Good Morning, Sunland
It's Tuesday! And let's jump right in.
📅 ICYMI: David Smith was sworn in as Fort Pierce's new police chief. Also, yesterday was Fort Pierce's 125th birthday!
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Alright, let's jump right in!
Ja’Min Devon
💼 Main Squeeze: Florida DOGE Report Shows PSL Payroll Surged $38 Million Since 2021
Port St. Lucie was cited in a recent state report for its personnel costs surging by $38 million since 2021. The city saw a growth rate of 51.4%, the highest among the state's 10 largest cities.
The Numbers: PSL's $38 million increase was the third lowest of Florida's 10 largest cities, after Tallahassee and Cape Coral. But that 51.4% growth rate was the highest. For comparison, Miami had the largest payroll increase at $279 million with a 47.3% growth rate. Orlando grew by 25.3% with an $87 million increase and was the only city that held its growth in personnel costs since 2021 to the level of inflation and population growth.
The Report: Across the 10 largest cities, personnel compensation increased by over $1 billion in just four years. Government general-fund spending in the state's 10 largest cities "exceeds population and inflation" by $660 million total since 2017.
PSL's Response: City officials were unavailable for comment. Back in October, city spokesperson Sarah Prohaska told TCPalm that despite massive growth, PSL has decreased its staffing ratio to 5.95 employees per 1,000 residents, down from 7.45 employees per 1,000 residents 15 years ago. "Conservative financial management is the city's foundation. We operate with a lean, efficient government and emphasize long-range financial planning."
The Context: PSL's total budget and revenue are 155% and 265% more than they were 10 years ago, according to a TCPalm analysis.
Poll Time:
What's Next: Full TCPalm story (subscription may be required)
Sponsored: Stoney’s $6 Tuesday
Tuesdays and Wednesdays just got better at Stoney's. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, get any lunch bowl for just $6. Same portions. Same flavor. Better price.
Starts at 11 AM.
Pull up to Stoney's and grab lunch for six bucks.
📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce
🥳 Out-of-Towner: Feb 3 - Feb 10
Wednesday, Feb 4
🎭 Celebrating Black History – Black History exhibit opening reception honoring Black elders at Historical Society of Palm Beach County, 300 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. | 5:30 PM | Event Info
Friday, Feb 6
🎨 First Friday Art Walk – Happy Hour 3–6 PM, $1 off drinks at Frazier Creek Brewing and Distilling Co., 973 SE Federal Highway, Stuart. | 5–9 PM | Join Us
🎵 One Love Rising: A Tribute to Bob Marley – Celebrating Bob's 81st Birthday with live reggae at Terra Fermata Tiki Bar, 26 SE 6th St, Stuart. | 7–10 PM | $15 pre-sale/$20 day of show | Get Tickets
🎬 Lake Theatre Revival Series: The Wiz – Flavar film event at Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach. | 6–8:30 PM | Visit Website
Saturday, Feb 7
🎨 ArtsFest 2026 – Two-day festival with artists, live music, performances, Art of Food & Wine at Stuart Memorial Park, 301 SE Stypmann Blvd, Stuart. | Sat-Sun, Feb 7-8, 10 AM–6 PM | $5, under 18 free | Find Tickets
🎉 Jupiter Jubilee – Free family event with live performances, activities, local vendors at Town of Jupiter Municipal Campus, 210 Military Trl, Jupiter. | 11 AM–4 PM | Free | Learn More
🌿 GardenFest 2026 – Florida's largest free garden show with plants, palms, orchids, pottery, fountains under the oaks at Riverside Park, 3260 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach. | Sat-Sun, Feb 7-8, Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 9 AM–4 PM | Free | Learn More
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: Prices, Programs, and Iguanas
🏘️ Treasure Coast condo and townhouse prices rise in December – Martin median $275k (up from $251k), St. Lucie $302.5k (up from $282.5k), Indian River $337.5k (up from $260k). Closed sales increased across all three counties. Condo prices
🏥 Local Affordable Healthcare: Amandla Wellness Center offers accessible healthcare services right here in our community. Check out their programs and services.(Sponsored)
🤖 Seawind Elementary uses AI to teach literacy – Hobe Sound school uses School AI chatbot for reading comprehension. AI in schools
Yates created a free planning guide that walks you through everything: what decisions need to be made, how to communicate your wishes, and why planning ahead protects your family. yatesfuneralblog.com/planning-guide
🦎 Residents capture 900+ iguanas during cold snap – Florida temporarily waives permits for capturing invasive green iguanas. Over 900 dropped off at FWC's Tequesta Field Laboratory Iguana roundup
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