‘A Dream Come True’ for Ft. Pierce Seminoles

By Shelley Marmor

FT. PIERCE, FL — Upon walking in to her brand new, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, fully furnished home in Chupco’s Landing, Tammy Tommie said, “we’ve been waiting a long time… it’s a dream come true.”

On Sept. 13, after two years of planning and building, nine other Ft. Pierce Tribal citizens also received the keys to their new homes. These persons are: Margaret Wilcox, Hope Sneed, Alexander Tommie, Tanya Tommie, Shirley Sotella, Kevin Tommie, Crystal Sneed, Marty Tommie and Shamy Tommie Jr.

After an invocation from Wonder Johns, emcee and Utilities Director Suzy Kippenberger introduced Ft. Pierce Liaison Sally Tommie. Kippenberger credited Tommie as one of the three driving forces behind Chupco’s Landing, saying “She’s been with us every step of the way.”

Tommie opened her speech telling everyone that they are witnessing “history in the making.” She explained that “Chupco” is a Seminole/Creek word, meaning long. Tommie added that the word Chupco also pays homage to Sally Chupco Tommie, the founding grandmother of the Ft. Pierce Seminole camp.

Bessie Tommie, the last surviving child of Sally Chupco Tommie and Jack Tommie was present at the ribbon cutting. Tommie also said that six generations of Sally Chupco Tommie’s family members were at the event.

According to Tommie, Chupco’s Landing is the first gated community within the Tribe, and the first gated community in all of Indian Country. She said the houses are hurricane-resistant; all equipped with a backup generator in the event of a power outage and shatter-proof windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds.

Following Tommie, Chairman Mitchell Cypress took the podium, making a point to thank the Ft. Pierce community “for being patient” during the planning and construction of their new housing development.

President Moses Osceola followed the chairman, assuring those Ft. Pierce Tribal citizens that “the rest of the houses will be done as soon as possible.” Next came Hollywood Representative Max B. Osceola Jr.

“There’s houses out there,” he said, pointing to Chupco’s Landing. “What are houses? Sticks and bricks. But today you’re going to make them homes.”

Brighton Representative Andrew Bowers followed Osceola, opening his speech saying “its about time.” He also recognized the efforts of former Brighton representative Roger Smith and also John Wayne Huff.

Executive Administrator Ken Fields spoke after Bowers. He reminded everyone that they were on Seminole Tribe of Florida land, not Ft. Pierce, Fla. land.

“Today is the opening of our sixth reservation,” Fields said.

He also introduced the Chupco’s Landing residents to Seminole Police Department (SPD) Sergeant Jerry Meisenheimer, who will head SPD for these Tribal citizens. Meisenheimer introduced the rest of the SPD officers who will assist at Chupco’s Landing, as well as two police service aides who will work solely at the security gate located at the main entrance of the complex.

“We’re here for you and your needs,” Meisenheimer, a 15 year veteran officer with SPD, said.

Next, the first 10 Chupco’s Landing residents received their keys from Sally Tommie and shook hands with all present council representatives. The actual ribbon cutting followed, with some, like Shamy Tommie, keeping a piece of the ceremonial yellow, black, red and white ribbon as a souvenir.

Resident Mary Wilcox graciously opened her home as a model that attendees could tour. As the group of about 50 people approached her front door, Wilcox jokingly reminded everyone to “take off your shoes” before entering her home.