Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Monday!

Welcome to Sunland News — the newsletter that’s like your favorite restaurant, the one that knows your order the moment you walk in. Before you even reach for your wallet, it's already ready for you.

Lately, it’s become a bit of a trend that every weekend I get the pleasure of meeting new people who eventually find their way to this newsletter. So if you’re new here, welcome! It’s been an incredible journey over the past couple of months, fine-tuning and crafting this newsletter, and I hope to keep this going until… Well, until, you get me? 🌴🌅

Now, let’s dive in!

— Ja'Min

In Today’s Sunland News 🗞️

PSL Mayor VS SLC Commissioners
✈️ Boeing Workers on Strike
🎉🎶 St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Board Meeting

📚 Read Time: 4 Minutes
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Weather TL;DR: "You, you light up like the sun, like no one before"
A mellow day with clouds rolling in.

🌞 Day: High of 89°F
🌙 Night: Low of 77°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:07 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:24 PM

☔ Rain: 15% chance during the day, 19% at night.

Enjoy your day, rain or shine! 🌦️

Check Full Weather Report Here

📅 St. Lucie Cultural Alliance Board Meeting
🕔 Monday, September 16, 2024, 5:00 PM
📍 Location: 201 S 2nd Street, Suite 100, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance board meeting will be held at Remnant Construction. Join the meeting to stay informed about cultural initiatives and community projects.
[Read More]

🚧 Martin Highway Widening Project Update
📅 Sept 16-20: Lane closures on SR 714/SW Martin Highway, between SW Citrus Blvd and SW Martin Downs Blvd, from 8 PM - 6 AM for ongoing widening construction. Expect delays and detours. For more details, contact Samantha Kayser at 772-579-5479.
[Read More]

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

PSL Mayor VS SLC Commissioners

Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon M. Martin and County Commissioners are at odds over a contentious plan to potentially add 2,000 new homes to the area.

As a lifelong resident of Saint Lucie County, I’ve witnessed our city evolve from a quiet, small town into a bustling hub. Now, it feels like we’re on the brink of an even bigger transformation. With more people fleeing the high costs and South (like actually south) Florida, they're looking towards our community for a fresh start.

On September 12, 2024, Mayor Martin issued a letter [Read Here] to residents expressing serious concerns over two proposed St. Lucie County comprehensive plan amendments. These amendments aim to introduce nearly 2,000 new homes in unincorporated areas right on Port St. Lucie’s boundary.

The Mayor's primary concern? Our infrastructure—especially the roads. She’s skeptical that the proposed solutions will effectively manage the increased traffic that comes with such development. In response, city officials requested the county commissioners delay their vote to allow more time for discussions with developers on enhancing infrastructure and preparing for this potential expansion.

Despite these objections, the county commissioners moved forward, voting 4-1 to send the amendments to the state of Florida for review.

Now, Mayor Martin is rallying Port St. Lucie residents to make their voices heard. She’s urging the community to engage with county commissioners at upcoming meetings (see the schedule here) and make it clear where we stand. With Port St. Lucie accounting for 65% of St. Lucie County's population, it's crucial that our concerns are addressed.

The Mayor’s stance is firm: developers should bear the costs of the impact their projects have on our city’s infrastructure. It’s not about stopping growth, but about ensuring it happens in a way that benefits the community and doesn’t overburden our existing resources.

So, what’s your take? Is Port St. Lucie prepared for this next wave of growth, or are we at risk of stretching our resources too thin? Hit reply and share your thoughts as the discussion around things like this is what begins the process of better thinking and potential change. 

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

🚉 Brightline's Future in Martin County Uncertain
Martin County Board of Commissioners seeks to renegotiate Brightline deal after Stuart City Commission rescinds its agreement. County officials hope to secure a station despite setbacks. [Read More]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

🏦🏧 A recent SmartAsset study ranked the Treasure Coast counties among the top 25 most tax-friendly places in Florida for retirees.

St. Lucie County: State rank: 9 | National rank: 136
Indian River County: State rank: 11 | National rank: 143
Martin County: State rank: 23 | National rank: 192

[Read More]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

✈️ Boeing Workers on Strike
More than 30,000 Boeing workers have walked off the job for the first time since 2008, rejecting a new labor contract that included a 25% wage increase over four years, stating it doesn't adequately cover the rising cost of living. [Read More]

📢 We Shot a Commercial!

If you know me, you know I am a filmmaker at heart. So, I couldn’t help but shoot a commercial for the “What Should I Do Game”. If you haven’t checked it out yet, play below, and share it with a friend. Thank You!

Why I Believe in Documenting Our City and People

I received some news this weekend that devastated me. It brought me back to exactly why I'm writing to you this morning, and more specifically, why documentation, photography, and filmmaking are such crucial parts of Sunland News. One of my favorite films is a small indie film called Drylongso, which is about a young college student named Pica. Pica becomes alarmed at the number of young Black men around her dying, so she begins taking photographs to preserve their existence.

I can't help but always think of that film as I continue this journey with Sunland News. It's important to stay informed and be an engaged citizen, but also, part of what I am doing is preserving—holding space for this place and the beautiful people who come from it.

With love,
Ja'Min

See you tomorrow!

🎶 Bluegrass Jam
🗓️ Tuesday, September 17,
📍Pierced Cider, 411 N 2nd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Pierced Ciderworks is hosting the Sunrise City Bluegrass Jam every Tuesday from 6-9 PM. Hosted by Trevor Klutz, featuring some of South Florida's best bluegrass artists. Bring your acoustic instrument and join the jam session. First cider is on the house for all participants!
[Read More]

🍀 Halfway to St. Patrick's Day
🗓️ Tuesday, September 17
📍Pierced Cider, Fort Pierce, FL
Join the fun at Pierced Cider for a day full of Irish cheer as they celebrate the halfway point to St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy traditional food like corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fun activities like a leprechaun contest. Drink specials include the Hardcore Granny on tap and Babycakes special.
[Read More]

🎶 Night to Shine Music Bingo
🗓️ Tuesday, September 17
📍Hop Life Brewing Company, 679 NW Enterprise Drive Suite #101, Port St. Lucie, FL
It's that time again! Night to Shine is joining for Music Bingo! There will be prizes, raffles, and donation opportunities. Bring an old friend, make a new one, and have a blast!
💰 Cost: Free
[Read More]

🍻 Chamber Night
🗓️ Tuesday, September 17, 5 PM
📍The Saints Pub, 2601 SE Morningside Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Join the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce for a special evening featuring Jon Prince, Superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools, as the guest speaker. Learn, network, and have fun! After the talk, grab your BINGO card and play for a chance to win exciting cash prizes! This event is free and open to the public.
[Find Tickets]