Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Monday! Happy to be back! We've got a jam-packed week ahead, so let’s dive in. Alright…
🤼♂️ Shoutout: For the first time in program history, Coach Carter and the LPA boys' wrestling team are District Dual Champs!
🚧 Traffic Alert: Expect closures and detours on SR 68/Orange Avenue for roadway upgrades and resurfacing starting Jan. 13. 👉 See Details Here
🌡️ Weather Update: It’s Kind of Back to Normal
☀️ Day: High of 78°F, generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds
🌙 Night: Low of 60°F, partly cloudy skies early, becoming overcast later
🌅 Sunrise: 7:12 AM 🌇 Sunset: 5:48 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Golden” by Jill Scott.
Ja’Min Devon
🍋 The Main Squeeze: Fort Pierce Wants You to Know, Help is Here!
During a recent City Commission meeting, the Grants Division presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), which details the impact of HUD-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects in 2024.
🤝 The Good
The city provided housing assistance to 28 homeless families through rapid rehousing programs. It awarded grants to 553 small businesses and supported them with technical assistance and workshops. Pinewood Park was upgraded, now serving over 500 residents, and a community garden was supported for low-income families. Housing rehabilitation was delivered for 11 households, and 225 participants attended financial literacy and disaster preparedness workshops.
🚧 The Work
Commissioners noted the need for broader community outreach to ensure residents are aware of available resources. Concerns were raised about the relatively small CDBG funding amount of $564,875 annually, which limits the program’s ability to meet growing needs.
🔮 What’s Next
Plans include conducting citizen surveys in 2025 to help secure increased funding for the future.
👉 Your Turn
Stay informed and learn more about local resources and programs here.
Presented By: 📸 Pay-What-You-Want PhotoShoot – Just Two Spots Left!
Looking for a quick, affordable way to capture timeless memories? This month, over at the Sunland Bookstore, we’re hosting the inaugural pay-what-you-want photo shoot event!
What to Expect:
A 20-minute black-and-white portrait session.
Perfect for individuals, couples, or friends.
Photos delivered via email within a few days.
Pay what you think they’re worth after viewing your images.
Secure Your Spot Today
Reserve your session with a $20 deposit—completely refundable if you’re not satisfied.
With just 2 slots remaining, this is your chance to capture beautiful, timeless portraits in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
🍊 The Press Round: What Local is Saying
Martin County Threatens Legal Action Over Brightline Station
Martin County is at odds with Stuart over a promised support letter for a $60 million Brightline station. The county claims Stuart violated an agreement by withholding the letter, essential for a federal grant application. Legal action looms.
👉 Learn More
Bat Infestation at Fort Pierce Apartments
Residents of Pine Creek Village report a nine-month bat infestation, with management allegedly failing to act. Families describe health risks and ongoing issues, including bats entering apartments.
👉 Get the Full Story
Treasure Coast Graduation Rates Exceed State Average
The Treasure Coast Class of 2024 surpassed Florida’s 89.7% graduation rate. Indian River County leads with 96%, followed by St. Lucie at 94.3% and Martin at 92%. Officials credit teachers and staff for this success.
👉 Explore the Data
🍹The Refill: 🏃♀️ Local Sports Tryouts are in Full Swing
⏰ On the Clock
If your child—or anyone you know—is looking to get active this spring, now’s the perfect time to jump into local sports! From track and field to baseball, teams across St. Lucie County are holding tryouts and open workouts for athletes of all ages.
🔍 Find the Right Team
The Treasure Coast Trailblazers Track Team, for example, starts open workouts at Lawnwood Stadium on January 13 at 6 PM. At just $25 per month, participants can train every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with monthly track meets from February through May. For school programs, St. Lucie County Schools are gearing up for spring athletics with opportunities to prepare students for the season ahead.
🤳Become A Member: Support Sunland News
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.
🎉 10 - ish Weekday Events: MLK Week Kicks Off This Week!
Annual Candlelight March
📅 Monday, January 13, 2025 | Begins at 6:00 PM
📍 Lincoln Theater, 1132 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL
Presented by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Delta Lambda Sigma Chapter) in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee. Join this community tradition honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
👉 Check It Out!
Networking Breakfast
📅 Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 8:15 AM
📍 Gator Trace Golf & Country Club, 4302 Gator Trace Dr, Fort Pierce, FL
Join the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce for a networking breakfast with community-minded professionals.
👉 Check It Out!
Board Games Tuesdays
📅 Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Sky High Comics & Games, 2717 Peters, Fort Pierce, FL
Dive into the world of board games, laughter, and strategy with this weekly gathering.
👉 Learn More
Covering the Bases
📅 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM
📍 SLCTV, Fort Pierce, FL
Catch a live interview with this month’s featured athlete in this local TV show segment.
👉 Learn More
Pokemon League
📅 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Sky High Comics & Games, 2717 Peters, Fort Pierce, FL
Join fellow Pokemon Trainers for TCG League play with standard format matches.
👉 Join the Fun
Wednesday Night Bingo at Pierced
📅 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Pierced Ciderworks, 411 N 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL
Special bingo night with Treasure Coast Wine, Ale & Spirits Trail! Grab a cider and join the fun.
👉 Check It Out!
December Book Club Meeting
📅 Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Wanderlust Book Boutique, 210-A N 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL
Discuss "My December Darling" by Lauren Asher at this cozy book club meeting.
👉 See More
Opening Reception: Florida Highwaymen at the Crossroads
📅 Friday, January 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, 500 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL
Explore works by the Florida Highwaymen at this special gallery opening.
👉 Check It Out!
Open Mic at Cool Beans Brew
📅 Friday, January 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM
📍 Cool Beans Brew, 1115 Delaware Ave, Fort Pierce, FL
Doors open at 6:30 PM for artist sign-up. Come enjoy live performances and a great atmosphere.
👉 Get Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: A Cracked Shell, Closing Doors, and Newlywed Numbers
Egg Shortages Hit Florida Publix Stores
Avian flu outbreaks have caused egg shortages in Florida Publix stores. Here's what you need to know about why eggs are hard to find.
👉 Read MoreMacy’s Closing Seven Florida Stores
Take a deep breath—none of them are on the Treasure Coast. See which locations are shutting down across the state.
👉 Check the ListGuess Florida’s Newlywed Age
It's 30.1. Did you guess right? That's above the national average (29.7) but lower than New York’s 31.4. Check out how other states compare.
👉 Take a Look
📸 This is Sunland: Throwback, For Art’s Sake!
Photo by J’Qwan
Times were definitely different when For Art’s Sake was happening every other week. It’s still something the area could greatly benefit from today.
See you tomorrow!
With love,
Ja’Min
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