The Little Jim Bait & Tackle bidding process in City of Fort Pierce was officially canceled in October 2024, according to city officials, after none of the applicants met all required submission criteria. The decision, which has drawn attention from both the public and local media, highlights ongoing challenges in selecting a new operator for this historic waterfront property, reflecting broader issues similar to those discussed in recent city initiatives and planning efforts.
Little Jim Bait & Tackle Bidding Process in Fort Pierce
The city of Fort Pierce owns the land at 601 N. Causeway, where Little Jim Bait & Tackle operates as a bar, restaurant, and bait shop. The site, once a naval guard station during World War II and later a gathering spot for United States Navy frogmen, has significant local history.
According to city officials, the latest round of bidding to operate the business was closed on October 15, 2024. City Manager Richard Chess stated that none of the submitted proposals met all necessary requirements, prompting the city to end the process without selecting a winner.
City Manager Addresses Public Concerns
After the process was halted, some community members speculated that the decision was influenced by media coverage and public reaction, especially after reports indicated the current operator was outscored by an out-of-town bidder.
At an October 20 City Commission meeting, Richard Chess called such claims “misinformation.” He emphasized that the process was stopped solely because the proposals did not comply with the city’s submission standards. According to Chess, “There was never a vendor recommended to me. That never happened.” This comes as the city commission is also facing other major decisions, such as those outlined in evaluating candidates for the next city manager hire.
Timeline of the Little Jim Bait & Tackle Bidding Process
The city’s effort to find a new operator for Little Jim Bait & Tackle began with a bid solicitation in July 2024. The timeline saw several delays and complications:
- July 2024: Initial bid solicitation opened.
- October 2024: Bids were initially due but the process was canceled after delays.
- March 2025: New round of bidding opened.
- May–June 2025: Submission deadlines extended, two bidders deemed non-responsive.
- September 2025: A third bidder was found incomplete, according to internal city emails.
- October 15, 2025: City announced closure of the bidding process.
Evaluation Committee and Scoring Details
According to city emails obtained by TCPalm, the evaluation committee met in late September to review the remaining proposals. The two finalists were Salty 3 Baitshack LLC (current operator, owned by Donna Qvarnstrom and Tony Huerta) and Luigi Lucaj of Milford, Michigan.
Internal correspondence from the city’s Finance Department on September 15 raised concerns about incomplete submissions. Staff decided to address these issues during the evaluation committee’s scoring meeting.
On September 25, the committee completed its scoring, with Lucaj reportedly outscoring Salty 3 Baitshack LLC. However, Chess stated that by the time these scores were published, the city had already determined that neither bidder would be selected. For those interested in the city’s approach to leadership selection, more details are available in Fort Pierce’s city manager candidate interviews.
Official Statements and Bidder Notifications
According to city documents, the three remaining bidders were not notified about the closure of the process until October 14, after the evaluation scores had been made public. The city issued a news release on October 15, officially ending the bidding round.
Chess addressed the timing at the October 20 commission meeting, acknowledging that the sequence of events created confusion. He reiterated that the decision to scrap the process was not based on which bidder had the highest score or public response to media coverage.
Previous Bid Cancellations and Future Plans
This was not the first time the Little Jim Bait & Tackle bidding process had been canceled or delayed. Earlier attempts in 2024 were also halted due to procedural issues and incomplete submissions.
Commissioner Michael Broderick stated that all property-related concerns should be resolved before reopening the bidding. City staff are currently compiling a list of issues and potential solutions to present to the commission.
Until a new bidding process is established, Salty 3 Baitshack LLC will continue to operate Little Jim Bait & Tackle under a month-to-month lease agreement made in February 2024.
Background: Oversight and Bid Integrity
The city’s handling of the process comes amid heightened scrutiny after the August 2024 arrest of former City Manager Nick Mimms on bid tampering charges. Mimms has pleaded not guilty. Current City Manager Richard Chess emphasized his separation from the bid evaluation, citing the importance of maintaining integrity in city contracting.
Chess told commissioners that he first discussed the process with the bidding team on September 22, after all proposals had been received. “I don’t participate in bids. We know why a city manager should not do that. We know what happened to my predecessor, so I’m totally removed from the process,” Chess said, according to the official city meeting transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Jim Bait & Tackle Bidding Process
What is the Little Jim Bait & Tackle bidding process in Fort Pierce?
The bidding process is the city’s formal method for selecting an operator to run Little Jim Bait & Tackle, a historic bar, restaurant, and bait shop on city-owned land in Fort Pierce. The process involves proposal submissions, evaluations, and scoring by a committee. For more information about business regulations in the state, you can consult the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
How much longer will Salty 3 Baitshack LLC operate Little Jim Bait & Tackle?
Salty 3 Baitshack LLC will continue to operate the business under a month-to-month lease until the city completes a new bidding process and selects a permanent operator.
Are there plans to reopen the bidding for Little Jim Bait & Tackle?
City commissioners have indicated they plan to resolve property and process issues before reopening the bidding for Little Jim Bait & Tackle. No official date has been set for the next round. For updates on county-level developments, visit St. Lucie County.
Can you visit Little Jim Bait & Tackle during this transition?
Yes, the business remains open to the public and continues to operate under its current management while the city reviews its next steps.
Where are official updates about the bidding process posted?
Official updates and announcements about the Little Jim Bait & Tackle bidding process are posted on the City of Fort Pierce’s website and through city news releases. Details may also be reported by local news outlets.
Port St Lucie Talks
