Fort Pierce

Steering toward the future

Steering toward the future

Bev Smith Toyota

Bev Smith Toyota’s current building will be completely gutted and expanded to 13,570 square feet, with the front portion extended outward. JOE DESALVO

Bev Smith begins renovations at Toyota site, plans new building at Kia dealership 

BY JOE DESALVO

Bev Smith Automotive Group

Frank Gonzalez, Bev Smith Automotive Group vice president, and executive assistant Phelicia Traver are excited about the upcoming renovations. JOE DESALVO

A major renovation and expansion project at Bev Smith Toyota, located at 3350 South U.S. Highway 1 in Fort Pierce, will get underway this spring to accommodate continued business growth.

Frank Gonzalez, Bev Smith Automotive Group vice president, said the building will be completely gutted and then expanded. The front portion will be extended outward to where the customer parking spaces are located.

The renovation involves three firms having vast experience in similar automotive projects, several being Toyota dealerships.

MH Williams Construction Group in Melbourne is the general contractor. Patrick Swift of Penney Design Group in Bethesda, Maryland, is the architect. ID Automotive, based in Fort Lauderdale, will be managing the project for Bev Smith Toyota. 

Nick Hare, project manager for MH Williams, said the existing building will be expanded to 13,570 square feet. A new building, being built on the land to the north, will be 7,332 square feet.

Completion is anticipated for the end of this year or early 2024, Hare said.

Business will not be interrupted during the dealership’s transformation. Modular office space is in place and will serve as temporary homes for various departments, including management, sales team, service writers, service management, parts, body shop, trucks and rental. In addition, there will be a waiting area for customers in the trailers.

The offices in the renovated store will have a new look and feel.

“We’ll have brand new furniture and offices will be wrapped all the way around,” said Phelicia Traver, executive assistant to Gonzalez. “It’ll be set up a little bit differently.”

MH Williams and ID Automotive are excited to bring the design to life for the dealership group.

“MH Williams Construction Group is proud to have been selected for the modernization and expansion of the Bev Smith Toyota facilities to better serve their customers,” Hare said. “We look forward to working with the Bev Smith Automotive Group on this project and many more in the future.”

ID Automotive is equally proud to be involved, says Martin Meissner, program manager and program marketing director.

“We’re very excited to work with the team there,” he said. “It’s going to be a significant change to the face of the store to the customer — both inside and out. 

“It’s going to bring the facility up to Toyota’s current image guidelines nationally that they have,” Meissner said. “So, it’s going to be a whole new face to the store and I think the customer experience is going to be fresh and exciting.

“It’s going to be a great project for the community,” Meissner added. “It’s going to be a beautiful new store.”

Toyota has had a presence in the Fort Pierce area for more than 50 years — all in the same location at the south end of town. Nick Smith, who helped his father, Bev, make Bev Smith Ford of West Palm Beach one of the top Ford dealerships in the country, bought Fort Pierce Toyota in 1992. Three years later, he broke ground on a new dealership that would receive Toyota’s branded design.

Gonzalez was hired as general manager in 1997 and became a partner in Smith’s company in 2001. They opened Bev Smith Kia in 2006 at 5655 South U.S. 1 in White City.

renovation project

The completed renovation project will bring a significant change to the face of the Bev Smith store, meeting Toyota’s current image guidelines. PENNEY DESIGN GROUP

KIA GETTING MODERN LOOK

Bev Smith Kia

Bev Smith Kia, at 5655 South U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, will be getting a new, more modern building after the renovations at Bev Smith Toyota, farther north on U.S. 1, are completed. JOE DESALVO

Plans call for the Kia dealership to receive a completely new building once the Toyota project is done, according to Gonzalez.

“It’s going to be very modern,” he said. “We’re going to expand the service area in the back. And bring used-car sales across U.S. 1 to the 10-acre property we own.”

Meissner confirmed ID Automotive will be involved with the Kia project in a similar role to that of the Toyota renovation.

“Probably in short order after we finish the Toyota store, and even before the Toyota store is done, we’ll be moving down the street and doing some work on the Kia site, too,” Meissner said. 

“They’re really investing a lot into their stores for the community and I think that’s really great,” he added.

As for MH Williams Construction Group being the general contractor for that job, Hare said, “No final arrangements have been made, but that is the intent of the owner and MH Williams.”

Bev Smith Automotive Group has 150 employees at its Toyota dealership and 75 at the Kia location, according to Gonzalez.

