Hurricane season starts June 1, and the WPTV First Alert Weather Team is hitting the road for our "Storm Ready" Hurricane Preparedness Tour.

WPTV First Alert meteorologists are making six stops across our area, helping you prepare for hurricane season. (Scroll below to tell us which one you are attending.)

We'll be discussing topics like how to prepare for a storm, insuring your home, what to do after a storm and other safety tips.

Also, you can become a member of our Weather Spotters team, helping us be the eyes and ears of the community.

The events are open to the public. Arrival time is 6 p.m., with the events starting at 6:30 p.m. for each location.

We can't wait to see you there!

Below are the six locations that WPTV will be visiting:

April 29: Vero Beach

- The Heritage Center: 2140 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960

May 6: Port St. Lucie

- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens: 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

May 13: Okeechobee

- Okeechobee Public Library: 206 SW 16th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974

May 20: Jensen Beach

- Treasure Coast Children's Museum: 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

May 26: Boca Raton

- Boca Raton Public Library: 400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432

May 28: Loxahatchee

- Buena Vista Farms: 14301 Okeechobee Blvd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

In the form below, please tell us which of the six stops you are planning to attend:

St. Lucie County Fire District crews responded to a vessel fire at Riverside Marina in Fort Pierce on Saturday at about 11:40 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an actively burning dry-docked sailboat that was approximately 30 feet in length.

Crews initiated an aggressive attack and brought the fire under control.

The fire was contained to the sailboat and did not spread to nearby vessels or structures.

Officials reported no injuries or transports.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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.

After the two-year investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board has determined the probable cause of a fatal plane crash in Fort Pierce on March 30, 2024.

A 22-year-old flight instructor was killed, and a 19-year-old student pilot was seriously injured.

WATCH BELOW: NTSB determines cause of fatal plane crash

According to the NTSB report, the instructor failed to maintain control of the plane after a partial loss of engine power.

The report also stated that a contributing factor to the crash was a worn and loose throttle component that a mechanic had failed to check during an inspection the day before.

The flight instructor and student pilot were from Aviator College, located at Treasure Coast International Airport.

The crash occurred on airport property during a training exercise.

The report states that following the crash, the flight school implemented a new safety inspection program.

Read our previous coverage on the crash here.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge following a fatal shooting over the weekend, Fort Pierce police said Monday.

The shooting happened Saturday on 1600 block of North 12th Street at around 4:15 a.m. Police said they responded to the scene and found a man dead near an apartment complex.

Investigators said Jamario Bernard Dijuan Dunn, approached the victim and fired multiple shots. Detectives said they used surveillance footage and cooperation from area residents to locate the Dunn's car and determined Dunn was in possession of the car at the time of the shooting.

Police said they located Dunn, brought him in for questioning and arrested him.

Dunn faces a charge of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held at St. Lucie County Jail.

Police said anyone with information regarding this shooting is encouraged to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at www.tcwatch.org.

A man is dead following an early morning shooting in Fort Pierce on Saturday.

Fort Pierce Police Department officers responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 1600 block of North 12 Street at approximately 4:15 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at www.tcwatch.org.

This is a developing story. Stay with WPTV for updates.

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.

A St. Lucie County judge ruled that a Fort Pierce couple will not regain custody of all 51 French bulldogs seized from their home due to neglect and mistreatment.

Judge Edmond Alonzo ruled that Aimee Cabo Nikolov and Boris Nikolov will only get five of the dogs back, and all but one must be spayed or neutered. The owners, who value the dogs at more than $1 million, plan to appeal the decision.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

Animal control officers removed the 51 dogs from the couple's South Indian River Drive home in October of last year, according to court records. Investigators claimed the dogs were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Video and pictures shown in court documented that some of the dogs were sick and many were kept in cages surrounded by their own feces and urine. Officers also found the owners did not have proper health records or a required breeder's license.

The city of Fort Pierce caps the number of animals allowed on residential properties at five. During the hearing, it was noted that Cabo Nikolov previously admitted she did not know how many dogs were in the house.

"The sheer number of animals and the breeding practices of the respondents created an untenable situation," Alonzo said.

In court, the owners argued they were not selling the dogs but were trying to improve the breed. They claimed they operated as a rescue or charity, often gifting the dogs they bred at a "rescue" or "shelter" price.

I told Cabo Nikolov it is hard to imagine someone breeding so many dogs without some kind of monetary benefit.

"Well because USDA law says as long as you're improving the breed and not selling them then you don't need to be licensed to be legal about it," Cabo Nikolov said.

The couple insisted the dogs were healthy and properly cared for. They claimed in court the evidence was fabricated and that family members who contacted investigators had a personal vendetta.

I asked Cabo Nikolov if she knew there was an ordinance limiting the number of dogs to five in one house.

"Yes, we did. But to say it was too many dogs and we were overwhelmed, they didn't show one video, not one picture of any dirt or any dog looking sick at the time of seizure," Cabo Nikolov said.

Animal advocates strongly disagreed with the owners, pointing to clear signs of neglect. Animal advocate Susan Hargreaves cited specific health issues.

"The intestinal worms, the parasites, the two cases of parvo is from overcrowding in unhealthy situations and not clean air, Hargreaves said.

"We all know this is wrong. So I believe the judge was attempting to be fair but in this particular case, one dog returned to people who have been proven to be neglectful, harmful is too many," Hargreaves said.

Cabo Nikolov said she is not deterred by the ruling and plans to move to South Carolina to continue breeding.

"I plan to continue my dream, yes. We're not criminals, we haven't abused dogs, we don't plan to, but we have experienced injustice," Cabo Nikolov said.

"Today was not a day of justice," Cabo Nikolov said.

The Nikolovs will have to reimburse the city for the care and sheltering of the seized dogs. The cost is already estimated to exceed $100,000.

The city of Fort Pierce sent WPTV the following statement on the case:

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.

A man who was taken into custody last month in connection with the death of his elderly parents has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Philip Repaci, 55, was arrested by Indian River County deputies after his parents were found dead at their Harbour Isle at Hutchinson Island condo in late February.

Philip Repaci, 85, and Joan Repaci, 80, were found dead in the living room with multiple gunshot wounds.

Their son was seen leaving the scene before police arrived. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was then issued for his vehicle, and he was picked up in Indian River County, where he remains jailed.

Police say this is still an ongoing investigation, and anyone with additional info should contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-277-8477.

Neighbors living in the High Point community in Fort Pierce told WPTV they're concerned about flooding and security connected to what's being developed near their homes along U.S. Highway 1 and the Savannah Lakes.

WATCH BELOW: 'Were afraid its going to take our units out,' Julie Moore tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

Through neighbor Julie Moores yard, the construction is in full view behind a wired fence.

Were going to get all that drainage, said Moore.

More than thirty neighbors in the High Point community showed up to tell WPTV theyre worried about storm run-off flooding their neighborhood.

That water goes around and runs from there, down into our storm drains, which goes into our ponds, which raises and floods the rest of the complex, said neighbor Mark Puz.

Moore said the water has nowhere to go with the woods cleared and the land raised. She's concerned about her air conditioning units.

Were afraid its going to take our units out, said Moore. If we get a really bad hurricane season, its going to flood our lower units.

With few trees left, there's also safety concerns and neighbors said they want the developer to build a wall for security and water protection.

They need to put something that can't be jumped over, put a fence up, and then put barbed wire on, said neighbor Kenneth Sievers.

Residents took their concerns to the Fort Pierce City Commission on March 9.

As they wait for answers, WPTV reached out to the city and the developer, Kolter Homes, to see what's being done to address their concerns.

WPTV is still working to get answers.

A former Indian River State College administrator is blowing the whistle, filing a lawsuit against the school's current leadership, alleging systemic waste, fraud, abuse and corruption.

Marvin Pyles claims the financial mismanagement is costing Florida taxpayers millions of dollars. Pyles was hired as chief financial officer in 2021 and told WPTV he had a mandate to balance the struggling budget.

