August 2024 City Manager's Report by City of Fort Pierce

City Manager’s Report

Community Commitment Shines through Cleanup Efforts

Despite having to cancel two cleanups this year, Our Mothers Village Inc. remained committed to showing their appreciation, pride, and dedication to keeping Fort Pierce beautiful.

On Tuesday, July 2, they successfully completed a cleanup starting at 25th Street down to Orange Avenue. Their goal is to inspire others in the community to join them in keeping their surroundings clean.

Clean communities are more than just visually appealing; they contribute to the overall well-being of residents. Cleaner neighborhoods foster a sense of pride and ownership, encouraging people to take better care of their surroundings. This positive environment attracts new businesses and residents, boosting property values and driving economic growth. By involving the youth, they instill a sense of responsibility and pride in the next generation, ensuring a cleaner, healthier community for years to come.

Our Mothers Village is determined to continue their efforts to keep Fort Pierce beautiful. Their voluntary community cleanups not only improve the appearance of the neighborhoods but also promote a sense of pride and responsibility among residents. They encourage everyone to join them in their mission to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community.

Renovation of Historic Jackie to House Fort Pierce

Renovations are underway on the historic Jackie L. Caynon Sr. Building in Fort Pierce, soon to become the City of Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum. The museum’s soft opening is scheduled for December, followed by a grand opening in February. This $513,945 project is primarily funded by a Florida Department of State AfricanAmerican Cultural and Historical Grant, with additional support from the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency. The museum will feature art exhibitions and programs showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the Highwaymen, a group of 26 Black artists from the mid-1950s who sold their Florida landscape paintings along highways due to racial segregation.

Preserving the Legacy of the Highwaymen

The Highwaymen, including one woman, began their work in the mid-1950s, creating and selling art as an escape from laboring in the citrus and tomato fields. Racial segregation excluded their work from galleries, forcing them to sell their paintings along highways, in hotels, and offices for about $25 each. By the end of the 20th century, it is estimated that over 200,000 paintings were sold.

The Highwaymen’s art holds a significant place in Florida’s cultural history. These artists captured the state’s natural beauty in their vibrant paintings, which have become highly collectible. The museum

Highwaymen

Jackie L. Caynon Sr. Building Highwaymen Museum

will provide a space to celebrate their contributions and explore the broader narrative of African-American history and resilience.

The Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum will offer educational programs and exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. These initiatives will highlight the challenges faced by the Highwaymen and their determination to succeed despite societal barriers. Through these programs, the museum hopes to inspire a new generation of artists and historians.

The renovation of the Jackie L. Caynon Sr. Building has garnered strong community

support. Local organizations and residents have come together to ensure the success of the museum. The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency’s involvement underscores the importance of preserving this cultural landmark.

As the museum prepares for its opening, future plans include expanding its collection and developing partnerships with other cultural institutions. These efforts will enhance the museum’s offerings and provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the Highwaymen’s impact on art and society.

The transformation of the historic Jackie L. Caynon Sr. Building into the Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Highwaymen artists. This museum will serve as a lasting tribute to their legacy, educating the public and celebrating the rich cultural history of Fort Pierce. Through its exhibitions and programs, the museum will continue to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of art and history in overcoming adversity. preserving the legacy of the highwaymen

Doretha Hair Truesdell, President of the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen and widow of founding member Alfred Hair, expressed her excitement about the museum. She noted that this project has been over 20 years in the making. The museum aims not only to preserve the Highwaymen’s legacy but also to educate the public on the historical context and significance of their work.

From left to right:

Delores Hogan-Johnson, Doretha Hair-Truesdell, and Jacquelyne Showers

Indian Hills Golf Course

Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot…..Wow, it’s been scorching lately!! It definitely helps us in the fact that warmer temps accelerate the grass growth, but it certainly is difficult to keep your energy up as you get through the 4 hour round of golf.

