🌅🍩 Parlor Doughnuts, Big Wins, & Job Growth!

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday! We made it! Once again, I can’t thank you enough for being here. To everyone who’s shared this newsletter, told a friend about it, or stopped me at the store or an event—thank you, thank you!

The best way to grow this newsletter (or really anything) is through word of mouth, and it means so much knowing people are spreading the good Sunland word even when I’m not around. So, seriously—thank you!

Alright…

🏀 Shoutout to the Lincoln Park Academy Girls! They won BIG!—the girls just secured a 75-10 win over Frostproof! 😳 District championship is tomorrow, and they’re up against SCPA, a team they’ve already beaten 75-13 this season. Wishing them the best of luck—go make it happen, ladies! 🎉💪

❤️ Did You Know? If you’re wearing red today, congrats—you’re officially the coolest. It’s National Wear Red Day for Heart Month! Give Anley Cardio a follow so they can keep you up to date with stuff like this all month long. (*Sponsored Post)

🌡️ Weather Update: A perfect day to ease into the weekend

☀️ Day: High of 83°F | 🌤️ Partly cloudy skies, with SE winds at 5-10 mph.
🌙 Night: Low of 60°F | 🌑 Clear and calm, winds light and variable.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:03 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 6:08 PM
🎵 Sounds like: “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson

🌡️ Poll Question: How do you normally, “Superbowl”?

🍋 The Main Squeeze: 🌐 Where Are the Jobs? St. Lucie County’s Push for Economic Growth

TL;DR: Redditors are asking, “Where are the jobs?” Meanwhile, St. Lucie County Commissioners are betting big on industrial development to attract high-wage jobs. Ashley Capital’s 113-acre industrial park project at the Treasure Coast Research Park may be a step in the right direction—but is it enough?

🧐 The job hunt frustrations: A recent Reddit thread highlighted local struggles with finding work. One user asked: “Where are the jobs?????” Responses offered a mix of perspectives:

• Low-wage opportunities: “PSL has pretty bad job opportunities unless you’re willing to take low-end jobs or go to school for healthcare.”

• Trade careers booming: “There’s a ton of work in construction and manufacturing. People are coming up from Miami for the jobs here.”

• Look elsewhere: Some advised job seekers to check Martin or Indian River counties.

While some industries are thriving, the overall job market lacks diverse, high-paying roles.

🏗 Commissioners’ vision for the Treasure Coast Research Park: At their latest meeting, St. Lucie County approved zoning amendments for Ashley Capital’s industrial and office park project.

• The plan: Develop a Class A light industrial park to attract high-wage jobs.

• The change: Removed restrictive overlays to make the project viable.

• The hope: Officials call it a long-overdue catalyst for economic growth.

🤔 Why it matters: This project could create skilled jobs in manufacturing and logistics, addressing frustrations. But will it leave behind residents without specialized skills?

🔜 What’s next: Commissioners finalize zoning on February 18, while Ashley Capital works on its site plan.

💬 Your turn: Do you think St. Lucie County is on the right track? Share your thoughts here.

🍊 The Press Round: Food Scoop!

🍩 Food Scoop: Parlor Doughnuts Coming to PSL

Gourmet doughnut shop Parlor Doughnuts is set to open at Town Center West this May. Known for their layered doughnuts and breakfast offerings, they’ll take over the former GNC and Board & Brush spaces.

👉 Read More

🏛️ Fort Pierce Announces Finalists for City Manager

City commissioners have narrowed 75 candidates to a short list of seven to replace former City Manager Nick Mimms. Interviews will take place February 18-19, with the final decision to follow.

👉 Read More

🚤 Water Taxi Launching Soon in Fort Pierce

Tiki Taxi and Cruises is expanding to Fort Pierce, offering $10 rides to waterfront dining spots like Skipper's Cove Bar and Grill. Passengers can enjoy drinks, music, and scenic views aboard a new 40-foot vessel.

👉 Read More

Sponsored🥈: Join the Slate Rocks 5K!

🏃‍♂️ Run for a reason. The Slate Rocks 5K isn’t just a race—it’s a movement. Honoring the legacy of Darin "Slate Rock" Slater, this event raises awareness for colon cancer prevention while bringing the community together, just like he always did.

📝 How to Join: Your race shirt is your registration—every step supports the Colon Cancer Foundation and Slate’s Angels.

📅 March 15, 2025 | 📍 Fort Pierce, FL 

💙 Honor Slate. Support the fight. Be part of the movement.

👉 Sign up, donate, or sponsor today at SlateRocks5K.com

🎉Events: Top 5 Events For The Week!

🎟️ Event I Missed

✨ GraceWay Village: A Celebration Under the Stars
1780 Hartman Rd, Fort Pierce, FL. Celebrate GraceWay Village’s mission with a cocktail-attire evening under the stars. | 5 PM–9 PM | Details

Friday, February 7

🎶 Friday Fest at Marina Square, Fort Pierce. Live music from Sunken Treasure Duo, food trucks, and family fun. | 5:30 PM–8:30 PM | Free | Details

🎤 Step 2 the Mic Open Mic Night at SteamWorks Coffeebar & Eatery. Open mic featuring poetry, music, and comedy. | 7 PM–9:30 PM | Free | Step Up to the Mic

Saturday, February 8

💖 Galentine’s Paint + Sip at XO Beauty Bar. A girls' night with champagne, painting, and raffles. | 6 PM | Tickets required | Details

Sunday, February 9

💘 Valentine's Market at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Browse local vendors offering handcrafted goods, jewelry, and more. | 1 PM–6 PM | Check this market out

Tuesday, February 11

☕ Networking Breakfast at Gator Trace Golf & Country Club. Connect with community professionals over breakfast. | 8:15 AM | $17 | Details

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop: Shooting Michelin Stars

1. 🏠 Housing Crunch
   Renting a 2-bedroom in Palm Beach? You’ll need $89K annually. Learn More

2. 🌴 Spring Break Reality Check
   Miami Beach’s new ad warns spring breakers: $100 parking, strict curfews, and heavy police presence. Details Here

3. 🐾 Florida Panther Crisis
   30 of 36 panther deaths in 2024 were from car strikes—the worst since 2016. Read More

4. 🛒 Pricey Groceries in Florida
   Florida ranks 39th for affordability, with food prices 20% higher than in 2021. See the Data

5. ⭐ Michelin Guide Expands
   Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale restaurants join the Michelin Guide. Statewide expansion by 2026! Explore More

📸 This is Sunland: Bookstore Update!

The Sunland Bookstore is coming along. We start putting in the shelves this week! Slowly building this has been amazing and I’m going in with the mindset that I want this to last for a very long time so I’m trying to be very strategic about every decision made! Alright..

See you tomorrow!, With Love Ja’Min!

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