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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FORT PIERCE, FL PERMIT #53 Main Street Focus 122 AE Backus Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Volume 2, No. 4 November, 2006 Main Street Fort Pierce to Host Annual Florida Main Street Conference by John Culverhouse On the First of November, more than 200 people from across the state will arrive in Fort Pierce as the Florida Main Street Annual Conference begins. Attendees, representing roughly 50 Main Street designated cities, will come here to talk strategic planning, community partnerships, historic preservation, and cultural heritage — and they will be doing so amidst proven results from a powerful, thriving Main Street organization. For the past 18 years, Main Street Fort Pierce has been a driving force in the downtown renaissance, and today, no matter where you go or what you do down- town, there is no doubt that Main Street’s hands have been all over it. “Fort Pierce is a model Florida Main Street community — one of our gems, actually,” said Joan Jefferson, Florida Main Street Program Coordinantor. “Fort Pierce has achieved great success with downtown revitalization and the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Our attendees will have the opportunity to visit some of these historic structures, and learn how project and program successes were achieved.” Continued on page 8 …

Volume 2, No. 4 November, 2006 Main Street Fort Pierce to ... · Advertising Director Delila McKenna ... Christmas, ” will be held on ... Jeannie’s songs are intimate and sometimes

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PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDFORT PIERCE, FL

PERMIT #53

Main Street Focus122 AE Backus Ave.Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Volume 2, No. 4 November, 2006

Main Street Fort Pierce to Host AnnualFlorida Main Street Conferenceby John Culverhouse

On the First of November, more than 200 people fromacross the state will arrive in Fort Pierce as the Florida MainStreet Annual Conference begins. Attendees, representingroughly 50 Main Street designated cities, will come here totalk strategic planning, community partnerships, historicpreservation, and cultural heritage — and they will be doingso amidst proven results from a powerful, thriving MainStreet organization. For the past 18 years, Main Street FortPierce has been a driving force in the downtown renaissance,and today, no matter where you go or what you do down-town, there is no doubt that Main Street’s hands have beenall over it.

“Fort Pierce is a model Florida Main Street community— one of our gems, actually,” said Joan Jefferson, FloridaMain Street Program Coordinantor. “Fort Pierce hasachieved great success with downtown revitalization andthe rehabilitation of historic buildings. Our attendeeswill have the opportunity to visit some of these historicstructures, and learn how project and program successeswere achieved.”

Continued on page 8 …

2 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

Delivering a Tradition...

Helping To Build A Better Way For Over 100 Years

YARDS - Cocoa, Ft. Pierce, Melbourne, Stuart and Vero Beach

TRUSS PLANTS- Ft. Pierce, Melbourne

1902 2005

Since the hurricanes of2004, I cannot rememberwhen there was a relativelylarge conference to visitFort Pierce. As you mayrecall, the Radisson Resorton North HutchinsonIsland, which accommo-dated all sizes of groupswith hotel rooms and din-ing facilities, fell victim toHurricanes Frances andJeanne. Needless to say,what the hurricanes did

not destroy, the bulldozerstook care of when theprime beach front propertywas sold to a condomini-um development.

Recently, the MainStreet staff and I workedwith several hotels in andaround Fort Pierce to findroom space for approxi-mately 200 or more atten-dees for the Florida MainStreet Annual Confer-ence. The City and MainStreet Fort Pierce isextremely honored andexcited to host the confer-ence and show other mainstreet cities what can bedone when you have sig-nificant partnerships inthe community. By“Paving the Way,” thisyear’s conference theme,Fort Pierce showcases itsuccesses with reinvest-ment by the City andredevelopment from theprivate investor. Thequaint and beautifulwaterfront city now draws

visitors, new residents andbusinesses to take a sec-ond look at what hasoccurred in only 12 years.

The Main Street Annu-al Conference will giveconference attendees agreat opportunity to visitour historic city and gaininsights from the speakersthat they, in return, canshare with their own com-munities. With an open-ing night reception at therestored Sunrise Theatre, atour of downtown, the2006 Awards Dinner, andthe conference keynotespeaker, Rick Segel, MainStreeters will have a non-stop experience at thisyear’s conference.

We, the Board Mem-bers and Staff of MainStreet Fort Pierce, loveshowing off our beautifulCity and look forward toshowing our fellow Flori-da Main Street enthusiastshow we “Paved the Way”in downtown Fort Pierce.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 3

2005 - 2006Officers, Board of Directors & Staff

Anne Satterlee President

Sue DannahowerSecretary

Britt Reynolds VicePresident

Dave MillerTreasurer

Doris TillmanManager

Pam GilletteMarketing Manager

Phone: 772.466.3880

Staff

Pat AlleyEdward Becht

Chris CraftPam Cully

Brenda Eaves

Nancy IngleMichelle MillerEugene SeregBeth Williams

Anne Satterlee, President

Paving the Way

Copyright © 2006 Main Street Focus. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproducedwithout prior written permission of Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc., 122 AE Backus Ave., FortPierce, FL 34950. VOICE 772-466-3880 • FAX 772-466-3917 • [email protected].

Vol. 2 No. 4 November 2006

Publisher Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc.Editor Joanne Davis

Advertising Director Delila McKennaProduction/Graphic Design Susan M. Roberts

Contributing Writers Doris Tillman, Joanne Davis,Marti Reno, Thondra Lanese,Kathleen McKee, Bill CheverieSue Dannahower, Dan DannahowerLeslie Olson, Pam Gillette, Patty Moll

Photography John Culverhouse, Art Boyd II

FOCUSMAIN STREET

FORT PIERCE

Specializing in Ladies’ Fashions and Giftsnot found in Department Stores and Malls

105 S. 2nd St. Historic Downtown Ft. Pierce 461-1222

Including:Tableware, Stationeryand Rugs

JewelryHandbags

Belts & ShoesLuggage

Since1950

Free GiftWrapping

Special Occasion DressesDaytime Dresses

SportswearShoes & Accessories

Home DecorBaby Gifts

4 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

MAIN STREET AND DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

CalendarDine, Shop and Enjoy Beautiful, Historic Downtown Fort Pierce

Annual Florida Main StreetConference – Wednesday toFriday, Nov. 1 to 3; MainStreet Fort Pierce, 466-3880

Friday Fest – Friday, Nov. 3;5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; MainStreet Fort Pierce, 466-3880

2nd Wednesday Walkabout –Wednesday, Nov. 8; 5:00 to8:00 p.m.; Downtown Busi-ness Association, 465-7080

Coffee With the Mayor –Friday, Nov. 17; 8:00 a.m. atHistoric City Hall, MainStreet Fort Pierce, 466-3880

Arcade Building Wine Tast-ing, “An Evening in Paris,”Friday, Nov. 17; Main StreetFort Pierce, 466-3880

WEEKLY EVENTS

Ft. Pierce Farmer’s Market –Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. toNoon; Marina Square onMelody Lane; Market Man-ager, 940-1145

Arts and Crafts Show & Sale –Saturdays, north of down-town Fort Pierce Library,8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fort Pierce Bike Night –Thursdays, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.;2nd Street, Downtown FortPierce; Yellowfin Grill &Raw Bar, 468-7071

COMMUNITY CENTERFor more information on the Fort

Pierce Community Center activitieslisted below, please call 462-7071.

