🌅 💸 $50K to a Fort Pierce Nonprofit Raises Eyebrows

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday!  And that means two things: 1️⃣ My weekly reminder to share this newsletter with just one friend! (Make sure you use your referral link.) 2️⃣ A big thank you for being here.

Thank you for being here! I appreciate everyone who reads this and contributes to the newsletter. If you ever have a story or something to share, always feel free to reply to any email, and I’ll be sure to get back to you.  

Alright…

👀 Caught My Eye: A new American-style sushi spot just hit St. Lucie West—Rock N’ Roll Sushi is now open with rolls, ramen, and hibachi.

🌡️ Weather Update: Breezy by day, rainy by night

☀️ Day: High of 76°F | 🌤️ Partly cloudy with steady N winds at 15–25 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 66°F | 🌧️ Clouds roll in with periods of rain late
🌅 Sunrise: 7:02 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:43 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker 🌧️💙

🍋 The Main Squeeze
Questions Raised Over $50K to Lincoln Park Main Street

Monday’s Fort Pierce City Commission meeting had a full house—and some tension.

Commissioners gave preliminary approval to allocate $50,000 in funding to Lincoln Park Main Street, a nonprofit that’s part of the national Main Street America network. But this year, it came with conditions. Instead of updating the city twice a year, the nonprofit will now be required to give quarterly reports.

💬 Why It Matters: Multiple residents showed up to question the decision, especially in light of recent concerns over city contracts and transparency. Some pointed to the recent controversy involving Incubate Neighborhood Center, where the city spent over $100K on utilities and upkeep for a building that was supposed to be maintained by the nonprofit. That building still hasn’t reopened.

This wasn’t the only Main Street item on the agenda—another $50,000 allocation for Main Street Fort Pierce (which oversees downtown) will come up for a vote soon.

🔍 Backstory: Both groups have received city funding in past years. But now, with money tight and several lease agreements under review, commissioners and residents alike are asking for more clarity around what these nonprofits actually do—and whether the money is being used effectively.

📌 Also notable: This was the first meeting for Fort Pierce’s new city manager, and Commissioner Curtis Johnson stepped down from his board seat on Lincoln Park Main Street, citing potential conflicts ahead of future votes.

👉 Want more context?
Check out our recent coverage on the Incubate Neighborhood Center story

🍊 The Press Round
New Treatment Center

🏗️ King’s Landing Inches Forward in Fort Pierce

City leaders approved a new deal allowing Live Oak to take over the long-stalled King’s Landing project. Townhome groundwork has begun, but hotel plans still hinge on Marriott approval.

👉 Read More

🏥 New Breast Health Center Opens Near Tradition

HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital has opened a standalone breast center near Tradition, offering a one-stop shop for imaging, biopsies, and women’s health services.

👉 Read More

🍝 Amore Italian Chophouse Coming to Tradition

Kyle G’s newest concept, Amore Italian Chophouse, is set to open this summer in Tradition with upscale steaks, fresh pasta, and three unique dining vibes.

👉 Read More

Join the Mission and support Sunland News and help fuel the goal of delivering smarter, faster very, very local news that keeps you informed on what’s unfolding here.

💡 Why it matters: Your support allows me to keep St. Lucie County informed and engaged through the daily Sunland News newsletter—and sets the stage for tackling bigger, in-depth reporting projects in the near future.

🎁 What’s in it for you: Exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and other perks as we grow (bookstore and otherwise) this community together.

👉 Check it out here!

🎉  Weekender
Your Frid, Sat, & Sun Gameplan

Saturday, April 12

• 🎟️ 5th Annual Burgers, Blues & Brews – Burgers, craft beer, and live blues music—what more could you want in Tradition? | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 💸 $50+ | Details

• 🎟️ All Star Monster Truck Tour – Monster trucks roar into Fort Pierce for a thrilling evening of high-octane action. | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 💸 $50+ | Detail

• 🎟️ Saturday Drive In Movie Nights | Dog Man – Catch Dog Man under the stars with this family-friendly drive-in movie experience. | 8:00 PM | 💰 Up to $20 | Details

• 🎟️ REGGAE NIGHT - Community & Culture - Downtown Fort Pierce – Local reggae bands bring rhythm and community vibes to downtown Fort Pierce. | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 💰 Up to $20 | Details

Sunday, April 13

• 🎟️ Easter Egg Hunt – Bring the family for a festive egg hunt hosted by PSL Soccer Club at Swan Park. | 9:00 AM | 💵 Free | Details

🗓️ Want more local events?

Check out the full, ever-growing list at events.sunland.news – your go-to for everything happening in and around St. Lucie County. If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop
3 Local Headlines for the Road!

1. 📘 Fort Pierce Redevelopment Report Released: From murals to major construction, Fort Pierce’s FY2024 FPRA report is out now—see what’s transforming the city. 👉 View the Report

2. 📚 National Library Week Is Here (April 6–12): Rediscover your local library—visit, get a card, or take action to protect federal funding. 👉 More Info

3. 📅 Term Limits Proposal Moves Forward in Florida: A bill proposing term limits for county commissioners and school board members just advanced in the state legislature. 👉 See Bill Details

📸 This is Sunland
Heavenly Birthday!

Thank you for being here! Thank You!

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

📖 Thanks For Reading: How was today’s newsletter?

👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.

📱 Keep up with the Sunland News: Send comments & suggestions to [email protected] Follow us on, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube

🙋‍♂️ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe Below!