IN THE NEWS
WILL FORT PIERCE BE BRIGHTLINE’S NEXT STOP?
Fort Pierce is now two steps closer to becoming the only Treasure Coast stop for the Brightline high-speed passenger railway service connecting Orlando to Miami. Separate letters of intent, along with detailed proposals, were sent by both Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas C. Mimms and private developer Dale Matteson of Audubon Development, in December, in response to the Brightline Treasure Coast Station Request for Proposal. Both expressed their desire to partner with Brightline in building a destination terminal for the Treasure Coast.
In a letter that was included in the City of Fort Pierce’s proposal, Mayor Linda Hudson touted the coastal city’s ideal location, halfway between Jacksonville to the north and Miami to the south. It’s the reason Florida East Coast Railroad made it a major stop in 1894. That placement is also perfect for Brightline — the proposed Fort Pierce station is also equidistant from Orlando and Miami. Existing road and rail networks, coupled with accessible public transit, make Fort Pierce an ideal hub for travelers, statewide.
The city’s proposal includes four parcels of land — 2.37 acres, on South Depot Drive between Orange and Citrus avenues in downtown Fort Pierce — for the Brightline station and associated parking. A public parking garage owned by St. Lucie County would be vertically expanded to accommodate 124 additional parking spaces. An additional 465 parking spaces are provided within 300 feet of the proposed station, of which 210 spaces would be dedicated to Brightline passengers.
Two of the other parcels are owned by the city of Fort Pierce and the owner of the third parcel has provided a willing to sell letter. Mimms stated that the city has complete control over the city-owned property, while St. Lucie County and the private property owner have also provided letters of commitment for the seamless integration of their properties into the station plan. The proposal states that engaging with a single entity — the City of Fort Pierce — will simplify the transaction and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The city has proposed a station parallel to the platform and the FEC right of way. Passengers will enter from the south for train ticketing before moving north through the security gates into a baggage check area. Once their baggage has been screened and checked, passengers will be free to move into lounges complete with restrooms, charging stations and vending machines.
The Audubon Development — in partnership with Hensel-Phelps, Premier Community, and Indian River State College Foundation — has even grander ideas for a station. Its proposal includes free parking; dining facilities with a kitchen highlighting Indian River State College’s culinary program; a museum featuring the art and history of the Treasure Coast; and luxury apartments.
Their proposed location is adjacent to the $155 million King’s Landing development, currently under construction, which already includes a new 140-room, $55 million Marriott hotel, restaurants, shops, luxury villas and condominiums and a 249-slip marina. Audubon also owns and controls its proposed 2.33-acre station site, which will expedite construction.
Both entities propose to build the station, at no cost to Brightline, then lease it to them for $1 per year. Additionally, St. Lucie County is offering $250,000 in rider vouchers from the St. Lucie County Tourism Commission, during the first year. Indian River State College has pledged to commit up to 5,000 passes for full-time students to use Brightline, regardless of which location is chosen.
Letters from city leaders in Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, the City of Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere and Okeechobee were included in both proposals, offering their support for a Fort Pierce Brightline station.
“We’ve got two excellent options for Brightline to consider,” said Hudson. “We would be thrilled to have it built in either location. The city strongly supports establishing a Brightline stop in Fort Pierce and will work to support this outcome, regardless of the entity selected to build the structure. We have a working relationship with Audubon Development and, if they are selected, the city will support their efforts to ensure that this opportunity comes to fruition for our community.
“As far as we know, the only other proposal came from Stuart, which is on the southern end of the Treasure Coast. So, we are keeping our fingers crossed that one of our centrally located options will prevail.”
According to the mayor, a decision from Brightline is expected by the end of March. Both proposals stipulate they will be completed by 2028.
PEACOCK DISPLAYS
KERRY FIRTH
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency is ramping up for the second round of murals to grace the Peacock Arts District.
“The murals are fulfilling a desire to see art and culture in the city at large,” said Fort Pierce Redevelopment Specialist Marsha Commond. “The first set of murals were dedicated last September and have been widely applauded by residents and visitors alike. We’ve put an invite out to artists for this public art commission and we’ll be selecting three talented applicants to complete their murals by June.”
The goal is to attract positive attention, while increasing tourism and economic development, by beautifying the area. The murals will be rendered in a range of styles, scales and media. They will be installed on private property, in partnership with the owners.
Each mural will have a theme. Property One, located at 526 Ave. A, will showcase five prominent Black athletes from Fort Pierce, such as Charles Johnson and Khalil Mack. Property Two, located at 717 Orange Ave., will feature historic city leaders, such as mayors and commissioners. Property Three, located at 117 N. Fifth St., is a building called the Royal Poinciana. Its mural will include its namesake tree, perhaps rendered in the style of the famed local landscape artists known as the Highwaymen.
These new murals will be added to the four that are already drawing attention in the Peacock Arts District. The mural at 700 Orange Ave. features the peacocks that live in the area. The historic 500 Orange Event Center has one depicting historical postcards, a nod to when the building served as Fort Pierce’s post office. The massive mural at 616 Atlantic Ave. represents the history and resilience of the city’s population, with peacocks symbolizing strength and hibiscus flowers symbolizing the contributions of immigrants. The pastel mural located at 605 Orange Ave. also pays tributes to Fort Pierce’s peacocks and hibiscus.
Join the resident peacocks for a stroll around the district to view these impressive murals and you may be lucky enough to catch an artist creating the next downtown masterpiece.
See the original article in print publication
Feb. 05, 2024
© 2024 Fort Pierce Magazine | Indian River Magazine, Inc.
