On Florida’s southeast Atlantic Coast, the Port of Fort Pierce is a deepwater seaport, made possible through the construction of the Fort Pierce Inlet (a federally maintained inlet).
The Port of Fort Pierce has been unique among Florida ports in that it has historically been a working waterfront, with most of the land owned by private entities.
In its early years, the port thrived, first as a hub for coastwise shipping, then international shipping of Florida citrus and produce. During World War II, the Port was converted to a U.S. Navy base before finally establishing itself as a shipping hub to the Bahamas. Because of shifting markets, however, the once-bustling cargo facility fell into stagnation.
That changed in January 2018, when St. Lucie County acquired the Indian River Terminal to transform it from a dated cargo facility to a purpose-built shipyard for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of mega yachts and large sailing vessels. Derecktor Shipyards began their operation in 2019 and added the world’s largest mobile boat hoist a year later. With continuing investments, the decades-old cargo terminal continues to be transformed into a full-service mega-yacht facility.
With the Port terminal now being utilized, the County has begun to pursue the development of Harbour Pointe Park, its +/- 26-acre site that hopes to provide both recreational and marine commercial elements that complement the Port of Fort Pierce’s long-term vision. This park will eventually support the County’s vibrant artificial reef program, its commercial fishing heritage, a much-needed public boat ramp, and other marine commercial elements.
Together, Derecktor (Fort Pierce) and Harbour Pointe Park Development could be the catalyst for the future development of the large tracts of waterfront property that remain undeveloped and in private ownership. Facilities for small cruise ships, fast ferries, niche marine operations, the state’s space program, or the manufacturing/import/export of yachts have been discussed as possible opportunities for the modern Port of Fort Pierce.
Goals & Objectives
- Complete design plans for Avenue M, connecting N. 2nd St. to Harbour Pointe Park, allowing for the future development of the park.
Current or Planned Investments
- ACQUISITION OF KEY PROPERTIES
Capital investments on infrastructure and the acquisition of adjacent parcels critical to the development of the Port. - HARBOUR POINTE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Outlined in the 2020 Port Master Plan, this initiative includes enhanced stormwater management, educational concepts, a public boat ramp, commercial fishing, and other marine commercial and recreational components. - REGIONAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
Updating existing and establishing new stormwater management infrastructure, including the land acquisition, design, and construction. - TERMINAL IMPROVEMENTS
Includes pavement and drainage improvements. - MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Accomplishments
- Acquisition of the former Indian River (Cargo) Terminal
- Selection of Derecktor Shipyards, Inc. to operate the former Indian River Terminal for the operation and development of megayacht maintenance, refit, overhaul facility.
- Demolition of the 50+ year-old citrus packing house to provide critical uplands space for megayacht MRO.
Hinterland
St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Highlands, Hendry, Glades and Martin counties.
Mission
Broaden and strengthen the economic base of the regional community by providing adequate infrastructure and development processes for mixed-use port development.