Good Morning, Sunland
It's Monday! And this is NOT the last newsletter of the year. Tomorrow I'll be sending an event newsletter that will carry us through the new year, and we'll see you back here on January 2nd after tomorrow.
🎄 Event Review: I went to PSLinLights and here's what I thought. The light show was pretty impressive and definitely worth checking out if you haven't already!
🎄 Holiday office closures Dec. 24-26, Jan. 1-2 – Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and St. Lucie County offices closed for Christmas and New Year's. Full 2025-2026 holiday schedules available online. PSL | Fort Pierce | County
💜 People Pass Shoutout: Thank you to everyone supporting the newsletter! If you want to help keep this going, support here.
Alright, let's jump right in!
⛅ Weather Update: Sunshine and clouds mixed.
☀️ Day: High of 78°F | Sunshine and clouds mixed. 17% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 67°F | Partly cloudy skies this evening. 40% chance of rain.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:07 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 5:32 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 9:17 AM | 🌚 Moonset: 7:56 PM
🎶 Sounds like: "Ain't No Sunshine" — Bill Withers
Ja’Min Devon
📕 Sponsored: I got the guide, and so should you!
You can never plan too much. That’s why Yates Funeral Home is giving Sunland readers a free guide to help you make more thoughtful decisions for yourself or for loved ones. No pressure. Just helpful info.
🍺 Main Squeeze: Archie's Seabreeze Is Staying Put (For Now)
When Phil Thompson bought Archie's Seabreeze for $2 million back in September, he had plans. Big plans. A multistory apartment complex with a rooftop bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Then the community showed up.
What happened: News of the sale brought former regulars back to the historic South Hutchinson Island bar for the first time in years. Thompson says they had one of the best weekends in four years. The outpouring of support convinced him to shelve the redevelopment plans, at least for now.
Plan B: As long as Archie's stays profitable in its current form, it stays. Thompson and his wife Deborah Lally are planning renovations to the interior and outside bar areas, motorcycle and car shows in the parking lot, and more live band performances.
"We have a golden egg here," Thompson told TCPalm.
The history: Archie Summerlin founded Archie's in 1947, turning a World War II Navy guard shack into a beachside beer joint. It became a beloved fixture known for its "No shoes, no shirt, no problem" mantra.
What's next: Thompson says they're putting a lot of money into the place and giving it a good run. "Archie's isn't going anywhere," Lally said. "Archie's is going to be coming back to life again."
🏠 Press Round: Homes, Hires & Safety
🏠 Sanctuary of the Treasure Coast Getting Permanent Home
The Sanctuary of the Treasure Coast is establishing its first brick-and-mortar location in Port St. Lucie after mental health nonprofit RiteLife gifted them dedicated space near U.S. 1 and Prima Vista Boulevard. The organization with over 3,000 members has been seeking donations to replace 6,000 square feet of flooring damaged by a leak before opening the space for support groups, workshops, and Pride Fest planning.
👉 Read more (Hometown News)
👮 Fort Pierce Still Negotiating Contract with New Police Chief
Fort Pierce is still negotiating a contract with David M. Smith, the Virginia police commander selected as the city's next police chief, three weeks after the City Commission ratified the job offer. The city says talks are in the "standard negotiating process" with Smith, who was chosen from 57 applicants for a position with a salary range of $128,250 to $212,000.
👉 Read more (Hometown News)
🚒 Martin County Commerce Park Clearing Way for Fire Station
Martin County commissioners approved rezoning for Martin County Commerce Park near Stuart West and Cobblestone, with developer Ashley Capital offering land for a future fire station. The station is currently in the county's long-term plan for 2031 to 2035, addressing concerns from residents who've experienced long response times, including one homeowner who waited over 20 minutes while her house burned last year.
👉 Read more (WPTV)
🎉 Weekdayer: 6 Events To Check Out This Week
Monday - Friday!
💡 PSL in Lights at The Port – Daily through Dec 31
Self-guided stroll through The Port District from Event Lawn to Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens! Beautiful light displays. Vendors, popcorn, food trucks on select nights. FREE admission, free parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate, Tom Hooper Park at 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port Saint Lucie. | 5–9 PM | Free | Details
🎭 The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars – Tuesday, Dec 23
Fort Pierce, feel the magic of the holidays come alive on stage! All-new production with over 200 dazzling costumes, elite dancers from around the world at SunriseTheatre Fort Pierce, 117 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce. | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | Details
🎪 2nd Annual Fairgrounds Festival of Lights – Wednesday, Dec 24
Drive-thru lights, REAL reindeer (Rudolph!), petting zoo, Santa's Village, live animal nativity at St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, 15601 W Midway Rd, Fort Pierce. | 6–9 PM | $10/person advance, $12 at gate | Details
🎁 Secret Santa at Artisan Market – Wednesday, Dec 24
Secret Santa made easy, Artisan Market style! Skip the stress, let them sprinkle handmade holiday magic. You shop the perfect gift, they wrap it beautifully, your Secret Santa picks it up at 1214 Sw Gatlin Blvd #110, Port Saint Lucie. | 7 PM | Check pricing | Details
💡 Heathcote's Garden of Lights 2025 – Friday, Dec 26
Over one million twinkling lights, Santa, food trucks, live music at 210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce. | 5:30–9 PM | Adults $15, Kids (6-17) $5, Members $10, Under 5 free | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
📸 This is Sunland: ✌️ PSL to go PLEASE!
See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja'Min
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