Good Morning, Sunland
It's Friday! And I’m grateful! It’s been a long couple of weeks. I have a few interviews with some important people coming down the line! I’m excited to share! If you are a people pass member, you will get those first! See you soon!
📅 Yesterday's events: Check out the events newsletter with all the things to do this weekend. Send it to a friend who needs something to do.
🧨 Burn bans complicate July 4th fireworks plans across Florida – State won't ban fireworks statewide despite ongoing drought. Eight of 67 counties under burn bans, Details
In today's newsletter:
🏗️ Vero Beach Three Corners Project gets 30-day extension
🏨 Massive waterfront hotel complex moves through Fort Pierce planning
🏢 Martin County defends $73 million operations facility
🚗 Indrio Road traffic concerns raised during town center review
💰 Waste Pro settlement credit survives property tax amendment
⛈️ Weather Update: Storms likely this morning, more chances this afternoon.
☀️ Day: High of 90°F | Thunderstorms likely this morning, 70% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 75°F | Some clouds. Winds SE at 5-10 mph. 23% chance of rain.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:28 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 8:19 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 5:52 PM | 🌚 Moonset: 3:33 AM
🎶 Sounds like: "September" — Earth, Wind & Fire (I'm only putting this song here because I'm about to start watching this documentary about them on HBO this weekend.)
Ja'Min Devon
Founder & Publisher, Sunland News
🎓 Press Round: Settlements, Systems & Stations
🏗️ Vero Beach Three Corners Project Gets 30-Day Extension
Vero Beach City Manager Monte Falls requested a 30-day extension to negotiate the $250 million Three Corners waterfront village project with developer ClearPath. The new deadline is August 11, giving both sides time to finalize the master developer agreement and lease terms. The project would transform the former "Big Blue" power plant site into hotels, restaurants, shops, venues and a marina. ClearPath deposited $50,000 in March as a sign of good faith, and a concept plan was approved in 2022. Councilmember Linda Moore questioned whether 30 days is enough, but Falls emphasized the city won't rush into an unfavorable deal.
👉 Read more (WQCS)
🏨 Massive Waterfront Hotel Complex Moves Through Fort Pierce Planning
A 160-foot hotel, residential and retail complex proposed for South Hutchinson Island overlooking Fort Pierce Inlet has begun working through city planning. Developer Sandy Woods plans 175 hotel rooms, 54 condos, 23,000 square feet of retail and 700 parking spaces on waterfront property between Square Grouper Tiki Bar and Manatee Island Bar and Grill. The east building would need a height variance since it exceeds the city's 45-foot allowance. Developers will address stormwater retention with the Army Corps of Engineers and discuss traffic impacts with FDOT. The project returns to the Technical Review Committee in July.
👉 Read more (TCPalm subscription may be required)
🏢 Martin County Defends $73 Million Operations Facility
Martin County staff defended the $73 million operations facility after commissioners received details on the hardened, storm-proof building designed to house 160 employees. The facility will consolidate departments spread across multiple locations and withstand 180-mile-per-hour winds. County officials addressed procurement concerns, noting they followed Florida law for unsolicited proposals and completed all required public meetings. Commissioner Eileen Vargas remained opposed, arguing the county should pursue cheaper rental alternatives. The financing plan calls for $10 million county contribution and $63 million in 20-year bonds.
👉 Read more (WQCS)
💧 The Last Drop: Watch List!
🚗 Indrio Road traffic concerns raised during town center review – Lakewood Park resident told Planning and Zoning Commission roads around Indrio and Emerson can't handle more development. Wait times for left turns cited. Board voted unanimously to recommend Indrio Town Center approval anyway. Project now heads to Board of County Commissioners. Watch
🏗️ Indrio Town Center moving forward in north St. Lucie County – 85-acre mixed-use project at corner of Indrio Road and Emerson Avenue, 1.7 miles east of I-95. Up to 447,000 sq ft retail and commercial space, 26-acre neighborhood park, lakes, trails, limited residential. Planning and Zoning recommended approval. Awaiting final County Commission decision. Details
💰 Waste Pro settlement credit survives property tax amendment – PSL City Council clarified $24 million credit will appear on bill regardless of Florida's proposed property tax amendment passing in November. Non-ad valorem charge functions as communitywide trash subscription collected through tax bill. Clarification
📖 Thanks For Reading: How was today’s newsletter?
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.
📱 Keep up with the Sunland News: Send comments & suggestions to [email protected] Follow us on, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube
🙋♂️ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe Below!
