🌅 🍀 St. Patrick’s Events, Café 772’s Return & A Special Tribute!

Good Afternoon, Sunland

It’s Tuesday! And… Mistakes happen—I’m definitely no stranger to them. But I’m grateful to have built enough trust with everyone here that when I do slip up, it’s not World War Z.

Yesterday was no exception—I mistakenly said that the Peacock House Art Foundation art tour was free… and it wasn’t. Apologies if you showed up expecting free entry!

I spoke with Emily (who was a pleasure to talk to) and went ahead and purchased 10 tickets, just in case someone arrived thinking it was free. Plus, all the proceeds go toward art supplies for kids, so I didn’t mind supporting a good cause. They have an interesting program that’s worth checking out!

While I wish I hadn’t made the oversight, I’m glad it turned into something positive.

Alright…

🍋 The Main Squeeze: 50 Years on the Road: A Tribute to My Grandmother, Martha Vickers

TL;DR: Last Friday, I got to witness something special—my grandmother, Martha Vickers, being honored for 50 years of service as a school bus driver in St. Lucie County. But this isn’t just a story about her. It’s about dedication, resilience, and what it means to show up every day for something bigger than yourself.

I got a call from my mom, Sherri Brown, last Tuesday asking, “What are you doing Friday morning around 8 AM?”

Nothing much, I told her.

“Well, you should come to the North Compound. Your grandmother is being honored for driving school buses for St. Lucie County for 50 years.”

I was there, of course—camera in hand, heart full.

At 4:00 AM Friday morning, like she has for decades, my grandmother got up for work. But this time, her final stop was different. At her last pickup, Superintendent Jon Prince stepped onto her bus to ride with her to the compound, where family, colleagues, school board members, and commissioners were waiting.

Flowers. Food. Applause. A celebration she absolutely deserved. She isn’t big on surprises, but I could tell—she felt the love. When asked why she’s still doing it after all these years, her answer was simple:

“I do it for the kids.”

At that moment, standing there with my camera, I realized this wasn’t just about her. It was a reflection of where I come from—a family built on service, commitment, and sticking it out even when things get tough.

In the room stood:

• My cousin, Sylvester aka Lil Me, who drove school buses for St. Lucie County for 20+ years

• My Aunt Mary (my Grandma’s twin sister), who has been driving for 41 years

• My cousin, Iman, now a teacher in St. Lucie County

• My mom, Sherri Brown, a 34-year educator

• My Uncle Carnell, a St. Lucie County retired teacher.

And then there were the ones who couldn’t be there but still deserved to be mentioned:

• My aunt, Mary Slater, a 34-year educator

• My cousin, Eyvonda, an educator for nearly 20 years

• My cousin, Shaunett, also an educator for decades

• My grandfather, James Vickers, who drove school buses for St. Lucie County for 30+ years but is no longer with us

• My uncle, Darin Slater, who was a pillar of the community, a barber for over 35 years, and the catalyst behind Sunland News

I’m sure I’m leaving out a BUNCH of people—my family group chat will let me know after they read this… But it really just came into view how important community and home is in my family and I look to keep that going!

And the celebration isn’t over. Tonight (Tuesday), my grandmother will be recognized at the St. Lucie County School Board meeting—something she’s been an active part of for years. If you’ve got time, come out and celebrate her. I’ll be there.

50 years speaks for itself. There are few things in life you can do that long without making a decision, early on, to stick it out—no matter what.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure, just remember—commitment is its own kind of legacy.

This one’s for her. 💛

🥳 What’s Happening: St. Patrick and Live Music!

Thursday, March 13

• 🍷 Ladies Night Out at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge – Half off bottles of wine for a night of luxury and relaxation. | 6 PM–10 PM |

Friday, March 14

• 🎵 St. Patty’s Music Bingo at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery – A fun-filled night of music-themed bingo with dancing and St. Patrick’s Day vibes. | 6:30 PM |

Saturday, March 15

• 🍀 St. Patrick’s on 2nd Street Block Party in Downtown Fort Pierce – A massive street party featuring craft beer, full bars, and food. | 2 PM |

• 🍀 Port St. Lucie Irish Festival at MIDFLORIDA Event Center – A cultural celebration with live Irish music, food, and fun activities. | 4 PM–9 PM |

• 🎶 Epic Vibes Only: Saturday Night Shenanigans! at Little Jim Bait & Tackle – A full day of live music featuring Ashleigh Antolini, Hot Toddy, and The Rockin’ Jake Band. | 11:30 AM–10 PM |

• 🎶 Soulful Saturday at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge – A night of smooth live music and handcrafted cocktails. | 7 PM–10 PM |

• 🎸 St. Patrick’s Day Party featuring Dirty Faced Kid at Hop Life Brewing Company – A full-day party with green beer, food specials, and live rock music at 8 PM. | 12 PM–11 PM |

Sunday, March 16

•  🐾 St. Patty’s Celebration Pot O’ Gold & Pet Parade at MIDFLORIDA Event Center – A fun-filled market with a pet parade, pony rides, live music, and a karaoke session. | 9 AM–2 PM |

Monday, March 17

• 🍻 St. Paddy’s Day Celebration at Tail-Gators St. Lucie West – A full-day celebration featuring Irish breakfast, green beer, drink specials, and a bar scavenger hunt. | 9 AM–11 PM |

If you have an event, send it to me here

🍹The Refill: Café 772 Reopens in Fort Pierce

From humble beginnings in a gas station to now two locations, Café 772 is proving that good food and community support go a long way. Known for their legendary birria tacos, they’ve already made their mark on PSL Blvd—and now, they’ve relocated their Vero Beach spot to Fort Pierce at 3304 Orange Ave.

Their grand opening weekend drew a crowd, showing just how much people love this Treasure Coast favorite. And if you need another reason to stop by, Baldy Eats has already done a review on the new spot—check it out here!

🌮 Café 772 | 📍 3304 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce

💬 Tried them yet? Let me know your go-to order!

🥛 Last Drop: Around the State in a Day!

1. 🏛️ What’s Happening in Tallahassee? Florida lawmakers are moving fast on bills addressing animal abandonment, DUI laws, and state park development. See the Updates

2. 🌳 South Florida National Parks See a Comeback Over 3.5 million visitors explored South Florida’s national parks last year—signs of a strong rebound post-pandemic. More Info

3. 🥚 Egg Prices Set to Rise 41% Bird flu is fueling a major spike in egg prices—more than double the 20% increase predicted earlier this year. Read More

4. 📊 Food Prices Still High Post-COVID Five years after the pandemic, food prices remain elevated. Bacon, eggs, and coffee continue to see sharp increases. See the Trends

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