🌅🚚Food Truck Chase

Good Morning, Sunland!
It’s Friday!

I know, I know… It’s a week out, and I still haven’t thought about it. Have you? Most of us wait until the last minute, right? My brother Moe’s probably going as Ricky Bobby again (he’s got a system: new party, same costume, no one’s the wiser). One year, I was so late, I just stuck a knife in a cereal box and called it a day… not my proudest moment, but I’d do it again. I might just stay in for Halloween this year 😭.

Speaking of which, in case you missed it, check out yesterday’s events list (here)—it’s packed with 40 or so events! Alright…

🐇 Random Rabbit Number: Researching for the lead story, I found that in 2024, Indian River State College snagged a record $171M endowment—now the 2nd largest in Florida’s State College System. Guess who’s #1... (Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

🫡 Salute: Me—for grabbing the best parking spot at Publix yesterday. It’s the little wins that matter. (Reply and guess which one I’m at.)

🦐 Want To Try: Volcano Potatoes. First of all, it rhymes. Second, it looks really, really good. Mayon says they’re in Riviera this weekend, but when they’re back in town, I’ll be ready.

A Look Ahead In 5 Seconds 📬
Becker Building 🏗️
IRSC's New Facility 🧢
Milton Drive Ending 👚

Ja’Min Brown
Writer, Filmmaker, and Publisher

Are you dressing up for Halloween? 🎃

Weather TL;DR: "Easy" by The Commodores
Partly Sunny, Mostly Chill 🌤️☁️

🌞 Day: High of 84°F, partly cloudy, slight chance of a rain shower
🌜 Night: Low of 69°F, a few clouds from time to time

🌡️ Check Full Weather Report Here 
🚗 Check The Traffic Before You Leave

🔍 Concerned Citizen

Saw some land getting cleared by Publix on Becker. It’s a 5/3 Bank (I couldn’t resist finding out). But honestly, this was just an excuse to tell you about the Coming Soon to PSL map. Check it out if you’re ever curious like me!

🌪️ Hurricane Milton Support: One Week Left! ❤️

Big question lately: how do we keep supporting those affected by Milton? Exactly one week from today, the City of Fort Pierce’s donation drive ends! They’re collecting essentials like dry goods, canned food, hygiene products, diapers, water, and clothing.

Drop off donations at City Hall (100 N. US-1, Fort Pierce) by next Friday, November 1

Frank Russo's New IRSC Facility

Who’s Frank Russo?
If you haven’t heard of Frank Russo, he’s kind of a big deal at IRSC. Recently inducted into the Pioneer Hall of Fame, Russo’s story goes from standout student-athlete to entrepreneur. He’s got the awards to prove it—think Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, a trip to the College World Series, and multiple MLB draft picks. But his real legacy might just be his commitment to giving back to IRSC, including this new training facility. [Link to Hall of Fame article]

What is this facility?
The Russo Family Indoor Training Facility at IRSC is now renovated and expanded, featuring six indoor batting tunnels, artificial turf, and air conditioning. It’s built for both baseball and softball training, giving student-athletes the chance to work on their skills all year, no matter the weather.

Why does it matter?
This isn’t just about new gear—it’s about moving IRSC’s athletic programs forward and strengthening the local talent pipeline. The facility supports the baseball and softball teams, including the 2024 NJCAA D1 Softball National Champions, giving them a better shot at honing their skills. Overall, it’s a big win for both the athletes and the college.

Keep Reading Here

Unemployment 🏢

September’s unemployment rate in St. Lucie County fell to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in August, with employment up to 230.4k. Still not at April’s 3.6% rate. I suspect Amazon’s new site may be pushing numbers down. Read it here.

Bye, Bye Denny’s 🥞

Denny’s will close 150 locations by 2025, cutting its 24/7 model amid rising costs and changing habits. Florida has 128 locations, including 3 in Saint Lucie County. Menu trims and flexible hours reflect a cost-saving shift. Read more.

🐇 Random Rabbit Number Answer

Miami Dade College. Did you guess right?

This is Sunland 📸

I’ve been reflecting a lot this week on my purpose, the newsletter, and where I think it should go. But most importantly, I’m grateful for each of you who read it every single day! Thank you for reading, sharing, and just being here. If there’s anything I can do to make this newsletter better, please let me know. It’s as much yours as it is mine. Alright… see you tomorrow!

With Love,
Ja’Min

Weekend Events Roundup 📍

🍳 PACE Fundraiser Breakfast @ Berry Fresh Cafe
🗓️ Oct 26 | 🕔 Morning | 📍 St. Lucie West
Support the Pace Center for Girls with a special breakfast. Check it out.

🎤 Scaryoke Night @ Tail-Gators
🗓️ Oct 26 | 🕔 8 PM | 📍 Port St. Lucie
Halloween karaoke + costume contest with $100, $50, $25 prizes. 21+ only. See here.

🎸 Fall Festival @ Tipsy Tiki
🗓️ Oct 27 | 🕔 3-6 PM | 📍 Fort Pierce
Family-friendly event with live bluegrass, vendors, food trucks, and trunk-or-treat. Take a look.

🎹 Dueling Pianos @ Sailfish Brewing
🗓️ Oct 26 | 🕔 7-10 PM | 📍 Fort Pierce
Sing along, then hit 5 bars before the final contest at 11 PM. $35 tickets. Enjoy.

👻 Beetlejuice Murder Mystery Dinner @ That Crepe Place
🗓️ Oct 26 | 🕗 8 PM | 📍 Port St. Lucie
Enjoy dinner + spooky fun for $30. Get your tickets.

🏚️ Ultimate Asylum Haunted House
🗓️ Oct 25 | 🕕 6-10 PM | 📍 Port St. Lucie
"Little Scares" from 6-7 PM; "Big Scares" from 7-10 PM. $10 admission. Get scared here. 

🌾 Fall Farm Festival & Market @ Eastside Acres Ranch
🗓️ Oct 27 | 🕙 10 AM-2 PM | 📍 Port St. Lucie
Pumpkin patch, petting farm, activities, and vendors. Check it.

🪩 FP Westwood Class of '89 Reunion @ VFW
🗓️ Oct 26 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍 Fort Pierce
Homecoming Dinner & Dance fundraiser. $40 admission.

👉 See Full List Here

If you have an event, send it to me here

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🌴 All tip jar proceeds for October will be donated to Reviving Anointed Word (RAW) Ministries