The Fort Pierce City Commission meeting on June 9, 2025, focused on the presentation of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The plan aims to enhance roadway safety in Fort Pierce, addressing a concerning trend of traffic accidents in the city.

Selena Griffith, a project engineer, introduced the plan, highlighting that the city received a grant from the USDOT in January 2023. The plan is designed to make streets safer for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Brad Davis, a consultant from Kimley Horn, elaborated on the plan's objectives, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to safety, particularly for vulnerable road users.

The plan identifies a high injury network, which consists of roads that account for a significant percentage of crashes in the city. Although these roads represent only 13% of the total roadway network, they are responsible for 71% of all crashes and 84% of serious and fatal crashes. The plan proposes 20 specific projects aimed at reducing these incidents, with a goal of achieving a 10% reduction in serious and fatal crashes over the next five years.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the rising number of accidents, particularly involving motor scooters and mini-bikes, and discussed the need for community education and potential regulatory measures. They acknowledged that many severe crashes occur on major roadways owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), necessitating collaboration with state agencies to improve safety.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize the safety action plan and seek community feedback before its formal adoption later in the summer. The city aims to apply for additional funding opportunities to support the implementation of the plan and enhance roadway safety initiatives.