Slimnastics – Monday, Wednes-day, Friday; 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Jazzercise – Monday, Wednes-day, Friday; 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.

Adult Flamingo Class – Tues-day, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Adult Social Dance Class –Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Pilates Class – Monday, 7:00to 8:15 p.m.

Kozy Crafters – Wednesday,11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Jazz Jam – Thursday, 7:00 to10:00 p.m.

Country Line Dancing –Monday, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Belly Dancing – Tuesday,6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

After School Tutoring –Monday & Wednesday, 5:00to 6:30 p.m.

RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT

The Original Tiki Bar, 461-0880 – Music by “BarelyBroken” on Sundays, 3:00 to7:00 p.m.

Governor’s Grill, 466-6900– “Texas Hold ‘Em” on Tues-days, call for times; “BluesNight at the Grill” onWednesdays, 8:00 p.m.;

“Ladies Night” on Thurs-days, 10:00 p.m. to 12:00a.m.; Live Music on Friday evenings.

BACKUS GALLERYFor more information, please call

465-0630.

Vultures for Culture Scav-enger Hunt – November 12

Annual Four County JuriedShow – The Best of the Trea-sure Coast; October 18 toNovember 11, 2006; Spon-sored by SunTrust Bank

The Bold and the Beautiful– November 14 to Decem-ber 6; The works in thisshow are colorful, lively,vivid and awe-inspiring —classic definitions of thingsone might expect from thetitle of this show.

DOWNTOWN FORT PIERCE LIBRARY

For information, please call 462-2787.

~EVENT SPOTLIGHT~

WHO: Main StreetFort Pierce

WHAT: FallWine Tasting “An Evening inParis”

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 17

WHERE: Historic Arcade Building on U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue

TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

COST: $40.00 per person

INFO: 772-466-3880

The 19th Annual Sights and Sounds Holiday Festival and Parade, “A StorybookChristmas,” will be held on Sunday, Decem-ber 3, 2006. The festival is from 1:00 – 6:30pm, with the parade beginning at 4:30 pm.

Following the parade the Mayor will light theChristmas tree in the roundabout, followed by

the start of the Holiday lights in MarinaSquare. For more information on the festival

or for a parade application call the Main StreetFort Pierce office at 772-466-3880.

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 5

I am honored to be yourMayor, and as your Mayor I feelcommunication is the first key tosuccess. The great volunteer staffof Main Street Focus is welcominga column in their periodical toinform you, the citizens, of issuesaffecting us all. You are aware thatFort Pierce is growing, along withthat comes growing pains. I feelthe Fort Pierce City Commissionand City staff is focused on bring-

ing positive and prosperous change. So shall we begin onwhat I hope is a great informative message.

In recent weeks, many decisions have been made con-cerning our downtown. One of which I feel is a big win forthe public; the Marina Square project has been halted. Theoriginal group planning to build the project was unable toproceed and the last group, Catalfumo, withdrew theirproposal. Feeling that the public should have access totheir waterfront, I now see the Farmers Market, FridayFest, art festivals, fishing tournaments, holiday festivities

and more remaining along the water. I have always felt,public lands in public hands. Without the project beingbuilt, we addressed the parking garage. A vote to move theparking garage to the City Hall parking lot is a good one.The retail community should benefit from this decision asit is centrally located between the Arcade building and Sec-ond Street. Shoppers will be able to walk either directionto shop and this will hopefully entice more retail in thearea. This decision allows the old JC Penny parking lot toremain open while the parking garage is being built andwill only inconvenience city employees, allowing down-town to still function. The parking garage at City Hall ison target to be built by the end of 2007. Jon Ward, ourRedevelopment Director, is on task to make it happen. Iam also working on opening parking by the cooling tow-ers of the King power plant to assist with parking issues.

As we begin the holiday season, my wish to you is ahappy and healthy one. See you downtown!

Good things are happening in the City of Fort Pierceand I hope this will help to keep you informed. I wouldalso like to congratulate the Lincoln Park Main StreetProgram! Welcome to the good things of Fort Pierce.

by Bob J. Benton, III

A Message from the Mayor: Good Things are Happening in Our City

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 6

Coming to Friday Fest in December is4 Steps Closer. A local band comprisedof singer-songwriter, acoustic rhythmguitarist, Jeannie Blatus; lead guitarist,Leo Burke; bassist/vocalist, SheldonShrum; and drummer, John Aughin-baugh. Their sound blends a rock groovewith pop, blues and sprinklings of coun-

try. Jeannie’s songs are intimate and sometimes uncom-fortably honest. Echoes of Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow,and Etta James certainly reflect in her expressive voice.Very diverse, one moment she conjures up the vein-pop-ping, sweaty, powerful rock siren within, next it’s hersweet, smooth, sultry side. Hook laden and catchy, hermusic is the kind you wake up singing and hear in yourhead when you’re trying to sleep; you’ll be cursing hername for sure.

Leo Burke’s guitar work adds an edgy excitement tothe music. His poignant playing tastefully weavesthroughout the songs. His leads are melodic and suggesta whole other voice harmonizing with Jeannie’s. Influ-enced by rock fusion guitarist such as Steve Morse and

Jeff Beck, Leos close relationship with his instrument(guitar that is) gives him the ability to either melt face orgently soothe. In addition to 4 Steps Closer, Leo andJeannie perform as a regionally touring duo under thename Sleepin’ Dogz.

Sheldon Shrum is a vocal chameleon. His diverse voicecan transform from soft and gentle, to thunderous andstrong. With his roots firmly planted in country music,

by Pam Gillette

Meet the Band: 4 Steps Closer

1510 Orange Ave.Ft. Pierce 466-8767

Same Location Since 1982

� Personal Injury� Wrongful Death

� Commercial and Civil Litigation� Circuit Court Mediator

Historic Arcade Building101 North U.S. 1, Suite 208Downtown Fort Pierce

Telephone: 772.468.8887Fax: 772.468.2226

BRADFORD L. JEFFERSON, P.A.Proud supporter of Main Street Fort Pierce

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 7

he adds sweet southern feel to the songs. His bass playingis solid and complimentary to the songs.

