11th St Clean Spree at Moore's Creek 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 AT 8 AM

11th St Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Welcome to Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce! We are a dedicated boots-on-the-ground clean up organization that firmly believes in the power of community spirit and shared purpose. Our journey began when a concerned resident brought to our attention a troubling situation - a sprawling Brazilian pepper bush, affectionately nicknamed Narnia by the local PD, had taken over a vacant lot spanning 900 square feet. This unchecked growth had transformed the area into a breeding ground for illegal activities such as prostitution, drug dealing, and even murder, creating unsanitary conditions that demanded immediate action.

Enter Roger Templeman, the passionate Executive Director of Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce. Roger's unwavering determination was fueled by the inherent systemic child abuse, as young children unknowingly ventured dangerously close to this hidden danger. Working tirelessly alongside city commissioners and the Department of Public Works (DPW), Roger initiated neighborhood awareness campaigns through flyers and organized a remarkable clean spree event.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of Roger and Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce, we successfully rallied a diverse team of enthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life, united by a shared goal - revitalizing the vacant lot. Prior to the event, a specialized team meticulously removed hazardous items like hypodermic needles, knives, and broken glass to ensure the safety of subsequent volunteer teams.

On the event day, our local pit boss extraordinaire, Al Beltran, took the helm of the smoker, treating the team to delectable food that fueled their energy. We set up a volunteer sign-up table and designated a travel trailer as an emergency cooldown and care facility. The event garnered tremendous support from city commissioners, local law enforcement, and a dedicated DPW team equipped with trucks and claws to remove debris as our volunteers tirelessly cleared the area.

Approximately 40 enthusiastic volunteers, including members of the local homeless community, eagerly participated in the cleanup event, seizing the opportunity to give back to their community and find hope and inspiration. Not only did we successfully clear the dangerous and unsanitary encampment, but we also extended our efforts to clean the surrounding streets, fostering a safe and beautiful environment for all residents to thrive. We owe our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, such as St. Lucie Farm Preserve, whose support enabled us to remove all trash and debris from the site, including hazardous materials. Our dedicated clean spree team went above and beyond, expanding their efforts to cleanse the surrounding areas of 11th Street, 12th Street, and Moores Creek.

Through our ongoing partnership with the community, we remain steadfast in our mission of restoration and revitalization throughout our neighborhood. A few months later, Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce returned with approximately 30 dedicated volunteers, along with ample provisions for the smoker, organizing another full-day cleanup event. This time, we utilized a stump grinder to eradicate the pepper tree stumps entirely, ensuring they would never grow back. Additionally, thanks to our sponsor, St. Lucie Farm Preserve, we received a generous supply of fresh soil to establish a vibrant community garden.

We firmly believe that community bonding, accompanied by music and food, is just as crucial as physical cleanup. Throughout the event, the soulful sounds of Motown filled the air, lifting spirits and fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The resounding success of this event has inspired us to continuously explore innovative ways to bring the community together, bridging divides and forging connections that guarantee a brighter future for all.

At Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce, we take immense pride in being an integral part of this thriving and dynamic community. Our devoted volunteers are unwavering in their commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more beautiful neighborhood, one clean-up event at a time. Through the revitalization of vacant lots and neglected areas, we actively work towards restoring Fort Pierce's reputation as a place characterized by warmth, hospitality, and shared purpose.

If you share our passion for making a difference and aspire to get involved, we wholeheartedly encourage you to reach out to us. We would be absolutely thrilled to welcome you into our Stabilize Revitalize Fort Pierce family, as we join forces to create a brighter future for all.