CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Rising Stars at Summer Camp
While the Sunrise Theatre may not host major stars during the summer, its Summer Camp is clearly nurturing the next generation of performers. This year, the theatre ran three sold-out sessions, each culminating in a camper-created performance that showcased their talents in acting, singing, and dancing.
Unlike previous years when the camp was outsourced, this year’s program was produced in-house by local young theatre professionals, thanks to the support of the Sunrise Theatre Foundation and the Children’s Services Council. Led by Camp Director Naomi Araya and a dedicated team of five counselors, the camp offered a rich blend of performance training, creative collaboration, and classic summer fun.
Campers not only performed in original 30-minute productions—contributing to script writing and set design—but also participated in workshops and games that
built confidence, teamwork, and creativity. The program’s impact was evident: all sessions reached full capacity with 60 children each, and 64 campers were fully sponsored, allowing them to attend at no cost to their families.
The final performances drew large, enthusiastic audiences of family and friends, creating a powerful sense of community. Kelly Santos of the Children’s Services Council praised the camp’s inclusive and nurturing environment, noting the emotional moment when castmates supported a peer who forgot her lines. “The energy in the room spoke volumes about the impact your team has on the lives of these young performers,” she said.
The overwhelming turnout, glowing feedback, and visible growth in the campers all point to one thing: the Sunrise Theatre Summer Camp was a resounding success.
PLANNING DETERMINATIONS
Millcreek
The City Commission approved a Planned Development Final Site Plan for the construction of 439 dwelling units, consisting of 309 townhomes and 130 detached singlefamily homes, at a density of 7.1 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). The project includes plans for a clubhouse with amenities (to be constructed in Phase 2), a dog park, and a pocket park.
Aspatria Institute
The City Commission approved a Conditional Use application submitted by Aspatria Institute. The property, located at 1404 S. 28th Street, includes a 4,000-square-foot, two-story building that will be used for classrooms and training labs. The Institute will offer medical training through hybrid programs that combine in-person instruction with online coursework. Additionally, externship opportunities will be available, providing hands-on experience at established medical practices.
Beautification in Progress
As part of the City’s ongoing beautification efforts, the Public Works Department trimmed Sabal Palms in the Downtown area during the month of August. Palm trimming enhances the visual appeal of the area and reduces the amount of tree debris that falls onto sidewalks and streets during high wind and rain events.
Sabal Palms used as street trees in municipal settings should be trimmed twice a year to maintain a well-manicured appearance. The Washingtonia Palms near the Marina are scheduled to be trimmed in early September 2025.
The Department is also identifying additional areas in the City for future palm trimming. These areas include:
Avenue D from U.S. 1 to 25th Street
Maravilla Park
City Sponsored Event St. Lucie Helping Hands Ministries Back-to-School Giveaway August 1, 2025
Indian Hills Golf Course
Plenty of work has been done on the turfgrass throughout these warmer summer months to ensure peak health heading into the fall season. Tremendous support has come from the Turf Doctor and the outstanding Maintenance Team! The crew has been extremely active— fertilizing and spraying almost daily—steadily tipping the balance toward healthier grass and fewer weeds. Some turf challenges remain on the front nine, but significant progress has been made in a short amount of time!
From a financial perspective, the year has been very encouraging. As of mid-August, approximately 800 additional rounds and $80,000 in increased revenue have been recorded compared to the same period last year. Improved course conditions have led to more play and, in turn, more revenue. All signs point to the strongest financial year in quite some time!
The second greens aeration is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2nd & 3rd. Please note: the Golf Course and Practice Range will be CLOSED on both days. Reopening is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, with reduced rates available for approximately 10 days during recovery. Additionally, the course will be CLOSED for ONE DAY ONLY on Tuesday, September 23rd for an insecticide application.
Both the course and practice facility will reopen on Wednesday, September 24th.
Indian Hills is proud to serve as the host site for the First Tee’s Veterans Program, which has been running for several months. First Tee offers FREE golf clinics to veterans—America’s heroes—every Tuesday from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM through September.
The high school golf season is now underway, and Indian Hills is once again the home course for Fort Pierce Central. Throughout the season, the course will host practices and approximately 15 boys’ and girls’ matches, welcoming between 300–350 studentathletes from local schools.
