From the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere to thousands of acres of conservation lands, Martin County has allured generations with its timeless natural beauty. Yet poor water management practices and more people relocating to the area has many concerned about how to maintain the cherished natural beauty that defines the region.
The visionaries behind Storie, Martin County’s newest community concept, have been hard at work creating a community design that both protects and improves these natural assets. This eco-friendly neighborhood is being planned not just around the concept of living in concert with nature but embracing it with a focus on environmental restoration and watershed protection. Let’s take a closer look at how Storie has been meticulously designed to be a part of the solution.
55% of Land Preserved
Encompassing 2,700 acres, Storie would be a community of considerable scale. Yet many will notice on the site plan that the number of green and blue spaces outnumbers the structures. This emphasis reflects the conscious decision to leave 55% of the existing natural landscapes untouched. The creators of Storie prioritized environmental preservation in their design, strategically placing buildings and homes around the existing wetlands and preserves. Rather than diminishing the area’s natural features, Storie’s sustainable approach highlights and enhances the surrounding wetlands. This allows Martin County residents to embrace a lifestyle intertwined with Florida landscapes. Thirty-eight miles of nature trails would amble through the open spaces, providing endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and more. These trails would offer picturesque views of the wetlands and waters that surround Storie.
500 Million Gallons of Water Filtered Annually
Another central component of Storie’s design is to be a part of the clean water solution, working with nature to improve the local ecosystem. For decades, phosphate-laden runoff has been pumped from Lake Okeechobee to the coast, creating toxic green algae blooms that harm native wildlife and introduce harmful bacteria to Florida’s beaches. Storie’s innovative filtration system would clean more than 500 million gallons of water annually from the C44 runoff before it enters the headwaters of the South Fork. Filtration marshes utilizing natural vegetation would naturally slow down the water, remove the legacy of phosphorus nitrogen, and oxygenate the water as it flows through the community. The process would be continuously maintained and monitored by industry experts, ensuring cleaner water is released into the headwaters of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Reimagining the Eco-Friendly Waterway Town
Storie’s smart waterways wouldn’t solely benefit the local ecosystem. The waterways have been deliberately designed to be a central gathering point for resident enjoyment. These serene bodies of water would weave thoughtfully through the community, providing endless waterfront adventures all Martin County residents could enjoy. Convenient launch points would provide ample room for kayaking and paddleboarding, while electric boats would cruise visitors to their destination in style. An expansive freshwater lake would turn the community into a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Whether navigating the waterways on a non-motorized boat or casting a line from the pier, anglers of all ages could snag prized catches.
The epicenter of this community concept’s waterfront lifestyle would be Storie’s Village Center. Set along the internal waterway system, it could provide a new place where both local businesses and Martin County residents feel at home. Strolling along the waterfront promenade lined with local boutiques, art galleries, and stores would be commonplace. Locally owned restaurants and bars could become new hotspots for meeting friends or co-workers to enjoy cocktails and great conversation. Seating areas along the waterfront allow visitors to watch the electric boats cruise by as they soak in the sunset hues.
New Website Gives a Deeper Look at Community Concept’s Vision
Clean water and open spaces are just the beginning of ways this eco-minded neighborhood would bring together the community. A vibrant community park, a K-12 charter school, an open-air amphitheater, and plentiful outdoor activities have also been planned for Storie. As Storie progresses toward finalizing the details of this community concept, additional information will be revealed in the near future. To receive a copy of the StorieTime magazine with more details on the vision for this community, or to be among the first to see the vision video upon its release, register your interest at StorieFL.com.
