If you follow the Florida Legislature, prepare to hear a lot of criticism about Community Redevelopment Agencies. As you consider these mostly unfounded complaints, I’d ask the people of Fort Pierce to think about a few of the revitalization projects that have been completed in our CRA district:
- The restored and enlarged Fort Pierce City Marina, which had its grand reopening a decade after back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Jeanne destroyed it and most of its boats in 2004. A system of islands now protects the marina and the waterfront. The marina suffered little to no damage in hurricanes Matthew and Irma.
- Our restored Sunrise Theatre, enhanced Veterans Memorial Park and new Melody Lane Fishing Pier, all of which attract residents and visitors to the city’s downtown waterfront corridor.
- Our Intermodal Transit Facility, located in a previously transportation-challenged neighborhood, which provides bus transport to residents to and from jobs, doctors, hospitals and shopping areas.
These are just a few examples of redevelopment in the city of Fort Pierce. Unfortunately, legislation expected to come before the Florida Legislature would jeopardize the CRA and its ability to undertake similar projects in the future.