Please make sure that when you are enjoying summer golf in these blazing temperatures, you drink PLENTY of liquids and make sure you keep an eye on your playing partners as well. Drinking plenty of water and Sport Drinks to replace

electrolytes and eating snacks in the way of peanuts or protein bars are important to replace the salts that are lost through sweating.

A little help from Mother Nature in the way of the recent steady afternoon showers has gone a long way to our improvement. The greens are in excellent shape and our fairways are improving every day! The organic liquid fertilizers we have been using combined with the hot temperatures have the fairway grass moving quickly. We

have been aggressively treating weeds and we have applied an insect application to improve the health of the roots of the fairway turf. Our second greens aeration is scheduled for early September and will be based on weather at the time.

Word of mouth is our greatest form of advertising, so we ask if you’ve played here and enjoyed the changes we’re making, please tell a friend….or two! If there’s something,we can improve upon…tell US so we can keep getting better! We thank all of our members and guests for their support, and we ask that you please “Like” and “Follow Us” on Facebook or Instagram to see almost daily updates on the golf course and our ongoing maintenance projects.

Ohio Avenue

(US Highway 1 to 11th Street)

Phase 1 (Sunrise to 11th Street) remaining work includes the last lift of asphalt and final striping.

Phase 2 (US 1 to Sunrise) potable water, sanitary sewer, and drainage construction have been completed. The contractor is currently finalizing the installation of the Type “F” curb and gutter, 6’ wide concrete sidewalks, and the driveway aprons. In addition, the subgrade and the base for the roadway is currently under construction. Construction completion is scheduled for September 2024.

Phase 2 Sidewalk

Phase 2 Sidewalk and Curb & Gutter

SUN Trail Highwayman Trail Gap (Indian Hills Drive to Georgia Avenue)

The City has received bids for construction and has provided a recommendation to FDOT. The lowest responsive and responsible bid amount was $2,061,228.40. The current construction agreement provides $1,200,000. Staff has requested $800,000 in additional funding from FDOT but have not received confirmation on those funds. Staff is still coordinating with FEC for an amendment to our existing lease agreement for access to property near Indian Hills Drive. A Revised Easement is under review for a parcel at the northern end of the project at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and South 3rd Street.

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

The City has received $240,000 in federal funding from the Safe Streets and Roads For All Program (SS4A) to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. This plan will identify and prioritize lowcost safety improvements throughout the City. A Kick-Off meeting was held with the consultant on July 10. The consultant has begun gathering data for the safety analysis with the first public meeting targeted for October.

Avenue D (29th Street to US 1)

The City sent final documents to FDOT on July 12 and we are awaiting a Notice to Proceed to advertise for bids. The City anticipates advertising the project for bids in August 2024.

Avenue B Reconstruction (13th Street to 8th Street)

The project was “on hold” until utility companies removed existing utility poles in the sidewalk area. The poles were removed in May 2024. Change Order Number 2 has been approved and staff is waiting for the change order to be applied to the Purchase Order.

Former JC Penney Parking Lot

Plans are complete, and staff is requesting a quote from our paving contractor to complete the work.

Nebraska Avenue Sidewalk (Lawnwood Circle) Phase 1

The City is coordinating with FDOT on the submittals and requirements of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant and Local Agency Program (LAP) Certifications for the City to administer the project. The City has received FDOT comments on the Preliminary Submittal. A Kick-Off meeting was held with the consultant who provided a schedule that conforms to the FDOT schedule. The Initial Phase Submittal is due to FDOT October 2024.

Fort Pierce Police Department’s Unity in Our Community

The Fort Pierce Police Department recently held its 6th Annual “Unity In Our Community” event on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Fort Pierce Recreation Center located at 903 S. 21st Street. This event, the largest hosted by the Department, aims to build stronger relationships within the community. Every year, we look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders and community leaders to provide resources that empower our citizens towards success.

This free event was brimming with fun, games, music, entertainment, face painting, and food galore. With around 600 attendees, there was something for everyone, from the very young to our seniors.

Attendees had the chance to interact with our training unit, view a taser demonstration, and try out our scenariobased simulator. These activities provided an insightful glimpse into the daily operations and training of our officers.

