🌅 🏗️ High-Rises Headed to Fort Pierce

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! And this is the easiest intro ever because it’s just two things..

1️⃣ My weekly reminder to share this newsletter with just one friend
2️⃣ A big thank you for being here

Alright… Let’s get to it!

🌡️ Weather Update: Summer tease

☀️ Day: High of 87°F | 🌤️ Sunshine and clouds mixed. Winds SE at 10–15 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 69°F | 🌙 Partly cloudy and mild. Winds SE at 10–15 mph.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:37 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:58 PM
🌔 Moonrise: 3:53 PM | 🌗 Moonset: 3:48 AM
🎵 Sounds like: “Pretty Wings” by Maxwell ✨

🏗️ Main Squeeze
High-Rises Coming to Fort Pierce

A massive five-building development has been proposed at Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce, with structures as tall as 192 feet. For reference, the current height limit for the area is just 45 feet. But here's the twist: the city can’t legally stop it.

💬 Why It Matters: This is one of the first major projects in Fort Pierce to invoke Florida’s Live Local Act, a 2023 law that lets developers bypass local zoning rules if at least 40% of units are reserved for affordable housing. In this case, that means:

• 1,066 apartments

• 204 hotel rooms

• 2,326 parking spaces

• A 198-slip marina, retail, and even a convention center

The project goes before the city’s Technical Review Committee on May 15. And due to the law, their role is largely limited to checking paperwork.

Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Michael Broderick both spoke candidly at the May 5 city meeting, admitting they’re frustrated but powerless. Hudson called it a “developer’s dream.” Broderick warned that this likely won’t be the last project of its kind.

🎯 What’s Next: The city had its own smaller vision for the area, but that plan was just a suggestion, not enforceable. If the Causeway Cove project moves forward, it would dramatically alter the skyline of South Hutch — and potentially set the tone for future development.

👀 See for Yourself: Renderings, site plans, and more

💭 What Do You Think? Leave your thoughts here

🍊 The Press Round
Mother’s Day Garden!

🚧 $4M Makeover Coming to Key Port St. Lucie Intersection

Construction starts May 12 at St. Lucie West Blvd. and Peacock Blvd. to ease congestion and improve safety. Upgrades include new turn lanes and a smoother connection to I-95.

👉 Get the Full Details

🌸 Free Admission to Heathcote Gardens for Family Fun Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with free entry to Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce this Friday, May 10 from 10 AM–4 PM. Expect activities for all ages in a lush garden setting.

👉 See the Event Info

🔥💦 Western Martin County Residents Demand New Fire Station

After multiple house and brush fires, Palm City residents are urging the county to build a long-promised fire station along SR 714. Officials are divided, but some commissioners say the need is urgent.

👉 Read What’s Next

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🍾 Refill
Game 1, Game Done!

And just like that, we take Game 1 of our 6-Game homestand. Final score 6-1. Our pitchers (Allan, Gomez, and Austin) were locked in combining for a total of 7 Strikeouts and 0 Earned Runs. And just so I can keep any non-baseball fans knowledgeable on the terms used, allow me to use ChatGPT to define an Earned Run:

In simple terms:

• If the defense plays normally and a run scores, it’s earned.

• If a run scores because of a dropped ball or other fielding error, it’s unearned.

*So that’s why the box score is what it is. The Threshers scored by way of a throwing error in the 3rd inning.

Okay, back to giving our guys their props… Jeremy Rodriguez went 2 for 5. He’s currently hitting .261 at the plate! Colin Houck went 2 for 4. He hit a double AND a triple! Kevin Villavicencio also went 2 for 4. He’s currently hitting .293 All in all, a great win for our Mets!

Let’s keep the momentum going!
Today we play at 1:10PM ⚾️

- darius “odgtm” garrido

👉 Check box score here!

🎉  Weekender
Your Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

Thursday, May 8

🎶 Deck Party at Causeway Cove – Head to the marina for live music, tacos, and good vibes at this monthly deck party overlooking the water. | 6–9 PM | Free | Details

Friday, May 9

• 💼 Pop-Up Business Connect at Tutto Fresco – Network with local entrepreneurs over appetizers in a casual meetup hosted by Port St. Lucie Business Club. | 3–5 PM | Free | Details

Saturday, May 10

• 🌸 Mother’s Day Market at Memorial Park (Stuart) – Over 2,000 are interested in this annual event with vendors, gifts, and family-friendly fun. Perfect for last-minute Mother’s Day shopping. | 10 AM–2 PM | Free | Details

• 🌼 Brunch & Bouquets at Redefine Church – Celebrate moms with brunch, flowers, and good company. All are welcome. | 10 AM–12 PM | Free | Details

Sunday, May 11

• 🍳 Mother’s Day Brunch at Pepe’s Cantina – Live DJ, bottomless drinks, and all your favorite brunch dishes to treat mom right. | 11:30 AM–3 PM | Reservation recommended | Details

• 🛍️ Mother’s Day Market at Summer Crush Winery – Sip wine and browse local vendors at this popular vineyard market in Fort Pierce. | 1 PM | Free entry (tickets for tastings) | Details

• 🥂 Mother’s Day Buffet at Marriott Hutchinson Island – An upscale brunch buffet with mimosas and ocean views. | 12 PM | Reservation required | Details

🗓️ Want more local events?

Check out the full, ever-growing list at events.sunland.news – your go-to for everything happening in and around St. Lucie County. If you have an event, send it to me here

📸 This is Sunland
For The Road!

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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