Good Morning, Sunland
It's Tuesday! St. Patrick's Day! And I am not Irish, but today is indeed my birthday. Some years ago, right here in Fort Pierce, Florida at Lawnwood Hospital, I was born. I'm happy to say so many years later, I'm right here covering the county, the place I call home. And it's beautiful and I love it.
And I know birthdays are usually a day of receiving, but I love the idea of continuing to give, so I just want to say thank you all for reading Sunland. And if you want to give me a birthday wish, I would just say send this newsletter to a friend that could use it. Someone interested in keeping up with things happening in home events, new food spots opening. If that sounds interesting to anybody in your life, a co-worker, a friend, a family member, mentor, mentee, just send them Sunland News. I appreciate it and thank you all so very much.
👁️ Caught my eye: Which Treasure Coast city has the biggest Irish heritage? Interesting stat for St. Patrick's Day.
Alright, let's jump right in!
Ja’Min Devon
Florida lawmakers wrap session with new rules on e-bikes and voter ID
The Florida Legislature ended its session last week after passing bills targeting e-bike speeds and tightening voter ID requirements.
Why it matters: The bills could reshape daily life across the Treasure Coast. Lawmakers passed just 237 bills this year, the fewest since 2020, and adjourned without tackling affordability concerns like insurance, electricity, or health care costs.
By the numbers: Lawmakers filed 1,896 bills. One in eight passed. Property tax relief, the state budget, and redistricting are all punted to special sessions after Easter.
Voter ID changes: Floridians would need proof of citizenship to register under a bill awaiting the governor's signature.
• Existing voters would be checked against government databases
• Student IDs and retirement center IDs would no longer count at polling places
E-bike speed limits: Riders can't exceed 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians under Senate Bill 382.
• Creates a task force to track crashes and recommend regulations
• E-bikes are legal on sidewalks statewide unless cities restrict them
• Miami restricts bikes on Southwest 8th Street; Tampa blocks them in business districts
Gas-powered leaf blowers: Senate Bill 290 would override local bans on gas-powered lawn equipment.
What's next: Special sessions on property tax relief, the state budget, and redistricting will follow in the coming months.
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🥳 Out-of-Towner: Mar 17 - Mar 23
Thursday, March 19
🎵 Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2026 – Four-day music and arts festival at Sunshine Grove, Okeechobee. | Mar 19–22 | Ticketed | Get Tickets
Friday, March 20
🛍️ Olive Branch Outdoor Market – Local vendors, food trucks, live music, and family fun at 3750 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach. | 4–7 PM | Free | Details
🌙 Adult Night Hike – Guided nocturnal wildlife hike for adults at Riverbend Park, Jupiter. | 7–8:30 PM | $5 | Details
🎈 Space Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival – Tethered balloon rides, live DJs, food trucks, and nightly balloon glow show at Space Coast Daily Park, Melbourne. | Mar 20–21, Gates 5 PM | $35 rides | Tickets
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Saturday, March 21
🦐 Shrimpfest 2026 – Two-day coastal festival with live music, food, car show, and art at US-1 & CR512, Sebastian. | Mar 21–22, 11 AM–8 PM / 10 AM–5 PM | Free | Details
🌸 Spring Craft Fair – Indoor spring craft fair with handmade jewelry, plants, décor, chocolates, and more at South Florida Expo Center, West Palm Beach. | Mar 21–22, 10 AM–4 PM | $7 | Details
Sunday, March 22
🐢 Turtle Market – Coastal-themed outdoor market with local vendors and food at Boynton Beach Mall, 3301 Old Boynton Rd, Boynton Beach. | 9 AM–2 PM | Free | Details
Tuesday, March 24
🏖️ The Beach Boys – Legendary band performing "The Sounds of Summer" tour at King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne. | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | Get Tickets
🌮 Pepe's Cantina: Hawaiian Fajita Bowl (Sponsored)
I tried the Hawaiian Fajita Bowl at Pepe's Cantina in Port St. Lucie and it was really good.
What's in it: Angus beef, chicken, shrimp, melted cheese, all served in a hollowed-out grilled pineapple. Yeah, you read that right.
Why it works: The sweet grilled pineapple against the savory meat and cheese is a combo that just hits. Plus, it looks incredible when they bring it to the table.
Bottom line: If you want to switch things up from your usual order, this is the move.
💧 The Last Drop: New Restaurants Coming
🍔 Max & Louie's New York Diner coming to PSL in 2027 – Popular New York deli-style diner opening in Riverland. Famous for the "BFS" (burger sitting on fries sitting on a milkshake). Menu includes New York-style breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot and cold deli sandwiches, and old-fashioned soda fountain treats. Will be first location outside Texas. Max & Louie's details
☕ Dutch Bros Coffee coming to Fort Pierce – First Treasure Coast location opening at 2050 S. US 1 (former Checkers site across from Gateway Plaza). Drive-thru coffee shop serves coffees, blended drinks, protein coffees, sparkling sodas, chai lattes, shakes, smoothies, lemonades, and iced teas. Dutch Bros info
🍣 Umiya Japanese restaurant replacing Red Lobster in Jensen Beach – Sushi and hotpot restaurant coming to 3544 NW Federal Highway in front of Treasure Coast Square mall. Former Red Lobster closed in 2024 amid nationwide shutdowns. Opening date not yet set. Umiya details
🌮 Bohemio Café opens in Fort Pierce – New late-night Latin cafe serving deli lunches, Cuban coffee, fresh pastries, tea, sandwiches, burritos, soups, pizza, hamburgers, desserts, fruit waters, beer, wine, and cocktails. Everything made in-house. Located off US 1 north of Midway Road. Bohemio Café
🍝 Fantini's Fusion Kitchen replacing Fin and Flame in Palm City – Global fusion restaurant inspired by Asian, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors. From Jimmy Fantin, owner of Fantini's Italian Restaurant featuring New Haven-style apizza. Chef Sean Camillo balancing innovation with classic techniques. Fantini's Fusion
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