🌅🛼 Skate City Is Back!

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Wednesday! That means it’s my once-a-week ask for you to share the newsletter with a friend. Forward it by email, send it to the group chat, or simply copy your referral link below and post it on your socials! Word of mouth is truly how we grow the newsletter. Thank you! Alright…

💼 Hot Job: Historic Preservation Board Member for the City of Fort Pierce.
Help preserve the architectural legacy of Fort Pierce while attending monthly meetings at City Hall. Apply by February 15, 2025. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month at 2 PM.

🦁 Shout-out: "The results are in!" Congrats to the winners of the 2024 Holiday Lights Contest! Check out the full results and photos here!

Last Chance: 📸 Pay-What-You-Want PhotoShoot – 1 Slot Left! Get your timeless black-and-white portrait at Sunland Bookstore! Only 1 slot left. Reserve with a $20 deposit (refundable).*
👉 Book Now!

🌡️ Weather Update: It’s Going Down! Bundle Up!

☀️ Day: High of 70°F,
🌙 Night: Low of 54°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:12 AM 🌇 Sunset: 5:49 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “On & On” by Erykah Badu.

*Sponsored Post

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Fort Pierce Wants You to Know, Help is Here!

The Quick Take
St. Lucie County moves forward with the Taylor Dairy Road water treatment facility after a 4-1 vote, despite resistance from Commissioner James Clasby.

Why this matters to our community 🌟
The nearly $10 million project will address growing water demands in the county. While some commissioners, led by Clasby, sought a delay over concerns about cost and potential residential development, county officials argued that timely approval is essential to meet water needs and avoid service disruptions. 💧

Community impact 🌍

Water Supply: The new facility will help meet the increasing demand for water, especially as current agreements with the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority near expiration. ⛲

Costs and Growth: While Clasby raised concerns about escalating costs and promoting further residential development, county staff emphasized that the investment would avoid future reliance on potentially pricier external providers. 💰

Environmental Considerations: The new plant is part of a broader effort to enhance utility infrastructure without compromising environmental sustainability. 🌱

The decision 🗳️
Despite Clasby’s push to delay the project for further study, the commission approved the contract amendment. Commissioner Lowry joined other commissioners in voting for the plan after hearing additional explanations.

Community voices 🗣️
“I believe delaying this would put us at risk of service disruptions for thousands of customers.” – County Administrator George Landry

“I’m uncomfortable approving millions without knowing all our options.” – Commissioner James Clasby

What’s next 🔄
The water treatment facility will move forward, and the county will continue monitoring the situation to ensure it meets future demands.

👉 Get More On This Story

🍊 The Press Round: What Local is Saying

$100M Kanner Hwy Development in Stuart

Baron Landings, a $100 million mixed-use development, will bring 308 apartments, with 40% designated as affordable housing. It’s the first project in Martin County to use the Florida Live Local Act to fast-track housing development. The development also includes 16,000 square feet of commercial space with tenants like Starbucks and Del Taco.
👉 Learn More

A Week from Today: Skate City Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

Fifteen years after closing, the City of Port St. Lucie’s Skate City is back! The once-popular skate park has been revamped into an outdoor roller and inline skating rink, thanks to a dedicated community effort. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly refurbished Skate City will take place on January 22nd from 5:00–6:00 PM.
👉 Check it Out!

$1.8M Grant to Assist Home Repairs in Port St. Lucie

The City of Port St. Lucie has been awarded a $1.8 million SHIP grant to help low-income residents with home repairs. The program offers up to $50,000 in assistance for eligible homeowners. Public informational sessions will be held on January 17th at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM at City Hall.
👉 Learn More

🍹The Refill: ⚖️ Court Delay Pushes Back Mimms’ Felony Case to May 13

What’s Happening 📰
A second court delay has been granted in the felony case against Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms. The trial preparation conference is now set for May 13, 2025. ⚖️

Why It Matters 🌟
Mimms faces charges of bid tampering and official misconduct after allegedly influencing a bid for the development of vacant lots on Avenue D. Over $500,000 in grant funds were awarded to Lincoln Park Young Professionals (LPYP), but the project never materialized, and the funds remain unaccounted for. 💸

The Decision 🗳️
Mimms is suspended, using paid sick leave until his termination on February 16, 2025. The city is still working to replace him, with the hiring process delayed by concerns over applicant quality. 🏙️

👉 Get More On This Story

🎉Weekend Events

Dueling Pianos
📅 Friday, January 17 | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
📍 Tail-Gators
A night of music, food, and drinks with a lively piano performance.
👉 Join the Fun

Peacock Arts Fest
📅 Saturday, January 18 - Sunday, January 19 | All Day
📍 Cool Beans Coffee House\
Featuring over twenty curated local artisans showcasing art, candles, jewelry, and more.
👉 Discover Local Art

Project LIFT’s 2nd Annual Lumberjack Fest
📅 Saturday, January 18 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Project LIFT, 601 Atlantic Avenue, Fort Pierce
Enjoy live music, a bar, pie-eating contests, and a kid zone.
👉 Get Tickets Here

Olive Branch GreenMarket
📅 Saturday, January 18 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Pruitt Campus Library, 500 NW California Blvd, Port Saint Lucie
Shop local farmers, small businesses, and artisans at this outdoor market.
👉 Shop the Market

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Lotto Winner!

1. Brightline Brings Back Commuter Passes
   A new federal grant will allow Brightline to reintroduce discounted commuter passes for commuters. The passes will return in March to help with overcrowding.
   👉 Read More

2. New Law Protects Seniors from Scams
   Florida banks can now delay transactions for up to 15 days to protect seniors from scams. The new law helps banks act on suspicious activity and alerts others on the account.
   👉 Read More

3. $54K Fantasy 5 Winner in Vero Beach
   A lucky ticket holder in Vero Beach won $54,626.96 in the Fantasy 5 drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at Speedway on US Highway 1.
   👉 Read More

📸 This is Sunland: A Photo for the Road!

Thank you all for being here! I’ve been getting a lot great feedback recently on the newsletter, and it truly makes me want to keep improving it every day! Alright… See you tomorrow!

With love,
Ja’Min

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