The Palm Beach Post, Wed, 11/24/99, Pg. B1

Preservationists tout Fort Pierce's waterfront beauty

By Jim Reeder
PaIm Beach Post Staff Writer

FORT PIERCE - No one's quite sure if there will be tangible benefits, but Fort Pierce's waterfront has been named one of 12 scenic areas in America worth preserving.

The designation as a "Last Chance Landscape" comes from Scenic America, a 21 year-old nonprofit group that promotes preservation of scenic areas along waterways and roadways.

Renovation of the downtown area along the Indian River Lagoon, touted by scientists as the most biologically diverse estuary North America, makes the scene worth saving, officials said.

"This will make it nationally known, that downtown Fort Pierce is a special place.", Jeanne Hearn, government affairs chairwoman for the St. Lucie Waterfront Council, said. "It has historic value, ecological value, it's scenic and it's beautiful.'

"Part of the message is that these areas are irreplaceable," Meg Maguire, president of Scenic America, said. "We try to look at the everyday places in America.

Scenic America looked for areas that are, threatened by development, billboards or, other dangers to the existing landscape.

"A cargo port would be a colossus that would change the whole town," Maguire said. "We try to focus on such areas, look at what's possible and focus on the choices that can be made."

Maguire said the Washington, D.C.-based group will help the Waterfront Council "however we can," but right now that doesn't include money or legal assistance.

Council members hope the publicity might attract a buyer who would develop 67 acres at the port with tourist-related businesses instead of the cargo port favored by some.

"Our premise is that we can be a lot better without being a lot bigger," Bob Bangert, a council member, said.

"Its not just us watching the growth forces. It's a national spotlight."

jim_reeder@pbpost. com