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Vendors press city over downtown work; commissioners seek update on Highwaymen Museum construction
Summary
A downtown vendor asked where market vendors will go during planned downtown reconstruction; commissioners pressed staff for a construction and finance update on the Highwaymen Museum project after concerns about delays and recent change orders.
A downtown vendor and longtime market participant raised concerns at the Sept. 15 Fort Pierce commission meeting about where Saturday vendors will be relocated during planned downtown reconstruction, and commissioners separately pressed for a clearer status update on construction and recent change orders at the Highwaymen Museum.
"My name is Annie Crumbo, and I am a vendor downtown...there's some vendors there that have been there over 25 years...we want to know where we're gonna go when this construction starts," said Annie Crumbo during the public-comment period. The city manager told Crumbo to contact the city manager’s office and the executive assistant to obtain assistance and further information; staff also agreed to follow up with the vendor and provide documentation and contacts for relocation options.
On project delivery, multiple commissioners said they had received concerns that recent change orders for the Highwaymen Museum had not produced visible on‑site activity. Commissioner Broderick requested an on-site construction inspection. City staff responded that some plan approvals and permit payments occurred in late August and early September and that the contractor had recently mobilized; staff committed to providing a comprehensive update on construction status, timeline and finances.
Why it matters: Downtown reconstruction and cultural projects affect small-business vendors, tourism and the city’s public-benefit facilities. Vendors said the Marina Square work—or other downtown construction—could directly affect longtime income opportunities and asked for relocation and scheduling clarity. Commissioners said they will seek a full accounting of permits, approvals, change orders, mobilization and project spending before drawing conclusions about delays.
What’s next: The city manager said staff will provide follow-up materials to the vendor and will bring a construction and finance update on the Highwaymen Museum to the commission. Commissioner Broderick indicated an on-site inspection is being scheduled; staff said they will report back with details on mobilization and permit timelines.
