Why Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce, known as the Sunrise City, is the county seat of St. Lucie County on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway within the Treasure Coast region, it lies approximately one hour north of West Palm Beach. The municipality encompasses nearly 30 square miles of land and water, featuring a coastal environment positioned in the broad transition zone between humid subtropical and tropical climates.
The area's modern history traces back to a military post established in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, which was named for Army officer Benjamin Kendrick Pierce. Permanent settlement began in the 1860s, leading to official municipal incorporation in 1901. The city developed a rich cultural heritage, notably within its Lincoln Park neighborhood. Originally known as Edgartown, Lincoln Park grew into a thriving hub for African-American businesses during the mid-twentieth century. The district is historically connected to author Zora Neale Hurston as well as the Highwaymen, a collective of 26 African-American landscape artists mentored by local painter A.E. Backus and celebrated locally every February.
Fort Pierce's marine ecology encompasses both natural protected areas and engineered coastal habitats. Offshore, the Experimental Oculina Research Reserve safeguards the Oculina Banks, a dedicated marine sanctuary protecting ivory bush coral reefs. The surrounding waters are also known for supporting a large manatee population. Near the shoreline, the Fort Pierce City Marina is sheltered by twelve artificial barrier islands featuring mangrove fringes, oyster beds, lime rock reefs, and coastal dunes. Additionally, beach nourishment projects regularly restore the shoreline south of the Fort Pierce Inlet using sand dredged from Capron Shoal.
Visitors to the area can explore a variety of cultural, educational, and historical sites. Fort Pierce was the original home of the United States Navy SEALs, a heritage presented at the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. Additional points of interest include the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery, the historic Sunrise Theatre, the Manatee Center, the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystem Exhibit, and Heathcote Botanical Gardens. Marine research facilities, including the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, also operate in the municipality alongside regional history centers and preserved parks.
The city is accessible via major highway routes, including U.S. Route 1 and State Road 70, with Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike located near its western edge. Local public transportation is provided by the Treasure Coast Connector bus network. Air travel is supported by Treasure Coast International Airport for general aviation, while commercial passenger flights operate out of nearby regional airports in West Palm Beach and Melbourne.
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