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Ethics Commission hits Mascara with $5,000 fine, other penalties for ghost-candidate scheme
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Commission on Ethics unanimously agreed Friday to penalties for former St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara, a Democrat, related to his recruitment and support of a preferred Republican opponent during the 2020 election. Those penalties, a $5,000 fine with a public censure and reprimand, previously had been agreed to by both sides in a joint stipulation agreement where Mascara admitted to the so-called "ghost candidate" scheme, which was the subject of a Florida...
St. Lucie tax collector candidates promise increased security, accessibility, convenience
Two political newcomers want to unseat the St. Lucie County tax collector, who's been in the job for 12 years. Republicans Christy Romano and Gabby Rothman will face off in the Aug. 20 Republican primary to see which one will challenge Democrat incumbent Chris Craft in the Nov. 5 election.
St. Lucie County elections supervisor candidates say 44 years is enough for incumbent
Two political newcomers with no experience managing elections want to unseat the St. Lucie County elections supervisor who's been in office for 44 years; but first, one must beat the other in the Aug. 20 primary. Republicans Jenn Frey and George Umansky will face off before getting their shot in the Nov....
St. Lucie leaders bullish on Buc-ee's, growth: History shows Indian River County at risk
After interviewing about 20 Treasure Coast city and county commission candidates the past few weeks, I chatted with a 50-year resident of Palm Beach Gardens. He got there about the same time I first visited that city, then a quiet suburb of West Palm Beach. He lamented how growth in the Gardens has...
Partial Closure of the Parking Lot at the John Parks Sports Complex Starting Next Monday, July 29 Through Friday August 2
St. Lucie County - Friday July 26, 2024: Crews will be resurfacing and making repairs to the main parking lot inside the John B. Parks Sports Complex, in front of the Lawnwood Stadium, on Monday, July 29 through Friday, Aug. 2. Crews will be working on different sections of the...
Traffic, growth top of mind for political newcomer, incumbent in SLC Commission District 3
ST. LUCIE COUNTY − The St. Lucie County Commission District 3 Republican primary is pitting a veteran incumbent against a political newcomer who said she feels people’s voices aren’t being heard. Incumbent Linda Bartz, a former longtime Port St. Lucie City Council member, is being challenged in the Aug. 20 primary by Erin...
Here's who's running for St. Lucie County property appraiser in Aug. 20 Republican primary
A Realtor hopes to stop the St. Lucie County property appraiser from winning a third term. Joe James is challenging incumbent Michelle Franklin in the Aug. 20 Republican primary for the constitutional office whose key duty is to assess the value of land and buildings and report appraisals to the Florida Department of...
Tradition Regional Park becomes a reality
PORT ST. LUCIE — Residents of St. Lucie County have long waited for a regional park that would include desperately needed ball fields and a BMX track. The wait is almost over as local elected officials, Mattamy Homes staff and others came together for a groundbreaking ceremony for Tradition Regional Park on July 17.
Volunteers essential to United Against Poverty; locations in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce
How many volunteers help run the “busiest” nonprofit on the Treasure Coast? Roughly 4,000 people volunteered for United Against Poverty in 2022, the year with the most recent data, contributing nearly 85,000 hours — the equivalent of about $2.5 million — across the organization’s operations in Indian River, St. Lucie and Orange counties. The...
One St. Lucie County restaurant gets perfect score; 11 fail inspection
You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name. Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you. For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring...
Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Our Top 5 events on the Treasure Coast
Looking for fun things to do this weekend on the Treasure Coast? Eve Pierpont has you covered with her Top 5 weekend events for Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties for July 26-28. ...
Dirty tricks? St. Lucie County voters shouldn't be deceived by misleading MAGA mailout
The expression "often imitated, never duplicated" dates back to the 1920s, when Traub Manufacturing Co. used it to advertise its line of wedding and engagement rings. Lately, though, it's easy to be reminded of that slogan whenever a politician tries to glom onto former President Donald Trump's political persona. ...
Indian River schools keep A grade; Martin and St. Lucie districts maintain B grades
Indian River County schools kept its A, while Martin and St. Lucie school districts maintained their grades of B, according to the 2023-2024 school grades released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education. Indian River was the only Treasure Coast school district to receive an A. ...
Back-to-school backpack giveaway scheduled Aug. 2
FORT PIERCE ─ The first day of school is right around the corner. Dunn’s Kids Foundation is ready with its annual back-to-school party in partnership with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League. The free event will have games, snacks and backpacks filled with school supplies...
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