Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Tuesday! I read that silent book clubs are on the rise. I’ve never been to one, but the idea sounds nice. Has anyone here tried it? Alright…
Ja’Min Devon
Sponsored: 🍗 Stoney’s Summer Specials
Stoney is stretching your dollars and your belly. That $5 Tuesday Snack Pack? Now it runs Tuesday and Wednesday.
That means three days of full meals for under $10… in 2025. I know. Unheard of.
That’s why I’m so happy to share this, and even happier that Stoney’s is sponsoring the newsletter. Support those who support us.
📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce
📞 772-595-2406
🍴 Check the menu here
🍋 The Main Squeeze: After 16 years St. Lucie County
gets first family homeless shelter
Why it matters: After a 16-year battle, St. Lucie County commissioners unanimously approved $2.9 million for GraceWay Village to build the county's first shelter specifically for homeless families with children.
The breakthrough moment: At the August 5 County Commission meeting, GraceWay Village CEO Chrystal Netherton cried tears of joy when commissioners voted to fund the 10-unit shelter off Hartman Road in Fort Pierce.
"This is going to be an opportunity for families threatened with homelessness to come and really learn how to be self-sufficient," Netherton said.
By the numbers
$2.9 million in county funding approved unanimously
$1 million additional state funding secured by Representative Dana Trabulsy
10 family units in the initial phase, expanding to 18 units
2027 expected opening date
First ever family homeless shelter in St. Lucie County
What broke the logjam
American Rescue Plan funding: The county secured over $3.4 million in federal pandemic relief funds specifically for homelessness assistance, providing the financial pathway that had been missing for years.
Community champion: GraceWay Village was the only organization to submit a proposal, demonstrating their commitment and readiness to tackle the challenge.
Community backing: The project gained support from Commissioner Cathy Townsend, Representative Trabulsy, and the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council.
The shelter's innovative approach: Unlike traditional congregate shelters, this will be a "non-congregate" facility where each family gets their own private unit with bedroom and bathroom, plus shared common areas.
Self-sufficiency focus: Families can stay up to 18 months while participating in financial literacy classes and must save 10% of their income toward securing permanent housing.
Trauma-informed care: The program uses a "trauma-informed, family-centered operating model with savings incentives and community support."
The bigger picture: While St. Lucie County has 2,726 homeless students (5.5% compared to 3% statewide), this shelter represents a crucial first step in addressing family homelessness with dignity and comprehensive support.
The bottom line: After years of delays and zoning challenges, St. Lucie County proved that persistence pays off. GraceWay Village's shelter won't solve everything, but it's a meaningful start that puts families first.
What's next: Construction begins after a 6-month design phase, with families moving in by 2027. The success of this model could pave the way for additional family shelters countywide.
🗣️ What do you think? Leave your thoughts
Source: St. Lucie County Commission meeting transcript (Aug. 5, 2024), GraceWay Village project details
🥳 What’s Happening: 8 Out of Town Events
Tuesday, Aug 12
🎸 Sunset Concerts at the Gallery: “A Simple Life” with Mike Faurot — MartinArts, 80 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart. One-hour blues set in the gallery. | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Link
Wednesday, Aug 13
Friday, Aug 15
🎸 Classic Rock Concert in Riverside Park (Live in the Loop) — Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach. Outdoor show; grills & full bars. | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | Free | Link
🖼️ Art After Dark — Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. Friday-night art, live performances & films. | 5 – 10 PM | ~$10 adults | Link
🤘 STAMP Summer Slam — The Stamp Bar, 2015 13th Ave, Vero Beach. 3-night local rock fest (18 bands), 21+. | Kickoff 8 PM Fri (runs thru Sun) | $12/night or $30 weekend | Link
Saturday, Aug 16
🛍️ August Sidewalk Pop-up Market — Antiques & Uniques Vintage Market, 1240 Sarno Rd, Melbourne. Local vendors & vintage finds. | 10 AM – 3 PM | Free | Link
Monday, Aug 18
🎨 OPEN STUDIO: Art Unplugged — Stuart 10th Street Center, 724 E 10th St, Stuart. Relaxed, all-levels creative session. | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Link
If you have an event, send it to me here
🤩 People Pass: Thank you Cheryl and Jean!
From school coverage to better tools like play.sunlandnews.com, every upgrade you see is made possible by readers who pitch in. Thank you to everyone who already has. This is what the People Pass makes possible. Want to support it too?
🧾 Last Drop: Award Season!
🛣️ Public Works newsletter is out for August. Monthly project updates straight to your inbox. Subscribe
🛠️ Gold Hammer Awards nominations are open through Sep 5. Recognize a standout renovation or build. Nominate
🧰 Fort Pierce board openings Contractors and two consumer reps needed for the Board of Examiners of Contractors. Must be a Fort Pierce resident 2+ years. Deadline Sept 15. Apply here
⚡ FPL rate update coming Aug 20 A settlement could change the path of planned increases. Prior adjustments since 2021 have lifted bills about 15%. Details soon. What to know
How was today’s newsletter?
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.
📱 Keep up with the Sunland News on Instagram. Send comments & suggestions to [email protected]
🙋♂️ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe Below!
