March 2026 City Manager's Report by City Manager's Office

CITY MANAGER’S CITY MANAGER’S

MARCH 2026

IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE

EVENTSINTHECITY

POLICEDEPARTMENT

LEISURESERVICES

ENGINEERING

CITYPROJECTUPDATES

PLANNING

INDIANHILLSGOLFCOURSE

BUILDINGACTIVITIES

CITYMARINAREPORT

RIVERWALKCENTER

SPECIALEVENTS

SUNRISETHEATRE

WELCOMEABOARD

UPCOMING UEVENTS PCOMING EVENTS MARCH

CHIEF DAVID SMITH

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

PleasejoinusinwelcomingtotheCityofFortPiercePoliceDepartment,Chief DavidSmith.ChiefSmithwassworninduringaspecialceremonyattendedby family,communityleaders,local,state,andfederalpartners.

ThismarksanewchapterfortheFortPiercePoliceDepartment.Welookforward toChiefSmith’sleadershipwithastrongcommitmenttoservice,integrity,andgoal of strengtheningourcommunitypartnerships.

WelcometoFortPierce!

CROSSING GUARD APPRECIATION DAY CROSSING GUARD APPRECIATION DAY

OnFebruary6,werecognizedandthankedourFortPiercePoliceDepartment CrossingGuardsonCrossingGuardAppreciationDay.

Inalltypesofweather,inthemorningandafternoon,theystandonthefrontlines ofschoolsafety ensuringourchildrentraveltoandfromschoolsafely.Their dedicationandcommitmenttoourcommunitydoesnotgounnoticed.

Thankyouforprotectingwhatmattersmostandforbeingatrustedpresenceinour neighborhoodseveryday.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

CongratulationstoOfficerJorgeGozon beingnamedtheSchoolResourceOfficerof theYearattheSt.LuciePublicSchoolsNight oftheStarsevent.

Hisdedicationtothesafetyandwell-beingof C.A.Moorestudents,alongwiththestrong relationshipshebuildsoncampus,makesa meaningfuldifferenceeachday.

Weareproudofyou,OfficerGoz.Thank youforrepresentingtheFortPiercePolice Departmentwithexcellenceandheart.

OnFebruary17th,DetectiveCalebWalters washonoredastheOfficeroftheYearatthe 40thAnnualSt.LucieCountyChamberof CommerceBusinessandIndustryAwards. Thisrecognitionreflectshisdedication, professionalism,andcommitmenttoour community.

ThankyouforrepresentingtheFortPierce PoliceDepartmentandtheCityofFort Piercewithexcellence.

ST. LUCIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LITERACY WEEK

On January 30, FPPD officers participated in Literacy Week by reading with students at Fairlawn and Weatherbee Elementary Schools. Reinforcing the department’s commitment to youth engagement and literacy in the community.

FORT PIERCE YACHT CLUB –

CHART YOUR COURSE

ThankyoutotheFortPierceYachtClubfor hostinganothersuccessfulChartYour Course:MaritimeandMarineCareerExpo forourlocalmiddleandhighschool students.

OnFebruary19,studentshadthe opportunitytoexploreawiderangeof maritimecareersandconnectdirectlywith industryprofessionals.

LEISURESERVICES UPDATES LEISURESERVICES UPDATES

Martial

Arts Program

Our ata tspoga co t esto e ectstrong discipline,measurablegrowth,andahighlevelof competitivereadiness.Participantsarepreparingto epresenttheCityofFortPierceattwo gi i i l hi i

Upcoming Competitions

Shihan Byron’s Martial Arts Invitational

Saturday,March14,2026-10:00AM

JosephC.CarterParkGym 1450W.SunriseBlvd.

FortLauderdale,FL33311

SpectatorEntry:$5(Children3andunderfree)

5th Coconut Creek Invitational

Saturday,April11,2026-10:30AM

TheTownshipCommunityCenter 2424LyonsRoad

CoconutCreek,FL33063

SpectatorEntry:$5(Children3andunderfree)

Fort Pierce Firehawks

Cheer

Program

Conditioningisofficiallyunderwayforourreturning FirehawksCheerathletesaswegearupforthe upcomingseason.Theseearlysessionsemphasize strengthtraining,flexibility,endurance,andskill refinement buildingastrongfoundationtoensure ourathletesarephysicallyprepared,confident,and performanceready.

Theenthusiasmanddedicationdemonstratedbyour returningcheerleaderslayastrongfoundationfor anotheroutstandingseasonfilledwithsidelinespirit andcompetitiveexcellence.

Championship Celebration

TheRecreationCenterwasproudtohostthe2025 FirehawksChampionshipCelebration,honoring ourACYAASuperBowlChampionshipteams. Theeventcelebratedthededication,resilience,and teamworkdemonstratedbyourathletes,coaches, andfamiliesthroughoutanoutstandingseason.

