🌅 🗣️ Causeway Cove Fight Isn’t Over Yet

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday! And we’ve made it to the end of another week, which is always a win. I just want to say thank you for reading. The referrals have been going crazy lately and that’s entirely thanks to you all for sharing with friends. So thank you. Now, onward with today’s news.

Alright…

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🌡️ Weather Update: Summer heat in full swing

☀️ Day: High of 91°F | ☀️ Plenty of sunshine with SSE winds at 10–15 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 72°F | 🌤️ A few passing clouds, otherwise calm and clear.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:31 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 8:03 PM
🌖 Moonrise at 11:57 PM | Moonset at 9:19 AM
🎵 Sounds like: “Call Me” by Aretha Franklin ☀️💭

🧱 Main Squeeze
Can the Causeway Cove Project Still Be Stopped?

So here’s the question: if state law says Fort Pierce can’t say no, then what, if anything, could still stop the Causeway Cove high-rise project from going through?

We’re starting to get some answers.

Yesterday, more than two dozen residents showed up to a city Technical Review Committee (TRC) meeting, which, to be clear, wasn’t even a public hearing. These meetings are usually pretty quiet, but Causeway Cove brought folks out. People are concerned about the scale of this project: five buildings, 17 stories tall, over 1,000 apartments, plus hotel rooms, retail space, and a 200-slip marina. And it’s all using the Live Local Act to bypass normal zoning limits.

📬 A Sunland reader named Scott emailed me to share a key point: one of the only potential blocks to the development might be a traffic study. According to the city, if a required traffic review shows that road improvements are necessary and if the developer refuses to make them, the application could be denied.

🛣️ Translation: the bridge, the roadways, the traffic patterns, if they can't handle the impact, and no one steps up to fix them, the project could get halted. The city says they’re expecting the necessary documents within the next 30 days. We’ll see.

💬 Why this matters:
For many residents, this isn’t just about the height. It’s about density, evacuation safety, environmental impact, and local control. And while the Live Local Act limits how cities can respond, these traffic and infrastructure studies might be the only levers left.

📅 The next TRC meeting is tentatively set for June 26.

🗣️ Want to weigh in or stay in the loop?

• You can view official updates here.

• Or share your thoughts with the city via email or this community form.

🍊 The Press Round: Means, Mimms, and More

🎭 Petition Launched to Save Centennial’s Theater Program

A new petition is calling on St. Lucie West Centennial High School to reverse course on possibly shuttering its drama program. Supporters argue that instead of replacing the outgoing instructor, the school is advising students to transfer if they want to pursue theater. Over 380 signatures have been gathered so far, with advocates emphasizing the critical role of the arts in student development and well-being.

👉 Read the Petition

⚖️ Mimms Trial Delayed Again

The felony case against former Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms has been delayed for a third time. A new docket call is set for Sept. 30, as defense attorneys continue witness depositions. Mimms faces charges of bid rigging and official misconduct tied to a $500,000 grant project that never materialized.

👉 Get the Full Update

🏚️ Means Court Tensions Boil Over

Fort Pierce commissioners voiced concern this week over the long-closed Means Court building leased to Incubate Neighborhood Center. City funds and grants have gone toward the facility, but unresolved fire code violations and stalled renovations have kept it shuttered for over a year. Officials now say the issue is at a “high boil.”

👉 Read What’s at Stake

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🎉Events: Top 5 Clicked Events For The Week!

Friday, May 16

• 🩰 Ballet Vero Beach and IRSC Present: Young and Cool – A special performance spotlighting fresh choreography and rising talent at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center. | Friday, May 16 | 7 PM | Free–Varies | Details

• 🛍️ Outdoor Market at Jensen Beach Campus – Stroll by the water while supporting local vendors at this weekly open-air market. | Friday, May 16 | 4 PM–7 PM | Free | Details

Saturday, May 17

• 🌳 Community Day – Free tree giveaway, family fun, and city services on site at Rotary Park in Fort Pierce. | Saturday, May 17 | 10 AM–2 PM | Free | Details

• 🧹 Operation Restoring the Village – Community cleanup + celebration in Fort Pierce’s Lincoln Park. | Saturday, May 17 | 7 AM | Free | Details

• 🪘 Tribal Rhythms at the River – House music and sunset vibes return to the Riverwalk. Featuring DJ sets, a volleyball net, grill station, and more. | Saturday, May 17 | 1 PM–7:30 PM | Free | Details

  👉 Want more events like these? 
  Check out the full list at events.sunland.news

💧 The Last Drop: Growth is not Cheap

1. 💳 PSL Ranked Among Best for Paying Off Debt

   Port St. Lucie placed 45th out of 182 U.S. cities for household debt payoff, according to WalletHub. 👉 See the Rankings

2. 🚱 Florida Set to Ban Fluoride in Tap Water

   Starting July 1, fluoride will no longer be allowed in Florida’s public water systems. The second state in the nation to do so. 👉 Read More

3. ❤️ Tradition Heart Sculpture Nears Completion

   Fencing is coming down, concrete is being poured, and nearby restaurants are open. 👉 Get the Update

📸 This is Sunland: Photo for the Road!

See you Monday! With Love…

Ja’Min

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