OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH SOME GREAT PEOPLE-AT WORK-IN MANY CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND THE CITY. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I HAVE COME ACROSS A PERSON OR SOMETIMES 2 OR 3 IN AN ORGANIZATION THAT EXCEED ALL NORMAL EXPECTATIONS. THESE PEOPLE MAKE DEDICATION, HARDWORK AND COMMITTEMENT SEEM THE NORM, RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION. TO FIND A FEW PEOPLE LIKE THAT FOR AN ORGANIZATION IS A BLESSING-TO FIND AN ENTIRE GROUP IS A DREAM COME TRUE.
UNBELIEVABLE-WE HAVE THAT GROUP RIGHT HERE IN OUR CITY! FOR PEOPLE THAT JUGGLE WAY TOO MANY TASKS-THEY ARE THE MOST COHISIVE, COOPERATIVE AND HAPPY GROUP AROUND
I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH, AND WAS SHOCKED WHEN I SAW THE ENTIRE LIST OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES
They manage over 140 acres of community parks, beach accesses, roadway corridors, building landscapes and drainage canals.
They are also responsible for:
- 103 miles of curb and gutter
- 13 miles of canals
- 156 alleyways
- 162 miles of paved streets
- 5 miles of unpaved streets
- 70 miles of storm sewer lines
- 77 miles of sidewalks
- Approximately 3,915 drainage structures-that is approximately!
Other services performed include:
- Energy conservation management
- Fire and elevator maintenance
- Pest control
- Construction and remodeling services throughout the City
- Repair and maintenance of all City vehicles and Equipment
SPONSORING THE ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN UP
They manage the solid waste department, and are spearheading a very successful recycling program. I was a little disappointed that NO where on the City web site were they given credit for what is perhaps the most important task each year—Christmas decorations. Of course they do decorate the entire City-but the job they do on the beach is done with love, commitment, and a smile-pretty surprising since they have to deal with me. I have said many times over the years that the City of Ft. Pierce has the GREATEST Public Works Department anywhere, and I am honored to be able to present them with this year’s Islander Award.
CHRISTINE COKE