- Established 1980 -

OUR MISSION

The purpose of the Club is to promote safe boating and associated activities for power and sailing craft, and to participate in community activities deemed to be of benefit to the community at large.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2026

Statement Regarding the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Lease

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club believes it is important that the full history and circumstances surrounding its lease of the clubhouse at 700 N. Indian River Drive be understood.

The annual lease payment tells only a small part of the story. The greater value lies in the stewardship of the property and the many ways the Fort Pierce Yacht Club has given back to the community.

The original lease was established with St. Lucie County more than 40 years ago, long before the City of Fort Pierce assumed responsibility for the agreement in 2008. The current City administration inherited a longstanding arrangement that has been in place for decades.

While much attention has been given to the $10 annual lease payment, that figure does not reflect the full financial arrangement or the Club's contributions. Since the beginning of the lease, neither the City nor the County has incurred the costs of building, insuring, maintaining, repairing, or improving the clubhouse and grounds. Those responsibilities have been assumed by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, an entirely volunteer-run, nonprofit organization.

The clubhouse itself was completed in 1986 and built and paid for through the contributions of Club members, many of whom also volunteered their time and labor during its construction. Over the years, members have continued to invest their own resources and countless volunteer hours into maintaining and improving the facility.

The lease also provides the City with use of the clubhouse for up to 100 days annually at no cost. In addition, the facility has been made available to government agencies and nonprofit organizations, often at little or no cost.

For more than four decades, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club has been about much more than boating. Its members have supported youth boating education, swimming and sailing programs, community events, charitable organizations, and longstanding local traditions, including the Fourth of July Patriotic Boat Parade and St. Lucie County Christmas Boat Parade.

The Club recognizes that City Commissioners and the Mayor have a responsibility to ensure that City-owned properties are managed in the best interests of the public. We appreciate their willingness to examine the existing arrangement, ask questions, and consider the options available. The Club has always welcomed City leadership to its events and activities, including programs such as Chart Your Course, where local officials have had the opportunity to see firsthand the Club's community involvement and the programs it supports.

The Club also respects the City's responsibility to evaluate its properties and follow all applicable laws, procurement requirements, and established procedures. We recognize the importance of a fair and transparent process and will respect whatever process the City determines is appropriate.

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club is currently gathering the financial information and supporting documentation requested by the City and will continue to provide the requested materials as part of this lawful and transparent process.

We appreciate the opportunity to share the Club's history and contributions with the community. Our hope is that the full value of the Club's longstanding community involvement, private investment, and volunteer service will be considered as the City moves forward.

Fort Pierce Yacht Club

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Click HERE to find out more about the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation programs and donations

Located in the Heart of Downtown Fort Pierce...

... on the Southeast corner of Seaway Drive and Indian River Drive in picturesque Fort Pierce, Florida, our club is home to some of the area's most knowledgeable boaters. Whether you are new to boating or are a seasoned yachtsman, you will find something exciting to do at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. 

A True Boater's Power, Sail & Social Club

Our love of boating brings us together for a myriad of activities...

Our club members are active socially, both in the community and on the water. We take great pride in promoting good seamanship, safe cruising practices and have a commitment to protecting the Florida Atlantic and the Indian River Lagoon marine environments. We are a true boaters Yacht club that welcome newcomers and salty dogs alike.

There's Always Something Going On