Veteran investigative journalist with 20 years covering local government and politics in Florida. Skeptical, thorough, and deeply connected to the community. Started at the Stuart News, covered Tallahassee for a decade, came back home.
“Clear, direct prose. Leads with the most important fact. Respects reader intelligence.”
Funded by local sales taxes, the county has acquired 996 acres outright and secured easements on 1,699 more, yet a committee member warns rising land prices demand faster action.
Penalties could hit $50,000, with an occupied Fort Pierce rental facing the maximum for an unrepaired rotting roof since December.
County officials say the tech upgrade tackles confusing schedules and transfers, potentially boosting ridership across the Treasure Coast.
Victim found dead near North 12th Street apartment complex at 4:15 a.m. Saturday; investigation stalls at initial statement as four outlets carry same police release
Solomon Trucking faces penalties for unpermitted land clearing, while two neighbors' crumbling pipes flood yards in Fort Pierce.
The transfer of County Road 510 and part of CR 512 to Florida's highway system ends years of delays, providing millions for critical infrastructure in the 510 corridor.
Unanimous vote allows larger single-story builds for aging residents in areas with upgraded roads, sewers and drainage, pending county commissioners' approval.
Voter-backed sales tax revenue has safeguarded Treasure Coast lands from Barbie Ranch to Point Sienna Gardens, but tight budgets and boundary disputes threaten future buys.
The 6-0 vote advances Bernard Egan and Company's 10-year project west of I-95 to county commissioners, despite projections of 80,000 extra daily trips from nearby developments like Buc-ee's.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia's press release names specific budget items. St. Lucie's administrator and budget director have not responded publicly — and that silence demands scrutiny.
Kersten Francilus, 25, charged with second-degree murder after unprovoked attack on woman walking her dog in Southwood; neighbor intervened before deputies arrived
The precautionary alert affects about a dozen addresses on 15th Street after a 2-inch PVC line was struck Thursday, with repairs completed by Friday morning but water tests still pending.
Oversight committee praises progress but urges faster purchases amid legal concerns on two properties and committed sales tax funds.
Questions mount over whether the golf icon's legal handling in Jupiter Island arrest reflects equal justice under local courts
The Trump-endorsed congressman's haul shatters records for non-incumbent candidates, pushing his total past $67 million and outpacing GOP rivals.
Golfer pleads not guilty, announces treatment leave as arrest report details opioid pills, failed sobriety tests on residential road
Marina operators and charter captains from Stuart to Vero Beach report rising fuel costs as national average tops $4 a gallon for first time since 2022
Arrest affidavit details bloodshot eyes, two painkillers, and a crash near Jupiter Island; defense attorney says body cam footage will be key
A suspect remains at large in the Vero Beach library ambush while Fort Pierce police charge a son with killing both his parents — straining regional law enforcement and rattling communities from Indian River to St. Lucie
Arrest affidavit details bloodshot eyes, hydrocodone pills, and impairment signs; arraignment set for April 23 in Martin County court
Philip Repaci, 55, faces two counts of first-degree murder in deaths of Philip Sr., 85, and Joan Repaci, 80, at Harbour Isle; arraignment date and bond status remain unconfirmed
State program secures Bar-B Ranch from development, but key details on acreage, cost, and long-term oversight remain unconfirmed
Martin County prosecutors can pursue case without lab results; 2017 prior offense complicates Woods' legal options
Residents can settle overdue court fines during Operation Green Light from April 13-24 at three locations to get back on the road legally.
The measure would honor the president at the airport serving Martin and St. Lucie travelers while blocking local governments from renaming major Florida airports.
Florida's pump average hits $3.95 — up $1.06 in a month — as Strait of Hormuz disruptions ripple from the Persian Gulf to I-95
Local school officials, immigration attorneys and community leaders are weighing the consequences of a Supreme Court ruling that could affect thousands of children in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties
A pedestrian walking on tracks died Sunday at the 77th Street Railroad crossing west of Old Dixie Highway — the latest in a troubling week for Indian River County public safety
Martin County Sheriff details crash on South Beach Road near golfer's home; Woods blew zeros on breathalyzer but refused urine test
A fatal Wabasso shooting, a Fort Pierce wounding, and a fugitive double-homicide suspect still at large have shaken the Treasure Coast in rapid succession
Golf star showed signs of impairment, blew triple zeroes on breathalyzer, refused urine test; faces two misdemeanor charges
HB 399 strips local zoning power statewide — and Martin County's decades-long fight against sprawl may be the biggest casualty on the Treasure Coast
Democrat Brian Nathan's slim edge in the Treasure Coast-adjacent race may trigger a mandatory machine recount if Florida law deems it 0.5% or less amid a rounding debate.
Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, faces two first-degree murder warrants; police believe he made it ashore and vanished despite having no ID, cards, or passport
The Bartow-based panel doubled fresh fruit promotion to $535,000 this fiscal year, targeting airport ads, spring training stadiums and grapefruit influencers to boost sales of storm-damaged oranges and grapefruit.
Cherfilus-McCormick faces 27 counts including alleged theft of $5M in FEMA funds; a Democratic primary challenger was in the room
Emily Gregory's win in Trump's Mar-a-Lago district — part of a two-seat sweep — triggers Democratic endorsements, gubernatorial momentum, and a rare public warning from DeSantis himself
Both victims were Indian River County employees; husband of one victim remains at large more than a week after library parking lot shooting
Paige Greenlee defeated Jeffrey Ryner with 7,244 votes to 4,583 and will be sworn in June 19 in Orlando, set to lead the bar serving Treasure Coast attorneys in 2027-28.
Giardino, selected from over 80 applicants, replaces Michael Mortell, who was fired without cause last October in Martin County's seat.
Suspect walked into ocean fully clothed after killings; Vero Beach police release photos, warn public
Political newcomer Emily Gregory won the special election for the Palm Beach-area Florida House seat, a victory national Democrats hail as momentum for 2026 midterms.
Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, suspected of shooting wife and her colleague with AR-15-style rifle; last seen swimming into Atlantic Ocean
Senate and House sessions in Tallahassee target Treasure Coast schools by expanding the guardian program to universities, tightening gang penalties and prohibiting diversity initiatives.
City commissioners unanimously approved the citation-funded program targeting drivers 11 mph over limits, which could inspire Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
A rule change by August could drop Florida's 25% condo down payment requirement to 10%, but local boards and buyers say the devil is in the details
At least six people sought Red Cross assistance after a third-floor blaze; post-Surfside inspection mandates may apply to the building
Air releases at the western Martin County facility raise environmental justice alarms in a community that has long had little political muscle to fight back
Bills including SB 1745 would expand K-12 school vaccine opt-outs, curb local government budgets, and mandate holds on undocumented truck drivers in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
TSA screeners work without pay as Trump threatens ICE deployment to airports; Treasure Coast families face long lines, flight uncertainty
