Port Salerno

Port Salerno is a census-designated place (CDP) in Martin County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,091 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area.GeographyPort Salerno is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.0sqmi, of which 3.6sqmi is land and 0.4sqmi is water.HistoryIn the 1920s, a small settlement was created in the southern shores of St. Lucie river inlet. It was named "Salerno" because the main settlers were emigrants from the Italian city of Salerno.The area increased in population and importance after World War II, with many people from the northeastern United States moving to Florida. In 1960, the name was changed to Port Salerno, in order to differentiate it from that of the Italian city.In the 1980s, the "Chastain Campus" of the Indian River State College was created. Port Salerno is known for the "World Fishing Tournaments", based on the yacht port.GovernmentPort Salerno is an unincorporated town located in Martin County, governed by County Commissioners. Martin County is divided into five districts. Port Salerno is represented by Sarah Heard as part of District 4.DemographicsAs of the census of 2000, there were 10,141 people, 4,466 households, and 2,862 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,803.2 people per square mile (1,081.6/km²). There were 5,126 housing units at an average density of 1,416.9/sq mi (546.7/km²).