WATCH BELOW: Former Indian River State College CFO files whistleblower lawsuit

"What I uncovered was a financial mess," Pyles said. "The enrollment had been in decline. ... The fund balance was depleted, and so I had to start the job of trying to recover the finances of the college."

Pyles shared his performance reviews with me, dating back to his first in 2021. Each one praised his efforts to correct the college's financial issues. His final review, signed by Moore two months before Pyles was fired, read: "Doctor Pyles is a gifted senior administrator who has dramatically improved the college's financial position."

As he learned more about why the school's finances were so fraught and tried to correct them, Pyles claims he was fired in retaliation.

"The fact that there was fraud, waste, abuse of taxpayer and donor dollars is not the question here," Pyles said, citing years of state audits, which WPTV reviewed. "What the problem is, is the exposure of this and the board's determination to keep this concealed."

In his whistleblower lawsuit filed against the college, President Timothy Moore, and members of the Board of Trustees, Pyles alleges he followed the proper channels to report financial mismanagement. He claims this included the misuse of state grants and donor funds, poor oversight and ethical breaches.

READ THE FULL LAWSUIT BELOW:

When WPTV asked Pyles for specifics, he sent us a PowerPoint presentation. He said it was the first of several he created and presented to campus leadership, examining the college's general fund and foundation.

"I detailed exactly what happened," Pyles said. "Fake mailboxes, stacking of purchase orders then I got into the foundation, where they literally were not even doing expense reports and paying for European trips, cruises, expensive dinners."

Pyles also shared text messages he said he received from Moore, which appear to acknowledge some of the alleged misconduct. The messages mention the European trips and millions of dollars pulled from the foundation to cover budget deficits.

"I have a fiduciary responsibility to the college and to the taxpayers. I take it very seriously," Pyles said.

WPTV asked Indian River State College to discuss the allegations.

"Indian River State College does not comment on pending litigation. Dr. Pyles has raised the same complaints in other forums and each time has been unsuccessful," said Kathleen Walter, the spokeswoman for IRSC.

That statement tracks with the story Pyles shared with WPTV. He filed an administrative whistleblower complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations about four months after he was fired. The commission dismissed the complaint, saying it was untimely and that the commission didn't have jurisdiction to investigate a state college.

WPTV reached out to members of the Board of Trustees, who told us their lawyer advised them not to comment on the allegations. WPTV asked their lawyer to comment on the boards behalf, but did not get a response.

WPTV started asking questions about the college's finances in March 2024 when the women's basketball program was cut mid-season. The school called it a money-saving move at the time.

"I was in the room when that decision was made," Pyles said.

This was about a year after Pyles told WPTV that he submitted the college's first balanced budget in more than 30 years. While WPTV could not independently verify that specific claim, we did report two years ago that the schools finances were getting back on track, based on state audits.

Pyles is currently representing himself in the lawsuit, alleging retaliation under the Public Sector Whistleblower Act, breach of his employment contract and defamation. At last check on Tuesday afternoon, the defendants have not filed anything in response.

No trespassing signs hang at the entrance of Crabby's Dockside in Fort Pierce. Neighbor Nicholas Santa Maria said he went to the restaurant often.

WATCH BELOW: 'You didn't pay the rent. You're in default of the lease. Get out,' Commissioner Michael Broderick tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

"It was nice, it tasted good. I like their food," said Santa Maria. "It was a nice environment."

Crabbys Dockside, owned by Beachside Hospitality Group, closed in February after failing to pay rent and property taxes. The land the restaurant sits is owned by the city of Fort Pierce.

In a commission meeting on Monday, city commissioners said the owners have until April 8 to assign their lease to a new owner, or staff could terminate the lease, take legal action, and start the bidding process for a new tenant.

"We need to move forward immediately, in my opinion," Commissioner Michael Broderick told WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield on Tuesday. "Protect the city's interests through the legal process."

Broderick said the owners have defaulted on rent since October. With late fees, they owe over $90,000.

The tenant defaulted on the rent period. That's the only statement that matters in my world, said Broderick. You didn't pay the rent. You're in default of the lease. Get out.

As for the property taxes, Broderick said the city may share some of the blame.

The city billed the owners last summer for property taxes for 2023 and 2024, and in December 2025, at a total of $132,299.95.

While the city paid the taxes first and on time, Broderick said in the lease, the owners were responsible for payment. This led the owners to pay for three years worth of property taxes in the same year.

"This is a complete breakdown, and it was a managerial failure to account for these real estate taxes being paid," said Broderick.

In December, Beachside Hospitality Group sent the city a proposal to request an 18-month rent abatement, citing inadequate parking, public safety and delays with the Kings Landing development, which created financial struggle.

They wrote the following in the proposal obtained by WPTV:

However, Broderick said the owners should have raised these issues earlier, before asking for an 18-month rent abatement.

"If you have a problem with your lease agreement with the city, you need to get out in front of that before you default on your lease," said Broderick

City manager Richard Chess sent a demand letter late January to the owners, a total of nearly $193, 979.67 of unpaid rent and taxes needing to be paid in ten days. The owners closed Crabbys Dockside in February.

Broderick said Beachside Hospitality Group could find another owner to take over, as allowed in their lease.

That speeds up the process of a replacement tenant coming in, paying rent to the city, and operating a waterfront restaurant much quicker than if the city has to go through the request for proposal process, said Broderick.

During Mondays meeting, city attorney Sara Hedges said they have not gotten word from the owners about what they intend to do. The next option is a request for proposal process and legal action if the owners dont find a new tenant.

"Is it possible that an outcome could be reached quickly? Yes. Is it possible this could take an extended period of time? Absolutely. Is it possible this could be mired in the court system for months on end? Absolutely," said Broderick.

WPTV reached out to Beachside Hospitality Group, and we're still working on a response.

WPTV is digging into a Florida-based companys plans to build AI data center in Fort Pierce.

Atlas Compute, a company based out of Miami, announced in November, they secured land in Fort Pierce.

WATCH BELOW: 'I want know anything that might affect how I live my life,' Juli Iles tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield regarding the AI data center

WPTV reached out to St. Lucie County leaders and learned no application proposals regarding the project have been submitted.

However, St. Lucie County reporter Tyler Hatfield learned from a release, that it could be operational by 2027.

WPTV listened to neighbor, Juli Iles, who said she needs questions answered before knows how to feel about the proposed data center.

I want know how big its going to be, where its going to be, how that may affect my home, and my access to utilities, power, anything that might affect with how I live my life, my internet access, my electric, my water, my taxes, any of that kind of stuff, I want to know, said Iles.

According to companys release, the data center would use cooling technology to eliminate the need for water use.

St. Lucie County staff provided WPTV with a zoning verification letter, dated December, that was issued to a person seeking zoning confirmation for four parcels at Midway Industrial Park on Post Office Road in St. Lucie County for a proposed data center.

According to the St. Lucie County Appraiser website, all four parcels are currently owned by Fort Pierce No. 2 LLC or Fort Pierce No. 3 LLC, both with the same address in Miami.

WPTV reached out to Atlas Compute for more information about their plans, but we have not heard back.

Fort Pierce beachgoers should expect closures near Jetty Park beginning March 17 as crews prepare for the Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project.

According to St. Lucie County, crews have had some delays resulting from equipment and weather.

Seaway Drive in front of the restaurants by the Jetty will be temporarily closed March 17 and March 18 as crews stage equipment for the beach renourishment project.

The South Jetty and nearby beaches are expected to be closed from March 18 through March 24 while crews place about 400,000 cubic yards of sand along one mile of shoreline just south of the Fort Pierce Inlet.

The project aims to reduce storm damage to residential and commercial infrastructure while also improving habitat for coastal marine life.

More than 75% of the $15 million project will be funded by federal dollars, with about 23% coming from the St. Lucie County Erosion District.

Periodic closures of Seaway Drive, the Fort Pierce Jetty and nearby beaches will continue throughout construction. The project is expected to be fully completed by mid-May.

For more information, click here. If you want live updates on how the renourishment project is going, go here.

Indian River State College's men's swim and dive team has captured its 52nd consecutive national championship title, with the women's team also claiming its 48th national championship.

