Fort Pierce commission approves several second-reading items, sets interim city manager pay; Flood Awareness Week and Arbor Day proclaimed

The Fort Pierce City Commission took a series of routine and substantive actions on March 3, approving multiple second-reading ordinances and adopting a resolution naming an interim city manager while tabling a separate, heavily debated Port Overlay District.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 25-006 (Symphony Lakes Community Development District): Approved on second reading by unanimous roll call (Commissioners Gaines, Johnson, Taylor and Mayor Linda Hudson voting yes). The ordinance establishes the Symphony Lakes CDD pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes and designates initial board members. (Second reading vote: 4–0.)

- Ordinance 25-012 (Territorial limits / annexation near South Market Ave and Oleander Ave): Approved on second reading by unanimous roll call. The ordinance expands Fort Pierce city limits to include the described parcel and directs county property appraiser and tax collector actions. (Second reading vote: 4–0.)

- Ordinance 25-013 (Rezoning ~108.38 acres near Energy Lane to Planned Development): Approved on second reading by unanimous roll call. (Second reading vote: 4–0.)

- Resolution 25-R-18 (Interim city manager compensation): The commission designated Depooshay Johnson as interim city manager and approved a 10% salary increase tied to the interim appointment. The motion passed by unanimous roll call (4–0). The percentage was provided and adopted during the meeting; the resolution text was completed prior to final vote.

- Travel approval (Agenda item 11b): The commission approved travel for Commissioner Johnson to attend the St. Lucie County legislative conference in Tallahassee, April 1–3, at a cost of $1,838.41. Commissioner Gaines spoke in favor of commissioners’ presence at Tallahassee to represent Fort Pierce’s local interests. (Vote: 4–0.)

Consent and minutes The commission approved minutes from the February 18, 2025 regular meeting and the February 19, 2025 special meeting. The consent agenda was approved with items a and c; item 11b (travel) had been pulled for discussion and was later approved separately.

Proclamations, events and community updates Mayor Linda Hudson issued two proclamations. March 2025 was proclaimed Flood Awareness Month/Week to align with the Florida Floodplain Managers Association’s Flood Awareness Week and to remind residents of flood insurance and mitigation options. The commission also proclaimed March 3, 2025 as Arbor Day in Fort Pierce and highlighted the city’s Tree City USA designation. Marcia Kamond, special projects coordinator in public works, introduced newly hired public-works staff including Public Works Director Jason Atkinson and described an Arbor Day tree dedication and the Great American Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Manatee Center; Kamond said more than 300 volunteers were registered as of the meeting.

Other business - The commission received correspondence commending Public Works employee Colin Sibley for work at J.C. Park. - The commission approved an amended second reading for a municipal boundary update and zoning changes described above. - Commissioner Gaines announced Northside opening day youth-sports events and encouraged residents to take part in the Great American Cleanup.

What’s next Staff said the Port Overlay District (Ordinance 25-003) was tabled to permit further outreach and drafting; that item will return for additional public notice and hearings after staff has worked with property owners and St. Lucie County. Several second-reading approvals and the interim manager resolution were finalized during the meeting.