Good Morning, Sunland
It's Wednesday! And not sure if anyone knew this, but IRSC does a pretty good job of keeping historical records. And they actually have a bit of an archive of The Chronicle newspaper. See it here. This is actually exactly 55 years ago today. Sirloin steaks were $1.19/lb lol. Check it out!
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In today's newsletter:
📍 Port St. Lucie asking state to designate new Opportunity Zones on east side
🎨 Vero Beach airport planning welcome mural for visitors
⚡ NRC approves St. Lucie Nuclear Plant operations through 2063
🏛️ Indiantown mayor's residency challenged by sworn affidavits
🎉 Weekend events across the Treasure Coast
⛅ Weather Update: Partly cloudy.
☀️ Day: High of 87°F | Partly cloudy. Winds SSE at 10-15 mph. 3% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 67°F | Generally clear. Winds SSW at 10-15 mph. 11% chance of rai
🌅 Sunrise: 6:43 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:53 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 6:18 PM | 🌚 Moonset: 5:17 AM
🎶 Sounds like: "Testify" — Common
Ja'Min Devon
Founder & Publisher, Sunland News
🟠 Main Squeeze: Port St. Lucie is asking the state to designate new Opportunity Zones on the city's east side
Port St. Lucie officials have submitted areas along the Walton Road and U.S. 1 corridor to the state for potential Opportunity Zone designation, a federal program that offers tax incentives to encourage private investment in areas with slower economic growth 📍.
Why it matters: The city's east side has been a stated priority for redevelopment and the Opportunity Zone designation would give private investors a financial reason to put money there, something city leaders say the corridor needs given empty plazas and struggling businesses along those stretches.
What areas are being considered 📋:
🥇 Walton and One corridor, listed as the first priority
🔵 A census tract along U.S. 1
🔵 A section along Port St. Lucie Boulevard near City Hall
Worth noting: the city currently has an existing Opportunity Zone that officials say is not being effectively used because it sits primarily in a residential area, which is part of why Walton and One is being prioritized as a replacement target.
What they're saying: Deputy City Manager Kate Parmelee said the designation would build on momentum from Southern Grove and align with the city's long term east side focus. Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo noted directly that some businesses in the area are dying and plazas are sitting empty. Mayor Shannon Martin said the push aligns with what the city is already doing through its Walton and One master plan.
What's next: The proposed nominations will be submitted to the Florida Department of Commerce for consideration 📅.
🏠 Press Round: Murals, Licenses & Questions
🎨 Vero Beach Airport Planning Welcome Mural for Visitors
Vero Beach Regional Airport could be getting a large mural to greet arriving visitors instead of a blank wall at the terminal, Councilmember Linda Moore told City Council April 28. The airport is undergoing a $1.9 million terminal makeover with covered passenger walkways, covered outdoor baggage claim area and improved ADA compliant restrooms.
👉 Read more (TCPalm subscription may be required)
⚡ NRC Approves St. Lucie Nuclear Plant Operations Through 2063
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved license renewals for St. Lucie Nuclear Plant in Jensen Beach, extending Unit 1 operations through 2056 and Unit 2 through 2063. The plant has operated since 1976 for Unit 1 and 1983 for Unit 2, generates electricity for more than 1 million homes and businesses and employs about 400 people.
👉 Read more (WQCS)
🏛️ Indiantown Mayor's Residency Challenged by Sworn Affidavits
Three sworn affidavits have been filed with the Martin County Supervisor of Elections alleging Indiantown Mayor Carmine Dipaolo does not live at the address he used for his 2026 re-election filing and voter registration. One affidavit is from the community manager at Indianwood Golf & Country Club stating Dipaolo does not reside at 16274 Four Wood Way.
👉 Read more (Martin County Press)
🎉 Weekender: Events for the Weekend!
Friday, May 1
🎉 Friday Fest – Midnite Mike & the Indrio Kings – Marina Square, Fort Pierce. | 5:30 PM | Free | Details
🎭 Fort Pierce 48 Hour Film Project Kickoff – McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Fort Pierce. | 6 PM | Details
🎵 One Night of Queen – 117 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce. | 8 PM | Ticketed | Details
🐾 Paws on the Patio & Live Music Night – St. Lucie Trail Golf Club, Port St. Lucie. | 5:30 PM | Details
Saturday, May 2
🎵 Cadence in Concert at Priscilla's Oasis – Priscilla's Oasis on Orange, Fort Pierce. | 7 PM | Details
🎸 Chemistry: The Ultimate 80s Music Experience – Hop Life Brewing, Port St. Lucie. | 8 PM | Details
🎵 Temptation Saturdays – Bleu Clarinet, 901 Ave D, Fort Pierce. | 10 PM | 21+ | $10 | Details
🎵 Nocturnal Notes – Late Nite Piano by Uriel Natero – Priscilla's Oasis on Orange, Fort Pierce. | 10 PM | Details
Sunday, May 3
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: Theatre Board, PSL Birthday, & Event Planning
🌳 Lake Indrio Preserve closed until mid-May for new boardwalks – Three new boardwalks under construction at 7-acre preserve off North US 1 in Fort Pierce. Connects to 250+ acre preserve complex. Environmental preserves
📋 PSL wants your input on 10-year Special Events Master Plan – Two public sessions: April 28 6pm at Keiser University (9400 SW Discovery Way, Room 106/107) and April 30 6pm at The Saints Golf Course (2601 SE Morningside, Sandpiper Room). Shape future city events and venues. Check here
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