🌅 🎉 Big Launches, Big Setbacks

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Monday — and I’ve got some pretty exciting news. A couple weeks ago, as many of you know (the new folks might not), I took a weeklong break. And in that break, I got so much done.

Some of it you’ve already seen: 🚀 We launched the events website. I figured, people love the Thursday events newsletter — why not give it a home too? So, I built it. Shipped it. It’s live.

🍽️ Then I launched 772eats.com — thank you to everyone who’s supported that so far.

Just made a few updates too:
✅ First 100 restaurants = free.

And now — the big one: 🏡 The main site for Sunland News is live.

A home. A hub. A place where I’ll keep building useful, local-first tools. Because I was born here. I was raised here. And I’m still here — in St. Lucie County. And I care deeply about what’s being built here, what’s preserved here, and what people feel when they live here.

My goal with Sunland has always been simple: 🌱 To make something as meaningful as the community that raised me.

To help locals live better, feel more connected, and keep local local. If you want to support that vision, all I ask is:

📬 Tell one friend. Just one person you think might get value from any of this.

That’s how we grow.

🌡️🌡️ Weather Update: Warm winds, clear skies, and a mellow Monday vibe

☀️ Day: High of 89°F | 🌤️ Sunny with a few afternoon clouds.
🌙 Night: Low of 69°F | 🌥️ Partly cloudy early, turning mostly cloudy overnight.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:05 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:42 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Outstanding” by The Gap Band 🌬️✨

🌡️ Trivia Time: How old is Port Saint Lucie?

🍋 The Main Squeeze:
🛣️ No Green Light for 13th Street

TL;DR: The City of Fort Pierce’s request for $2 million in state funding to help complete Phase 2 of the 13th Street reconstruction has been denied, according to the April city manager’s report. This setback comes as the city ramps up other redevelopment efforts in Lincoln Park, including plans to purchase key properties around the upcoming Florida Highwaymen Museum.

💬 Why It Matters: 13th Street runs through several school zones and high-pedestrian areas in Fort Pierce, and the project has already been delayed for more than a decade. Without state support, the city will need to fully fund the $5.7 million project itself or find new sources of outside funding.

📄 Where We Found It: The funding denial wasn’t announced in a press release—it was noted in the latest monthly report from the interim city manager, ahead of what is expected to be the new city manager’s first commission meeting tonight.

Phase 2 of the 13th Street project spans half a mile, from Georgia Avenue to Virginia Avenue. Plans include drainage upgrades, sidewalk reconstruction, new street lighting, signalization, and the piping of a canal that runs near three public schools.

Despite the city securing over $3.7 million in local match funds, the additional $2 million from the state won’t be coming this year.

🔗 Get more of this story here
🔗 Read City Manager report here

🍊 The Press Round: Dry Season!

🏗️ Three Corners Plan: Two Hotels, Eight Condos & a $20M Grocery Store?

Vero’s Three Corners project just hit a major milestone. Developer Clearpath is proposing two hotels, condos, villas, and a high-end grocery store—all funded by leasing city land for $258M. City Council votes April 22.

👉 Get the Full Breakdown

🏡 No Go on Townhomes in St. Lucie Gardens

A proposed 159-townhome project near Dyer Rd. was unanimously rejected by St. Lucie’s planning board after residents pushed back to preserve their rural, equestrian lifestyle.

👉 Read the Full Story

🎓 Stuart Principal Named Finalist for State Award

Felix A. Williams Elementary Principal Sarah Tuthill is one of three finalists for Florida’s 2025 Principal of the Year, recognizing leadership and student achievement.

👉 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!

🎉 Weekdayer: MTWTHF Plans!

Tuesday, April 8

• 🎤 Tim Kyle Carpenter’s Open Mic Jam at Philly Down South Café – A laid-back jam night with live music and good vibes in Stuart. | 6 PM | 💵 Free | Details

Wednesday, April 9

• ☕ Coffee with the Chair at SLCTV – Sit down with local leaders over free coffee and pastries in Fort Pierce. | 8:15 AM | 💵 Free | Details

• 🍷 Taste of Italy Wine Dinner at Renato’s & Josephine’s – A 5-course Italian feast paired with wine. | 6:30 PM | 💸 $85 | Details

Thursday, April 10

• 🎭 Let’s Hang On! at The Lyric Theatre – A tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons live on stage. | 7 PM | 💳 $20–$50 | Details

Friday, April 11

• 🎥 Friday Drive-In Movie Night: Venom & The Last Dance – Catch this double feature under the stars in Fort Pierce. | 8 PM | 💰 Up to $20 | Details

👉 Want more weekday events? Head to events.sunland.news for the full lineup.

💧 The Last Drop: 3 City Updates You Need!

1. 🎶 Final River Nights of the Season – April 10

   Enjoy live music from Palm Beach Country, food trucks, and drinks at the Riverwalk boardwalk. | Details

2. 🌎 St. Lucie Earth Day Festival – April 12

   Live music, eco-activities, vendors, and more at Oxbow Eco-Center from 10 AM–4 PM. Free admission. | Event Info

3. 🎉 PSL Turns 64 – April 27 Celebration

   Join the open house at the History Museum with food, raffles, and memorabilia from the ’50s–’70s. | More Here

📸 This is Sunland: Sunrise! Let’s Have a Good Week!

Thanks for reading the newsletter as always! I’m off to make it even better than it was today! Alright…  

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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