🌅 Sunland Returns + Fort Pierce Names New Leader

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Monday—and I’m back!

First off, thank you for all the birthday love and the replies to last week’s email (and the Sunland Instagram too). I feel rejuvenated and ready to take Sunland News to a whole new level. That said… I couldn’t sit still during my break. I’ve been working on two projects I’m really excited about—both of which folks have been asking for.

Come back tomorrow for a first look at one of them. Can’t wait to show you.

🌮 Want to Try: Tacos Ponchos just opened in PSL and they’re already bringing the fiesta vibes. Tacos, family, and flavor—looks like it’s worth a shot.

🪑 Board Seat Open: Fort Pierce is looking for residents to join the Infrastructure Surtax Citizen Oversight Committee—help guide how public funds get spent on local projects. Apply by April 17.

🌡️ Weather Update: Warm and breezy with clouds rolling in tonight

☀️ Day: High of 84°F | 🌤️ Sun and clouds mixed
🌙 Night: Low of 64°F | ☁️ Cloudy skies
🌅 Sunrise: 7:20 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:35 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Love Come Down”

🍋 The Main Squeeze:
Richard Chess, Fort Pierce City Manager Is Officially In

TL;DR: After months of debate—and some heated back-and-forth over salary—Fort Pierce officially has a new city manager. Richard Chess will take the reins on April 2 at a starting salary of $200,000, closing the chapter on a seven-month search that began after the arrest of former manager Nick Mimms.

📉 Salary Compromise: Chess initially asked for $235K—$20K more than his current Broward County salary. Commissioners pushed back hard, drawing a firm line at $200K. After negotiations, Chess agreed to take the pay cut. If his six-month performance review goes well, he’ll receive a 5% raise.

🗣️ Behind the Scenes: A source within the city told Sunland News that negotiating the contract so publicly was “not typical practice,” but said there’s a sense of relief now that the search is over.

📝 Contract Notes:

• 5-year term, then switches to year-to-year

• Can be fired without cause (with severance)

• $10K relocation stipend

• No automatic seat on the FPRA board (unlike his predecessor)

💬 Why It Matters: After Mimms’ arrest last year over bid tampering allegations, commissioners were careful with this hire. Some, like Commissioner Broderick, still have reservations, calling the move a “stepping stone.” Others say Chess is ready to commit and bring stability to a city in transition.

📅 What’s Next: Chess officially starts April 2. His first six months will be critical—not just for him, but for how Fort Pierce defines leadership and accountability moving forward.

💭 What are your thoughts on the city manager decision? Should Fort Pierce have offered more—or less? Drop your take here. Drop your thoughts here!

🍊 The Press Round: Dry Season!

🚉 No Deal Yet on Brightline Station Support from Stuart

Martin County has paused efforts to get Stuart’s formal backing for grant funding to build a Brightline station downtown. A meeting between city and county officials ended in a stalemate, with Stuart leaders saying they won’t support the plan unless Brightline chips in financially. County officials say the delay could hurt their chances at securing federal grants.

👉 Read More

🎒 Port St. Lucie Expands Summer Camps, Adds Lottery System

The City of Port St. Lucie is adding four new locations for its popular summer youth camps, running June 9–Aug. 1. A new lottery system will give families registering for all eight weeks an equal shot at enrollment. Registration is open March 14–28.

👉 Details Here

🔥 Brush Fire Forces Evacuations Near Vero Beach

Two wildfires burned 38 acres and forced five home evacuations west of Vero Beach on Saturday. No injuries or damage reported, but roads near 65th Street and 58th Avenue were closed as crews worked to contain the blaze.

👉 Full Story

Join the Mission and support Sunland News and help fuel the goal of delivering smarter, faster very, very local news that keeps you informed on what’s unfolding here.

💡 Why it matters: Your support allows me to keep St. Lucie County informed and engaged through the daily Sunland News newsletter—and sets the stage for tackling bigger, in-depth reporting projects in the near future.

🎁 What’s in it for you: Exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and other perks as we grow (bookstore and otherwise) this community together.

👉 Check it out here!

🎉 This Week Around Town: Your Monday–Friday Gameplan

Monday, March 24

⚾ Spring Training: Yankees at Mets at Clover Park – Catch MLB action right here in Port St. Lucie as the Mets host the Yankees. | 1:10 PM | Tickets start at $40

Tuesday, March 25

🎨 Tradition Town Hall Paint & Sip Night – Unwind with friends and paint your own canvas while sipping wine in the heart of Tradition. | 6 PM–8:30 PM | $36 Tickets

💼 Business Networking Event at Saint Lucie Lanes – Make connections and enjoy free appetizers at this St. Paddy’s-themed professional mixer. | 6 PM–9 PM | $10 at the door

Wednesday, March 26

🎹 Dueling Pianos at 21st Amendment Distillery – A high-energy piano showdown with Larry Klass & Morgan Phillips. | 6 PM–9 PM | $40 minimum spend

Thursday, March 27

🕺 Salsa Thursday at Costa d’Este – Free salsa class with Elizabeth followed by dancing to Latin hits all night. | 5 PM–8 PM | Free

🎨 Mosaic Magic: Create Your Own House Numbers – Learn mosaic design and create a handcrafted address plaque. | 5 PM | Sign Up Here

Friday, March 28

🖼️ Artists Spotlight at Cool Beans Brew – Enjoy art, coffee, and community as local Fort Pierce Art Club members showcase their work. | 6 PM–7:30 PM | Free

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: 🏢 5 City Updates You Need!

1. 🚌 Teachers Back, Students Still Off

   Teachers return to work today (Monday, March 24), but students don’t head back until Tuesday—so enjoy one more quiet morning commute.

2. 📅 More Than a Game Returns March 25

   Season V kicks off with free gym sessions, fatherhood talks, and community resources for dads and mentors. Register here

3. 🚧 Road Closures to Watch

   Expect delays near Save the Chimps, Keen Road, and the Old Dixie Highway bridge. Closures could stretch into April. More info

4. 🤝 Vendors: Connect with the City March 28

   Port St. Lucie is hosting a free networking event for vendors. Learn how to do business with the city. Details here

5. 🏘️ Love Your Block: Whispering Pines

   Whispering Pines residents—got ideas to improve your neighborhood? Here’s your chance to help lead local change. Join the workshop

📸 This is Sunland: Happy To Be Back!

Something I learned on my break is just how important Sunland is and can be. A lot of people told me how much they missed the newsletter, and how it helps them navigate the city and county at large! It’s a long journey but a worthwhile one! This is the beginning of the beginning.

See you tomorrow!
With Love, Ja’Min

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