Florida city again rejects settlement offer over iconic bar

The Fort Pierce City Commission has repeatedly rejected settlement offers from resident Keven Keene regarding the lease of Little Jim Bait & Tackle bar, citing unresolved environmental compliance issues with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Keene's lawsuit seeks to prevent the city from approving a long-term lease until the city addresses violations involving unpermitted docks on state-owned waters. The city had previously dismissed the lawsuit but faced a refiled complaint after Keene amended his claims. The DEP has fined the city nearly $16,000 for constructing docks without permits and using state-owned submerged land without a lease. The current lease for the iconic bar expired in February 2025, and the city canceled lease-renewal negotiations due to the ongoing DEP investigation. Keene's demands include citywide votes on proposed uses of the property and ensuring the current leaseholder can match any new bid, which Commissioner Arnold Gaines argued may be illegal. The situation remains unresolved, with the possibility of further legal proceedings.

(Source：Treasure Coast)