🌅🥳 PSL is turning 64

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! And that means it’s my weekly reminder to share the newsletter with a friend. Also, if you’ve got a second, hit reply and let me know what you’re loving, what you want to see more of, or what could be better. I appreciate every message and all the feedback y’all send. It really helps me keep this thing grounded and growing. Just one share, one friend, one neighbor who might find value in Sunland News. Alright…

🌡️ Weather Update: A smooth and steady midweek forecast

☀️ Day: High of 83°F | 🌤️ Partly cloudy skies
🌙 Night: Low of 67°F | 🌙 Mild and partly cloudy
🌅 Sunrise: 6:48 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:51 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Rocket Love” by Stevie Wonder 🚀💙

🍋 The Main Squeeze: I Met Fort Pierce’s New City Manager

Yesterday, I had the chance to meet Richard Chess, the new city manager of Fort Pierce. The city put together a meet and greet at the River Walk Center downtown, and the turnout was strong. Lots of familiar faces. It wasn’t a town hall, more of a chance to say hello, shake hands, and welcome the new hire in.

💬 What I asked:

I waited until the end after everyone else had their moment and asked him three questions.

1. What was the number one question you got tonight?

   He said most people weren’t really asking questions. They were just excited to meet him.

2. What are you most looking forward to as city manager?

   He mentioned beautification, uplifting key areas, and pushing for a stronger version of Fort Pierce. No step-by-step plan but a general direction.

3. What’s a win in two or three years?

   He said economic development. More businesses, more investment, more activity. I asked how that balances with keeping local businesses local and making sure everyone has a fair shot. He didn’t give a super direct answer, but I got the sense that fairness and access are things he values.

👀 Why it matters: A lot is happening in Fort Pierce right now, and city leadership is going to shape what this next chapter looks like. New businesses are coming, new projects are being proposed, and the question is who gets invited in and who gets left behind. Meetings like this are just the beginning.

📣 Got thoughts on what the city should focus on next? Let me know here.
Leave your thoughts here.

🍊 Press Round: Stories Rooted in Home

📼 PSL Wants Your Story

For the city’s 64th birthday, the Port St. Lucie Historical Society is inviting residents to record their memories—especially those who lived here in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Stories will become part of a larger city archive. Bring photos, memorabilia, and your voice. Details

🥒 Backyard Bananas & Bell Peppers

With grocery prices rising, more PSL residents are planting their own food. Local gardener Marty Jacobson grows everything from mangoes to blueberries—and shares the harvest with friends. Read More

🐔 Phatz Is Back (and Bigger)

Phatz Sports Bar & Grille has opened a brand-new spot across the street from its original Fort Pierce location. Same wings, new full bar, outdoor patio, and late-night hours. Grand opening is May 5. See What’s New

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💡 Why it matters: Your support allows me to keep St. Lucie County informed and engaged through the daily Sunland News newsletter—and sets the stage for tackling bigger, in-depth reporting projects in the near future.

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🎉  Weekender
Your Frid, Sat, & Sun Gameplan

Saturday, April 26

• 👗 PSLBW Fashion Show 2025 – Celebrate women in business with this Kentucky Derby–themed luncheon, silent auction, and fashion show fundraiser. | 11 AM | $ | Details

• 📚 Independent Bookstore Day – Shop local and meet authors during this all-day celebration of indie bookstores in Downtown Fort Pierce. | 10 AM–5 PM | Free | Details

• 🍿 Drive-In Movie Nights: 5 Year Anniversary – Watch The Goonies and Grease under the stars with food trucks, ice cream, and bounce houses. | 8 PM (The Goonies), 10:20 PM (Grease) | Free | Details

• 🌱 Gather & Grow – Family-friendly networking with food trucks, giveaways, and kiddo fun at SusieDoos’ Playhouse. | 11 AM–1 PM | Free | Details

• 🚗 Show Off Your Classic Car at Veranda Preserve – A car show for vintage auto lovers, complete with trophies, food, and entertainment. Free to enter, but spots are limited! | 12 PM–4 PM | Free | Details

💧 The Last Drop: Heads Up & Mark Your Calendar

1. 🌀 Storm Season Could Be Rough Forecasters expect 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes this year—above the norm. Read more

2. 👮‍♂️ School Patrols Stay High St. Lucie Co. is increasing school security for the “foreseeable future.” Details

3. 📚 Free Comics + Local Artists Berzerk Comics celebrates Free Comic Book Day on May 3 with giveaways, artists, and its 1-year anniversary. Event info

   👉 Read more

📸 This is Sunland: Photo for the Road!

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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