[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6564373,"mediaKeyId","3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3","parentId",3289727,"title","FPRA staff report: youth banners, wayfinding signs, Freebie updates, Highwaymen Museum appraisal and Zora Neale Hurston site concern","audioSeconds",756,"startMs",998000,"endMs",1754000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3&start=998&end=1754","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3/thumbnail_998000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564373/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPRA-staff-report-youth-banners-wayfinding-signs-Freebie-updates-Highwaymen-Museum-appraisal-and-Zora-Neale-Hurston-site-concern","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564373-e8cd86c5a57066cd097800e2de88fe93/orig.mp4?Expires=1773551073&Signature=KZAVzZ~iFlPIdaBRC44B0jxjB9cxWOmmeLFbIJQOqcY58bqLLyBLSD7lFfczFUh6RbWE3GhAnd38YzvaNBNEX3kI7e0MO5I4eJ1qDjmYCQQQMBLuq2qZnDu2gfdgY1WtLBDG4uXSu2~1tcDwp8cM2HfgV~qOOb3lfbw-wNd9ucoM~vV~66eIM04sZ6sK3cYUsO9zjlcLwNqkpHbSBw2FUo2BPSlQ0FxcSUYGeOGEepW6hgur4pHRnNO4F0A-ewABUR5dc5RsicWfr8s~jMES2DSmImecp72RqgbcYgbMbao-yx17U4hyCnlmYnIbsfrxPVyiNmofJAbG4fFXcH0bnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Pierce","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","FPRA staff presented an activity summary on May 13 detailing ongoing projects and next steps across FPRA districts.

Youth banner contest: Staff launched a youth banner art showcase for kindergarten through 12th grade residents or students tied to Fort Pierce. The program aims to refresh street-pole banners in Lincoln Park, the Peacock Arts District and other FPRA areas; staff asked commissioners to share QR codes and outreach materials with schools.

Wayfinding signs: Installation of new directional (wayfinding) signs is scheduled to begin the week of May 19. The contractor (Don Bell Signs) is to install about 10 signs per week until the set (approximately 58–59 signs) is complete; public works will remove old signs and install new ones.

Freebie transport: Staff reported issues raised by board members with the Freebie transport service. Staff said recent concerns were addressed by project management; a board member suggested placing a decal or QR code in vehicles listing local resources (e.g., 2-1-1) that drivers can share with riders seeking assistance.

Highwaymen Museum property: Staff reported the appraisal for a parcel next to the Highwaymen Museum has been ordered; the appraiser was accessing the property and the appraisal deadline was cited as June 5. Staff said the next step would be to funnel appraisal results through the FPRA director for negotiation.

Zora Neale Hurston house: Commissioners raised concern about the condition of the Zora Neale Hurston house behind Lincoln Park and asked staff to investigate ownership and maintenance responsibility; staff agreed to research and report back. One commissioner said the property displays both City and County seals and noted visible disrepair.

Dumpsters/JCPenney parking lot: Board members asked about the status of dumpster enclosures for a recent parking-lot project; staff reported enclosures were on order and expected to be complete soon.

Staff emphasized that many FPRA functions remain blended with city operations (finance, payroll, HR) and agreed to return with more detailed finance and HR briefings in the coming months at the board’s request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Pierce - FPRA Regular Meeting Agenda - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff updated the board on several ongoing FPRA projects: a youth banner art contest, wayfinding sign installation, Freebie transport oversight, an ordered appraisal for property adjacent to the Highwaymen Museum, and questions about the condition and ownership of the Zora Neale Hurston house behind Lincoln Park.","taxTitle","Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida","taxId",55008,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564378,"FPRA names Richard Chess director after wide-ranging debate on governance and reporting",1663,1035000,2698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3&start=1035&end=2698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3/thumbnail_1035000.jpg","/articles/6564378/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPRA-names-Richard-Chess-director-after-wide-ranging-debate-on-governance-and-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564378-d22d5b499e0333d58c570cb7f0e52d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1773551073&Signature=B1qUi7PeZB97MbOQ5EHmFvS8fPp8IF~4sHjVdXX-CX~n6Yt6xDcCdotKmk5VGbY-Wv7dlX20w-AmwGBbHWAnfY0-e4XCecZVIREd44FHBcM0fW6nDmbhdwFzcpjunM9zWTWrV6Obj~LKSPngFxXthCQUYwnVYJ35b~T37FPF6Pc7MNpgbU0bBg2vwqwTwonsrBqWrMciBKUW6EdOvtqaUDJFE7t18j05g1zL4h3NcfugS5BGost33gOIBsiylTr9TzwSAkozKYMK64ySrjDlC0n4WokR8a9XuuhCJV5~p0jXNNtFmgnC6w~0Xj5cFPANmjYREU5SK6KCgXG4mczcvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on May 13 appointed Richard Chess as FPRA director by adopting Resolution 25-11, after an extended, substantive discussion about whether the FPRA should be led by the city manager or by an independently appointed director.

