🌅📚 Wanderlust Expands, Fort Pierce Speaks Out

Good Morning, Sunland

It’s Friday, Exciting news: Sunland News just hit 3,109 subscribers! I’m so grateful for your support as I continue bringing you the best of what’s happening right in our backyard.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m committed to keeping you informed about what’s happening right here in our community. If you ever have feedback, ideas, or events to share, don’t hesitate to hit reply—I’m just an email away…

Let’s dive into today’s news!

🍋 The Main Squeeze: Whistleblower Claims Shake Fort Pierce Leadership

📖 The Facts:
Fort Pierce whistleblower Mario Wilcox has alleged widespread corruption in city government, resulting in state investigations and criminal charges against two city officials. Wilcox, a retired military veteran, claims years of grant money and development funds targeted at the predominantly Black Lincoln Park neighborhood have been misused, leaving the area worse off than before.

🌟 Why This Matters to Our Community:
This story underscores systemic issues impacting Fort Pierce’s most vulnerable communities. Lincoln Park, once a beacon of Black pride, has been left impoverished despite millions in funding. Wilcox’s revelations call into question accountability in local government and non-profit agencies tasked with community development.

📚 Historical Context:
This isn’t the first time these allegations have made waves. I first covered the investigations back in August 2024, shedding light on bid tampering and grant mismanagement claims. Wilcox’s ongoing fight for transparency continues to expose deeper layers of potential corruption.

🔥 Community Impact:
With Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms under criminal indictment and City Planner Vennis Gilmore facing ethics charges, city leadership is at a crossroads. Over 65 candidates have already applied for the city manager role, signaling high stakes for restoring public trust.

👉 What You Can Do:

• 🗓️ Stay informed as Mimms appears in court on Jan. 7.

• 🛡️ Advocate for transparency in government and support local journalism exposing corruption.

• 🗣️ Engage with community leaders to demand accountability in public spending.

📖 Want to dive deeper? Read the full story here.

🍊 The Press Round

🍴 New Dining Spots Coming to the Treasure Coast

From Cuban bakeries to barbecue havens, 2025 is serving up 13 fresh restaurants across the Treasure Coast. Highlights include The Funky Cuda in Fort Pierce with seafood boils and karaoke, and Sound Brewing in Hobe Sound with a microbrewery vibe.

👉 Dive into the full list here.

🚌 School Employees Return to Work

12-month school board employees returned to work yesterday, January 2. For the rest, work resumes today, January 3, with students heading back on January 6. You’ve got a couple more days of light traffic before things pick up again!

📅 Want to stay ahead? Check out the full school calendar here.

🍹The Refill: 📚✨ A New Chapter for Wanderlust Book Boutique

📖 The Facts:
Wanderlust Book Boutique, a local, romance-focused bookstore in downtown Fort Pierce, has moved from Orange Avenue to a much larger location on 2nd Street, next to Taco Dive. The new space is double (if not triple) the size of their old store, opening up opportunities for more inventory and community events.

🌟 Why This Matters to Our Community:
Bookstores are more than just retail spaces—they’re cultural hubs. Wanderlust’s growth highlights the importance of preserving local businesses that foster connection, creativity, and community. Their niche focus on romance literature provides a unique offering for Fort Pierce readers.

📚 Historical Context:
Wanderlust’s expansion mirrors the enduring significance of independent bookstores in shaping vibrant downtown spaces.

🌈 Community Impact:
This move allows for more curated book selections, thoughtful merchandise, and potential events like author signings or book clubs. It’s a win for Fort Pierce—a small business scaling up while staying grounded in its vision.

👉 What You Can Do:

• 🗓️ Visit their Grand Opening: Saturday, January 4th (10 AM – 5 PM) at 210-A N 2nd Street.

• 💌 Follow Wanderlust Book Boutique on social media to support their journey.

• 🛍️ Shop local to help Fort Pierce thrive.

🎉 Best Events

Friday Fest – January 2025 with Dave and the Wave
📅 Friday, January 3 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Marina Square, Fort Pierce
Kick off the new year with fantastic food, drinks, and live music at this family-friendly event.
👉 Learn More

The Greatest Love of All – A Tribute to Whitney Houston
📅 Friday, January 3 | 8:00 PM
📍 Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce
Enjoy a breathtaking tribute to Whitney Houston's legacy with Belinda Davids in this critically acclaimed show.
👉 Find Tickets

Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) - Fort Pierce Area
🥾 Saturday, January 4 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Fort Pierce Area (Specific location shared upon ticket purchase)
Enjoy a hike with fun digital activities along the way in a self-guided couples event. A great way to connect and explore.
👉 Get Tickets!

Opening Day at Wanderlust Book Boutique
📅 Saturday, January 4 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 2nd St, Fort Pierce, FL
📚 Celebrate the grand opening of this cozy bookstore, featuring a great selection of romance books and merch!
👉 More Details Here

Soulful Saturday
📅 Saturday, January 4 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge, Vero Beach
Unwind with live soulful melodies, sweet treats, and great company.
👉 See More

If you have an event, send it to me here

💧 The Last Drop

Night-sky tourism, or "noctourism," is a growing trend for 2025, bringing attention (and travelers) to areas with stunning views of the cosmos. Florida has a few gems like Big Cypress National Preserve and Kissimmee Prairie State Park.

🌟 Plan your next stargazing trip: Check out this light pollution map to find the best spots near and far.

🏀 Jimmy Butler Wants Out Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has reportedly requested a trade, telling reporters he’s "lost his joy" playing in Miami, per ESPN.

👉 Read more here.

🏈 The Miami Dolphins need a win against the Jets on Sunday and help from the Chiefs to clinch a playoff spot. With Tua Tagovailoa injured, backup Tyler Huntley will lead the charge. 👉 Read more here.

📸 This is Sunland

One thing I’m really passionate about doing in the bookstore is hosting pop-up photo shoots. What you’re seeing above is a paperback backdrop we set up in the studio.

If that sounds like something you’d like to participate in, just reply to this email and let me know! Alright… see you Monday!

With love,
Ja’Min

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