🌅⚡ Your FPUA Bill is Changing—Here’s Why

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! And here’s my once-a-week request: share this newsletter with a friend. Maybe someone who always says, There’s nothing to do. I’m bored. I wish I went out more. Send it their way—not just for the brownie points of always knowing what’s happening lol, but because there’s probably something in here for them too! Alright…

🎻 Shoutout: To my alma mater, LPA Orchestra, for representing at the Florida All-State Orchestras in Tampa! Proud of their talent and dedication. Keep shining! 🎶👏

🌡️ Weather Update: It’s Kind of Back to Normal

☀️ Day: High of 76°F, partly cloudy with NW winds at 5-10 mph
🌙 Night: Low of 52°F, some clouds early, clearing overnight with light winds
🌅 Sunrise: 7:12 AM 🌇 Sunset: 5:48 PM
🎵 Sounds like: Blues Skies by Jamiroquai

🍋 The Main Squeeze: FPUA Passing the Bucks!

Quick Take

Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) customers will soon pay extra for debit and credit card payments as the utility moves to curb rising transaction fees.

Why It Matters

FPUA currently absorbs over $1 million annually in digital payment processing costs, a burden spread across all customers. By introducing service fees, the utility aims to shift these costs directly to those using card payments, preventing future rate hikes.

The Details

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the FPUA Board unanimously approved a plan to pass third-party bank fees onto customers. Finance Manager Michelle Harris explained that digital payment processing costs have skyrocketed, jumping from $310,000 in 2021 to over $650,000 by 2023, with projections indicating continued increases.

Currently, half of all FPUA transactions are made via card, with processing fees factored into the utility’s overall budget. Under the new structure:

• Residential customers will pay a 2.5% service fee on credit and debit card payments.

• Commercial customers will pay a 3.5% service fee on card transactions.

• Check, cash, and e-check payments will remain fee-free via web and automated phone options.

The shift follows a national trend, with Invoice Cloud, FPUA’s payment processor, reporting that digital payments have risen from 47.5% in 2017 to 77% last quarter. Without service fees, FPUA’s projected digital payment costs could reach $4.02 million over five years.

What’s Next

The new fees take effect in April 2025. FPUA plans to notify customers through billing statements and online messaging, emphasizing that these are third-party fees, not additional utility charges. For customers wondering where FPUA ranks in overall utility costs, the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) regularly reports on rate comparisons across the state. See that report here!

👉 Want to know how this could impact your bill? Read the full breakdown here.

🍊 The Press Round: Buc Up!

Buc-ee's Indrio Road Site Plan Nears Approval

Buc-ee's has submitted its final site plan for a mega-travel center in St. Lucie County, bringing the project one step closer to breaking ground. Approval could happen without another commission vote.
👉 Read More

Port St. Lucie Expanding Parks for Growing Population

With rapid growth, Port St. Lucie is adding new parks, including Tradition Regional Park with a BMX track and new recreation spaces. The first phase opens this year.
👉 See the Plans

New Port St. Lucie Hospital Opening in September

Florida Coast Medical Center will bring 54 new beds, emergency care, and surgery services to Port St. Lucie, addressing a growing need for local healthcare. Hiring begins this summer.
👉 Get the Details

🍹The Refill: PSL BLVD…

Quick Take

Port St. Lucie Boulevard’s ongoing roadwork is more than an inconvenience—business owners say it’s costing them customers and threatening their livelihoods.

Why It Matters

Sunland readers have long voiced concerns over PSL Blvd construction, and local frustration is at an all-time high. Businesses like Tailored Cuts and That Crepe Place report sales dropping by more than 50% as traffic deters customers.

The Details

Construction between Gatlin and Darwin Avenues began in 2022 to expand lanes and sidewalks. The project, originally expected to finish in 2024, is now delayed until summer 2025.

The city says it’s pushing contractors to speed up work, while FDOT has yet to respond to concerns from local business owners.

What’s Next

For now, businesses are holding on and hoping for relief.

👉 More on the impact here.

 🤳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.

👉 Check it out here!

🎉 6 - ish Weekend Events: Candlelight & Markets

Dueling Pianos at Hop Life Brewing Company
📅 Friday, January 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
📍 Hop Life Brewing Company
Get ready for an electrifying night of live dueling pianos! Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to snag a spot.
👉 Learn More

Concerts by Candlelight - Port St. Lucie
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Port St. Lucie
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing candlelit concert featuring live classical music in a beautifully intimate setting.
👉 Find Tickets

BOOKMARCC’D in the Park
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Sportsmans Park
A student-led reading initiative for kids of all ages! Enjoy books, crafts, and prizes while fostering a love for reading in the community.
👉 See Details

Olive Branch GreenMarket - St. Lucie West
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Olive Branch GreenMarket
Explore fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and artisan treats at this vibrant farmers market.
👉 Learn More

2nd Annual Sip Tequila Fest
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Stuart
Enjoy a premium tequila experience with tastings from over 50 top tequila and mezcal brands.
👉 Find Tickets

Port Saint Lucie Green Markets (Grand Opening!)
📅 Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Port St. Lucie
A brand-new outdoor shopping experience featuring local vendors, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods.
👉 Check It Out

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: I Can’t Believe it’s Butter!

1. City of Fort Pierce Seeks New Partner for Sunrise Theatre
   The city is looking for a concessionaire to staff, operate, and program the historic Sunrise Theatre. Proposals are due by March 5, 2025.
   👉 Learn More

2. Marine Bank Opening in Fort Pierce
   A new banking option is coming to downtown Fort Pierce! Join the St. Lucie County Chamber for the Marine Bank ribbon-cutting on Jan. 30 at 5 PM.
   👉 More Details

3. Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show Returns
   The 8th Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival is happening Feb. 15 in Fort Pierce, celebrating the legendary artists with live jazz, food, and more.
   👉 Event Details

4. Carnivore Diet Gone Wrong
   What seemed like a clickbait at first is actually true… A Tampa man’s extreme carnivore diet, consisting of cheese and butter, led to cholesterol-filled growths on his hands and landed him in the hospital.
   👉 Read More

📸 This is Sunland: Line Dance!

Love this photo! It just gives me community! Alright…

See you tomorrow!
With love,
Ja’Min

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