John Aughinbaugh is the human metronome of theband. Influenced by drummers like Carter Beauford hissteady beats keep the whole band grooving together.4 Steps Closer have performed together since 2001. Theywon the 2004 Budweiser True Music Battle of the Bandsearning them a slot opening for national country band,

Blue County. In 2004, they also were the “Pick of theWeek” on 104.1 Real Radio with “MayDay” the first trackof their CD entitled “Soon…” They continue to jamaround Florida earning new fans everywhere they perform.

Contact: Jeannie at 772-913-1177 or visit the web-site: www.myspace.com/4stepscloser. Friday Fest is heldthe first Friday of every month.

Friday Fest can be postponed to the following weekdue to weather. Friday Fest is held at Veteran’s MemorialPark, 600 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950.

Friday Fest is put on by Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc.For more information please call the Main Street office at772-466-3880.Skin Care Treatment

WaxingNail Treatments

MassageBody Treatments

Spa Packages

DermaTech

210 Orange 210 Orange AAvenuevenueHistoric DowntownHistoric Downtown

Ft. Pierce, FLFt. Pierce, FL 3495034950772.467.0607772.467.0607

wwwwww.aaadermatech.com.aaadermatech.com

DAY SPA, INC.

8 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

Accounting & Tax Services

Fax 461-88722222 COLONIAL ROAD, SUITE 200

34950

Fax 878-1709439 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd. Ste.115

34984

Fort Pierce

461-8833 878-1952Port St. Lucie

Please visit our website at

DMHBCPA.com

Two Locations to Serve You on the Treasure CoastNew Address in Port St. Lucie

DDDDMMMMHHHHBBBB DiBARTOLOMEO,McBEE, HARTLEY& BARNES, P.A. Certified Public Accountants

Established 1985

Accounting & Tax Services

J. JEFFREY COOK BRUCE D. PERRYFinancial Consultant Assistant Branch Manager

311 South Second StreetFort Pierce, FL 34950(800) 766-4101 • (772) 465-4100agedwards.com

2006 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Member SIPC

YOU CAN’T RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET

IF YOUR NEST EGG WON’T CARRY YOU.

We’re big believers in a long-term retirement strategybased on objective financial advice. And in havinga financial consultant who can help you every step

of the way. To see whether your nest egg could benefitfrom such Midwestern horse sense, call us today.

Twenty-five years ago,the National Trust for His-toric Preservation launchedthe National Main Streetprogram to combat thedecline of America’s down-town areas. Fort Pierce wasa microcosm of Anytown,USA. Folks who have livedhere since the 1940’s mayrecall strolling along thestreets of a bustling down-town. Memories mightinclude shopping at Ross-low’s, picking up sundriesat Canaday’s Drug Store,grabbing an ice cream sodaat the Whizateria, or catch-ing a show at the SunriseTheater. Fond recollectionsmight also include stop-ping by Beanie Backus’house to have a chat, orperhaps watch him paint a

sunset over a pristine Florida swamp. It was a nice lifehere in River City.

In the 1970s, a new way of life emerged. Peoplebegan going to malls and shopping centers. On-streetparking was done away with as two-lane roads gaveway to four-lane highways. As urban sprawl becamethe new norm, rapid decline of downtown areas fol-lowed. Many rich, historic downtown buildings wereabandoned, and cities became ghost towns at the endof each workday.

The story of our downtown renaissance dates backto 1988. Fort Pierce City Commissioners, city staff,and concerned citizens applied for, and was desig-nated a Main Street city. Main Street Fort Pierce,Inc., is now a 501©3 not-for-profit corporation.The four-step Main Street approach, used by morethan 1600 communities nationwide, consists of thefollowing steps: organization, promotion, design,and economic restructuring.

Tom Kindred, Jr., became the first Main Street man-ager. Kindred and his board of directors’ first grantamounted to $10,000, which they put towards a façadeimprovement grant for downtown businesses. If busi-nesses painted or improved their storefront, Main Street

…continued from front cover

Design is one of the "Four Points" thatevery Main Street community follows.Decorative street banners not only dressup light poles but also communicate tid-bits of information about the area.

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matched their expenses, up to $1,000. Fifteen downtownstorefronts were refurbished, dramatically improving theaesthetic value of the district.

Kindred’s idea of a family festival to bring everyonedowntown began on Second Street. Over the years,Friday Fest outgrew its location and grew into thelargest, most well attended street festival along theTreasure Coast. Friday Fest now takes place along thebeautiful waterfront. Due to construction along Indi-

an River Drive, however, Friday Fest is temporarilyheld at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Although the first board of directors set high expecta-tions from the beginning, Kindred said that it is veryrewarding to see this much success. “For myself, theMain Street manager’s position will always be the mostchallenging and rewarding job I will ever hold,” said TomKindred, Jr., former director, Main Street Fort Pierce.

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 9

The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmer's Market is a very popular Saturday morning out-ing for residents and visitors.

Downtown Bike Night was created by Main Street Fort Pierce as a merchant event.MSFP handed over the event to the merchants once it was established. Bike Nightsbrings hundreds of people to downtown Fort Pierce every Thursday evening.

Continued on page 16 …

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10 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 11

Enchanted Paris Evening – Wine Tasting EventBy Kate O’Connor

On Friday, November 10, Main Street Fort Pierce andKeith Andersen from Roy’s Liquors will host an Enchant-ed Paris Evening Wine Tasting at the Arcade Building indowntown Fort Pierce. support of sponsorship fromLongwood Medical Center. As early as 6 o’clock guestswill enjoy a toast to autumn with live jazz music, anddemonstration of the rules of wine tasting and the art ofpairing food with different types of wine.

Whether a glass ofChardonnay or PinotNoir, guests of theEnchanted ParisEvening will find somedelicious and inspiringways to entwineAutumn meals withfavorite types of wine.Wine makes everymeal an occasion andevery table more ele-gant. Samples of multiple flavors will be available.

If you are seeking to experiment with a new varietals, thentalking with our local wine merchant about wines, styles andlabels and asking for specific recommendations should pro-vide sufficient direction for another great find at our event.

And if you want a little touch of French you shouldknow that in France, wines are typically named for thevineyard or growing regionin which they were pro-duced rather than for thegrape that was used.

So come join Main StreetFort Pierce and Keith Ander-sen for an “Enchanted ParisEvening” on November 10that the Historic Arcade build-ing in downtown FortPierce. Please call (772) 466-3880 for more informationor for reservations.

Main Street volunteers are ready to give youa collector's wine glass for your "EnchantedParis Evening".

Socialize with your friends while tastingnew flavors of multiple varieties ofwines at Main Street Fort Pierce's fallwine tasting at the Historic Arcadebuilding.

