The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency voted Oct. 21 to add solar illumination kits to the seven planned gateway wayfinding signs, endorsing a solar breakaway kit approach to provide nighttime visibility while avoiding trenching and high-voltage connections at most sites.

Why the board chose solar
Staff presented three options: no illumination (original plan), solar illumination kits (low-voltage solar modules charging batteries) and a hybrid/hardwired approach (trenching and electrical connections). The board favored the solar option because it avoids costly directional boring and reduces the need for high-voltage hookups; staff noted the trade-offs include periodic battery replacement (typically every three to five years) and potential vulnerability to damage or theft of solar arrays.

Cost, locations and next steps
- Staff reported an estimated added cost of about $11,300 per sign for the solar kit, totaling roughly $79,345 for all seven gateway signs (estimate provided by the installer). The base sign fabrication has already been paid for; this additional amount is for the lighting kit and related installation.
- Planned gateway locations discussed during the meeting include two sites on U.S. Highway 1 (north and south), two locations on 20th Street (north and south), Ocean Drive near an eastern approach (near a local landmark noted in the packet), and other principal entryways such as off Okeechobee/Orange Avenue approaches and medians where FDOT or county coordination is required.
- The board asked staff to confirm who will maintain the landscaped areas around the signs; staff said FPRA/public works will develop a maintenance plan and will coordinate responsibilities with FDOT where signs are located in state right-of-way.

Permitting and schedule
Delgado (FPRA staff) said FDOT approvals are required for signs located on state-controlled medians and the agency will present the necessary agreements once FDOT review is complete. The board directed staff to proceed with the solar option and to seek FDOT permits and final site approvals; staff estimated the permitting and coordination could be completed before the end of the year.

Quotation from the meeting
- “I like the lighted 1… I like the illumination at night,” one commissioner said in support of the lighting option during discussion of sample installations in other counties.

Implementation notes
Staff will (a) continue FDOT coordination and pursue required permits, (b) finalize the installation schedule with the contractor, (c) prepare a maintenance plan and identify who will maintain plantings and signage areas, and (d) confirm budgeting and vendor agreements for the solar kits.