Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Wednesday!

This is Sunland News — I want to let everyone know Sunland News has officially hit 500 subscribers! Pretty bizarre! 🥳

Writing Sunland News for you all continues to be a joy, day in and day out. Every time I connect with someone in person, I'm reminded of just how important it is to know what's happening around town.

For that, I thank you!

We've had a lot of new people join Sunland News lately, so I wanted to take this moment—my weekly reminder—to ask that if you find the newsletter valuable, please share it with a friend. Forward them this email or send them your referral link (just scroll down a bit to find it). That way, I can send you some free stuff!

Alright, enough with the reminders—let's get into the news!

— Ja'Min

In Today’s Sunland News 📬

💰 Fort Pierce Finalizes Budget
🏡 Port St. Lucie Offers Home Repair Grants
🛫 Breeze Airways Adds New Destinations from Vero Beach 

📚 Read Time: 5 Minutes
Also, did somebody forward you this, if so subscribe here 👉 Subscribe

Which Do You Prefer?

Weather TL;DR: "Stormy Weather" by Etta James 🎶
Sunshine this morning, but scattered thunderstorms are rolling in this afternoon. Keep your umbrella handy! 🌧️

🌞 Day: High of 89°F
🌜 Night: Low of 75°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:08 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:21 PM

☔ Rain: 60% chance during the day, 50% at night
💧 Humidity: Day - 78%, Night - 92%

Stay safe and stay dry out there!

Check Full Weather Report Here

🏡 Port St. Lucie Offers Home Repair Grants 💰
The City of Port St. Lucie has been awarded $1.8 million through the SHIP grant to help residents with home repairs. Eligible residents can apply for up to $50,000 starting Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. by filling out the pre-application at www.cityofpsl.com/housing. For assistance, call 772-344-4084 or visit City Hall.
[Read More Here]

🎨 Fort Pierce Seeks Arts and Culture Board Members 🎭
The Fort Pierce City Commission is looking for civic-minded residents to join the Arts and Culture Advisory Board. This board will help shape a 10-year strategic plan for arts and culture in the city. Applications are open until Sept. 19, 2024. Interested residents can apply online or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (772) 467-3065.
[Read More Here]

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

🌆 Fort Pierce Potential Shopping Center Faces Community Concerns ⚠️

The proposed 37,000-square-foot shopping center is planned to be located near the southwest corner of 25th Street and Midway Road in Fort Pierce, Florida. The potential center featuring a Bravo Supermarket and a 6,000-square-foot Mexican restaurant, has faced delays due to community concerns over potential drainage issues. Local residents worry that the development could worsen flooding in nearby neighborhoods. The developer is revisiting plans to address these concerns, with the next review scheduled for October 1.

[Read More Here]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

✈️ Breeze Airways Adds New Destinations from Vero Beach 🌐
Starting Nov. 21, Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights from Vero Beach Regional Airport to Washington, D.C., and Ogdensburg, NY, on Thursdays and Sundays. These new routes add to Breeze's growing list of destinations, enhancing travel options for the community.

[Read More Here]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

🤖 Chipotle Tests Robots in California Kitchens 🌯

Chipotle has introduced robots in two California locations. "Autocado" prepares avocados for guacamole in seconds, while another robot assembles burrito bowls and salads. These bots aim to speed up service and reduce the need for additional staff. Would you let a robot make your avocado? Reply to this email and let me know.

[Read More Here]

Fort Pierce Finalizes Budget

As we approach the end of the fiscal year in September, Fort Pierce has finalized its new $64.7 million budget, making some notable changes. The city has allocated an additional $361,613 to the Police Department, bringing its budget to nearly $21.3 million, to fund a 9% raise for officers. This comes after tense negotiations between the city and police unions, resulting in a compromise after the unions initially sought a 15% raise, and the city countered with offers of 3% and later 8%.

To accommodate these raises, cuts were made elsewhere. The administrative budget saw a reduction of $570,662, though it still remains over $1.5 million higher than last year’s. While the Police Department saw the largest increase, most city departments received some budget boosts.

Now, you’re probably thinking, "What does this even mean?". Listen I understand. In simple terms, the city had to shuffle its money around. They decided to pay police officers more by cutting some of the funds that usually go towards administrative costs (like running city offices). They kept the property tax rate the same, but since property values have gone up, most people will end up paying a bit more in property taxes this year.

Why is all this happening now? It's because cities finalize their budgets around this time of year, so you’re seeing a lot of news about taxes, budgets, and spending. This process shapes how the city spends its money in the year ahead.

What do you think of the city's decision to fund police raises by cutting administrative expenses? Do you feel this budget aligns with the needs of the community? Hit reply and let us know your thoughts!

📢 New Video

I know Sunland TV has been a bit slow recently, but for good reason. I’m not sure if I have gained that reputation yet, but when I go silent on something, it just means I’m planning for a bigger and better release in the near future. For now, watch the video below of me talking about how Sunland News has now grown to over 500 subscribers.

🍳 Stoney is Cooking

If you haven’t seen our interview with Stoney BBQ (watch here), he announced on Sunland News that he would be opening his new restaurant on the corner of 25th and Ave I (where the old Jojo’s used to be—if you know, you know). Here he is, putting the place together by hand, with family all around to help. I really love family businesses. I love people who care as much as Stoney does. I appreciate him for what he’s done for me personally and what he’s done for the community.

🩺 Brennity Health Expo
📅 September 18, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 10685 SW Stony Creek Way, Port St. Lucie, FL
Join the community for a senior Health Expo focused on healthcare resources. Perfect for those looking to chart their course into retirement, featuring vendors and information sessions.
[Read More Here]

🎉 Tail-Gator's Fall Festival
📅 September 20, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 1500 NW Courtyard Cir, Port St Lucie, FL
Join for Tail-Gator's Fall Festival! 🎯 Enjoy fair games, FREE axe throwing, a special fried food and dessert menu, and more. Don't miss it! 🌟
[Read More Here]

🎶 Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Coldplay
📅 September 20, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL
Experience Coldplay's greatest hits performed on strings in an intimate candlelit setting. Tickets are $42.50.
[Read More Here]