Word of mouth remains the most powerful form of advertising. Guests who have enjoyed the improvements are encouraged to share the experience with others. Suggestions for improvement are always welcome to help keep the momentum going.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all members and guests for continued support. Be sure to “Like” and “Follow” Indian Hills Golf Course on Facebook and Instagram for near-daily updates on course conditions and ongoing maintenance projects.
TUNNELS OF HOPE
Throughout August, FPPD officers and staff participated in several “Tunnels of Hope” events at schools across St. Lucie County. Hosted by the Roundtable of St. Lucie County’s Kids at Hope program, these events are like pep rallies designed to motivate and encourage students as they head into a new school year and testing season. Officers lined the halls, high-fived students, and reminded them that their community is behind them every step of the way.
GREAT AMERICAN RAFT RACE
On August 7, FPPD took part in the Great American Raft Race at Causeway Cove Marina, hosted by ProjectLift. This event gives local youth a chance to show off their creativity and teamwork by building and racing their own rafts. We were thrilled to cheer on our FPPD Courageous Kids, who took home first and second place in several categories. It was a day full of fun, teamwork, and community spirit.
515 - 527 CORAL SANDS
Vertical construction has started for the new townhomes built on Coral Sands Way just across the street from Porpoise Beach Access, on Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway (A1A). The home pictured at 522 Coral Sands Way has begun foundation work with the compaction test completed, termite treatment completed and placement of footing steel in preparation of the slab being poured. The first floor of the home at 519 Coral Sands Way has been mostly constructed. Inspections are being done in phases, per floor. Twelve town homes are planned to be constructed at this site.
2005 - 2085 S JENKINS RD
Construction of the three-story apartment buildings and single-story garages at the corner of Jenkins Rd and Graham Rd is ongoing. Siding and windows have recently been installed and inspected on some of the buildings, with roof shingles ready to be installed. Once the buildings are “dried in”, work inside will begin.
514 N US HWY 1
Windows and doors have recently been installed and are ready for inspection at this new veterinary clinic located at US Hwy 1 and Avenue D. The roof covering is ready to be installed, and with the structure “dried in”, interior work may begin.
JULY 2025 NEW CONSTRUCTION VALUES
$7,921,490 NEW COMMERCIAL PERMITS
$2,180,526 NEW SINGLE FAMILY/DUPLEX PERMITS
These figures are based on permits issued in July 2025 for New Construction
JULY 2025 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY
JULY 2025 BUILDING INSPECTION ACTIVITY
DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2
CATEGORY
DTA - Days to Acknowledgement DTC - Days to Close
Please use this link to view a map of the Fort Pierce City Commission Election Districts:https:// cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/ View/22378/City-Election-Distircts-Map-2022
WORKS
Leisure Services Programs Update
The Recreation Center wrapped up a successful summer season with the conclusion of Summer Jam 2.0. Campers enjoyed a memorable final day filled with outdoor games and two large water slides, closing out the program with laughter, teamwork, and fun in the sun. This year’s camp provided a safe and engaging environment for youth to learn, grow, and make lasting memories. A recap video capturing the highlights of Summer Jam 2.0 is available here.
August also marked the exciting kickoff of the 2025 Fort Pierce Firehawks Football & Cheer season at Khalil Mack Stadium in the historic Lincoln Park community.
HIGHLIGHTS
Our players and cheerleaders displayed outstanding teamwork and community pride from the first whistle to the last cheer. A recap of opening weekend is available, and the community is invited to support the Firehawks at home games on September 13, October 4, October 11, and October 18 (Homecoming). In addition, the Martial Arts program at the Recreation Center continues to grow, offering participants lessons in coordination, respect, concentration, fitness, and discipline—furthering our mission to provide diverse recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. For more information, please call the Fort Pierce Recreation Center at 772-774-3792.
Summer Jam 2.0 wrap-up with a “fun in the sun” day featuring two water slides
Recap video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWhu2tACjIA
2025 Firehawks Football & Cheer kickoff at Khalil Mack Stadium in historic Lincoln Park
Opening weekend recap video: https://youtu.be/TJtBPm-vrmU
Martial Arts program growth emphasizing coordination, respect, concentration, fitness, and discipline
Public contact: Fort Pierce Recreation Center – 772-774-3792
Avenue D and Means Court
Frances Avenue Roadway Improvements
Public Parking Lot
The work associated with this roadway improvement project includes drainage improvements, water main installation, utility adjustments and roadway restoration. Paving was completed on Monday, August 18.
