🌅🍇 Wine Tasting & Some Ideas

Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Tuesday!

The newsletter that’s like your friend who’s always down for an adventure… even if it’s just a trip to Publix. 🛒😂

Today, we’re trying something new. I’ve been asking lots of questions in recent newsletters, and now it’s time to share some of your answers. This is your chance to see what the rest of the Sunland News community thinks and feels about the topics we’ve covered.

Plus, I’ve got three new ideas I need your honest feedback on. It’s simple—just vote YAY or NAY and let me know why.

Alright, Ready, Set, Go! Let’s dive in! 🚀

Ja’Min Brown
Writer, Filmmaker, and Publisher

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

Idea Sneak Peek 👀

Events Directory 🗺️
Shop Local Discount Card 💳🍔
Local Volunteer/Job Board 👩‍💼👨‍🔧

We’ve had some intriguing responses from the Sunland community, so let’s break down what y’all had to say:

1. Fort Pierce vs. Port St. Lucie

Alright, this result doesn’t surprise me at all—Port St. Lucie took 75% of the vote. I mean, it is the 6th or 7th largest city in Florida (hard to believe, right?). Where is everybody? 🤔 This brings me back to my age-old question and potential research project: why doesn’t PSL have a proper downtown? Sure, Tradition has become the de facto downtown, but it still boggles my mind.

2. Public Art: Local Artists or Not?

This one definitely deserves a closer look. With all the recent growth in the area, we’ve seen an increase in local art—like that big heart sculpture in Tradition and new murals popping up here and there. An overwhelming majority (66%) of you agree that public art should come from local artists. But here’s the real question: why isn’t that happening more often? Or better yet, are these opinions even making it to the folks in charge? This could be worth a deeper dig…

3. Brightline in Saint Lucie County 🚆

And finally, the Brightline debate…. Most of you are in favor of it (81%), seeing it as a major convenience upgrade. Here’s some of the feedback:

• “I commute from PSL to MIA - Brightline would be a Godsend for me!”

• “It’s easier to visit Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Also, easier to get to airports with lower flight costs.”

• “We need a train in PSL so we won’t have to travel to West Palm to get one!”

For those not on board with Brightline, the biggest concern is infrastructure—both foot traffic and just plain old traffic. It’s a valid point, and I’m curious to see how it plays out in the community.

Alright, Sunland family, I need your help! I’ve been cooking up a few ideas that could make life in Saint Lucie County just a tad bit better. But, of course, I want to know what you think before moving forward. Take a look, see what clicks, and then hit me with a YAY or NAY for each idea!

Events Map/Directory

Most of you are familiar with our beloved events list (well, I think it’s beloved). But if I had one critique, it’s that I shoot out a bunch of events every Thursday, and then… poof, they disappear. There’s also no feedback loop—no reviews, no details on who each event is really for. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a go-to guide with reviews, descriptions, and contacts? I’m already working on an events map, but I’m wondering if it should expand into a full directory. What do you think?

Local Discount Card

Imagine this: a card that gets you discounts (something like 20%) at 10 of the best local spots in town. It’s $25, and the goal is simple—get people out exploring and supporting local businesses here in Saint Lucie County. Think of it as a win-win for your wallet and the community. Would you grab one?

Local Volunteer/Job Board

I’m always getting asked, “Where can I volunteer or lend a helping hand?” I also have a lot of creative friends who do freelance work, and I often wonder: wouldn’t it be helpful to have one central place to find these kinds of opportunities? And for those looking to hire creatives—whether it’s for photography, website development, or more—this could be a go-to hub as well. I think a local Volunteer/Job Board could help connect people faster and give local businesses a chance to stand out—especially since they often get buried on sites like Indeed. What do you think?

🏆 Business Bowl & Breakfast

🗓️ Date: October 22, 2024 | 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
📍 Location: The Saints Pub, Port St. Lucie, FL
Start your morning with networking, breakfast, and business insights. Tickets: $17.

Discover Italy Wine Tasting

🗓️ Date: October 22, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Total Wine & Spirits, 1725 NW St. Lucie Blvd West, Port St. Lucie, FL
Curious about Italy? Join us for an inspiring session where you can explore Italy’s highlights, plan your dream trip, and enjoy a free wine tasting!

🎭 Beetlejuice Murder Mystery Dinner

🗓️ Date: October 26, 2024 | Evening
📍 Location: That Crepe Place, 3003 SW Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34953
Enjoy a night of ghoulish fun and macabre mysteries in the eerie world of Beetlejuice. Dinner and drinks provided. Tickets: $30 per person.

🎃 Tradition Monster Mash

🗓️ Date: October 26, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: SW Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
Halloween festival featuring hot cider donuts, a kid zone, pumpkin painting, and more family-friendly activities.

🌿 Heathcote Botanical Gardens Fall Garden Festival

🗓️ Date: October 26th & 27th, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Join us for a blooming weekend filled with free admission, vendor extravaganza, educational seminars, and expanded garden access. Suggested donation: $1 per person.

👻 Halloween Party and Not So Haunted House

🗓️ Date: October 27, 2024 | Afternoon
📍 Location: SusieDoos Playhouse, 2721 SE Morningside Blvd
Perfect for ages 6 months to 10 years! Enjoy contests, giveaways, indoor field games, crafts, food & drinks. Admission is $15 per child, collected at the door. No registration required and no fee for adults.

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