🌅🏁 Skate Shop Shuts Down After 25 Years

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Monday! And it’s February! We’ve officially made it through the longest part of the year—the stretch where January seems to last forever. Before you know it, we’ll be talking about holiday plans again. Ha!

But for now, it’s Black History Month, and I’m excited to spend some time highlighting the longstanding Black-owned media outlets that have shaped local news over the years. I’ll also be sharing stories from Saint Lucie County’s Black history, uncovering moments and figures that deserve more recognition. Alright…

🎉 Congrats! Port Saint Lucie Green Markets had a great first market with plenty of vendors and a solid turnout! Excited to see it grow!

📢 Shoutout: Stoney is hosting a Men’s Meetup at Stoney’s BBQ on Feb 13th! Join for good food, real talk, and community. 🍖

🌡️ Weather Update: Foggy Start, Showery Afternoon

☀️ Day: High of 81°F | 🌦️ Foggy early, then periods of showers in the afternoon
🌙 Night: Low of 63°F | 🌥️ Partly cloudy in the evening
🌅 Sunrise: 7:06 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:04 PM
🎵 Sounds like: "You Bring Me Joy" by Anita Baker

🍋 The Main Squeeze

🧠 The Know: 561 Skateboarding, a beloved skate shop in Stuart, FL, has officially closed after 25 years. More than just a store, it was a community hub for skaters, sneakerheads, and anyone drawn to the culture. The shop shut its doors on its own terms, marking the end of an era—but not the end of its impact.

❓ Why It Matters: In 2012, I found 561 Skateboarding while hunting for a pair of these red Nike SBs—shoes I didn’t skate in but loved. Foot Locker and Finish Line didn’t carry them, but this small shop in Stuart did. When I walked in, I felt something I didn’t have the words for then, but I do now: community.

561 was more than a business; it was a space dedicated to skate culture, a rare kind of spot that survives not just on sales, but on passion. Since opening in April 2000 at 101 SE Ocean Blvd, it weathered hurricanes, recessions, and a pandemic. And yet, 25 years later, owner Teak decided it was time.

In an Instagram post, he wrote: “25 years, just feels right. Never wanted to drag it, never wanted to become the old guy gripping boards. Figured we should end at a strong point.”

The shop didn’t close because it was struggling. It closed because every great era has its time. Judging by the outpouring of love online, 561 was more than just a store—it was a landmark.

⏭️ What’s Next: 561 will continue online, but its physical space is now history. The local skate scene isn’t fading, though—PSL recently reopened Skate City. A new BMX park is on the way in PSL as well. The foundation is there for someone new to build on.

For me, this story hits close. I’m trying to do the same with my bookstore—create a space that lasts. So to Teak and everyone who made 561 what it was: Thank you.

🍊 The Press Round:

Suncoast Mental Health Center to Close, Leaving Fewer Options for Care

One of the few nonprofit mental health providers on the Treasure Coast will shut down all locations on Feb. 14, reducing options for Medicaid patients. Read more.

Open & Closed Report: 11 New, 3 Closed, and 2 Reopened Restaurants

From Texas BBQ to Thai noodles, new spots are opening while others shut their doors. See what’s new and what’s gone. Read more.

🍹The Refill: 👟 The Slate Rocks 5K

🥇 The Main Thing: The very reason you’re reading Sunland News has a lot to do with Darin "Slate Rock" Slater. A pillar of this community, a father, uncle, friend, and legend. His presence was—and still is—felt in everything he built. Now, his daughters, Slate’s Angels, are continuing that legacy with the first annual Slate Rocks 5K.

🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️ How it Happened: Last year, my cousin Iman—the oldest and, let’s be real, the leader of the group—came to me with an idea. “I want to honor Daddy.” She wanted to keep his name alive while bringing awareness to colon cancer. The 5K is what she landed on, and not only did I want to help, but these are the things I feel called to do.

This isn’t just a race. It’s a movement. It’s about honoring Slate’s fight, supporting those still battling, and pushing for early detection and prevention. And it’s about bringing this community together—just like he always did.

📝 How to Join: To run, you need to purchase a Slate Rocks 5K race shirt. That shirt is your official registration. Proceeds go to the Colon Cancer Foundation and Slate’s Angels, keeping Slate’s legacy in motion.

📍 Location: 414 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL
📅 Date: March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: Registration at 7:30 AM | Race at 8:30 AM

Every step, every stride, every dollar raised is a testament to a man who gave so much to so many. Hope to see you at the starting line.

👉 Register, donate, or sponsor at SlateRocks5K.com

🎉 9 - ish Weekday Events: Start February off Right!

Sunset Yoga at The Gardens
📅 Monday, February 3, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Port St. Lucie
Unwind with Sunset Yoga at the Gardens. Open to all levels, with a peaceful sunset backdrop. $10 for non-members, free for members.
👉 Find Your Zen

Weekly Free Art on the Porch
📅 Monday, February 3, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Cool Beans Brew II, Fort Pierce
Sip coffee and create art with the Fort Pierce Art Club. No experience needed—just bring your creativity!
👉 Get Creative

Sunrise City Bluegrass Jam
📅 Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Pierced Ciderworks, Fort Pierce
Enjoy live bluegrass music every Tuesday with top local talent. Great drinks, great vibes.
👉 Tap Your Toes

Bingo Tuesdays at The Funky Cuda
📅 Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Fort Pierce, FL
Test your luck at Bingo Night! Three plays for just $5, with all proceeds benefiting House A Vet.
👉 Join the Fun

Exploring the Moon: Planetarium Workshop
📅 Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 Fort Pierce, FL
Dive into the history and features of the moon at this Hallstrom Planetarium workshop. Open to students and the public. $25 admission.
👉 Explore More

Pre-Valentine's Dinner & Comedy Show
📅 Friday, February 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 St. Lucie Trail Golf Club
Enjoy a four-course dinner and a night of laughter with Groucho's Comedy Club. No gate access needed, just good food and great comedy!
👉 Reserve Your Spot

Coffee & Connections Business Meetup
📅 Friday, February 7, 2025 | 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
📍 Boulevard Hair Boutique, Port St. Lucie
Network with local professionals over coffee and pastries. Valentine’s Day theme with special gift certificates!
👉 Make Connections

Food Trucks & Tributes
📅 Friday, February 7, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie
A night of great eats and live music, featuring a Jimmy Buffett tribute. Philly cheesesteaks, beignets, boba, and more!
👉 Grab a Bite

Step 2 the Mic Open Mic Night
📅 Friday, February 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 SteamWorks Coffeebar & Eatery, Port St. Lucie
Showcase your talent at this all-arts open mic night—poetry, music, comedy, and more. Free admission!
👉 Step Up to the Mic

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Don’t Get Scammed!

1. 📵 Scam calls are surging in Florida—here’s how to avoid them. Read More.

2. 😔 Record number of young manatees died in Florida last year. Read More.

3. 📈 Florida added 17,900 jobs —unemployment remains steady. Read More.

📸 This is Sunland: I Have a Question for You!

Okay, I need your help on this one. This Sunland News, newsletter will always be politics and crime-free, however sometimes, local issues make it hard to ignore what’s happening around us.

I’m considering options—maybe covering those topics behind a paywall (nothing expensive) or in a separate newsletter—but I want your thoughts. And maybe I’m naive, but I truly believe I could develop meaningful, impactful stories with a people-first lens. Should I keep things as they are or make a change? Let me know your thought here!

See you tomorrow!
With love,
Ja’Min

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