Sophomore diver Spencer Biggs led the charge for the men's team, winning two national championships.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

"I won the one-meter and three-meter competition boards," Biggs said.

Biggs, who spent 12 years in gymnastics before transitioning to diving, said the sport's physical demands never deterred him.

"The adrenaline of doing something that you could get seriously injured for, like the first time I did diving, I smacked right on my stomach. It was a 9/10 pain, but I loved it," Biggs said.

Despite early setbacks including a failed run at the FHSAA state championship and being overshadowed by national champions at the collegiate level Biggs channeled those experiences into fuel for his success.

Biggs was joined at nationals by teammate Marcus Johnson, a Boca Raton High School alumnus, who delivered record-breaking performances of his own.

"I broke the 50 breaststroke record in the morning, the second day was just relays, but we did break the medley record," Johnson said.

On the women's side, Kelly Zwart said she exceeded her own expectations.

"I surprised myself a lot. I won all of my individual events and relays on top of that," Zwart said.

Zwart and her teammates played a pivotal role in securing the women's team's 48th national championship.

"It was awesome, it was great team spirit and definitely one to remember," Zwart said.

Head Coach Sion Brinn said that while the championships are cause for celebration, his focus has already shifted to next season.

"That's the hard part, we lose half of our team every year, and so you hope that the next batch of freshmen coming in are going to replace both athletically and culturally as well," Brinn said.

Two Treasure Coast women are back home in Florida after a 10-day mission trip to Israel turned into a life-altering experience when conflict broke out while they were overseas.

Jen Reyneri, a restaurant owner of The Grove in Hobe Sound, and Holly MacPherson from Fort Pierce were among a group of faith leaders who arrived in Israel on Feb. 25. Just three days later, the situation escalated.

WATCH BELOW: Local women recount escaping Israel

"While we were in the meeting room. The bombs, sirens started going off on our phones, the phone alerts started going off and we were all like, what?" Reyneri said.

MacPherson said the group knew the risks before they left. The mission trip was with the nonprofit organization Eagles' Wings Tour, and more than 115 women from around the world participated.

"We knew that things were possible to have happen, but still felt the draw and need to go," MacPherson said.

As an extraction plan was put in place, their phones alerted them at least a dozen times. Reyneri described the moment the alerts began flooding in.

"It was jolting. I just think the sound alone, especially with all those women, all the phones going off all at once," Reyneri said.

The women say they felt buildings shake and had to seek shelter multiple times. At times, the uncertainty was so constant that Reyneri and MacPherson said many were even hesitant to shower or cook out of fear an alert would come in.

"Unnerving. I've never been in a bomb shelter before," MacPherson said. "What we ended up doing was just praising and worshipping."

The women spoke with WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache and said they were supposed to meet Israel's president during the tour. But even through the chaos, the group found moments of joy singing happy birthday to one of the women in the bomb shelter and sharing coffee and sweets together in faith.

Although the trip didn't go as planned, both women say their faith was stronger than their fear.

"It was so moving. You know, it could've been so terrifying, and it was so peaceful," Reyneri said.

The group evacuated by bus to Egypt, then flew from London back to Florida.

Reyneri reflected on returning home.

"When we come back to America, and we deal with our first world problems, and our challenges and our emails that don't go through I think just to be able to go back to the sense of peace that God is in control. It's forever changed me," Reyneri said.

According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 32,000 Americans have safely returned to the U.S. from the Middle East.

Both women say they are praying for a swift resolution to the conflict.

"We're definitely praying for peace in the Middle East, in Jerusalem," MacPherson said. "And that the situation gets swiftly ended."

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.

A missing special needs child was safely rescued this week in Fort Pierce after a collaborative effort from law enforcement, including a little help from man's best friend.

According to a news release from the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the agency was assisted by the Fort Pierce Police Department in locating the 13-year-old boy.

Fort Pierce police officers responded to the 2700 block of U.S. Highway 1 at about 4:21 p.m. Monday after the report of a missing teen.

Authorities canvassed the area, and additional assistance was requested from the Port St. Lucie Police Department just after 6 p.m. for a bloodhound K-9.

WATCH BELOW: Bodycam video shows K-9 finding missing child

Using security footage from a nearby gas station, police said they were able to ascertain the child's direction of travel.

A bystander also informed a Fort Pierce police sergeant that they had just seen a child matching the description walking toward the train tracks.

Police said the bloodhound, named Hoot, helped track the scent, leading officers to a wooded area adjacent to the tracks. Video shows the bloodhound working to locate the boy at about 6:30 p.m., according to a timestamp on the police body camera footage.

Foot patrols, drone surveillance and the K-9 converged on the location, where the child was safely found with only minor scrapes. A timestamp on the video shows the child was found just before 7 p.m.

Police said the boy was promptly reunited with his family.

"The rapid notification to law enforcement, combined with strong interagency cooperation and community vigilance, was instrumental in achieving a positive outcome," Port St. Lucie police said in a written statement Wednesday. "It is imperative that law enforcement authorities are notified immediately if a child or adult with special needs is missing."

Florida carried out 19 executions in 2025, surpassing Texas, Alabama and South Carolina combined, and more than doubling the state's previous record.

The unprecedented pace is drawing sharp reactions.

WATCH: Florida leads nation in executions

Billy Leon Kearse has been on Florida's death row for 35 years. He was convicted of murdering Fort Pierce Police Sergeant Danny Parrish in 1991, when Kearse was 18 years old.

Susan Kaspari, a friend of Kearse's, said she traveled to Florida after his death warrant was signed.

"Once his death warrant was signed, we were just really devastated by that. And so I returned to Florida last week and was able to spend two days with him," Kaspari said.

Kaspari described Kearse as a changed man.

"He's not the person that he was. You know, he's barely 18 when this crime occurred, and he, during that time, has developed a very deep faith." Kaspari said.

Cases like Kearse's take decades to resolve and carry an enormous price tag for Florida taxpayers. Each execution costs an estimated $24 million.

Defense attorney Daniel Eisenger said the expense reflects the complexity of the legal process.

"The litigation that goes on, the work that has to happen [in] a courtroom that's all very, very expensive," Eisenger said.

Grace Hanna, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, says the system repeatedly failed Kearse.

"This was a crime that could have been warded off through better social services, better access to education, better health care, better community resources in decades before," Hanna said.

Florida also leads the nation in death row exonerations. This means 30 people sentenced to death in Florida have since been cleared, found innocent and freed.

"That's an alarming number to me. Thirty is a lot. That's 30 innocent people who were either sentenced to be executed or sentenced to death who should not have been?" Eisenger said.

There are growing concerns about how Florida is carrying out executions. Court filings allege the use of expired drugs, incorrect dosages and in at least one case, a drug injected into soft tissue instead of a vein.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that she was "deeply troubled" by the allegations.

Eisenger noted that Florida law offers no alternative for those convicted of first-degree murder.

"In Florida, life means life. There is no parole. There is no release for someone who's convicted and first-degree murder," Eisenger said.

Governor Ron DeSantis has said he is "doing his part to deliver justice to victims' families." In Kearse's case, Sergeant Parrish's widow has waited 35 years.

Two more executions are already scheduled this month.

Nearly a month after Fort Pierce declared a local state of emergency over significant beach erosion, officials say an emergency sand dump is holding up well ahead of a $15 million renourishment project later this month.

St. Lucie County has dumped more than 10,000 cubic yards of sand along the shoreline at a cost of nearly half a million dollars to protect the beach while the larger project gets underway.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

The Dune Bar, a beach bar at Jetty Park at Island Beach Bar and Restaurant, has since reopened after closing due to the severe erosion.

"Everything has been jamming since," Jennifer Cranwell, who manages Island Beach Bar and Restaurant, said.

"Locals, guests, tourists have all been coming back and enjoying," Cranwell said. "Slowly but surely."

Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick said the sand is performing as expected.

"There's provisions in place to bring in more material if needed," Broderick said. "But as of right now, it's wearing well, and it's acting like it was supposed to act, and protecting the remaining dune area."

