May 2024 City Manager's Report

City Manager’s Report

Tour de Force Charity Event

On April 10, 2024, the Fort Pierce Police Department was honored to escort and host riders from the 28th Annual Florida Tour de Force charity bicycle ride. Close to 90 riders made their way through St. Lucie County, which included a stop for rest and refreshments at the Fort Pierce Police Department.

Fort Pierce Police officers worked alongside their colleagues from the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the St. Lucie County

Sheriff’s Office, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to keep the riders safe on their journey through the local area.

The Tour de Force is a 5-day, 270-plus mile ride. It kicked off on April 8, 2024, in North Miami Beach and ended Friday, April 12, 2024, in Daytona Beach Shores. All of the money raised by the event goes to help support families of fallen law enforcement officers.

DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2

CATEGORY

Ohio Avenue

Ohio Avenue

(US Highway 1 to 11th Street)

Construction of Phase I (Sunrise to 11th Street)

The first lift of asphalt was applied on 4/16/24 to the limits of Phase I (Sunrise to 11th Street).

Phase II (US 1 to Sunrise) Water main construction is complete. Sanitary sewer construction is currently underway. Storm drainage installation is scheduled to commence the first week of May. The proposed roadway improvements include new drainage, potable water, and sanitary sewer collection systems along with a new roadway, curb & gutter, sidewalks, streetlighting, and limited landscaping. Construction completion August 2024.

Phase I Paving

Phase II Sanitary Sewer Installation

Phase I Lift of Asphalt

Frances Avenue Roadway Improvements

A Pre-Bid Meeting was held on April 19th, 2024. The bid opening is scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. The work associated with this roadway improvement project includes drainage improvements, water main installation, utility adjustments and roadway restoration.

Click on rendering to enlarge.

Indian Hills Golf Course Site Expansion - Phase I

The proposed site expansion of the Indian Hills Golf Course includes Phase I development consisting of four (4) Pickleball Courts, paved parking lot for 36 vehicles, pervious paver golf cart staging area, landscaping, parking lot lighting, and utility connections for the Phase II improvements. Phase II improvements include the construction of a new clubhouse and golf cart barn.

The City Commission approved awarding the Phase I construction contract to PRP Construction during the April 15, 2024, City Commission meeting. Purchasing is currently preparing the contract. Construction is anticipated for July 2024 with construction completion estimated to be in December 2024.

Avenue D and Means Court

Public Parking Lot

Bid opening is scheduled for May 7, 2024.

2023 Annual Resurfacing Contract

A pre-construction meeting is scheduled with the contractor on April 29, 2024. Work is scheduled to begin by May 1, 2024. The Streets included for 2023 are:

Streets From To

23rd Street

24th Street

26th Street

27th Street

28th Street

Avenue B

Avenue B

Boston Avenue

Georgia Avenue

Georgia Avenue

Canal Terrace

Canal Terrace

Orange Avenue Moore's Creek

Orange Avenue Moore's Creek

Orange Avenue Moore's Creek

33rd Street (Angle Road) 27th Street

27th Street 25th Street

25th Street 13th Street

Avenue D (US 1 to Indian River Drive)

The City is coordinating with the design of Indian River Drive. The typical section is under review for final decision. The City anticipates final design in August.

Avenue D

(Indian River Drive to 29th Street)

Coordination with FDOT continues. The City Commission authorized the State Fund Grant Agreement at their meeting on April 15, 2024. The City anticipates bidding the project in June 2024.

11th Street (Boston Avenue to Orange Avenue)

This project includes improvements to Boston Avenue from 13th Street to 10th Street and Preston Court from Boston Avenue to Delaware Avenue. Survey for the project was completed in March and the consultant is working on the first plan submittal due in April.

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 Specific Authorization is in progress for consulting services to complete the design. We are anticipating 30% design plans to be submitted by August 1.

