Florida city agrees to pay fines for unpermitted docks at iconic bar

Fort Pierce officials agreed unanimously on Sept. 8 to resolve Department of Environmental Protection enforcement tied to Little Jim Bait & Tackle bar’s unpermitted docks. The operator, Donna Qvarnstrom, agreed to pay nearly $16,000 in fines and costs, including $5,000 in investigation expenses and $10,989.74 in unpaid state lease fees for use of state-owned waters, according to the city. The lease for the city-owned North Hutchinson Island site expired Feb. 28, 2025, and operations now run on a month-to-month lease. The city also settled a lawsuit filed by resident Keven Keene in October 2025, who said the city should not award a new lease until compliance is reached.