Gonzalez says there are no plans to expand the company’s presence in the area.

“We have a lot going on,” Gonzalez said. “So, taking on another store is not in the picture at the moment. Right now, we want to make what we have better.” 


BEV SMITH KIA

3350 South U.S. 1
Fort Pierce
Phone: 464.8440
Website: bevsmithtoyota.com

BEV SMITH KIA

5655 South U.S. 1
Fort Pierce
Phone: 465.8589
Website: bevsmithkia.com

 

See the original article in print publication


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 20, 2023|

More than a Game – back by popular demand

 

Back by popular demand! We are back for our 3rd season of More Than A Game - with an additional two weeks!

Please spread the word to all fathers, dads, stepdads, granddads, adoptive dads, permanent guardians, father figures...about MTGIII, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about community resources/discuss fatherhood with other men and, of course, play some ball!

Encourage fathers to pre-register, as space is limited once again! MTGIII starts March 20th, Every Monday for 12 weeks.

https://www.cscslc.org/296/More-Than-a-Game

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with John Cesar [email protected], 772-237-1665

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

IRSC Performing Arts presents Company

IRSC Performing Arts presents

Celebrate and honor the legacy of musical genius Stephen Sondheim in this ground-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Join Bobby as he navigates the complicated reality of being single in a world of married friends. Often humorous and always thought-provoking, Sondheim's first concept musical features some of his iconic songs like Being Alive and Side by Side and is sure to find a place in your heart.

March 9, 10, 11 at 7 p.m., March 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. McAlpin Theatre, IRSC.

[email protected] or 772.462.4750. For Tickets. 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

From left, Michael Rem of JBL Development, Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson and Sandra Pabon of Itasca Construction Partners sign the cornerstone of the Interstate Commerce Center. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Dozens of dignitaries gathered along Interstate 95 in Fort Pierce on Feb. 15 to add their signatures to a cornerstone for the Interstate Commerce Center (ICC).

Currently under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, the 207,458-square-foot Class-A industrial building has 1,300 feet of clear I-95 frontage and is located in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect.

The facility is being developed on 12.7 acres by JBL Development and will be managed by JBL Asset Management. Itasca Construction Partners is the general contractor. Designed for mid-size users with space requirements from 20,000 to 200,000 square feet, the facility will be ready for occupancy this spring.

ICC is located within one mile of both Exit 129 on I-95 and Exit 152 on the turnpike.  The facility’s location provides for access to Orlando, Fort Myers and Miami within two hours.  When complete, the facility will have 32-foot interior clear heights, a 60-foot speed bay, 60 dock-high loading bays, and several at-grade ramps.  Separate parking areas and entrances for employees will prioritize safety and visitor experience with a total of 302 parking spaces on site.

“There is currently quite a bit of product being developed for large users, so we are very excited to be able to offer attractive Class-A facilities for mid-size users with I-95 frontage and excellent access to both the interstate and Florida’s Turnpike,” said Michael Rem with JBL Development. “These distinctive and desirable qualities are driving interest from efficiency-minded businesses seeking brand exposure and quick access to Florida’s most densely populated hubs.”

“JBL’s choice of Fort Pierce as the home for this excellent facility was a wise one,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “Not only is the Interstate Commerce Center located at the northernmost point where the turnpike and I-95 come together, there is easy access to the Treasure Coast International Airport, the Port of Fort Pierce, the Florida East Coast railroad, our safe Fort Pierce Inlet connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and our pristine uncrowded beaches.”

“Since the inception of this project, JBL Asset Management has engaged with the St. Lucie County community to ensure the end users at the Interstate Commerce Center will not only have first-class space to lease in a great location but also have connections to the community to assist with employment and business services,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “Our signatures on the building’s cornerstone are tokens of our ongoing commitment to assist the tenants -- future local employers -- who will be joining us here in the Sunrise City.”

“We are pleased to work with JBL and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County in taking this top-tier industrial project to market,” said Michael Falk, executive vice president at Colliers. “We anticipate high demand for the facility given its ability to provide for tenants as low as 20,000 square feet with brand new, quality space in Fort Pierce’s booming market with excellent visibility along I-95.”  Leasing inquiries can be directed to Falk at 561.478.6400.

About JBL Asset Management

The project’s sponsor and property manager is JBL Asset Management, a privately held, fully integrated commercial real estate services company.  Founded in 2005 by Jacob Khotoveli, JBL invests private capital on behalf of itself and its investment partners. JBL is based in South Florida and invests in major metropolitan areas on the eastern half of the United States. Led by a skilled and seasoned management team, the company provides in-house professionals for all aspects of the real estate equation.  JBL’s portfolio currently exceeds 4 million square feet of real estate, diversified between asset classes of retail, multifamily and industrial products.