The event also featured an array of local talent. The St. Lucie Ballet performed an aweinspiring routine, and our very own K-9 Officers demonstrated the unique synchronicity between the K-9s and their handlers. The performances by Trenise Frazier, Pastor Kenny Robinson, Corey T and Lady Robinson, David Robinson, and Raven Lawrence had everyone singing along, embodying the event’s spirit of unity and joy. The afternoon concluded with an original motivational rap by De’Vayvion Dreher, leaving the audience energized and inspired.

city and county departments. These vendors provided valuable information and services to attendees, fostering a sense of community support and collaboration.

With approximately 50 vendors in attendance, the event offered a wide range of resources from local businesses, healthcare organizations, social organizations, and local

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: Cassidy’s Ice, City of Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce Housing Authority, Glades Media Radio Group, ICryo Recovery and Wellness, In the Image of Christ, Los Balkanes Bakery, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council, TastyKake Discount Bakery Store, and a host of anonymous donors. Your support, along with that of our vendors, was instrumental in making this year’s event a tremendous success.

2101 S JENKINS RD

Sitework has begun at the intersection of Jenkins Road and Graham Road where eight apartment buildings, five garage buildings, a fitness center and a clubhouse are about to be built. The stormwater retention areas, drainage systems, and underground utilities are being placed before vertical construction can begin.

Construction is ongoing of the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Mainland Water Reclamation Facility. The reclaim storage tank may look complete from the outside, but this high specialized structure and systems have a substantial amount of work to be completed inside. The walls of the AquaNereda treatment basins have been erected, concrete slabs are being poured, and structural work is ongoing. Meanwhile, footing steel and rebar has been placed for the Administration and Maintenance Building as vertical construction begins.

5340 S US HWY 1

Construction has begun at Twins Car Wash on US Highway 1, just south of Midway Road. Underground drainage is being constructed in the front of the property alongside US Highway 1. This inspection was included during one of the footing inspections for the car wash building. Due to the complexity of the project, the carwash building is being inspected in phases as agreed upon between the contractor and the Building Official.

JUNE 2024 NEW CONSTRUCTION VALUES

$650,000 NEW SITEWORK PERMITS

$13,501,493 NEW SINGLE FAMILY/DUPLEX PERMITS

These figures are based on permits issued in June 2024 for New Construction

JUNE 2024 PLAN REVIEW PROCESSING TIME

Unlock Exclusive Benefits at the Sunrise Theatre

It’s the perfect time to consider supporting the Sunrise Theatre through a membership. Enjoy advanced notice, priority seating, private lounge access, and more, depending on the membership level! A Sunrise Theatre Membership is your gateway to experiencing the best live entertainment on the Treasure Coast with a variety of benefits, starting at just $75 and lasting the entire year! All memberships are valid from June 1st to May 31st. For more about membership, please visit: Sunrise Theatre Membership or call our Box Office at 772.461.4775.

As a member, you receive advanced notice of upcoming shows, giving you the first chance to secure your tickets before they go on sale to the general public. This means you’ll always have the best seats in the house. Enjoy the comfort and exclusivity of our private lounge, accessible only to members. It’s the perfect spot to relax before the show or during intermission, making your theatre experience even more special.

The Sunrise Theatre is renowned for hosting a wide array of live performances, from concerts and comedy shows to theatrical productions and dance performances. By becoming a member of the Sunrise Theatre, you’re not only enhancing your entertainment experience but also supporting a vital cultural institution in your community. Your membership helps sustain the theatre and allows it to continue bringing high-quality performances to the Treasure Coast.

Joining is simple. Visit our membership page for more information or call our Box Office at 772.461.4775. Our friendly staff will help you choose the best membership level for you and answer any questions you may have.

Don’t miss out on the incredible benefits and exclusive perks that come with a Sunrise Theatre membership. Join today and become a part of the Sunrise Theatre family!

June 2024 SeeClickFix Summary

DISTRICT 1

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