As one of the top destinations in Southeast Florida, the Fort Pierce area of the Treasure Coast has seen a resurgence of activity over the past few years. This neighborly community exudes the charm of ‘Old Florida,’ embracing its rich history while quietly and thoughtfully promoting the promise of the future growth of the town as the seat of the county. The downtown area abounds with small retail shops, restaurants, services and art galleries. The local business owners have pride in ownership, working together with the community and city to see it flourish. As a small business owner and one that will soon hold a beautiful office location in this wonderful town, we wanted to bring to light many of the local businesses that are the main reason Fort Pierce and the county are growing, but also showcase new area developments.

DOWNTOWN
In Downtown Fort Pierce, Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant recently opened at the northwest corner of Orange and Second Street. Favorites include the homemade fresh salsa, frozen margaritas and a variety of popular Mexican dishes. Indoor or outdoor, the outdoor setting is dog friendly and lets you enjoy all the activity downtown. The Thirsty Turtle will open its doors as soon as renovation is complete. Also located on Second Street, the locally owned restaurant is the third location on the Treasure Coast and has served the South Florida area for 20 years. The seafood grill will offer unique fish dishes, local ‘Cook Your Catch’ service and a huge selection of wing flavors all in a family atmosphere where you can enjoy watching your favorite sports teams indoors or outdoors. Enjoy great views of the Fort Pierce City Marina.

The Galleria of Pierce Harbor offers locally owned shops and dining experiences. The Cabin is where you will find proper gentlemen’s attire, accessories and unique gifts. Find jewelry, fun treasures and finds, souvenirs, wall art, beachwear and more at Coco’s Gift Shop. At The Pop Up Store, a ladies boutique, find eye catching “Sapsucker” brand handbags and shoes plus unique accessories. The newest shop is the 2nd Street Barbershop, a boutique spa for men that offers a haircut with a hot towel-and-oil full shave treatment in an upscale environment.

Satisfy your sweet cravings at Brooklyn Sweets. At Holly’s Deli enjoy a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee or pick up a tall deli sandwich to go. The Rooster in the Garden invites you for a varied lunch and dinner selection while The Braford Steakhouse fine dining experience will have you coming back to enjoy superior service and “fresh from Florida” high-quality beef selection from Adams Ranch, a fourth-generation family-owned-and-operated cattle business since 1937.

The Fort Pierce 212 Coffee House opened in February of this year, serving an amazing cup of coffee or coffee concoction with delectable pastry treats or with a light breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the soothing music in the background and colorful local artwork beautifully displayed in this warm and inviting shop.

Crabby’s Dockside is expected to open in January at the edge of Avenue A and the Fort Pierce City Marina, replacing the Original Tiki Bar & Restaurant. The new restaurant’s parent company has other locations in the St. Cloud, Clearwater and Fort Myers areas and will offer a casual waterfront dining experience where you can enjoy local seafood specialties on the dockside or on the rooftop with spectacular views of the Indian River Lagoon. Walk up and order an ice cream to cool you off as you walk along the waterway. This historic waterfront town provides a broad spectrum of entertainment and activities from great fishing to events like the Farmers Market, Green Market, Friday Fest, a Jazz Market and the Sunrise Theatre.

AROUND THE COUNTY
Other St. Lucie County development activities and approvals include the new Publix Supermarket at Taylor Creek, on U.S. 1 near the North Causeway Bridge, currently being constructed to replace the older one. Publix at Indrio Commons has received site plan approval to construct a 48,837-square-foot grocery store with 6,000 square feet of ancillary retail and associated site improvements, located at the corner of Indrio Road and Emerson Avenue. At the Kings Highway Industrial Park, an Amazon delivery center will operate a 52,826-square-foot facility to support Amazon order fulfillments and the growing volume of customer orders that will provide job opportunities for about 200 people. Indian River State College is developing a new aviation and marine training program. Aviator College received approval to complete a 17,500-square-foot expansion of its campus at the Treasure Coast International Airport and Business Park. The Sunshine Kitchen and Food Incubator was completed and encompasses a 9,884-square-foot commercial shared kitchen for start-up food entrepreneurs. The kitchen offers rental space and packaging services to personal chefs, bakers, caterers, mobile food service operators and specialty food producers wanting to advance their businesses.

HOME DEVELOPMENT
On Emerson Avenue, just north of Indrio Road, Adams Homes has re-started the long stalled Waterstone Community offering five single-family models from the $240s. Ryan Homes has started construction on Carriage Pointe, affordable luxury single-story homes from the upper $100s, in a secluded, yet convenient location just south of Edwards Road and directly west of Selvitz Road. LGI Homes’ newest community of Celebration Pointe, located on Jenkins Road, just south of Orange Avenue, will feature two-, three- and four-bedroom townhomes from the upper $100s.

Audubon Development will begin negotiations with the City of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency to see a proposed $85 million project, named King’s Landing, at the H.D. King site in downtown. The concept includes construction of a hotel, condominiums and retail. As yet, there is no deadline for completion.

By combining the charm of ‘Old Florida’ and future visions, Fort Pierce and the rest of the Treasure Coast will continue to see positive growth for businesses and residents.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Magazine Inc. For more information or to report news email staff@tcbusiness.com

ANGELA GELLER

Angela Geller is the broker/owner of Oceanside Realty Partners, co-owned with Amanda Geller. Angela has more than 20 years of experience, and as an established boutique brokerage, Oceanside has a strong, solid command of the Treasure Coast residential market, specializing on North and South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.