Good Morning, Sunland
It's Wednesday! And I have been obsessing over this newspaper archive. I've been finding all types of stuff. This article here is actually of my uncle back in the 90s, and the article was about the hairstyles of the time. My uncle Darren was a barber, so naturally he made for the perfect interview, I'm sure, for this. I just love everything about this. I love the spread, I love the layout, and I love this story!
Alright…
In today's newsletter:
🏗️ Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach could be demolished and redeveloped
🏫 Indian River County approves Vero Classical School expansion
🏫 Fort Pierce approves new John Carroll High School building
⚾ Stuart Commission deadlocks on baseball field referendum
🎸 10th Annual Hippies Fest Friday in Fort Pierce
Alright, let's jump right in!
🌧️ Weather Update: Light rain this morning, clearing by afternoon.
☀️ Day: High of 87°F | Cloudy with light rain this morning, 80% chance of rain.
🌙 Night: Low of 72°F | Some clouds. Winds ESE at 10-15 mph. 15% chance of rain.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:30 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 8:05 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 10:12 AM | 🌚 Moonset: --
🎶 Sounds like: "Let Me Be the One" — Bill Withers
Ja'Min Devon
Founder & Publisher, Sunland News
🟠 Main Squeeze: Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach could be demolished and redeveloped
A conceptual plan published in March by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council would demolish roughly half of Treasure Coast Square, including Macy's, and replace the mall's enclosed air conditioned interior with tree lined sidewalks, apartments, an amphitheater, a hotel and shaded green space 🏗️.
Why it matters: Treasure Coast Square has been losing value for years. Its taxable value dropped nearly 21% between 2017 and 2022. The plan reflects a broader shift happening at malls across the country as e-commerce continues to pull shoppers away from traditional enclosed retail.
What the plan includes 📋:
🏠 Up to 760 condominium or apartment units built on existing parking areas
🎭 Macy's demolished and replaced with an amphitheater and multi-family housing
🎬 The Regal 16-screen movie theater and other anchor stores integrated into the new layout
🌳 Enclosed mall interior demolished and replaced with tree lined outdoor sidewalks
🏨 A hotel included in the mixed use development
📉 Commercial space cut from over 1 million square feet to roughly 517,000 square feet
🚗 Parking reduced from 4,350 to 3,385 spaces
Worth noting: Simon Property Group, the largest mall owner in the country and the owner of Treasure Coast Square, offered collaborative input toward the concept but has not fully committed to it.
Because the project would require rezoning from commercial use, it would need approval from Martin County commissioners before anything moves forward 👀.
What's next: No construction timeline has been set and Martin County rezoning approval has not happened yet 📅.
💬 Would you want to see Treasure Coast Square redeveloped this way? Watch my full breakdown here and tell us right here
📦 Press Round: Schools, Fields & Trains
🏫 Indian River County Approves Vero Classical School Expansion
Indian River County commissioners voted 4 to 1 on May 5 to approve a special exception allowing Vero Classical School to build a two-story facility on 53 acres at 58th Avenue and 13th Street Southwest south of Oslo Road. The three-phase project will eventually include a K-12 campus with classrooms, athletic fields, auditorium, gymnasium and football stadium, though some area residents opposed the development.
👉 Read more (Hometown News)
🏫 Fort Pierce Approves New John Carroll High School Building
Fort Pierce City Commission unanimously approved May 18 a new three-story 45,159 square foot building at John Carroll High School that will replace existing classroom and administrative spaces. The project will demolish two existing buildings and pave a currently unpaved parking lot used by seniors, with school officials saying enrollment will not increase.
👉 Read more (TCPalm subscription may be required)
⚾ Stuart Commission Deadlocks on Baseball Field Referendum
Stuart City Commission deadlocked 2 to 2 last week over whether to continue discussions on a proposed referendum to protect Sailfish and Guy Davis ballfields from future sale or long-term lease without voter approval. The proposal from former Mayor Christopher Collins would have placed a referendum on the August ballot, with commissioners split on whether to schedule a second hearing for May 26.
👉 Read more (WQCS)
🎉 Weekender: Events for the Weekend!
Friday, May 22
🎸 10th Annual Hippies Fest – Orange Ave, Fort Pierce. | 6 PM – 10 PM | Details
🤼 WWE NXT Live – Havert L. Fenn Center, Fort Pierce. | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Ticketed | Details
Saturday, May 23
🐕 Scooby Doo Night at Clover Park – St. Lucie Mets, 31 Piazza Dr, Port St. Lucie. | Gates 5 PM | Game 6:10 PM | Fireworks after | Ticketed | Details
🎷 Violets & Pearls Jazz Brunch – Santa Lucia River Club, 3325 Ballantrae Blvd, Port St. Lucie. | 11 AM | $100 | Details
🧠 The Art of Being – Immersive Mental Health Experience – The Blue Mahoe Restaurant, 269 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie. | 12 PM – 5 PM | Free | Details
🍔 Juici Patties Port Saint Lucie Grand Opening – 3213 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie. | 11 AM | Details
😂 Casey N Spaz Comedy Starring Kevin Farley – Sunrise Theatre, 117 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce. | 8 PM | Ticketed | Details
🎸 Emo Night 772 – Priscilla's Oasis on Orange, 223 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce. | 9 PM | All ages | Details
Sunday, May 24
💪 Saints Fitness Club Debut – 601 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce. | 9 AM | 18+ | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
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