🌅 🏰 $20M park gets green light

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TLDR: Port St. Lucie approved the near-final design for Phase 1 of Torino Regional Park. The park will feature a splashpad, skatepark, and a massive themed playground. The estimated cost has climbed to 20.5 million, which is nearly 7 million over the original budget. Council members still want the wow factor.

🌳 What’s New: The playground will have multiple zones styled after nature and fairy tales, including:

Council members praised parts of the design but pushed back on others. Some weren’t sold on the castle and called out the removal of an inclusive carousel for kids with disabilities. The project team said a new accessible feature will be added in its place.

📈 Why It Matters: The city has already committed 21.7 million to the first phase, using a mix of ARPA funds, bond reserves, and impact fees. That still leaves a funding gap. City leaders say some features might need to be adjusted, but they’re focused on breaking ground in December.

🗣 What They’re Saying: “We’ve promised this park to our citizens for a very long time,” one council member said. “Anybody can create a park. We’re creating destinations.”

Another added, “When you look at Pioneer Park, that didn’t come in at budget either. But I’ve never had a resident say, ‘You spent too much.’”

🧩 What’s Next: Final approval is expected in August. City staff will refine the design and look for ways to close the funding gap without losing the vision.

Read the full story here

With heat indexes topping 100°F across the Treasure Coast, FPL has temporarily suspended power disconnections for nonpayment. The utility is also sharing energy-saving tips to help households cut costs while staying cool.

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Fort Pierce is reviewing three bids to run the iconic Little Jim Bait & Tackle, while two rejected applicants have filed formal protests. The beloved dockside bar sits on city-owned land and was recently designated historic. ($ TC Palm)

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City and county leaders approved anchoring limits in the Fort Pierce Inlet to crack down on long-term stays and derelict vessels. Boaters now face time caps, fines, and potential removal if they overstay. ($ TC Palm)

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Tri-Rail’s director says the service only has funding to operate through July 2027. Despite record ridership, state cuts slashed nearly $30 million in annual support.

Leaders across South Florida are working on a fix, but long-term funding is still uncertain.

📍 Why It Matters: Thousands rely on Tri-Rail daily. Its future affects the whole region.

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See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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