Good Morning Sunland
It’s Friday—the 13th. Now, I’m not the superstitious type or anything, but Friday the 13th in December just doesn’t feel right. So, for your troubles, I’ve got a creepy Silent Night here for you (really trying to get my producer friend Marcus to sample this for something).
Quick shoutout to the Geminid meteor shower, which NASA calls one of the "best meteor showers of the year." It’s expected to peak today and tomorrow.
If you missed yesterday’s event list, you can check it out [here].
Thank you for continuing to share the newsletter and for all your thoughtful suggestions on how to make it better. Alright...
📬 A Look Ahead in 5 Seconds:
🚗 Fifth Tesla joins Freebee fleet
🏛️ City planner under investigation
⭐ Meteor shower peaks tonight
Ja’Min Devon
Publisher
Do you believe in Friday the 13th superstitions?
🌅 Sunrise
7:02 AM
🌇 Sunset
5:28 PM
🎶 What It Sounds Like: "Footsteps in the Dark" by The Isley Brothers
☀️ Day: High of 74°F with considerable cloudiness and a slight chance of a rain shower. Winds ENE at 10-20 mph. 24% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 66°F with mostly cloudy skies this evening, becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Winds ENE at 10-15 mph. 24% chance of rain.
🚗⚡ Fort Pierce Adds 5th Tesla to Freebee Fleet
What’s new: Fort Pierce has added a fifth Tesla to its Freebee fleet just in time for the holidays, offering free, sustainable rides to locals and visitors.
Why it matters: The expanded fleet makes it even easier to shop, dine, and visit loved ones during the busiest time of the year.
Service hours:
Mon-Wed: 8 AM - 6 PM
Thurs: 8 AM - 8 PM
Fri-Sat: 10 AM - 10 PM
Sun: 10 AM - 8 PM
🎯💳 Port St. Lucie Ranks #1 for Least Sustainable Credit Card Debt
Once again, WalletHub has Port St. Lucie in its sights, ranking us #1 for the least sustainable credit card debt. With an average 8.4-year payoff timeline and $3,930 in interest costs, residents face tough odds. Add this to WalletHub’s growing list of PSL critiques.
Another Fort Pierce City Employee Under Investigation for Conflict of Interest
Why it matters
Allegations of misconduct in Fort Pierce city government are eroding public trust, putting the integrity of city operations and future development partnerships at risk.
🔍 The Big Picture
The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause that Vennis Gilmore, a senior city planner, violated Florida’s conflict-of-interest laws. He allegedly used his position to benefit two nonprofits he was tied to—Rooted in Change and Lincoln Park Young Professionals (LPYP)—in a bid for city-owned land.
This follows the August arrest of City Manager Nick Mimms for bid rigging and official misconduct tied to the same process.
📋 Key Details
The Allegations: Gilmore failed to disclose his ties to the nonprofits while helping them secure city-owned property for a community center.
💸 Mismanaged Grants: LPYP received $500,000 in funding in 2019, but the project remains incomplete, and the lots sit vacant.
🕵️ Ethics Investigation: Delayed by FDLE’s criminal probe, the Commission’s case resumed after Mimms’ arrest. Gilmore has not cooperated with investigators.
⚠️ The Fallout
Gilmore’s Status: He remains employed by the city, unlike Mimms, who is on unpaid leave and set to be terminated in February 2025.
City Integrity at Stake: The case has cast doubt on the city’s ability to manage public resources responsibly, raising concerns about its reputation with developers and stakeholders.
🚧 Broader Implications
The integrity of Fort Pierce’s bidding process is under intense scrutiny. Stakeholders warn that unresolved scandals could hinder growth and discourage future investment.
📅 What’s Next
Possible Penalties: Gilmore faces a public hearing or settlement with the Ethics Commission.
Further Charges: FDLE hasn’t ruled out more criminal charges for others involved.
Things To Know, Before You Go
🎨 607 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce
Watch Florida-based artist Sitki Dogan bring his peacock-inspired mural to life. Stop by and see the transformation in real time.
🥚 Egg prices have jumped 71% year-over-year but are still below the $4.82 high in January 2023.
Why it matters: Rising grocery costs are squeezing households. Keep an eye on local farmer’s markets for deals.
📜 HB 3 bans social media for minors under 14. SB 184 makes harassing first responders a second-degree misdemeanor.
Why it matters: These changes could affect families, tech access, and interactions with law enforcement.
Best Events Recap🎉
🎥 Saturday Drive-In Movie Night: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
📅 Saturday, December 14 | 7:30 PM
📍 Fort Pierce
Bring the family for a cozy drive-in screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Enjoy holiday treats and a festive atmosphere under the stars.
👉 Get Tickets!
🎁 Christmas Bazaar at Tradition Square
📅 Saturday, December 14 | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Tradition Square, Port Saint Lucie
Celebrate the season with a festive day of holiday shopping, food trucks, live music, and snowflakes. Explore unique vendors for perfect holiday gifts. Free admission and parking.
👉 Learn More!
❄️ Whiskers in Wonderland
📅 Saturday, December 14 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Port Saint Lucie
Join the Humane Society of St. Lucie County for their annual holiday bazaar featuring a faux snow patch, cat adoptions, shops, prizes, and more. A perfect family outing to kick off the holiday season!
👉 Learn More!
🚤 St. Lucie County Boat Parade
📅 Saturday, December 14 | 5:00 PM
📍 Fort Pierce City Marina
Watch festive boats adorned with holiday lights as they parade along the waterfront. Enjoy BBQ and seafood while taking in the stunning views. Reservations are encouraged.
👉 Learn More!
🎄 Christmas Block Party 2024
📅 Sunday, December 15 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Family Church, Port Saint Lucie
Join Family Church Port St. Lucie for their 5th annual Christmas Block Party! Enjoy festive treats, fun activities, and a snow-filled experience perfect for the whole family.
👉 Learn More!
If you have an event, send it to me here
!📸
I’m getting over a very aggressive and mean cold. The temperature going up and down probably isn’t helping too much. I hope to rest up this weekend and hit the ground running next week. Thank you for being here! Alright… see you Monday!
With love,
Ja’Min
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