celebrating true intercity rail. As the first guests entered its station in Orlando, Brightline put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and the biggest development in American train travel in over 100 years. Today Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando in under 3.5 hours.

 

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE 

Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top major events and destinations between Central and South Florida. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Brightline is recognized by Inc. 5000 Regionals as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast for 2023 and is noted as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel by Fast Company. Brightline offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. The company plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

 

–GOBRIGHTLINE–

 

Media Contacts:

Katie Mitzner, Director of Public Affairs

katie.mitzner@gobrightline.com

 

Vanessa Alfonso, Director of Media Relations

vanessa.alfonso@gobrightline.com

 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS

 

“Congratulations to the City of Stuart and the entire Treasure Coast on having a Brightline Station in our area. Although it will be several years until it is a reality, I look forward to being able to go to Orlando, especially the airport, and Miami on the train.” – Senator Gayle Harrell, Florida District 31

 

“Congratulations to the City of Stuart. The new Brightline Station will bring connectivity to the Treasure Coast and a great opportunity for our residents.” – Representative Toby Overdorf, Florida District 85

 

"Martin County believes in the importance of supporting and investing in transportation projects that are good for our residents, good for local businesses, and ultimately, good for our state." – Martin County Vice Chair Stacey Hetherington, District 2

 

“As the only stop on the Treasure Coast, a Brightline station in Martin County will bring people together to explore our community, making it easier for Floridians to connect and discover what makes Florida unique. From the culturally rich southern tip of Florida and fun-filled adventures in the Palm Beaches to the naturally quaint Treasure Coast and the legendary offerings of Orlando and Central Florida, we are proud Brightline has selected Martin County as the home of their next station.” - Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith, District 1

 

“As a former small business owner, I think having a Brightline station in our area will provide a tremendous boost for local businesses within walking distance from the station and beyond. I’m excited for the opportunities this will provide.” - Martin County Commissioner Edward V. Ciampi, District 5

 

“The presence of the Brightline station in downtown Stuart will undoubtedly benefit local businesses and create new job opportunities as people can now easily travel from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando to visit our city. In addition, by creating access to this new, regional rail network, the station will help us reduce our over-reliance on cars and help lessen traffic congestion as we all begin to enjoy the availability of a modern and reliable public transportation system.” - Vice Mayor Campbell Rich, City of Stuart

 

“The City of Stuart very much appreciates Brightline’s selection of Stuart as its future Treasure Coast station. This unique and transformative opportunity will offer benefits to our local businesses and bring new employment opportunities to the area. We look forward to a successful partnership and a bright future for both the City of Stuart and Brightline.” - Commissioner Eula Clark, City of Stuart

 

BUSINESS/COMMUNITY LEADERS

 

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Brightline to Martin County. Brightline will bolster our local economy, support our local businesses, and create new connectivity and opportunities for our community. Brightline is at the forefront of elevated travel, while Stuart is consistently recognized as one of the best small towns in Florida and listed among the most beautiful places in the state. Having a Brightline station will allow us to showcase what makes our area so unique and offer visitors a new innovative, sustainable travel option.” - Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director, Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

 

“A Brightline Station in Stuart will add additional vitality to our vibrant downtown, adding tourists & residents daily. It will also provide an option for the tens of thousands of our workforce commuting north & south daily.” - Joseph A. Catrambone, President/CEO, Stuart/Martin Chamber of Commerce

 

“The Palm City Chamber of Commerce is excited for the positive opportunities our new Brightline station will bring to the residents and visitors of our wonderful community.” – Missi Campbell, Executive Director, Palm City Chamber of Commerce

 

"Stuart has been planning for this event for literally decades. It is so exciting to see it finally come to fruition. This will be a tremendous boost to our local economy." – Dan Hudson, Interim Executive Director, Business Development Board of Martin County, Inc.

 

“Stuart Main Street is very excited to welcome Brightline to our beloved historic waterfront Downtown. We look forward to meeting new visitors and appreciate the additional prosperity it will bring to our small locally owned businesses.” - Candace Callahan, Executive Director, Stuart Main Street

 

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