🌅 🎨 Fort Pierce’s Highwaymen Museum Could Be Expanding

Good Morning, Sunland

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🍷 Want to Try: BlueBird Bistro & Wine Bar just opened in Fort Pierce, serving fresh-baked treats, charcuterie, and wine. Seems like a cool date spot!

🌡️ Weather Update: A perfect spring-like day with clear skies tonight

☀️ Day: High of 79°F | ☀️ Sunny with N winds at 10-15 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 65°F | 🌙 Generally clear, with NE winds at 5-10 mph.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:18 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:36 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Forget Me Nots”

🍋 The Main Squeeze:
Expanding the Highwaymen Museum
Fort Pierce Eyes Key Property Acquisition

TL;DR: Fort Pierce officials are considering purchasing a property next to the Highwaymen Museum, potentially expanding its footprint and further cementing Avenue D as a cultural landmark. With over $911,000 already invested in renovations, city leaders are now looking at additional funding sources to complete upgrades and possibly acquire the neighboring building.

💰 The Investment So Far: The museum, housed in the city-owned Jackie L. Caynon Sr. Building, has already seen significant progress. With over $911,000 spent on renovations—including $483,000 in state funding and $400,000 from the FPRA—final structural work is expected to wrap up this month.

🏛️ Why It Matters:

• The Highwaymen Museum is a cornerstone of Avenue D’s revitalization and a key tourism driver for Fort Pierce.

• The museum will honor the legacy of the legendary African American artists who gained fame for their vibrant Florida landscape paintings.

• City leaders see an opportunity to expand the museum’s footprint by purchasing an adjacent property, ensuring the surrounding area reflects the investment made in the museum itself.

💬 The Discussion:

Board members, including Commissioner James Taylor, suggested tapping into $2 million in available county tourism funds to cover outstanding change-orders and explore property acquisition. However, the city is still waiting on formal guidance from the county’s tourism director.

🚧 Next Steps:

• City officials are exploring how to secure additional funding for museum improvements.

• They will investigate purchasing the neighboring building, which is currently for sale, to expand the museum’s footprint.

• If urgent decisions are needed, FPRA Chairwoman Linda Hudson said a special meeting could be called before April.

👉 The Highwaymen Museum has been years in the making, and now, Fort Pierce leaders are looking to ensure it’s as impactful as possible. Do you think the city should invest in expanding the museum? Drop your thoughts here!

🍊 The Press Round: ⚾️ Jackie Robinson Celebration

⚾ Jackie Robinson Celebration Game Returns to Vero Beach

After a five-year hiatus, the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game is back at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex on April 15—honoring the baseball legend who broke the sport’s color barrier. The Clearwater Threshers and West Palm Beach Cardinals will face off, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the game starting at 6:45 p.m. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Indian River County.

👉 Get Tickets Here

🛍️ Fort Pierce’s Iconic African Art Store Closing This Month

The beloved African Art, Antiques and Gifts shop at Kraaz Square in downtown Fort Pierce is closing March 31 after its lease was not renewed.

• Owner Ndiaga Niang, known for his warm “Welcome to Africa” greeting, has been a tenant for seven years.

• The shop sells home decor, jewelry, clothes, and African imports.

• A restaurant is planned for the space, though no tenant has been finalized.

Niang is packing up late into the night but remains hopeful for the future: “God knows better.” He plans to relocate but hasn’t announced where yet.

👉 Full Story

🏫 New Schools Coming as St. Lucie County Grows Fast

With 1,500 new students enrolling each year, St. Lucie Public Schools are expanding to keep up.

• Western Grove K-8 ($70M) set to open in 2026.

• Legacy High School opens this fall, capping enrollment at 1,600 students its first year.

• Fort Pierce Westwood is getting a full rebuild, opening after winter break next year.

👉 Full Story

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🎉 This Weekend Around Town: Your Sat & Sun Plans

Friday, March 28

• 🎷 Sax, Soul ‘N Jazz Concert – A special night of smooth saxophone and jazz performances featuring top musicians. | 7:30 PM – 11 PM | Details

Saturday, March 29

• 🛍️ Spring Market – Support small businesses at this vibrant market featuring local vendors and unique finds. | 9 AM – 2 PM | Details

• 🎨 Pop-Up Market at Frazier Creek – Shop handmade crafts, gifts, and specialty services at Frazier Creek’s first-ever pop-up event. | 11 AM – 3 PM | Details

• 🥁 Tribal Rhythms at the River – Enjoy house music and a live drum circle at the Riverwalk Boardwalk. | 12:30 PM – 6 PM | Details

• 🎬 Saturday Drive-In Movie Nights: Moana 2 – Watch Moana’s latest adventure under the stars at this drive-in movie night. | 7:45 PM | Details

Sunday, March 30

• 🤝 St. Lucie Small Businesses & Opportunities Network Event – Connect and collaborate with local business owners at this networking event. | 11 AM – 12 PM | Details

Catch more events here

💧 The Last Drop: 3 Headlines for the Road!

1. 🎨 Fort Pierce Launches ‘Paint Our Town’ A new community program is offering free home painting, minor repairs, and volunteer opportunities. Learn more.

2. 🚻 Weldon B. Lewis Park Restrooms Closed Vandalism has shut down the restrooms, with no reopening date yet. Trails remain closed for stormwater work. More info.

3. 🏡 Treasure Coast Home Prices & Sales Up Home sales are rising in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties—more listings, but high mortgage rates persist. Market report.

📸 This is Sunland: Thank You!

Thanks for your feedback on the events page. I’m excited to implement some of the changes you suggested. Alright..

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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