Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins has resigned from his position with the city of Stuart and has announced his run for Martin County Commission District 2.

Collins submitted his resignation to the city of Stuart and made the announcement in a Facebook post on Thursday.

His run for office comes months after being appointed mayor. Commissioner Campbell Rich raised questions during a commission meeting last year, tied to speculation about Collins political future.

If the mayor is running, seeking election to a higher office, Rich said. He, in fact, is going to have to resign fairly shortly to seek that office and we would then find ourselves in the position of having a commissioner who is only in their second year being mayor, which I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

With Collin's resignation, Sean Reed is now the mayor of Stuart, according to the city's website.

READ THE FULL RESIGNATION LETTER BELOW:

The CEO of the Stuart-Martin County Chamber of Commerce is apologizing after posting a controversial comment on social media.

We started getting emails into our newsroom this afternoon regarding the comment made by Chamber CEO Joseph Catrambone.

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An initial post on LinkedIn announced the Trump administrations Food and Drug Administration's moves to end testing on beagles, chimpanzees, monkeys and rabbits.

"Allow it on Dems," Catrambone said.

A viewer called the comment hate speech.

"That is not a nice response for a chamber person and a supposed leader," a developer of youth programs said.

I reached Catrambone by phone. He apologized and said he will take the comment down.

"Shame on me," Catrambone said.

I also reached incoming Chamber Board Chairman Eric Kiehn, who looked at the post.

"I believe we will be having a discussion regarding this at our next meeting," Kiehn said.

As of the time of publication, the post from Catrambone was still up on social media.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The South Fork Bulldogs boys volleyball team is making history in its debut season, overcoming an early losing record to mount a three-game winning streak and push for a playoff spot.

"Martin County and South Fork just started boys volleyball for the first time," Ron Jacobs said.

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Jacobs serves as the head coach for the new program. While the school's field house is filled with banners, boys volleyball was previously missing.

"I think its cool that we get to bring volleyball here at South Fork for boys, especially because its such a girl-dominated sport," Jacobs said.

Bringing the new sport to the Martin County School District came with hurdles. Some athletes had never played before, requiring the team to start with the basics.

"I am known to be a very technical coach, and I came in, and I said this is our goal, this is our end goal," Charles Connelly said.

Connelly is the team's center. The end goal was to challenge the team early in the season with tough competition. They scheduled matches against schools like Wellington, Tradition Prep, and Royal Palm Beach.

The challenging start left the Bulldogs with a 2-8 record, making a playoff appearance in year one seem nearly impossible.

"Mentally, it was a big thing for our whole team changing from volleyball. Its so dependent on each other, having a good mindset, and moving on. We had to say ok we have the next play. Its ok that you messed up. We got the next one," Connelly said.

The team is now on a three-game winning streak, positioning the new program as a dark horse to make the playoffs.

"To get two revenge games back to back, it feels pretty good," Logan Wiggins said.

Wiggins is an outside hitter for the Bulldogs. With seven games left in the season, the team is currently fifth in the district.

"Now weve really caught up to the fourth in our district, and I think the 4/5 matchup can be really interesting. I think the 4/5 matchup is going to be exciting," Jacobs said.

Emergency services play a crucial role in public safety, prompting city and county leaders to revisit an agreement that determines which fire station responds to emergencies at homes and businesses.

WATCH BELOW: 'It needs to be updated,' Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins tells WPTV's Cassandra Garcia

Officials in Martin County are working to update an interlocal agreement that governs fire rescue coverage between the county and the city of Stuart, with a focus on improving response times as the region changes.

Glad that theyre looking into that, just because the city is growing so much, resident Marsha Zack said.

At a county commission meeting Tuesday, Martin County Fire Rescue Chief Chad Cianciulli emphasized the need to prioritize public safety in any revisions.

"The principle of this interlocal agreement was public safety, was putting the public first and then you build the agreement around that," Cianciulli said.

Cianciulli said the current agreement no longer reflects that priority. Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins agreed, noting the existing contract, established in 2021, has become outdated as the city has expanded.

It needs to be updated, because we need to make sure that whoever is closest to the call responds, so that your response times are as short as possible," Collins said.

Collins said Stuart fire rescue services have expanded, allowing the city to respond more efficiently across its boundaries.

In the past, there was a point where the city only had one station, and now we have three," he said. "Now, were able to service with quick response times at all parts of the city. So, we no longer need that same level of coverage with the county.

County commissioners voted to have fire chiefs, legal teams and select administrators from both agencies discuss updates to the agreement.

"If there's any apolitical document we can talk about. It's this interlocal agreement," Cianciulli said.

Collins expressed disappointment that those discussions would not initially include broader public participation or elected officials.

"I would think that the county commission would want to have transparency," he said. "That should be the goal, that the public is able to see the conversations and ultimately decisions that are being made when it comes from their health and safety."

In addition to improving response times, Collins said he would like to eliminate the practice of agencies billing each other when responding across jurisdictional lines. Under the current agreement, Martin County Fire Rescue and the city charge one another for providing coverage outside their respective areas.

