King’s Landing developers tell Fort Pierce commission project is moving forward as debate continues over partner swap and site‑plan timing

Developers of the long‑planned King’s Landing downtown project told the Fort Pierce City Commission on Jan. 13 that Marriott and operator Mainsail are committed to a Tribute Hotel and that Live Oak Holdings is stepping into the joint venture in place of the earlier partner. But city staff warned that proposed changes to the site plan are substantial and will require multiple board reviews, prompting commissioners to ask staff and the applicant to clarify approval deadlines before the commission acts on any contractual amendment.

The project matters to the city because it is tied to a major downtown redevelopment plan and contains deadlines in the parties’ existing development agreement. If the commission interprets a January deadline for “finalize city approvals” as requiring completion of a major site‑plan amendment by Jan. 28, the developer warned that could trigger a default; staff and the applicant said they will work to clarify and, if needed, bring a draft third amendment back to the commission at its next meeting.

Scott Hawkins, an attorney with Jones Foster representing the development team, said the project is “proceeding on schedule”…