FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced a $2.7 million grant for the city of Fort Pierce to improve infrastructure.
Speaking at 2nd Street Bistro, DeSantis said the money comes from Florida's Job Growth Grant Fund and will be used to redevelop the 8-acre King's Landing site, just north of the downtown area.
"These public infrastructure improvements will help this area attract new businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and even a full-service hotel," DeSantis said.
Back in February, city commissioners approved the $140 million development that will feature a Marriott hotel, several restaurants and retail stores, plus an additional 114 residences.
The funding will be used to reconstruct aging utility infrastructure, reconstruct a portion of Indian River Drive, make pedestrian safety enchantments, and improve the Moores Creek Bridge.
DeSantis said the project will attract around 1,300 jobs to Fort Pierce and have a fiscal impact of more than $5 million.
"If you can provide an underlying support for infrastructure, then the economy and all this stuff had an opportunity to really grow," DeSantis said.
Second Street in downtown Fort Pierce buzzes with new retail shops and restaurants. But when 2nd Street Bistro opened 10 years ago, Jeff Groth said it was a very different scene.
"I know when I first came on board, I remember looking out this front door here and, no lie, saw a tumbleweed rolling down the street," Groth said.
Tuesday, the restaurant played host to an announcement from DeSantis.
"We’re bullish on St. Lucie County as a whole. We think Fort Pierce is a great spot. I think this is going to help the area blossom," DeSantis said.
The governor announced a $2.7 million grant to the city of Fort Pierce for infrastructure improvements.
"We know we’re a beautiful city, but with these improvements, everyone is going to know we’re a beautiful city," Mayor Linda Hudson said.
The grant will allow the city to do a number of things, including making improvements to a stretch of Indian River Drive right next to the massive King's Landing development underway.
Because of its location, the King's Landing project is almost an extension of Fort Pierce's downtown.
King's Landing is a nearly $145 million plan with retail, restaurants, 114 homes, and a 140-room hotel.
City and state leaders tout public works will help attract new businesses, and for those currently in business, the more the merrier.
"More restaurants the better. Competition never hurt us," Groth said.