A small settlement on the southern shores of St. Lucie river inlet was created. 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.  The warm Florida weather attracted many snowbirds during the harsh winter months to visit and live in Port Salerno. The boating, fishing, and beautiful beaches also lured people to move and visit this town.  Port Salerno is known for the “World Fishing Tournaments” based on the yacht port.  In 1960 the name was changed to Port Salerno, in order to differentiate it from that of the Italian city of Salerno. 

Port Salerno is also famous for it’s Seafood Festival. The Festival is hosted each year by The Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority, Inc., a not for profit formed July 13, 2004. The humble beginnings of the Seafood Festival started as a fish fry party at the docks in Port Salerno.  In 2006, while Port Salerno was in the midst of redevelopment, a small group gathered to take the dock party to the next level in an effort to bring positive awareness of the local commercial fishing industry and support to their community.  That first Seafood Festival was a resounding success and attendance has grown steadily ever since.  Now over 35,000 attended the event each year, enjoying the only ‘on the waterfront’ Seafood Festival on the east coast of Florida from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville!