Good Morning, Sunland
It's Tuesday! And let's jump right in. Excited for everybody who's here. Thank you!
🕊️ National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 19-25 with an Advocacy Resource Fair on Friday, April 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Dreamland Park in Fort Pierce. Survivors of Murder Victims Support Group is hosting. Vendor registration open. For more info, contact Mary Sirmons at 772-971-9285 or [email protected].
🍧 Jeremiah's Italian Ice grand opening is Friday, April 18 at 1898 SW Gatlin Blvd in Port St. Lucie. Free treat with purchase of a Jelati. First St. Lucie County location. Check them out here.
🍽️ Don't forget to check out the food guide we made! Over 230 local spots and growing. Explore it here.
Alright, let's jump right in!
Ja'Min Devon
Founder, Sunland News
🟠 Main Squeeze: Florida just removed sociology from general education at every state college, including IRSC
As we covered this week, the Florida Board of Education voted Friday to remove sociology from the general education course lists at all 28 state colleges, following the same move made at Florida's public universities last month. Indian River State College is on that list 🎓.
The big picture: The board says state colleges are now "fully aligned" with the university system, meaning students at community colleges who were using sociology to fulfill general education requirements no longer have that option. The course still exists as an elective, but removal from general education typically reduces enrollment and can give institutions grounds to eventually cut the course, major or department entirely.
What they're saying: The education commissioner said during Friday's meeting that sociology has drifted "from objective instruction toward the promotion of ideological viewpoints." The board chair called it "drawing a firm line."
Background 📋:
🔴 The state developed its own sociology curriculum through a workgroup, but professors around the state called the resulting textbook "sanitized" and said it omits core concepts of the discipline
🔴 The education commissioner removed a professor from that workgroup during the process
🔴 No board members raised any objection to Friday's decision
Yes, but: Students who have already taken sociology courses through this semester are grandfathered in and will not be affected.
What's next: The decision is final. Sociology remains available as an elective at state colleges but will no longer count toward general education requirements starting next school year.
💬 What do you think about sociology being removed from general education in Florida? Tell us right here
🥳 Out-of-Towner: April 24 - April 26
Friday, April 24
🎵 The Rush Tribute Project – King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne. | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | Details
🎨 Electric Root: Let Love Lead – A Celebration of Black Music – Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. | 7 PM | Details
🎵 Millionaire$ at Guadalajara Nightclub – Guadalajara Night Club, Fort Pierce. | 6 PM | Details
Saturday, April 25
🎨 41st Melbourne Art Festival – Wickham Park, Melbourne. | 10 AM | Apr 25–26 | Details
🎵 Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings – First Presbyterian Church, West Palm Beach. | 8:30 PM | Ticketed | Details
🎸 Chameleons "Arctic Moon Tour 2026" – Respectable Street, West Palm Beach. | 7:30 PM | Details
🎵 The Black Business Expo – Love Center Church, Melbourne. | 9 AM | Details
🛍️ Independent Bookstore Day at Onyx – 827 E Strawbridge Ave, Melbourne. | 10 AM | Details
Sunday, April 26
Send More Events Here
💧 The Last Drop: Special Session Expansion, Hurricane Forecast, and Electric Bills
🏛️ Special Session delayed, expanded to three topics – Now runs April 28-May 1. DeSantis adding congressional redistricting, AI Bill of Rights, and "medical freedom" bill. Targets South Florida Dem seats held by Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson. Senate not drafting map, expecting Governor's Office proposal. Special Session
🌀 2026 hurricane season forecast: somewhat below normal – Colorado State predicting 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, 2 major hurricanes. El Niño returning as dominant factor. Similar to last year but fewer major storms expected. Season starts June 1. Hurricane forecast
💡 St. Lucie County electric bills averaging $130.67/month – March 2026 data shows county in middle range compared to state. Interactive map tracks bills by county, congressional district, zip code. Electric bills
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