Good Morning, Sunland
It's Tuesday! and my body is still adjusting to the time change. I do appreciate the extra hour of sleep, but I’m already dreading spring when we lose it again. I want to hear your thoughts on daylight savings. Do you think it’s a good idea or should we just stick to one time year-round? I dropped a quick poll below. Let me know what you think.
👀 Caught My Eye: We fall back, but that doesn’t mean more sleep. Experts say this shift can actually mess with your internal clock and make you more tired, even when you gain an hour. See details
🗳️ Election Day: If you live in Fort Pierce District 2, voting is open today for the special election. Make your voice heard. See where to vote
💜 People Pass Shoutout: Thank you to everyone supporting Sunland through the People Pass. Your support keeps this work alive. Join here
Ja’Min Devon
Sponsored: Stoney’s Breakfast is Here! (Now on Saturdays)
You already know the flavor Stoney's brings at lunch and dinner. Now they're bringing that SAME energy to your mornings.
Tuesday through Saturday, 7-10 AM.
We're talking chicken & waffles, sausage bowls, bacon bowls - all under $8. The same portions you love, the same taste that keeps you coming back, now available on your way to work.
Pull up to Stoney's before 10 AM and start your day RIGHT.
📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce
🍽️ The Main Squeeze: SNAP Benefits Partially Restored & Where to Find Food Help on the Treasure Coast
What's happening: SNAP benefits are being partially funded after a six-week freeze during the federal government shutdown. While the funding gap caused chaos for families, Treasure Coast residents rallied to help each other find resources.
The timeline: SNAP funding officially ran out November 1st, affecting 42 million Americans including 2.9 million Floridians. A federal judge ordered the issue resolved Friday, and partial funding resumed this week.
The resource: Sunland News reader Christa Hawk compiled a comprehensive Google Sheet of SNAP resources across the Treasure Coast, including food banks, pantries, and distribution sites in St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties.
Key resources:
Treasure Coast Food Bank serves Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties
Farm Share distribution sites across Florida
Feeding Florida statewide network
211 United Way hotline for local resources
Local help: United Against Poverty in Indian River County launched a SNAP Support Initiative on November 3rd for Indian River residents, providing vouchers worth 30% of frozen benefits. In just the first few hours, they served over 50 families and handed out over $6,000 in vouchers, according to WQCS.
Business support: Several chains offered temporary assistance during the freeze including Winn-Dixie (free delivery for SNAP recipients), Instacart (50% off one order), and DoorDash (free delivery on one order). See the full list here.
Your EBT card: Existing SNAP balances can still be used and roll over each month. Check your balance at ebtEDGE.com or call 888-356-3281.
🥳 What’s Happening: 9 Out of Town Events
Thursday, Nov 6
🎶 Live in the Loop: La Herencia Latina Orchestra – Latin music at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. | Check time | Free | Details
Friday, Nov 7
🎶 Live in the Loop: The Real Deal – Live music at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. | Check time | Free | Details
🎤 Comedy Zone: Jim Holder & Nick Giasullo – Stand-up comedy with headliner Jim Holder and feature act Nick Giasullo at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. | Check time | Ticketed | Details
🎶 Shwayze with The Quasi Kings & Twin Fin – Hip-hop and reggae fusion at Terra Fermata Tiki Bar in Stuart. Rain or shine. | Check time | Ticketed | Details
Saturday, Nov 8
🛍️ ShopAPalooza Fall Sidewalk Sale – Dozens of shops offer major markdowns on clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods, and more in Historic Downtown Stuart. (Runs Nov 8–9) | 10 AM–5 PM | Free | Details
✈️ Stuart Air Show with Amateur Radio Station – Martin County Amateur Radio Emergency Service operates special event station N4A. Free for members, air show tickets required for general public. (Runs Nov 8–9) | 9 AM–5 PM | Check pricing | Details
🍝 24th Annual Galbani Feast of Little Italy – Three-day Italian street festival with national entertainment, authentic food, and family fun in Abacoa, Jupiter. (Runs Nov 7–9) | Check time | Check pricing | Details
🎨 American Craft Festival – Handcrafted leather, artwork, photography, glass creations, and USA-made goods along A1A in Juno Beach. Free parking at Loggerhead Park. | Check time (7 hrs) | Free | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
🌀 Refill: Fort Pierce Group Collecting Hurricane Melissa Relief for Jamaica
Why this matters: Port St. Lucie has significant Caribbean roots. Census data shows 4% of residents report Jamaican ancestry, 3.8% Haitian, and 8.5% West Indian. Many Treasure Coast residents have family affected by Hurricane Melissa or may be hosting relatives who lost everything.
What's happening: Treasure Coast Realty Group in Fort Pierce is collecting relief supplies for Jamaica, where the storm killed at least 67 people and caused up to $4 billion in insured losses.
The damage: Melissa was the most intense hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica since record keeping began. The death toll includes 32 in Jamaica, 34 in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
What they need:
Medications and first aid supplies
Diapers
Non-perishable food and canned goods
Dry goods (rice, cornmeal, flour)
Drop-off details:
Where: 145 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce
When: Monday-Friday 11 AM - 2 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM
More info: Follow Helping Hands Ministry on Facebook for updates.
🧾 Last Drop: Hometown CHAMP!
🏫 New PSL school named Tradition Lakes K-8 – District finalizes name for western Port St. Lucie campus under construction. School opens August 2026 with Principal LaTanya Greene leading campus. School details
🏆 Gifford native wins WWE Women's Championship – Jade Cargill, Sebastian River and Vero Beach High alum, defeats Tiffany Stratton for title. Treasure Coast wrestler also holds Queen of the Ring crown. Wrestling win
⏰ Florida still waiting on permanent DST approval – State among 19 with laws passed to end twice-yearly time changes, but stuck without federal action. Congress must approve before states can make daylight saving permanent. DST status
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