🌅🚨 Little Jim’s Faces Closure

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Monday and I hope I’m not the only one struggling today! Of course, I’m hyped to be writing this, but the morning after the Super Bowl always hits different. It’s like an unofficial holiday… except we don’t get the day off. Apparently, I’m not alone—22.6 million employees are expected to miss work today, earning the day its nickname: “Super Bowl Flu.” According to a UKG survey, here’s how it breaks down:

• 🤧 3.2 million will call in sick

• 👻 3.2 million will ghost their employer

• 🗓️ 12.9 million already took the day off

• 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾 4.8 million will swap shifts

Meanwhile, 12.9 million plan to show up late, and 8 million are still deciding whether to bother. Pretty Insane! Alright…

🎨 Shoutout: Huge congratulations to my friend and our Head of Image for Sunland News, J’Qwan! He’s been invited to showcase his artwork at the 2025 FAM Fest at Whispering Pines Park!

The event runs 5 PM–9 PM, so if you’re in the area, come out and show some love. Big moves, J’Qwan—proud of you! 🖼️💪

🌡️ Weather Update: A foggy start to the week

☀️ Day: High of 82°F | 🌫️ Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy skies
🌙 Night: Low of 62°F | 🌥️ Some clouds, winds light and variable.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:01 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:10 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Ledisi 🎶

🍊 The Main Squeeze: 🌍 Little Jim’s Future in Limbo

📌 The Story Here: Little Jim Bait & Tackle, a historic landmark and beloved gathering spot in Fort Pierce, faces an uncertain future as its lease expires on Feb. 28. The city has yet to finalize a long-term agreement, and while a month-to-month lease is being considered, no formal proposal has been made.

This leaves 50 employees, local musicians, and fishing charters in limbo. If the city opens the lease for bidding, Little Jim could be replaced by another business or see significant changes in how the property is used. The uncertainty has many in the community concerned about the potential loss of a space that’s been a vital part of the local culture.

❓ Why It Matters:

• Cultural Landmark: Little Jim has been part of Fort Pierce’s story for decades, serving as a community hub and a space for locals and visitors to gather.

• Economic Impact: Little Jim supports 50 jobs, 30 local musicians, and countless fishing charters that rely on it as a launch point. Losing it would ripple through the local economy.

• Community Connection: In 2024, over 200 residents showed up to fight for its historic designation. Now, the same level of support is needed to secure its future.

🛠️ What’s at Stake: If the city decides to open the lease for bidding, the property could undergo significant changes, from new management to a complete overhaul of its purpose.

⏳ What’s Next:

• On Feb. 18 at 5:05 PM, the City Commission will vote on a month-to-month lease.

• The city may open the lease to bidders, meaning Little Jim could lose its place as a vital community hub.

📢 Your Turn: What do you think about Little Jim’s future? Leave your thoughts here.

🍊 The Press Round: Chicken Coop!

🛠️ Lincoln Park Development Projects Face Scrutiny

Two Fort Pierce non-profits failed to deliver on promises for Lincoln Park, leaving vacant lots and a shuttered neighborhood center despite $1.1 million in funding. Allegations of mismanagement and unfiled IRS reports cast further doubt on the projects.

👉 Read More

🏛️ City-Owned Building Closed After $440K Investment

Fort Pierce’s Means Court Center remains uninhabitable three years after the city leased it to Incubate Neighborhood Center for $12 a year. The non-profit failed to meet deadlines and lost its tax-exempt status, with no public accounting for $440,000 in donated funds.

👉 Read More

🐓 PSL Residents Petition for Backyard Chickens

Over 300 Port St. Lucie residents signed a petition to legalize backyard chickens, citing rising egg prices and shortages. The city currently bans chickens, but advocates argue the change is an economic and practical necessity.

👉 Read More

❓Question: 🐓 What’s Your Take on Backyard Chickens? Do you think Port St. Lucie should allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards?

🍹The Refill: 🏀 LPA Wins BIG!

🏀 If I Said Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, or Bill Russell... What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Winning, right? Let’s add another name to that list: Coach Wendell Adams of Lincoln Park Academy.