Avenue D and Means
Court
JC Penney Parking Lot
Public Parking Lot
Inspections continue on the dumpster enclosures.
Avenue D and Means Court
Public Parking Lot
Avenue D (29th Street to US 1)
Staff is preparing an agenda item for the September 2, 2025 City Commission meeting for approval of the award.
Avenue D and Means Court
Public Parking Lot
Nebraska Avenue Sidewalk (Lawnwood Circle) Phase 1
The FDOT LAP Agreement was approved by the City Commission on August 18, 2025. Staff is awaiting coordination with FDOT for authorization to advertise. This project includes federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding.
2025 Street Resurfacing Program
Staff is currently working with the contractor to issue a Notice to Proceed.
Avenue D and Means Court
Fairway Drive Drainage Repairs
Public Parking Lot
Repairs to the existing drainage system within the area of Fairway Drive from Grandview Boulevard to Trinidad Avenue. A total of 0.22 miles (1,131.10 Linear Feet) of main trunk line pipe replacement to include both 36-inch and 42-inch reinforced concrete pipes (RCP). Also, a storm manhole replacement, rehabilitation of nine structures (two manholes and seven catch basins). Roadway and right of way restorations include curb, sod, roadway mill and overlay and final restorations. Roadway restorations are on-going.
Avenue D and Means Court
Indian River Drive Corridor Improvements Project (Seaway Drive to Avenue A)
Public Parking Lot
Full roadway and bridge reconstruction of Indian River Drive between Seaway Drive and Avenue
A. The corridor improvements include the addition of on-street parking, a curb and gutter roadway section complete with sidewalks, decorative streetlights, water, sewer, and electric upgrades, bridge reconstruction over Moore’s Creek, an upgraded stormwater collection system, landscaping, and ADA-compliant upgrades, including brick paver crosswalks.
Negotiations with the low bidder were successful, and the revised bid was approved by the City Commission during the July 21, 2025, meeting. The construction contract has been approved by the City Attorney’s Office and was forwarded to the contractor on August 20, 2025, with the goal of presenting it to the Commission on September 8, 2025, for authorization for the Mayor to execute the contract. A pre-construction meeting has been scheduled for September 11, 2025, and construction is expected to commence in October 2025.
Avenue D and Means Court
Surfside Neighborhood Roadway Improvements
Public Parking Lot
The roadway improvement project will include drainage enhancements in the Surfside Park neighborhood. The streets identified for these improvements are Melaleuca, Plover, Pelican, Walnut, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Sunset Isles, Mimosa, and Jacaranda. Planned upgrades include the construction of valley gutters on both sides of the roadway, regrading to eliminate the remaining roadside swales, driveway replacements, and milling and resurfacing of the pavement.
Additionally, FPUA will upgrade water mains and sanitary sewers on three of the roadways. The contract is scheduled to be presented on September 2, 2025, to authorize the Mayor to execute it. A pre-construction meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2025, and construction is expected to begin in October 2025.
Welcome Aboard Thank You for Growing with Us
Glomaster Sign Co., Inc.
Pretty Nails of Fort Pierce LLC
Aluminum Vinyl & Building Products
Drawdy Concrete Construction, LLC
Sizemores Sales and Service
Ranger Construction
St Lucie Group LLC
Naven Health, Inc.
Ascend Grocery LLC
Fort Pierce Grill and Wing LLC
Wilson's Petroleum Equipment, Inc.
Jose Bravo Lawn Service
JMC Carpenter Inc
Manny Construction Service
Micabee Multi Service llc
Ramlagan, LLC
Clear VOIP Solutions
MarginFirst Advisors, LLC
Coastal Cleanings
Rosies Blooms LLC
Sunrise Lawn Care, Pressure Cleaning
ATL Travel LLC
OCD Kids Inc
Burlington Coat Factory
Vicente Installs LLC
Law Office of Isai Bonilla, PLLC
South Hutchinson Island Sailing, LLC
China Wok
Ross Dress For Less (#2618)
Cardinal Operations LLC
Vicente Capital Corp
Builder Services Group
Plantart Land Services
Raofbi LLC
Carefree Club Holdings LLC
Jet Ride Holding LLC
Shearwater Marine FL Inc
Sante Plus Medical Center, Inc
Balanced Wellbeing LLC