Broderick said the city and county will continue to dump sand a little farther south on Hutchinson Island.

"What we're trying to do is protect what's left of the dune," Broderick said. "This material is put here as a sacrificial barrier when the tide kicks up."

Broderick said he is confident the emergency fix can hold until the $15 million renourishment project begins later this month.

"I'm confident that we can bridge the gap between now and then to get the renourishment program underway," Broderick said.

For months, WPTV has been tracking how schools and colleges across our area are embracing artificial intelligence in the classroom.

WPTV reporter Christy Waite learned that Indian River State College has partnered with the platform Superhuman (formerly known as Grammarly) to prepare students.

WATCH BELOW: Local college embraces AI technology in the classroom

The partnership is not only teaching students about AI literacy, but also preparing them for careers once they graduate.

Indian River State College says the move makes it the nations first open enrollment state college to implement a comprehensive, institution-wide AI strategy.

The program is designed to enhance student learning, streamline faculty workflows and modernize administrative operations.

Dr. Timothy Moore, the president of Indian River State College, said the partnership comes at a critical time for higher education institutions.

"They need to be conversing in AI, they need to be exposed to AI, they need to understand what it is and how to exploit it for their benefit as they go along in their careers," Moore said.

Colleges and universities across the country are grappling with integrating generative AI in ways that enhance rather than replace people.

Bruce Fraser, the executive director of AI Integration, said one of the best ways to safeguard academic integrity is by making sure students learn how to use the technology properly.

"We have to evolve with technology," Fraser said. "We have to change the way we teach, integrate the technology responsibly and help students understand where they should rely on their own abilities and not just the tool."

The partnership comes with a hefty price tag of $150,000 a year. However, college administrators say the investment is about educating students for the future. Helping them learn, thrive and leverage tools responsibly.

WPTV connected with students who say they don't use AI for assignments. They told us they take pride in doing their own work, and they use AI to help them brainstorm for projects ideas, send emails and make study guides for exams.

A man was convicted Friday in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 29-year-old mother and injured several other people during a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Fort Pierce three years ago.

Kemmye Riccardo Parson of Fort Pierce, who is now 31, was found guilty of second-degree felony murder, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

WATCH BELOW: Suspect found guilty in fatal shooting at Fort Pierce MLK event

Parson was arrested in Tampa two months after the shooting. He now faces life in prison.

Nikkitia Bryant was killed Jan. 16, 2023, while she was celebrating the MLK holiday with her daughter. She was one of eight people shot at Ilous Ellis Park near Avenue M and 13th Street.

WPTV reporter Ethan Stein was with Bryant's family in the courtroom when the verdict was read.

Family members hugged each other and cried. Parson didn't react to the jury's decision.

Bryant's mother, Nikkiti White, flashed a smile.

The Fort Pierce mother left the courtroom wrapped in a hug after a jury convicted Parson.

Before the verdict was read Friday afternoon, White said the trial has been difficult because shes had to relive details about the shooting, and learned new details from unseen autopsy photos. She said she thinks the prosecution is doing a good job to achieve a guilty verdict, but shes continuing to grieve her daughters death during the trial.

Sometimes you just want to run and get away, White said. Its hard. Its bringing back the emotions and the emotions never go away. But, it kind of dies down but it brings it all back up.

She also said shes urging law enforcement, Fort Pierce police and the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office, to continue to investigate the case because prosecutors said Parson didnt directly kill Bryant; rather, Parson participated in the fight that led to Bryants death.

Parson faces life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24.

You can finally start to heal now, a friend whispered as White flashed a smile.

Three years after the mass shooting at Ilous Ellis Park, St. Lucie County has made changes aimed at preventing another tragedy but for White, the progress comes at too high a cost.

Last year, Bryant's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against St. Lucie County, the city of Fort Pierce, city and county commissioners, former Sheriff Keith Pearson, Be Xquisit and Give Back 2 Kids Inc. the organizer of the MLK event.

The lawsuit alleges the permit for the event at the park required private security, but organizers "canceled a security contract leaving the event with insufficient security personnel." It further alleges that "governmental entities failed to enforce the requirement in order to proceed with the event."

WPTV dug into county records to learn what has changed in the last three years. The county added cameras and license plate readers to five parks in a $250,000, five-year investment.

St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend said the county is now "hyperfixated" on communication following the MLK Jr. Day shooting. She said the sheriff's office knew a law enforcement detail had been canceled but did not inform the county, which may have allowed the event to be canceled.

"There's better communication now that hopefully that will never happen again," Townsend said. "Now there's great communication between the sheriff's department and the county. So if that would to happen again, and somebody was to cancel, somebody would notify the county to say they've canceled it, just making sure you're aware. When before that relationship wasn't there."

When WPTV shared Townsend's comments with White, her response was emotional.

"Ugh hurtful in a sense because it took my daughter's life to make that change.YeahIt took her to die to do what should have been done," White said.

The sheriff's office, county staff and the city of Fort Pierce all declined to comment, citing pending litigation. But attorneys for Sheriff Richard Del Toro have filled a motion to dismiss the charges.

As a matter of policy and in order to preserve the integrity of the legal process, we are unable to provide any statements or additional information regarding the matter at this time, wrote Lt. Andrew Bolonka, a spokesperson for the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office.

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

Billy Leon Kearse is set to be executed Tuesday for the 1991 murder of Fort Pierce Police Sgt. Danny Parrish. He would be Florida's 21st execution in just over a year.

WATCH BELOW:

Parrish was 29 years old when he was killed.

I will be witnessing the execution.

Our team of journalists covered this case 35 years ago and has followed it ever since including the years Parrish's widow spent fighting for justice through decades of appeals.

In the days leading up to the execution, I have been digging back into the case hearing from Parrish's loved ones and friends, reviewing the appeals process, and examining Florida's accelerated use of the death penalty.

My full report on the case airs Monday and execution coverage follows Tuesday.

We will bring you every side of this story.

Read more of WPTV's coverage below:

An elderly couple was found dead inside a Fort Pierce condo on Tuesday, and their adult son is a person of interest, police said.

The suspicious deaths occurred at the Harbour Isle at Hutchinson Island condominium complex.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

Police said they were called to the condo at about 12:30 p.m. after they received a welfare check call from the couple's daughter.

When officers arrived at the condo, they found Philip Repaci, 85, and Joan Repaci, 80, in the living room area of their residence with what was believed to be multiple gunshot wounds.

Their investigation revealed that the couple's adult son, Philip Repaci, 55, was seen leaving the scene before police arrived. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was then issued for the adult son's vehicle.

"We believe that he may have spent time here and was staying with them. May live somewhere else as well," said Fort Pierce Police Chief David Smith.

Deputies with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office later located Philip Repaci and took him into custody.

"This is obviously a very tragic incident for both the family and the officers who had to respond to such a scene," Smith said. "We want to encourage anyone who's going through any type of mental health or domestic challenge to reach out for help, or if anyone knows anyone going through that, to try to get them help."

Cody Leftault, a boat captain who lives on the marina, learned about the investigation after WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache approached him.

"It's wild to hear about. I don't really hear about any crime around here," said Leftault. "Fort Pierce has crime, but not around these parts really."

Police said this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

Contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-277-8477 if you can help in the case.

A proposed 15-million-square-foot data center in Fort Pierce may be abandoned after Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced legislation that would give local governments more power to block large-scale AI data center development in Florida.

St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend said the developer behind Sentinel Grove Technology Park one of the proposed projects that sparked community outrage across Southeast Florida appears to have pulled back in anticipation of the new legislation.

WATCH BELOW: Developer of data center project may withdraw plan, commissioner says

"The data center pulled because they knew that there was going to be legislation coming out in Tallahassee. They knew that the governor was going to try to put some benchmarks in place," Townsend said.

Sentinel Grove Technology Park was planned along Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce and would have been one of the largest data centers in the country. A second project, known as Project Tango, proposes building a 1.8-million-square-foot facility near the Arden community in western Palm Beach County.