SUNRISE CITY CARPETS, INC.

127 N. Second St.Brian & Angela Campbell

Historic DowntownFort Pierce

772-489-8859In-Home Consultation Available

“Come see your next new floor!”

12 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

It’s the simple wayto answerany questionsabout your familyinsurance protection.And it’s free.

FamilyInsuranceCheckup

State Farm

“24 Hour Good Neighbor Service”2301 Sunrise Blvd. • Fort Pierce • 772-461-7900

Bill Knight, Jr., Agent

State Farm Insurance CompaniesHome Offices Bloomington, IL“Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.”

Insurance & Financial Services

Fort Pierce 465-8425Vero Beach 569-9444Stuart 287-8972TOLL FREE 800-867-0793Fax 772-465-7627

Brett W. Browning, LUTCFEileen Myers, CSR Laurie Wiley-Doughney, CSRAlice Iannarelli, CSR Catherine Browning, Accounting

Browning Corporation100 Avenue A , Suite 1F

Historic P.P. Cobb BuildingDowntown Fort Pierce

email: [email protected] website: www.browningins.com

BROWNING

DOWNTOWN HERO

Downtown Hero — Gary GilletteHow many people do you know

that volunteer their time where theirwife works? Well, probably notmany, but one such all-round, supervolunteer is Gary Gillette. Gary ismarried to Pam Gillette, Marketingand Special Events for Main StreetFort Pierce. If it is after hours and aMain Street event, you will alwaysfind Gary – that is if it does notinterfere with his golf game.

Gary moved to Fort Pierce from Miami, Florida in1982, after his mother and father retired to the area. Garyhas worked for the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA)for over 24 years, as a Maintenance Mechanic and nowalso with the Industrial Pretreatment Department. Heenjoys working and giving back to his community by vol-unteering. Over his career at the FPUA, Gary had anaward named after him. The Gary Gillette Award of Inno-vation was established to recognize the efforts and creativ-ity at the Wastewater System Department. Being modest,Gary has won the award not only once, but twice!

If work occupies his time during the day, evenings andweekends are busy and involved with Boy Scouts of

America where he has been volunteering for the past 18years. Gary was named Chairman of the Treasure CoastEagle Board in 2002 and has been awarded the presti-gious Silver Beaver for scouting which is the highestaward given as an adult volunteer in 2001.

Gary can been seen at anyMain Street event helpingin one way or another.

You are invited to the

exhibit opening on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m.Exhibit runs for November or until Sold Out

LAFFERANDE GALLERY205 N. Second St., Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 772-489-4255

Yet even with his busy life, Gary still finds time toassist Main Street. Gary has been volunteering for MainStreet for around 10 years. He is always there with ahand, hammer, table or constructing some new item tomake the Main Street event run smoothly. Did I mentionhe also loves to build things?

Gary and Pam are the combined parents of four boys,Gary’s 2 boys, Kenny and Kevin, and Pam’s 2 boys, Dougand Erik. In February, they were blessed with their firstgrandson, Aidan and are expecting their second grand-child in November.

With the busylifestyle Gary has,he is always at theMain Street eventsand willing to lend ahand. He is a truefriend of MainStreet and one ofour strong support-ers. Thank youGary for all the hardwork you do for ourorganization.

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 13

FEE, DeROSS & FEEAttorneys at Law

An Affiliation of Professional Associations

500 Virginia Avenue, Suite 200Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Since 1905

Now Celebrating 100 Yearsin Historic Downtown

FEE & FEE, P.A.Frank H. Fee, IIIFrank H. Fee, IV(772) 461-5020

JOSEPH J. DeROSS, JR., P.A.Joseph J. DeRoss, Jr.

(772) 465-3500

Fred Fee (1888-1939) • Frank Fee (1913-1983)�

“The Official Soft Drink

of Fort Pierce”

FT. PIERCE COCA-COLA, 3939 St. Lucie Blvd., Fort Pierce, FL 34954,(772) 461-3636

Pam and Gary Gillette are very dedicated to theorganizations they volunteer with.

14 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

940 South U.S. 1, Ft. Pierce, FL772-461-0872

Digital Cameras & Accessories • Film

1-Hour Lab • Equipment • Repairs

The Pink Floyd ExperienceThursday & Friday, November 16th & 17th

As it’s quite clear that the real Pink Floyd will neveragain grace our shores, the Sunrise will bring you what’sregarded in the concert industry as the next best thing.Their evening of stunning sounds and sights promptedthe Toronto Sun to say “PFX might be the closest thingto capturing the real deal!” As the Boston Symphony

Orchestra is to Beethoven, PFX is to Pink Floyd in theirsolid and faithful recreation of rock’s most moving clas-sics. An evening you’ll never forget.

Renee Taylor & Joseph BolognaSaturday, November 18th – 8 p.m.

Don’t miss this winning evening ofMarital Bliss and Blunders, headed fora permanent home in Las Vegas afterit’s boffo Broadway box office success!

“The Timing? Exquisite. The cumulative effect? Quintes-sential entertainment. Watching these two lobbing linesback and forth is like seeing Venus and Serena Williamssquare off on the tennis court, or savoring George Burnsand Gracie Allen in their heyday.”

Sunrise Theatre In Beautiful Downtown Fort Pierce

Sunrise Theatre, 461-4775www.sunrisetheatre.com

by Sue Dannahower

August 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 15

★Diamonds, W

atches,

Jewelr

y

★Handmade C

ustom Desig

ns

★Jew

elry Repair

461-4686209 Avenue A

Fort Pierce

“THE CLOCK SHOP”of Fort Pierce

100 Avenue A • Suite BThe P.P. Cobb Building

Historic Downtown Fort Pierce772-465-2768

• AntiqueRestoration

• New ClockSales & Service

CELEBRATING 26 YEARS

ON AVENUE “A”YOUR TIME KEEPER

UniqueNautical Jewelry

& Gifts

Pelican’s NestPelican’s Nest

Gift ShopGift Shop

(800)619-1780(772)464-1245

Fax (772) 464-2589At the City Marina

1 Avenue A

461-2525www.cokesstationers.com

Your Office Supply & Furniture Store

Your Downtown Store forGreeting Cards • Paper Goods • Wrapping Paper

UNIQUE GIFTSGlasses • Albums • Vases • Diffusers • Candles

Etched Glass • Suncatchers • and more…

Boxed & Individual Christmas Cards

Tis the Seasonto Shop Downtown Fort Pierce

“I would like to think what I did in those first few yearswas to give people a vision, a vision of the big picture, whatDowntown could be. The best part is that Main Streettoday has, and is implementing and creating what was justa vision almost 20 years ago,” Kindred said. He added thatpositive results were evident from day one, and that any-thing they did was well received in the community.

