State representative says Causeway Cove project may violate Fort Pierce rules; urges city review

Representative Dana Trabulsi, who represents Fort Pierce in Tallahassee, told the City Commission on Aug. 3 that the Causeway Cove proposal "is not in compliance" with the city's land development regulations and the Live Local Act. Trabulsi said the site "is stated to contain approximately 42 acres, including plus or minus 18 acres of uplands and 24 acres of submerged land," and flagged a mapping "Scribner's error" that could affect what parts of the parcel are subject to the state law.

Trabulsi listed local projects she helped secure in the recent state budget and then turned to Causeway Cove, urging the commission and city attorney to instruct the planning director to notify the applicant and owner that the project's approval "is hereby administratively rescinded," or to file an appeal under code section 125-34. She recommended the city engage outside land‑use counsel "for expertise in land use law and SB 102 Live Local Act on behalf of the city's interest in this project."

Commissioners and members of the public responded with concerns about scale, affordability and environmental impacts. One resident said rents in the development would "be renting for approximately $3,000 per month," which the speaker called out as unaffordable for Fort Pierce. Another commissioner warned of traffic and evacuation issues on barrier islands and asked for time to review Trabulsi's report.

Mayor Hudson and other commissioners said they appreciated Trabulsi's "homework" and asked staff to follow up. The mayor stressed the need to balance economic development with community character, while several commissioners signaled they would want more analysis before any formal action. Trabulsi told the commission she will hold a public forum on Aug. 25 to discuss the related property‑tax constitutional amendment and how state actions affect local planning.

The commission did not take immediate formal action to rescind approvals at the Aug. 3 meeting but directed staff to follow up on the issues Trabulsi raised and to provide documentation for further review.