The north side of Seaway Drive on South Hutchinson Island could have a new look in its future with a mixed-use development project – Boardwalk on the Inlet – proposed for the property that lies between Square Grouper and Manatee Landings Restaurant on the south side of the Fort Pierce Inlet.
The applicant, property owner Sandy Woods, is proposing to construct a “resort style property” with about 54 residential units and 175 hotel units in two separate hotels – one a 48-room boutique hotel called “Aqua,” and the other featuring 127 rooms with the brand not yet determined. Fourteen hotel brands have expressed interest.
Also included in the project is a 20,000-square-foot event center featuring a large ballroom for meetings and private functions; eight or nine restaurants; a cigar and wine bar; retail space; a rooftop bar; and other entertainment activities.
An over 900-space vertical parking area will help alleviate some of the area’s parking issues. According to Woods, the number of spots is 400 spaces over requirement. He said there will not be a charge for parking.
Woods and his family purchased the property six years ago. It is currently leased to the city at no charge except for the property taxes for overflow parking.
The owner presented a larger version of the “Boardwalk” project three years ago and was asked to make it smaller. The current project is that smaller version.
Woods is the owner of Treasure Coast Lexus in Fort Pierce and a community-minded individual who allows events in his space at the dealership such as fashion shows, meetings and other activities due to what he considers a lack of available space elsewhere for such events.
He also believes his resort-style destination on the island will bring something important to Fort Pierce. “It’s so needed in the community. There are a lot of people who come down here for vacation but there’s nothing to do,” Woods said. “Fort Pierce is going to grow up sooner or later.”
Woods also believes that area property values will “skyrocket” with the addition.
The “Boardwalk” project went before the Technical Review Committee on June 25 and, according to Woods, it will go back before the same committee to address a few questions that needed to be resolved before moving to the Planning Board. A height variance will likely be necessary. Traffic studies have also been completed, with the latest in March 2026 by MacKenzie Engineering and Planning Inc. of Palm City.
The project has been discussed with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and may result in the possible addition of an eastbound turning lane, according to Woods.
“It could possibly go before the City Council in September,” said Woods, who is hoping to be ready for the construction process to begin sometime in the first quarter of 2027. The building process, which will be done in two phases, is expected to take between 18 and 24 months for both.
Phase 1 will be the resort-use portion of the property, which is referred to as the east tower with the 127-room main hotel; phase 2 will be the residential-use portion, which will be referred to as the west tower. It will include the 48-room Aqua hotel.
Under statement of benefits in the project narrative, the “Boardwalk” is expected to provide the City of Fort Pierce with “enhanced property and sales tax revenues” and employment opportunities for over 100 positions to support the hospitality part of the project. Secondary benefits include new business opportunities and “an enhanced image of the city on a broader basis.”