Good Morning, Sunland
It’s Friday! And the first episode of the Main Squeeze Podcast is here! Please, please, please give it a listen and let me know what you think! Come back to this email and hit the reply. I would love to hear your thoughts! Check it out here (and anywhere you get podcast)
☀️ Events for the week: If you are looking for something to do, check yesterday's HUGE event list here
⚡ Send to Friend: I made a pitch for Sunland so you can send it to a friend! Easy lift for you! Watch here…
⛅ Weather Update: Mixed clouds and sun.
☀️ Day: High of 89°F | Mix of clouds and sun with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms
🌙 Night: Low of 73°F | Partly cloudy. Winds light and variable. 24% chance of rain.
🌅 Sunrise: 7:12 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:13 PM
🌙 Moonrise: 11:27 AM | 🌚 Moonset: 9:55 PM
🎶 Sounds like: "Superstition" — Stevie Wonder
Ja’Min Devon
🟣 Life Insurance Month is Almost Over!
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, but Daisy's journey proves this isn't about numbers and policies. It's about the moment you realize your family's security hangs in the balance.
Her story will change how you think about protecting what matters most.
Watch Daisy's powerful journey here
🚊 Main Squeeze: What Eliminating Property Taxes Would Really Cost St. Lucie County
What's Going On: I came across a study that breaks down what would happen if Florida eliminated property taxes entirely or just for homesteaded properties. Given that property taxes are the topic of the moment here in St. Lucie County we have some of the highest rates in the state, I thought this info would be useful.
Show Me the Money: The Florida Policy Institute research shows eliminating all property taxes would force local governments to find over $50 billion in replacement revenue statewide. Even just ending property taxes on homesteaded properties would cost approximately $18.5 billion across counties, cities, and school districts.
The Real: Here in Saint Lucie County, homestead property tax revenue currently funds our school district operations, county road maintenance, fire and emergency services, parks and recreation programs, and library services.
Without that revenue, local governments would have to either cut services, raise other fees and taxes, or privatize services. The study points out that services don't come free and the money must come from somewhere.
Bottom line: The research provides a detailed breakdown of what property tax elimination would mean financially for different parts of Florida. Whether that's good or bad policy is up for debate, but the numbers show the scope of what local governments would need to replace.
Want to dig deeper into the numbers? Check out the full study and interactive map. What are your thoughts on property taxes in St. Lucie County? Leave your thoughts here.
🗞 Press Round: Cups, Cans & Cash
🏆 Stanley Cup Makes Victory Lap to Vero Beach
Lines stretched out the door at Walking Tree Brewery as the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup trophies went on display September 25th. The Panthers are the first team since Tampa Bay Lightning to win consecutive championships, defeating Edmonton both years with "Keeper of the Cup" Mario Della-Savia bringing the hardware to the Treasure Coast.
🥫 St. Lucie County Launches Month-Long Food Drive
The county partnered with Salvation Army for a food drive running September 29th through October 31st, with drop-off locations at libraries, government buildings, and the UF Extension Office. Officials are requesting shelf-stable items like canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and cleaning supplies to help local families in need.
🌉 Stuart Railroad Bridge Replacement Still Seeking $42M
The Florida Inland Navigation District must reapply for federal funding after being denied a $42 million grant to help replace the aging St. Lucie River railroad bridge used by freight trains and Brightline. The $218 million project has struggled to secure funding, with Florida East Coast Railway's separate $42.2 million application also rejected last year.
🤩 People Pass: What your support means!
I really appreciate everyone who chooses to support the newsletter, whether through a People Pass or our new Pay What You Want membership.
If you’d like early access to The Main Squeeze podcast and extra stories that don’t make it into the newsletter, consider becoming a supporter. It helps keep Sunland going and growing.
🎉 The Top Clicked Events This Week!
Saturday, Sep 27
🥓 PSL Bacon & BBQ Festival – Two-day food and craft fair at MIDFLORIDA Event Center. | 10 AM–5 PM | Free | Details
🥨 Oktoberfest 2025 – German cuisine, live music, and $7 stein fills at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach. | 12 PM | Varies | Details
🏴☠️ Treasure Fest & Worldwide Day of Play – Pirate-themed family fun at Children's Museum of Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach. | 10 AM–2 PM | Ticketed | Details
Sunday, Sep 29
If you have an event, send it to me here
💧 The Last Drop: Top Ranks!
🌳 PSL buys 111 acres for green space – City pays school district $11.7 million for three vacant parcels to preserve as conservation land and parks. Move blocks housing development residents opposed. Land purchase
🎓 UF tops Florida college rankings – University of Florida remains state's highest ranked school in U.S. News report. FIU breaks into Top 50 public universities at 46th place. College rankings
🌪️ Quiet hurricane season may hide danger – No storms formed during peak season for only second time since 1950. Meteorologists warn activity could surge like last year's deadly Helene and Milton. Storm watch
📸 This is Sunland: Photo Finish!
Thank you all for always helping Sunland Grow! Thank You!
See you Monday!
With Love, Ja’Min
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