🌅🥯 PSL’s New Bagel Spot

Good Afternoon, Sunland

It’s Tuesday! And that means it’s time for my once-a-week appreciation post. Thank you for being here, for reading, for replying, for forwarding, for just showing up. I don’t take it lightly.

🌟 New Member Shoutout: Big thank you to Timothy du Vall-Brown for joining the People Pass and supporting Sunland News. If you want to help keep this newsletter going and growing, consider becoming a member here: 👉 Get the People Pass

🔥 Ad Break: Stoney’s BBQ: I’m grabbing Stoney’s for lunch today. Why? Because it’s $5 Tuesday. If you know, you know. If you don’t: 👉 Click here to see the deal

🍋 The Main Squeeze: 🏃‍♂️ Running for a Legacy

It’s been a long time coming. After more than three years of anticipation, Tradition’s 73-foot-tall “Heart in the Park” sculpture is officially set to open on Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m., according to a Facebook announcement from the Tradition development team.

The stainless steel structure will stand in the heart of Tradition Square and is being billed as the tallest heart sculpture in the world. You’ve probably already spotted it if you’ve driven through western Port St. Lucie in the past few months.

The project has been in the works since 2021, when it was commissioned by Mattamy Homes as part of its public art program. The sculpture cost an estimated $7 million, paid entirely by Mattamy Homes, and has faced several delays, including a missed goal of opening by February 2022 in time for Valentine’s Day. Construction didn’t begin until March 2024.

What to Expect on Opening Day The July 12 grand opening will include:

• Hands-only CPR training with the American Heart Association and local firefighters

• A meet-and-greet with the artist behind the sculpture, Jefrë

• A pledge booth to support heart health awareness (Mattamy Homes will match donations up to $25 per pledge)

• Food, shopping and photo ops throughout the plaza

Why It Matters The sculpture is part of a larger plan to turn the plaza around it into a retail and cultural destination. The surrounding space will feature shops, dining, and walkable public areas for community use. Officials at Mattamy Homes have said they hope the heart installation becomes as iconic to Port St. Lucie as Chicago’s “Bean.”

Check The Announcement Here

🥳 What’s Happening: 8 Out of Town Events

👉 Want more events like these? 
Check out the full list at events.sunland.news

• 🎨 Paint Party: Sunset Thru the Trees – Follow along with step-by-step painting instructions at the Italian American Club in Vero Beach. Food and cocktails available for purchase. | Wednesday, May 21 | 6 PM | $30 (cash only) | Details

• 🧀 Raclette & Fondue Night at Pistache – A cozy, French-inspired evening with melted cheese, wine pairings, and fondue at Pistache French Bistro in West Palm. | Wednesday, May 21 | 5 PM | Cost varies | Details

• 🎷 Magic of Motown – A soulful tribute concert to Motown legends with a full six-piece band at The Lyric Theatre in Stuart. | Wednesday, May 21 | 7 PM | Cost varies | Details

• 🎤 Clematis by Night Ft. The DeeDee Wilde Band – Free outdoor concert at the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy live R&B, Top 40, and more. | Thursday, May 22 | 6 PM–9 PM | Free | Details

• 🎵 Soulful Saturday – Live music, signature desserts, and handcrafted cocktails at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge in Vero Beach. | Saturday, May 24 | 7 PM–10 PM | Free | Details

• 🎶 Boots on the Ground R&B Bingo – Music, bingo, and high-energy vibes at The Venue in Vero Beach. | Saturday, May 24 | 7 PM–10 PM | Cost varies | Details

• 🎨 Makers & Bakers Market – A local favorite market in downtown Melbourne with handmade goods, baked treats, and community vibes. | Saturday, May 24 | 10 AM–2 PM | Free | Details

• 🎶 (STU)TOPIA Floating Concert – StoneyFools and The Skunkapes perform from a floating stage at the Stuart Sandbar. Just pull up by boat or wade in! | Sunday, May 25 | 11 AM–2 PM | Free | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

Refill: The Midnight Dreary Is Here 🖤📚

New bookstore alert! Port St. Lucie has a new bookstore, and the name sort of tells the story here. The Midnight Dreary is the creation of a mother-daughter duo, Misty Nardone and Ashia Snow , two book lovers who turned their shared passion into a brick-and-mortar. They started out on Etsy, and now they’ve got a full physical location:

725 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Suite 104

From what I can gather, the shop carries dark romance, fantasy, thrillers, monster reads, and other cool things like blind date books and a Monster Romance Book Box. All sounds pretty interesting.

They’re also throwing events and really working to build community, which is what it’s all about.

🕐 Hours:

• Wed–Sat: 10 AM–7 PM

• Sun: 12 PM–5 PM

• Closed Monday & Tuesday

They even got a full feature written up in Hometown News, definitely give that a read:

👉 Read the full article here
📍 And be sure to follow them on Facebook: The Midnight Dreary

🥛 Last Drop: Big (Little) Library List

1. 👶 Liam and Olivia Top Florida Baby Names (Again)

   For the fourth year straight, Liam and Olivia were Florida’s most popular baby names, according to 2024 Social Security data. Other top picks include Emma, Mia, Isabella, Sophia for girls and Noah, Lucas, Elijah, Oliver for boys.

   👉 Peek the Full List

2. 📚 Little Free Libraries Expand Across PSL and Fort Pierce

   From downtown Fort Pierce to neighborhood parks in Port St. Lucie, community members have compiled an updated list of more than 25 Little Free Library locations. These book-sharing boxes are now tucked into spots like the Historical Museum, Sailfish Brewery, and even That Crepe Place on PSL Blvd.

   👉 See the Full List

3. ⚡ FPL Rate Hike Sparks Pushback Across Florida

   Florida Power & Light is seeking a $9 billion rate increase over four years, potentially raising household bills by $200 or more annually. Advocacy groups say the hike would worsen the burden on working families and fail to reduce fossil fuel use. FPL says the plan supports grid reliability, population growth, and continued investment in solar.

   👉 Get the Full Story

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