The Fort Pierce Planning Board meeting on September 8, 2025, commenced with a presentation from architect Joe McCarthy, representing Mr. and Mrs. Martinez, who are seeking approval to build a new house. McCarthy outlined the challenges faced by the applicants due to regulatory constraints imposed by the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems, which requires a higher finished floor elevation, and local height restrictions that limit the roof height.

McCarthy explained that the proposed house would have a finished height of 34.83 feet, with the first floor elevated to 18.4 feet above the existing grade of 6 feet. He noted that the coastal engineers requested this elevation to avoid removing sand from the lot. The architect highlighted that other nearby structures, including a four-story condominium and a house across the street reaching 45 feet, exceed the proposed height of the Martinez residence.

During the discussion, a board member inquired about the proposed ceiling heights for the second and third floors, to which McCarthy responded with a ceiling height of 10 feet. This detail was part of the board's consideration as they evaluated the application against existing structures and regulations.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing development with environmental and regulatory requirements in Fort Pierce. The board's deliberations will continue as they assess the implications of the proposed construction in relation to the surrounding area. Further discussions and decisions regarding the Martinez project are anticipated in future meetings.