13th Street Phase II (Georgia Avenue to Orange Avenue)

13th Street Phase II (Georgia Avenue to Orange Avenue): The City Commission approved the Specific Authorization for the consultant to update the plans for construction. Their first submittal is expected in September. The City has been notified that a Grant Award is awaiting Governor Authorization (expected in June) for $2 Million in funding for the construction of this project.

2024 Steet Resurfacing Program

The City has identified the streets below for resurfacing in FY 2024. The list is currently being reviewed by FPUA and once staff has received their concurrence, the list will be presented to the City Commission for approval. It is anticipated this work could start as early as September.

Streets From To

32nd Street

31st Street

Delaware Avenue Moore's Creek

Okeechobee Road Nebraska Avenue

Avenue E 29th Street 25th Street

Avenue F 29th Street 25th Street

Avenue G 29th Street 25th Street

Citrus Avenue 33rd Street 29th Street

Florida Avenue 17th Street 13th Street

Pennsylvania Avenue 11th Street Sunrise Boulevard

Quincy Avenue 25th Street 23rd Street

Parkway Drive 3rd Street US 1

Wisteria Avenue Hills Court East End

Rhode Island Avenue 33rd Street 25th Street

Indian Hills Golf Course

We would like to thank all of our Members and Guests for their support. We have had a fantastic start to our fiscal year!! Our revenues are in excess of over $200,000 more than last year for the same seven month period. Now that we will be seeing continued warmer weather along with the normal summer rains, we will start to see a huge benefit from our fertilization program throughout the course. The Maintenance staff have done an outstanding job of decreasing the weeds that have long been an issue, as well as keeping the Bermuda grass healthy.

Beginning mid-May, we will start our aggressive course maintenance program. Our first green aeration will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 7th & 8th. We will be completely CLOSED for those two days while we aerate the second nine holes as well as several fairways and the Practice Range. The project to repair the Range Netting was completed in mid April, so hopefully we can dodge any significant storms the next few summers.

Remember as we get into the hotter days of Summer to STAY HYDRATED!!! It is extremely important to drink liquids throughout your round. We see many players with one small bottle of water thinking that it will be sufficient where they should probably have two or even THREE for just nine holes. Other helpful additions to your golf cart prior to a round would be sports drinks to replenish electrolytes and salty snacks such as nuts or protein bars. We certainly want you to enjoy summer golf, but we want to make sure that you stay safe.

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.

NOW SHOWING CATS ON BROADWAY

On April 15th the Fort Pierce Animal Adoption Center completed our 3rd successful transport this year, in cooperation with the Best Friends Animal Society - New York City.

Springtime is kitten time in the animal rescue world and overcrowding is a common obstacle for many animal care organizations this time of year. But because we successfully completed two other transports this year through our partnership with Best Friends, our cat and kitten population was much lower than normal. So, when they reached out to us again, we decided to extend the invitation to our neighboring local shelters, offering space for any cats they may have wanted to send to help relieve any overcrowding they were experiencing.

We were happy to hear back from both The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and The Humane Society of St. Lucie

County and everyone got to work on the paperwork and planning that takes place behind the scenes to pull something like this together. On this trip, the FP Animal Adoption Center was able to send 42 of our own shelter cats, 7 cats from the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, and 10 from the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, making a total of 59 cats off to the Big Apple. What a great way to make a difference in the animal rescue community!

Transports like this take teamwork, from the kennel staff to management, our local Veterinarian support (big shout out to Dr. J), and the transport team. Together, we have what it takes to get the job done and help as many animals as we can find their “furever” homes.

Since taking over the Fort Pierce Animal Adoption Center in the fall of 2022, we have been able to transport a total of 409 animals to different locations all over the US, giving our each and every one of them another opportunity to find a caring family and loving home.

Our Cats have made it to Broadway!! That’s right, New York, New York!

