🌅🛼 Skate Night & IRSC’s Milestone

Good Morning, Sunland!
It’s Wednesday!

So, here’s the deal: I’m officially on a mission to try every restaurant you all suggested after signing up (thanks for sharing!). It’s a new spot each day of the week, and I’m tracking what I spend to really prove my theory that local might actually be cheaper than non-local. Let’s see if it holds up!

Oh, and here’s a scoop straight from my dad (Hey Dad! 😂): the internet at the Veterans Memorial post office has been down for a week. No word yet on when it’ll be back, so if you need to send something important (that you need a tracking number for), maybe try another location. Alright…

👀 Caught My Eye: Sex N' The City. As a Musical Parody. At the Sunrise Theatre? For once, I don’t even know what to say.

🫡 Salute: Alexis found a Mister Softee’s in PSL

🍔 Ate Local : I tried Grandpa’s Diner over on U.S. 1 and Prima Vista last night. 3 words. Portions, Price, All Day Breakfast (Okay 5 words).

A Look Ahead In 5 Seconds 📬
IRSC 65 Years 🏫
Latin Skate Night 🛼
Trails Are Back Open ✊

Ja’Min Brown
Writer, Filmmaker, and Publisher

Weather TL;DR: "Kiss of Life" - 💋🌧️
Morning showers to start, with clearer skies expected later.

🌞 Day: High of 83°F
🌜 Night: Low of 69°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:26 AM
🌇 Sunset: 6:44 PM

🌬 Winds: NE at 10-15 mph (Day) / NNW at 5-10 mph (Night)
💧 Humidity: 76% (Day) / 88% (Night)

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

Trails Are Back Open 🌳🚶

I’m really excited to share that all St. Lucie County nature preserves are back open after Hurricane Milton! Just watch for a few muddy trails (Legal probably made them say that. It’s Florida, it’s always muddy). Read More

Clean The Streets 🫧

The city nerd in me couldn’t help but noticed some land being cleared over near the publix on becker. Jumped over the city map and Last time you saw a street sweeper? Yeah, me neither. But Fort Pierce's new one is called 'Sweeping Beauty,' thanks to James Lotz! See it here

City of PSL Wants Input! 🗣️

Port Saint Lucie is asking residents to take a survey. It’s supposed to be quick, but it took me 6 minutes and 21 seconds (maybe I’m slow)—just a heads-up! They say it’ll help improve future support and programs. Check it out

M Ranch Sand and Rock Mine Gets 10-Year Approval… HUH?

County meetings are like volcanoes—they bubble up for a while, we think nothing of them, and then all of a sudden, boom, something starts shooting out. That’s pretty much what happened as St. Lucie County finally approved a 164-acre sand and rock mine at M Ranch after years of debate.

Should You Care?
If you live nearby or care about water quality, then yes. Residents have long worried that the mine could increase groundwater salinity, impacting their tropical fish farm. They even hired a hydrologist to push for stronger monitoring.

Who Has the Most to Gain?
The M Ranch owners hope the mine will generate income to sustain their agricultural operations (cattle, citrus, and corn). The county also avoids selling off agricultural land for development—keeping it "green," at least in part.

What’s Next?
Now that the permit is approved, expect noise from 7 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, berms to reduce sound, and trucks moving rock out of the site.

IRSC Celebrates 65 Years 🎉

Indian River State College has awarded 91,708+ degrees, supports 23,075 students annually, and drives $2 billion in local economic impact. Now, for the first time, IRSC is hosting a 24-hour Giving Day on October 27, marking 65 years on the Treasure Coast.

Funds will support initiatives like the Promise Program (2-year scholarships), student engagement, and more. Read It Here

1.1 Million Sq Ft Built, $61M Spent, 900 Jobs Now on Hold

The massive warehouse behind WAWA off Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce was ravaged by tornado from Hurricane Milton. Ironically enough, it's seen more coverage now than it did during its year it’s been sitting vacant. Commissioner Cathy Townsend said the storm bent metal beams and left the structure looking like a “battlefield”—her words, not mine. See what else she had to say here.

This is Sunland 📸

Not enough is said about connecting with real people. Writing this part of the newsletter is my favorite because there’s always a real moment behind the image that I can connect back to. I hope that comes across when you see it too. See you tomorrow!

With Love,
Ja’Min

Bingo Wednesdays @ Pierced Cider 🕡 6:30 PM-7:30 PM, Oct 23
Free cider, adult-style bingo, and fun prizes! 🍻 Read More

Latin Wednesday Skate Night @ Whispering Pines Park 🛼 6 PM-9 PM, Oct 23
Open skate with DJ Hitek’s Latin beats. Free! 🎶 Read More

Live Music: Jason Craig @ Square Grouper Tiki Bar 🎸 8 PM Oct 23
Live music in a fun tiki atmosphere! Read More

Live Music: Brad Brock @ Square Grouper Tiki Bar 🎸 8 PM, Oct 24
Read More

Live Music: Bethany Lynn @ Pierced Ciderworks 🎤 6 PM, Oct 25
Read More

Live Music: Vern Daysel @ On The Edge Bar & Grill 🎸 7 PM, Oct 25
Read More

Live Music: AJ Lora @ Square Grouper Tiki Bar 🎸 Oct 25
Live music on a Friday night! Read More

TayTay Dance Party @ Sunrise Theatre 🎤 8 PM, Oct 25
Taylor Swift is turning into Hamilton. I’m seeing her everywhere. Taylor Swift-themed laser party for Swifties! 🎶 Limited tickets. Read More

Creepy Crawl Scavenger Hunt @ Pioneer Park 🎃 Oct 25-29
Hunt spooky treasures for prizes! Read More

Bazaar & Plant Sale @ Garden Club of Ft. Pierce 🌼 9 AM-2 PM, Oct 26
Shop crafts, plants, and local goods. 911 Parkway Dr. 🌿 Read More

Indian River Lagoon Science Festival @ Veterans Memorial Park 🔬 10 AM-3 PM, Oct 26 Free, hands-on family fun with STEAM activities. 🧪 Read More

Comedy Corner @ The Blackbox – Richy Leis 🎙️ 8 PM, Oct 26
Laughs with stand-up comedian Richy Leis! Sunrise Theatre. Read 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