🌅⚡ FPL Wants to Raise Your Rates

It's Tuesday! And Let’s jump right in!

💜 Chris is now a member and says: "I have enjoyed your reporting since my first introduction. I am also interested in Advertising if available. I think your reporting is more accurate than the other sources but I notice a few bumps now and then. I am Chris and thank you for getting REAL INFORMATION to the public."

Chris, I really appreciate that! Thank you for the support and everyone who supports SUNLAND! You all really keep this going! If you want to join People Pass, check it out here.

👻 Caught My Eye: Most haunted places in St. Lucie County Devil's Tree in PSL to Fort Pierce's historic Boston House and Sunrise Theatre. Perfect reading for Halloween season. Ghost stories

You already know the flavor Stoney's brings at lunch and dinner. Now they're bringing that SAME energy to your mornings.

Starting TODAY - Tuesday through Friday, 7-10 AM.

We're talking chicken & waffles, sausage bowls, bacon bowls - all under $8. The same portions you love, the same taste that keeps you coming back, now available on your way to work.

Pull up to Stoney's before 10 AM and start your day RIGHT.
📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce

Florida Power & Light is asking state regulators to approve one of the largest utility rate hikes in U.S. history, and about 12 million customers including us here in St. Lucie County would be paying more starting in 2026.

TLDR FPL wants nearly $7 billion in new revenue over four years. They say the typical residential customer would see about $2.50 more per month next year, or less than nine cents a day. But critics including AARP Florida and the state's Office of Public Counsel say this is an unprecedented increase that would squeeze seniors and families already struggling with high living costs.

Show Me the Money: FPL originally asked for $2.5 billion but trimmed the request by about 30%. The current proposal would still generate nearly $7 billion in new revenue over four years through base rate increases for roughly 12 million customers.

FPL says they need the money to strengthen the grid and meet Florida's rapid population growth. The added funding would go toward building new power plants, replacing aging infrastructure, and investing in technology to prevent outages.

The Pushback: AARP Florida and the Office of Public Counsel filed testimony opposing the rate increase. Ali Wessling, legal counsel for the Office of Public Counsel, told commissioners that "if approved, 50 cents out of every dollar that customers pay would go straight to shareholders' pockets and into taxes."

AARP's Zayne Smith warned this could set a precedent: "Next time when Tampa Electric or Duke Energy have their opportunity to have a rate case, we'll see similar asks. It's just the nature of the beast."

What's Next: The Florida Public Service Commission is spending up to two weeks hearing expert testimony and public comment before voting later this fall. If approved, the new rates take effect January 1, 2026.

Bottom line: FPL says $2.50 more per month is modest and necessary for grid improvements. Critics say it's an unprecedented increase that unfairly boosts company profits while customers already struggle with high living costs. Either way, 12 million Floridians are about to find out what regulators decide.

What do you think about FPL's proposed rate increase? Leave your thoughts here.

🛍️ Fall Market – Local vendors, food trucks, and artisan crafts at B & A Flea Market in Stuart. | 8 AM–3 PM | Free | Details

🎃 FALLoween Festival – Sensory-inclusive family fun with haunted hallway, costume contest, carnival games, and trick-or-treating at Els for Autism in Jupiter. | Morning | Free (suggested $10 donation) | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

I'm not even a father and this was one of the most powerful experiences I've had in YEARS. Real talk: I attended an iDAD cohort session a few months ago, and I wasn't ready for the impact. A room full of men. Real conversations. No judgment. Just growth, vulnerability, and brotherhood.

iDAD is starting a new cohort THIS THURSDAY, October 9th at 7 PM. If you're a father or know one, this is IT. 📅 Thursday, Oct 9th, 7 PM 📍 3905 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce 💻 In-person or virtual

This program is FREE and it's creme de la creme.

👋 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!