PLANNING DETERMINATIONS

The City Commission approved a voluntary annexation of four (4) parcels of land under the name of Harry Blue located near the southwest intersection of South 7th Street and Kanner Drive on Duba Terrace in Fort Pierce with a proposed Future Land Use High Density Residential zoning of R-4, Medium Density Residential. A site development plan was not considered and will be reviewed at a later date.

DETERMINATIONS

After approving an amendment to the future land use map to Mixed-Use Development (MXD), the City Commission continued an application for a Planned Development on three (3) parcels containing approximately 122.8 acres located at the northeast corner of Selvitz Road and Devine Road for a period of 60-days. As presented, the proposal included a number of ‘Pods’. These included the following: Pod 1 - Single Family Homes/ Townhomes (400 Units), Pod 2 - Single Family Homes/Villas, Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex, Cottage Homes (12 Units), Pod 3 - Multi-Family Apartments (325 Units), Pod 4 - Light Industrial RV & Boat Self-Storage, and Pod 5 - Light Industrial. The proposed overall residential density is 6 units/acre. The City Commission recommended that the applicant revise the site plan to remove access to Christensen Road and Devine Road and have access to the project from Selvitz Road only.

PLANNING CODE AMENDMENTS

The City Commission adopted code amendments for the following:

• SITE PLAN REVIEW THRESHOLDS

A change in the threshold which triggers a major site plan review. With respect to residential projects, a major site plan review is now required for a project which exceeds 50 dwelling units. The existing code was 20 dwelling units. For non-residential or mixed-use development projects, a major site plan review is required for projects over 10,000 square feet in area, an increase from the existing code of 4,000 square feet square feet in area.

• LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

The amendment replaces the requirement for a Landscape Bond with the requirement for a Landscape Maintenance Agreement. The Agreement will state that all approved landscaping shall be installed, irrigated, and maintained in perpetuity in accordance with City code.

• FENCING ADJACENT TO RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY

Fencing will now be allowed up to 8 feet high on rear property lines located adjacent to a railroad right of way.

Fun Day for R.I.C.H House Participants

The Fort Pierce Police Department extends a huge thanks to the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation, the St. Lucie County Education Foundation and members of the Ocean Village Bocce and Shuffleboard Committees for putting on a special day for participants in the Resources in Community Hope (R.I.C.H.) House.

First, the youth tackled the seas while learning to sail, then they enjoyed a tasty lunch before learning how to play bocce and shuffleboard. They also took part in a presentation of a scholarship from Ocean Village to Ernie Small of Treasure Coast

Youth Sailing Foundation and were thrilled to receive gift cards for delicious meals from Phatz Chick N Shack in Fort Pierce.

The Fort Pierce Police Department’s R.I.C.H. House, located at 2304 Avenue I in Fort Pierce, offers many opportunities to area participants, including a safe haven to do homework, use computers and have fun. Participants can also take advantage of activities through the Reading Room, Media Room, and Technology Room. The facility is open Monday-Thursday from 8:15 a.m.9:15 a.m. and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Please stop by and check it out!

Fort Pierce Police Recognition

FORT PIERCE POLICE OFFICER JORGE GOZ HONORED BY ST. LUCIE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

On April 9, 2024, Fort Pierce Police Officer Jorge Goz was awarded a STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition) Award from the St. Lucie County School Board. The award is given to those who go above and beyond their required duties in support of the School District’s mission and vision.

Officer Goz, a School Resource Officer at C.A. Moore Elementary School, was honored to receive the award during the regular School Board meeting.

FORT PIERCE POLICE OFFICER JOSHUA WHITE HONORED BY 19TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT VICTIMS’ RIGHTS COALITION

A huge congratulations goes out to Fort Pierce Police Officer Joshua White for being named the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the 19th Judicial Circuit Victims’ Rights Coalition. Officer White was among those honored on April 26, 2024, during the Coalition’s Appreciation Luncheon & Silent Auction at The Barn at Oleander in Port St. Lucie.

