Main Street Fort Pierce leaders told the City Commission on Nov. 10 that downtown promotion and events drew high attendance and digital reach during FY2025, but that rising costs and falling revenue are creating budget pressure.

"We met our criteria for 20 events," Michelle Cavalcanti, interim director, said in a quarterly report covering promotional, design and economic-vitality deliverables. She reported approximately 34 events over the year, including Friday Fest, Sights & Sounds and the July 4 fireworks, noting that Sights & Sounds drew an estimated 16,000 participants and the July 4 program drew 3,000 to 4,000 attendees.

Donna Sizemore, president of Main Street Fort Pierce, introduced Cavalcanti and announced that Cavalcanti moved into the interim director role Nov. 1 as longtime executive director Doris Tillman prepares to retire December 31. Cavalcanti said the program documented roughly 4,216 volunteer hours ("documented hours") and 20,734 unique website visitors for the reporting period. Social media reach for the period was reported at more than 172,000 impressions.

Cavalcanti told commissioners that some metrics and deliverables — including a brand recognition survey and testimonials — were completed, and that Main Street maintains a downtown property directory and online map. She also outlined parade planning for a Dec. 7 holiday parade, described staging and detour procedures, and credited the police department, Kiwanis and FPUA for operational support.

On finance, Cavalcanti said expenses have risen while revenue has declined in line with trends she described across local nonprofits. She said the organization does not rely on city funds for salaries and that city funding supports community events that are not revenue-producing. The presentation included a budget breakdown and a note that the nonprofit is working to stretch public dollars and rely on local vendors, volunteers and sponsorships.

Commissioners thanked Main Street for the comprehensive report and for transparency on programming and finances. No action was required or taken; Main Street staff said they would continue quarterly reporting and provide more detailed budget documentation on request.