The Treasure Coast is gearing up for a massive economic boost, and for residents of Vero Beach and surrounding areas, this means hundreds of new job opportunities right in our backyard. The Fort Pierce City Commission has officially approved a major site plan amendment for a highly anticipated Amazon distribution center, signaling a monumental phase of growth for the region.
The newly approved $240 million Amazon distribution center in Fort Pierce is projected to generate roughly 745 permanent jobs in its first phase, injecting significant capital and essential infrastructure upgrades into the wider Treasure Coast community.
Located at 2300 South Kings Highway, just a short drive down the interstate for Indian River County residents, the sprawling 70-acre site will host a 1.1 million-square-foot facility. This massive center will come complete with specialized refrigerated warehouse zones and expansive office spaces. The development, spearheaded by Scannell Properties, goes far beyond a simple warehouse build; it represents a major, calculated investment in the regional economy.
Here is a look at what this exciting new local development entails:
- Phased Expansion and Job Growth: While the initial phase immediately secures 745 permanent jobs, Scannell Properties has already indicated plans for a second phase. This future expansion could add an additional 500,000 square feet and 500 more jobs to the local market.
- Development Timeline: Construction is slated to take approximately two years. The building’s shell completion is targeted for September 2027, with the final certificate of occupancy expected by March 2028.
- Major Infrastructure Investments: To ensure the local community isn’t burdened by heavy commercial transit, the developer is actively funding $4.2 million in road improvements. This includes a $3 million project to completely reconstruct White Road from a shell rock path into a paved, three-lane street, alongside a $700,000 bond reserved for a new traffic signal at the intersection of White Road and Kings Highway.
If you are a local commuter familiar with the Kings Highway corridor, you will be pleased to know that project engineers have crafted a meticulous traffic circulation plan. Addressing concerns about 18-wheelers making U-turns or clogging up daily routes, the approved design strictly separates truck traffic from passenger vehicles.
Heavy trucks traveling south will utilize a dedicated 450-foot right-turn lane, while northbound trucks will have access to a 400-foot left-turn storage lane to safely enter the site. Most importantly, all heavy commercial trucks will be required to exit the facility via the newly paved White Road, keeping direct, slow-moving pull-outs off of Kings Highway entirely.
For Vero Beach and Indian River County residents, this neighboring development in Fort Pierce is a fantastic indicator of the Treasure Coast’s booming economic health. Whether you are looking for new career opportunities within a short commute or simply keeping an eye on regional real estate and infrastructure trends, this major corporate addition is a monumental step forward for our vibrant Florida community.
