A local company that generously gives back to the community is in jeopardy of losing its contract with the City of Fort Pierce to an out-of-town bidder.
For more than 20 years, Dunn’s Tractor Service has served the City of Fort Pierce through a contract to mow the city’s right of ways, canals, and parks.
The company’s owner, Howard Dunn Jr., a Fort Pierce native, started the company 43 years ago and is committed to preserving the beauty of the lands in his hometown. “I care for the city’s property as if it were my own,” Dunn said. “Keeping this city beautiful is my top priority.”
And when Dunn isn’t caring for the city’s land, he’s caring for the community’s youth. Howard generously supports needy kids through his non-profit organization Dunn’s Kids Foundation.
Each year, Dunn’s Kids Foundation provides kids with school backpacks in August, Christmas presents in December, and school lunches year-round. He regularly contributes financially to 4-H organizations, the St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL, and the Fort Pierce Police Department. “It’s all about the kids,” Dunn said. “I hate to see a kid go without.”
And the community is taking notice of Dunn’s impact. Dunn’s Kids Foundation is a finalist for this month’s Elite Electric Power of We Award.
Recently, the City of Fort Pierce put out a bid to mow the city’s right of way, and Howard Dunn, who’s held the contract for 20 years, submitted a proposal. To his surprise, West Palm Beach and Homestead companies bid to do the job 7% less than Dunn’s Tractor Service.
The low bid has Dunn concerned. ” With gas prices high, I’m concerned that out-of-town companies will spend more on fuel,” Dunn said. “That extra travel expense will impact their service to the city.”
What’s more, Dunn’s Kids Foundation is in jeopardy of losing funding, and kids across St. Lucie County will have to find alternatives to pay for school lunches.
Howard says,” If you want the job DUNN right, support a local business that supports the community.”
Dunn urges Fort Pierce residents to call the city manager’s office at (772) 465-4170 and encourage them to award the contract to a local company.
