AWARDS
FORT PIERCE NAMED
‘IDYLLIC’ SMALL TOWN
8
BY SUSAN BURGESS
If bricks and mortar make a town, it’s the people who
bring it to life and give it a personality and culture.
Last summer, Fort Pierce residents were surprised —
and delighted — to see their city listed in USA Today’s
feature on the nation’s most historic and idyllic main streets.
Just 10 cities were listed.
The newspaper cited Main Street Fort Pierce’s “Great
American Main Street” recognition by the National Trust
for Historic Preservation in 2011 along with the city’s early
1900s atmosphere.
The city’s rebirth and transformation into a charming, historic
downtown with waterfront views at every cross street
was a team effort between Main Street Fort Pierce, a large
team of volunteers, and the city of Fort Pierce.
“What isn’t idyllic about it?” says Main Street Manager
Doris Tillman. “What makes it so special to me is that people >>
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
USA Today applauded Fort Pierce’s downtown in its
Aug. 11, 2014, edition in an article headlined, “Idyllic and
historic main streets across the USA.” Here is the entry that
appeared in the newspaper:
Fort Pierce, a Treasure Coast “Old Florida” town, cooled
by breezes off the Indian River, won the 2011 Best Main
Street designation from the National Trust. Swaying palm
trees line the sidewalks, and the atmosphere evokes the
early 1900’s when the city came into its own. Period
Spanish architecture punctuates the downtown area, the
star of which is the historic Sunrise Theatre. The Saturday
Farmer’s Market is a must.
MAIN STREET AND INDIAN RIVER MAGAZINE PHOTOS
Scenic views, ripe fruits and vegetables at two farmer’s markets, a classic car show, seafood festivals, waterfront drinking and dining, festivals and more
define the community character of historic Fort Pierce.