FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Fort Pierce city commissioners have unanimously approved site plans for a massive Amazon distribution facility that could bring more than 700 permanent jobs to St. Lucie County. However, the project still requires additional permits before construction can begin.
The proposed 1.1 million-square-foot refrigerated distribution center and office complex would be located on Kings Highway in Fort Pierce, according to project details presented to commissioners Monday. Amazon has indicated its intention to build at the location, with project engineers estimating the facility would create approximately 1,200 construction jobs during the building phase.
WATCH BELOW: Could Amazon bring 700+ jobs to Fort Pierce's Kings Highway?
Economic Impact for St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick said the Amazon facility aligns with the city's broader economic development strategy for Kings Highway as a major employment corridor in the region.
"You got the Turnpike right over here. You got (Interstate) 95 just down the street," Broderick told WPTV. "This spot right here is positioned to service the Orlando market, west coast of Florida, South Florida, Central Florida, etc. It is the perfect tie-in for service companies and delivery companies and logistics companies."
The strategic location near major transportation arteries makes Fort Pierce an attractive hub for Amazon's distribution network serving multiple Florida markets.
Community Response to Job Creation
Broderick emphasized the critical need for quality employment opportunities in St. Lucie County, particularly given recent economic challenges in the area.
"We're dying for good-paying jobs. We need sustainable, good-paying jobs," Broderick said. "We've had so many negative things occurring as of late that we have something to really rally around and take pride in."
Local residents expressed cautious optimism about the development. David Johnson, who grew up near Kings Highway, has witnessed significant changes in the area over the years.
"It was a lot of woods at one time," Johnson said. "You know you got the different people that need jobs. So I think it'll be a good thing."
However, his wife, Cherri Johnson, raised concerns about ensuring local residents benefit from the job opportunities.
"Because you have companies that have come and say, we're bringing jobs, and you find out the jobs are not for the citizens. They're bringing people from other places," Cherri Johnson said.
Next Steps in Development Process
While Fort Pierce commissioners have approved the site plan, Amazon must still obtain necessary construction permits before breaking ground on the distribution center. The company has not announced a timeline for when permitting might be completed or construction could begin.
The facility would represent a significant economic development win for Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County, adding substantial employment opportunities in a region that has actively pursued job creation initiatives.
Why This Matters Now: As Florida continues to attract major corporations and distribution centers due to its strategic location and business-friendly environment, communities like Fort Pierce are positioning themselves as logistics hubs. The Amazon facility would place St. Lucie County on the map for major e-commerce operations, potentially attracting additional businesses to the Kings Highway corridor and creating a ripple effect of economic development throughout the region.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
