Residents of Fort Pierce voiced urgent concerns about gun violence during a recent city commission meeting, highlighting a troubling pattern of gunshots in their neighborhoods. One resident recounted a harrowing experience of hearing gunfire at 4:52 AM, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the escalating violence. The individual criticized the current response from law enforcement, noting that despite multiple 911 calls, there seemed to be no effective strategy in place to combat the issue. They urged city officials to consider implementing ShotSpotter technology, which could help pinpoint gunfire locations and improve response times.

City Manager Miss Cox acknowledged the challenges faced by the city, particularly in the wake of a new enterprise permitting and licensing software that has caused confusion among residents and business owners. She reported that the city is working on an appointment system to alleviate the burden on staff and improve service delivery.

The meeting also addressed ongoing issues with solid waste collection, with Miss Cox revealing that two garbage trucks had been out of service, leading to delays in pickups. The city is extending pickup hours and encouraging residents to leave their bins out until they are collected. Public works staff were commended for their dedication, with commissioners noting their efforts to manually collect trash during equipment failures.

Commissioners expressed their commitment to enhancing public safety through technology investments for law enforcement. They reassured residents that the commission has consistently supported requests from the police department for additional resources to combat crime.

The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in upcoming cleanup efforts scheduled for September 28, aimed at fostering civic pride and improving the city’s image. Commissioners emphasized the importance of collaboration between city officials and residents to create a safer and cleaner Fort Pierce.