Good Morning Sunland, It’s Wednesday!

Welcome to Sunland News!

You know, every so often, I ask you to share this newsletter with someone who might find it interesting—and that time is now.

If you know someone who could use quick updates on what's happening around town, go ahead and forward this email to them. If you want to take it a step further… Scroll down, copy your referral link, and send it their way so you can get credit for sharing the newsletter!

The week’s flying by! I love a three-day weekend, but what I love even more is the short week that follows—feels like we're doubling up.

With that being said, let’s jump into the news!

— Ja'Min

In Today’s Sunland News ☀️🗞️:

1. 🏞️ New Preserve Alert 🚨Lake Indrio Preserve

2. 🔊 Loud Noise Alert: Quarterly Siren Test Scheduled for Sept. 5

3. 🌍 Florida ‘whistleblower’ says he was fired for leaking plans to build golf courses in state parks

📚 Read Time: 4 Minutes
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Okay, this a cheat code conversation starter!
And the question for today!

What’s the best cereal? 🥣

Try asking this at work and see what happens 🤣

Weather TL;DR: "Living my life like it’s GOLD - EN" Sunshine mixed with thunderstorms, typical. You know the drill, keep your umbrella handy and enjoy what you can!"

🌞 Day: High of 88°F
🌙 Night: Low of 78°F
🌅 Sunrise: 7:01 AM
🌇 Sunset: 7:38 PM

☔ Rain: 50% chance during the day, 40% at night.
The grass is smiling, I know it

Check Full Weather Report Here

🏞️ New Preserve Alert 🚨Lake Indrio Preserve

So, one of my favorite pastimes—besides writing this newsletter, of course—is a good nature walk. What started as an excuse to get out of the house and soak up some sun has turned into a whole thing. It’s become a part of my thinking practice. Meditation, if you will. So, naturally, I was pretty hyped when I heard about the opening of Lake Indrio Preserve, St. Lucie County’s newest nature spot in northern St. Lucie (right up against the border).

Situated right across from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute on North U.S. 1, this place has a little something for everyone. It’s part of a larger preserve system that spans over 250 acres—so, there’s plenty to explore. Whether you’re into kayaking, picnicking, fishing, or just looking to take a peaceful stroll on a trail that literally circles a lake, Lake Indrio’s got you covered.

With all the recent noise about Florida’s parks, it’s pretty refreshing to know that St. Lucie County is still out here prioritizing nature. If you check out [This Link Here], you’ll see the county has a pretty solid lineup of preserves and nature walks to choose from. There’s plenty of options to choose from. 

I know life gets busy, but if you ever need a way to clear your head, kill some time, or even find a low-key date spot, a nature walk might just be what you’re looking for. Pro Tip: Don’t forget the OFF! spray, because we all know how relentless those Florida mosquitoes are. One quick coat, though, and you’re golden.

So, what do you think? Have you visited any of the preserves in St. Lucie County? Got a favorite nature spot I should know about? Let me know!

🤝 St. Lucie County BOCC Regular Meeting, Sept. 3, 2024 [Watch Here]

📢🔊 Loud Noise Alert: Quarterly Siren Test Scheduled for Sept. 5: Heads up! The St. Lucie County Public Safety Department, Martin County Emergency Management Agency, and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) will be conducting their quarterly test of the outdoor warning sirens for the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday, Sept. 5, at noon.

🚗Check the current traffic situation via Google.

🚤 TREASURE COAST AT LARGE

🚰 IRSC Reviews Law Enforcement Training Program After Students Face Health Issues

Several students in IRSC’s law enforcement training program experienced health issues during a recent training session at the Public Safety Complex in Fort Pierce. A comprehensive evaluation of the program is currently underway.

[Read More Here]

🍊 FLORIDA AT LARGE

💡Florida ‘whistleblower’ says he was fired for leaking plans to build golf courses in state parks:
This story is about James Gaddis, a former Florida Department of Environmental Protection employee who says he leaked plans to build golf courses, hotels, and other developments in nine of Florida's state parks. Gaddis, a cartographer, said he couldn't continue working on the proposals, which involved developing some of Florida's most pristine and ecologically sensitive areas.

Gaddis said that he was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired for violating department policies. Despite losing his job, Gaddis said he doesn't regret his decision, seeing it as an ethical stand to protect Florida’s state parks.

[Read More Here]

🌍 WORLD AT LARGE

🚀Viral 'Money Hack' Turns Into Financial Disaster:

This weekend, TikTok creators thought they had discovered a quick way to outsmart Chase Bank, but instead, they stumbled into check fraud.

[Read More Here]

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You can now submit a story for Sunland News to cover! Whether it's news, events, or anything you think deserves attention, just click the button below to share it with us. Thank you for being part of Sunland News! 🙏

🌮 Who’s got the best tacos in St. Lucie County? I’m setting up a head-to-head battle between local spots, and I need your input!

Hit reply and let me know your favorite! 🍽️

🖼️ Wish It, Will It, Make it Happen!

This is my brother Darius! I’m only here because of him. When times were dark, he was there with a light, illuminating the path until we found something brighter. Now, we’re standing on the brink of the future for Sunland News (hopefully!). I’m putting it out there, so it will happen.

Wish it. Will it. Make it happen. Happy Wednesday!

With love,
Ja’Min

🎉 Sunrise City Social Hour
🗓️ Wednesday, September 4, 6 PM - 8 PM 
📍Chuck's Seafood Restaurant, Fort Pierce
Connect with business owners, entrepreneurs, and influencers at this networking event. Learn why Sunrise City Social is different! [Read More]

💼 Youth Career Event
🗓️ Wednesday, September 4, 4 PM - 6 PM
📍Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Fort Pierce
Join the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority's first Youth Career Event, organized by the Utility Advisory Committee. A great opportunity for young minds to explore career paths! [Read More]

💃 Salsa Social
🗓️ Wednesday, September 4, 7 PM - 10 PM
📍 Don Marcos Cantina, Port Saint Lucie
Join Singles & Friends of the Treasure Coast for a fun night of salsa dancing! No partner needed, and all levels are welcome. $15 covers 2 hours of dance lessons, and laughs are free!

🤝 Business-to-Business Social
🗓️ Thursday, September 5, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 YMCA of The Treasure Coast, Stuart
Come network with other local businesses! This is a great opportunity for members to connect, share ideas, and grow together. Tickets are available for this business social event. [Find Tickets]