🌅Golden Chopsticks & Bold Proposals

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Monday! I don’t know about you, but today really feels like the start of the new year. One, it’s probably because it’s the first Monday of the year. And Two, having New Year’s Day land midweek last week kind of threw everything “off”. But here’s to a fresh start in 2025. Let’s make it a good one. Alright…

Also, a big shoutout to all the teachers and parents out there as school kicks back off today. Be mindful of that morning traffic—it’s back in full force.

🥢 Want to Try: It’s called Golden Chopsticks. My brother Moe mentioned it yesterday, and apparently, it’s a hibachi buffet with crab legs, lobster, and more. Buffets aren’t usually my thing, but at $19.99, it might be worth a shot. Plus, the lines have been out the door—so it’s gotta be good, right?

When do you stop saying "Happy New Year"?

🍋 The Main Squeeze: St. Lucie County to Vote on Development Proposal

📖 The Facts:
The St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6 PM, to decide on a proposed amendment to the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas. The applicant, Kolter Group Acquisitions, LLC, seeks to rezone approximately 34 acres of land near W. Midway Road and S. 25th Street for residential and commercial development.

The proposal includes plans for:

• Up to 200 townhomes (approx. 6 units per acre).

• Preservation of 12 acres of wetlands and buffers.

• Dedication of rights-of-way and stormwater management provisions.

🌟 Why This Matters to Our Community:
This project could bring new housing opportunities and expanded infrastructure to the area. However, residents have raised questions about its potential effects on traffic, wetlands, and the overall character of the community.

📚 Historical Context:
Development proposals in St. Lucie County have often sparked debate about balancing growth with preserving natural resources and local identity. The community’s input at public hearings has been critical in shaping such decisions.

🌈 Community Impact:
If approved, this development could reshape the neighborhood with new residential and commercial spaces. The Board encourages public participation to ensure all voices are heard before a final decision is made.

💭 Your Turn...

• Get Meeting Details: Full information here.

🍊 The Press Round

🛒 Costco is (Finally) Coming to Stuart

It’s official: Costco is opening its first Treasure Coast location in Stuart this April. The 156,438-square-foot warehouse on Kanner Highway has been years in the making—marked by debates, legal challenges, and plenty of anticipation. Starting April 25, we can skip the drive to Palm Beach and shop at “our local” Costco, complete with a gas station and more.

👉 More on Costco’s Treasure Coast debut

🔥 Hot Job: St. Lucie Mets Job Fair

The St. Lucie Mets are hosting their annual Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the upcoming season. If you’re looking for game-day opportunities, this is your chance!

📅 Date: Friday, January 10
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Clover Park conference room (just to the left of the Box Office)

Positions available include security for open workouts, stadium gate checkers, and more.

👉 Don’t miss your shot—Learn More!

🎉 Join the Team at St. Lucie County

Teach Recreation Classes
Share your skills in dance, culinary arts, photography, tutoring, or more as a recreation instructor. Have an idea for a new program? They’re ready to hear it! Classes will be held at the Community Center.

👉 Apply to teach recreation programs here

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Help shape affordable housing policies in Fort Pierce by joining the nine-member Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). Members represent roles like home builders, banking professionals, housing providers, and more.

Details:
📅 Meets 1st Thursday monthly | 🕔 5:30 PM
📍 City Hall, 2nd Floor
🗓️ Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

👉 Apply to join the committee here

🍹The Refill: ✨My Visit to Wanderlust Book Boutique

📖 The Facts:
Wanderlust Book Boutique reopened on Saturday, January 4th, in a much larger space on 2nd Street, right next to Taco Dive. The grand reopening event was packed with book lovers and local business supporters, creating an electric atmosphere for the launch of their new chapter.

🌟 Why This Matters to Our Community:
This bookstore is more than just a place to buy books—it’s a space that fosters community, encourages reading, and supports local businesses. As someone who’s working to open a bookstore myself, it’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm for a local literary hub.

📚 What Stood Out:
The new space is at least double the size of their previous location, offering not just books but an expanded selection of merchandise like stickers, candles, mugs, and annotation kits. It feels like a perfect balance between a bookstore and a curated gift shop. Limited seating was noticeable, but it seems like the space can adapt for events like book signings and clubs.

🤔 Interesting:
One unique feature was shelf advertising, which supports local businesses in an understated way. While I’m still on the fence about being advertised to while browsing, I think keeping it local keeps it authentic.

💭 Your Turn...

• Check out Wanderlust’s new store hours, stop by, and see what they’ve built.

• Support their events like book signings and clubs.

• Continue shopping local to keep Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce.. You feel me?

Support Sunland News

🎉 5 - ish Weekday Events

Sailfish Run Club – Fort Pierce Tuesday Night Run
📅 Tuesday, January 7 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Sailfish Brewing Company, 130 N 2nd St, Fort Pierce
Run, sweat, and beers! Join this laid-back run club to meet other runners and enjoy a post-run beer at Sailfish.
👉 Check It Out!

Wine Time 🌴 Island Time
📅 Wednesday, January 8 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Downtown Cellars, 121 Melody Ln, Fort Pierce
Kick off the Fort Pierce Island Season with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and live steel drum music by Peter Bernard. Tickets include wine or beer.
$39.95 per person.
👉 Reserve Now!

Pokemon League Night
📅 Wednesday, January 8 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Sky High Comics & Games, 2717 Peters, Fort Pierce
Battle it out at the TCG Pokemon League! New players welcome—decks available to borrow.
👉 Join the Fun!

River Nights
📅 Thursday, January 9 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 The Port District, 2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie
Enjoy live music by Big Harvest Band, food trucks, and drinks at this free outdoor event.
👉 Learn More!

Ladies Night Out – 1/2 Off Bottle Wine
📅 Thursday, January 9 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge, 44 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach
Treat yourself to a decadent evening featuring half-priced bottle wine and great vibes.
👉 Get Details!

Friday Drive-In Movie Nights – "Twisters"
📅 Friday, January 10 | 7:00 PM
📍 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce
Enjoy a classic drive-in movie experience with the iconic film Twisters. Perfect for families or date night.
👉 Grab Tickets!

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop

• Brightline at Fort Lauderdale Airport?
  A people-mover connecting the airport to an Intermodal Center might include a Brightline stop. Explore the future of travel in Broward County! 🚉✈️
  👉 Read More (Need Subscription To Read)

• Norovirus in Central Florida
  Highly contagious norovirus is spreading fast. Learn how to protect yourself from this stomach bug hitting the region hard.
  👉 Stay Informed

• Florida Rejects Food Aid Again
  For the second year, Florida opts out of federal summer grocery subsidies. Dive into the implications.
  👉 Learn Why

• Stoney Interview Now on Sunland TV
  Catch Stoney discussing reopening in Fort Pierce, the overwhelming community support, and his vision for the new year.
  👉 Watch the Full Interview

📸 This is Sunland

This weekend, I saw a photo of my Uncle Darin's shop, and it brought back so many memories—memories of the shop as a gathering space, a place for community, and all the conversations we shared there. The Dolphin debates, the cowboy arguments—LOL. Just home, you know?

This photo is one of those images that has always stayed with me. I still dream of it sometimes.

Just wanted to share that.

See you tomorrow!

With love,
Ja’Min

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