🌅 🛒 Costco is (kind of, almost) Here!

Good Afternoon, Sunland

It’s Tuesday! and I need your help.

Late last year, as I was juggling this newsletter, things got a little hard to keep up with. The pace, the consistency, everything. But since then, and with the hope of turning Sunland News into a truly meaningful voice for local news in St. Lucie County, I’ve been rethinking the schedule.

You might’ve noticed: Tuesday and Thursday editions land in your inbox later in the day, while Monday, Wednesday, and Friday still come in the morning. Part of that is balance, but also, not everyone wants emails first thing in the morning. That said, those of you who really read Sunland seem to enjoy the quick AM updates.

So I need your help. Just take a few seconds to vote in the poll below and let me know:

🗳️ Do you prefer your Sunland emails in the morning or afternoon? Or do you not really care either way?

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Stuart Costco Set to Open Friday

The wait is over. Costco is finally opening this Friday at 8 AM in Stuart.

If you’re from around here, you know this has been a long time coming. We’ve had Sam’s Club. We’ve had Walmart. But a Costco? Never. You’ve always had to make that drive to West Palm Beach if you wanted to shop there.

Now, it’s here. And while it’s mostly for Martin County folks, St. Lucie County isn’t far off. This benefits a lot of us. No more long drives. No more planning a whole day around one grocery trip.

📍 Where It’s At: The new store is located off Kanner Highway, and it’s big. 160,000 square feet big. Groceries, electronics, appliances, Kirkland-brand everything, and yes, hopefully some samples. Judging by the buzz, Friday is going to be packed. I’ve seen people talking about it all over social and even in the Sunland inbox.

📈 The Hype Is Real: According to WPTV, more than 5,000 new members signed up in the last two weeks. That doesn’t even count all the folks who already had memberships and were just waiting for a closer location to open.

For context, the average Costco store has around 12,000 to 13,000 members. So to hit 5,000 new signups before the doors even open is wild.

💸 But There’s a Catch: Not everyone’s cheering. Over at TC Palm, they dropped a story about how Costco might actually push grocery prices up at nearby stores.

Studies show that when a Costco opens, smaller grocers don’t try to compete by lowering prices. Instead, they often raise them and lean into premium offerings.

📊 A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that grocery prices go up 1.4% in the short run and 2.7% over time after a new Costco opens.

While you might save on bulk paper towels, it could mean higher prices on produce or eggs at the store down the street.

🛒 Not Everyone’s Worried: Edith’s Farmers Market in Martin County told TC Palm they’re not sweating it. They even picked up a Costco membership for themselves.

💬 Why It Matters: Costco is a major player. When something this big drops into a region like ours, it doesn’t just shift where people shop. It shifts how people shop. What they expect. Where they spend.

We’ve already got a Costco distribution center right here in St. Lucie. Now we’ve got the store just next door. That’s a big deal.

🗣 Your Turn: Are you planning to check it out this weekend? Already a member? Not into it at all? Let me know what you think: Leave your take

📎 More Coverage:

• TC Palm analysis

• WPTV preview

🥳 What’s Happening: Out of Town Events!

Thursday, April 24

🎺 Outdoor Jazz & Classic Cars at Riverside Theatre – Jazz under the oaks in Vero Beach with food, drinks, and cool cars. | 5:30 PM–8 PM | Free | Details

Friday, April 25

🎤 Art After Dark: Poetry Night at Norton Museum – Live poetry, art, workshops, and gallery access after dark. | 5 PM–10 PM | $5–$10 | Details

Saturday, April 26

• 🎨 BYOB Girls Night! – Gather your girls for a creative night at Stuart Ceramics. BYOB, bring snacks, and paint your masterpiece. | 6 PM–9 PM | Free | Details

• 👒 PSLBW Fashion Show 2025 – Hats, Heels & Southern Feels takes over Harbour Ridge with raffles, lunch, and Derby Day flair. | 11 AM | Paid | Details

• 🎶 Reggae on the Rooftop – Vibe high at Canopy West Palm with rooftop reggae from Brothers United Band. | 7 PM–11 PM | Paid | Details

• 🧘 Buddha’s Birthday Mindfulness Art Festival – Celebrate with vegetarian food, art, meditation & cultural performances. | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM | Free | Details

• 🎷 A Night of Jazz – Smooth jazz melodies with the PBA Jazz Ensemble and singers. | 7:30 PM–9 PM | Free–$15 | Details

• 🌎 Earth Day Art Farm Cleanup – Volunteer in downtown Stuart with art, gardening, music, and local food vendors. | 9 AM–4 PM | Free | Details

Sunday, April 27

• 🎷 Sunday Jazz in the Park! – End the season with a live jazz concert hosted by Charles Jones in Stuart. | 4 PM–7 PM | Free | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Around the Corner & Across the State

1. 🧯 Engine Fire on Orlando Flight A Delta flight departing Orlando had to be evacuated after an engine fire. No injuries reported. Read more

2. 📉 Florida Migration Slows Redfin says Florida’s population growth is slowing, especially in cities like Tampa and Miami. Full report

3. 🎮 FIFA Wants Volunteers Want to be part of the 2025 Club World Cup? FIFA is now accepting volunteer applications in South Florida. Sign up

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