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About The Community
Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida. This diverse community, which is in St. Lucie County, has grown in this period from a quiet settlement of log huts, where produce was transported on the Indian River to a busy city of 45,000 residents of very diverse ethnicity. Fortunately, the city has still retained its peaceful atmosphere, despite its growth.
Fort Pierce today is a seat of world class educational and research facilities. The Smithsonian Marine Station, the Manatee Observation and Education Center and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are just some of the institutions established here to take advantage of the unique ecosystem. The highly rated Indian River Community College and the Lawnwood regional medical center are also located here.
The Smithsonian Marine Station specializes in marine biodiversity and ecosystems of Florida. It is a part of the National Museum of Natural History and functions as a field station for the Smithsonian Institution of Washington D.C. Top scientists and students from all over the world conduct research on marine plants and animals.
Vicinity of Fort Pierce
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At the other end of the spectrum is the restoration of some of the heritage structures in the city such as the 1925 City Hall and the historic, Sunrise Theatre, a regional performing arts center with 1,200 seats.
The newly built Fort Pierce City Marina is a paradise for boat owners. It serves as a resting point for vessels particularly those going to the Bahamas. It is located in the heart of the historic downtown riverfront of Fort Pierce and is clean and friendly place, housing a range of dining choices. The unique Tiki Bar serves delightfully fresh salads and starters, nouvelle cuisine main courses and unforgettable desserts. The marina also houses a Post Office and banks. This is the starting point for setting off for a big catch; Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Grouper, and Snapper await you. If you are lucky, you could sight dolphins too.
The Fort Pierce Inlet State Park covering 340 acres is located on the north shore. The Atlantic beach, dunes, and coastal hammock provide a lot of recreation. Out-door lovers will enjoy a hike on Jack Island trails. The breathtakingly beautiful half-mile beach is an inviting sight for visitors looking forward to swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving. Relax on the beaches or go wandering about beachcombing or picnicking. Birdwatchers also have a field day at Dynamite Point that was once the training site for WWII Navy. Anglers are usually successful along the south end of the park.
The Intracoastal Waterway is also a bird watcher’s paradise. You can enjoy the pleasures of the great outdoors as it has trails for hiking, bicycling, and nature study. At the west end of the Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, visitors can to get a bird’s-eye view of the Indian River if they climb an observation tower.