FORT PIERCE–The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) says unpermitted docks built over nearly 10,000 square feet of state-owned submerged land adjacent to Little Jim Bait and Tackle will cost the City of Fort Pierce $16,000 in state fines.
If the city does not agree to FDEP’s settlement terms, the docks constructed by the current Little Jim operator may have to be removed and the city could be liable for penalties and fines of up to $25,000 a day, in addition to criminal sanctions.
And written communications in January between the city and Little Jim operator Salty3 Baitshack LLC show concerns over site erosion, handicapped parking and restrooms and site drainage threatened the continued use of the North Hutchinson Island waterfront as a bar/restaurant…