🌅 🏗️ Ethics Fine Lands in Fort Pierce

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! I ate out of a gas station last night. Well… Buc-ee’s. But still, a gas station.Somehow their brisket always hits, and for that reason I’m legit excited for Buc-ee’s to be a thing here in Fort Pierce. I don’t know if I’ve ever truly looked forward to something opening. Usually I’m just glad when it’s finally here. But this one? Yeah, I’m counting down.

If you’re wondering what’s going on with the Fort Pierce location, here’s the last update I saw back in May 💵 (might be behind a paywall): Read the story

Alright…

🌡️ Weather Update: A Florida scorcher with a soft landing

🌤️ Day: High of 91°F | Sunshine and clouds mixed. Southeast winds at 10–20 mphd.
🌙 Night: Low of 73°F | Partly cloudy skies and a gentle southeast breeze
🌅 Sunrise: 6:26 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 8:18 PM
🎧 Sounds like: SBQ Radio Show, Ep. 17 – curated by Darius, for days just like this.

♻️ The Main Squeeze: Ethics Deal Reached in Fort Pierce Bidding Case

Fort Pierce City Planner Vennis Gilmore is set to pay a $1,000 fine and receive a public censure for his role in a 2020 bid-rigging case tied to two Avenue D lots. The Florida Commission on Ethics will finalize the settlement July 25 in Tallahassee.

💬 Why It Matters: This was one of the earliest stories we ever reported on back in August 2024 when former City Manager Nick Mimms was arrested. It’s a reminder that some of the biggest stories in local government take years to unfold. And even when they do, they don’t always end with an arrest or a big headline. Sometimes they end with a pay cut, a quiet fine, and the slow churn of bureaucracy.

📚 Background: Gilmore is expected to admit that his nonprofit, Lincoln Park Young Professionals, obtained the lots through a bidding process designed in their favor. The Commission’s recommendation includes no additional penalties beyond Gilmore’s demotion and 7% pay cut.

📎 The Details:

• The city-owned lots were meant to house container-style classrooms, a library, and a kitchen

• That project never happened

• The grant money attached to it remains unaccounted for

Mimms allegedly helped arrange the bid to benefit Gilmore and his niece, Caleta Scott, a fellow city employee and LPYP officer at the time. The lease was signed by a third party to obscure the connection. Gilmore, Scott, and others could still be called as witnesses when Mimms heads to trial.

📅 What’s Next: The Florida Commission on Ethics is expected to finalize the settlement July 25 at 8:30 AM in Tallahassee.

📣 Read More: Full story from Hometown News
🗣️ What do you think? Leave your thoughts here

Sponsored: Before Port St. Lucie was even a city, the Yates family was here.

What began as a small funeral home and ambulance service in 1935 has grown into one of the most trusted names in the region. Still family-owned, still community-first.

We’re honored to welcome Yates Funeral Home to the Sunland News family.

Explore their legacy and services here.

🍊 Press Round: Growth, Games & Upgrades

🏨 Growth Is Coming to Jenkins Road

Fort Pierce just gave final approval to the first hotel on Jenkins Road, east of I-95 — a 122-room WoodSpring Suites with in-room kitchens and workspace. It’s a sign of the growth exploding along the corridor. One concern? Traffic. The road isn’t scheduled for improvements for another five years, and city leaders say it’s already feeling the pressure.

Read more here

⚾ Let’s Go, St. Lucie Mets!

The Mets are headed to the playoffs after clinching the FSL East first half title! A 7–5 win over the Tortugas sealed it, with big games from Colin Houck, Trey Snyder, and a late save by Brett Banks. Next up: six at home against Palm Beach. September can’t come soon enough.

Full recap

💻 Fort Pierce Has a New Website

It’s here — and it’s a big upgrade. Fort Pierce just launched its redesigned website with cleaner navigation, a modern look, and full mobile support. Residents can now access city services and info more easily than ever. Shoutout to everyone who made it happen.

Check it out

💬 “Love the content. Keeps us posted on local happenings even when we are traveling.”

That’s from Karen. And if you do too, here’s your chance to support it. Join the Sunland Membership and help us keep doing news the way it should be: clear, local, and made for you.

🎉 This Weekender: Fri - Sat - Sun

Friday, June 20

• 🎷 Saxy Fridays at Sweet Desires Lounge – Weekly live jazz vibes at Sweet Desires in Vero Beach. No cover, free parking, drinks & desserts on deck. | 7–10 PM | Free | Event link

• 🎭 We’re All In This Together – Sunrise Theatre – A heartfelt community-centered production by Sunrise Theatre campers celebrating teamwork, friendship, and support. | 6 PM | $14+ | sunrisetheatre.com

Saturday, June 21

• 🚗 2nd Annual Community Car Show – South County Stadium gets loud with lowriders, show cars, bikes, and sound battles. Vendors & food trucks on site. | 2–8 PM | Free | ticketstripe.com/2Annualcommunitycar

• 💃 Latin Night at Frazier Creek – Salsa, bachata, and open dance floor in downtown Stuart. Live DJ, lessons, and good energy. | 7:30–11:45 PM | Free | Event link

Sunday, June 22

• ⛳ PGA Golf Tournament – Wanamaker Course – Hosted by the St. Lucie Chamber. $200 entry gets you breakfast, lunch, and greens fee. Team & solo sign-ups open. | 7 AM | $200+ | stluciechamber.org/event/golf-tournament

If you have an event, send it to me here
Want more events? Go here

💧 The Last Drop: Final Notes & Fine Print

1. 🗑️ PSL Drop-Off Site Tightens Rules

   Starting June 30, yard waste and construction materials won’t be accepted at Port St. Lucie’s Drop-off Center, and residents will be limited to three visits per month. More info here

2. 🎨 Youth Banner Art Deadline Extended

   Fort Pierce students now have until June 30 to submit artwork for the Youth Banner Showcase and be featured on city light poles. Submit here

3. 🏢 22 Florida Companies Make Fortune 500

   Publix, World Kinect, Lennar and more put Florida on the 2025 Fortune 500 map. See the full list

📸 This is Sunland: ✌️ Before I go

📌 Quick programming note: I’ll be taking Friday off from the newsletter. Tomorrow’s Juneteenth, and I’ve learned the value of stepping back to rest along this journey, so that’s what I’ll be doing. (There still will be an events list tomorrow.) 📣 I do have a small announcement coming tomorrow about the Sunland Bookstore, and I’ll be sharing it on Instagram. If you’re not already following, come hang out here: @sunlandbookstore + @sunlandnews

🙏 And lastly, huge thanks to everyone who helped us cross 500 followers on the Sunland News page. Next stop, 1,000. I appreciate you more than you know. Alright…

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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