In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we explore the story behind Sunland News, an independent media platform created by local resident Ja’Min Devon. The conversation covers the growth of the newsletter, its purpose, and how it fits into the changing landscape of local information in St. Lucie County.
This summary of the podcast provides readers with insight into what Sunland News is, how it works, and why it stands out from traditional sources.
From Fort Pierce to Founder
Ja’Min was born in Fort Pierce and returned to the Treasure Coast after attending college in Tampa. Like many during the early months of 2020, he found himself rethinking his career and creative direction. Instead of continuing freelance work, he focused on creating something personal.
He launched Sunland News as a daily newsletter about life in St. Lucie County. What started as messages to friends and family quickly grew into a full-time project with thousands of subscribers.
A Different Kind of Local News
Sunland takes a specific approach to local content. It avoids politics and crime, instead focusing on:
- Events
- Local businesses
- People and stories from the community
- Food and places to go
- Tools to help people better use the county
According to Ja’Min, the goal is to make information feel local again. Rather than trying to compete with larger outlets, Sunland focuses on topics that reflect everyday life in St. Lucie County.
What the Newsletter Covers
Sunland News follows a weekday schedule that offers readers a consistent stream of local updates. Each day has a specific focus:
Monday: Recaps and highlights from city or county commission meetings.
Tuesday: Long-form deep dives and interviews with local voices.
Wednesday: Economic topics, including jobs, cost of living, and development.
Thursday: An event guide featuring 25 to 50 happenings across the region.
Friday: Recaps, feature stories, and community-focused updates.
This format provides structure for readers while allowing space for creative reporting and thoughtful commentary. Subscribe to the Sunland Newsletter and give it a shot.
Community Tools and Side Projects
In addition to the newsletter, Sunland has expanded into small, locally-focused tools. These include:
- Play Sunland: A free site that helps people discover places to eat and things to do.
- 772 Eats: A digital food journal and restaurant finder with personalized results.
- Free Library Finder: A tool to locate local free libraries around the area.
All of these products are free and designed to make it easier for people to interact with where they live.
View this post on Instagram
A Bookstore in the Works
Ja’Min also discussed his plans to open a Sunland Bookstore in Fort Pierce, located near 25th Street and Avenue Q. The idea is to create a physical “third place,” where locals can gather, read, and attend events. Inspired by barbershop culture and old-school community spaces, the bookstore aims to offer something different from modern coffee shops or retail stores.
Although still in progress, the bookstore is another step in Sunland’s broader goal of creating media and spaces that feel personal and accessible.
Staying Grounded in Local Identity
Throughout the conversation, there was a consistent focus on the value of being local. Ja’Min spoke about the tension between growth and identity, especially as St. Lucie County continues to attract new development. Many residents are concerned about losing the characteristics that make the area unique.
Sunland News, as described in the episode, tries to reflect that concern while still offering a hopeful view of the county’s direction. The content is shaped by feedback from readers, many of whom are long-time residents.
Business Model and Access
The newsletter is free. However, to support deeper reporting and future growth, Ja’Min is experimenting with a “pay what you want” option for specific content. This model gives readers a chance to contribute financially without putting key information behind a hard paywall.
The idea is to keep news accessible while still allowing room for investment in higher-quality journalism. Local businesses and organizations can partner with
What’s Next for Sunland News
Looking ahead, the focus remains on the newsletter. Readers can expect weekday editions to continue, along with expanded video content and digital tools. New ideas will likely be developed slowly and with intention.
Sunland is positioned as a long-term project, not a short-term trend. The goal is to create something sustainable, rooted in local use and relevance.
Why This Matters to You
This podcast episode provides context for how local media is evolving on the Treasure Coast. As more residents look for information they can trust, platforms like Sunland News are trying to fill the gaps left by traditional outlets.
For readers in St. Lucie County, this discussion offers a window into how one local creator is approaching community-focused media. It’s a reflection of a broader shift toward accessible, grassroots content that helps residents stay informed without unnecessary noise.
As with all episodes of The Current, this conversation is meant to inform and highlight what’s happening across the region. We aim to give listeners and readers the full picture so they can decide what matters most to them.