JBL Development, partnered alongside JBL Asset Management, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The company’s reputation has been built on execution within the industry and its portfolio includes 1,100+ multifamily units in various stages of development, 500,000+ square feet of ground up commercial product, and 400,000+ square feet of commercial repositioning projects.

Avenue Property Group is a boutique real estate investment company, founded in 2010 by Daniel Gohari, that specializes in identifying industrial/commercial assets and executing opportunistic strategies designed to maximize value.  The group’s investment strategy is governed by extensive knowledge of targeted real estate markets across the United States, with a focus on Florida and New York.  The long-term strategic vision is to recognize deficiencies in the real estate and capital markets and implement practical approaches to unlock value.  Avenue Property Group owns and is a partner in over 3 million square feet of real estate and is actively looking for opportunities.

Interstate Commerce Center Leasing Inquiries

Colliers Executive Vice President Michael Falk, Executive Vice President Scott Weprin, and Associate Jonathan Temple represent the property owner in leasing opportunities at the property.  Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 63 countries, its 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 27 years, the company’s experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.6 billion and $92 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of its clients, investors, and people. Contact Michael Falk and Jonathan Temple at 561.478.6400 or [email protected] / [email protected] for leasing inquiries.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

The Treasure Coast MasterChef Competition announces 2023 preliminary and finale events

The Treasure Coast MasterChef Competition announces 2023 preliminary and finale events

The Treasure Coast MasterChef competition is excited to announce its 2023 preliminary and finale events, presented by Kyle G’s Restaurants, and taking place at the Indian River State College campus in Vero Beach, FL. The preliminary competition will take place on Wednesday, March 8th and will feature eight talented chefs from across the region.

The preliminary competition will be judged by a panel of locally renowned chefs, who will evaluate the dishes on taste, presentation, and originality. At the end of the event, the top four chefs will advance to the semi-formal finale, held on Wednesday, March 22nd at the Indian River State College.

At the finale, the top four chefs will present their signature dishes to a panel of expert judges and attending guests. The winning chef will receive a MasterChef Trophy and the coveted title of the 2023 Treasure Coast MasterChef.

"We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented chefs in the region for this exciting competition," said competition organizer, Thomas Miller. "The Treasure Coast has a thriving culinary scene, and we can't wait to see what these chefs have in store for us."

Both the preliminary and finale competitions are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the treasurecoastfoodie.com website. Don't miss this opportunity to see some of the best chefs in action and support the local culinary community.

For more information, visit https://treasurecoastfoodie.com/the-treasure-coast-masterchef-competition/

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency expands Paint Program to entire FPRA district  

Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency expands Paint Program to entire FPRA district  

The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) Paint Program is being expanded to include the entire FPRA District. The purpose of this initiative is to revitalize and renovate residential and commercial properties within the district.

The FPRA Paint Program provides financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable grant of up to $1,000 toward the cost of exterior paint and painting supplies. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each property may only receive one (1) grant award. The program is now open and will close on March 3, 2023, at 3:00 PM.

The property must be located within the FPRA District to be eligible for this program. For an application and a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit: https://choosefortpierce.com/969/FPRA-Incentive-Program

To request a paper application in person or by mail, or for more information about the FPRA  Paint Program, please call 772-467-3786 or email [email protected]

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

Downtown Upswing

Downtown Upswing

Business is booming in the wintertime at downtown eateries

Business is booming in the wintertime at downtown eateries and bars. Cobb’s Landing, at the Fort Pierce City Marina, recently added additional seating under the cover of a thatched roof to its waterfront restaurant. The dining area, created by Seminole Tiki Huts, was built in Seminole chickee hut style, with cypress wood framing and a thatching of sabal palm fronds. RUSTY DURHAM

Downtown’s charm continues to attract shoppers, restaurant and bar patrons

BY ANTHONY WESTBURY

Downtown Fort Pierce, like many other historical neighborhoods, is always in a state of flux. Businesses come in, some succeed while others fall by the wayside.

In recent years, the newcomers have outnumbered the failures, although there have been a few of the latter. Fort Pierce seems to have reached a steady-state period after a period of heady growth. According to reports by local merchants, shoppers are still discovering the charms of downtown and its small, independent stores that offer one-off boutiques, gift stores and eating and drinking establishments not found anywhere else.