Officer White was honored for his unwavering concern for victims of crimes to make sure their voices are heard. His nomination for the award pointed out that Officer White always treats victims – regardless of the magnitude of the crime – with dignity while showing compassion and sensitivity. Congrats!

THAT’S A WRAP!

Tradition Preparatory High School did 3 amazing shows featuring GREASE at the end of April. The students worked hard all week building props, assembling outfits, singing, dancing, and practicing for show nights. The students successfully brought the classic story of GREASE to life for family members, friends, and patrons April 26th – 28th on the main stage. Tradition Preparatory High School, located in Port St. Lucie, is a private charter school serving grades 9-12.

COMING UP!

Actor Comedian Jim Breuer will take the stage at 8:00 PM Saturday May 11th with his Survival with Laughter Tour. And we will close out the season starting at 7:00 PM Sunday May 19th with the always sold-out show, One Night of Queen! Gary Mullen & The Works put on an amazing performance. Everyone is excited to have them back again this year.

AT THE SUNRISE

The Sunrise Theatre is preparing for Sunrise Theatre Camp 2024, featuring two workshops, each 3 weeks long. Sunrise Theatre is teaming up with StageFright Academy, a local venue that strives to give children a safe and creative place to learn bridging inclusion and diversity, to host an amazing lineup of plays for children to perform. Classic tales, such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” will be included Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, June 3 – 21 and July 8 – 26.

With summer on the way, the Sunrise Theatre has just a few shows left. But we are excited to be able to announce that the new season is filling up and new show announcements are already out! It is the perfect time to consider supporting the Sunrise Theatre through membership. Get advanced notice of performances, priority seating, private lounge access, and more, depending on your membership level!

A Sunrise Theatre Membership, beginning at just $75 and lasting the entire year (June1st - May 31st), is your gateway to seeing the best LIVE entertainment on the Treasure Coast For more about membership please visit: https://bit.ly/3Wj88zC or call our Box Office at 772.461.4775

We hope you will consider supporting your local Sunrise Theatre.

3030 S US HWY 1

Conveniently located at the corner of US Hwy 1 and Edwards Road, Savannas Ridge will feature 202 mobile homes. The clubhouse is nearing completion and will soon be granted a Certificate of Occupancy. In addition to the clubhouse, the community will provide residents with amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, basketball court and walking trails. The permitting process has recently begun for the placement of several new homes.

SOUTH OCEAN DR

Conveniently located across from the Porpoise Beach Access on South Ocean Dr, Coral Sands at South Ocean is being constructed to feature 12 luxury single-family homes and townhomes. Sitework has recently begun, which includes the stormwater drainage, water mains and sanitary drainage for the community.

421N US HWY 1

The sitework has begun for the new Phatz Chick -n- Shack located across the street from its current location on US Hwy 1. Sitework is comprised of the filling and grading of land, stormwater drainage, infrastructure for site lighting, paving, and parking areas. The permit for the structure has also been issued and construction will begin once the site is ready.

MARCH 2024 NEW CONSTRUCTION VALUES

$5,766,623 NEW COMMERCIAL PERMITS

$905,316 NEW SITEWORK PERMITS

$6,163,303 NEW SINGLE FAMILY/DUPLEX PERMITS

These figures are based on permits issued in March 2024 for New Construction MARCH 2024 PLAN REVIEW PROCESSING TIME

On March 16, 2024, the Fort Pierce Youth Council (YOCO) united with their peers to give back to their community. The mission, EMPOWER YOUTH: Day of Giving, was a remix of the first community event held last year. This year, the YOCO wanted to kick off Spring Break with a Spring cleanup focusing on the parks heavily used by children living in Lincoln Park Historic District, a teen center, and a portion of historically significant Avenue D.

“This project demonstrated the power of the impact that a group of dedicated young individuals can have, said Youth Council Member Deonna Davis.

