FORT PIERCE — Removal of the memorial plaques and flowers from the city’s Jetty Park has been rescheduled to the week of July 28, city officials said July 18.
Officials did not explain the delay nor did they respond to a request for comment. The city originally said it would remove the plaques this week, and make them available for pickup by families and friends July 21-22.
“These items, while placed with heartfelt intent, were not formally approved and are in violation of the city’s lease agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who maintain jurisdiction over these areas,” the city said July 18 on Facebook.
The , flowers, plastics, adhesives and other items “pose an environmental hazard,” according to the city.
Another option for remembering loved ones is being developed by Fort Pierce, the Facebook post says.
Picking up plaques
Families and friends of loved ones memorialized with plaques at the park now can pick up the plaques — if they remain intact — 4-6 p.m. Aug. 4-5 at the Public Works Department, 52 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce.
Plaques can be picked up in front of the streets and drainage facility. Some plaques may be unintentionally damaged when they are removed and will be disposed of, city officials have said.
The memorial plaque for Russ Ewing is seen embedded in concrete in a rock on the south side of the jetty on July 15, 2025, at Fort Pierce Jetty Park. The memorial has since been removed by Tim Collier, of Fort Pierce.
A list of plaques retrieved will be published by the city, according to officials.
If Aug. 4-5 is inconvenient, friends and families should call the Public Works Department, 772-467-3794, during business hours to make an appointment.
Plaques can be picked up through 5 p.m., Aug. 15.
Portions of park to be closed
Access will be restricted in areas where plaques are being removed from the rocks at the jetty.
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Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Plaque removal at Jetty Park rescheduled to the week of July 28