DOWNTOWN
Later this year, the Henry D. King Municipal Power
Plant between Second Street and Indian River Drive
will be demolished, with part of the site possibly
becoming a park. Other uses being considered are a
conference center and hotel site.
VISION BECOMES REALITY
“The rebirth of Fort Pierce was our vision 13 years
ago when I was a commissioner and Eddie Enns
was mayor,” said current mayor Bob Benton. “We
didn’t want to be a Dade or Broward, we wanted to
be ourselves. The people gave their opinions of
what they wanted for Fort Pierce, and we followed
what they wanted.”
Today, the old city glories in a newly revitalized downtown
Mediterranean style buildings in soft pastel and neutral
colors against a brilliant blue sky and sunlight washing
over the streets.
It is once again a place to stroll and shop, eat and
drink, and then step over to the park and enjoy the river
with its sailboats, yachts and marina. Wide open spaces
near the waterfront retain the casual seaside feel that
draws visitors and residents into the downtown area.
The French say that the more things change, the more
they stay the same. They could be describing Fort Pierce.
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PHOTO BY GREGORY ENNS
The new public library has a great view of the Indian River. Patrons can borrow
a book and go across the street to read and have a brown-bag lunch.
PHOTO BY GREGORY ENNS
with intricately detailed art deco and
The P.P. Cobb Building was built in 1882 and restored in 1987 at a cost of about $1.4 million. Once the town’s first post office, it now houses a mix
of retail and professional businesses.