🌅⏳ Little Jim’s Gets a New Deadline

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday, and we made it to the end of another week.

I’ve got to say, this week’s round of newsletters left me feeling fulfilled. The feedback has been incredible! Not just appreciation, but people saying how useful it’s been. A lot of y’all have been talking to me about the high-rise situation on Hutchinson Island. And while I don’t always share my personal views in this newsletter, I will say this:

Make your voice heard.

Show up to city commission meetings. Send an email. Ask a question. Sound the alarm if you think something matters. I’ll keep doing my best to give you the full picture of what’s happening across St. Lucie County.Alright…

Let’s get into it.

🌡️ Weather Update: Classic Florida Friday

☀️ Day: High of 88°F | 🌤️ Sunshine with a few clouds
🌙 Night: Low of 71°F | 🌙 A few clouds and a steady breeze
🌅 Sunrise: 6:36 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:59 PM
🌔 Moonrise at 5:36 PM | 🌗 Moonset at 4:42 AM
🎵 Sounds like: “For The Love of You” by The Isley Brothers 💛🌆

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Little Jim’s Fate Still Unclear

Back in March, we covered the community outcry to save Little Jim Bait and Tackle—a historic, waterside spot that’s been part of Fort Pierce life since World War II. When word got out that the city lease was ending, folks showed up in droves to speak out in support of the current operators, who’ve run the place since 2019.

But the story isn’t over.

The city of Fort Pierce has extended the deadline again for developers to submit proposals to take over the lease. The new date is June 26, which means the final decision won’t come until later this year. A recommendation to award the lease could happen in September.

Whoever wins the bid will need to do more than just serve cold drinks. The city wants the new leaseholder to upgrade bathrooms, hook into a new sewer system, pay for $260,000 in flood mitigation, and bring the site up to code. On top of that, they’ll be expected to pay more than the current $2,000 monthly rent—possibly with a percentage of sales.

💬 Why It Matters: Little Jim’s isn’t just another business. It’s a gathering place and a piece of Fort Pierce history. With a new lease on the table, the future of this iconic space—and who gets to run it—is still undecided.

📎 Read our original coverage
📩 Leave your thoughts here

🍊 The Press Round: Safety Budget

💰 School Safety Budget Clash in Martin County

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is requesting an extra $2.1 million from the school district to fund school resource officers, up 63% from last year. District officials say the request came “out of left field” amid tight finances.

👉 Read the Full Story

🏗️ Three Corners Project Won’t Be a Cash Cow and That’s Okay

Vero Beach’s Three Corners redevelopment may generate only $1.2 to $1.5 million annually, far less than the $6 million the city once made from its electric utility. But officials say the goal isn’t profit, it’s community.

👉 Dive Into the Details

🚒 Indiantown’s Fire Station 24 to Be Replaced

Martin County Fire-Rescue is planning a new, larger fire station for Indiantown to meet growing demand. The $12 million facility would include 7 bays, more bunkrooms, and round-the-clock leadership staff.

👉 See What’s Ahead

Join the Mission and support Sunland News and help fuel the goal of delivering smarter, faster very, very local news that keeps you informed on what’s unfolding here.

💡 Why it matters: Your support allows me to keep St. Lucie County informed and engaged through the daily Sunland News newsletter—and sets the stage for tackling bigger, in-depth reporting projects in the near future.

🎁 What’s in it for you: Exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and other perks as we grow (bookstore and otherwise) this community together.

👉 Check it out here!

🎉Events: Top 5 Clicked Events For The Week!

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

• 🍳 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

• 🎉 PSLNLL Night at the St Lucie Mets – Cheer on the St Lucie Mets with PSLNLL at the ballpark May 10 | 5 PM | Free | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Fires and Valleys

1. 💨 Brush Fire Shuts Down Keys Access

   All northbound roads out of the Florida Keys are closed as a 350-acre brush fire burns near U.S. 1. Officials urge drivers to avoid the area.

   👉 Read More

2. 💰 Florida’s Million-Dollar Starter Homes

   Eleven Florida communities now have typical “starter homes” priced at $1 million or more. Including Pinecrest, Fisher Island, and Jupiter Inlet Colony.

   👉 Explore the Data

3. 🌪 Florida Tops Tornado Frequency List

   Studies show Florida now has the highest frequency of tornadoes per 10,000 square miles. Higher than traditional Tornado Alley.

   👉 Here’s Why

📸 This is Sunland: Photo for the Road!

See you Monday! With Love…

Ja’Min

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