FORT PIERCE – A proposed 2026 plan for the future of the Port of Fort Pierce could capitalize on a growing Atlantic Coast demand for mega yacht berths and the need for new locations that can retrieve and repair reusable spacecraft remnants before they are returned to Cape Canaveral by sea.

But a survey conducted earlier this year to assess public support found the overwhelming majority of the 400 local residents who responded said they do not favor an increasingly commercial development of Fort Pierce’s ocean waterfront, despite predicted jobs and tax revenue growth.

Planners said they expanded the study area since 2020, a reaction to plans to create a Harbor Pointe access road and “emerging opportunities” in building, repair and berthing of what are termed “mega yachts” and the growing need for other sites to accommodate a rapidly expanding launch schedule for government and private projects.

Officials said Port Canaveral is “reaching its operational limits,” while. there are future predictions for three to five launches daily.

In addition, the massive Derecktor lift that can accommodate and repair huge vessels, already located on U.S. 1 north of downtown, is reportedly planning a doubling of its capacity.

The Port of Fort Pierce’s deep water, space for warehousing, trained workers and proximity to Canaveral are favored features.

According to officials, mega yacht berths will range up to 700-feet long and an area 700-feet square could service a spaceport and inport/export shipping.

Several residents, including some who own property in the proposed Port Masterplan area, expressed opposition, including Christina Bell, who said her family is the majority landowner there.

“It almost appears at this point as property rights are not being respected and our comments are just being ignored,” she told Fort Pierce city commissioners Monday.

District 2 Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky said he is “not for eminent domain” — government taking over private property that it deems is in the public interest.

“But people are going to see some beautiful vessels,” he added. “The added tax revenue could be used to support our public parks.”