Resolution 25-11 names Richard Chess as the FPRA director. Commissioners debated the advantages and risks of keeping the FPRA director position combined with the city manager’s post versus creating a separate, directly reporting director. Supporters of a separate director argued it would create a direct line of responsibility to the FPRA board, protect stewardship of FPRA funds and provide a “guard dog at the door” for the agency’s assets. Other commissioners said keeping the roles linked can speed coordination because FPRA projects rely on city services such as finance, procurement, human resources, public works and planning.

City Attorney Sarah Hedges said the board could appoint a director who reports directly to the FPRA board and that the FPRA’s establishing ordinance does not require a formal search; HR would need to address nitty-gritty questions about reporting, employee policies and disciplinary procedures. Ms. Harnage (Community and Economic Development Director / CRA administrator) said templates and staff adjustments can be made to accommodate minors and other program details; she also suggested options such as a deputy director or increased board-facing reporting.

Richard Chess, who addressed the board, described the FPRA as a “blended component unit” that uses city systems for payroll, procurement and grants administration and said, “I can definitely manage that and do that, and I'd rather be in this seat managing areas that impact me than not managing it.” He added that, if the responsibilities became too large, he would recommend hiring or appointing another person to the role.

Board members asked staff to work with HR, finance and legal to produce a clear delineation of reporting, oversight and how FPRA employees relate to city policies. Several commissioners said they wanted improved, regular, direct communication with FPRA staff on projects and budgets. At the meeting’s conclusion, after the discussion and an opportunity for Mr. Chess and Ms. Harnage to speak, the board voted unanimously to appoint Richard Chess as FPRA director. The board directed staff to return with an HR/organizational plan clarifying reporting lines and operational details.","After an extended discussion over whether the FPRA director should be a separate position or combined with the city manager role, the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency approved Resolution 25-11 appointing Richard Chess as FPRA director and directed staff to work with HR and legal to clarify reporting and responsibilities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564383,"FPRA formalizes mural program to expand public art across redevelopment districts",143,444000,587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3&start=444&end=587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3/thumbnail_444000.jpg","/articles/6564383/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPRA-formalizes-mural-program-to-expand-public-art-across-redevelopment-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564383-b479703bb2e3fdbb7df0d308ade1e08d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773551073&Signature=hRdZTG9457HmlVcNlh5JKUYuTp9nRGzt9VGC1yxQSK2fMa3s5EWgHOoi3idVkj6u5iso0U6Yb5p9a92jpiPmaRLJCNL6hCMANly~NdqjBIwa-w7lEWgnyHwOEDc4giZ7R~vSU-gX0pzr5atpeV8dF0YGuOtLFX~wEJ8pwXHiZx8CUg1-kD62uI42GQrpLhviBK0ugkB6r0YCG-tLwbBuOOe6OUBHAZStwVvbkOB5AWs7PziSQT47zffiTgTvqbnV0-mfRBNgLxZkd34LyS6BYVpFT~2bcCSPiJ33ZYOUFRGnu2pI-pkZPl8QAmhW6xValVFyvRPsZjgb8bw6nx9WSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on May 13 adopted FPRA Resolution 25-10 to formally establish the FPRA Mural Program and corresponding guidelines to expand mural installations across the agency's districts.