Officials confirmed that both sides are working to schedule negotiations on a revised contract.

"In the case of an emergency, they do need somebody to respond as quickly as they can," Zack said.

The city of Stuart has a new city manager.

City commissioners approved Michael Giardino's contract Monday night.

Giardino, who is currently the deputy general manager at New York's LaGuardia Airport, was chosen from more than 80 applicants.

He replaces Michael Mortell, who was fired without cause last October.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Stuart Mayor Chris Collins is calling for slow growth as the city grapples with rapid development that he says is changing the small-town character of Stuart, and a recent community meeting showed opinions on the approach are split.

Collins presented the city commission's actions and changes made over the last few years, including moratoriums on development and other policies designed to prevent new high-density, multi-story and commercial developments from taking shape while codes are revised.

"You're gonna make things new, you're gonna make things nice. But you're going to maintain that same density and intensity so that you don't lose what makes this place special," Collins said.

WATCH:

The presentation drew both support and pushback from residents. Some praised the commission's efforts.

"We really do appreciate the civil service work you're doing for us," one resident said.

Others, including many from Stuart's historically Black East Side, raised concerns about how the restrictions affect their ability to develop property that has been in their families for generations.

"You are stifling our ability to develop our property that has been in our family for decades," one resident said.

Some also questioned the long-term sustainability of the slow-growth approach.

"I know you want to keep it to what it is now, but don't you want to make sure that your city is going to continue?" another resident said.

Collins spent the evening answering questions and hearing concerns from residents. He said he hopes to take what was learned at the meeting back to the commission to apply to future policy.

Legislation that would eliminate property taxes on homestead properties in Florida is gaining traction in the state Legislature, but homeowners and local officials are raising questions about how governments would make up for the lost funding.

The proposal involves a constitutional amendment that would exclude school district taxes and exempt only homestead properties from property taxes. One bill has been approved in the House, and related bills are still moving through the Senate.

WATCH BELOW: Stuart residents weigh in on Florida property tax cut plan

For residents like Al Roberts, a Stuart snowbird, the idea has appeal with conditions.

"If it works, it's fabulous," Roberts said.

Fellow Stuart snowbird Dan Tardella echoed that sentiment.

"Everybody would like their taxes down," Tardella said.

But both men said the details matter.

"What other things take a hit as far as police protection, infrastructure, how they're going to pay for all that?" Roberts said.

"My question is, how do you pay for it?" Tardella said.

Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins said he supports the concept.

"I am in total agreement. I think that is the right thing to do," Collins said.

But Collins acknowledged the financial stakes for smaller cities. He said Stuart's homestead properties generate about $3.6 million in property tax revenue nearly 20% of the city's total property tax intake.

"For your smaller and rural communities, police and fire often represent a larger expense than even the property taxes you take in," Collins said. "It's definitely a concern."

Roberts also worries that eliminating property taxes could lead to increases in income or sales taxes.

"Which would possibly slow down people from possibly doing a lot of business in Florida," Roberts said.

Collins said the city has been preparing for potential changes by cutting spending during the previous budget cycle. He expressed hope that the state would step in to cover any shortfall.

"It's very early, we don't know for sure, but (it looks like) there will be enough surplus in the state budget to take care of those shortfalls for small and rural communities," Collins said.

If the measure passes this legislative session, it would appear on the statewide ballot and would need 60% approval from Florida voters to take effect.

Roberts said he plans to watch how the issue develops.

"Whether they can pull it off or not remains to be seen," Roberts said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

High rental fees are putting a strain on renters across South Florida, according to renters who connected with WPTV.

All this starts to accumulate, said Nicholas Baumann, from Stuart. "At the end of the day, it eats up most of your paycheck.

WATCH BELOW: 'It's always going to be community dependent,' Realtor Kelley Decowski tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

WPTV started asking renters about these fees after getting an email about a woman in West Palm Beach concerned about the rental fee for the washer and dryer in her unit going up from $45 to $60.

"It's just things that they tack on that you're not prepared for, said Baumann.

Baumann said the fees weren't always like this.

"Maybe five or six years ago, rental fees were okay, depending on where you were, said Baumann. But now, the rental fees are so absurd that Ive actually had to move in with my brother."

Baumann said he also got hit with a trash fee increase.

"That went from $10 to $40, he said.

I took these concerns to Kelley Decowski a realtor with RE/MAX on the Treasure Coast.

"It's always going to be community dependent, said Decowski.

She said some companies may add fees to make base rent seem like a deal.

"It might not look so bad, but after you add in all the fees, then you might be looking at a pretty decent chunk of change, said Decowski.

She said ask companies what your full rent price would be month to month. Her best piece of advice is read your lease.

"Your lease agreement is going to say whether or not the community has the ability to raise that fee during the lease term," said Decowski.

A nonprofit dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer, will host a free mammography screening day in Stuart.

Promise Fund will host its free Mammography Screening Day on Wednesday, March 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Florida Community Health Centers and the Florida Department of Health, located at 3441 S.E. Willoughby Blvd.

The organization said it has provided breast and cervical cancer screenings to more than 480 women, since expanding to the Treasure Coast in 2024.

