How this historic site in St. Lucie County was saved from modern development

A waterfront dining and bait shop that once served as a training site for Navy SEALs was deemed a historical site during a city commission meeting Monday.

Fort Pierce commissioners voted unanimously to designate Little Jim Bait and Tackle as a "historic property" and "locally significant site."

The property's owner, employees and throngs of supporters packed the Fort Pierce Commission Chamber during Monday night's meeting to show support for the waterfront property.

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“It’s just epic to see all those people, to hear the cheers, to hear the support, to know that this is what the community wants,” Little Jim Bait and Tackle co-owner Donna Qvarnstrom said.

The property serves as an important reminder of those that once trained and gave their lives during World War II.

“This is where the military people checked into the base,” National Navy SEAL Museum Director Cag Cagnoni said. “Soldiers came here, sailors, and they trained for the invasion of Normandy.”

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Residents reflected Tuesday on the memories they’ve made over the years in the city of Fort Pierce.

“I grew up here since I was about 5 years old, fishing on the dock, jumping off the bridge, just means everything really,” Jeremiah Johnson said.

“This has been a place that we’ve come for 30 years,” Matthew Samuel said “When they were young, we’d come over here and buy peanuts for them.”

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The restaurant’s waterfront view makes it prime real-estate that appeals to developers.

“There’s history here that matters to Fort Pierce for generations and we need to protect it from another condo,” Qvarnstrom said.

Little Jim Bait and Tackle even had a petition that started on June 7 and garnered over 17,000 signatures to save the small, family-owned business, that has been serving the local fishing community for over 60 years.

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Little Jim Bait and Tackle’s lease is up next March. Residents hope the city grants them another lease so they can stay open for years to come.

“You never know what can happen with everything changing so much in this area,” Johnson said. “But I just hope that all the locals stand together and we fight to keep this place going.”