The first members of the Main Street Fort PierceBoard of Directors were trailblazers, setting brilliant goalsand standards. In 1991, Kindred stepped down as MainStreet’s director. Doris Tillman took over, and sheremains at the helm today.

One of Tillman’s first projects was the renovation ofthe Historic Fort Pierce City Hall, built in 1926. In1993, Historic City Hall was restored to its originalsplendor and now serves as a place for meetings, wed-dings, parties, and other special events.

The SunriseTheatre was builtin 1923, featuringSpanish Mediter-ranean architecturethat was character-istic in structuresbuilt at that time.Downtown enter-tainment revolvedaround the Sunriseuntil it closed itsdoors like manyother downtownestablishments.

Over nine years,$12 million wasspent restoring thetheater. Tillman’sskillful grant writ-ing techniquesearned over $3 mil-lion in state andfederal grantmoney, and morethan $2 millionwas raised in pri-vate donations with help from the Sunrise Theatre, Inc.Board of Directors. Normally, a major project of this pro-portion is handled by local governments, but Main Street— a small non-profit agency — took this project head on,

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 16

The 2006 Main Street Board of Directors continues to "Pave the Way" for futureprogress as their predecessors have done since MSFP was formed in 1988.

An example of private and public investment is the P.P. Cobb building and the round-about. A private investor renovated the P.P. Cobb store and the City of Fort Pierceadded beautiful but functional roundabout to a once nondescript 4-way stop thatnow holds the City's Christmas Tree in Winter months and an assortment of flowersthe rest of the year.

The Sunrise Theatre is MSFP's most ambitious andsuccessful project to date. Since its opening night inJanuary 2006, the Theatre has brought a variety ofcultural performances to downtown Fort Pierce.

MSFP restored Historic City Hall in 1993 with grant funds from the State of Floridaand private donations.

Continued on page 18 …

…continued from page 9

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“A Storybook Christmas”Sights and Sounds on Second Festival and Parade

Twas the night before Sights and Sounds and all throughout downtown, Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis were scurrying around.

Setting up parade routes, float assignments and more,the excitement was building as we got closer to morn.

Morning approaches as Main Street volunteers arrive, to set up a festival right before your eyes.

Common Ground Vineyard Church leads the way,with scripture and songs to start off our day.

The festival begins promptly at one, with children’s activities for your family fun.

Holiday crafters, food vendors galore,pictures with Santa, pony rides and downtown stores.

A Storybook Christmas is the theme of the day,and at 4:30 pm the Honor Guard will lead the parade.

Floats, officials, horses, music, and more,the children all nestled in front of the stores.

Marching down Second Street, Avenue A and the Drive,the streets are joyous and the people alive.

Then what to our wondering eyes should appear,but a big red truck and eight tiny reindeer.

Santa Claus sits high on top of a Kauff Tow Truck,waving and wishing everybody good luck.He looks very festive all dressed in red,

with a bundle of toys he holds in his sled.

What a wonderful day as the parade comes to an end,but wait there is more as the truck rounds the bend.The Mayor will light our beautiful Christmas tree, and the Marina comes alive with lights by the sea.

Sights and Sounds is now over and the folks are all leaving,with music in the air and the light show blinking.

And as you return to your homes very far out of sightMain Street wishes Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 17

“A Storybook Christmas”Sights and Sounds on Second Festival and Parade

by Pam Gillette

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18 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

and despite criticism and negative press, theSunrise reclaimed its status as the culturalevents hub of the Treasure Coast. The com-munity is just now realizing the vast positiveimpact that this reopening will have on thecommunity. Thanks to the vision and deter-mination of Tillman and many others, whatonce was a dream is now reality.

“It isn’t just about culture. It isn’t justabout the arts. It’s about creating an enginefor downtown development, tourism,growth, jobs, and a whole new image forthis community,” said David Jenkins,Executive Director, Sunrise Theatre, in aprevious interview.

The 1,200-seat auditorium is the largestperforming arts center from Melbourne tothe Palm Beaches. Every seat was filled forthe grand reopening, as Dionne Warwickdelivered a stunning performance. TheSunrise continues to showcase world-renowned talents, from Earth, Wind, andFire, and Jefferson Starship, to LittleRichard. For more information on comingattractions, visit the Sunrise online at:www.sunrisetheatre.com.

With the sensational conclusion of theSunrise Theatre project, it is on to the “nextbig thing” – the restoration of the BackusHouse. This cultural landmark, on theNational Registry of Historic Places, willfunction as a permanent home and officefor Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. The homewas built in 1896 and purchased in the early1960’s by famed local artist Beanie Backus,for use as his residence and art studio.

…continued from page 16

Main Street is currently restoring the Backus/Platts house. Thehouse is the permanent office of Main Street Fort Pierce.

Continued on page 20 …

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November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 19

4200 SOUTH U.S. HWY. 1 • FT. PIERCEComplete Sales & Service Center forNEW & USED CARS AND TRUCKS

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Rain or Shine —Our Focusis Quality.

Same or Next Day Serviceon Most PrescriptionsExaminations by Dr. Shannon Clark Leitenbauer, O.D., F.A.A.O.Contact Lens Services & Surgical Consultations Available

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• Computer Diagnostics • Brakes• Air Conditioning • Tuneups• Oil & Transmission Service

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New patients always welcome!

Norman D. Knowles, DMD1511-B South 25th Street • Fort Pierce • 772-464-7214

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Advertising that reallymakes a difference.

Call Delila at 772-466-3880to promote your business in

Main Street Focus.

Beanie’s doors were always open to the public, and peo-ple of all races, ages, and backgrounds were known togather there. Beanie, a gentle soul and a free spirit,advocated tolerance at a time in our history when tol-erance was not widely accepted. The house is stop # 8on the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Trail, whichencompasses several places throughout Fort Piercewhere world-renowned author Zora Neale Hurstonspent her time when she lived here.

People who want to observe and learn about marinelife in their natural habitat can visit the ManateeObservation and Education Center. The Center,which is visited by more than 100,000 people annual-ly, was built by funds raised by Main Street Fort Pierceand is operated by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority.

Aside from the infrastructural improvements,Main Street Fort Pierce is known for its signatureevents: the Sandy Shoes Festival and Sights andSounds on Second. Sandy Shoes is an annual daylongcelebration featuring a concert and fireworks. Sights

and Sounds on Second Street is an annual holidaycelebration held the first weekend in December,which includes a parade and Santa Claus lighting thedowntown holiday Christmas tree.

