- SUNLAND NEWS
- Posts
- 🌅 Summer School Cuts 🚸
Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Monday! Back to the grind! This newsletter is packed, so let’s not waste any more time! Alright..
🥳 Shoutout: YOU! I’ve received so much love from everyone over the last week it’s been incredible to experience. From people supporting me in the streets, too donating to the newsletter, it’s been amazing! I can’t thank you all enough!
🍽️ Want To Try: Cesar (friend and faithful Sunland News reader) let me know about a Venezuelan food spot he tried in Port St. Lucie! It’s called “Dale Arepa Bar and Healthy Bistro”. Stuffed arepas, empanadas, food plates and more?! Yea, count me in!
🌡️ Weather Update: Sunshine with a Chill
☀️ Day: High of 73°F | 🌤️ Sunshine and clouds mixed
🌙 Night: Low of 52°F | 🌥️ Some passing clouds
🌅 Sunrise: 7:09 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 5:58 PM
🎵 Sounds like: "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers
Ja’Min Devon
🍋 The Main Squeeze: Major Changes to St. Lucie County Summer School Programs
Quick Take:
St. Lucie County’s summer school program is undergoing major reductions this year, leaving students, teachers, and families facing significant challenges. These changes come as federal COVID-19 relief funds expire, drastically scaling back resources.
Where This Comes From:
This information comes from an internal memo shared by a trusted source within the school district. While we’re continuing to research and confirm additional details, the memo outlines key changes for the upcoming summer.
What’s New:
Eligibility: Summer school will only be available for:
3rd Grade: Level 1 students.
8th Grade: Course recovery.
11th & 12th Grade: Credit recovery.
ESY programs for K-12 ESE students.
Specialized programs for VPK, ESOL, and migrant students.
Grade Retention: Students in grades not listed above who fail may face automatic retention, as there are no summer school options for them.
Teacher Opportunities: Fewer programs mean fewer summer teaching positions, and only those certified in specific areas will qualify.
Why It Matters:
The implications are far-reaching:
Students: Many may lose the opportunity to recover credits over the summer, potentially being held back.
Teachers: The limited positions reduce income opportunities for educators who have traditionally relied on summer work.
Families: The changes could create additional stress for families already balancing tight schedules and budgets.
What’s Next:
We’re continuing to dig into this story and explore what these changes mean for students, teachers, and the broader community.
🍊 The Press Round:
Fort Pierce Discontinues Fluoride in Drinking Water
Fort Pierce has joined Stuart and Port St. Lucie in discontinuing fluoride in its drinking water following a county ordinance repeal earlier last week. Citing guidance from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority stated they will monitor ongoing research on fluoride's potential health risks.
Fort Pierce Narrows City Manager Search
The search for Fort Pierce’s next city manager is moving forward, with finalists expected to be announced on February 5. Commissioners will conduct private, one-on-one interviews on February 18.
Legal Dispute Threatens Brightline Station in Stuart
A rift between Martin County and Stuart could jeopardize the Brightline station. Stuart missed a deadline to provide a required letter supporting the county’s $45 million grant application, potentially leading to legal action.
🍹The Refill: PSL Cracking Down on Speeding
At a Glance:
Speeding and aggressive driving are major concerns in Port St. Lucie. Police are increasing visibility on high-traffic roads to address the issue.
The backstory:
In a 2023 citizens survey, 50% of residents identified traffic as the biggest issue in the city. Concerns about speeding and reckless driving have only grown with the city’s rapid expansion.
What’s new:
Driving south on I-95 last night after seeing One of Them Days at the AMC in St. Lucie West, I noticed a noticeable police presence. That lines up with Port St. Lucie Police’s new approach: shifting traffic enforcement from residential streets to main roads like U.S. 1, Crosstown Parkway, and Tradition Parkway.
Police officers report spotting drivers exceeding 100 mph on these roads. Chief Leo Niemczyk says the goal is to adapt to the city’s changing needs and focus on the areas where traffic is heaviest.
Why it matters:
With a growing population and increasing traffic, Port St. Lucie is testing strategies to manage the roads.
👉 What’s your experience with traffic in PSL? Share your thoughts!
🤳Stay Informed, Stay Empowered: Support Sunland News
At Sunland News, we believe knowledge is power—and that local journalism is the heartbeat of an informed community.
By joining our membership program for just $25/year, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable, hyper-local news that keeps you in the know.
Membership Perks Include:
Exclusive insider updates.
Special member-only perks.
Together, we can keep St. Lucie connected and informed.
🎉 7-ish Weekday Events
PSLBW Mix & Mingle Membership Drive
📅 Monday, January 27, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 The Vine & Barley, Port Saint Lucie
Join the incredible women of this group to learn about their amazing work for the community!
👉 Learn More
Jazz Night at Post 171
📅 Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Charles O' Hines Center Post 171, Fort Pierce
Enjoy live jazz music at the American Legion Post 171 every Tuesday night.
Paint and Sip at V&B
📅 Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 The Vine & Barley, Port Saint Lucie
Get creative with a fun night of painting and sipping at The Vine & Barley.
👉 Find Tickets
10th Annual City of Fort Pierce Job Fair
📅 Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Havert L. Fenn Center, Fort Pierce
Explore employment opportunities, connect with hiring managers, and access career resources.
👉 Learn More
Skate City Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
📅 Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Whispering Pines Park, Port Saint Lucie
Celebrate the grand opening of the refurbished Skate City roller rink.
👉 Learn More
Literacy Night and History Fair
📅 Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 5:00 PM
📍 Southport Middle School, Port Saint Lucie
Celebrate Literacy Week and the achievements of social studies students.
👉 Learn More
Movie Night With Cats: Night at the Museum
📅 Friday, January 31, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍 The Kitty Cup, Port Saint Lucie
Enjoy a cozy movie night with cats, free hot chocolate, and popcorn.
👉 Reserve Your Spot
Dueling Pianos at Hop Life Brewing Company
📅 Friday, January 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
📍 Hop Life Brewing Company, Port Saint Lucie
Join the fun with premier Dueling Pianos! Seating is first come, first served.
👉 Learn More
A1A - Live at The Sunrise Theatre
📅 Friday, January 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 The Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce
Enjoy a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show by A1A.
👉 Find Tickets
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: Everyone is Sick!
1. Quad-demic Hits Hard Across the U.S.
Flu, COVID, RSV, and norovirus are surging, with 33 states reporting "high" or "very high" flu activity, straining hospitals nationwide.
📸 This is Sunland: BOOKSTORE!
Quick Sunland Bookstore update: The walls are being touched up as we speak (literally—I’m at the bookstore right now). Slow progress, but progress nonetheless. Our plan is to have the shelves installed by the end of February, followed by the books!
Thank you all for being here.
Alright, see you tomorrow!
With love,
Ja’Min
📖 Thanks For Reading: How was today’s newsletter?
😀🧐😔❓ |
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.
📱 Keep up with the Sunland News: Send comments & suggestions to [email protected] Follow us on, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube
🙋♂️ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe Below!
Reply