Good Morning, Sunland
It's Wednesday! And I need to say a big thank you to the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce for my award from last night's Business and Industry Awards.
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it, but I got word that I won an award, and I cannot thank them enough. Not only for this award, but for showing me support since Sunland News started!
📊 New thing I'm trying: I'm going to start doing surveys in the newsletter. First question: What form of entertainment do you wish was in St. Lucie County? (theme park, concert venue, bowling alley, etc.) Leave your thoughts!
⛅ Weather Update: Partly cloudy.
☀️ Day: High of 82°F | Partly cloudy. 4% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 57°F | A few clouds. 9% chance of rain.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:55 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:15 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 7:36 AM | 🌚 Moonset: 7:36 PM
🎶 Sounds like: "Love Is Stronger Than Pride" — Sade
Ja’Min Devon
💰 Main Squeeze: Major Manufacturing Project Approved
St. Lucie County Commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday night incentives for Project Orchid, one of the largest job creation projects in recent county history. The project will transform advanced manufacturing in St. Lucie County.
The Numbers: Project Orchid is a leading manufacturer of architectural glass, windows, and aluminum systems. They're building a 1.3 million square foot facility with $170 million in building investment and $140 million in equipment investment. Location: North Rock Road, north of the jail. They're creating 1,005 jobs with an average wage of $28.48 per hour ($59,238 annually), which is 116% of St. Lucie County's average annual wage.
The Economic Impact: Once fully operational, Project Orchid will generate $53.8 million in indirect annual recurring payroll. That's substantial long-term income circulating through the local economy supporting families, retail growth, and secondary job creation throughout the county. The one-time construction impact is $207 million, creating immediate stimulus for local contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
Why This Matters: West McCurry with the Economic Development Council called it "truly transformational for the county" and noted advanced manufacturing remains one of St. Lucie County's core target industries. Katie Knight, EDC Director of Business Development, said the project "significantly exceeds our community's threshold targets."
🏠 Press Round: Growth, Grades & Government
🏘️ Sebastian Considers Growth Controls
Sebastian Mayor Fred Jones wants to slow growth after resident complaints, but City Attorney Jim Stokes said Senate Bill 180 prevents making land use rules more restrictive.
👉 Read more (WQCS)
📚 Treasure Coast Top Schools
Treasure Coast schools overwhelmingly received A's and B's in 2024-25, with 41 earning an A and 33 earning a B, while none received a D or F. Clark Advanced Learning Center in Martin County scored highest with 88 percent.
👉 Read more (Yahoo/TCPalm)
💼 Stuart Finance Director Exit Sparks Commission Clash
Stuart commissioners clashed over Finance Director Louis Boglioli's abrupt departure, with three finance employees also resigning by February 27. Commissioner Rich plans to investigate potential code violations while other commissioners defended the transition as orderly.
👉 Read more (Hometown News)
🎉 Weekender: Feb 20 - Feb 22
Friday, February 20
🎶 Friday Bites & Beats – Food trucks, live music, and local vendors every third Friday at Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie. | 5–9 PM | Free | Details
🎨 Highwaymen Museum Soft Opening – Celebrate the legacy of the 26 original Florida Highwaymen artists at this long-awaited opening at 1234 Avenue D, Fort Pierce. | 7–9 PM | Free | Details
Saturday, February 21
🎵 PROUD Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner – Iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s brought to life at Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce. | 8 PM | Tickets
⭐ A Celebration Under the Stars hosted by Graceway Village – An evening fundraiser supporting food, clothing, education, and hope for local neighbors in need at Graceway Village, 1780 Hartman Rd, Fort Pierce. | 5 PM | Tickets
🏃 3rd Annual ...And the Beat Goes On Walk/Run 5K – Stroller-friendly 5K benefiting the American Heart Association at Florida Cardiovascular Partners, 11380 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie. | 7:30 AM | Sign Up
🃏 MidFlorida Card Expo – 230+ tables of sports cards, Pokémon, TCGs, comics & more at MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie. | Sat–Sun, Feb 21–22, 10 AM–4 PM | Tickets
🎨 9th Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival – Original and 2nd generation Highwaymen artists, live jazz, food vendors, and a Kids Zone at Moore's Creek Linear Park, 435 N 7th Street, Fort Pierce. | 10 AM–3 PM | Free | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: Civic Catch Up!
🌊 Ten Mile Creek restoration begins late February – Northern entrance closed, southern trailhead relocated through August 2026. County preserves
⛪ Old St. Anastasia workshop Wednesday – Community input session Feb. 18, 4:30-6:30pm at River Walk Center (600 N. Indian River Dr). St. Anastasia workshop
🕊️ Sponsored: Plan ahead with Yates Funeral Home – Download free funeral planning guide at yatesfuneralblog.com. Pre-planning relieves family stress during difficult times. (Sponsored) Planning guide
🎨 Highwaymen grave caps unveiled Friday – Public event Feb. 20, 10am at Pine Grove Cemetery (Avenue L & N 10th St) honoring Rodney Demps, Al Black, Mary Ann Carroll. Highwaymen graves
🔥 County burn ban remains in effect – Extreme drought prohibits campfires, bonfires, yard waste burning. Wildfire ready
📸 This is Sunland: The End!
Loved this Mardi Gras theme at universal over the weekend
See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja'Min
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