DOWNTOWN
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rest of the country, the recession has hit our community. But,
we’re all working together to create a better place to live and
work. We cut our taxes 40 percent and now we are a lot more
attractive to businesses. Today when you drive along U.S. 1
you see few empty stores anymore.”
The $41 million federal courthouse rising on the corner of
Orange Avenue and U.S. 1 is a big boon to the area and is
likely to help businesses on the west side of U.S. 1 as well as
the east side. “We have the new federal courthouse, which
will create a lot of jobs and help the downtown area merchants,
and it couldn’t have happened at a better time for this
city,” he says. “The old Jefferson Plaza is being rebuilt into
Coral Square Shoppes. The Sunrise Theatre just opened its
new Black Box Theatre, which is great for the downtown, and
we have a lot of stuff going on down there with the events.
Out on A1A along the beach we’ve created an attractive
streetscape and planted beautiful royal palms. New islands,
I hope by the end of this year, will be created to protect our
marina and waterfront from hurricanes.’’
Tillman and Main Street supporters have long talked about
the importance of teamwork in rebuilding the historic downtown.
The bounce-back effect from the safety net created by
teamwork does work, merchants say.
NEW BUSINESSES
Robert Ray, director of training at Anytime Fitness of Fort
Pierce, just opened in the former SunTrust building, says the
new gym fits the downtown well. It is one of several businesses,
including the national company with franchises,
Whimsy in the North Second Street building formerly occupied
by White’s Tackle, opening in downtown.
Integrity & Financial Responsibility Since 1905
FEE, DeROSS & FEE, P.L.
At tor n e y s a t l aw
An affiliation of professional associations.
Serving the Treasure Coast since 1905.
FEE & FEE, P.L.
Frank H. Fee III • Frank H. Fee IV
772.461.5020
Concentrating in Real Estate
Transactions and Litigation
JosEPh J. DeRoss Jr., P.A.
Joseph J. DeRoss Jr.
772.465.3500
Specializing In Complex Divorce Cases
POPPEL HOUSE
A Designated Historical Property
4 2 6 A v e n u e A
F o r t P i e r c e , F lor i d A 3 4 9 5 0
Fred Fee (1888-1939) • Frank Fee (1913-1983)
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GREGORY ENNS
The Renaissance on the River includes condominiums, offices and retail shops.