🌅🆓Coffee Alert: Wawa Comes to PSL!

Good Morning, Sunland

It's Friday! A huge thank you to everyone who supported the PWYW photoshoots—we sold out all 10 slots, which is amazing for our first time! Also, a quick reminder that Monday is MLK Day and the parade. One of the perks of being on 25th St is that we get to participate! My mom will be outside the future Sunland Bookstore selling $1 hot chocolate, or it's free if you step in and take a photo in the Sunland Photobooth. 910 25th St. Come say hi if you can! Alright…

🚨 Situational Awareness: Please note that Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (25th Street) in Fort Pierce will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Grand Parade.

📝 Programming Note: We will be off on Monday, January 20, 2025, and the newsletter will return on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

🌡️ Weather Update: Not Too Bad!

☀️ Day: High of 68°F |💧Chance of rain 30%.
🌙 Night: Low of 63°F |💧 Chance of rain 50%.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:12 AM 🌇 Sunset: 5:50 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker.

🍋 The Main Squeeze: ⛽ WAWA is Here

Quick Take 🚨
Wawa’s new location at 730 SW Becker Road opens on January 23, 2025. The grand opening celebration starts at 8 a.m. with free coffee for all customers and t-shirts for the first 100. The event includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a Hoagies for Heroes competition between local first responders, and a toast to the new store. 🎉

Why This Matters 🌟
This new Wawa is much-needed, filling the gap left by the nearby Mobile gas station. It’s set to be a popular spot for the community, offering convenience and quick service to the growing area.

👉 Get more details about the grand opening here!

💼 Business Alert: Become a Sunland Sponsor Today! 📢 

One of my goals this year is to connect more with local businesses and build long-term partnerships. Sunland News offers the perfect platform for businesses to connect with the community. Whether you're a local restaurant, service provider, or retailer, we can help your brand stand out with crafted, impactful ads in our newsletter.

👉 Ready to get started? Book a call with us today to learn more about how we can support your business!

🍊 The Press Round: 🧯Three Corners and a Fire Station…

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New St. Lucie County Fire Station

A New Fire Station 19 is being constructed in St. Lucie County. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on today, Friday, January 17th, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This station will be the 20th in the county. 👉 Learn More

Big Improvements Coming to Witham Field (Martin County Airport)

Martin County commissioners have approved a $30 million lease with Daher, a French aircraft manufacturer, to redevelop hangars at Witham Field. The expansion will create about 180 jobs in various roles, ranging from aircraft mechanics to avionics specialists. 👉 Learn More

Vero Beach Unveils Proposals for Three Corners Development

Two developers are competing to transform Three Corners, a 38-acre waterfront site in Vero Beach. Clearpath Services and The Blue at Vero Beach submitted proposals. The $249M and $195M projects feature hotels, restaurants, shopping, and public spaces.
👉 Learn More

🍹The Refill: 😉 Creative License…

What happened 🚗
Florida drivers are known for their creative vanity plates, but in 2024, some pushed the boundaries too far. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles rejected over 200 personalized license plate requests, many due to offensive or suggestive language.

The creative attempts 🎨
Drivers get creative with their vanity plates, often expressing humor or unique personalities. However, some of these designs push the limits, attempting to sneak in inappropriate or offensive content.

Who decides 🧐
The department’s Inventory Control Unit reviews all personalized plate requests. Plates that could be seen as obscene or objectionable are submitted for further review by management, who ultimately decides whether they’ll be approved or rejected.

Why it matters 💸
Personalized plates are an opportunity for drivers to showcase their creativity, but they come with a responsibility to follow state guidelines. While Florida charges an additional $15 annually for personalized plates, they also offer specialty plates—unique designs supporting various causes, available for $25 a year.

Want to see the full list of rejected plates? Check it out here. 😎

 🤳Become A Member: Support Sunland News

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. 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.

👉 Check it out here!

🎉 5 Events: Top Clicked Events of the Week, Enjoy!

Opening Reception: Florida Highwaymen at the Crossroads
📅 Friday, January 17 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Fort Pierce, FL
Explore works by the Florida Highwaymen at this special gallery opening.
👉 Check It Out!

Peacock Arts Fest
📅 Saturday, January 18 - Sunday, January 19 | All Day
📍 Cool Beans Coffee House
Featuring over twenty curated local artisans showcasing art, candles, jewelry, and more.
👉 Discover Local Art

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
📅 Monday, January 20 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 MLK Blvd / 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL (from Avenue I to Quincy Avenue)
Honor the achievements of Dr. King with a meaningful parade celebrating equality and unity. A wonderful opportunity for the whole community to come together.
👉 Don’t miss this

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
📅 Monday, January 20 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
📍 Port St. Lucie, FL
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with live music, food trucks, and engaging activities for all ages.
👉 Join the celebration and bring your family!

Skate City Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
📅 Wednesday, January 22 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍Port St. Lucie, FL
Celebrate the grand opening of Skate City, a refurbished roller and inline skate area.
👉 More details here!

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Headlines for the Road

1. The FDA is banning Red Dye No. 3 in food, years after it was banned in cosmetics due to its cancer link.

2. Starbucks reverses its open bathroom policy, requiring a purchase to use restrooms.

3. Florida ranks 2nd worst in affordability, according to WalletHub study.

4. Think Greek, a new Greek restaurant from Food Network's "Best Bite" winner, opens its second location in Stuart

5. Port St. Lucie ranks #4 in the best U.S. cities for snowbirds.

📸 This is Sunland: 🥁 SUNLAND KAI

Love this photo of Kai (by J’Qwan), a true supporter of Sunland News, an amazing musician, and most importantly, an incredible person.

I’m going to sound liek a broken record again. But I mean it! truly appreciate you all being here. Thank you for all the support and encouragement! Alright…

See you Tuesday!
With Love,
Ja’Min

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