The initiative saw approximately 40 youth, recruited by the YOCO, demonstrate their civic pride by joining forces on a Saturday morning to pick up trash and identify areas needing more attention. The volunteer teams gathered at the Fort Pierce Recreation Center to pick up necessary supplies provided by the city’s Public Works Department, before heading out to their assignments. In about four hours, the youth had effectively cleaned up four parks, 12 blocks of roadway, and the area surrounding the Boys and Girls Clubs Percy Peek Teen Center.

As for members of the YOCO, EMPOWER YOUTH: Day of Giving was not just about picking up trash, it was about bringing the youth together, taking responsibility, showing appreciation, and strengthening relationships among the members of the YOCO, all while making a positive impact on the community.

Youth Council member Janessa Diaz was part of the Fort Pierce Police Department Explorers that cleaned up Coach Fenn Park. She said, “We learned that a community isn’t just about its people; it also includes our surroundings, our animals, and our neighborhoods. We reflected on the actions of others and understand that sometimes taking responsibility on behalf of others is needed.”

Crime Scene Unit Visits Homeschool Group

On April 17, 2024, the Fort Pierce Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit paid a visit to a local homeschool group to give a talk about their unit and to show off their crime scene van. The children, who were all 5th-

to 7th-graders, thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration and had plenty of amazing questions about the crime scene unit. They also were treated to a demonstration on how to capture a latent fingerprint.

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

FASTEST LABS OF FORT PIERCE HARRIS TRAVEL SERVICE, INC

A & J SHIP STORE LLC

AJJ I PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC

BARAKA MOTEL

BLOVED ENTERPRISE, LLC

BUTTERFLY EFFECT HAIR STUDIO LLC

C2 WELDING INC

CARSON, KIMBERLY APRN

HOLY INFANT PRIMARY CARE AND WELLNESS

JEAN JEAN AUTO SALES INC

LA REINA BEAUTY SALON LLC

MADISON HOME DECOR & BOTIQUE

MIKE'S DOWNTOWN COMPUTER REPAIR

NATIVE HAIR ARTISTRY LLC

NEXT PLUMBING SUPPLY INC

CHANOINE, ANNA JOSE ELISSENDA OLDCASTLE APG SOUTH, INC

COLDWELL BANKER PARADISE

DOGSTAR CLEANING SERVICES, LLC

DS LEGACY ASSOCIATES INC.

POOLS PARAMEDIC, L.L.C

READY ESSENTIALS LLC

RECOVERFORCE SOLUTIONS LLC

DYNAMIC CLEANING SOLUTIONS, CORP REEL GUTTER PROS

EMMONS AUTO BROKERS INC

EQUILIBRIUM WELLNESS CARE, LLC

RELIABLE SOLUTIONS HOLDING, LLC

ROMERO'S CLEANING SERVICES LLC

ESTRIPLET,LESSLY SWAFORD, JERRETT

EUGENE, JEAN-MARIE G

FINEST KIND ESTATES, LLC

FIRETHORN, INC

FOREVER & A DAY CANDLE CO LLC

GODDESS NATURAL BEAUTY

TITAN GUTTERS AND DRAINAGE LLC

TLC LAWN MAINTENANCE

TREASURE COAST INJURY CENTER

TWO CENT CLEANING

▪ Every Wednesday - Green Market - Marina Square 12 pm-6:30 pm

▪ Every Saturday - Jazz Market - Marina Square 8 am-1 pm

▪ Every Saturday - Downtown Farmer’s Market - Marina Square 8 am-12 pm

▪ 5/3/24 Friday Fest - Marina Square 5pm-9pm

▪ 5/5/24 Cinco de Mayo - Behind Backus Musuem 3pm-10pm

▪ 5/9/24 Street Dreams on the Treasure Coast Car Show - Second Street 6pm-9pm

$23,046.71 River Walk Center Sales Report March 2024