This year’s Shop Small Saturday bears out the trend. The event, held on Nov. 26, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, is intended to draw shoppers to areas like downtown Fort Pierce.

In 2021, nationally, 51 million shoppers participated in Shop Small Saturday, spending $20 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

Merchants’ hopes for an even better event in 2022 seem to have held up, according to reports by merchants.

Shop Small Saturday evolved out of a 2010 partnership between American Express, the nonprofit National Trust For Historic Preservation and the mayor of Boston.

Sales in 2021 set records, but the numbers were still below pre-pandemic levels. A Lending Tree survey last year found that 53% of the U.S. population knows at least one small business that was forced to close permanently due to COVID restrictions.

Sweets Jewelers in Downtown Fort Pierce

Businesses such as Sweets Jewelers in downtown since the 1920s reported brisk sales in November. According to Jan Russell of Sweets, “it was just like the old days.” Russell’s grandfather, John Noelke, bought the jewelry store from the Sweet family in the 1940s. RUSTY DURHAM

NUMBERS ARE UP

Downtown Fort Pierce merchants reported sales increases above last year’s event by between 10% and 15%. Some stores did even better than that.

“It was almost 17 % better than last year,” said Becky Demanuel of the gift store Chic & Shore Things on Second Street. “Actually, it’s my second-best day of the year [saleswise]. The [event] really is a boost for the downtown area.”

Karen DeVries, owner of Chaney’s House O’Flowers on the corner of Avenue A and Second Street, said her sales tripled from last year.

“I think the advertising and people wanting to shop local businesses [was the reason],” she explained. “We kept advertising on social media and I think that just brought more people downtown.”

Jan Russell of Sweets Jewelers on Avenue A, whose family has been in business in the same spot since 1926, noted that “Downtown was busy. It was like the old days.”

For Beryl Muise, owner of the gift store Notions & Potions on Second Street, Black Friday this year was even better than Shop Small Saturday. Muise recorded sales 40% higher than last year.

“I think more people want to support shopping small and I think [these numbers] prove it,” she said.

ROSY FUTURE

Muise said she has seen a steady stream of locals who patronize her store. She is also looking to even better times ahead.

“Everyone downtown is very, very excited for when King’s Landing comes,” Muise said. “The hotel will make a huge difference for us. We’re realizing that locals want to shop in their own community and I think all the planned new development will continue to help us.”

While a couple of downtown businesses have closed in the past year [Whirled Inc., a gift and art store, and Honey & Co., a women’s clothing boutique], they’ve either already been replaced or are about to be. Sarah Jane and Co. replaced Honey and Loup de Loup, near Chaney’s and Sweets Jewelers, has expanded into double the retail space.

Muise, who is active in the Downtown Business Association, reports that all downtown retail spaces are filled and that there’s a waiting list for new vendors. She also confirmed what national surveys have found regarding downtown shoppers and their needs.

“My customers are younger, many in their mid-30s — and they tell me they want to shop at night after eating dinner downtown.”

The Kings Landing project

The Kings Landing project planned for downtown’s waterfront recently broke ground. However, before infrastructure can begin, underground foundation pieces for the old electric plant must be removed. AUDUBON DEVELOPMENT

STEADY PROGRESS

Dale Matteson of Audubon Development that is building King’s Landing on the former city electric plant site reports steady progress despite encountering one major delay since he gained city approval for the scale and design of his housing, commercial and hotel development.

Even though the site has been the subject of a federally funded Brownfield mitigation project a few years ago, which cost Fort Pierce Utilities Authority about $8 million, a massive amount of underground concrete foundations from the old plant have been discovered. Matteson is covering the cost of removal of the concrete for now, but hopes to gain reimbursement from the city.

The concrete, once removed, will form the basis of a large offshore underwater reef, Matteson said.

Meanwhile, the developer is pushing ahead on a small development of 10 townhomes at the northern end of the site. The model unit there sold recently for $1.5 million, Matteson said. He hopes that unit can be completed by the end of 2023 and that the full 10 units will be finished within 18 months. The remaining nine lots went up for sale on Jan. 1, he said.

Meanwhile, the hotel component is still on track. Matteson is awaiting permit approval before he can begin installing site infrastructure. 

“I think by spring 2023 you’ll see the infrastructure [roads, utilities, etc.] going in,” he said.

