The Dish- May 2024

Mayor Hudson said, “Our City is so safe and people don’t know it, but they have to come here to find it out. I go to every part of this city and I’m not afraid at all.”- Nov. 18, 2023 1

The Root of All Problems: How to Take $550K and Leave an Empty Lot The City of Fort Pierce has finally pulled the plug on its lease with Rooted in Change, Inc./Lincoln Park Young Professionals, who were supposed to create a community center called The Root. This lease, signed back in October 2022, allowed the group to lease the property for a laughable $10 a year. Despite being showered with over $500,000 in grants and donations, the lot remains a barren wasteland. To top it off, the group hasn’t even bothered to apply for any building permits.

“We have a site that’s unkempt,” City Manager Nicholas Mimms pointed out at a City Commission meeting in May. “It’s unsafe and it needs to get cleaned up immediately.”

Emails from the City reveal that the organization hit the brakes on the project because it didn’t want to build permanent bathrooms, a stipulation in the lease. Instead, it decided to play the blame game, accusing Allegany Franciscan Ministries and the City of not providing enough support.

“After quite some thought, our organization has decided that if we are required to do permanent restrooms, we would have to end the progress of the project,” an email from the group read. “We currently do not have the support for such a cost.

We were hoping to do this in phases as a temporary space that would not be open every day and would not have an occupied building. However, with no support from the City and Allegany anymore, our best decision may be to dissolve this project.” as reported on WPTV online.

The nonprofit also whined that the termination of employment for a certain key figure at Allegany Franciscan Ministries added to their woes, causing delays, confusion, and miscommunication. They also mentioned losing money to a previous contractor and are now resorting to litigation to get it back.

To add a twist to the saga, Vennis Gilmore, who appears to be linked with both the nonprofit and the City’s Planning Department, seems to be caught in the middle of this mess. Meanwhile, Pastor Anthony Sanders, who has voiced concern for the City’s alarming gun violence, suggested that a community center could help curb the violence.

All in all, it’s a classic tale of big promises, bigger grants, and zero results, which seems to be the norm in Fort Pierce.

Alleghany’s problems were first broke by ‘The Dish’ in June and November 2023

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Where’s the Money?

According to Sunbiz .org, the Board of Directors for ‘Rooted in Change, Inc.’ are Vennis Gilmore- President, Lashonda HendersonVice President, Caleta Scott- Treasurer, Chasity Harry- Secretary 3

Gun Violence in Fort Pierce: Gun Violence Continues to Erupts in Fort Pierce...

Fort Pierce, Florida, known for its stunning waterfront views and vibrant community life, has been grappling with a grave issue that casts a long shadow over its sunny façade: gun violence. The surge in shootings has become a pressing concern, particularly as it continues to claim the lives of the city’s youth. This escalating crisis not only devastates the families directly affected but also sends ripples of grief and trauma throughout the entire community. The urgent need to stop this violence has never been more apparent.

The loss of even one young life to gun violence is one too many. It is a clarion call for immediate and sustained action. As Fort Pierce faces this challenge head-on, it must do so with the determination and resolve to protect its most precious asset: its youth. The time to act is now, before more lives are irreparably changed by the scourge of gun violence.

The tragic toll this senseless violence continues to take on our community and especially the families of the ones directly involved. Both the victims as well as the perpetrators ultimately pay a price. Each differently but still very costly to our

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community. There’s also the massive economic cost and loss to our City by way of stopping investment and prohibiting smart growth as well as jobs because people are afraid to invest in a high crime community. Especially with our reputation.

The why?

Other surrounding Communities are not experiencing this wave of crime. We need to ask

A Community in Crisis what the reasons are particular to Fort Pierce and why are numerous that create this perfect storm.

Remove the politics and give a critical assessment of the Fort Pierce Police Department.

One would have to see we have serious problems and shortcomings that are resulting in this criminal activity. “The Speed of the Boss is the Speed of the Crew”. Further, the Chief and Police answer to our City Manager and he answers to the City Commission. No one seems to be talking and or providing answers or solutions.

Follow the money!!!

Millions of dollars have been provided (donated) to both the FPPD as well as the Lincoln Park community to alleviate blight, create jobs and enhance the quality of life and safety. The evidence shows it was misappropriated, squandered or stolen.

Addressing gun violence in Fort Pierce is not just about reducing crime statistics; it is about reclaiming the future for the City’s young people. The fight against gun violence in Fort Pierce requires a unified effort. Every member of the community has a role to play, from local government and law enforcement to educators, parents, and the youth themselves. By working together, Fort Pierce can begin to heal the wounds caused by gun violence and build a safer, more hopeful future for its young people.

The loss of even one young life to gun violence is one too many. It is a clarion call for immediate and sustained action. As Fort Pierce faces this challenge head-on, it must do so with the determination and resolve to protect its most precious asset: its youth. The time to act is now, before more lives are irreparably changed by the scourge of gun violence.

According to Fort Pierce Police Department’s Facebook, Fort Pierce is NOT safe!

May 27th-Fort Pierce Police investigating shooting that left three males with non-lifethreatening injuries.

May 26th- at approximately 5:15 p.m., Fort Pierce Police officers responded to the 700 block of North 22nd Street in reference to shooting activity.

May 25-Fort Pierce Police investigating shooting incident that left 5 with non-life-threatening injuries.

May 18-Suspect dead following officer-involved shooting; 2 others also found fatally wounded.

May 15- Fort Pierce Police arrest 29-year-old suspect involved in fatal shooting.

May 13-The March 16, 2024, shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Jackson Romanello remains an open and active investigation.

May 12-Investigation revealed a 37-year-old male was approached by an unknown person and suffered gunshot wounds.

April 2-Fort Pierce Police investigating fatal shooting on North 16th Street.

March 17- Fort Pierce Police investigating fatal shooting at Maravilla Park/Dog Park.

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