Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Monday! and the conversation around the soccer stadium has been all the rage.
This clip that we posted Thursday of last week is over a quarter million views across all of our different platforms. It's pretty bizarre. It's pretty wild. While the deal is done, it does seem like the conversation around this has amped up.
So I'm looking to do a live stream on this topic maybe this week or next week. Look out for that.
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Alright, let's jump right in!
⛅ Weather Update: Cloudy then clearing.
☀️ Day: High of 73°F | Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day.
🌙 Night: Low of 41°F | Partly cloudy. Near record low temperatures.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:38 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 5:31 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 10:48 PM | 🌚 Moonset: 12:04 PM
🎶 Sounds like: "Are You That Somebody?" — Aaliyah
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.
🦫 The Main Squeeze: Buc-ee's Won't Open Until Late 2027, Site Plan Approval Expected Soon
What's happening: Buc-ee's is moving forward with its Fort Pierce location after resolving permitting issues with the Florida Department of Transportation. The company resubmitted its minor site plan last week and could receive approval by the end of 2025.
The timeline:
Site plan approval: Expected by end of 2025
Construction duration: 18-24 months once dirt turning begins
Estimated opening: Late 2027 or early 2028
What took so long: FDOT had to sign off on how Buc-ee's would handle traffic diverted from I-95, including updates to on and off ramps, signal timing, and road widening. Planning and Development Services Director Ben Balzer said Buc-ee's is now "fully compliant with FDOT and ready to move forward."
The project:
76,000 square foot building
120 gas pumps
Buc-ee's has closed on the property and owns the site
Building permit already submitted
Off-site improvements include extending Cobel Guard south with a four-lane road and roundabout
Why people keep asking: Commissioner James Clasby said he gets constant questions about why the county is "holding up" Buc-ee's. The reality is multiple state and federal agencies are involved beyond just St. Lucie County, including FDOT for interstate access, DEP for environmental permits, South Florida Water Management for stormwater, and the state for underground storage tanks.
Economic impact: Balzer said the project will generate "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in gas tax revenue for road improvements. The station is also expected to create jobs, with positions ranging from restroom attendants to management roles.
Next steps: The county is fast-tracking the project by allowing Buc-ee's to process its building permit and site plan concurrently. Once the site plan is approved, the building permit can be approved immediately.
Background: Buc-ee's received preliminary approval for its planned retail workplace in August 2024. The location will be near the I-95 and Indrio Road interchange in northern St. Lucie County.
🍊 Press Round: Museums, Attorneys & Beaches
🎨 Vero Beach Museum Hits $100M in Fundraising for Expansion
The Vero Beach Museum of Art raised $100 million from 112 donors toward its $126 million capital campaign to build a new 90,000-square-foot campus. The two-story facility will double exhibition space and add 1.5 acres of green space in Riverside Park, with a groundbreaking ceremony drawing over 200 supporters.
🍺 Archie's Seabreeze Sold for $2 Million
The iconic Fort Pierce beachside bar and restaurant changed hands in an off-market sale to local developer Phil Thompson. Original owner Patty McGee, who ran the "no shoes, no shirt, no problem" establishment since 1994, died in July, and her family will continue operating Archie's through March.
👉 Read more (TCPalm may require subscription)
⚖️ Martin County Promotes Deputy to County Attorney
Martin County Commissioners voted 4-1 to promote Deputy County Attorney Elysse Elder to lead the Legal Department after a months-long search that narrowed 57 applicants down to three finalists. The selection committee unanimously recommended Elder, who has worked in various roles with the county since 2018.
🎉 Weekdayer: 5 Events To Check Out This Week!
Monday, Nov 10
🧘 Outdoor Restorative Yoga at the Botanical Gardens – Relax, renew, refresh with outdoor yoga at Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. | 7–8 PM | Ticketed | Details
Wednesday, Nov 12
☕ Networking Breakfast – Hot breakfast with community professionals at Gator Trace Golf & Country Club. Sponsored by Level 4 Telcom. RSVP required. | 8:15 AM | Details
Thursday, Nov 13
🍷 Wine Flight Thursdays – Chill night of sips, vibes, and good times at Bluebird Bistro & Wine Bar in Fort Pierce. Every Thursday. | 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Details
Friday, Nov 14
🎃 Harvest Festival – Cozy evening with good vibes, great people, and treats at Olive Branch Outdoor Market in Jensen Beach. | Check time (3 hrs) | Free | Details
🎬 Friday Drive-In Movie Night: Superman 2025 – Drive-in movie at Causeway Cove Marina. Get tickets on Eventbrite. | Check time | Ticketed | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
📌 The Last Drop: Veterans Day, Holiday Lights, and Downtown
🎨 Fort Pierce releases November FPRA report – Redevelopment agency highlights ongoing community initiatives, milestones, upcoming ventures and available grants for downtown revitalization projects. View report
🇺🇸 County offices closed Monday for Veterans Day – St. Lucie County buildings including libraries shut November 11th in observance of holiday. Normal business hours resume Wednesday, November 12th. Holiday closure
✨ PSLinLights returns November 28th – Holiday light display runs through December 31st at Port District with self-guided walking tour. Vendors and food trucks available select weekend nights. Light show
📸 This is Sunland: ✌️ Sun Set Finish!
I took this at the Stuart Air Show last year, which I wasn't able to make this year. From what I read, it seemed like the show was slightly limited due to the shutdown that's occurring. So, I got in good apparently! Alright…
See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min
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