FLORIDA STATE PARKS ENCOURAGE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND OUTDOOR FUN,
ANNOUNCES FREE ADMISSION TO ALL PARKS ON JULY 13
Charlie Crist
Governor
The State Seal of Florida
Thomas G. Pelham
Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2008
CONTACT: Jon Peck
(850) 922-1600


Florida Communities Trust Partners with City of Fellsmere
to Acquire Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve
~ Preserve is the first FCT project for the City of Fellsmere ~

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Communities Trust, the state's premier program for helping local communities preserve open space and recreational areas, today partnered with the City of Fellsmere to acquire the Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve. The 85.7-acre acquisition will allow for improved public access to St. Sebastian River State Park and marks the first project ever submitted to Florida Communities Trust (FCT) by the City of Fellsmere.

"Public green space, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat are crucial in the creation of more livable communities," said Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham, whose agency administers the FCT program. "Florida Communities Trust has established an enduring legacy of partnering with communities throughout the state to enhance the quality of life for all Floridians, and I am pleased that the Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve is now a part of that legacy."

The Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve is located just west of Interstate 95 and is close to the 22,000-acre St. Sebastian River State Park. Acquisition of the property will protect the St. Sebastian River basin and wetland habitat. FCT provided more than $4.9 million to acquire the preserve, while the City of Fellsmere provided $545,499 in local matching funds through a grant from Indian River County. The project will establish a recreational trail along the route of the Trans-Florida Central Railway and protect a greenway corridor along the St. Sebastian River. The proposed recreational improvements for the preserve include a nature trail, wildlife observation tower, playground, picnic pavilion, and trailhead museum.

"The acquisition is a groundbreaking partnership between the City of Fellsmere, Indian River County, and the Florida Communities Trust and is the first step in the implementation of the City's long-term vision to ensure the preservation of open space for its residents," said Jason Nunemaker, city manager for the City of Fellsmere.

Florida Communities Trust has provided more than $691 million to local governments to preserve parks and recreational space. The Department of Community Affairs helps meet the needs of Floridians by investing in communities and working with them to plan and manage growth.

Fellsmere welcomes its first bank since the 20’s!

June 2006 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report Results

Fellsmere has the second highest drop in crimes
coupled with the highest clearance rate in the County
  Percent Index Change
From From2005 / 2006		 Percent Cleared
January to June 2006
Average of Indian River County Law Enforcement (5.1) 21.5
Indian River County Sheriff's Office (5.5) 22.0
Fellsmere Police Department (33.3) 54.5
Sebastian Police Department  0.4 20.4
Vero Beach Police Department 0.0 16.9
Indian River Shores Public Safety (42.9)  0.0
     

Fellsmere Title and Escrow, LLC Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Savage and the Sebastian Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate the Aris’ new business

Aldea at Fellsmere
 
Fact Sheet
  • Commerce Center located on 8.5 acres on NW corner of I-95 and SR 512 in Fellsmere
  • The $10 million development will add about 20-percent to Fellsmere's tax base
  • Tax impact for Fellsmere is estimated at $xx,xxx annually (GET FROM Larry on Thurs.)
  • Construction phase will last approximately 18 months and employ about 100 people
  • Construction is planned to begin in October 2005
  • Grand Opening is planned for Spring 2007
  • Infrastructure Improvements include water and sewer, and a new turning lane
  • Commerce Center will consist of four buildings totaling an estimated 46,000 square feet
  • Planned uses include hotel, restaurant, convenience store/fueling station, and retail
  • Once operating, total new employment estimated at roughly 100 new jobs*

 
Hotel

 
  • Part of the Cendant Family of Hotels, most likely a Days Inn
  • Currently planned for up to 80 rooms
  • About 23,000 square feet
  • Estimated 25 new jobs

 
Restaurant

 
  • Full service, national chain
  • Estimated 130 seats
  • About 3,500 square feet
  • About 50 new jobs estimated

 
Retail

 
  • Up to 12 shops anticipated
  • Actively seeking chain and local retailers
  • About 18,000 square feet
  • Estimated 20-30 new jobs
  • . Convenience Store:
  • About 2,000 square feet
  • Will include Fueling station
  • Between 2-4 employees