Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Tuesday! There’s so many new faces here in Sunland and I’m so happy to have each and every one of you! Thank you! Let’s jump right in!
Ja’Min Devon
Sponsored: 🍗 Deal Days of Stoney
Stoney is stretching your dollars and your belly. He just dropped his new weekly calendar and where all his amazing deals fall! That $5 Tuesday Snack Pack? Now it runs Tuesday and Wednesday.
That means three days of full meals for under $10… in 2025. I know. Unheard of.
That’s why I’m so happy to share this, and even happier that Stoney’s is sponsoring the newsletter. Support those who support us.
📍 912 N 25th St, Fort Pierce
📞 772-595-2406
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🍋 The Main Squeeze: Where St. Lucie County tax dollars go
After writing yesterday about the county budget meeting and doing a video on it, I realized this breakdown of where property tax money goes would be helpful as a quick reference.
But first, several of you pointed out on my video yesterday that cutting the millage rate doesn't necessarily mean lower tax bills. You're absolutely right. If your property value goes up more than the rate goes down, you're still paying more. That's exactly what those frustrated residents at the meeting were dealing with.
Here's what Commissioner Townsend said though: she thinks property values might actually decrease next year, which would create a different problem for the county's budget. That remains to be seen and hopefully I can get somebody on the line to talk about how they go about assessing property values, and maybe they can shed some light.
Out of every $1,000 in property taxes, here's where it goes:
Schools get $336. This is the biggest chunk and goes to the School Board. They fund teacher salaries, school operations, buses, and educational programs.
St. Lucie County gets $397:
Sheriff's Office gets $137 for patrol, jail, court security, and investigations.
County departments get $89 for parks, libraries, emergency management, veterans services, and administration.
Other law enforcement gets $28 for clerk of court, elections, public defender, and state attorney.
Reserves and projects get $144 for emergency funds, infrastructure, and debt payments.
Port St. Lucie gets $267 for city services, roads, and local government, plus another $656 yearly for garbage and stormwater.
The bottom line: County commissioners only control about $397 out of every $1,000 you pay. Schools and cities set their own rates, which is why county millage cuts can only provide so much relief.
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🥳 What’s Happening: Out of Town Events
Tuesday, Sep 9
🎼 Sunset Concerts: Young Artist Spotlight – Monthly concert featuring talented young soloists at MartinArts in Stuart | 5:30 PM | Ticketed | Details
Wednesday, Sep 10
🎵 The Groove Experience with Derek Mack – Soulful live music and handcrafted cocktails at Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge in Vero | 7–10 PM | Reservations recommended | Details
Friday, Sep 12
🎨 Art After Dark – Art and entertainment with live performances and workshops at Norton Museum in West Palm Beach | 5–10 PM | $10 adults | Details
Saturday, Sep 13
🛍️ Trinket Swap – Bring your little treasures and swap for new-to-you finds at Moonstruck Market in Melbourne | 12–2 PM | Free | Details
🎸 Take It to the NEXLEVEL – Rock, R&B & Country hits with full bars and food at Riverside Theatre in Vero | 5:30–8 PM | Free | Details
If you have an event, send it to me here
🧾 Last Drop: Rent Surge!
🏥 New PSL hospital opens – Florida Coast Medical Center begins operations today with 54 beds and 24-hour emergency care. First new Treasure Coast hospital in decade. Learn more
🎣 Little Jim's lease delayed again – Fort Pierce pushes operator selection to late October. Three bidders compete for historic North Hutchinson Island spot. Read update
🍷 Small restaurants get liquor approval – St. Lucie County allows distilled spirits in restaurants under 4,000 sq ft through conditional permits. Details
🌡️ Fall temps rising in Florida – Miami fall temperatures up 2.9°F since 1970. Tampa leads state with 3.4°F increase. Climate data shows warming trend. View forecast
🏠 Florida rents surge 39% – Statewide rental costs jumped nearly $500 monthly from 2019-2023 as 1 million households moved in. Family homelessness up 28%. Read report
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