Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Monday!

Welcome to Sunland News, the local email newsletter that actually feels LOCAL.

I had the chance to get out and about in the community this weekend. Clothing Drives, Markets, New Artsy Coffee Shop. It’s always nice to connect with the people who read this newsletter every morning…

Speaking of which, this newsletter now reaches exactly 2,107 people as I write this. I’m honestly at a loss for words. All I can say is, if you’re new to this, thank you, and if you’re true to this, thank you.

Now, let’s get to the news!

Ja’Min Brown
Writer, Filmmaker, and Publisher

(Thank you all for your contributions. Your support goes a long way!)

Sunland News In About 5 Seconds 📬

Local Art Debate 🖌️
New Restaurant Alert 😋
Volunteer for Pack the House 🎉

Should Our Public Art Installations
Be Created By Local Artists?

Weather TL;DR: "Let It Rain, Clear it Out" - 🌧️🎶 Expect some early showers, but the sun might break through later. 🌦️

🌞 Day: High of 83°F
🌜 Night: Low of 74°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:25 AM
🌇 Sunset: 6:46 PM

🌬 Winds: NE at 10-20 mph (Day) / 10-15 mph (Night)
💧 Humidity: 74% (Day) / 85% (Night)

Stay dry! 🌧️☀️

Check Full Weather Report Here

Get Involved 📢

Saint Lucie Wants You Board…
By inviting residents to step up and join advisory boards and committees. Check out the available boards, find out their purpose, and see where your head, shoulders, knees, and toes can fit in. Learn More

Volunteer 🤝

Pack the House for a Great Cause!
10th Annual Pack the House event on October 25-26, 2024, at 813 S. Kings Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL. Help distribute 15,000 holiday meal boxes to local children, families, and seniors in need! With music, fun-themed shifts, and local food, this event is an opportunity to give back. Learn More

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

FEMA At The FENN!

Over the past week, I’ve noticed a lot of frustration and confusion surrounding FEMA’s relief efforts for Hurricane Milton here in St. Lucie County (see example here). I understand how overwhelming it can be to feel like there’s no help available, so I decided to head down to the Fenn Center myself to get answers. Here’s what I learned about what residents need to do to qualify for disaster relief assistance:

1. You Can Reapply if You’re Denied
   If your initial FEMA application was denied, don’t lose hope. You are allowed to reapply, and it’s encouraged. Many applicants find success on their second attempt after providing more detailed information.

2. Power Outage Requirement
   To qualify for assistance, you must have experienced a power outage lasting at least three days. While FEMA isn’t asking for proof of the outage, you’ll need to provide proof of residency at your home address.

3. More Help at the Fenn Center
   The Fenn Center offers more than just FEMA aid—it has various programs for small businesses and additional resources for those impacted by the storm. It’s worth visiting to explore other types of support available beyond FEMA.

Lastly, after speaking with a few representatives, while the entire process can be done online, it’s recommended to visit in person to avoid simple mistakes that could lead to denial of disaster relief. They will be at the FENN center for at least a couple more weeks. Monday - Friday 10AM - 7 PM. Sunday 11AM - 4PM. For additional information, visit this here.

SPONSORED BY FORT PIERCE WESTWOOD CLASS OF 89’
Maroon & Grey Benefit Gala

Join Fort Pierce Westwood Class of '89 for Their 35th Reunion Benefit Gala! 🎉

Celebrate this special occasion at the Maroon & Grey Benefit Gala, featuring a homecoming dinner and dance to raise funds for a great cause.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM
📍 Location: VFW, 3485 Douglas St, Fort Pierce, FL
🎟️ Admission: $40 per person

Reconnect, reminisce, and make a difference all in one night!
For more info, call 954-816-2923 or 229-320-0667.

Don't miss it! 💃🏽🕺🏽

Local Art Not From Local 🖌️

A new mural across from the Boston House has sparked conversations in Fort Pierce. Daniel, a mural artist from Memphis, TN, won a national competition and was awarded $23,705 by the county to complete the project. While his work is impressive, some locals are questioning whether such commissions should prioritize local artists instead. The mural’s funding and selection process have raised broader discussions about supporting homegrown talent versus welcoming artists from beyond Florida’s borders. Community feedback on social echoes this sentiment, prompting the question: Should local art always be created by local artists?

IRSC Steps Up 🎓

Indian River State College (IRSC) recently rallied in response to Hurricane Milton’s devastation at Spanish Lakes in Fort Pierce, FL. Around 175 students and staff members joined recovery efforts, working together to clean up the impacted community. Their efforts, along with general support across the county, have been truly inspiring to watch. Read More 

New Restaurant 🌮

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Cuisine
This new spot is serving up all your favorites, from soups, salads, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, street tacos, beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options… 😰 Did I miss anything? There’s something for everyone here. View Menu

I got a chance to go out to Holy Vow International Ministries for their community clothing giveaway. This is by far the main reason I started Sunland News—to connect with my city, my community, and meet the people who make home feel like home. It’s always fun seeing people who read and interact with the newsletter in person. It’s a truly special feeling.

With Love,
Ja’Min

🎵 Blues Jam

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Harmony Music Lounge, 116 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, FL
Enjoy a night of blues music, with a $3 cover charge. Grab your instrument and join the jam!

🎷 Jazz & Blues Night w/ Muffy Charles

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge, 44 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL
Join Muffy Charles for a soulful night of live jazz and blues music. Admission is free!

🎤 Open Mic

🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Harmony Music Lounge, 116 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, FL
Show off your talent at this free event featuring acoustic, rock, and a variety of live performances.

🎃 Watson Realty Trick-OR-Treat

🗓️ Date: Monday, October 21, 2024 | Afternoon
📍 Location: 1648 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Join this annual indoor family-friendly trick-or-treat event, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun for all ages!

🎮 Discovery Church Trunk or Treat

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 6:30 PM
📍 Location: 4441 South 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Enjoy a retro video game-themed trunk-or-treat event with food trucks and a cozy coffee shop atmosphere. Bring the family for a fun-filled evening!

🛍️ Wednesday Green Market

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | Morning
📍 Location: Marina Square, Fort Pierce, FL
Explore fresh produce, local crafts, and more at this lively midweek market by the waterfront.

👻 Ultimate Asylum Haunted House

🗓️ Date: Friday, October 25, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Location: 1472 SE Huffman Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL
Experience the thrill of the haunted house, with "Little Scares" from 6-7 PM and "Big Scares" from 7-10 PM. Admission is $10.

🍂 Fall Fun Fest

🗓️ Date: Friday, October 25, 2024 | Evening
📍 Location: MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place
Enjoy live music, food trucks, a midway carnival, performances, and local vendors. Don't miss the Street of Treats on Saturday evening!

👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.

📱 Keep up with the Sunland News on Instagram. Send comments & suggestions to [email protected]

🤝 Looking to Advertise? Reach Out!

🌴 All tip jar proceeds for October will be donated to Reviving Anointed Word (RAW) Ministries