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Fort Pierce reports $7.77 million in surtax balance; city readies Indian River Drive and Avenue D projects
Summary
City staff told commissioners the infrastructure surtax fund has a balance of $7,773,687.92 and outlined near-term projects: Indian River Drive construction is imminent, Avenue D resurfacing will proceed next year, and $119,320 was approved for design services at Coach Fen Park. Commissioners pressed for community input and prompt public notices.
Selena Griffith, a project engineer who presented the Fort Pierce infrastructure surtax citizens oversight committee annual report, told the commission the committee met four times in 2024 and the infrastructure account balance was $7,773,687.92 as of Sept. 30, 2025.
Griffith said total sales-tax receipts for 2024 were just over $2.9 million and expenses about $1.3 million. She outlined projects funded or underway: Indian River Drive (Marina Way to Seaway Drive), Avenue D resurfacing (29th Street to U.S. 1), and a Nebraska Avenue sidewalk project. ‘‘The master project list is our guide for tracking real improvements in our city,’’ Griffith said.
Commissioners asked for specifics about timing and public outreach. City engineer Mark (first reference as "Mark, city engineer") said work on Indian River Drive would begin within days and that Moores Creek Bridge would be closed for roughly 30 days with detours routed to U.S. 1. ‘‘They’re mobilizing equipment and stuff,’’ Mark said. Griffith added the Avenue D contract is being assembled and construction is not expected to start until early next year.
On the consent agenda the commission approved a professional-engineering services authorization for the Coach Fen Park improvement project not to exceed $119,320, to be reimbursed with CDBG funds. Special-projects staff described the scope as design drawings for a splash pad, a prefabricated restroom, new parking, underground utility work and a playground shade structure; the total grant for the project is $800,000. Commissioners emphasized community input and asked staff to compress the design-to-bid schedule because the grant requires project completion by June 30, 2026.
The body also approved a piggyback contract for construction engineering and inspection services for the Avenue D resurfacing project in the amount of $236,298. City engineer Mark said the contract provides oversight and quality control during construction and is a standard protection for the city’s construction and grant dollars.
Commissioners asked staff to publish start-of-work notices in advance, citing likely traffic impacts during the holiday season. ‘‘Please get the word out,’’ said Commissioner Gaines, urging clear public communication about closures and detours.
The commission approved the consent items by roll call; votes on the surtax-related items were recorded as yes by all members present. The engineering authorizations are limited to design and inspection services; construction schedules and funding remain subject to contract awards and grant constraints.
