🌅🎄We're Back!

It’s Monday! and we’re back! I hope everyone had a chance to spend time with family and enjoyed eating whatever your heart desired. For me, my favorite part of the holidays is the history lesson I get every time family is around. It reminds me of two things: first, just how deep my roots run in Saint Lucie County—specifically Fort Pierce—and second, how important it is to preserve that history. Keeping it alive and telling our story is what Sunland News is all about. Alright…

Salute 🫡 to you! Thank you for all the amazing feedback on the newsletter facelift and the grace you’ve given me to take a break, it was very much needed. Your encouragement and support are what keep Sunland going strong!

📬 A Look Ahead in 5 Seconds:
City Clean-up! 🧹
Festival Lights 🎄
2.6 million meals 🍽️
Commissioner Ceremony 🖊️

Do you call it “Stuffing” or “Dressing”?

🎶 What It Sounds Like: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

☀️ Day: High of 70°F with sunny skies. Winds N at 10-20 mph. UV Index 5 of 11. Humidity 53%.

🌙 Night: Low of 45°F with clear skies. Winds NNW at 5-10 mph. 2% chance of rain. Waxing Crescent moon rises at 8:20 AM and sets at 6:32 PM. Humidity 69%.

🌡️ Check Full Weather Report Here 
🚗 Check The Traffic Before You Leave

Community Impact

Treasure Coast Food Bank Receives Game-Changing Gift Thanks to an incredible donation from Publix Supermarket Charities, our local food bank will provide 2.6 million meals to Treasure Coast families in need! This generous support comes as the organization continues expanding, following their February groundbreaking on a new multi-functional warehouse and distribution facility that will serve as a one-stop resource center for families seeking support services. Learn More Here.

🦃 Massive Community Thanksgiving Success in Fort Pierce! 3,000 Holiday Meals Served to Local Families! Last Thursday's community feast was a powerful showcase of Fort Pierce unity, with Mustard Seed Ministries organizing an incredible turnout! The St. Lucie County Fire District cooked up 100 turkeys, while over 100 dedicated volunteers served hot meals at the old St. Anastasia Catholic School location. This essential effort came at a crucial time, addressing increased local need due to rising food costs and Hurricane Milton's lingering impacts. Learn More Here.

City Updates

🏛️ Fort Pierce City Commission - Special Ceremonies & Regular Meeting Swearing in Ceremony - 4:00 PM New officials Linda Hudson (Mayor), Curtis Johnson (District 1), and James Taylor (District 2) will take their oath of office at City Hall Commission Chambers.

Regular Meeting - 5:05 PM Key Agenda Items:

• Opening Prayer by Lead Pastor Walter Patton with Flood Church

• Public Hearings including Ordinance 24-040 for Voluntary Annexation near S. Ocean Drive and Blue Heron Blvd

• Special Magistrate Services agreements with Jamy Barreau and Jennifer D. Peshke

• Safe Streets and Roads Grant Amendment

• Affordable Housing Advisory Committee recommendations

• Appointment of Clayton Colby Johnson to Planning Board

📢 Public Comments Welcome: Residents may speak for up to 3 minutes on agenda items. Please sign up in advance. Location: City Hall Commission Chambers, 100 North U.S. #1, Fort Pierce, Florida. View Full Agenda Here.

Volunteer

🧹 Community Cleanup Day Coming to Fort Pierce! Unite for a Beautiful City! Join your neighbors on Saturday, December 7 for a city-wide cleanup initiative. The Public Works Department and Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Board are organizing this special event to make our community shine!

Get Involved:

• Pick Your Spot: Choose any location in Fort Pierce that needs attention

• Set Your Schedule: Clean at a time that works for you

• Bring Everyone: Perfect for families, businesses, and community groups

🔗 Register Today

Closed

👣 Important Track Walker Update Temporary Closure Alert! If you regularly use the Lawnwood Track, please note it will be closed starting today through January 5 for resurfacing work. Normal access expected to resume Monday, January 6, weather permitting. Learn More Here.

Weekday Events Ahead 🎉

Monday, December 2

St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Art Show 
🗓️ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 MIDFLORIDA Event Center 
The annual art exhibition continues with this year's theme "Controlled Chaos."
👉 [Learn More]

Tuesday, December 3

Bluegrass Jam 
🗓️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
📍 Pierced Cider, 411 N 2nd St, Fort Pierce 
Featuring South Florida's Best Bluegrass Artists hosted by Trevor Klutz.
👉 [Learn More]

Wednesday, December 4

Ornament Making 
🗓️ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
📍 Gazebo at Tradition 
Create festive ornaments with all materials provided. Suitable for children ages 3-8. $5 per person.
👉 [Learn More]

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights 
🗓️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
📍 15601 West Midway Rd, Fort Pierce 
Experience drive-thru lights, REAL reindeer, petting zoo, Santa's Village, photo ops, and more! $25/car advance, $30/car at gate. Note: Santa only here Fri-Sun.
👉 [Learn More]

Bingo Wednesdays 
🗓️ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 
📍 Pierced Cider, 411 N 2nd St, Fort Pierce 
Adult Style Bingo hosted by Steve Fogle featuring risqué jokes and exciting prizes.
👉 [Learn More]

Friday, December 6

Heathcote's Garden of Lights 
🗓️ 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM 
📍 210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce 
A breathtaking oasis of lights celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Featuring enchanting displays, Santa visits, and festive entertainment. Adults $15, Members $10, Children (6-12) $5, Under 6 FREE.
👉 [Learn More]

All Aboard Tradition Tree Lighting 
🗓️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
📍 Tradition Square 
A nostalgic tribute to the Rat Pack and classic holiday tunes, culminating in the grand tree lighting by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free event.
👉 [Learn More]

Friday Fest with Pippin & Willin' 
🗓️ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 
📍 Marina Square, Fort Pierce 
Friday Fest is back! Last one of the year. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs for live music at Marina Square. Free event.
👉 [Learn More]

Hamilton Watch Experience 
🗓️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
📍 1680 Saint Lucie West Boulevard, Port St. Lucie 
Experience cinematic charm featuring iconic Hamilton watches from movies like The Martian and Interstellar. Light bites and drinks included.
👉 [Learn More]

If you have an event, send it to me here

Family! 📸

Happy to be back writing this for and looking to finish the year out strong! I’m just really excited for the future of Sunland and Saint Lucie County! Alright… see you tomorrow!

With love,
Ja’Min

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