Good Afternoon, Sunland
Sorry for the extra delay on the newsletter.
Ran into a snag with our email provider
It’s Tuesday! I was scrolling through Facebook (not always the best idea) when I came across a passionate post from Martha. She really put into words something I’ve always felt about where I’m from.
Call me biased, but I love my home. I love the people in my home. Sunland, to me, is more than just a place—it’s a feeling, a sense of familiarity, a constant you can always return to. I’m grateful for the ability to write about and love the place that shaped me.
Alright…
📢 Shout-out: If you have ever left a comment, contributed to a discussion. I really do read every single thing, and I love communicating and being helpful. I’m no expert but I am just an email away if you ever have a question or want me to dig in to something. Just let me know.
Ja’Min Devon
🍋 The Main Squeeze: 🏫 The Legacy of Lincoln Park Academy
Black History Month is coming to a close, so I wanted to wrap it up with a story that’s not just rooted in Fort Pierce history, but one that’s personal to me—Lincoln Park Academy, my alma mater.
A school with history: Lincoln Park Academy was founded in 1923, during an era when education for Black students in Florida was deeply unequal. At a time when resources were scarce and segregation was law, this school became a pillar of hope and excellence for generations of students in Fort Pierce. It was one of the first fully accredited high schools for Black students in Florida, giving young people opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise had. Even during segregation, it was known for producing high-achieving graduates, many of whom went on to make significant contributions in education, business, and the arts.
Walking through legacy: When I went to Lincoln Park, I didn’t fully realize I was part of such a long-standing tradition. But looking back, I’m proud to say I walked the same halls as so many who came before me. You can feel the history when you’re there. I attended before the new middle school was built, so I was surrounded by some of those original structures—reminders of the school’s deep roots. In a way, it felt like there were spirits lingering, echoes of the past still watching over the students. And not in a spooky way, but in the sense that there’s something powerful about being in a place that has meant so much to so many.
Still a beacon of excellence: What’s remarkable is that Lincoln Park Academy didn’t just make history—it continues to shape the future. Today, it remains one of the top-performing schools in the state and the nation, consistently ranked for its academic excellence and college prep programs. It stands as a reminder that Black history isn’t just something to reflect on—it’s something that’s still being made.
💬 Did you or someone you know attend Lincoln Park Academy? Got a story to share about its history? Hit reply or let me know here!
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🥳 What’s Happening: Your Midweek Plans, St. Lucie & Beyond 🎉
Tuesday, February 25
🎶 One Man Band LIVE at Tipsy Tiki – Enjoy a mix of pop, rock, blues, reggae, and original tunes from Brad Brock’s One Man Band. | 6 PM | Free | More Info
🏃♂️ Sailfish Run Club – Fort Pierce Tuesday Night Run – A fun and casual run club that meets weekly. Join the group for a post-run beer at Sailfish Brewing Company. | 6 PM | Free | Join the Run
🎯 Cornhole at Frazier Creek – Test your throwing skills at this indoor cornhole night with a blind draw tournament. | 6 PM–Close | Free | Check It Out
🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Side Door Brewing Co. – Bring your A-game for free trivia, fun challenges, and great craft beer. | 7 PM–9 PM | Free | Play Trivia
Wednesday, February 26
☕ Coffee & Connections – St. Lucie County – Network and build business connections over a great cup of coffee at Little Cup Cafe PSL. | 9 AM–10 AM | Free | RSVP Here
⚾ Covering the Bases at SLCTV – Watch a live interview with this month’s featured athlete, open to the public. | 12 PM | Free | Watch Live
🎨 Classic Clay Pottery at Peacock House Art Foundation – Learn hands-on pottery techniques and create your own piece. | 5 PM–7 PM | Free | Reserve Your Spot
🍹 Desire Hour Happy Hour at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge – Buy One, Get One Free drinks during this special happy hour. | 6 PM–7 PM | Free | Grab a Drink
🎸 BluesBerry Jam at Conchy Joe’s Hosted by the Invaders – A live jam session featuring rock, blues, and jazz musicians. | 6 PM–9 PM | Free | Jam Out
🌴 Tropical Nights Sunset Party at Tesoro Golf & Country Club – Enjoy a vibrant evening with a dinner buffet, desserts, and a signature cocktail. | 6 PM–9 PM | $ | Get Tickets
🎶 The Groove Experience with Derek Mack at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge – A night of smooth jazz and live music. | 7 PM–10 PM | Free | Enjoy the Vibes
If you have an event, send it to me here
🍹The Refill: 🏛️ The Role of a City Manager in Fort Pierce
A new city manager was just hired in Fort Pierce, but how exactly does someone land that role—and what do they do once they have it?
How it happens: Unlike a mayor, a city manager isn’t elected. Instead, they’re appointed by the city commission to oversee daily operations, manage the budget, and implement policies set by local officials.
The salary question: City manager salaries vary by location and population size. In Florida, they typically range from $150K to $250K—a big paycheck, but one tied to big responsibilities.
Why it matters: Some residents worry Fort Pierce is headed in the direction of Broward County—facing rapid growth and overdevelopment. The city manager plays a key role in shaping that future, balancing economic expansion with preserving the city’s character.
💬 Got thoughts on the new hire or what you’d like to see in Fort Pierce’s future? Hit reply or let me know here.
🥛 Last Drop: 5 Headlines I’m Sipping On
🦠 Flu Surge Hits Florida Hard: The worst flu season since 2009 has packed ERs across the U.S. In Florida, flu-related ER visits peaked at 8% of total visits on Feb. 1 but have since dropped to 4.9% as of Feb. 15. Doctors warn of severe strains affecting young children. Stay Safe
🎟️ Lottery Fever: The lottery has been all the craze this past week, which made me think—what are the odds? No, literally. Powerball jackpot? 1 in 292.2 million. Scratch-offs? Slightly better. Casinos? Depends on the game.
📊 Where Are College-Educated Floridians Moving? Sarasota is leading the way with a 135% net gain in college grads, while Jacksonville ranks 5th nationwide for attracting young professionals. St. Lucie’s steady growth suggests it could be next. See the Trends
🏥 Treasure Coast Health Care Shake-Up: Suncoast Mental Health Center shut down all its local offices, and Cleveland Clinic is ending maternity care in Martin County. Fewer facilities, higher costs—what does this mean for residents? Read More
🌴 Is Spring Break Shifting Away from Miami? Miami Beach’s crackdown on Spring Break rowdiness is hitting local bars and clubs hard, with some businesses down 30% in sales and concerns that tourists may start looking elsewhere. Could St. Lucie County become a new Spring Break hotspot? Stay tuned.
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