World Changers Mission Project

The Fort Pierce World Changers Mission Project, a week-long event involving volunteers from many churches and denominations, brought 77 volunteer participants and 8 staff and leadership personnel to our community June 26 to July 1 to serve the Fort Pierce community. This represented an increase in participation this year, for which we are grateful. The volunteers, who paid a $290 registration fee to participate, painted homes, cleaned yards, did minor exterior repairs, and served at Mustard Seed

Ministries, the Boys and Girls Clubs on Jenkins Road and at Graceway Village.

The World Changers staff arranged lunches for each crew to be provided by local churches. The City of Fort Pierce provided the painting materials. The City also made the Recreation Center at 903 South 21st Street available for lodging and sponsored dinner for the Wednesday worship service on June 28. World Changers’ staff also obtained a contract with a local caterer to provide breakfasts and dinners for all participants at the Recreation Center.

Juneteenth Block Party

The City of Fort Pierce, Florida, has established a tradition of celebrating Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and the announcement that all enslaved people were free. Every year, Fort Pierce sponsors various events to honor African Americans’ history and culture, as well as their contributions to society.

On June 17, 2023, the Incubate Neighborhood Center hosted a block party, a pop-up art exhibit, and the debut of Miss Juneteenth. Live music, food sellers, children’s activities, speeches, and prayers were all part of these celebrations.

On Juneteenth Day, the Fort Pierce community celebrated freedom, unity, and hope for the future.

Youth Recreation Programs

Under the leadership of Cassandra Jackson, Fort Pierce Recreation Specialist, the Fort Pierce Firehawks youth football organization teamed up with Kids and Pros, a non profit sports organization founded in 2002 by former Atlanta Falcons players Buddy Curry and Bobby Butler to bring together NFL players and youth 7 – 13 years of age in their communities, to teach fundamental football skills and character building values in our community at a free clinic June 24, 2023, at Lawnwood Stadium, 1302 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce. 195 kids registered for this 2nd annual program that included basic skills instruction, game changing behaviors, a parents meeting, autograph opportunities, and instruction for coaches of youth teams. Kids and Pros has brought this program to over 80,000 young athletes nationally. Local participants declare it a resounding success.

Fort Pierce Firehawks Cheer

Commissioner Sharee McBride, along with volunteer cheer coaches and staff, hosted their 4th Annual Cheer Clinic June 17, 2023, at the Fort Pierce Recreation Center, 903 S. 21st St, Fort Pierce, for registered cheerleaders for the upcoming 2023 Pop Warner youth football season. The day long clinic focused on fundamentals of cheerleading, team building, and life skills. Special additional training based on age and current skill level was provided to help participants improve their techniques for advancement to higher levels of Show Cheer and Sideline Cheer with Pom, Theme and Dance skills.

Officers and civilian personnel from the Fort Pierce Police Department joined with members of the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation on June 10 for a fantastic day for members of the Courageous Kids program.

Ernie Small, President of the Sailing Foundation, two of his instructors and volunteers from the Police Department worked with the youth participants at Jaycee Park to learn about sailing and enjoy some quality time together on the Indian River. By the end of the day, everybody wanted to stay on the water – even those who had been a bit apprehensive at first!

Leaders expected more than 100 youth participants this year based on past attendance. The Courageous Kids participating are often new to water based activity and the program gives them new experiences, new confidence, and new beliefs in what the future can hold.

The Courageous Kids program facilitates building positive relations between our youth, the community and law enforcement. The program is dedicated to helping our children and youths gain confidence and become courageous in their decision-making. By introducing them to different sports, providing positive educational experiences and countless mentoring opportunities, they can feel comfortable talking and interacting with police officers. Our officers, civilian personnel and volunteers spend time reminding our Courageous Kids that they are valued, appreciated and vital to our future. A weekly mentorship program well attended by enthusiastic and involved kids takes place every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Step Park, located at Avenue G and North 31st Street in Fort Pierce.