The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, focusing primarily on the pressing issue of parking in downtown Fort Pierce. The meeting began with a call for a serious discussion regarding the need for a parking garage or alternative parking solutions to address the significant shortfall of parking spaces in the area.

Commissioner Broderick, who identified himself as the "parking czar" of the city, highlighted that multiple studies have consistently shown a shortage of parking in downtown Fort Pierce. He noted that the city has reduced the number of available parking spaces over time, despite the necessity for more. The estimated cost for constructing a vertical parking garage is approximately $34,000 to $35,000 per space, leading to a total projected cost of $10 to $15 million for a new facility.

The discussion also touched on the responsibilities of future developments to provide their own parking. Commissioner Broderick expressed disagreement with the planning department's stance that the municipality should solely provide parking in the central business district. He emphasized the need to move forward with design and cost estimation phases for parking solutions, including exploring paid parking as a potential revenue stream to help finance the construction of a garage.

Commissioner Gaines echoed the urgency of the situation, urging the commission to revisit previous reports and recommendations regarding parking solutions. The commissioners agreed on the necessity of addressing the parking issue creatively, considering examples from other communities that have successfully integrated parking with retail spaces.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among the commissioners on the need for bold action to resolve the parking crisis in downtown Fort Pierce. They expressed a commitment to further discussions and planning to explore viable solutions, recognizing the importance of addressing this issue for the future of the city.