Fisherman’s Wharf

The area of Fisherman’s Wharf that lies between the South Bridge and the port area is largely vacant and unused. A developer is interested in building a concierge boat storage facility and a retail/restaurant complex on the site. The preliminary plans have drawn some local opposition because the project would require the relocation of the popular Black Pearl boat ramp. ANTHONY WESTBURY

BUYERS INTERESTED

The iconic P.P. Cobb Building on Avenue A at Indian River Drive

The iconic P.P. Cobb Building on Avenue A at Indian River Drive in downtown Fort Pierce is likely the oldest such structure still in use in the area and remains a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. RUSTY DURHAM

The interest in potential buyers, Matteson said, has been fantastic. He said he has 157 reservations for 114 units and has firm commitments from six restaurant operators, plus three restaurants that will be part of the hotel.

And there’s a new trend coming to Fort Pierce.

“I guess the Treasure Coast has been busting for rooftop bars,” he noted with a chuckle. “It’s a great way for us to monetize unused space on the top of the tallest buildings. The bars will offer spectacular views.”

Another planned retail-commercial development in the early planning stages is a boat storage complex and residential and retail units on Fisherman’s Wharf, sited between the port to the north and downtown. 

Developer Chris Pulli is hoping to revitalize the rundown waterfront area with a concierge boat storage operation, restaurants, bars and live music with his $76 million project.

Pulli said he hopes the development provides a safe, family-friendly waterfront destination. It will include a public boardwalk, free public dockage, as well as retail components. There will also be additional parking for both the development and as a way to alleviate the parking crunch experienced in downtown.

Pulli said he is committed to involving the community in his plan. “I’m trying to honor the area’s past and heritage,” he said. He also plans to add a mentoring and internship program that will involve students from Westwood High School and Forest Grove Middle School.

So, while downtown Fort Pierce awaits the arrival of giant new developments, which should boost the attractiveness of downtown for locals and visitors alike, business still looks great for established merchants in the city’s core.

See the original article in the print publication


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 15, 2023|

City of Fort Pierce and Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) list surplus property for sale   

City of Fort Pierce and Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) list surplus property for sale   

The restoration of Fort Pierce’s neighborhoods is a key strategy in revitalizing the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Area (FPRA) and the City of Fort Pierce as a whole. One way to accomplish this goal is to dispose of surplus property owned by the City/FPRA. Once the property has been declared as surplus by the City Commission/FPRA Board, the property shall be offered for sale to the public with a Request for Proposals (RFP).

The properties listed below will be offered for sale with a Request for Proposals in the month of February:

o               424 Douglas Court AND 426 Douglas Court

o               612 N 25th St

o               706 N 20th Street

o               604 S 6th Street

o               515 Douglas Court

o               1204 Avenue E

o               1620 Avenue E

o               Avenue D - 2409-603-0055-000-2 (City Commercial C-2)

o               N 25th St – Lot 1 2408-501-0066-000-6 (City Commercial C-3) AND
N 25th St – Lot 2 2408-501-0067-000-3 (City Commercial C-3)

You can sign up to receive notifications regarding the Bid Postings. Click on the Notify Me link below to register.  Notify Me • Fort Pierce, FL • CivicEngage (cityoffortpierce.com)

For more information about the properties, please visit    our website  Bid Postings • Fort Pierce, FL • CivicEngage (cityoffortpierce.com)  or email  [email protected]

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Feb. 9, 2023|

Commissioners Seek Consumer Representative Applications for Board of Examiners of Contractors

Commissioners Seek Consumer Representative Applications for Board of Examiners of Contractors

The Fort Pierce City Commission seeks civic-minded Fort Pierce residents to serve as consumer representatives on the Board of Examiners of Contractors. An eligible individual must be a Fort Pierce resident and not be nor ever been a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the board or closely related to the construction profession.  To be considered, please submit an application no later than February 15, 2023. 

To fill out an application or see a complete list of Boards and Committees, meeting days and times, and any specific qualifications, visit the Boards & Committees on the City’s website at: www.cityoffortpierce.com.  All applications should be returned to the Office of the City Clerk, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34954, via email to [email protected] or call 772.467.3065. 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 2, 2023|

Arbor Day Foundation names  Fort Pierce  2022 Tree City USA

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce  

2022 Tree City USA

Fort Pierce was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. Fort Pierce achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.  The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Fort Pierce are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of Iife. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Fort Pierce is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future. More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA  

About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods communities, cities, and forests throughout the world.

Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at http://www.arborday.org  

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jan. 26, 2023|