"For the past year and a half, we've had the privilege of connecting hundreds of women across the Treasure Coast with lifesaving screenings," Patricia Ferrer, Promise Fund's Martin County navigator, said in a press release. "With the support of our community partners, we've built trust, and that trust is saving lives. Neighbors are encouraging neighbors to get screened, and that's how real change happens."

A free screening day is also scheduled for May 13 at the same location, and free screenings are held every other month, the organization said.

Appointments are required. To register, call 305-389-5850.

A Stuart family is searching for answers after their mother was hit and nearly killed by a suspected drunk driver last November and they're demanding justice.

Rebecca Engle, a veteran registered nurse who has worked in pediatric ICUs throughout the state, was headed home from Target when she was hit head-on in a crash. One of her sons witnessed the aftermath.

WATCH BELOW: Paralyzed nurse injured in head-on crash seeks justice

"One of my sons, driving home from work, saw the accident," Engle said.

Engle said the driver who hit her was drunk and traveling on the wrong side of the road.

"He had to know he was too drunk; he was driving on the wrong side of the road. I close my eyes and still see headlights," Engle said.

Known for her courage and love of helping others, Engle describes nursing as more than a job.

"It's actually truly a passion. It's just my calling; it's always been what I've done," Engle said.

Now, she and her family are waiting for justice and the wait has been longer than expected. The State's Attorney says no charges have been filed, in part because the driver at fault was also hospitalized in the ICU, and also due to a paperwork error.

"The problem is that the original affidavit was submitted by the Florida Highway Patrol to the wrong office in my circuit," State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said.

That mistake has caused a nearly three-month delay in charges being filed, creating a nightmare for Rebecca and her husband, Kevin Engle, who has taken time off work to care for his wife around the clock.

"I've been by her side this whole time, and I plan on being by her side the rest of this time," Kevin said.

Despite the long road to recovery, Rebecca said she is not giving up.

"I'm hopeful, and I have faith, and I hope to be able to hold grandbabies one day, walk my children down the aisle, I'm too busy to be stuck in this chair," Rebecca said.

The Engle family has hired a legal team, and a lawsuit has been filed against the suspected drunk driver.

A GoFundMe account has been created to help support the Engle family.

Age is just a number for one woman in Martin County.

Maggie Kennedy, a 98-year-old woman from Jensen Beach, holds the world record as the oldest competitive pool player according to Guinness World Records.

WATCH BELOW: 'I think it's because I'm old, I think that surprises people,' Maggie Kennedy tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

"I fell in love with the game," Kennedy said. "I think it's because I'm old, I think that surprises people."

At pool halls on the Treasure Coast and around the country, Kennedy is a legend.

"That's what they say," Kennedy said with a smile.

Kennedy has held the title since 2021, when she was 94 years old competing in Las Vegas. Next Tuesday, she's making history again, flying to Las Vegas to compete in the BCA Nationals Pool League Tournament with her team: Sunday Funday.

"We'll be playing every day from Wednesday through Sunday, and then, of course, the slot machines will be right handy," Kennedy said. "That's fun."

But she's not traveling to Vegas without some style.

On Sunday night at Raxx Billiards in Stuart, the pool community on the Treasure Coast donated over $2,000 for her trip and a seat in first class.

"I'm still flabbergasted," Kennedy said. "I was just so touched by what they did."

Two of her sons, Louis and Greg Arsenault, are by her side, watching her get ready to compete.

"She is an inspiration," Greg Arsenault said.

"I'm just so proud of her," Louis Arsenault said. "It's great to see her doing something she loves to do, and she's pretty good at it."

How does she do it at her age? Maybe genetics.

"I come from good, hearty New England stock," Kennedy said.

Or it could be just being Maggie.

"I was taught to be nice and be happy," Kennedy said. "And here I am."

Stuart officials on Monday announced they have finalized a settlement against DuPont related to the city's ongoing litigation involving "forever chemicals".

Claims of water contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a story that WPTV has followed for years in Stuart.

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that were historically used in firefighting foam and other industrial applications.

Stuart is one of many public water utilities nationwide that have pursued legal actions against multiple defendants to recover costs associated with PFAS contamination.

The city said this settlement with DuPont resulted in a gross recovery of more than $2.6 million.

"After the deduction of attorneys' fees and litigation-related costs, the City has received a net recovery of $1,777,044.82," according to a statement from the city.

Officials said the funds will support efforts related to PFAS monitoring, treatment, compliance with regulatory requirements and protection of the city's drinking water system.

This settlement represents an important step in holding manufacturers accountable and helps offset the financial burden placed on our utility customers," said Mayor Christoper Collins. "Protecting our drinking water remains a top priority for the City."

Monday's announcement comes nearly three years after the city signed off on a national settlement involving 3M regarding contamination, totaling $10.3 billion and affecting about 4,000 U.S. cities and municipalities.

Stuart officials said litigation against other defendants remains ongoing.

Since PFAS persist in the environment and can accumulate over time, the city said they regularly monitor water quality and remains committed to meeting or exceeding all state and federal drinking water standards.

