100 YEARS THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1923 and until it closed in 1983, the Sunrise Theatre served as a gathering place for citizens of Fort Pierce, starting with vaudeville, followed by silent films and finally major motion pictures. The intimate 1,200-seat theatre, located in Historic downtown Fort Pierce, was beautifully restored in 2006 and returned to its current splendor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the community performing arts center presented in 2022, 87 performances to include national touring Broadway shows, comedy and musical acts from all genres, and ballet.

The Sunrise holds a special place in the hearts of many who can still recall with fondness a night out at the Sunrise, a first date, or even a first kiss.”

~ Sharon Engle Executive Director

The Sunrise Theatre will celebrate turning 100 with a Speakeasy Event which will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Sunrise Theatre. The community celebration event is co-hosted by the Sunrise Theatre Foundation and the Sunrise Theatre. The event will celebrate the fulfillment of the vision of R. N. “Pop” Koblegard of feature delicious food and beverages in multiple locations throughout the theatre, entertainment, music and much more! Imagine entering through the speakeasy door with a special password or knock and being transformed back in time to the early days of 1920’s. Learn the Charleston on the mainstage, try your luck gambling at the Casino in the lobby and enjoy a specialty cocktail in the bourbon bar at the historic second floor Friend’s Lounge.

Honoring Beloved Music Teacher Earl Frank Little

The Fort Pierce City Commission approved the naming of the first 10 rows of the balcony at the Sunrise “ The Earl Frank Little Mezzanine” in his honor. Mr. Little’s career spanned sixty-eight years educating, directing, and performing in the field of musical arts. Mr. Little’s love for music and theater began at Lincoln Park Academy in the 1930s. After graduating from college, he returned to his beloved hometown of Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1955, where he spent his lifelong career teaching music and the arts.

CITY OF FORT PIERCE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

New Pickleball Courts Open at Jaycee Park!!

Pickleball has grown in popularity, not just in Fort Pierce, but across the country. In 2021, pickleball soared to new heights and grew to 4.8 million players across the United States, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. With the growing popularity, residents in the City of Fort Pierce stated they would like more pickleball courts throughout the community. An existing tennis court was repurposed to create the 4 new pickleball courts.

Since completion, residents and visitors have taken to the courts, and people of all skill levels and age groups can be seen playing together on the new courts. The courts are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis during regular park hours.

Indian Hills Recreation Area Sun Trail Opens

On Thursday, January 13, 2022, the City of Fort Pierce and partners marked the completion of the Indian Hills Recreation Area SUN Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony near the trail’s midpoint, 52 Savannah Road, in Fort Pierce. The opening celebrates the creation of a north-south, multi-purpose trail through the recreation area from the Indian Hills Golf Course to the south of Savannah Road. This piece of a 26-mile SUN Trail planned in St. Lucie County establishes a segment of the East Coast Greenway from North Hutchinson Island to Jensen Beach. This joint project, valued at more than $579,000, is a product of a collaboration between the Florida Department of Transportation, St. Lucie County, St. Lucie Transportation Planning Organization, and the City of Fort Pierce.

The East Coast Greenway is a multi-purpose path that connects 15 states and 450 cities and towns for 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. Currently, there are four completed East Coast Greenway segments within St. Lucie County: North Hutchinson Island along North A1A, Indian Hills Recreation Area, a portion of the Savannas Recreation Area, and along Green River Parkway in Port St. Lucie. By 2026, the Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Program and the Florida Department of Transportation will have invested more than $20 million toward completing the Statewide SUN Trail Network and the East Coast Greenway throughout St. Lucie County.