FORT PIERCE FOLKS
The MAYOR OF AVENUE D
For more than 30 years, Pastor James H. Brown has been a passionate community leader and a driving force behind the redevelopment of northwest Fort
Pierce with Avenue D as the centerpiece.
Since 1981 James H. Brown has brought positive
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changes to northwest Fort Pierce.
In 2000, Pastor Brown started Project ROCK (Reaching
Our Community Kids), which has been adopted
by the state for programs in St. Lucie and Indian River
counties. The program targets suspended students helping
them get back on track and back in school.
In 2004, he formed the Avenue D Boys Choir, which has
performed all over Florida, including at Gov. Rick Scott’s
inauguration. Every student who has remained with the choir
has graduated from high school, and seven former members
are attending Indian River State College.
Brown has helped increase the 300-member congregation of
the Miracle Prayer Temple on Avenue Q. He is a well-respected
community leader who can be counted on as a voice of
reason in times of turmoil.
When a Fort Pierce man was killed recently by St. Lucie
County Sheriff’s deputies responding to loud music, Brown
was asked to speak to the man’s family. “It is part of my job,”
said Brown. “I’m a realist too. You prepare yourself for times
like these. You never get used to it. You prepare yourself
GREG GARDNER
spiritually and mentally. The Lord prepares you to say the
right words.”
“Having him there was beneficial to the family,” said Garry
Wilson, chief deputy at the Sheriff’s Office. “He’s a dedicated
community advocate for Fort Pierce and he’s always on hand
to work with us on community issues. He’s a wonderful human
being and we consider him a friend. I couldn’t tell you
how many people he’s saved from bad choices.” Wilson said
Brown has been associated with the sheriff’s office “for years
and years,” and served as an auxiliary pastor at the jail.
In addition to his church duties, Brown has been a driving
force in the redevelopment of Avenue D. Known as “the
Mayor of Avenue D,” Brown has been responsible for restoring
10 neighborhood buildings even before the city began its
recent redevelopment efforts.
Brown mentored Cecil Leroy Hicks, giving him direction
in buying and managing rental properties. “He is my leader,”
said Hicks. “Apostle Brown wants to add value to everyone
he comes in contact with. And he is a man who loves God
and his wife.”
Behind his community efforts is his wife, Patricia, who is
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BY GREG GARDNER