Nearly two years after Brightline announced Stuart as the location for its next high-speed rail station, the project remains in limbo as Martin County pursues federal grant funding for the second time.

The mood was jubilant when Brightline announced in early 2024 that Stuart would be its preferred location for a Treasure Coast stop. Fast forward two years, and trains are still moving between South Florida and Orlando without that planned stop in the middle.

WATCH BELOW: Stuart train station project delayed as county seeks federal grants

Martin County submitted its latest grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration this month, marking the second request after the agency awarded no grants last year.

"We didn't just focus on a station. I know that's the bright shiny penny in the group. We're also focusing on safety improvements. We're going to be putting in for an $8 million request for Dixie Highway and south county corridor signalization," Assistant County Administrator George Stokus said.

The county's grant request totals just over $69.2 million. The cost of the entire project is $87 million, with the station itself carrying a $60 million price tag. Martin County is responsible for $15 million, plus the value of the station land, assessed at $2.8 million.

Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins has expressed reservations about the project from the beginning.

"The city stance, my personal stance as well, from the majority of our commission was Brightline needs to pay for half of their station," Collins said.

Collins would prefer to see a replacement of the nearly 100-year-old St. Lucie River Railroad bridge, the only single-track segment between Miami and Cocoa. Separate from the new train station, several proposed funding sources are being pieced together for a $262 million new bridge.

"This would be the one piece that directly impacts county residents and boaters," Collins said.

In the county's federal grant application, there are many letters of support from local political leaders, municipalities and business groups. However, the city of Stuart did not write a letter.

In its latest public report, Brightline boasted of record ridership but also is carrying more than $1 billion in debt. Martin County leaders say they have expressed concerns over Brightline's finances, as recently as last week.

"Brightline has communicated to us that they feel they'll still be around for years to come, and they're just making some changes and restructuring," Stokus said.

WPTV reached out to Brightline for comment, but did not hear back.

Even if all goes as planned, the Stuart station would not be ready until the spring of 2029, later than previously hoped. The county is expecting to hear about its grant request in the coming months.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Read more of WPTV's coverage below:

The century-old railroad bridge on the St. Lucie River in Stuart remains a critical bottleneck for marine traffic, prompting ongoing efforts to secure funding for its replacement.

The aging drawbridge, which carries more than 30 trains daily, has become increasingly problematic for mariners who depend on it for ocean access.

WATCH BELOW: 'We all need the bridge. The community needs the bridge,' Dan Romence tells WPTV's Cassandra Garcia

"It's used daily by the marine traffic that needs to be able to navigate through that waterway," said Dan Romence, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast.

The deteriorating bridge poses significant risks to both rail and marine operations. If safety concerns force its closure, it would completely block marine access for all vessels traveling between the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean.

"If the bridge isn't safe, then they have to shut the bridge, which would completely seal off marine access for everybody," Romence said.

Replacement efforts began when Brightline started service to Orlando more than two years ago, but progress has been hampered by funding challenges. The city of Stuart has secured a $130 million MEGA grant from the Department of Transportation, representing only half of the project's $262 million total cost.

City officials acknowledged during a Jan. 26 commission meeting that "the project couldn't move forward until all the financing was in place."

This week, Stuart will apply for a $78 million federal-state partnership grant to help bridge the funding gap. Marine industry representatives consider this grant application crucial for the project's future.

"If this federal grant doesn't get approved and they don't get the money to build the bridge, then it falls back on the Coast Guard to determine when the bridge is safe," Romence said.

The proposed replacement would stand more than double the height of the current structure, allowing larger vessels to pass underneath without requiring the bridge to open. This improvement would significantly reduce delays for both marine and rail traffic.

"We all need the bridge. The community needs the bridge," Romence said.

South Florida's outdoor businesses are struggling to stay afloat as an unprecedented cold snap forces closures and dramatically reduces customer traffic heading into what may be one of the coldest Sundays in years.

WATCH BELOW: 'Thirty degrees with a windchill can get super cold,' manager Jeramie Vaine tells WPTV's Joel Lopez

Philly Down South, a restaurant and music venue in Stuart, has been forced to shut down for three consecutive days due to the frigid temperatures.

The establishment, which operates entirely under a tiki hut just off the beach, with live music to enjoy. The venue moved up the band's showtime and plans to close early on Friday.

"They don't want to play in this freezing cold weather and people don't want to sit here and watch, so we have to cut that," owner James Leary said. "We have to cut our workforce back, sometimes we close and nobody works and then it hurts us. We have to stay in business each day, hurts us if we can't open."

The cold weather's impact on business has been severe.

Leary estimates that on a typical Friday night, over 300 people show up for live music. However, due to the weather, he expects that number to drop to around 50 people. Leary said they're taking operations day-by-day and may have to shut down Saturday and Sunday, hoping to reopen next week depending on weather conditions.

"It's going to hurt some people, you're going to have staff members that say I can't wait that long, I gotta find another job, they might go to a restaurant that's all indoors," Leary said. "I hope that doesn't happen, cause I have some great staff here."