Early risers on Saturday mornings can enjoy theFarmer’s Market on the downtown waterfront. Mar-ket goers are treated to heavenly aromas of freshbaked goods, coffee, and not to mention a nicebreeze off of the river. The downtown Fort PierceFarmer’s Market features about 40 vendors which

20 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer

R.N. KOBLEGARD, IIIAttorney At Law

Litigation, Business, Real Estate,Probate, Criminal & Family Law

200 South Indian River Drive, Suite 201Fort Pierce, Florida 34950

Telephone(772) 461-7772

Fax(772) 461-0226

Gypsum Drywall & AccessoriesRoofing MaterialsStucco & Plastering ProductsHand and Power Tools

For All Your Building and Remodeling Needs

945 Wagner Place • Fort Pierce464-6900

Top Quality ProductsCompetitive Prices

Prompt, Dependable Service

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434 N. Seventh Street • Fort Pierce, FL 34950-2907772-461-6845

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Universal Pre-K • Ages 12 mos. – 5 yrs.7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

3114 Okeechobee Road465-3414

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November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 21

GLORIA ROA BODIN, P.A.Attorneys at Law

VISAS FOR INVESTORSAND

SAUSAGE MAKERSThe Immigration Law Offices of Gloria Roa Bodin, P.A.specializes in representing businesses, investors and profession-als from all over the world. Recent clients from the TreasureCoast include a German investor building luxury homes; aPolish businessman opening a sausage (brats) plant, and aFrench investor refurbishing a Bed and Breakfast.

215 N. 2nd St. – Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (Under Construction)2655 Le Jeune Rd. Suite 1001 – Coral Gables, FL 331343620 Colonial Blvd. Suite 150 – Fort Myers, FL 33912

Tel: (305) 442-1322 – Fax: (305) 444-7578 – Toll Free: [email protected] – www.gloriaroabodin.com

Before choosing a lawyer, ask for written information about the lawyer’s legalqualifications and experience.

sell everything from fresh locally caught seafood, tolocally grown organic produce, and everything inbetween. Plants of all kinds, from orchids to exoticAsian fruit trees can also be purchased.

For nearly two decades, Main Street Fort Pierce’s12 volunteer board members and two full timeemployees have spearheaded major projects. Theaforementioned highlights are merely the tip of theiceberg of Main Street’s community involvement.They now look forward to welcoming the 2006Florida Main Street Conference!

“It’s great that we have this opportunity to showthe state what we’ve been able to accomplish,” saidDoris Tillman, Manager, Main Street Fort Pierce.“Our success is due to our partnerships with theCity of Fort Pierce and local businesses partnering tomake a change. Without them and without the sup-port from the general public, success would not havebeen possible.”

Main Street is always looking for new members.Membership is open to the public for anyone inter-

ested in preserving our unique heritage, or helpingto make downtown a prosperous destination. Dona-tions to Main Street Fort Pierce are tax deductibleand are reinvested into the community.

With Main Street Fort Pierce a proven entity, thecurtain rises on a new Main Street chapter. The Cityof Fort Pierce and concerned citizens came togetheronce again, in support of another local business dis-trict. This past August, Florida Main Street desig-nated Lincoln Park-Fort Pierce as a Main Streetcommunity, making Fort Pierce only the second cityin Florida to have two main street designations.

“I know that in a few years we will be celebratingsuccess in Lincoln Park, too,” Joan Jefferson saidfrom Tallahassee. “Folks in Fort Pierce are special,and they seem to know how to get things done!”

The Annual Sandy Shoes Festival, held in March, draws hundreds to the downtownFort Pierce area.

Joanne McCurdyResidential, Land, Commercial

909 W. Midway RoadFort Pierce, Florida 34982

Direct: (772) 216-2821Direct Office: (772) 429-3588

Direct Fax: (772) 429-3590 (772) 467-9097E-Mail: [email protected] Producer

Independently Owned and OperatedMidway

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22 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

Private:❑ Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15.00❑ Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00❑ Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00

Corporate:❑ Small Business (less than 10 employees . .$100.00❑ Medium Business (11 - 50 employees) . . .$250.00❑ Large Business (51 or more employees) . .$500.00❑ Patron (all others) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00❑ Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00

❑ I would like to become a Main Street volunteer.

Main Street Membership Levels

Name:______________________________________

Company/Organization:________________________

Street Address:_______________________________

City / State / Zip:______________________________

Phone:______________________________________

Email:______________________________________

MembershipMain Street Fort Pierce

Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc., a 501©3 not-for-profit corpora-tion, has encouraged and participated in the revitalization efforts ofdowntown Fort Pierce for the past 18 years.The efforts of many havepaid off. Downtown Fort Pierce is now recognized as one of the mostdesirable locations to live and work on the Treasure Coast, as well as,in the state of Florida.

The Main Street program was created by the National Trust ofHistoric Preservation in the early 1980s.The program was designedto revitalize the historic commercial districts that were threatened toextinction by urban sprawl.The four-step Main Street approach isused by over 1,600 communities across the United States and itsmodel has been studied internationally.

The success of Main Street Fort Pierce over the past 18 years is due

to the faithful commitment of current and past members of the MainStreet board of directors, the City of Fort Pierce, local communityorganizations, local businesses, and general public support.Currently, theprogram consists of twelve volunteer board members and two full-timeemployees.During its existence, Main Street Fort Pierce has held approx-imately twenty-six downtown promotional events each year, educatedpublic school children about the history of the area, won numerouslocal, state, and national awards, restored historic buildings including theSunrise Theatre, recruited businesses to the downtown area, held down-town charrettes to encourage the public participation in revitalizationefforts, created outdoor art programs, and helped fund an award win-ning image campaign along with the Downtown Business Association,the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Fort Pierce.

As Fort Pierce Main Street begins its 18th successful year, it isundertaking an aggressive Membership Drive. “The Next Big Thing”campaign took off in May, 2006. Please consider becoming a MainStreet Member.

Membership in Main Street Fort Pierce is open to anyone interested inhelping preserve our unique heritage. Our goal is to encourage andassist in keeping Downtown Fort Pierce a vibrant shopping and businessdistrict for future generations.

We invite you to share your expertise and contribute toward makingFort Pierce Main Street a success in historic preservation and revital-ization. Donations to Fort Pierce Main Street, a 501(c)3 corporation,are tax deductible.

Membership Benefits:

• Subscriptions to Main Street Focus and Website Links to Focus On-Line

• Advance Notice and Invitation to Special Events• Membership to St. Lucie County Preservation Association• Listed on our On-Line Membership Page

(Corporate & Private)• Networking & Volunteer Opportunities

When residents support and appreciate the business district, thebusinesses flourish. When the businesses flourish, the residents in the neighborhood prosper as well. We are all neighbors investingin each other’s success.

Complete the form below and join our growing group of committed members. By joining Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc., you are supporting the economic well being of the entire community.

Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. • 122 AE Backus Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34950For information call 772-466-3880 • www.mainstreetfortpierce.org

Local Boy Scouts to Honor Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. as Distinguished Citizenon November 7, 2006 at the Pelican Yacht Club

The Treasure Coast District for the Boy Scoutsof America, Gulf Stream Council, is honoringAlto “Bud” Adams, Jr.as its Distinguished Citizenfor St Lucie County for 2006. The banquet willbe held on November 7, 2006, reception at 6pmand dinner and toast at 7pm at the Pelican YachtClub on Hutchinson Island.

The Distinguished Citizens banquet is held torecognize the efforts of a dynamic public servantto the community, to put Scouting youth in asso-ciation with such role models and to raise fundsto support the character and leadership buildingprograms of Scouting.

Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. was born and raised inSt Lucie County. His father Alto Adams, Sr.founded the Adams Ranch located in Fort Piercein 1937. Upon graduation from the University ofFlorida in 1948, Bud began managing the Ranch.He has become a prominent figure in Florida’scattle and citrus industries. One of his mostnotable accomplishments was developing the

internationally renowned Bradford breed of cat-tle, which was recognized as a new breed by theU.S. Department of Agriculture in 1969.

Committed to maintaining a balance betweencattle production and the environment, Bud hasserved as President of the Florida Cattlemen’sAssociation and was honored by the NationalCattlemen’s Association for his stewardship ofnatural resources. His conservation effortsinclude pioneering natural plant and pest controlon his ranchlands.

Mr. Adams has always been glad to lend hisknowledge and expertise to civic and communityorganizations. He has served on the Boards of theIndian River Community College Foundation,Harbor Federal Savings Bank, Sun Bank, BackusArt Gallery, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, andUnited Way. In 2003, Indian River CommunityCollege named him the Dan K. RichardsonEntrepreneur of the Year.

In concert with his love of cattle, wildlife andthe land, Mr. Adams has captured the beauty oflife on the ranch as a photographer. Over 65 yearsof his photography can be seen in his four books,several magazines and on postcards.

Bud has been married to Dorothy for 57 years.They have three sons and all work for the RanchCorporation. Bud and Dot also have thirteengrandchildren.

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 23

OFFICE

PRODUCTS &

SERVICES, INC.

O f f i c e F u r n i t u r e

VERO BEACH713 SOUTH US 1PHONE 567-2404FAX # 567-4433

FORT PIERCE208 AVENUE A

PHONE 464-0450FAX # 468-0984

Other Areas 1-800-226-6774Visit us online at: www.offproser.com

E-mail: [email protected]

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 24

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 25

Vultures for Culture Scavenger Hunt

Explore the carnivore within at the First Ever Vul-tures for Culture Scavenger Hunt and Steak DinnerSunday, November 12. A reincarnation of the BackusMuseum’s incredibly popular Steak Rattle & Roll Din-ners, the Museum has added a new element of chal-lenge and fun.

The event will start at 3:00 pm at the Museum. Par-ticipants will assemble into teams of four and providedwith a list of items to find or facts to verify in

and aroundd o w n t o w nFort Pierce. A bit of cunning andsense ofadventure areall that’srequired for abird brainedafternoon offun, fabulous dining and dancing.

At 5:30 p.m. the Scavenger Hunt participants willreturn to the Museum roost to peck at tasty morselsand enjoy cocktails. Laughter will fill the air as teamscompare their tales of acquisition. A hearty dinnercooked by Chef Bob Varn and his crew of buzzardsconsists of the Museum’s specially seasoned 12 ounceNew York strips, sinful potato casserole, sautéedonions, lavish salad bar, crusty rolls & butter and amake your own brownie sundae station.

Continued on page 26 …

26 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

4850 Orange Ave. • Fort Pierce772.461.6056 • 800.226.5056

www.stamm-mfg.com

FT. PIERCE ALTERNATOR SERVICE

1913 Okeechobee Rd., Ft. Pierce

461-6786

In Business Since 1961

• Batteries • Alternators• Starters • Exchange or Repair

Passenger Cars • Marine • Heavy Equipment

Tickets are $50.00 per person and include the scavengerhunt, dinner, drinks and dancing with Moonshadow. Prizesand bragging rights will be awarded for high points, tallesttales and best team spirit. So gather your flock and come ondown to the Backus Museum for an event that is certain totickle your funny bone and fill your belly. Call 772/465-0630 to make a reservation. Proceeds form this event ben-efit the not-for-profit A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, Inc.

Providing Dental Services Since 1959

Samuel P. Rowe, D.M.D., P.A.

Samuel V. Rowe, D.M.D

605 Citrus Avenue • 461-2648Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

Fuller – Armfield – WagnerAppraisal & Research, Inc.

120 N. Second Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Office: (772)468-0787 • Fax: (772)468-1103S. Florida: 1-800-273-7364

E-Mail: [email protected]

Daniel D. Fuller, MAIPresident

St. Cert. Gen. REA#RZ567

…continued from page 25

Yates Funeral HomesServing the Area Since 1897

SalutesMain Street Fort Pierce

1101 So. U.S. 1, Fort Pierce, 461-7000

?November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 27

Got A Tough Question? Ask A Professional!Planning Private Parties and Functions in Downtown Fort Pierce

COBB’S LANDING RESTAURANTQUESTION: Do we have facilities for private functions?ANSWER: Yes, Our Floridian room upstairs pro-

vides ample room to serve approximately 60 guestswith a variety of menu choices and unparalleled viewsof the Marina.

QUESTION: Do we have availability for the holidays?ANSWER: We still have open dates to book your office

parties, family get-togethers or private functions.

QUESTION: Do we have entertainment?ANSWER: Yes! Our restaurant features live entertain-

ment on the weekends, including many different styles ofmusic. Our customers can enjoy their favorite musicwhile sitting under the stars on our waterfront patio.

Cobb’s Landing is Fort Pierce’s newest waterfrontrestaurant. We specialize in wood grilled steaks, seafood& chicken laced with Mesquite smoke. At Cobb’s Land-ing we serve Certified Angus Beef. We are one of only afew Treasure Coast Restaurants licensed to serve Certified

Angus Beef. Our signature drink, the “Pineapple Mojito”is worth the visit to Cobb’s Landing where our profes-sional staff will treat oyu to a superb dining experience.We are located at 200 N. Indian River Drive at The FortPierce City Marina. We serve lunch and dinner 7 days aweek. We are open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. to 10p.m. and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nicole,Krystal,Renne,Billie Jean and of course Chef Bob are ready to plan yourprivate function or just serve you lunch or dinner seven days a week at Cobb'sLanding Restaurant.