Commemorative“SuperBowlChampions”hoodies werepresentedtoourplayersandcoachesin recognitionoftheirremarkableachievement.

10U White Division 1 Champion Matthew & Brittany Thomspson

12U Coaches and Team Parents

HoodieswerealsopresentedtomembersofCityleadershipin appreciationoftheircontinuedsupportandcommitmentto youthathleticsintheCityofFortPierce.

Special Appreciation

Bobby Lutjen, IT Media Specialist, who captured professional photos and videos throughout the event. Helping preserve these milestone moments for our families and the community.

LeticiaCruz,ERPSystemsAdministrator,whoassistedwith decoratingtheRecreationCenter,servingdinner,and supportingpost-eventcleanupeffortstoensurethefacilitywas fullyrestoredandevent-ready.

Theirdedicationandwillingnesstosupportcross-departmental initiativesexemplifythecollaborativespiritthatstrengthensand enhancesourCityprograms.

Mayor Hudson, Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Broderick

Commissioner Gaines, Commissioner Dzadovsky & City Manager Chess

ENGINEERING TASK ENGINEERING TASK

Indian River Drive Corridor

Improvements Project

(Seaway Drive to Avenue A)

Improvements Project (Seaway Drive to Avenue A)

FullroadwayandbridgereconstructionisunderwayonIndianRiverDrive betweenSeawayDriveandAvenueA.Improvementsincludeon-streetparking, curbandgutterwithsidewalks,decorativestreetlighting,utilityupgrades, reconstructionoftheMoore’sCreekbridge,enhancedstormwatersystems, landscaping,andADA-compliantbrickpavercrosswalks.

Currentconstructionactivitiesincludebridgepileandsheetpileinstallation, wallpanelplacement,stormdrainagework,bridgedemolition,andutility relocations.FinalcompletionisanticipatedinSpring2027.

Demolition of the Moore’s Creek Bridge

Temporary Support and Forcemain Relocation

Pilings and Wall Panels Storm Drainage Construction

Nebraska Avenue Sidewalk (Lawnwood Circle)

Phase 1

Staffiscoordinating effortstofinalizethe contractandobtainCity Commissionapproval.

ACEI(Construction Enginneringand Inspectionwillbe requiredforthisproject.

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

Staff is coordinating with a consultant to secure a new Specific Authorization addressing comments received from FDOT. Limited redesign efforts may be required to minimize impacts to private property.

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

TheCityhasreceivedfully executedagreementsfor thisproject. Finalcoordinationis underwaybeforethe projectcanbeadvertised forconstruction.

SUN Trail Port Overpass SUN Trail Port Overpass

The City has been selected to serve as Project Manager for the design and construction of this SUN Trail segment. We are awaiting funding agreements from FDOT to proceed with the design. Staff will begin preparing the RFP (Request for Proposal) documentation in coordination with the County, TPO (Transportation Planning Organization), and FDOT.

Little Jim Fish Camp Septic to Sewer Conversion

Construction of the lift station, force main, and sewer service is complete, connecting the sanitary system to St. Lucie County Utilities at the Stan Blum Memorial Boat Launch. Final close-out documents and certifications are being prepared.

Surfside Neighborhood Roadway Improvements

TheSurfsideParkroadwayimprovementprojectincludesdrainageupgrades onMelaleuca,Plover,Pelican,Walnut,Eucalyptus,Cypress,SunsetIsles, Mimosa,andJacaranda.Workincludesvalleygutters,swaleelimination, drivewayreplacement,millingandresurfacing,andFPUAwaterandsewer upgradesonthreestreets.

Thecontractwasauthorizedforthemayor’ssignatureonSeptember2, 2025.ContractormobilizationbeganOctober27,2025,anddrainageworkis currentlyunderwayonPloverAvenue,PelicanDrive,andMelaleucaDrive.

SUN Trail Historic Downtown Retrofit (Georgia Avenue to North A1A)

The City has received a fully executed agreement for this project and has engaged a new consultant to continue the design work.

JC Penney Parking Lot

Dumpster enclosures and final punch list items continue.

2025 Steet Resurfacing Program

The 2025 resurfacing project is complete, and final invoicing is underway. The City will soon begin developing the 2026 resurfacing schedule.

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

The City has identified the remaining work items with the contractor and will coordinate efforts to resume work.

Avenue D (29 Street to US 1) th Avenue D (29 Street to US 1) th

A Pre-Construction meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2026.

CITY PROJECTS UPDATES CITY PROJECTS UPDATES

S US Highway 1

2050 S US Highway 1

Ademolitionpermithasbeenissuedfor theformerfast-foodrestaurantlocated atthecornerofUSHighway1and TennesseeAvenue,acrossfrom GatewayPlaza.Thesiteisbeingcleared tomakewayforDutchBrosCoffee. Constructionpermitshavebeen submittedandarecurrentlyunder reviewforwhatwillbeDutchBros’first locationontheTreasureCoast.

2035 S US Highway 1

Constructionisunderwayonan interiorbuild-outandexterior renovationforChipotleMexicanGrill, locatednexttothenewlycompleted StarbucksinGatewayPlaza. Theprojectalsoincludesa reconfigurationoftheparkinglayoutto createanoutdoordiningareaatthe frontoftherestaurant.Initial inspectionsarecurrentlyinprogress.

115 & 125 Kings Lane 115 & 125 Kings Lane

Construction has begun on the first two townhomes in the Kings Landing Development. Building tie-beam and fill cell inspections for the concrete block walls have been completed. Roof trusses have been delivered, and preparations are underway for their placement and strapping.

PPLANNING LANNING

INDIAN

Cornerstone Residential Cornerstone Residential

AFutureLandUseamendmentandPlannedDevelopmentMasterSitePlan havebeensubmittedforthe“Cornerstone”Development,a250-unitsinglefamilyresidentialcommunityfeaturingavarietyofhomesizesanddesigns.

Plannedamenitiesincludealinearparkconnectingarecreationalareatoa pocketpark,whichwillalsoprovideanadditionalbufferbetweenthe neighborhoodandI-95.

Thelinearparkcreativelyintegratesstormwaterfacilitiesbytransforming themintolandscapedbioswalesandraingardens,throughwhichameandering one-third-milewalkingpathwillwind.Restingareasalongthepathwilloffer viewsofthenaturalizedlandscapeandsurroundinglakevistas.

Atthesouthwestcorneroftheproperty markingtheterminusofthelinear park apocketparkisplannedtofeatureasculpturalartinstallation.Visible totravelersalongI-95,theinstallationisintendedtocreateadistinctiveand welcomingsenseofarrivalintotheCityofFortPierce.

Lawnwood Medical Center Lawnwood Medical Center

INDIAN

TheCityCommissionreviewedandapprovedaMajorSitePlanforthe constructionofanewfive-storyparkinggarageattheLawnwoodMedical CentercampusinFortPierce,Florida.Theproposedgarageisakey componentofthehospital’sstrategicexpansionplan,enhancing infrastructureandimprovingaccessibilityforpatients,visitors,andstaff.

Theproposedfive-levelparkinggaragewillprovideatotalof591parking spaceswithina50,432-square-footfootprint.Theprojectalsoincludes fourADA-compliantsurfacespacesand10dedicatedelectricvehicle(EV) chargingspaces,supportingsustainabilityinitiativesandanticipatedfuture demand.

Theprojectalsoincludes109newsurfaceparkingspaces,complementing thestructuredgarageandenhancingaccessacrossthemedicalcenter campus.Thesurfaceparkingareacovers34,866squarefeet.

Weather on the Green Weather on the Green

DespitepoorweatherthroughmuchofJanuary,revenuesareupmorethan $50,000androundshaveincreasedby1,100comparedtothesamefourmonthperiodlastyear.

Ourturfspecialisthaveplayedakeyroleinthisprogress,andwithwarmer weatherahead,turfgrowthwillaccelerate.Theadditionofourfertigation systemhasfurtherstrengthenedourprogram,allowingustoapplyliquid fertilizerinsmall,consistentdosesnearlyeveryday.

Whilethereisstillworktobedone,courseconditionsshowmorehealthyturf coveragethanwe’veseeninyears.

Fairway Forward Fairway Forward

WeareexploringtheoptionofspriggingselectfairwayswithCelebration Bermudagrassinhigh-trafficareas specificallyonholes#2,#6,and#7 betweenthe100-and150-yardmarkers,wherewearismostevident.

CelebrationBermudaishighlydrought-andwear-tolerantandestablishes aggressively,allowingittospreadovertimeandcreatehealthier,more resilientturfcoverage.

We’vesuccessfullyusedCelebrationBermudainseveralin-houseturfprojects overthepasttwoyears,includingexpandedteeareasonholes#8,#11,#12, and#17toaccommodateincreasedplay.

Grass Matters Grass Matters

Bymaintainingourcurrentagronomyprograms,weanticipateachievinga nearlycompleteandhealthystandofturfacrossthecoursebytheendof thecomingsummer.Asturfdensityandoverallhealthcontinueto improve,itwillnaturallyoutcompeteandreducemanyoftheweedsthat havebeenproblematicinrecentyears.

INDIAN HILLS

Pickleball Pulse Pickleball Pulse

We take pride in delivering exceptional customer service while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every player. Our goal is to provide a fun, relaxed environment for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Our pace of play remains among the best in the area, with rounds consistently at or even under four hours, including on our busiest days.

Word of mouth is our best advertising! Word of mouth is our best advertising!

Wordofmouthisourbestadvertising soifyou’veenjoyedtheimprovements, pleasetellafriendortwo!Ifthere’ssomethingwecandobetter,letusknowso wecancontinueimproving. We’regratefulforthesupportofourmembersandguestsandinviteyouto “Like”and“Follow”usonFacebookandInstagramforregularupdatesonthe courseandongoingmaintenanceprojects.

SSPECIALEVENTS PECIALEVENTS

Treasure Coast Paddle Battle

March 7 & 8 th th

Treasure Coast Paddle Battle March 7 & 8 th th

Jaycee Park 7:30 am - 2:00 pm

Saint Patrick’s Day on 2 Street

March 14 nd th

Saint Patrick’s Day on 2 Street March 14 nd th

N 2 Street 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm nd

Great American Clean Up

March 14th

Great American Clean Up March 14th

Kid’s Crossing - Rotary Park 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Feeding The Homeless

March 14th

Moore’s Creek Linear Park 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

The Zora Experience Festival 2026

March 14th

809 N 9 Street 9:00 am - 4:00 pm th

Treasure Coast Triathlon

March 15th

Treasure Coast Triathlon March 15th

Jaycee Park 7:00 am - 11:00 am

Manatee 5k March 21st

480 N. Indian River Drive 7:50 am - 10:00 am

Dancing in the Streets March 26th N 2 Street 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Fool’s Day 5k March 28th

Causeway Cove Marina 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Praise on the Marina March 29th

Marina Square 5:0 pm - 8:00 pm

MMARINASQUARE ARINASQUARE

1stFridayofthemonth

Saturday

Market 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Every Saturday Jazz Market 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Farmers Market 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

From toe-tapping tunes to belly-aching

Let’s Go Science! Let’s Go Science!

laughs

It was a busy month at the Sunrise Theatre! Our lineup ranged from the playful Menopause the Musical 2 and A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute to the soulful performances of Keb’ Mo’ and Chris Botti, and the laugh-out-loud comedy of Jim Breuer and Henry Cho. The Sunrise Theatre continues to offer something for everyone.

Thismonth,theSunriseTheatrewasblindedbyscience!Let’sGoScience,an educationalprogramdesignedtomakeSTEMfunforyounglearners,brought roughly400studentsfromacrossSt.LucieCountytotheTheatre.Theprogramis fullyinclusive,welcomingstudentswithdisabilitiesofallagesandgivingthema safe,hands-onwaytoexplorethewondersofscience.ThankstotheSunriseTheatre Foundation,allstudentsattendfreeofcharge!

Excitingnews theSunriseTheatreFoundationhasannounceditsannualgala!This specialeventsupportstheTheatre’smissiontopreserveabelovedpieceofFloridian historywhilefundingprogramsliketheSunriseTheatreChildren’sSummerCamp.

Box Office New Look Box Office New Look

TheSunriseTheatrecontinuestoenhancebothitsfacilitiesandofferingstobetter serveourpatrons.Weareproudtoannouncethereplacementofthedamagedbox officewindows,improvingcustomerserviceandhelpingkeepourdowntownarea beautiful.

OurinitiativetoutilizetheBlackBoxTheatrewhileofferinglowerticketpriceshas beenasuccess.Thismonth’sLateNightLoungedrewafullhouse,selling100 ticketsatjust$16each.TheprogramprovideslocalswithanaffordableFridaynight optionfeaturinglivemusicandafullbaropenlaterthanmanyvenues.

Lookingforasummerspotforyourlittlethespian?Looknofurther sign-upsare nowopenonourwebsite!Findoutmorethere.

NextmonthattheSunriseTheatrepromisesjustasmuchexcitement,featuring everythingfromculturalIrishdancetoanedgynewvoiceinfunk,andanacapella groupthatwilldelightbothyourearsandyourheart.Seethefulllistofshows here!

THANK YOU FOR GROWING WITH US

Sun Enterprises & Distributor, Inc.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites

Jay’s TC Stones Cabinets & Remodeling LLC

Comfort Suites Fort Pierce

Gee’z Lawn Care LLC

Hawk Air & Mechanical LLC

Okeechobee Outlet Store LLC

Eddie’s Exterior Cleaning LLC

Days Inn Fort Pierce

Studio Bella LLC

The Refinery Lounge

AnMel Remodeling, Inc.

Mervil Multi Services

F & H Contractors

St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church

Kidz World, Inc.

Marr Express LLC

Demystify HVAC EPA Institute

La Placita Grocery

Three O’s Food Mart

Incredible Rides LLC

Nate Reighard Insurance Agency, Inc.

Youth and Family Behavioral Health Center, Inc.