When WTPV asked why the restaurant doesn't use heat lamps, Leary said they tried it once but the open space and wind made it difficult to contain the heat effectively.

"It's just a tough time of the year, and hopefully everybody understands that and they'll come back and flood our doors and hopefully the staff can hang in there, that this is not a long cold spell, that this is short," Leary said.

The winter blast has also affected operations at Blueline Surf & Paddle in Jupiter, though the impact has been mixed.

"Our store here is pretty unique. Obviously, we have surf lifestyle, but we also have a boutique side in the front," manager Jeramie Vaine said. "So, anything that's related to in, around, on the waterwhether it's fishing, surfing, snorkeling we try to cover all our bases and give you the products that you need."

Vaine said the cold weather has shifted customer purchasing patterns, with more people buying winter clothes than surf items. The store has also seen decreased demand for paddleboarding, one of their main attractions.

WATCH BELOW: Dangerous cold moving into South Florida this weekend

"We'll probably remind people to come back on Tuesday when the weather gets a little warmer, but if someone really wants to go and has the right equipment we'll entertain it," Vaine said.

However, some customers are still venturing out into what Vaine describes as 70-degree water. The business has also benefited from people escaping colder weather up north, which has helped compensate for locals staying indoors.

Leading up to the freezing Sunday forecast, Blueline plans to allow paddleboarding with caution.

"If the temperature dips as much as they're saying, we'll probably err in the side of caution," said Vaine. "Thirty degrees with a windchill can get super cold, your hands get cold, your extremities, so we don't want anyone to ever get in trouble or get hurt, so we'll play it ear by ear."

A Martin County couple, known for their decades of volunteer service and dedication to preserving local history, is receiving an outpouring of support after losing everything in a fire that destroyed their home a week and a half ago.

WATCH: Couple known for their volunteer work get support after fire

Bruce and Barbra Osborn are grateful to be alive after flames engulfed their home in the middle of the night, forcing them to flee with nothing but the clothes on their back.

"I went into the closet that was on the porch to get a 5-gallon bucket to throw water on the fire. When I opened the closet door, it just burst," Bruce Osborn said.

The couple lost everything in the blaze, including their two beloved cats.

"It went up so fast and so hot," Barbra Osborn said.

"Super smoky and so you're gasping and then things are exploding in your face and it's just surreal," Bruce Osborn said.

The Osborns have been pillars of their community for 30 years, volunteering with multiple local organizations and sharing their passion for Martin County's rich history. They regularly dress up as Abbie and Captain Henry Sewall to give tours at the Sewall's House in Jensen Beach, volunteer with the House of Refuge, and stay active with the Rivers Coalition.

"They are a fabric of the community in Stuart," said Larry Skarsten, an old neighbor and now friend.

The couple's dedication to preserving local history runs deep.

"We just love finding the local history here, getting involved, celebrating it, sharing it, and trying to retain the magic that is Martin County," Bruce Osborn said.

Their community involvement has temporarily come to a halt due to the fire's destruction.

"The dress I wear, the Abbie dress, burned and the hat and everything," Barbra Osborn said.

Now, the community the Osborns have served so faithfully is stepping up to help them rebuild their lives. Friends like Skarsten are organizing support efforts to get the couple back on their feet.

"When someone's that involved with the community and their giving to the community for 30 years and something like this happens, that's when you reach out to the community and hope they're gonna help," Skarsten said.

The response from neighbors and community members demonstrates the lasting impact of the Osborns' generosity over the years.

"That just tells you how much they've given to the community because the community recognizes that," Skarsten said.

The donations are just amazing. I can't say thank you enough, added Barbra Osborn.

The Osborn family is currently displaced due to the extensive damage to their home. They are temporarily staying in an RV while searching for more permanent housing.

Despite losing everything, the couple remains positive, with Barbra noting, "I got a roof. I got a bed. I got some groceries to keep me fed."

If you'd like to donate to help the Osborns click here.

Two Jacksonville women were arrested Tuesday night after authorities said they stole hundreds of cans of baby formula valued at around $8,000 during a multi-stop theft spree in Martin County.

Summer Bryant, 36, and Andrea Williams, 38, were taken into custody after detectives and road patrol deputies caught them leaving a Walgreens at Salerno Road and Kanner Highway with bags of stolen merchandise, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

The crime spree began in the City of Stuart, where Stuart Police received reports of two suspicious women who suddenly left a retail store without paying for items. That alert was passed along to Martin County deputies, who quickly began searching for the suspects' vehicle.

Deputies located the car outside the Walgreens. When they approached, detectives spotted Bryant and Williams exiting the store with bags stuffed full of baby formula. A search of their vehicle revealed even more stolen formula, totaling about 160 cans.

Baby formula theft has become an increasingly common offense across Florida and the nation due to the product's high resale value and strong demand, often leading thieves to target multiple stores across several jurisdictions in a short period of time.

Both Bryant and Williams were arrested, transported to the Martin County Jail, and charged with multiple offenses. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspects are tied to other similar thefts in the area.

WPTV is sharing a volunteer opportunity for those interested in helping with ongoing seagrass restoration efforts.

