🌅⛳Golf On Gatlin

Good Morning, Sunland!

It’s Friday! The image above shows a reusable film camera. I’m considering a new experiment with Sunland News readers: a traveling camera that passes from person to person, capturing life across Saint Lucie County. You’d keep it for two weeks, then send it back, we’d develop the film, and feature the photos in the newsletter. Let me know below if you'd be interested in joining this project!

P.S. In case you missed yesterday’s events list, click here Alright…

🫡 Salute: Fort Pierce’s own Edis Gutierrez Garcia turned a $50 gamble into a $1 million win with the Florida Lottery’s 500X THE CASH scratch-off! He chose a one-time, lump-sum payout of $640,000. Purchased at the Town Star on Midway Road, his win also earned the store a $2,000 bonus. Read it here…

🌮 Eat Local: Taco Dive opens up in Saint Lucie West next week, read it here. But, I wonder what’s the best tacos in the area. Hit, “Reply” and let me know your pick.

📬 A Look Ahead in 5 Seconds
Brightline Update 🚅 
Friday Night Drive-In 🍿
New Golf Simulator on Gatlin ⛳

Ja’Min Brown
Writer, Filmmaker, and Publisher

What The Weather Sounds Like: 🎵 "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb

☀️ Day: High of 84°F, sunshine and clouds mixed. Very warm. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. 9% chance of rain.

🌙 Night: Low of 72°F, partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph, 24% chance of rain.

🌡️ Check Full Weather Report Here 
🚗 Check The Traffic Before You Leave

🏌️ Bogey Bay Golf Simulator & Bar Opening Soon on Gatlin

A new indoor golf experience is coming to Port St. Lucie in early November. Bogey Bay will feature four simulator bays, each hosting up to six players, plus a bar serving beer, wine, and seltzers. Located at 1475 SW Gatlin Blvd (in the plaza with Little Caesars), the venue will also offer classic bar fare like burgers and wings. Follow their Facebook for updates. Read More Here.

💼 COVID Grants Still Available for Port St. Lucie Businesses

Believe it or not, local small businesses can still apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement grants through the City's COVID-19 Program. Funds can cover various business expenses including rent, utilities, payroll, and more. Apply through IRSC's Small Business Development Center by Friday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Read More Here.

IRSC and Brightline Connect…

What’s New:
Brightline has resumed talks with Indian River State College (IRSC) and Fort Pierce officials about adding a high-speed train station in Fort Pierce. This comes after Stuart backed out of a previous agreement, leaving the door open for other Treasure Coast cities.

Why It Matters:
A Fort Pierce station would bring Brightline’s high-speed rail closer to the heart of the Treasure Coast, boosting local tourism, access, and economic activity. After losing out to Stuart in an earlier decision, Fort Pierce leaders see this as a rare second chance to secure the project.

Catch-Up:

• Earlier this year, Brightline chose Stuart as its preferred site, edging out bids from Fort Pierce. The Stuart deal fell apart in September when newly-elected city commissioners raised concerns over the financial burden on local taxpayers.

• IRSC and Fort Pierce leaders quickly jumped back into talks, seeing an opportunity to revive the Fort Pierce bid.

The Details:

• Multiple meetings have taken place between IRSC officials, Fort Pierce city leaders, and top Brightline executives, including Brightline President Patrick Goddard.

• The discussions, held on IRSC’s Fort Pierce campus, signal a renewed push to bring the station to “Sunrise City.”

What’s Next:
While Martin County is considering taking on the Stuart project alone, Fort Pierce officials are pressing forward, aiming to make their city a contender once again. Expect more updates as both cities compete to win Brightline’s final decision for a Treasure Coast station site.

Things To Know, Before You Go 🧠

• St. Lucie County’s Supervisor of Elections reports that nearly 20,000 more residents are registered to vote in this election compared to the previous presidential race.

• Florida's largest insurance company drops nearly 200K policies. Read it here.

• Hamilton Farms in Fort Pierce is celebrating the grand opening of its u-pick experience on Nov. 9 and 10, offering families the chance to pick their own citrus, sunflowers, and zinnias.

In Cased You Missed It 🔄

🌊 Fort Pierce Honors Gullah Geechee Culture | ⚾️ Fort Pierce Little League Spring Ball Sign-Ups | ☕Frittata Cafe & Bistro Up for Sale

This is Sunland 📸

Family Business!
Love seeing team…
Love seeing a family…
Love seeing it be one in the same…

Alright, see you Monday!

With love,
Ja’Min

Events Roundup!

For Full Events List, Click Here

Friday Drive-In Movie: Jumanji
🗓️ Nov 8 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce
Back by popular demand, it’s Friday Night Date Night with Jumanji! Tickets are $15 per vehicle, with a portion going to PSL High School HOSA.
🎬 Sound on 87.9 FM
🔗 Grab Tickets

Big Bounce America 2024
🗓️ Nov 8-10 | 🕘 9 AM - 2 PM | 📍 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds
Get ready for 3 hours of inflatable madness with the world’s largest bounce house, obstacle courses, and a sea-themed adventure! Perfect for all ages.
🎟️ Tickets Required
🔗 Sign Up Now!

Leave It on the Floor Dance Competition
🗓️ Nov 9 | 🕛 12–7 PM | 📍 Havert L. Fenn Center, Fort Pierce
Dance crews from minis to varsity show off their best moves in this energetic competition!
🔗 Check it out!

Back to the 90s Concert
🗓️ Nov 9 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 MIDFLORIDA Event Center, Port St. Lucie
A nostalgic ’90s night featuring All-4-One, Color Me Badd, and Digital Underground.
🎟️ Tickets: $45 + tax/fees
👉 Buy Tickets

Jazz Weekend – 2 Great Shows
🗓️ Nov 9-10 | 🕖 7:15 - 8:15 PM | 📍 Harmony Music Lounge & Bar, Fort Pierce
Swing into the weekend with jazz! Saturday night, enjoy swing jazz and Dixieland with The Fluid Band. Sunday brings Miami’s own Bossa Nova guitarist Marcus Summers. Happy Hour is from 6 to 7 PM, with $7 mimosas and sangrias.
🎶 Two Nights of Jazz
🔗 Learn More

If you have an event, send it to me here

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🌴 All tip jar proceeds for October will be donated to Reviving Anointed Word (RAW) Ministries