PEACOCK + LEWISArchitects and Planners, Inc

Donald L. Bergman, AIA

210-A North 2nd StreetFort Pierce, FL 34950

T: 772.460.6085F: 772.460.8515

Established 1961

w w w. p e a c o c k a n d l e w i s . c o m

302 Melton Drive • Fort Pierce 34982(772) 466-4040 • Fax (772) 468-8397

Treasure Coast Abstract

And Title Insurance Co.500 Virginia Avenue, Suite 200

Fort Pierce, Florida 34982

Frank H. Fee III Esq.President

Frank H. Fee IV Esq.Vice President

Wendy LoundsOffice Manager

TELEPHONE: (772)461-7190FAX: (772)461-0487

28 MAIN STREET FOCUS November 2006

Marina Marches ForwardBy Dan Dannahower

An anchor point of downtown Fort Pierce and knownto boaters as one of the best marinas on the east coast,our city marina was reduced to near rubble after the dou-ble hurricane whammy of 2004. Newspapers and maga-zines nationwide ran front page photos of the “boat pile”that had been a thriving marina business just months ear-lier. Before Mother Nature did her work 280 boat slipsexisted. After she departed only 16 remained!

After the storms, Marina and city management wentto work. The rubble was cleared and the docks and slipswest of the seawall were quickly re-built to new modernstandards; stronger and more readily repaired in case ofdamage from future storms. A long term refurbishmentproject was begun to return the marina to its pre-stormstate with a number of improvements.

Marina Manager Dean Kubitschek reports thatwork on a comprehensive plan to expand the marinaeast of the seawall is progressing well. The city ispartnering with FEMA to create spoil islands thatwill provide protection from future storms to mari-na expansion to the east. A protective lagoon wouldbe created around docks and slips east of the seawalland would add habitat for an abundance of shallowwater river life.

Significant FEMA funding for this project has beenapproved and an exciting next step will begin withinthe next few months. A company in Kingston, Cana-da, one of only of handful capable of this level of mod-eling, will begin a physical modeling study of ourmarina project. An exact scale model of the proposedmarina project will be re-created in a sophisticatedtank. Winds, waves, and other environmental stresseswill be applied to the model which will give city andFEMA project managers a good feel for the plans longterm viability. It’s a way to ensure the engineering iscorrect before millions are spent on the actual project.Assuming a positive result this testing will provide the

The old steel seawall along the City's Marina will be replaced soon.

impetus to move forward with project implementa-tion. Sea grass studies that have recently been com-pleted on the entire area east of the existing marinahave come back positive for implementation of thenew barrier island lagoon.

In addition to the big expansion project ManagerKubitschek is moving forward with other plans tokeep our marina at the top of the list. In the nearfuture existing metal fuel tanks will be inerted andreplaced with a new state of the art 20,000 gallonfiberglass tank that can be re-filled with almost noimpact on vehicle traffic. The new slip structure com-bined with the new main tank will allow for fuelingboats at their slips rather than having to move to thefueling dock, a major convenience.

The old steel seawall that runs from the fuel docksouth to the city park in front of the Library will alsobe replaced in the near future. It was installed nearly20 years ago with a known 20 year estimated usefullife. At the time the city couldn’t afford to install muchmore expensive concrete. The new seawall will be con-crete with a much longer, useful life.

A new state of the art weather system known as“Weather Worx” is being installed as this articlegoes to press and will provide real time weather and

sea-state information to boaters. Weather data andwave heights will be available with just a phone callor visit to the marina office. This should greatlyfacilitate safer crossings to the Bahamas and helpboaters decide whether or not to burn the gas tocheck out sea conditions or just wait for a betterday. No more driving over to the beach to see whatthe waves look like! Dean also plans to install anexternal antenna which will provide wireless inter-net to many areas around the marina, a great addi-tion for visitors and “live-on boaters.”

On the fishing scene things remain good inshore.Snook, snapper, trout and redfish have been cooperat-ing. Check your local tackle and bait shops for info.Debrooks Tackle Shop reports that Dolphin are beingtaken off and on offshore and other species are spotty.

Don’t miss the Southern Kingfish Association’sNational Finals to be held in Fort Pierce for the sec-ond year in a row November 15-18. Numerous eventssurround the finals, check the SKA’s website atwww.fishSKA.com for details.

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 29

The "Weather Worx" system has been recently installed in the City Marina store tohelp inform boaters of conditions before they attempt a Bahamas crossing or an allday fishing adventure.

PAXTON & WILLIAMSATTORNEYS AT LAW

NORMAN L. PAXTON, JR.GEORGE L. WILLIAMS, III

606 BOSTON AVENUEFORT PIERCE, FL 34950 772.465.5795

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 30

Governor’s GrillNow Open

Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to Close, Lunch & Dinner

Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to CloseDinner Only

“Texas Hold ‘em” Tuesday Nights (call for times)“Blue’s Night” Wednesdays from 8 – 11 p.m.

Ladies Night Thursday with D.J.,Ladies drink FREE 10 – 12 p.m.

Happy Hour 4-7 Monday – Friday

122 North Second Street • Downtown Fort Pierce

772.466.6944

Roy’s Liquors

Boozgeois SaloonFine Wines • Full Beverage Catering

720 South U.S. 1, Ft. Pierce

461-3097

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4302 Gator Trace Drive • Fort PierceConveniently Located 1/2 Mile East of U.S. 1 Off Weatherbee Road

“tee t imes 464-0407”

GATOR TRACEGolf & Country Club

BANQUETSOur Beautiful Clubhouse

is Availablefor your Special Function

Call us at

464-7442

Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m. to close

Located at the Northwest end of theHistoric Arcade Building in Downtown Fort Pierce

• Breakfast • Sandwiches • Subs • Catering • DeliveryMonday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

465-4888 Fax 465-4969

November 2006 MAIN STREET FOCUS 31

“We overlook nothing . . .except the beautiful Indian River”

Two Avenue A • Fort Pierce City MarinaTel: 772.461.0880 • Fax: 772.461.3989 • www.originaltikibar.com

The Original In the middle of everythingthat makes Fort Pierce Fun . . .

Monday . . . . . Vodka Special . . . . . . . . . $2.00Tuesday . . . . . Domestic Bottle Special . . $2.00Wednesday . . Margarita Special . . . . . . $5.00Thursday . . . . Rum Special. . . . . . . . . . . $2.00Friday . . . . . . . Tiki Punch . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00Saturday . . . . Goombay Smash . . . . . . $5.00Sunday . . . . . Domestic Draft . . . . . . . $1.50

Live EntertainmentFriday, Saturday & Sunday

Fort Pierce Tribune’s People’s ChoiceAward for Best Happy Hour

Drink Specials

Serving Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week