Fort Pierce Seniors Fear Loss of Community Hub as Center Faces Sale

FORT PIERCE – Seniors in Fort Pierce face uncertainty as the Council on Aging of St. Lucie confirmed the pending closure of its senior center at 1505 Orange Avenue. The property is listed for sale at $2.2 million, leaving many who rely on the center for daily meals, social activities and companionship worried about losing a vital community hub.

The news surprised many, including Sandy Pietrewicz, 77, a regular at the center for nearly a decade. "That's the community center that I go to for lunch and friendship and social activities with other elderly women," Pietrewicz said. She expressed concern that she and other seniors have pressing questions about the future of the services they depend on.

Trekina Smith, representing the Council on Aging, assured seniors that the closure of the Orange Avenue location does not signal an end to services. "You're going to get the same treatment. You're going to get the same love. You're going to get the same meals," Smith stated.

After the property sells, seniors are expected to transition to the Council on Aging's facility on Bayshore Boulevard in Port St. Lucie. The organization will provide transportation services.

The shift in location has sparked frustration among some residents. "That makes us even angrier. We can't have something in our own community," said Pietrewicz, echoing the sentiment of Geneira Lovett. Lovett emphasized the importance of accessible services close to home. "We live here, we want rights to do things, besides trouble," Lovett told reporters.

The Council on Aging acknowledges these concerns. "We understand the concerns, it's a change for us too. But hey, change comes, and you got to go with the change," Smith said.

Services at the Orange Avenue center continue uninterrupted. The timeline for the closure is directly tied to the sale of the property. The organization reiterated that seniors will maintain access to meals, activities, social opportunities and transportation once the transition to the Port St. Lucie location is complete.