Good Morning, It’s Wednesday! That’s it… We half way there. 😭

This is Sunland News, the news that feels like home. The news where every week, usually right about now I ask you to share this newsletter with a friend, just 1 or 2 friends who would find this valuable. Thank You! (Psss, make sure to use your referral link so you get a free shirt)

On to the news we go!

— Ja'Min

What to Expect:

1. 🌐 Port St. Lucie Eyes Garbage Rate Hike

2. 🏫 Martin County Faces Disproportionate Suspensions Among Black Students

3. 🎉 Week Events: Open Mic Night at Pineapple Joe's

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📚 Read Time: 4.22 Minutes

☁️ Weather Forecast

Weather TL;DR: I’m feeling HOT HOT HOT…

🌤️ Day: High 92°F
🌙 Night: Low 78°F
🌅 Sunrise: 6:51 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:59 PM

🌧️ Rain: 50% chance of showers this afternoon

🔆 Heat Advisory: In effect from 10 AM to 6 PM with heat index values up to 110°F expected. Stay safe, hydrated, and check on your neighbors.

NEWS

💵Trash Talks, Money Walks: Port St. Lucie Eyes Garbage Rate Hike

Port St. Lucie residents might see a bit of a bump in their utility bills next fiscal year as the City Council has given initial approval for increases in both garbage collection and stormwater fees. The garbage rate could rise by about $13.77 per household, bringing the annual total to $446.44. This increase, approximately 3.12%, is part of the city's ongoing efforts to manage waste services effectively.

The stormwater fee is also on the rise, with a proposed $5 increase, taking the total to $183 for the average property with 2,280 square feet of impervious area. This 2.8% hike aims to support the city's stormwater management system, which is crucial for controlling flooding and maintaining water quality.

But these rates aren't set in stone just yet. The City Council will hold public hearings on September 9 at City Hall, where residents can voice their opinions before any final decisions are made. It's an opportunity for the community to weigh in on these changes, which, if approved, will take effect on October 1.

Meanwhile, the city continues to wrestle with its former waste provider, Waste Pro, in an ongoing legal battle. Although a trial date was once set for July 1, the case has been delayed indefinitely. Waste Pro recently filed a motion to have the case dismissed, and the city has yet to respond. This legal drama adds another layer of complexity to the garbage collection situation, making the upcoming public hearings even more significant.

So, if you have thoughts on these proposed rate hikes, mark your calendar for September 9 and make your voice heard. It's your chance to influence how the city manages its resources and services moving forward.

🔔 Sunland Bulletin

Mark your calendars for this upcoming job fair, organized by the City of Port St. Lucie in collaboration with CareerSource Research Coast. This is a golden opportunity for job seekers to connect directly with potential employers and share their skills and dedication. Veterans can participate early, starting at 3 p.m. Pre-register Here at City of PSL Job Fair.

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📰Other News

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

🏫 Martin County Faces Disproportionate Suspensions Among Black Students: The Martin County School District is grappling with a troubling trend: Black students, who make up less than 10% of the student population, account for over 20% of out-of-school suspensions. Superintendent Michael Maine is committed to addressing this disparity by improving teacher training in classroom management and communication. Maine acknowledges that the district may need to better meet the needs of its minority students and is focused on reducing these disproportionate suspension rates this school year. [More Info]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

💰💵 The most—and least—expensive U.S. states based on average monthly costs: See where Florida Ranks [Read More Here]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

🚗 Ford and Mazda issue "Do Not Drive" alerts for 457,000 cars [Read More Here]

🪮Sunland Picks

📸This Is Saint Lucie

🗓️ Things To Do

📈 Unlocking the Future of Commerce as we Know it!!! 🗓️ Wednesday, August 14, 2024 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 3731 Oleander Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Discover how decentralization will reshape the future of online shopping.

🌿 Wednesday Green Market 🗓️ Wednesday, August 14, 2024 🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Marina Square, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 Be sure to come see us every Wednesday at the Green Market! Stroll around Fort Pierce City Marina and support local family businesses.

🎤 Open Mic Night at Pineapple Joe's 🗓️ Wednesday, August 14, 2024 🕡 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 Pineapple Joe's Grill & Raw Bar, 6297 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Come showcase your talent or enjoy the performances at Pineapple Joe's Open Mic Night! This event is a great opportunity to connect with local artists and have a fun night out.

🕹️ Sunland Games

Answer from previous newsletter: Eatonville