FPRA staff presented the resolution and outlined a multi-step program: property-owner application, artist application, award and approval process, artist agreements and property-owner agreements, and review by the CRA advisory committee with final approval by the FPRA board. Staff said the program formalizes past mural activity in the Peacock Arts District (four murals in 2023, three in 2024) and extends the program to Lincoln Park, South Beach, Downtown and Fisherman's Wharf. A call for artists was active for the exterior back of the Sunrise Theater; property-owner applications for the Peacock Arts District and downtown opened May 14. Staff said the 2026 budget is being prepared to extend program coverage to additional neighborhoods.

Commissioners asked how artists would be evaluated and whether youth or students could be included. Staff said evaluation criteria are in the program guidelines and that the city uses a platform called CaFE to manage calls for artists; applicants submit resumes, portfolios and a design concept. Staff noted that collaborations and group submissions are allowed and that templates for agreements will be routed to the city attorney before finalization. City staff said templates can be adjusted for minors and would require a parent or guardian signature.

After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 25-10.

The resolution includes program rules, standardized agreements (artist and property owner), severability language and a repealer clause. Staff said the program will standardize approvals and expand public art throughout the FPRA districts; staff will return with final agreements and budget language for 2026 implementation.","FPRA Resolution 25-10 establishes an agency mural program with application guidelines, artist and property-owner agreements, and a plan to expand murals beyond the Peacock Arts District into Lincoln Park, South Beach, Downtown and Fisherman's Wharf.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564387,"FPRA approves time extension to commercial façade grant for 207 Orange Avenue",89,351000,440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3&start=351&end=440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289727-dc981cd94c2dcf780115ffc3b8d31ec3/thumbnail_351000.jpg","/articles/6564387/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPRA-approves-time-extension-to-commercial-façade-grant-for-207-Orange-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564387-20b49669dbe7030156a60bf2fb629bb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773551073&Signature=oK3I2OhUezrRqnVyHu5Qnm651p3lHEHgYfQyMrwoDZ0zcRr8NjX2Js9eZCgLmoPwyR1i2BxegBx3ODOeNncc~N24OwuUGo-hG7RauqdFIYjTIbMWzpPM16EgKYSOk-z2~kMLbhx~aipOtsx9uVv35p13V7K1yckd3V9SUc8wNP7bEqlZxZNN2DM6TbSvd76EaTIyiSsKs95uAiKpSO32Bd33HvqiofNafI0QYjKdrIavlyA7G9AzcxLZsRBBh1yhw28CwKDp~yinPB0c5SYK4pnJnSut9c4oQKcajcDGlCrNjukpdYFQazRf9VuiocHrJlPvli~MK40C6mlzw~DftA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on May 13 unanimously approved FPRA Resolution 25-09, a first amendment to the grant agreement for commercial façade improvements at 207 Orange Avenue that provides an extension of time.

Board members moved and seconded the resolution after staff indicated there was no presentation. The board recorded no substantive discussion beyond reading the backup and proceeded to a roll-call vote. Chairwoman Hudson, Commissioners Broderick, Gaines, Johnson and Taylor voted yes.

The resolution as presented authorizes an extension of time related to the façade grant, includes a severability clause and provides for an effective date. Staff noted no additional presentation was necessary; commissioners indicated they had reviewed the backup materials in advance.

The action was procedural and limited to approving the amendment; no new funding, scope changes or amendments to the underlying grant terms beyond the time extension were reported during the meeting.","The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved FPRA Resolution 25-09, a first amendment to a grant agreement allowing an extension of time for commercial façade improvements at 207 Orange Avenue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

FPRA staff report: youth banners, wayfinding signs, Freebie updates, Highwaymen Museum appraisal and Zora Neale Hurston site concern

FPRA names Richard Chess director after wide-ranging debate on governance and reporting

FPRA formalizes mural program to expand public art across redevelopment districts

FPRA approves time extension to commercial façade grant for 207 Orange Avenue