Both projects have drawn significant opposition from residents across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.

DeSantis unveiled Senate Bill 482, the "Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights," in December, following questions from WPTV that pressed him for answers on data center development.

"The incentives of big tech are not the same as what's in the interest of the people and the public," DeSantis said in the news conference, "So we will have in our bill of rights protections for Floridians."

His proposed legislation would expand land-use restrictions, blocking data center development on agricultural and other land, while also requiring large data center facilities to pay the full cost of their utilities.

Townsend said if the bill passes, it could significantly slow data center development across the state.

"Passing that bill it's going to be very, very, very hard to find property that will fit all that criteria and the other benchmarks are going to have in place," Townsend said.

At the same time, a separate measure, Senate Bill 484, would ban nondisclosure agreements for data center developers meaning the companies behind both Project Tango and Sentinel Grove, both still unnamed, would be required to publicly identify themselves.

When asked what impact the bill could have on future data center development if passed, Townsend was direct.

"I don't really think you'll see any," Townsend said.

WPTV's previous investigation found Project Tango could use 1.7 million gallons of water a month. In other states, data centers have driven energy rates up by as much as 39 percent.

But supporters of the projects point to significant financial benefits.

"It's huge. It's billions of dollars," Townsend said.

Townsend also urged caution in how officials approach the issue going forward.

"So what we do today, we have to make sure we get right, because we don't know what the future is going to hold," Townsend said.

WPTV reached out to names and companies associated with development plans for both Sentinel Grove and Project Tango. No one connected to either project has responded.

Townsend said the developer of Sentinel Grove is waiting to see what happens in Tallahassee before officially cutting ties with the project.

Read more of our AI data center coverage below:

One person died and two others were seriously injured in a crash Friday night at a Fort Pierce intersection, according to police.

The Fort Pierce Police Department responded to reports of a serious crash at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and South 35th Street shortly after 10 p.m. Friday. The scene involved two vehicles and multiple injuries.

Investigators determined that a Chevrolet Silverado was turning left onto South 35th Street from Virginia Avenue when a Dodge Charger, traveling eastbound on Virginia Avenue at a high rate of speed, struck the Silverado.

A passenger in the Silverado, identified as 58-year-old Timothy A. Ecker of Fort Pierce, was ejected and sustained severe injuries, subsequently transported to Lawnwood Hospital, where the passenger died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Both drivers were transported to Lawnwood Hospital in serious condition.

The investigation is active, with investigators pursuing all leads to determine what occurred and why.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS(8477). Online tips can be submitted at www.tccrimestoppers.org.

"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."

A 12-year-old boy was shot and wounded Friday night in Fort Pierce when unknown individuals fired a weapon toward a residence, according to police.

The Fort Pierce Police Department responded to the 500 block of North 22nd Street shortly after 11:30 p.m. Friday regarding reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the 12-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The juvenile was airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital for medical treatment and is currently in stable condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates that unknown individuals fired a weapon toward a residence that was occupied by several people at the time, including the 12-year-old. The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival.

At this time, there is no information available about a suspect description or motive.

This case remains active and anyone with information is urged to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.

"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 Florida Highway Men Museum has opened its doors in Fort Pierce, showcasing the work of 26 African American artists from the 1960s. The museum features a permanent gallery of their vibrant artwork, bringing recognition to a group of artists whose story is finally being told in their hometown.

What appears to be an unassuming building from the outside explodes with color inside, housing 26 vibrant paintings that depict Florida in its most natural form.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

"This is a story that needs to be told," said John Ritzo, a visitor to the museum. "The way they've captured an era and a Florida that sadly is disappearing and it's just beautiful."

Artist Patty Ritzo said the pieces leave a lasting impact.

"[I was] so impressed with the boldness of it and sort of free-formness of it," Patty Ritzo said.

In the 1960s, the Florida Highway Men were a group of 25 African American men and one woman who painted landscapes and sold them along Florida's highways. Each of the 26 artists has a painting featured in the museum.

Family members of the Highway Men attended the opening to see their loved ones honored in their hometown.

"I'm glad to see the city and some other people really decided to pick up the gauntlet and the task of leadership to make sure this legacy is preserved," said Cornelius Demps, son of a Highway Man.

James Gibson Jr., also the son of a highwayman, shared memories of his father's dedication to art.

"He never had a job, that's all he did was paint," Gibson said. "I would ride with him. We would go up and down the highway, different stores, different offices."

The museum serves as a way to share their story with the community, particularly the next generation.

"To be able to tell the story of the highway men in their neighborhood and young people can see the story being told in their neighborhood and that's important," said Doretha Hair Truesdell, president of The Original Florida Hall of Fame Highway Men Inc.

Demps said it was important that his family experience the legacy firsthand.

"[I] wanted to make sure that my daughters here and I and my wife we all had a chance to come back and look at the museum, see the legacy that they come from," Demps said.

Decades in the making, this museum is finally honoring the group of African American artists who made waves through art.

"They're getting the recognition that they should've gotten years ago," Gibson said.

The museum represents more than just an art collection; it serves as inspiration for future generations.

"Young people can see no matter what your obstacles are, you can still succeed and you can excel," Truesdell said.

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.

South Florida and the Treasure Coast will experience temperatures in the 80s through Sunday, but colder weather is on the way.

A cold front will move through Sunday afternoon into the evening, bringing multiple nights with low temperatures in the 40s early next week. Some inland communities will possibly fall into the upper 30s.

St. Lucie County officials announced Friday they are opening a cold-weather shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, located at 2902 Ave. D, beginning Sunday at 5 p.m. The shelter will also be open on Monday and Tuesday at 5 p.m. and will close at 8 a.m. the following day.

Area Regional Transit (ART) will provide free transportation to the shelter at the following locations starting Sunday from 6 p.m. to about 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.

On Wednesday, Floridas Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia fired off at Fort Pierce city leaders, claiming they had over $10.5 million of wasteful spending last fiscal year.

WATCH BELOW: 'He's using analytics,' Commissioner Michael Broderick tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

Weve accounted for everything a local government should or would need in order to deliver services to the taxpayer, said Ingoglia. What should scare you is Fort Pierce blew right past that number.

Its an accusation, City Commissioner Michael Broderick doesnt think is fair.

His news conference certainly made for good sound bites, said Broderick.

Ingoglia claims the citys general fund increased by more than $25 million, or nearly 60 percent, since 2019. While the city population only increased by less than 5,000 during the same period.

Ask yourself the question, is government protecting you, or is government protecting their large, bloated budgets?, said Ingoglia.

Broderick said Ingoglia isnt offering a fair analysis of the citys budget.

He's using analytics to say that the city growth was x, and that should be mirrored, specifically with growth in revenues that the city is taking in expenditures, said Broderick. "That's not really how that works.

Broderick also said Ingoglias analysis wasnt generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Ingoglia also questioned city staffing, claiming that of the 90 full-time positions hired in the last six years, only 15 were first responders.

Broderick said the city has been wanting more public safety staff but retention and staffing issues at the police department has made it difficult.

We have positions funded that we have not filled in the police department, said Broderick. It's problematic, because we need to staff our complete shifts of officers on the streets.

But Broderick said he agrees the expansion of city staff needs to be examined.

WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE BELOW:

I will acknowledge the fact that there was an extensive growth of personnel within the city government, said Broderick. This is something that I believe the city needs to investigate further.

While Broderick doesnt agree with the metrics Ingoglia used, he said hes up for a deep dive into their budget.

We need to take a very hard look at that, and a justification has to be made for every penny of city money that is spent," said Broderick. "Every penny that of taxpayer money that is spent needs to be justified."

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper died while participating in a training academy event on Wednesday.

Trooper Michael Diego was participating in a competitive process for the Patrol's Criminal Interdiction Unit when he suffered a medical emergency. He ultimately passed away at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Diego was with FHP for four years, spending his career serving at the Fort Pierce District and Fort Myers District.

FHP, Executive Director Dave Kerner and Colonel Gary Howze issued the following statement:

Florida's CFO visited St. Lucie County on Wednesday afternoon as he continues his agency's efforts to curb local government overspending across the state.

