🌅🌿 New Gardens & Homeowner Grants

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday—already! Short weeks are always the best, but they sure make it feel like there’s a lot to do before the weekend. Anyway, let’s not waste any more time. Let’s get to it!

🌱 Shoutout: Fort Pierce’s People’s Garden is officially open! This community-driven project promotes healthy eating, fights food insecurity, and creates a space for connection. Huge thanks to the volunteers, partners, and the LPA Key Club for their dedication! 🌻

🌡️ Weather Update: Windy & Wet

☁️ Day: High of 59°F | 🌧️ Chance of rain 90%.
🌙 Night: Low of 53°F | 🌧️ Chance of rain 24%.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:11 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 5:55 PM
🎵 Sounds like: "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Ray Charles

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Fort Pierce Home Purchase Assistance Program

Quick Take 🌞
Fort Pierce has launched the Home Purchase Assistance Program, offering $25,000-$45,000 in second-mortgage assistance for income-eligible individuals and families. The application period opens March 6 and closes April 4, 2025.

Key Details 🏡

• Eligibility:

  • Complete a homebuyer education program

  • Attend a mandatory orientation (in-person or virtual)

  • Secure a first mortgage from a lender

• Income Limits:

  • Single-person household: up to $51,350

  • Eight-person household: up to $96,850

• Application Process:

  • First-come, first-served basis

  • Proof of orientation participation required

Why is the City Doing This? 🤔
As someone looking into homeownership, this program feels like a step in the right direction. Fort Pierce wants to make homeownership more accessible, especially for younger buyers or first-time homeowners. With rising housing prices, having down payment assistance can make a real difference, and this program fills a critical gap in helping people secure their homes.

Community Impact 🌍
The $150,000 in funding is a much-needed resource for families seeking to buy in Fort Pierce. This program isn’t just about helping people own homes; it’s about creating stability in the community.

Looking Ahead 🔮
This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to purchase a home in Fort Pierce. If you or someone you know could benefit, don’t wait—applications are first-come, first-served.

Your Turn 🤝
Know someone looking for homeownership help? Share this article with them—they could benefit from this program!

👉 Apply Now: Program Details & Application

🍊 The Press Round: Shelter, Skate Park, and Brightline

St. Lucie County Opens Emergency Cold Weather Shelter

St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce open a cold weather shelter at Percy Peek Gym, set to operate from January 23 through January 24 due to freezing temperatures.
👉 Learn more about the shelter and its services here!

Skate City Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled

Due to inclement weather, the Skate City ribbon cutting at Whispering Pines Park is now scheduled for Wednesday, January 29 from 5-6 p.m.
👉 Find out more about the event details here!

Stuart Commission Melts Down Over County Request

Stuart City Commission clashed over Martin County’s request for a letter supporting a federal Brightline grant, highlighting growing tensions over city-county relations.
👉 Get the full story and updates here!

🍹The Refill: 🍗 Phatz Sports Bar & Grille is Almost Ready!

Quick Take 🌟
Phatz Sports Bar & Grille is getting ready to open a new location in Fort Pierce, adding to the ongoing debate about who has the best wings in town. Known for their signature wings, Phatz is aiming to expand their reputation beyond just being a wing spot, creating a space for people to gather, watch games, and enjoy good food.

What You Need to Know 🍴
This new spot will feature a full bar, an outdoor patio, and of course, Phatz's famous wings. The family-owned business has been a local favorite for years, with their original location on US 1 and their more recent Fort Pierce location serving as the heart of the operation.

Why It Matters 🏠
Phatz isn't just about wings—they’re working to establish themselves as a community hub, bringing people together to enjoy a great atmosphere, food, and sports. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a place to hang out with friends, catch the game, and enjoy local eats.

Looking Ahead 🔮
With a new look and a new focus, the Fort Pierce location is set to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Be on the lookout for grand opening details!

👉 Stay tuned for updates on Phatz’s grand opening 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!

🎉 Weekend Events

Dancing Through the Decades: Disco Night
📅 Friday, January 24, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Havert L. Fenn Center, Fort Pierce
Dress up for a disco-themed dance party for adults 21 and older. Pre-registration required. Tickets are $10.
👉 Call 772-462-1521 to reserve your spot or see details here!

Wikend Latino at Don Marcós Cantina
📅 Friday, January 24, 2025 | 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
📍 Don Marcós Cantina, Port St. Lucie
Dance the night away to live DJs and Latin beats at this vibrant weekend celebration.
👉 Don’t miss out!

Port St. Lucie Seafood Festival
📅 Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 MIDFLORIDA Event Center, Port St. Lucie
Enjoy live music, indoor and outdoor shopping, delicious seafood, and family-friendly fun at this free event.
👉 Check it out!

Jetson Highwaymen Art Festival
📅 Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Jetson TV & Appliance, Fort Pierce
Discover and purchase works from Highwaymen artists and their legacies at this annual art event. Free entry.
👉 Check it out!

Saturday Drive-In Movie: Inside Out 2
📅 Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM
📍 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce
Catch a family-friendly movie under the stars. Gates open at 6:00 PM. Limited to 120 vehicles.
👉 Learn more and get tickets!

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Headlines for the Road!

1. Technical hiccup misplaces 11 applications for new Fort Pierce city manager

• A technical glitch has delayed the process of selecting a new Fort Pierce city manager, causing 11 applications to be misplaced. The search continues to replace Nick Mimms.
  👉 Read More

2. New Florida bill would undo school start time requirements for 2026

• A new bill filed in Florida could undo the school start time requirements set for 2026, potentially affecting districts across the state.
  👉 Take a Look

3. Vero Beach Airport Sees Record Growth

• In 2024, Vero Beach Regional Airport served over 177,000 passengers—doubling its numbers from the previous year. While it's still a smaller number compared to Palm Beach's 8 million, it's a fantastic milestone and a great sign of things to come!
  👉 Read More

📸 This is Sunland

Had a blast shooting the PWYW, photoshoots this past weekend. So many things about Sunland are coming together, and that includes beinging people together, and meeting people from the county! Once again, thank you to everyone who came out! I can’t thank you enough! Alright…

See you Tomorrow!
With Love,
Ja’Min

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