🌅🚨 (Update) Dan McCarty Could Become Dale Cassens

Good Afternoon, Sunland

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I’ll keep doing my best to grow it, to deepen it, to make it something truly great.

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🧃 The Main Squeeze: Dan McCarty Could Become Dale Cassens

📍 Town Hall First. Then the Plan: A town hall is happening tomorrow night, and it may be the only chance to ask questions in person before this major school merger starts moving forward.

📅 Town Hall: Hosted by the St. Lucie County NAACP and the Eta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., with School Board Chair Dr. Donna Mills in attendance:

• Wednesday, June 25

• 7–8 PM

• Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1306 Avenue E, Fort Pierce

🚨 Update: We have been told that Superintendent Jon Prince is now planning to attend in person. Jennifer Richardson is also expected. The goal of the meeting is to share updates and gather public questions.

TL;DR: Dale Cassens Education Complex is expected to relocate to the current Dan McCarty Middle campus. In its place, a new K–8 school would be built, merging Dan McCarty Middle, Lawnwood Elementary, and St. Lucie Elementary into a single campus. The district would sell off the Lawnwood and St. Lucie properties.

💬 Why It Matters: This article exists for one reason: so you can show up informed. The future of three Fort Pierce schools is on the table. Some readers have said the short notice feels intentional, like they don't want a crowd. We can't confirm that, but we hear you.

🆕 Here’s the Update (Proposed):

• Dale Cassens Education Complex would move to the current Dan McCarty site

• In its place, a brand-new K–8 school would be built

• This new school would combine Dan McCarty, Lawnwood Elementary, and St. Lucie Elementary

• The Lawnwood and St. Lucie campuses would be sold off

We covered this story earlier. Catch up here.

🗣 What We Don’t Know:

• What happens to current staff and support personnel?

• Will the new campus be a rebuild or a renovation?

• Who decides the name and future of the combined school?

• Will any of the three school names survive?

🎥 We’ll Be Livestreaming: Can’t make it to the town hall? Watch it live on the Sunland News YouTube Channel and our Facebook so everyone can stay informed.

📝 Share Your Thoughts + Questions: Submit your questions here

📣 Help Spread the Word: This isn’t just about school buildings. It’s about what we choose to build next and who gets a say. Share this story

🥳 What’s Happening: 5 Out of Town Events

🔥 10th Annual BBQ, Brews & Blues – Free music, food vendors, and cold drinks celebrating 10 years in West Palm’s Historic Northwest. Hosted by the CRA. | 5–9 PM | Free | Event Link

🍔 10th Annual Burgers & Brews Festival – Food, beer, and a full day of fun at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Expect live music, craft brews, burgers galore, and VIP upgrades. | 11 AM–4 PM | $15–$150 | Tickets

🎧 West Palm Beach R&B Picnic Fest – Bring a blanket, your people, and your vibe. Live R&B sets at the Meyer Amphitheater. | 4–10 PM | $46.21–$68.79 | Event Link

🎉 June After Hours at Waterfront Stuart – A relaxed evening mixer hosted by Young Professionals of Martin County. | 5:30 PM | Free | More Info

🎶 Downtown Friday in Vero Beach – Indian River County Centennial Celebration with live music and community vendors. | 6–10 PM | Free | More Info

If you have an event, send it to me here

Sponsored: 🍗 Stoney’s Summer Specials Start Today

Starting Today, Stoney is you giving you a $5 Snack Pack on Tuesday and Wednesday. And the usual $10 Wednesday deal slides to Thursday instead.

That means three days of full meals for under $10… in 2025. I know. Unheard of.

📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce
📞 772-595-2406
🍴 Check the menu here

🍹The Refill: Mets Check-In with Darius

So far, our guys are 3 and 0 in the second half of the season. This is a beautiful time for us. Today we start a six-game series against the Jupiter Hammerheads at 6:30pm. Take a drive down to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium if you wanna support the squad! LET'S GO METS!

Good News On The Side:

Yesterday, our beloved Short Stop Colin Houck (https://www.milb.com/player/colin-houck-806124) was promoted to the Brooklyn Cyclones so shoutout him and his hard work! Continue being great!

Also, Wellington Aracena (https://www.milb.com/player/wellington-aracena-800286) was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week. In his last start, he struck out 8 batters in 5 innings. No hits and no earned runs. Amazing!

🥛 Last Drop: 🍊Bits & Bites

1. 🌡️ Nights Are Getting Hotter

   Miami’s average summer night temp is up 1.9°F since 1970—and some cities have spiked over 10°F.

   Read the data »

2. 💊 Fewer Floridians Are Uninsured

   Florida’s uninsured rate dropped 13.4 points in 10 years—the 5th biggest drop in the nation.

   See the stats »

3. 🏝️ Little Jim’s Drama Continues

   Developers say they’re being misled by the city’s RFP process. The lease deadline is June 26.

   Catch up here »

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