CFO Blaise Ingoglia spoke in Fort Pierce on "government accountability," outlining his belief that the city had $10.5 million in wasteful spending during the last fiscal year.

"We've accounted for everything that a local government should, or would need, in order to deliver services to the taxpayers," Ingoglia said. "What should scare you is that Fort Pierce blew right past that number."

Since 2019, the CFO said Fort Pierce's general fund budget, funded by property taxes, increased by more than $25.4 million (+59.76%). As a contrast, Ingoglia said the city's population only grew by 4,546 people.

"This is not unlike what's going on everywhere in the state of Florida," Ingoglia said. "Local governments are taking extra property tax revenue, partially because people are moving to the state of Florida and filling their coffers, and a lot of it, unfortunately, is not going to fire and police. It's not going to public safety. It's going to the bureaucracy underneath them."

WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE BELOW:

The CFO said the city has hired 90 new full-time employees in the last six years. Of that figure, only 15 first responders were added by the city, according to Ingoglia.

"Is the government protecting you or is the government protecting their large, bloated budgets?" the Florida CFO said.

During the news conference, Ingoglia also doubled down on the push for property tax reform, calling school boards "some of the most wasteful spenders in government."

"The reason why property taxes right now are so problematic is that it's only about 9% of your home. It used to be 33%, and now it's 9%, and this is why going back in and fixing the property tax system and reforming it for good is what we need to do," Ingoglia said.

He said that by tightening the city's general fund budget, Fort Pierce could still fund public services and also reduce property taxes on a $400,000 home by $772 a year, a $500,000 home by $965 and a $600,000 home by $1,158.

"This is real money that belongs in the hands of the taxpayers, not in the hands of government. Local governments are going to try to tell you that they need to keep it. It's totally untrue," Ingoglia said Wednesday.

The city of Fort Pierce has not commented on Ingoglia's claims.

A 99-page report released by the CFO's office last month claimed DOGE teams "reviewed 11 local governments over the last six months and exposed more than $1.86 billion in excessive wasteful spending."

Among the government agencies analyzed by Ingoglia's team, the CFO said that Palm Beach County topped the list with $344 million in overspending. That figure has been met with pushback from county leaders, who are challenging the report's accuracy and demanding transparency from state officials.

Read more of WPTV's related coverage below:

The victim who was fatally shot in a parking lot near Elks Lodge over the weekend in Fort Pierce has been identified, Fort Pierce police said.

The shooting happened on Sunday at about 12:46 a.m. Fort Pierce police responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire in the parking lot near the nightclub located at 2408 Avenue M.

Upon arrival, officers found three men suffering from gunshot wounds. All three were transported to a local hospital. Two victims remain in stable condition. However, 34-year-old Anbut Brutus died at the hospital.

Investigators said they found no indication of an altercation prior to the shooting. They said evidence collected at the scene indicates that two distinct firearms were involved, and one handgun was recovered.

The investigation remains active as detectives continue analyzing evidence and data. The Fort Pierce Police Department said it emphasizes the importance of community assistance in this case, and at this time, the two injured victims are not cooperating with the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.

Fort Pierce police are searching for a gunman who shot three people, killing one, in what witnesses say was an incident that occurred near but not at a local nightclub.

According to a police news release, the shooting took place at the Elks Lodge at the city's north end. However, witnesses say a gunshot victim's body was found across the street, and lodge members insist the killing had nothing to do with activities at the club.

WATCH BELOW: 1 dead, 2 hurt in Fort Pierce shooting

One person died from gunshot wounds, while two others were hospitalized. Their conditions have not been reported. No arrests have been made.

Members of Elks Lodge 1189 in Fort Pierce are concerned that the club's reputation has been damaged by a shooting they say had nothing to do with their establishment.

"It didn't happen at 2408th Avenue Elks Lodge, so it did not happen over here," Willie Gardenhire said. "You know, nothing happened here. They didn't even come into the place over here."

Gardenhire serves as a trustee at the lodge.

Anthony Bailey, a disc jockey at the club, said he heard gunfire from outside the building before police arrived quickly at the scene.

"The officers just advised that everyone just keep everyone inside, just keep it going on wasn't nothing going on in the parking lot, no incident, no nothing going on inside the club," Bailey said. "So after a while I was like, 'Man, let's just shut it down.'"

In addition to video shot at the lodge, Gardenhire checked surveillance footage from the building but found no evidence of the incident occurring on the property.

"I looked at the footage and nothing, I couldn't see anything on it pertaining to what was going on," Gardenhire said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.

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.

Crews have dumped nearly 8 million pounds of sand at Jetty Park Beach this week as part of ongoing efforts to combat significant coastal erosion that prompted a state of emergency in Fort Pierce.

The restoration work is approximately 40% to 50% complete, according to City Commissioner Michael Broderick. Workers have been dumping sand for four days straight to rebuild areas of the beach that were severely eroded. It's an emergency operation that city leaders said costs about $500,000.

WATCH BELOW: Crews make progress restoring beach after coastal erosion emergency

St. Lucie County is the lead agency in the emergency operation. The county told WPTV they dumped nearly 3,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach since Tuesday.

"It just about leveled out," said Jennifer Cranwell, who manages the nearby Island Beach Bar and Restaurant. "You can definitely see that they've been working on it."

Cranwell was forced to close the restaurant's popular Dune Bar last week when the dune and much of Jetty Park Beach were being washed away by erosion.

"It was a straight drop, to the bottom, as far as the eye can see," Cranwell said.

Broderick said crews are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to accelerate the restoration work.

"We have a good weather window now between now and Tuesday, so we're going to be able to get a lot of work done to reinforce that embankment and protect it," Broderick said.

Equipment delays have slowed the process, but crews plan to target three additional problem spots south of the current location on Hutchinson Island this weekend.

"I'm disappointed, obviously, but the logistics of this is not an easy thing," Broderick said.

Despite the challenges, Broderick confirmed that the restoration efforts are proving effective.

"Yes, it's working. So far, everything we're deploying is working, and the plan a quarter mile south here is going to be effective as well," Broderick said.

Cranwell said the beach is beginning to look more normal, though work remains.

"It's picturesque. It's almost, almost back to normal," Cranwell said. "We're getting there."

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 related coverage below:

WPTV is staying on top of the severe erosion in Fort Pierce and pressing for answers about the emergency response taking place.

Its happening around Jetty Park Beachwhich is currently closed.

WATCH BELOW: 'This is the best system to install here,' Commissioner Michael Broderick tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

Wednesday was day two of the emergency sand drop here at Jetty Park Beach.

But what can be a permanent solution?

WPTVs Treasure Coast Reporter Tyler Hatfield took your questions about what can be done to fix this severe erosion to city and county leaders.

City commissioner Michael Broderick explained whats being done on Wednesday.

The 10,000 cubic yards is now coming in a landing platform over here to get a beach, to be able to spread material north and south, said Broderick.

On Thursday, crews are heading about a quarter mile south on Hutchinson Island to work on and dump sand in three areas that could be vulnerable.

We're going to be using our 528 loaders, the large loaders and dump for the embankment, said Broderick. "Then we're going to fill those injured areas into the embankment with smaller skid steer loaders.

WPTV has seen your questions on social media, about using mangroves, rocks or other barriers on the dunes.

We took them to city leaders.

We put concrete barriers down there, they're completely buried in the sand right now, said Broderick. We put them there over the weekend, they're gone.

Others commented if adding more sand on the beach is worth it if it'll just be washed away.

There is some accuracy to that statement, but what Im trying to do is protect ocean water from intruding on the beach itself destroying businesses homes, etc, and threats of safety and life, of course, said Broderick.

As for long term solutions, Commissioner Broderick said the county and U.S.Representative Brian Mast are looking to install T-groins, which are built offshore and break down wave action to keep sand on the beach.

T-groins are the are the result of a lot of engineering work, to say this is the best system to install here, said Broderick.

