Crabby’s Dockside Closure: City Leaders Acknowledge Mistakes Amid Ongoing Dispute with Restaurant Owners
Fort Pierce City Leaders Address Crabby’s Dockside Closure: A Lesson in Accountability and Future Planning
March 4, 2026 — FORT PIERCE, FL — In a dramatic turn of events, Crabby’s Dockside restaurant at the Fort Pierce City Marina abruptly closed its doors on February 15, just three days after announcing its closure. The decision has sparked a heated debate among city officials, revealing a tangled web of miscommunication and financial mismanagement.
City Manager Richard Chess initially attributed the closure to a misunderstanding regarding tax bills, claiming the city had received three years’ worth of taxes all at once. However, he later admitted that the city had, in fact, paid the taxes on time but failed to invoice Beachside Hospitality Group, the restaurant’s parent company, for its share. Chess has since apologized for the misinformation, acknowledging that he relied on staff reports without thorough verification.
Despite the city’s missteps, city commissioners maintain that Beachside Hospitality Group is ultimately responsible for the closure due to its failure to pay rent. Commissioner Michael Broderick, a commercial real estate broker, emphasized that “nobody has clean hands here,” but stressed the importance of accountability. “You don’t come to your landlord when you’re already three months in arrears asking for 18 months of forgiveness,” he stated.
Timeline of Miscommunication
The saga began on July 25, 2025, when the city sent invoices to Beachside Hospitality Group for tax reimbursements. The invoices for the years 2023 and 2024 had not been issued earlier, leading to confusion and financial strain for the restaurant. By September, the company requested an 18-month rent abatement, but a meeting to discuss this proposal was delayed until November 19, long after the restaurant had stopped paying rent.
Chess defended the delay, stating it was simply a matter of scheduling among multiple participants. However, by the time the meeting occurred, the restaurant was already in default, having ceased rent payments since September.
A Call for Change
During a City Commission meeting on March 2, officials acknowledged the need for systemic changes to prevent such issues from recurring. Commissioner Curtis Johnson emphasized that the city must not find itself in this position again, while newly elected Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky called for a “12-step program” to address the underlying problems. “The first step is to admit we have a problem,” Dzadovsky remarked, highlighting the opportunity for reform.
What Lies Ahead
As the city grapples with the fallout from Crabby’s closure, discussions are underway about the future of the now-vacant restaurant space. Chess noted that the lease for Crabby’s extends until 2040, and if the building remains unoccupied, the city could lose over $3 million in potential revenue.
Before seeking a new tenant, the city must resolve any title issues related to the property. Chess indicated that staff hopes to complete this review soon, but Broderick warned that complications could lead to significant delays.
As Fort Pierce navigates this challenging chapter, city leaders are committed to learning from past mistakes and ensuring a more transparent and efficient process moving forward. The closure of Crabby’s Dockside serves as a stark reminder of the importance of communication and accountability in municipal governance.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned.