The Fort Pierce City Commission voted unanimously on April 14 to terminate the city’s current use of a privately owned, unpaved 126‑space lot on Indian River Drive and directed staff to restore the property as required by the lease, after the owner sought a significant rent increase.

Marcia Kamon of Public Works briefed the commission about lease talks with Fort Pierce Resorts LLC, which owns the six parcels the city has used for fee‑free public parking between A. E. Backus Avenue and Avenue D. The owner initially asked for $3,500 per month and subsequently offered a reduced proposal of $2,500 per month. Staff said the city’s current base rent had been $1,350 per month paid quarterly; moving to $2,500 monthly would raise annual costs from about $33,000 to nearly $47,000, a roughly 42% increase.

Parking‑committee members and staff told commissioners there is other unpaid parking nearby (a separate 66‑space parcel north of the lot is under development) and that the committee did not recommend paying the larger rent. After discussion the commission approved a motion to terminate the lease and to restore the property per whatever lease provisions apply, with a roll call vote recorded as five Yes votes from Commissioners Broderick, Gaines, Johnson, Taylor and Mayor Hudson.

Staff noted the owner may have additional land for parking and said staff will inquire; the commission also asked staff to proceed with the logistical steps required to vacate and restore the leased areas and to coordinate any relocation of the city’s parking provisions.

Ending: The commission’s action ends the city’s holdover arrangement for the lot and requires staff to manage restoration obligations under the lease; the city will also continue to pursue other downtown parking options.