Read more of WPTV's related coverage below:

Fort Pierce police are investigating a crash that killed a 65-year-old woman, after a vehicle veered off the road and trapped her underneath.

Police say they responded to the 1600 block of Laurel Leaf Lane on Feb. 7, just after 2 p.m. They determined a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 38-year-old woman had veered off the road, crashed through fences and hedges and entered the pool area of a residence, where it struck Anastasia Fiona Allman, trapping her underneath.

Allman was pronounced dead at the scene. St. Lucie County Fire Rescue assisted with the recovery of the woman.

A preliminary investigation found the 38-year-old driver of the Jeep may have had a medical episode at the time of the crash, but police did not elaborate on what exactly happened. She was taken to a local hospital but has since been released and is in stable condition.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information should contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800.

Fort Pierce scrambled to conduct an emergency sand drop Tuesday afternoon as the city battles severe beach erosion that is putting coastal properties, streets, and infrastructure at risk.

WATCH BELOW: 'We're fighting the clock,' City Commissioner Michael Broderick tells WPTV's Cassandra Garcia

At Jetty Park, beachgoers saw and heard more than just waves crashing. The sounds of large trucks and excavators filled the air as workers moved sand into place. It's part of a temporary fix that will buy them time until a larger beach renourishment project can begin in March.

Were just going to have to dump sand every day, said City Commissioner Michael Broderick, who took our Casandra Garcia on a tour of the site to see the work. He explained that persistent high tides have been dismantling temporary protections almost as quickly as crews can build them.

It took two tide cycles to knock all this stuff down and basically took all that work that went into it, Broderick said. Were fighting the clock, because we need six weeks of time.

On Tuesday, crews worked to load piles of sand onto the beach. Theyre bringing in sand to create a ramp down to the beach which is going to be very challenging because even at low tide the water is quite high, that way they can get equipment onto the beach and start spreading material that way and that way, Broderick said.

WATCH BELOW: Homes threatened by beach erosion in Fort Pierce

The emergency erosion control measures come with a price tag of approximately $500,000, and are meant to hold the line until a $15 million beach nourishment project, covering a mile stretch of coastline on Hutchinson Island, begins in March.

Just south of the park, homeowners like Steve Tarr are watching the erosion take more of their property. Tarrs home now sits only eight feet from the shoreline.

Last Saturday night we lost about eight feet of dune as well as half of my dune walkover, which is now floating somewhereprobably near the Bahamas by now, Tarr said. If the dune breaches, he warned, youll have closed roads, youll have salt water in the infrastructure.

Broderick said crews are also doing work along the shoreline of his property to avoid a breach.

"So the plan is, ultimately, keep our material loaded here with the excavator, hit this spot, cut in, right next to this house over here, up to the embankment, so we can dump sand there and have these three sensitive areas covered," Broderick explained.

WATCH BELOW: 'We are doing the best we can with the situation that is given,' Madison Walters tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

Tarr noted that the problem has been compounding for some time.

It would have been a little bit better if the countythe state, had gotten involved a couple months ago, but the effort theyre putting in now is really spectacular, said Tarr.

Broderick pointed to a major setback explaining that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to secure a vendor for the planned nourishment project last year, delaying work by a year.

Its too late; the damage is already done. Were trying to prevent further damage, he said. We are doubling our efforts to bring in more equipment and more material to solve the problem short term.

Local leaders say they are already discussing long term solutions to the erosion at Jetty Park.

"One of the solutions thats being talked about with the federal government is T-groins being installed out here which will break the surf and keep the deterioration of the dune from taking place," said Broderick.

In the meantime, Jetty Park will remain closed until after renourishment is complete.

Read more of WPTV's related coverage below:

WPTV is continuing to look for answers as Fort Pierce city leaders implement emergency erosion control measures at Jetty Park Beach and parts of Hutchinson Island.

WATCH BELOW: 'We are doing the best we can with the situation that is given,' Madison Walters tells WPTV's Tyler Hatfield

Our Treasure Coast reporter Tyler Hatfield listened to local businesses in the area having to deal with less beach and learns from the city what's being done to stop it.

The most recent severe erosion is inching it ways to multiple properties.

It could be destructive to property by undermining the property and collapsing it theoretically, said City Commissioner Michael Broderick. Road sidewalks, etc., could be torn up.

Now, Fort Pierce city leaders are implementing an emergency response to curb the erosion and hoping on Tuesday, to bring in more sand at a cost of approximately $500,000.

The erosion is also impacting the dune bar at Island Beach Bar and Restaurant.

We are doing the best we can with the situation that is given, said Madison Walters, manager of Island Beach Bar and Restaurant.

Walters said their dune bar served beachside drinks to customers.

With the erosion, they had to close the bar last week until the beach is fixed.

We're praying that it gets fixed soon, said Walter. As someone who's lived there their whole life, and locals and people that like to make this, part of their destination, it definitely is upsetting.

This comes as a $15 million beach nourishment project was scheduled in March for a mile stretch of coastline on Hutchinson Island.

Commissioner Broderick said the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers failed to secure a vendor for the nourishment project last yearputting it a full year behind schedule.

The erosion now is so significant, homes, safety and property are at risk currently, said Broderick.

Walter said she wants to welcome customers back to the dune bar.

I just hope that we do find a permanent solution for everybody, said Walters.

The Island Beach Bar and Restaurant is still open for business.

Commissioner Broderick said on Monday, county and city leaders are meeting in the afternoon to discuss what equipment, materials and manpower are needed for a more sustainable temporary solution for the erosion.

Jetty Park Beach is currently closed.

A juvenile male was wounded in a shooting in Fort Pierce this afternoon and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) responded to an incident on the 900 block of North 23rd Street on Monday afternoon, just before 3 p.m., following reports of a shooting.

Officers found the juvenile victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim was alert and conscious at the scene and was transported by St. Lucie County Fire Rescue to a local hospital for treatment.

Preliminary information indicates the victim was walking along the street with a group of friends when another group began shooting in their direction. The suspects fled the area before officers arrived.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or the Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.

This is an ongoing investigation. Stay with WPTV for updates.

Fort Pierce city leaders are implementing emergency erosion control measures at Jetty Park Beach on Hutchinson Island after severe erosion put nearby homes and infrastructure at risk.

Fencing and barricades now blocks access to the popular beach destination as crews truck in sand to address the urgent situation. The emergency response comes as a major $15 million beach nourishment project is scheduled to begin in March.

WATCH BELOW: Homes threatened by beach erosion in Fort Pierce

"It could be destructive to property by undermining the property and collapsing it, theoretically. Roads, sidewalks, etc., can be torn up," Commissioner Michael Broderick said.

Broderick said the delay stems from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' failure to secure a vendor last year, putting the project a full year behind schedule.

"So, because of that, we're a year behind schedule, the erosion is so significant that homes, safety and property are at risk currently," Broderick said.

Broderick said a homeowner beside the beach brought the issue to his attention.

City and county leaders estimate the emergency sand delivery will cost taxpayers approximately $500,000.

The situation has frustrated residents who moved to the area for beach access.

"I moved here for the beaches, now there's no beaches," resident Brenna Cavanaugh said.

Some residents question the effectiveness of repeated beach nourishment efforts.

"It seems like every year, every other year, they're doing the re-nourishment of the beach for millions and millions of dollars, and then it just gets eroded away within a month or two," Cavanaugh said.

Officials said U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., helped secure 11 dump truck loads of sand before the delivery of 10,000 cubic yards of sand.

St. Lucie County Commissioner James Clasby acknowledged the need for a permanent solution while prioritizing immediate safety concerns.

"We want to look for a long-term solution, but that's in the future. Right now we're focused on life and safety and protecting infrastructure," said Clasby.

Despite the scenic appeal that draws visitors like fisherman Aric Kuhn, who calls it "a very beautiful place to be," residents are seeking lasting answers to the recurring erosion problem.

"It takes away from our everyday quality of life," Cavanaugh said. "Whatever they're doing just isn't working right now, unfortunately."

City and county officials said additional sand will be delivered this week.

A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison after a federal prosecutor said his crime was unacceptable in this country or anywhere."

