Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Friday!

Welcome to Sunland News! I’m beyond excited to share the release of the Play Sunland Game that launched yesterday! If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a simple, fun way to discover all the cool things to do in and around Saint Lucie County.

Play Here 👉 Play.SunlandNews.com 

I’m already working on some improvements and bug fixes, thanks to the incredible feedback from the Port St. Lucie Reddit community, Facebook, Instagram, text messages, calls, and most importantly, from you—our loyal Sunland News readers.

Thank you for your continued support! I’m committed to writing and building for our community, bringing us all closer to home.

— Ja'Min

In Today’s Sunland News ☀️🗞️:

1. 🍊 Locally Grown, National Known Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co. sold to California company

2. 🚚 Amazon Boosts Pay for Its Drivers Following Threats to Unionize

3.  🎉 Silent Disco at Pierced Ciderworks

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

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, but it has to be from a local spot, what are you picking and why?

Weather TL;DR: "I’m feeling HOT HOT HOT" Expect some afternoon showers and thunderstorms with hot (heat advisory hot) and humid conditions.

🌞 Day: High of 93°F
🌙 Night: Low of 76°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:06 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:27 PM

☔ Rain: 40% chance of rain during the day, 24% chance at night.

Check Full Weather Report Here

Fort Pierce-based company Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. sold to Perricone Farms

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was always early—earlier than early, in fact. We'd pull up to Dixie Cream off Orange Avenue to grab a dozen of what might still be the best donuts on the planet. Of course, I’m a bit biased. Pulling open the metal door with that well-worn bell hanging from the top, the smell of sugary heaven would hit you instantly.

But as a kid, I had something else on my mind. I'd look right to the fridge, straight to the top shelf of milk with all its different variations. Nestled there, just at a child's eye level, were the colorful bottles of Natalie’s Orange Juice. The bright orange and pink labels immediately grabbed my attention, and without fail, it was always my first choice. That juice wasn’t just a drink; it was a ritual—something that made those early mornings special.

It wasn’t until years later that I realized how local that juice really was. Natalie’s, founded in 1989 right in our backyard of Vero Beach and now headquartered in Fort Pierce, was more than just another brand on the shelf. It became a local icon, a business that started small but gained national and even international recognition.

That’s why hearing the news that Natalie’s was sold to Perricone Farms, a California-based juice company, stirred up mixed emotions. On September 4, it was officially announced that Natalie’s had been acquired by Perricone Farms, a move that signaled the next chapter for the company. Perricone Farms, a family-owned business founded in 1994, has its own impressive history as one of the largest citrus growers in the U.S., producing a variety of juices and essential citrus oils.

While Natalie’s and Perricone will now operate under the Perricone Juices umbrella, both brands have assured their loyal customers that nothing will change in terms of quality, branding, or packaging. In fact, the website promises that "the quality of our juices will not change" and with more procurement opportunities, it’s expected to only get better.

Still, it’s hard not to feel a little sad knowing that Natalie’s, which was so deeply rooted in our community, is now part of something bigger. The founder, Marygrace Sexton, who named the company after her daughter, will stay on as an in-house consultant, providing her expertise as the business integrates with Perricone Farms. But the day-to-day operations will now be led by Perricone CEO Bob Rovzar.

Natalie’s growth has been remarkable over the years, with its 55,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center right here in St. Lucie County. Now, with Perricone’s larger network and resources, they’re poised to expand even further, possibly exploring new distribution and sourcing strategies.

Like Natalie’s, I’ve always hoped Sunland News could embody that same local spirit while reaching beyond. And although change can sometimes be hard to accept, I hope that Natalie’s remains a staple of our community, continuing to offer that same great taste and homegrown charm we all know and love..

How does the news of Natalie’s sale to Perricone Farms make you feel? Do you think it will impact the local charm and quality we’ve come to love, or are you excited to see what’s next for this homegrown brand? Respond to this email.

⚡ Utility Assistance for Seniors - Starting September 16, 2024
The St. Lucie County Human Services Division is offering utility assistance for households with residents aged 67+ on a fixed income. To qualify, you must meet the income guidelines and provide required documents. This program is fully supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Call 772-462-1777 (press 0) or email [email protected] to apply. ]

🧼 💼 Your Ducks in a Row is Hiring

Looking for a job in the cleaning industry?
Your Ducks in a Row, a local cleaning service, is hiring!

💸 $20/hour
🗓️ Monday to Friday, with optional Saturdays
🚗 Vehicle required
🧥 Uniform and equipment provided
🎁 Quarterly bonus

[Read More]

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

📢 Local Non-Profits Making Waves in Indian River County

Two incredible non-profits in Indian River County are making a big impact with their grassroots efforts. 🌟

The Source is tackling homelessness head-on with their innovative Dignity Buses, providing safe, mobile shelters for those in need. With the addition of their third bus, they now offer 55 beds and other essential programs like Dignity Smiles (dental care) and Dignity Wellness (mental health support).

Hibiscus Children’s Center continues to protect and support children across four counties. With over 450,000 safe nights provided to abused children, their programs offer a brighter future for families in crisis. Don’t forget to check out their "Evening in Paris" Gala on Nov. 15, 2024 to help support their mission! 🌸

[More Info Here]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

🏈 Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa leaves game against Bills with concussion
[Read More]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

🚚 Amazon Boosts Pay for Its Drivers Following Threats to Unionize
Amazon says roughly $2 billion investment will boost average driver pay to nearly $22 an hour
[Read More]

📢 Looking for Something Fun in Town?

🙏🫂Thank You!

I’m excited to share a special project I’m working on for Sunland News with Stoney’s BBQ. This feels like the beginning of something bigger—a chance to capture local stories and document them, step by step. There’s a lot brewing behind the scenes, and I can’t wait to bring it all to life.

Thank you for always reading. See you Monday.

With love,
Ja'Min

🎃 'Beetlejuice 2' Friday the 13th Pajama & Cereal Party
🗓️ September 13, 2024
📍 940 14th Ln, Vero Beach, FL
Get ready for a spooky Friday the 13th at the Pajamas & Cereal Event featuring "Beetlejuice"! Enjoy a movie screening with popcorn, cereal, and milk. Doors open at 7:30 PM, screening starts at 8:00 PM.
[Read More]

🚚 4th Annual Touch A Heart Truck Show
🗓️ September 14, 2024
📍 Lawnwood Stadium, Fort Pierce, FL
See big and small trucks in this fun-filled event. Bring a toy for the annual toy drive and enjoy an exciting afternoon starting at 4 PM!
[Read More]

🚗 CFR RallyCross Event #8
🗓️ September 14, 2024
📍 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds
Join Central Florida SCCA RallyCross for a thrilling action-packed event starting at 1 PM.
[Read More]

🎧 Silent Disco at Pierced Ciderworks
🗓️ September 14, 2024 | Evening
📍 Pierced Ciderworks
Check out this unique event on Saturday, September 14th, from 8 PM to 11 PM! Put on your headphones and dance to your own beat at the Silent Disco. With multiple music channels to choose from, there's something for everyone!
[Read More]