🌅📶 Tradition Just Got Better!

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! Let’s jump straight in!

🎵 Did You Know? I’ve been overpaying for streaming services, but J’Qwan just put me on to Freegal—basically Spotify, but free with a library card. 15 million songs. I’m giving it a shot!👉 Check it out here

📋 Board Seat: The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency wants passionate locals for its Advisory Board! Help shape the city’s future. Apply by March 8! 👉 Learn more & apply here.

🌡️ Weather Update: Sun and clouds…

☀️ Day: High of 82°F | 🌤️ Sun and clouds mixed, with winds from the SSE at 5-10 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 61°F | 🌑 Mainly clear skies, winds becoming light and variable.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:04 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:06 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Escapade” by Janet Jackson 🎶

🌡️ Poll Question: Do you feel like you use the library as often as you should?

🍋 The Main Squeeze: 🌐 A Call Dropped in Tradition

TL;DR: Port St. Lucie’s City Council approved a 150-foot monopole cell tower in Tradition North to improve spotty service. It will be built at the new Fire Station No. 20, currently under construction.

🌍 The Big Picture: I was on the phone with my dad, heading to Home Depot on Gatlin for Sunland Bookstore—shoutout to Sunland Bookstore! Just as I was giving him the rundown, the call dropped. Classic Tradition 😂.

If you’ve ever tried to make a call in this part of town, you know the struggle. That’s why the city approved a 150-foot cell tower at the new fire station site in Tradition North. Finally, some relief is coming. Tradition residents and employees have long dealt with dead zones and dropped calls. A map from the Council’s Jan. 13 meeting highlighted the issue: the nearest tower is nearly 2 miles away. The new tower will close that gap. Planner Francis Foreman explained that the tower meets zoning and safety requirements, ensuring minimal visual impact while maximizing coverage.

❓ Why It Matters:

• Better Connectivity: Fewer dropped calls and dead zones.

• Supports Growth: Expanding coverage benefits businesses and residents.

• Boosts Safety: Co-locating with a fire station enhances emergency communications.

⏭ What’s Next: The tower’s construction will progress alongside the fire station, which broke ground in June 2024. With no opposition, residents should see improvements soon.

📢 Your Turn: 🔗 Want more on this story? Read here for more.
📢 Has this ever happened to you, or is it just me? Reply to this email or weigh in here!

🍊 The Press Round: Murals on Murals

🏠 Treasure Coast Real Estate Trends Shift Toward Buyers

Rising inventory and longer sales times suggest the Treasure Coast housing market is transitioning from a sellers’ market to a balanced or buyers’ market in 2025, according to local Realtor associations. Median sale prices increased in 2024, but buyers now have more options and leverage.
👉 Read More

🎨 Fort Pierce City Hall Seeks Artists for Mural Project

The City of Fort Pierce is calling on artists to design a mural celebrating the city's vibrant spirit. Submissions are open to experienced and emerging muralists, with a deadline of February 17, 2025.
👉 Apply Here

🧾 Free Tax Assistance Available Across St. Lucie County

Trained volunteers with VITA and AARP are providing free tax preparation assistance at five locations in St. Lucie County. Services are available for residents making $67,000 or less per year.
👉 Learn More

🍹The Refill: 💌 The Florida doctor who built a lifeline
Presented by Anley Cardiovascular

❓The Why: Sunland News and Anley Cardiovascular are spotlighting Florida’s deep-rooted history of doctors who changed lives—like Dr. James Sistrunk, who provided crucial care when hospitals wouldn’t. His legacy reminds us why strong doctor-community relationships matter, especially for heart health. Anley Cardiovascular is continuing that mission today. ❤️

🏥 The history: In 1938, Dr. James Francis Sistrunk co-founded Provident Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, the first medical facility in Broward County to provide care for Black patients. At a time when segregation kept Black communities from accessing hospitals, his work became a critical lifeline—especially for heart health, where early intervention saves lives.

📊 Why it matters: Black Americans face higher rates of heart disease, and lack of access to quality care is part of the problem. Dr. Sistrunk’s legacy is still felt today, but disparities remain.

🔑 The takeaway: Quality heart care starts with awareness and action. Anley Cardiovascular is continuing the work of pioneers like Dr. Sistrunk by providing expert screenings, prevention strategies, and care tailored to the community.

❤️ Take the first step. Learn more or schedule a screening → Check out Anley here

🎉 Weekend Events: Friday Fest This Week!

Friday, February 7

• 🐠 Aquarium After Dark at Smithsonian Marine Station. Explore the underwater world with glowing corals, night tanks, and a family-friendly vibe. | 5:45–8 PM | $15/adults, $13/children | Details

• 🎶 Friday Fest at Marina Square, Fort Pierce. Enjoy live music from Sunken Treasure Duo, food trucks, and family fun. | 5:30–8:30 PM | Free | Details

Saturday, February 8

• 🎨 Beginning Watercolor Painting at The Vault Art Gallery. Relax with hands-on instruction to create your masterpiece. | 2:30–5:30 PM | $55/session | Details

• 💖 Galentine’s Paint + Sip at XO Beauty Bar. A girls' night with champagne, painting, and raffles. | 6 PM | Tickets required | Details

• 🛍️ Children’s Business Fair at SW Del Rio Blvd. Meet young entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses. | 10 AM–1 PM | Free | Details

Sunday, February 9

• 🥬 PSL Green Markets is back for week 2 at MidFlorida Event Center. Shop fresh produce, crafts, and enjoy live music. | 9 AM–2 PM | Free | Details

• ❤️ Fort Pierce Valentine’s Market at Islamorada Brewery. Find unique gifts from local vendors. | 1–6 PM | Free | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Eggdemic

1. 🍗 Super Bowl Snacks = $$$ Inflation means pricier wings. Hosting a crowd? Average cost: $139. Read More

2. 🎭 Pulitzer Drama Alert! ‘The Gin Game’ opens Feb. 7 at Treasure Coast Theatre. Showtimes Here

3. 🍳 Egg Surcharge? Waffle House adds fees due to shortages. Breakfast plans scrambled? Share Here

4. 🎶 Vero Blues Fest 🎸 Feb. 15-16: Two days of live blues at Indian River Fairgrounds. Get Tickets

5. 🎨 Highwaymen Art Show Feb. 15 in Fort Pierce—art, live music, and tours. Details Here

📸 This is Sunland: Photo for the Road!

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