🌞 Good Morning!

At some point, I will have something else to say other than thank you! But, thank you! For real. We are currently closing in on our goal of 100 subscribers before the week is even over. Any feedback is welcome as we look to improve this newsletter each and every day. Let us know what you would like to hear or see from us. Thank you!

— Ja’Min

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Wednesday, July 24

Day

🌤️ Temperature: 90°F

🌥️ Sun and clouds mixed, stray shower or thunderstorm possible

Chance of rain: 18%

🌅 Sunrise: 6:40 AM

Night

🌥️ Temperature: 79°F

🌥️ Partly cloudy skies

Chance of rain: 22%

🌕 Moonrise: 10:52 PM

🌑 Moonset: 10:00 AM

News

🏗 The Warehousization of Saint Lucie County: How Our County is Becoming the Industrial Capital of Florida

I first noticed a couple of years ago near Kings Highway where there were, and still are, two empty large-scale warehouses. Then Tradition came along with their Amazon distribution center, and it seems to be expanding to Midway. It got me thinking, what’s with all the new warehouses? Our central location, nestled between Central and South Florida, has made us prime real estate for warehouse development. With the rise of online shopping during and after the pandemic, big names like Amazon, FedEx, and Costco are expanding their logistical operations right here.

Why are we such a hot spot for these developments? There are a lot of factors at play. This might become a deeper dive for Sunland News because there's a lot to uncover. We're known as a retirement town, and while home values and overall net worth across the county are rising, that doesn’t necessarily mean economic growth for everyone. Enter the warehouse deals. While the wages at most of these warehouses don’t reflect the cost of living in our area, they do boost employment and bring in tax dollars.

It makes me wonder, though, are there other ways we can increase wages for those in need of work while also stimulating the local economy? We want Saint Lucie County to be a vibrant place people love to visit, not just a sea of warehouses. The scenery of large-scale warehouses isn't exactly vacation-worthy.

Stay tuned to the newsletter and share it with a friend. This is a topic we'll explore further.

🔔Sunland Bulletin

Volunteers Needed! United Against Poverty; locations in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce[Read More Here]

News

🆙 Florida Population Jumps to 23 Million

In addition to the increase in jobs in the area, we’ve also seen a significant rise in population. Florida is now the 3rd largest state by population, behind California and Texas. Things do feel slightly crowded, especially on the roads. Our area of Saint Lucie County has experienced a population rise over the last couple of years, and we are expected to hit 423,946 residents by 2030. This figure doesn’t account for the snowbirds who come and go with the seasons.

Most of the new residents moving here over the last year have come from New York, California, and Georgia. These three states alone account for almost 200,000 additional people in Florida. The state expects population growth to peak next year and then begin to stabilize, but for now, expect to see more people in the area and state.

Top Places Where People Are Moving From:

• New York: 91,201

• California: 50,701

• Georgia: 39,950

• Texas: 38,207

• Pennsylvania: 35,384

• Illinois: 35,262

• North Carolina: 24,601

• Maryland: 23,422

• Michigan: 23,781

• Colorado: 20,980

🎵 Sunland Picks

📚 Get A Library Card: If you don’t have a library card, apply for one right now. Just click the link

[Apply for library card for free]

😎 Florida at Large

Pickleball has taken off nation and statewide. Should we do a Sunland Pickleball Tournament? Respond to this email and let us know [read more here]

🌍 World at Large

The Olympics start this Friday! What events/sports are you excited to watch? [know where to watch]

📸 This Is Saint Lucie

📅 Things to Do

Park it Market - Treasure Coast Food Bank

• Location: Church of Nazarene, 611 Gardenia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL

• Date: Thursday, July 25th

• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

School Supply & Sneaker Giveaway for Elementary School Children

• Location: 810 S. US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

• Date: July 27th, 2024

• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

End of Summer Jam

• Location: Sailfish Brewing Company, Fort Pierce, FL

• Date: July 27th

• Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hot Life Brewing Company - Karaoke

• Location: 679 NW Enterprise Drive, Suite #101, Port Saint Lucie, FL

• Date: July 27th

• Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday Night Drive-in Movie: Emperor's New Groove

• Location: 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949

• Date: July 27th

• Time: 8:30 PM

Hiring Event - Fort Pierce, FL

• Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 7151 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945

• Date: Tuesday, July 30th

• Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM