2 minute read

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Next Article
SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

Mayor Linda Hudson

Commissioner Rufus J. Alexander

Commissioner Thomas K. Perona

Commissioner Reginald B. Sessions

Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson

On behalf of the City of Fort Pierce, I invite you to consider our historic city for a train stop on the Brightline. Incorporated in 1901, our strategically located city was populated in the latter part of the 19th Century as a direct result of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad arrival in Fort Pierce in 1894. Many of our citizens descend from railroad workers or travelers. FEC made Fort Pierce a major stop precisely because it was about halfway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine to the North, and Miami to the South.

Approximately 45,000 people live in Fort Pierce today, but there are more than 300,000 people in St. Lucie County, which could grow to nearly half-million by 2045. Fort Pierce is the geographic center of the Treasure Coast, and includes the Port of Fort Pierce, and the nearby Treasure Coast International Airport, both of these assets poised to bring commerce and jobs to our area. Fort Pierce is where the Florida Turnpike meets the Atlantic Coast and Interstate 95; St. Lucie County has eight I-95 exits and more planned in the next decade.

Fort Pierce is a business-friendly city. In the past, our city leaders have actively sought railroad stops in Fort Pierce, including AMTRAK, Tri-Rail and now Brightline. In recent years, we have approved a concrete railroad tie plant and other industrial projects that contribute to, and benefit from railroad commerce.

St. Lucie County has ever-improving schools, now ranked 5th in Florida. Indian River State College is an award-winning community college, ranked 3rd most affordable in the nation and in the running for an Aspen Award for three consecutive years. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is a Level II trauma hospital, with specialties in cardiac and pediatric care.

A train stop in Fort Pierce makes good business sense for Brightline, and would be a critical game-changer for the region. Our train stop is strongly supported by many in St. Lucie County and the nearby city of Port St. Lucie. We appreciate your careful and favorable consideration.

This article is from: