The Dish | March 2025

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Fort Pierce: From Quaint Coastal Town to Cargo Ship Capital?

Ah, Fort Pierce. The Sunrise City. Known for its charming waterfront, thriving small businesses, and… cargo ships?

can you blame them? Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the riverwalk while a massive container ship drifts by. Picturesque.

Yes, you heard that right. The City of Fort Pierce is currently considering a land use change that would allow a wide range of permitted uses along the port’s land, from residential to industrial. And nestled somewhere in that fine print, locals fear, is a sneaky

Let’s talk impact. Cargo ships could mean increased traffic, noise, and pollution – all the hallmarks of a charming coastal community, right?

Not to mention the potential effect on local marine life and fishing industries. And what about property values? Are we trading in our quaint, small-town vibe for a shot at becoming the next Port of Miami?

Of course, proponents of the plan tout the economic benefits. Jobs, revenue, and a boost to local infrastructure. But at what cost?

For now, the City Commission holds the cards, and Fort Pierce residents are left wondering: Will our port remain a gem of the Treasure Coast, or will we soon be known as the little town that was forced to take on massive cargo vessels?

pathway to turning our beloved port into a cargo shipping hub.

Ken Freeman, the city’s planning director, pitched the idea to the planning board, singing the economic praises of one of Florida’s 15 deep water ports. The proposal, which has now been sent to the city commission, divides the port land along North Second Street into two zones. But here’s the kicker: what exactly would be allowed in those zones remains a mystery.

It’s like Fort Pierce is ordering from a menu labeled “Chef’s Surprise,” except the surprise might be towering cargo ships docking next to your favorite waterfront café.

The St. Lucie Waterfront Council is sounding the alarm, worried that “uses-to-be-named” could very well include industrial shipping. And honestly,

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Stay tuned. And maybe keep those binoculars handy – you might just spot a container ship on the horizon.

The City Manager Saga Continues... government” like promoting your buddy The only thing moving slower “transparent to one of the most powerful positions in the city, despite her glaring lack of City Manager experience. than this hiring process is and did we mention the ethics violation traffic on US-1 because of our cherry onOh,top?

As City Clerk, Cox oversees municipal elections. Yet, there she was on Facebook, proudly dilapidated roads. posting “Re-elect Mayor Linda Hudson.” Conflict of interest, anyone?

Ah, Fort Pierce. The city that can’t seem to get out of its own way when it comes to finding a City Manager. First, we had Nick Mimms, who was unceremoniously shown the door in handcuffs after allegations of bid tampering. Now, after a hiring process that can only be described as a dumpster fire, the City still can’t seem to get it right.

The latest debacle comes courtesy of the hiring process for Richard Chess, who managed to survive the City’s circus of missing resumes and anonymous phone calls that sent other candidates running for the hills. Somehow, Chess made it through the gauntlet and secured a 3-2 vote from the Commission. Victory, right? Not so fast.

Chess, who was likely under the impression that the salary range posted on external job boards — $155,255 to $256,600 — was a legitimate offer, requested $235,000. Reasonable, considering that’s within the range, right? Well, not for the Fort Pierce Commission, who suddenly decided to clutch their pearls and balk at the request.

Shouldn’t salary negotiations have been handled before the Commission voted to hire him? But that would require basic competence, which seems to be in short supply at City Hall these days.

Let’s also not forget the burning question: What did Cox know about Mimms’ alleged misdeeds?

FDLE has already interviewed her, and the public is anxiously awaiting to see if her name gets dragged into the investigation.

Chess made the decision to lower his salary ask to $200,000, $15,000 less than he currently makes in Broward County. The Commissioner voted Monday, March 17, and all Commissioners except Broderick voted to hire Chess at this new salary request. Broderick stated he voted no to keep his votes consistent. What does that mean?

Does Broderick not believe one can change their mind or be wrong?

Chess will be up for a 5% raise after 6 months if his performance is satisfactory. If it is not, he could be fired. Will we be going through this drama again in 6 months as some Commissioners fight for their friends to get this job again?

Of course, the plot thickens with the Commission’s clear favoritism toward City Managerin-waiting, Linda Cox. Cox, who conveniently stepped into the role after Mimms’ departure, has Stay tuned. The soap opera that is Fort Pierce politics been the preferred pick of Mayor Linda Hudson and is far from over.

Commissioner Broderick. Because nothing says

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Fort Pierce: Where You Pay Twice To Play.

Fort Pierce finally found a way to fix downtown parking—by making sure no one wants to park there.

In a dazzling display of “fiscal brilliance,” the City of Fort Pierce has decided that locals just aren’t paying enough for their beloved parks and beaches. So, starting soon, you’ll get the distinct privilege of forking over your hard-earned cash to park at Jetty Park, South Causeway Park, and Pepper Park. Because, you know, those burgers at the Jetty just taste better with a side of parking fees.

Local Beau Slay put it perfectly on the City’s Facebook page: “Local taxpayers have already paid for those areas and shouldn’t have to pay to use them.

Local government is supposed to represent the locals, not charge them more for things they’ve already paid for!”

Preach, Beau.

Meanwhile, Santamaria Joanna is wondering if Sweetie’s Diner will be putting up a new sign about this latest money-grabbing move. Perhaps something like, “Welcome to Fort Pierce: Where You Go to Vacation and Get Robbed by the City.”

And let’s not forget Adam Long, who reminded everyone that while taxpayers are getting nickeland-dimed, only volunteers are keeping these parks clean. Oh, and Jaycee Park? Built by volunteers. But hey, who needs gratitude when you can have parking meters?

The real kicker? This genius plan is likely to put a serious dent in the Jetty’s restaurant scene.

Imagine craving a burger and fries, only to realize you’ve got to pay for parking just to indulge in some greasy goodness. As if locals aren’t already struggling.

Locals are fuming, and rightfully so. They’re being driven out of the very spaces they’ve already

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funded through their taxes. But hey, at least Fort Pierce is consistent — if there’s a way to squeeze a few extra bucks out of the community, they’ll find it.

Maybe next, they’ll charge for the sunset views.

Stay classy, Fort Pierce.

Fort Pierce’s New Impact Fees: Because Affordable Housing Was Too Easy Ah, Fort Pierce—where the city’s leadership never misses an opportunity to make things just a little bit harder for people who need a place to live. The latest brilliant idea? Jacking up impact fees for new developments under the noble banner of “supporting law enforcement.” Because nothing says “public safety” like making sure fewer people can afford to live here in the first place. Besides, we don’t pay our police officers a decent wage.

Under the proposal, the city would up the one-time law enforcement impact fee for a modest 1,400-square-foot home from $1,616.21 to $2,087.21.

That’s a $471 hike—because who doesn’t love an extra surprise expense when trying to build a new home? If you’re dreaming a little bigger with a 2,600-square-foot home, your fee jumps from $2,089.71 to $2,681.71. And if you’re a developer trying to build much-needed multi-family housing?

Congratulations, you’re now looking at a $103,286 fee for a 50-unit building—up from $84,726.

For those keeping score at home, that’s a 2224% increase in fees for residential developments.

What better way to attract builders and homebuyers than by making it more expensive to build? Genius.

Of course, officials will say these fees are necessary to fund law enforcement as the city grows.

Because clearly, the only way to fund public safety is by making sure fewer people can afford to live here.

Maybe the real strategy is to keep housing costs so high that no one moves in, thus reducing crime by default? It’s a bold approach.

Never mind the fact that Fort Pierce already struggles with affordability. Never mind that impact fees get passed directly to homebuyers and renters, making an already tough market even worse. Nope— let’s just keep piling on costs and pretend we’re solving a problem.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about public safety—it’s about squeezing more money out of the people who can least afford it. Maybe the city should consider renaming these “law enforcement impact fees” to what they really are: the ‘Good Luck Buying a Home’ tax.

James is available at the Fort Pierce Animal Adoption Center

James, the Gentle Giant James is a 4-year-old chocolate Pit Bull Terrier with a heart as big as his smile. Known for his gentle nature and happy demeanor, he gets along well with other dogs and thrives on companionship.

While he enjoys playtime, James is a certified couch potato, always ready to snuggle up for a cozy nap. With his loving personality and laid-back attitude, he’s the perfect mix of sweet and silly!

100 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Phone: 772-242-1662 Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat, 11am - 5pm

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