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon pronounced Ryan Routh's fate in the same Fort Pierce courtroom that erupted into chaos in September when he tried to stab himself shortly after jurors found him guilty on all counts.

WATCH BELOW: Ryan Routh gets life in prison for trying to assassinate Trump

"American democracy does not work when individuals take it into their own hands to eliminate candidates. That's what this individual tried to do," Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley told the judge.

Routh's new defense attorney, Martin L. Roth, argued that "at the moment of truth, he chose not to pull the trigger."

The judge pushed back, noting Routh's history of arrests, to which Roth said, "He's a complex person, I'll give the court that, but he has a very good core."

Routh then read from a rambling, 20-page statement. Cannon broke in and said none of what he was saying was relevant, and gave him five more minutes to talk.

WATCH BELOW: Ryan Routh's attorney calls client 'remarkable person' after life sentence

"I did everything I could and lived a good life," Routh said, before the judge cut him off.

"Your plot to kill was deliberate and evil," she said. "You are not a peaceful man. You are not a good man."

She then issued his sentence: Life without parole, plus 7 years on a gun charge. His sentences for his other three crimes will run concurrently.

During a news conference after the sentencting, Routh's attorney said he planned to appeal the sentencing.

Routh's sentencing had initially been scheduled for December, but Cannon agreed to move the date back after Routh decided to use an attorney during the sentencing phase instead of representing himself as he did for most of the trial.

Routh was convicted of trying to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm as a felon and using a gun with a defaced serial number. "Routh remains unrepentant for his crimes, never apologized for the lives he put at risk, and his life demonstrates near-total disregard for law," the prosecutors' sentencing memo said.

His defense attorney had asked for 20 years plus the mandatory seven for the gun conviction.

"The defendant is two weeks short of being sixty years old," Roth wrote in a filing. "A just punishment would provide a sentence long enough to impose sufficient but not excessive punishment, and to allow defendant to experience freedom again as opposed to dying in prison."

Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the Republican presidential candidate played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.

At Rouths trial, a Secret Service agent helping protect Trump on the golf course testified that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and run away without firing a shot.

In the motion requesting an attorney, Routh offered to trade his life in a prisoner swap with people unjustly held in other countries, and said an offer still stood for Trump to "take out his frustrations on my face."

"Just a quarter of an inch further back and we all would not have to deal with all of this mess forwards, but I always fail at everything (par for the course)," Routh wrote.

In her decision granting Routh an attorney, Cannon chastised the disrespectful charade of Routh's motion, saying it made a mockery of the proceedings. But the judge, nominated by Trump in 2020, said she wanted to err on the side of legal representation.

Cannon signed off last summer on Routh's request to represent himself at trial. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have the right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney.

Routh's former federal public defenders served as standby counsel and were present during the trial.

Routh had multiple previous felony convictions including possession of stolen goods, and a large online footprint demonstrating his disdain for Trump. In a self-published book, he encouraged Iran to assassinate him, and at one point wrote that as a Trump voter, he must take part of the blame for electing him.

More of WPTV's coverage of Trump assassination attempt below:

US Highway 1 in Fort Pierce has reopened following a fatal motorcycle crash that closed both directions of traffic for nearly three hours Tuesday afternoon.

Fort Pierce Police responded to the 1400 block of US Highway 1 and Avenue M at approximately 3:15 p.m. for a vehicle versus motorcycle collision.

Initial investigations revealed that a female driver of a sedan was traveling northbound on US 1 and attempted to turn west onto Avenue M when she collided with a motorcycle traveling southbound.

The motorcyclist, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene and the female sedan driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries.

Both north and southbound lanes of US Highway 1 were closed from Avenue M to Avenue H while police investigated the crash. The roadway reopened at 6:15 p.m.

This is an ongoing investigation. Stay with WPTV for updates.

As temperatures prepare to plummet across Florida, citrus growers are taking protective measures to safeguard their crops from potentially damaging cold weather.

Al's Family Farms, which has operated for nearly 50 years, is among the growers preparing for what could be the coldest temperatures the region has experienced in years. Despite the challenging forecast, farm officials say they're ready for what's coming.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

In the orange groves of Fort Pierce, several trees now stand nearly empty after crews worked around the clock to harvest fruit ahead of the cold snap.

"All these Hamlet oranges have already been picked," said Jeff Schorner, president of Al's Family Farms.

When asked what orange growers do to prepare for cold weather, Schorner had a straightforward answer.

"Pray first, then get to work," Schorner said.

That work began three days ago, according to Schorner, whose groves in Central Florida could see temperatures that might damage unharvested fruit.

"Over 4 hours at 28FI went ahead and said, let's get the fruit off. Let's get it picked. Let's get it back and run it at the packing house," Schorner said.

While cold weather typically benefits citrus by making fruit sweeter, extended periods of freezing temperatures pose significant risks.

"If we kind of see a long duration of cold, that's when we have to make lots of preparedness steps," Schorner said.

In the Treasure Coast region, Al's Family Farms took a more selective approach, picking only a handful of groves.

"There's plenty of fruit down here in the Fort Pierce area for us and Vero Beach because frankly we're not concerned being this far south," Schorner said.

For groves that haven't been harvested, Schorner says they're relying on irrigation systems to protect their crops. The farm uses specialized micro-jet emitters that spray water continuously throughout cold nights.

Were also watering with 72 water out of wells. Thats going to give us an extra blanket of warmth and then if we think its going to get super cold, well actually run our micro-irrigation all night long [...] and the canopy of the tree is above it giving it an insulated blanket for the tree, Schorner said.

Despite the challenging weather ahead, Schorner remains optimistic about his crops' survival.

"I think we're going to pull out of this thing okay," Schorner said.

With preparations complete and protective measures in place, Schorner now waits to see how his crops weather the cold snap.

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.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the death warrant for Billy Leon Kearse, the man convicted of killing Sgt. Danny Parrish in January 1991.

In 1991, Parrish, a Fort Pierce police officer, had stopped an 18-year-old driver for going the wrong way down a one-way street.

WATCH: Widow of slain Fort Pierce sergeant sees justice after 35 years

As he attempted to arrest the teen for having no license, there was a struggle. The teen got hold of Parrish's gun and shot him 14 times.

"As Danny fell to the ground, his life oozing from his body, Kearse stood over him with Danny's firearm," said State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl. "As Danny laid on the ground begging for his life, he fired 13 more rounds into him."

Kearse was sentenced to death in 1997.

At a news conference Friday, Bakkedahl was joined by Parrish's wife, Mirtha Busbin, as he recounted the many appeals Kearse has been through, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kearse's case was heard 17 times on appeal after his conviction.

He called his case "due process on steroids."

Bakkedahl said Busbin reached out to ask for help writing letters to Gov. DeSantis. When asked if they thought those letters helped secure the death warrant, Busbin said yes.

She also had a message for those seeking justice for their loved ones: "Keep fighting... There will be justice served."

The death warrant would schedule Kearse, 53, to be put to death by lethal injection on March 3.

Busbin sat down with WPTV one-on-one to recount the night she found out her husband was shot.

"He had so much life to him, you know, and we were, we were just starting out," Busbin told WPTV's Kate Hussey. "I have to say that even though he's not here, I find myself driving and talking to him."

Busbin described waiting decades for justice and for closure, calling it angering.

"You have days you wake up and you're like, 'Why am I doing this?' You know, nobody's listening to me. Nobody cares," said Busbin.

Busbin described her late husband as kind and fun-loving.

"He has very kind eyes, he was a lot of fun," said Busbin, looking through old pictures of their prom.

Though Busbin described relief when she got a call informing her the governor signed Kearse's death warrant, she also said it brought mixed feelings.

"It's bittersweet, its like putting it too close," said Busbin. "I'm not an evil person, I don't wish death upon anyone. But, yeah, not waiting by the mailbox to see whats going to happen next."

Kearse and his attorneys have one last chance to file any post-conviction appeals. Bakkedahl said all court proceedings must be wrapped up by Feb. 12.

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