Good Morning, Sunland! It’s Wednesday!

Welcome to Sunland News — the newsletter with a local’s love and perspective. Born, raised, and still rooted right here, I’m excited to bring you a fresh take on the county we all call home.

A quick shoutout to our new subscribers from yesterday! I’m thrilled to have you on board, and I hope you find as much value here as our longtime readers have.

My mission is simple: keep you informed while documenting the rich culture, stories, and art that make our county what it is.

If today’s newsletter hits home or teaches you something new, feel free to share it with a friend! Also don’t forget to grab your referral link and share it! (Just keep scrolling, you can’t miss it)

Plus, I’d love to send you a free shirt as a thank you for spreading the word!

Now, let’s dive in!

— Ja'Min

In Today’s Sunland News ☀️🗞️:

1. 🅿️ Possible Beach Parking Fees at the Beach

2. 🌱 Mustard Seed Thrift Store Grand Re-Opening

3.  🎉🎭 Comedy Open Mic Night

📚 Read Time: 3.5 Minutes
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If you could add more of something to our community,
what would it be?

Weather TL;DR: "I can feel it coming in the air tonight"
Thunderstorms are brewing in the afternoon, so stay dry and keep an umbrella near! 🌩️

🌞 Day: High of 88°F
🌙 Night: Low of 75°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:05 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:30 PM

☔ Rain: 80% chance during the day, 50% at night.
Stay safe and dry out there!

Check Full Weather Report Here

Possible Beach Parking Fees Coming to Fort Pierce

Alright, so free beach parking in Fort Pierce might be on its way out—at least for folks who don’t live within city limits. The City of Fort Pierce is considering a plan to introduce paid parking at some of our favorite spots, like South Causeway Park, Jetty Park, and Jaycee Park. City residents might be able to snag free parking with a resident sticker, but non-residents (even if you’re from the county) could be looking at $3 an hour or up to $20 for a full day.

This proposal could bring in between $270,000 and $320,000 a year, and a private company would manage the system. Commissioner Michael Broderick has said that with the city’s budget crunch, they need to find new ways to bring in revenue—especially from people who aren’t paying city taxes. It’s all part of a plan to balance the budget and maintain these parks without putting too much of the financial weight on local taxpayers.

But not everyone’s thrilled. A lot of longtime park-goers who have enjoyed free access for years feel like they’re losing something. Paying for parking at places that have always been free doesn’t sit right with some folks.

The city still needs to work out the details—like how many hours attendants will be on duty and whether local business employees or part-time residents (like snowbirds) will get a break. The plan could be up and running by the end of the year.

As Fort Pierce keeps growing, this debate is going to stir up some serious opinions.

Question: Will this move help protect city resources and ease the burden on taxpayers, or is it going to alienate longtime park-goers who love the free beach access? Hit reply and let me know what you think.

📢 Mustard Seed Ministries Grand Re-Opening & Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! Mustard Seed Ministries is thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of their Port St. Lucie Thrift Shop at 8311 S US 1, happening on Sept. 19.
[Read More]

📢 City of Fort Pierce Community Cleanup - September 28, 2024 Join the City of Fort Pierce Public Works Department for a community-wide cleanup day on Saturday, September 28, 2024. It's a great opportunity to come together and make a positive impact. Register online and choose your preferred time and location. [Read More]

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

📢 Turner Industrial Hardware & Supply Closing Down 🚨 
After over 30 years of serving the community, Turner Industrial Hardware & Supply has officially closed its doors. The store, a reliable resource for boat repair, mechanics, and industrial needs, is having a liquidation sale. Don't miss your chance to snag some deals and show support as we say goodbye to this longstanding business.
[Read More Here]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

🏦🏧 Bank of America Raises Minimum Wage to $24 Starting in October.
Bank of America will raise its hourly minimum wage to $24 for thousands of employees. This wage hike addresses the growing shortage of bank workers, with an estimated 27,000 tellers needed annually over the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. [
Read More]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

🏧 Median income rose to $80,610 in 2023
Americans’ incomes have finally returned to their pre-pandemic peak. Median household income rose to $80,610 in 2023, essentially the same as it was in 2019, the Census Bureau reported Tuesday.
[Read More Here]

📢 Got an Event?

You can now submit an event for Sunland News to cover! Whether it's in town, out of town, or anything you think deserves attention, just click the button below to share it with us. Thank you for being part of Sunland News! 🙏

🖼️ My Mom & My (basically) Second Mom!

This is Saint Lucie is an ongoing series of capturing the people of the city. It’s important we tell a story from the perspective of the people so it never get’s lost. Big thank you to my mom and my cousin always being ready for the camera.

With love, Ja’Min

See you tomorrow!

🛍️ Wednesday Green Market
🗓️ September 11, 2024 | Morning
📍 Marina Square, Fort Pierce, FL
Explore fresh produce, local crafts, and more at this midweek market.
[Read More]

🎤 Open Mic Night at Pineapple Joe's
🗓️ September 11, 2024 | Evening
📍6297 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Acoustic, Variety Open Mic Night... Come sit down, and enjoy the show!
[Read More]

🎭 Comedy Open Mic Night
🗓️ September 11, 2024 | Evening
📍269 Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
Christina Michelle presents a FREE Comedy Open Mic Night every Wednesday from 7-10 PM at Three Tides Restaurant, featuring $8 drink specials all night. [Read More]