FPRA to display 80 student artworks on district light-pole banners

The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency voted Dec. 9 to display 80 student-designed banners across the FPRA district, the board heard at its monthly meeting.

Miss Harnage, who presented the CRA advisory committee's recommendation, said the program solicited entries from kindergarten through 12th grade students who live or attend school in Fort Pierce. “Ultimately, we got 80 submissions,” Miss Harnage said, adding that designs were submitted under three themes: Fort Pierce landmarks, arts and culture, or nature and scenic.

The advisory committee recommended using all entries rather than selecting a subset; the board accepted that recommendation in a motion by Commissioner Johnson and a second, and approved it by roll call. The banners will be placed on light-pole banner arms concentrated along Delaware Avenue and extended to adjacent side streets between 7th and 10th streets so more students can be included.

Staff said the project team will brand the banners for the Peacock Arts District and include the student’s name and grade on each installation. The board discussed creating a consolidated display — a single large banner or a mapped guide — so families and residents can see all entries together; Miss Harnage said staff will prepare a map and consider a recognition event in January.

The decision does not obligate additional FPRA funding; staff said the work uses existing program resources and the CRA advisory committee’s recommendation. Next steps include staff finalizing installation logistics, confirming banner arm availability on the identified streets and coordinating a public recognition for participating students.

The board’s approval was recorded by roll call with all present commissioners voting in favor.