Live Oak updates city on Marriott hotel project and site plan progress

In the recent Fort Pierce City Commission meeting held on April 7, 2025, significant discussions centered around the ongoing development project involving a Marriott hotel, highlighting both progress and concerns regarding timelines and community engagement.

The meeting featured a presentation from representatives of Live Oak, the development team behind the hotel project. They reported that the project is moving forward, with a franchise agreement with Marriott still in process. A refreshed term sheet has been signed, indicating continued interest from Marriott, which is crucial for the project's advancement. The team emphasized their commitment to collaboration with city officials, noting that they have submitted an updated site plan for review, which is a critical step in the approval process.

Commissioner Gaines raised concerns about the lengthy timeline associated with finalizing the agreement with Marriott, questioning why it has taken over a year without a definitive commitment from the hotel chain. He expressed the community's eagerness for progress, noting that residents are anxious to see tangible developments on the site. The discussion revealed a shared frustration among commissioners regarding the pace of the project, with calls for clearer communication and assurance from Marriott to bolster public confidence.

In response, representatives from Live Oak reassured the commission that Marriott's involvement is genuine and that the development team is actively investing in the project, having already committed significant funds. They explained that the complexities of large-scale developments often lead to extended timelines, particularly when securing financing and approvals from various city boards.

The commission also discussed the importance of moving forward with the third amendment to the purchase and sale agreement, which is seen as a pivotal step in facilitating the project's progress. The amendment aims to streamline the process and mitigate potential legal challenges that could arise if the project stalls.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective desire among city officials and the development team to see the hotel project come to fruition, with a tentative construction start date projected for July 2026. As the city navigates the complexities of this development, the emphasis remains on maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring that community interests are prioritized throughout the process.