At the Let's Hear It event held at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Anchor Ashley Glass spoke to the organization on what people can do to show their support for the cause.

"We are trying a number of different techniques to restore seagrass, Brunet said. "Weaving the grass onto burlap is nice because it is very lightweight and easy to carry to the restoration site. We are also interested in planting the grass as sods to reduce transplantation stress."

The center will be hosting a few upcoming events in association with their NOAA-funded Indian River Lagoon restoration project. Volunteers will gather to bond over their shared love for nature and weave seagrass that will eventually be installed in local waterways.

"It's almost meditative," volunteer Mike Denniston said in 2023. "You get into what you're doing. It's soothing and calming. The overriding thing is we're all doing something to help the Indian River Lagoon that needs so much help.

Seagrass serves as a food-source for manatees. Its also critical for the health of local waterways.

A roadway at a Stuart railroad crossing is closed after an accident involving an unoccupied vehicle and a Brightline train, the Stuart Police Department confirmed.

The closure is in effect at the Rinker Crossing, where SE Dixie Highway meets SE Decker Avenue.

Authorities have warned motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency crews and railroad personnel respond and clear the scene.

WPTV is connecting with you in your community!

Come out and see us at our next Let's Hear It meet-up on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to share your story and tell us what's happening in your neighborhood.

Join us at the Florida Oceanographic Center near Stuart.

Our team will be there from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., listening to you!

Joe Campbell is a Palm City resident and is concerned about kids riding around the areas on e-bikes and e-scooters without knowing the rules of the road. He has lived in Martin County for 25 years and used to work in fire rescue for over 30 years.

"It's not a matter of if a child gets killed on an e-bike, it's a matter of when," Campbell said.

Campbell wants the commissioners to invest time into finding ways to further enforce e-bike regulation, and hopes that parents are more aware of the dangers of young children on these vehicles.

Michael Wisowaty spoke with Reporter Jaime Ostroff about a utility pole leaning over his girlfriend's home. He tried for years to get the problem fixed on his own, hopeful when a crew came out to install a new pole, but it has now been months and the old pole is still there. Wisowaty worries for him and his girlfriend's safety.

If you have a comment or story idea for us and can't make it to the event, email us at newstips@wptv.com or fill out our contact form here.

Also, thank you to everyone who visited us at our last Let's Hear It community meet-ups on Dec. 16 at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

It was there that Lieghann Fischer, who lives in Palm Beach County, spoke to WPTV Anchor Ashley Glass about the need for Palm Beach County Animal Control to undergo renovation.

Fischer expressed the need for the county to allocate funds for improvements and updates to the shelter.

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Residents at the Haney Creek Crossing community in Stuart say they were frustrated after trash pickup was suddenly halted, even though they continue to pay for the service through their rent.

Trash was expected to be collected five days ago, but instead began piling up on the ground after the city removed dumpsters from the property. A city spokesperson confirmed trash service at the development was suspended because the property management company had overdue payments.

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Boxes, produce, a soda cup and even a Christmas tree were among the trash left where dumpsters are typically located.

So we came back from a holiday trip to no dumpsters, said resident Kady Zelenak. "Its like, where is our trash supposed to go."

A city spokesperson confirmed trash service at the development was suspended because the property management company had overdue payments.

Zelenak said residents were not notified by the property manager that payments were overdue or that service would be suspended.

As a renter, youre supposed to notify me if thats happening. On top of that, its a fee that we pay, we pay for trash, so if trash isnt being paid for, then where is our money going ? Zelenak said.

Zelenak said she pays $25 a month for trash service.

We attempted to contact the property management company, Res Prop, by calling its corporate phone number but received no answer and left a voicemail. A second call led to a response that the regional manager would be contacted. An email was also sent, but no response had been received at the time of reporting.

Residents said they were concerned about potential health and sanitation issues if trash continued to pile up.

In three days from now is there going to be rats, is there going to be raccoons, is there going to be a smell? Zelenak said.

Later, Zelenak said she received an email from Res Prop. It read:

While residents hope service resumes as promised, questions remain about why payments were missed to begin with.

Its super frustrating, Zelenak said. We work hard for our money, so even if its a dollar I want my dollar to go to what its supposed to.

A strong cold front is heading toward Florida this week, prompting cold-weather shelters to open on the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County.

County officials in Martin County said their shelter will be open at the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in Stuart two nights this week.

Shelter operating hours

The Gertrude Walden Child Care Center is located at 601 Southeast Lake Street in Stuart.

Martin County officials said transportation pickup will be available at Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA), located at 1760 Southeast Salerno Road, starting at 5:30 p.m.

A cold weather shelter will also be available this week in St. Lucie County.

In the Image of Christ will be operating an emergency cold weather shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, located at 2902 Ave. D. in Fort Pierce.

The shelter is scheduled to open on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and close at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

For individuals who need transportation to the temporary shelter, the Area Regional Transit (ART) will have free vehicles providing transportation at the following locations starting at 6 p.m. and tentatively ending at 8 p.m.:

For more information about the emergency cold weather shelter at Percy Peek Gym, contact Pastor Hazel Hoylman with In the Image of Christ at 772-359-9653.

