By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
FORT PIERCE - A restaurant with a history that goes back to 1947 is continuing to update its look.
At a Fort Pierce City Commission meeting, a site plan to build a band shell was approved 4-0.
Commissioner Edward Becht abstained from voting because the restaurant is a client of his law firm.
Over the years, the eatery has become a popular spot to listen to live music by the ocean. Patty McGee has owned it since 1994.
The band shell will be a three-walled, 660-square-foot building facing the ocean, and will be built next year in a reserved area of the restaurant's parking lot.
"This is the only actual new structure that is proposed to be constructed," said Ryan Sweeney, Fort Pierce city planner.
Because of the closeness to the ocean and the state's current hurricane standards, the band shell will be built of materials that will direct the sound of the music out toward the ocean.
Other plans for the restaurant include more bathrooms and outdoor seating, as well as a second kitchen and a fence lining the back of the property. The renovation projects are scheduled to begin this month.
"One thing I can say is Patty has always tried to keep her neighbors happy," said Mayor Robert Benton. "In all these years, I've only had three complaints."