🌅 📦 Costco’s other move in Port St. Lucie

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday! We made it through another week and we’re inching closer to that summertime stretch. If you missed it, the events newsletter went out yesterday and there’s seriously so much happening around town if you just know where to look.

🔗 Check out the events newsletter here, or visit the Sunland events page anytime.

I’ve also been making some behind-the-scenes updates to the site. Nothing major you can see just yet, but I’ll be rolling those out soon.

In the meantime, I’m working on a little side project. It’s not quite finished, but I think it’s something y’all will actually use. If you want to help test it out, I’m dropping a link below.

My only ask: if you check it out, hit reply and tell me what you think. It’s not ready for the full public yet, but I need you all to give me feeback. Check it out here… 👀

Alright. 

🌡️ Weather Update: A smooth breeze and clear skies into the weekend

☀️ Day: High of 81°F | 🌤️ Mix of sunshine and clouds
🌙 Night: Low of 69°F | 🌙 Partly cloudy skies
🌅 Sunrise: 6:46 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:51 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “I Call Your Name” by Switch 💫☎️

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Costco’s Act II

As many of you know, Costco is having a big day today in Stuart, opening up over off Kanner Highway. I’ll definitely be stopping by to grab my Lemon Perfect waters. But here’s the thing. They’re not done. Not even close.

📦 What’s happening:

While everyone’s been watching Stuart, plans have quietly been moving forward for a massive Costco distribution center in Port St. Lucie’s Tradition area, right inside Legacy Park. Some might call this sloppy seconds if you’re not paying attention. Sure, it’s not a storefront, but this thing is big and it’s about to make a major impact.

💰 The numbers:

• $128 million approved for Phase 2

• $113 million in capital investment

• $26.61 per hour average wage

• 115 full-time jobs on deck

• $15 million in machinery

• $94 million in construction costs

👷 Job breakdown:

Costco has committed to creating 85 jobs in the first year, then 15 in year two, and 15 in year three. These aren’t promises in the air. If they don’t hit those numbers, they pay a portion of the incentives back to the city.

📉 Incentives explained:

Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County are both offering tiered tax breaks and impact fee relief to help get the project off the ground. That means 60 percent off taxes in years 1 through 3, 40 percent in years 4 through 7, and 20 percent in years 8 through 10. They’re not just handing out free money. It’s performance-based.

🏙 Why it matters:

This isn’t a shiny warehouse just for show. These types of facilities anchor long-term jobs, build out industrial corridors, and support the growing logistics network across the region. Between FedEx, Amazon, and now Costco, Tradition is turning into a serious distribution hub.

🗣 What do you think? 💬 Leave your thoughts here

🍊 The Press Round: Expansion with a Pause

🌊 Three Corners Finally Has a Developer

Vero Beach selected Clearpath Services for its long-awaited waterfront redevelopment. Big Blue could become a hub of hotels, parks, museums, and more—if negotiations go well. Read more

🏥 Lawnwood’s $70M Expansion

Treasure Coast’s biggest hospital is about to get even bigger. New beds, a 550-car parking garage, and future plans for up to 80 more beds are in the pipeline. Read more

📍 Palm City’s Bet on Nature

More than 70% of the 3,400-acre Newfield site will be preserved in a rare move toward conservation-first development. The trails are open, homes are underway, and Martin County might’ve just set a new standard. 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!

🎉Events: Top 5 Clicked Events For The Week!

Saturday, Apr 26

📚 Stuff Your Own Blind Date Book – A quirky twist on book swaps! Craft your own mystery read and leave with a surprise. | 11 AM–6 PM | Details

🍓 Berry Fest – Celebrate all things berry at The Market of Vero Beach—live music, treats, and family fun. | 12–5 PM | Details

Sunday, Apr 27

🎷 Sunday Jazz in the Park! – The season finale! Pack a picnic and soak up smooth jazz under the trees. | 4–7 PM | Details

Wednesday, Apr 30

🎨 BYOB Art Nights – Paint, sip, and unwind with friends. No experience needed! | 6–9 PM | Details

🎶 Sounds of Soul: Motown Tribute – Relive the magic of Berry Gordy’s legendary hits. | 7 PM | Details

More Events

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Florida is #1 Pick

1. 🏈 Where the Draft Picks Came From

   Florida leads all states with 73 first-round NFL Draft picks in the past decade. See the breakdown

2. 🌀 Where Storm Trash Ends Up

   Apple AirTags tracked hurricane debris from Treasure Island to scrapyards and landfills across Florida. Follow the journey

3. 🌾 Drought Update

   Parts of Central Florida are in extreme drought. Some rain is on the way—but not enough to break the dry spell. Forecast here

📸 This is Sunland: Photo for the Road!

See you Monday! With Love…
Ja’Min

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