The Salvation Army will open a cold-weather shelter on Tuesday and Wednesday night in Vero Beach.

The shelter is located at 2655 Fifth Street Southwest. The shelter will open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and will accept those who need shelter until 9 p.m.

Officials said a light dinner, snacks and breakfast will be provided.

For further information, call the Salvation Army at 772-453-5383.

The Okeechobee County Emergency Management said that a warming center will open on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at RiteLife Services, located at 202 Northeast Second, Suite No. 5, in Okeechobee.

Guests are asked to bring their own bedding, hygiene products and snacks.

The city of Stuart is moving ahead with construction on a new outdoor amphitheater at Memorial Park, a project city officials say will add a large-scale live entertainment venue to the downtown area.

The multi-million-dollar amphitheater is under construction next to the Martin County Courthouse and is expected to be completed by spring.

Downtown Stuart has long been known for its local, small-town charm.

Love the area. Love the family feel of it, said Martin County resident Sean McBride.

Katie Rice, who lives in Stuart, said the city is a great place for families.

I love raising my little ones here. Its a beautiful atmosphere, Rice said.

City officials say the amphitheater will build on that atmosphere by expanding entertainment opportunities.

Live music is a big part of downtown Stuart so were excited to be able to host larger venues and have that energy that people expect in our downtown, Mayor Christopher Collins said.

The outdoor amphitheater is expected to accommodate up to 1,700 people, over three times the capacity of the Lyric Theatre, according to the city. Officials say the venue is designed to be family-friendly.

My kids love to dance, they love to sing so itll be fun, Rice said.

She added that the venue could fill a gap in local entertainment options.

We dont have a lot of venues where you can take families and be a family-friendly scene so I think this a really great opportunity to let kids be outside and hear live music, Rice said.

The project carries a $2.7 million price tag, which Collins said is being funded through the citys Community Redevelopment Agency budget and the American Rescue Plan Act.

This is big for us, Collins added.

Construction began in March, but the recent installation of a canopy has drawn attention from residents and visitors, according to city officials.

The sail is now up, people are now noticing this amphitheater. It has been a long-standing project. This is the last phase of Memorial Park, Collins said.

Once completed, the amphitheater will include lawn seating, a green room for performers and an architectural entryway.

I think well be there day one if theres like a cool event to attend, McBride said.

Portions of this story were assisted by artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by a WPTV journalists to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.

The Stuart Police Department has arrested a 42-year-old woman on attempted murder charges after a shooting that occurred early Saturday morning.

At 4:50 a.m. on December 14, officers responded to a reported shooting in the 900 block of Southeast Tarpon Avenue.

The victim was shot in the neck but managed to escape and run toward the police station for help. Officers immediately rendered aid, secured the firearm involved, and processed the scene.

A blood trail and surveillance video revealed the victim fleeing through the neighborhood, while a vehicle drove through a nearby field in an apparent attempt to strike him.

Patrol officers quickly located and detained a suspect matching the description. The suspect was identified as Vandra Vanessa Newton, 42, of Stuart, and physical evidence linked her to the incident.

Detectives confirmed the shooting was intentional and followed a confrontation. The victim was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.

Newton was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The Stuart Police Department said the swift resolution of this incident is a testament to the coordinated teamwork of road patrol officers, dispatchers, and detectives.

The City of Stuart has new leadership at the helm after commissioners voted this week to appoint a new mayor and vice mayor during Mondays meeting.

The commission voted unanimously to appoint Christopher Collins as Stuarts next mayor.

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Commissioners then moved to fill the vice mayor position.

I would like to make a motion for Commissioner Sean Reed to be Vice Mayor, Commissioner Laura Giobbi said.

But the selection did not come without concerns. Commissioner Campbell Rich voiced apprehension about appointing Reed, raising questions tied to speculation about Mayor Christopher Collins political future.

If the mayor is running, seeking election to a higher office, Rich said. He, in fact, is going to have to resign fairly shortly to seek that office and we would then find ourselves in the position of having a commissioner who is only in their second year being mayor, which I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Richs remarks referenced unconfirmed talk that Collins may run for the Martin County Commission. Collins did not confirm or deny the possibility but addressed the speculation.

I think that there's a lot of speculation going on right now, both on the part of, you know, we're who's going to campaign for what, and then also what may happen with our city manager, Collins said. So all that to say, I have full faith in Commissioner Reed."

Residents also shared mixed opinions about Reed stepping into the role.

Nothing against Commissioner Reed. I've talked to him many, many times, but at this time, when so many things are going on here and in the county, I think we need the most experienced, qualified people to fill in as vice mayor, resident Michelle Smith said.

Another resident, Mark Brookfield, offered support. I think Sean will do a good job. I think he'll do a really good job if he ends up as, as as vice mayor."

Reed responded to the concerns in a phone interview. I don't doubt my ability and I don't think the public data of my ability. I won my election, so I think the public has full faith in my top-level intelligence level and ability if I do have to run a board meeting, Reed said.

