Areas Being declared a "State of Emergency" due to Foreclosures???

City of Port St Lucie has indeed been hit hard with the Foreclosures and all of the Short Sales. But is this a reason for our county to be declared in a State of Emergency? This would be a first of its kind, in an economy like no other. Just as we are declared in a State of Emergency with a Hurricane, Port St Lucie would be declared just that. At one point in time Port St Lucie was one of the fastest growing cities in America. With families flocking here to attain their dream homes, we are now 10,000+ strong in foreclosed properties and a staggering 10.5% unemployment rate. There is $17.5 million dollars that is set aside for our Hurricane Season, and now commissioners are wanting to use those funds to take care of this "DISASTER". The foreclosure Disaster a disaster that WE caused, not a natural disaster, a MAN MADE ONE! It is amazing that we are in an economy so bad that we are actually thinking of using these funds to take care of the foreclosures, and what will happen when a Hurricane hits this area? Is that going to leave the city strapped for funds? Yes it is! There has to be some other solution to this problem. I will tell you that THIS is not the solution! Port St Lucie is still a great place to live, the prices on Real Estate is great right now, jobs can be found, and giving hope to the communities here in Port St Lucie is something that we ALL have to do. Posting stories in local news papers and on CNN stating that St Lucie county is one of the hardest hit area is true, but is the trauma to the area so severe that it is a Disaster, I would say no in my opinion. In some sort of little or drastic way, everyone in the US, and beyond in some instances, have been effected by the downturn on the market, and yes some hit worse than others, but I still believe that Port St Lucie is one of the best places in the US to live and to raise a family. The negativity that this has brought to our area is unjust, where are the positive aspects of our area? You dont see that in the news. The prices on homes are at an all time low, and new industry and Bio-Tech jobs are coming to St Lucie county, we have to all work on this together, volunteer our time when we can, get together within your community and see where you can help, have a community "pot luck" dinner, its the little things that help, and we do have to start somewhere. I am continually amazed at even in our bleakest times, we can still come together as a community and help each other.

Here is the Law on doing such a thing, just so you know:

THE LAW

• Chapter 252 of Florida State Statutes gives local governments the authority to declare a local state of emergency.

• It gives the public safety director the ability to seize control of necessary resources

• It allows local government to bypass state purchasing and bidding requirements to repair or recover from the emergency.