🌅 💰 Fort Pierce’s City Manager Standoff—Is $235K Too Much?

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday! And we lose an hour of sleep this weekend—the dreaded Daylight Saving Time. Spring forward, if you will. I love a good debate, and usually, I’m pretty solid on picking a side. But this one? I can’t crack it. On one hand, I appreciate having a little more light in the evening when driving. On the other, it definitely takes some time to adjust.

Alright…

🌡️ Weather Update: A perfect mix of sun and chill

☀️ Day: High of 76°F | 🌤️ Partly cloudy skies, with ENE winds at 5-10 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 52°F | 🌙 Clear to partly cloudy, with S winds at 5-10 mph.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:39 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:26 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Footsteps in the Dark” by The Isley Brothers 🎶

❓ Poll Question: Where do you stand on Daylight Saving Time? ⏰🌞

Vote & let me know why! 🚀

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Salary Stand Off, Fort Pierce City Manager Negotiations Hit a $35K Roadblock

TL;DR: Less than two weeks after selecting Richard D. Chess as their top choice for city manager, Fort Pierce commissioners are now at odds over his requested $235,000 salary—a figure that exceeds their advertised range and outpaces the former city manager’s pay by $33,000. Now, the question is: Can they reach a deal, or will the city be back to square one?

What’s happening: Chess, who currently makes $215,000 as assistant general manager of finance for Broward County Transportation, has made it clear he won’t take a pay cut to take the Fort Pierce job. His requested $235,000 salary is within the city’s posted range ($155,000-$230,000), but commissioners aren’t on board with exceeding the cap.

💬 Commissioner Arnold Gaines: “Who in their right mind would come up here and take a $20,000 pay cut?”

While most commissioners didn’t name an exact salary they’d approve, $235,000 was a hard no. The commission also expressed concern that a significant pay jump could trigger salary increases for other city staff in the future.

Why it matters:

• Fort Pierce needs a city manager—especially one with financial expertise as budget planning season approaches.

• Chess’ salary request isn’t unreasonable considering his experience and current pay, and Fort Pierce is a smaller city than Broward, not a cheaper one—he’d be moving 90 minutes north.

• The former city manager, Nick Mimms, was making $202,000 after nine years before he was fired following his arrest for bid tampering and misconduct.

What’s next: Negotiations continue, with a March 17 vote set to determine Chess’ fate. If a deal isn’t struck, Fort Pierce may have to reopen its search, delaying leadership even further.

💭 Should the city meet Chess’ salary request, or is it time to move on? Drop your thoughts here!

🍊 The Press Round: Around the Heart!

🏗️ Vero Beach Moves Three Corners Developers to Next Stage

Vero Beach’s Three Corners project took a step forward as a selection committee ranked Clearpath Services as the top developer to move ahead. The proposal includes hotels, a waterfront village, and a public park, though concerns remain over financing. Final interviews and re-ranking will take place March 31.

👉 Read more

❤️ Plaza Development Near Tradition’s Heart Sculpture Progresses

New park areas, storefronts, and gathering spaces near Tradition’s heart sculpture are nearing completion, but the sculpture itself remains unfinished—missing its original Valentine’s Day deadline. Tenants are installing signs, and public access is expected soon.

👉 Read more

🔥 Windy Conditions Ease, But Fire Risks Remain on Treasure Coast

Though wind gusts are expected to lessen Friday, meteorologists warn the area will still be fire-sensitive due to dry conditions and low humidity. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning as a cold front brings cooler temps early next week.

👉 Read more

What do you think? 🏗️ Should Vero Beach go with Clearpath for the Three Corners project, or does The Blue deserve another look? ❤️ The heart sculpture in Tradition still isn’t finished—was missing the Valentine’s Day deadline a big deal? 🔥 Are you concerned about fire risks with the dry and windy conditions? Drop your thoughts here! 👇

🎉 Events: Top Clicked Events This Week!

Friday, March 7

• 🎤 Food Trucks & Tributes – True Rumours at Tradition Square – A Fleetwood Mac tribute show paired with some of the best food trucks in town. | 5 PM–9 PM | Enjoy the Music

• 🎨 First Friday Art Walk in Stuart – A local makers’ pop-up event featuring art, music, and community. | 5 PM–9 PM | Free Entry

• 🍖 6th Annual Treasure Coast Ribs, Wings & Music Festival at Causeway Cove Marina – Enjoy three days of mouthwatering BBQ, live music, and fun. | March 7-9 | $5-$10 | Get Your Fill

• 🎸 Larry the Cable Guy – The Blue Collar Comedy legend brings his signature humor to Fort Pierce. | 8 PM | Get Tickets

Sunday, March 9

• 🚗 Hutchinson Island Car Swap Meet & Car Show – Browse classic cars, auto parts, and collectibles at this swap meet. | 9 AM–2 PM | Tickets: $10

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: 5 Headlines for the Road!

1. ✈️ Miami: One of the Cheapest Airports to Fly From

   Miami International Airport ranks among the 10 cheapest major airports, with an average domestic fare of $318. See the Data

2. 🥚 Egg Shortage? Try Quail Eggs

   A PSL farm is selling quail eggs as an alternative to chicken eggs—demand is booming. Learn More

3. 🚛 Armored Vehicle Manufacturer Coming to Fort Pierce

   A former tomato packing plant is being transformed into a $38M facility to build armored vehicles. Read More

4. 🌿 St. Lucie Expands Conservation Lands

   The county is moving to acquire land for preservation, including critical scrub jay habitat. More Info

5. 🔌 EV Charging Stations in Florida Double

   The number of public EV charging stations in Florida has jumped to over 3,600 in four years. Check the Stats

📸 This is Sunland: The Journey is Long!

This week has been the toughest for me —not because of anything specific, just burning the candle at both ends while working on some much-needed add-ons for Sunland News. Which is a GOOD thing! And honestly, I’m excited to double down on building and creating to better serve each and every one of you who read this. I can’t thank you enough!

I’ve got work to do. See you Monday!
With Love, Ja’Min

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