The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave Fort Pierce until Sept. 15 to review, approve and submit a proposed consent order resolving nearly $16,000 in state fines tied to docks at Little Jim Bait & Tackle. The state agency extended the city's deadline by 90 days, meaning city commissioners have not yet formally accepted or rejected the state's enforcement terms. City staff have been negotiating with FDEP to reduce or resolve the thousands of dollars in penalties.
The enforcement action follows allegations that the city has been operating docks at Little Jim's on state-owned submerged land without authorization. FDEP says the city never had permission to use the land. City Commissioner Michael Broderick acknowledged the allegation on July 6.
The FDEP action is one of several legal and regulatory pressures surrounding the historic waterfront property. In early July, Fort Pierce city commissioners voted unanimously to reject a settlement offer in a lawsuit filed by local resident Kevin Keene, who alleged years of waterfront mismanagement tied to Little Jim's. The city has filed a motion to dismiss Keene's amended complaint.
Keene said he will continue to pursue litigation. Broderick said the city is planning to hire a real estate manager to oversee development decisions and prevent future situations.