🌅 🏠 $800 Rent

Good Afternoon, Sunland

t’s Tuesday. A lot of new faces have been joining the newsletter lately, which has been really encouraging to see. It’s also given me more time to write so I’ve been thinking about moving Tuesday and Thursday editions back to the mornings, same as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I know a lot of y’all like reading this before your day starts, and if I can swing it, I’d love to make that the norm. Alright…

🧁 Coming Soon: A Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening in St. Lucie West. I don’t know much about it, but from what I’ve heard, it’s mini cakes… And it’s part of the wave of new businesses coming to the area.

🍗 Meal Deal Alert: If it sounds too good to be true, Stoney’s probably behind it. He already does the $10 Wednesdays, but now he’s got a $5 Snack Pack every Tuesday. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to grab one today. (*Sponsored)

🍋 The Main Squeeze: $800 Rent and a Bigger Mission

This one caught my eye.

Tucked inside Fort Pierce’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is a place called The Love Center. You might have passed it on North 13th Street without knowing what it was. But according to a new story from WPTV, it’s quietly become a lifeline for working folks who are finding it harder and harder to afford rent.

The center currently houses 14 people, with rent capped at $800 a month. That price includes more than just a place to sleep. They say the program also provides support with financial literacy and long-term planning to help residents regain their footing. The people living there work full time jobs at places like Publix, Home Depot, and Amazon but still cannot afford traditional housing.

The organization was founded more than 30 years ago by Jerome Rhyant. It originally focused on recovery programs but has since shifted to this model of affordable housing for the working class. Now, they are raising $40,000 to renovate two nearby buildings and add another 12 to 14 beds. They are also asking for help from local contractors and tradespeople to make that expansion happen.

💬 One of my quarter projects for Sunland News is to take a closer look at nonprofits in the area. That idea really took shape after I attended a recent Fort Pierce City Commission meeting, where multiple residents raised concerns about transparency and follow through. There is often a lot of public discussion before a group gets funding or a lease agreement with the city, but after that, it can be tough to track what is actually happening or what impact is being made. There is a pattern of black-box relationships and quiet gaps in accountability.

👀 Why It Matters: Stories like this help paint a fuller picture of what is happening in Fort Pierce right now. They show what is possible when people take action, but they also remind us why it matters to stay informed. Housing is a huge challenge across St. Lucie County, and whether you are a renter, homeowner, or just someone who cares, these kinds of programs will likely become part of the long-term conversation.

👉 Here’s the full WPTV story if you want to learn more. Curious to hear your thoughts on it.

🥳 What’s Happening: Out of Town Events This Week!

Wednesday, April 16

🎭 Pretty Woman: The Musical – Broadway musical adaptation of the classic film. | 7:30 PM | $20–$50 | Space Coast Details

Thursday, April 18

🎭 The Minds Behind 28th Street – Behind-the-scenes talk on a new local musical. | 6:30 PM | Free | San Juan Ave, Vero Beach Details

🎶 ERA – RNB Loves Rock and Reggae (21+) – R&B, reggae, and rock meet for a 21+ night out. | 9 PM | $20–$50 | The Banyan Live, West Palm Details

🎭 New World Symphony – Classical performance at the Kravis Center. | 7:30 PM | $20–$50 | Palm Beach

Details

Friday, April 19

🎭 Wings To Fly Dance Company – A magical evening of dance and creativity. | 6:30 PM | $20–$50 | Lyric Theatre, Stuart Details

🎶 Essence of Motown – Live Music – Enjoy smooth Motown vibes on the patio. | 6:30 PM | Up to $20 | Salute Market, Palm Beach Gardens Details

🎉 Easter Festival – Bounce house, games, and family fun. | 10 AM – 12 PM | Free | 23rd St, Vero Beach Details

🛍️ Spring Market – Vendors, music, shopping, and a petting zoo. | 8 AM – 3 PM | Free | US Hwy 1, Stuart Details

🎉 Saturday Sound Healing – Gong and bowl healing journey at the museum. | 6 PM – 7:30 PM | $50+ | Elliott Museum, Stuart Details

🎉 Earth Day Celebration – Nature walks, wildlife, vendors, and crafts. | 10 AM – 3 PM | Free | Okeeheelee Nature Center, West Palm Details

🎨 Painting in the Wild – Outdoor art class with animals at the zoo. | 10 AM | $50+ | Brevard Zoo, Cocoa Beach Details

Saturday, April 20

🎶 Sunday on the Waterfront: Living the ’80s – Free outdoor concert with 80s hits. | 4 PM – 7 PM | Free | Meyer Amphitheatre, West Palm Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Trains, Taxes, and a Goodbye to Great Burgers

1. 📉 Fewer Pedestrian Deaths Last Year

   New report shows a slight national drop in pedestrian fatalities. Florida still ranks high. Read the stats

2. 🧾 Florida’s Tax Deadline Moved to May 1

   If you haven’t filed yet, you’ve got more time—thanks to a federal storm declaration. Read more

3. 🚄 Can Public Transit Keep Up With Brightline?

   Florida’s private train service is thriving. The question now—can public systems match it? NYT article

   💡 PS: You can read the NYT for free with your library card.

4. 🍔 Evos Shuts Down All Locations

   The Florida-based burger chain known for air fries and feel-good food is officially closed. Read More

5. 🏀 Miami Heat Ranked 5th in NBA Attendance

   Despite ups and downs, Heat fans showed out—ranking top 5 for home game attendance. View the stats

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