BEST PRACTICES/REAL ESTATE BEST PRACTICES
BUSINESS GROWTH CONTINUES IN THE FORT PIERCE AREA
ANGELA GELLER
Angela Geller is the broker/owner
of Oceanside Realty Partners,
co-owned with Amanda Geller.
Angela has more than 20 years of
experience, and as an established
boutique brokerage, Oceanside
has a strong, solid command of
the Treasure Coast residential
market, specializing on North and
South Hutchinson Island, Fort
Pierce and St. Lucie County.
As one of the top destinations in Southeast Florida, the Fort
Pierce area of the Treasure Coast has seen a resurgence of activity
over the past few years. This neighborly community exudes the
charm of ‘Old Florida,’ embracing its rich history while quietly
and thoughtfully promoting the promise of the future growth of
the town as the seat of the county. The downtown area abounds
with small retail shops, restaurants, services and art galleries. The
local business owners have pride in ownership, working together
with the community and city to see it flourish. As a small business
owner and one that will soon hold a beautiful office location
in this wonderful town, we wanted to bring to light many of the
local businesses that are the main reason Fort Pierce and the
county are growing, but also showcase new area developments.
DOWNTOWN
In Downtown Fort Pierce, Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant
recently opened at the northwest corner of Orange and Second
Street. Favorites include the homemade fresh salsa, frozen margaritas
and a variety of popular Mexican dishes. Indoor or outdoor,
the outdoor setting is dog friendly and lets you enjoy all the
activity downtown. The Thirsty Turtle will open its doors as soon
as renovation is complete. Also located on Second Street, the locally
owned restaurant is the third location on the Treasure Coast
and has served the South Florida area for 20 years. The seafood
grill will offer unique fish dishes, local ‘Cook Your Catch’ service
and a huge selection of wing flavors all in a family atmosphere
where you can enjoy watching your favorite sports teams indoors
or outdoors. Enjoy great views of the Fort Pierce City Marina.
The Galleria of Pierce Harbor offers locally owned shops and
dining experiences. The Cabin is where you will find proper
gentlemen’s attire, accessories and unique gifts. Find jewelry, fun
treasures and finds, souvenirs, wall art, beachwear and more at
Coco’s Gift Shop. At The Pop Up Store, a ladies boutique, find eye
catching “Sapsucker” brand handbags and shoes plus unique
accessories. The newest shop is the 2nd Street Barbershop, a
boutique spa for men that offers a haircut with a hot towel-andoil
full shave treatment in an upscale environment. Satisfy your
sweet cravings at Brooklyn Sweets. At Holly’s Deli enjoy a breakfast
sandwich and a cup of coffee or pick up a tall deli sandwich
to go. The Rooster in the Garden invites you for a varied lunch
and dinner selection while The Braford Steakhouse fine dining
experience will have you coming back to enjoy superior service
and “fresh from Florida” high-quality beef selection from Adams
Ranch, a fourth-generation family-owned-and-operated cattle
business since 1937.
The Fort Pierce 212 Coffee House opened in February of this
year, serving an amazing cup of coffee or coffee concoction with
delectable pastry treats or with a light breakfast or lunch. Enjoy
the soothing music in the background and colorful local artwork
beautifully displayed in this warm and inviting shop.
Crabby’s Dockside is expected to open in January at the edge
of Avenue A and the Fort Pierce City Marina, replacing the Original
Tiki Bar & Restaurant. The new restaurant’s parent company
has other locations in the St. Cloud, Clearwater and Fort Myers
areas and will offer a casual waterfront dining experience where
you can enjoy local seafood specialties on the dockside or on the
rooftop with spectacular views of the Indian River Lagoon. Walk
up and order an ice cream to cool you off as you walk along the
waterway. This historic waterfront town provides a broad spectrum
of entertainment and activities from great fishing to events
like the Farmers Market, Green Market, Friday Fest, a Jazz Market
and the Sunrise Theatre.
AROUND THE COUNTY
Other St. Lucie County development activities and approvals
include the new Publix Supermarket at Taylor Creek, on U.S.
1 near the North Causeway Bridge, currently being constructed
to replace the older one. Publix at Indrio Commons has received
site plan approval to construct a 48,837-square-foot grocery
store with 6,000 square feet of ancillary retail and associated site
improvements, located at the corner of Indrio Road and Emerson
Avenue. At the Kings Highway Industrial Park, an Amazon delivery
center will operate a 52,826-square-foot facility to support
Amazon order fulfillments and the growing volume of customer
orders that will provide job opportunities for about 200 people.
Indian River State College is developing a new aviation and marine
training program. Aviator College received approval to complete a
17,500-square-foot expansion of its campus at the Treasure Coast
International Airport and Business Park. The Sunshine Kitchen and
Food Incubator was completed and encompasses a 9,884-squarefoot
commercial shared kitchen for start-up food entrepreneurs.
The kitchen offers rental space and packaging services to personal
chefs, bakers, caterers, mobile food service operators and specialty
food producers wanting to advance their businesses.
HOME DEVELOPMENT
On Emerson Avenue, just north of Indrio Road, Adams Homes
has re-started the long stalled Waterstone Community offering
five single-family models from the $240s. Ryan Homes has started
construction on Carriage Pointe, affordable luxury single-story
homes from the upper $100s, in a secluded, yet convenient location
just south of Edwards Road and directly west of Selvitz Road.
LGI Homes’ newest community of Celebration Pointe, located
on Jenkins Road, just south of Orange Avenue, will feature two-,
three- and four-bedroom townhomes from the upper $100s.
Audubon Development will begin negotiations with the City
of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency to see
a proposed $85 million project, named King’s Landing, at the H.D.
King site in downtown. The concept includes construction of a
hotel, condominiums and retail. As yet, there is no deadline for
completion.
By combining the charm of ‘Old Florida’ and future visions, Fort
Pierce and the rest of the Treasure Coast will continue to see positive
growth for businesses and residents. v
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