Both the new mayor and vice mayor will serve in their roles for the next year unless they choose to step down.

Portions of this story were assisted by artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by a WPTV journalist to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office and Martin County Fire Rescue are investigating a mobile home fire on Cortez Street in the Monterey section of Stuart that killed a small dog and left a family displaced.

The family was not home at the time of the fire, but tragically, a small dog that had been left in a kennel inside the home did not survive.

The mobile home is considered a total loss, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Authorities are currently working the active scene along with a second incident in the area.

A 12-year-old child was struck by a pickup truck while crossing in a marked crosswalk in Stuart and airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

The Stuart Police Department responded to the vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at the intersection of Bayou Avenue.

Initial reports indicate the child was crossing the street within the marked crosswalk when a red Chevrolet pickup truck traveling eastbound on MLK Jr. Boulevard struck the child.

Officers and Stuart Fire Rescue personnel quickly rendered aid before the child was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach for further evaluation. Police said it appears the child did not suffer serious injuries.

The driver has been charged with operating a motor vehicle while their license was suspended with knowledge and cited for failing to yield right of way at a crosswalk.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Stuart Police Department is reminding all motorists to remain alert, reduce speed in pedestrian areas, and use extra caution around school zones and crosswalks to help keep the community safe.

"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."

The holiday season officially began Friday evening in downtown Stuart as the city flipped the switch on its Christmas tree lighting, drawing families to the streets for an evening of festive activities.

Face-painting and the cookieshot chocolate, said members of the Ardito family, describing some of the activities that made the event special.

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[The kids] love the festivities they get to doface paintingand they like to do all the crafts, the family added, highlighting the hands-on fun available for children.

The Panza family, who dressed in full holiday attire, said attending the tree lighting is a holiday staple. Its a tradition. We always come every single Friday after Thanksgiving, they said.

Its a great family-oriented event and it brings everyone together in the community to come see the tree lighting, the Panza family added.

The event included a visit from Santa, Christmas treats, and other activities designed to entertain children and families alike.

Harper Smith, a young attendee, said, I like seeing like all the people here together and its fun.

It's a tradition that lasted generations, bringing smiles to so many young faces this time of year.

I did it when I was a kid. I get to do it with my kids, so its awesome, the Ardito family said.

Portions of this story were assisted by artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by a WPTV journalists to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.

The cost of your morning cup of coffee continues to climb, with prices rising faster than many other grocery staples across the country.

I love coffee, but these days it's getting very expensive. I wanted to know what's going on and why, so I decided to investigate. First, I needed to get a coffee.

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I bought a sugar-free vanilla latte with almond milk in Martin County, and it cost $6.15.

"I have noticed an increase, but I think in general everything's a little more pricey these days," said Marc Manning, a coffee customer.

I visited The Roasted Record coffee shop in downtown Stuart, where they roast their own coffee in-house. The shop is owned by Mike Mann, who has been in the industry for nearly a dozen years. He said the price of coffee is higher than ever.

According to the most recent data from the federal government, the price of coffee has increased nearly 19% in the last year, which is one of the highest increases of all food and drink items.

Mann said several factors play into the price hike, with the biggest one being supply and demand.

He receives his coffee in 132-pound bags and the cost has nearly doubled in the past few months.

"This time last year, we were paying about $380 for this bag," Mann explained. "And this year, I'm paying close to $690 for that same bag."

Brazil is one of the largest coffee suppliers in the world, so what happens there dramatically affects the market, Mann explained.

He said new tariffs didn't help the problem. While the Trump administration announced it'd be eliminating tariffs on Brazil, the impact is still being felt.

The good news? Mann expects the price of coffee to go down in 2026, but says it could be another four to six months before we finally see that drop.

A beloved South Florida holiday tradition will not continue this year as the Jensen Beach homeowner mourns the loss of her husband.

The mansion at 4545 Ocean Blvd. in Jensen Beach, typically decked out in thousands of lights for the Christmas season, will remain dark this year after the death of Robert Eustace.

WPTV's Meghan McRoberts confirmed with Elsa Eustace that her husband passed away earlier this year, and her family is just not in the frame of mind to continue the elaborate display. Elsa says it was always his idea from the beginning to light up the beautiful home for the community.

The extravagant Christmas light display has been a holiday staple for years, drawing families from across Martin County and beyond to witness the spectacular show on Hutchinson Island.

Lights cover an impressive amount of the trees and vegetation surrounding the 50,000 square-foot mansion, with some visitors even traveling from out of state to see the display.

In 2018, Sandy Sanders brought her out-of-town company from Maryland to see the display.

"Because it's awesome. You've never seen anything like this at one house," Sanders said.

"Just amazing how many hours are probably put into this. Just to please everybody. It's cool people give back like that," Port St. Lucie resident Joe Varrell said.

The decision to pause the tradition is expected to be felt deeply by the community, many of whom have visited the home for years as part of their holiday celebrations.

Though the display will not go up this year, the memory of the Eustace familys generosity and Roberts vision continues to shine brightly for the many families who made the annual visit a part of their holiday joy.