With over 500 career wins, Coach Adams isn’t just a local legend—he’s a coaching icon. This past week, he led the Greyhounds to their 18th district championship with an insane 83-23 victory over Somerset College Prep.

💡 A Legacy of Greatness: Coach Adams has been a pillar of Lincoln Park Academy for decades. He was already making waves when I attended LPA, and he’s only added to his legacy since then. Last February, the school honored him by naming the basketball court after him—a rare tribute that speaks to the respect and admiration he’s earned.

The Greyhounds are 23-2 this season, a record that underscores the culture of excellence Coach Adams has built. The players are thriving in his system, with standout performances like:

• Juliana Ball: 23 points, 69% shooting.

• Laylah Dawkins: A perfect shooting night with 100% accuracy.

• Victoria Boyer (8th grade!): 15 points and a 60% shooting clip.

🗓️ What’s Next: The Greyhounds head to regionals this Thursday, February 13th, hosting Gateway Charter at 7 PM. Gateway Charter is coming off a 55-30 loss to Bishop Verot in their district tournament, which might make them hungry to bounce back. But with Lincoln Park’s momentum and Coach Adams at the helm, they’re well-positioned to advance.

👉 Your Turn: Want to follow the action? Tap into the Florida Championship Tournament to track the Greyhounds’ progress and catch all the matchups. See the bracket on MaxPreps

 🧡 Support Sunland News: Keep Local News Thriving

Join the mission to deliver smarter, faster, hyper-local news that keeps you informed about everything unfolding in St. Lucie County.

💡 Why it matters: Your support helps sustain Sunland News, ensuring our community stays connected and engaged. It also lays the foundation for deeper, more impactful reporting projects in the future.

🎁 What’s in it for you: Enjoy exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and special perks as we grow together and continue to build this vibrant local community.

👉 Learn More and Join Us Here!

.🎉 Weekday Guide: Best Weekday Events

Monday, February 10

🎨 Art on the Porch Cool Beans Brew, Fort Pierce. Enjoy coffee, creativity, and community during this free weekly art session. | 10 AM–1 PM | Details

📚 January Book Club Meeting 2nd Street, Fort Pierce. Dive into All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles at Wanderlust Book Boutique. | 6 PM–9 PM | Details

Tuesday, February 11

🎲 Board Games Tuesdays Fort Pierce, Dive into an epic evening of gaming with weekly board games and fun at Sky High Comics & Games. | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM | Details

☕ Networking Breakfast Gator Trace Golf & Country Club, Fort Pierce, Meet community-minded professionals over breakfast, hosted by the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce. | 8:15 AM | Details

Wednesday, February 12

🍺 Bingo Wednesdays Pierced Ciderworks, Fort Pierce, Midweek fun with adult-style bingo, free cider, and prizes at Pierced Ciderworks. | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Details

☕ Coffee with the Chair SLCTV, 2300 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Join local leaders for discussions, coffee, and networking opportunities. | 8:15 AM | Details

Thursday, February 13

🍷 Ladies Night Out: ½ Off Bottle Wine Vero Beach, Sip, socialize, and enjoy live music with discounted wine at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge. | 6 PM–10 PM | Details

Friday, February 14

🍿 Valentine’s Day Drive-In Movie: 50 First Dates Fort Pierce, Celebrate love with a cozy drive-in movie experience featuring this rom-com classic. | 7 PM | Details

🎤 Open Mic Night Cool Beans Brew, Fort Pierce, Share your talents at this open mic event, featuring live music and poetry. | 9:30 PM | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Spring Training is Here!

1. 🎨 Highwaymen Art Show
   Celebrate Florida’s iconic artists at the 8th Annual Highwaymen Festival, Feb. 15 in Fort Pierce. Learn More

2. ⚾ Mets Spring Training
   Watch open workouts starting Feb. 12 at Clover Park. Free entry; $15 parking on game days. Details Here

3. 🥗 Free Nutrition Classes
   Learn to eat healthy on a budget! Classes start Feb. 18 at the Havert L. Fenn Center. Sign Up Here

📸 This is Sunland: Mom you made it!

My mom insisted I show her Superbowl spread from yesterday! Only after taste testing everything to make sure it was good did I oblige 😂. Alright…

See you tomorrow! With love,
Ja’Min

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