A student at Wellington Community High School is facing criminal charges after a firearm was found in their backpack during a routine entry screening, the principal said.

The incident occurred Thursday morning.

The school said the student arrived late to school and went through a metal detector, which detected the weapon. School administrators searched the student and found the firearm in the student's backpack. The backpack was confiscated and school police took the student into custody.

"The weapon was never displayed or used in a threatening manner. All students and staff are safe," Principal Cara Gorham said in a message to families and staff. "Possessing any weapon on a school campus is a felony, and the School District will pursue criminal charges against any individual possessing a firearm on school grounds."

Gorham said there was no disruption to campus operations and the school is following its regularly scheduled school day.

Since this is an active criminal investigation, no additional details will be provided, the school said.

Parents are expressing concern after the School District of Palm Beach County announced Wednesday that a member of the Wellington Community High School community contracted measles.

The district is not saying if the infected individual is a student or a staff member, only noting the person was not at school while contagious.

WATCH BELOW: Parents express concern after measles case

Neil Cohen, a parent who received an email from the district about the diagnosis, expressed his worry.

"It's not just something the human body can fight off," Cohen said. "Yeah, pretty nervous, thank goodness he got his vaccination."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls measles a "very contagious" disease that can cause "serious health complications." According to the CDC, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, also known as an MMR, is 97% effective at preventing measles.

Cases are increasing across the country. Last year, the CDC reported 2,288 people contracted the serious and sometimes deadly disease. So far this year, more than 1,748 people have been infected.

WPTV dug through Department of Health records to obtain local vaccination rates.

The documents reveal that high school students in Palm Beach County (2014-2017) had a vaccination rate of around 91.5% when they entered kindergarten. For the most recent kindergarten class (2026) in Palm Beach County, the Department of Health reported 88.3% received their vaccinations.

Pediatric Infectious Disease Dr. Chad Sanborn, with the Palm Beach Health Network, said the drop of around 4% is significant. He said it makes it more likely the disease could spread.

"Unfortunately, you can't escape the math of things," said Dr. Sanborn. "So, enough people are susceptible in the community to these illnesses, that just increases the chance of it spreading throughout that community."

He also said if enough people got the vaccine or had an illness, it would decrease the chance for any other individual to get the disease also known as herd immunity or community protection. Dr. Sanborn said he's concerned this goal is becoming further away as the percentage of kids vaccinated decreases.

"So if those numbers continue to decline, you worry not just about measles, but about other contagious illnesses that could pass throughout the community because you have enough people living there that are susceptible to it unfortunately," Dr. Sanborn said.

"That (vaccination) number drop, it just increases the chance of that virus being communicated throughout a community," Dr. Sanborn said.

In the local coverage area, Palm Beach County had the lowest percentage of kindergarten student immunizations, while Okeechobee County had the highest at 93.5%.

Statewide, Florida has the fourth-highest number of measles cases (130 cases as of April 16) in the country, according to the CDC.

Outside Wellington Community High School, some parents felt less concerned because the district said local health officials confirmed the affected individual was not on campus while contagious.

"I feel safe. Now if they were in school, it's different," Eli Shabo said.

A spokesperson for the School District of Palm Beach County said it hosts immunization events at the school district's office.

"Schools are required to follow state laws regarding vaccination compliance and exemptions. Public health authorities remain the appropriate source for broader medical guidance, and we encourage families with specific questions to consult their healthcare provider," the school district said in a statement.

WPTV learned Wednesday that there is a confirmed case of measles at Wellington High School.

Principal Cara Gorham sent a letter to families and staff confirming the case.

Gorham said that in accordance with privacy laws, she was not permitted to share any personally identifiable information about the person who has measles.

"According to local health officials, the individual was not on campus during the period in which they were contagious," Gorham's letter said.

The principal said she was working closely with the School District of Palm Beach County and would notify families and staff of any new information.

WPTV's Michael Hoffman spoke with Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, an infectious disease physician and professor with the University of South Florida, says while it is a serious situation, its not time to panic.

Measles is the most contagious infection we know. It spreads through the air, and it can linger for about two hours after so it's good communication, and quick action really helps. In this case, the school did a good job communicating.

He says the school seems to be taking the proper precautions, adding that the most vulnerable people to the disease are people who are pregnant, young or immunocompromised.

"I think things to watch out for is, is anyone sicker than having a fever, a runny nose, red eyes and then a rash that develops later, a few days later, and starts around the face and neck and then spreads downwards."

People are infectious for four days before the onset of rash in four days after the rash starts."

One parent that WPTV spoke off-camera said, "I hesitantly got my kids the MMR as infants now hoping it works as its supposed to."

People who have gotten the full two doses are looking at a more than 97% immunity from the disease, a disease that has been growing in confirmed cases over the last few years.

Cherabuddi told WPTV if you believe your child is exhibiting the symptoms, play it safe and get them checked out.

Call ahead to your clinic before you get there. Many clinics have protocols where they can walk you through how to present, where to stand, how to mask up before getting in there. Even though there's a small chance it's measles, it's really helpful to everyone to follow those precautions.

District officials tell Hoffman classes are not affected, and Wellington High School will operate as normal on Thursday.

Below is the full statement sent to teachers and staff:

If youve been craving a taste of Italy without hopping on a flight, the Wellington Amphitheater is serving up three days of pasta, music and family fun at the Second Annual Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington, April 1719.

From sausage and peppers to zeppoles and gelato, festival-goers can enjoy Italian classics while taking in performances from entertainers like Lucas Prata, Cynthia (Dream Girl), Angelo Venuto, and Franco Corso. Friday night kicks off with Freestyle music, Saturday features The Atlantic City Boys paying tribute to Frankie Valli, and Sunday wraps up with Tony Quarantis Sinatra Songbook plus Anthony Nunziata.

While admission is free, guests can upgrade to VIP reserved stage pods or VIP villas via Eventbritecomplete with cocktail service. Sip Birra Moretti at the Moretti Beer Garden or Spritz Del Conte wines in the Wine Garden, and relax at the Schumacher Auto Group family picnic area.

On the La Cucina Galbani cooking stage, Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino will serve up signature dishes blending authentic Italian flavors with innovative twists. Dont miss the free Voga Wine seminars, pizza-eating contest hosted by The Sicilian Oven, and Galbanis Celebrity Cheese Stacking Competition for Charity.

Kids can enjoy rides, carnival games, Mario & Luigi photo ops, and activities with nonprofit Little Smiles, which helps children impacted by illness, homelessness, or tragedy.

Where: Wellington Amphitheater

When:

Free parking and shuttle service from The Mall at Wellington Green.

More info: wellingtonfestaitaliana.com

What do you want me to Shine A Light on? What are you most proud of where you live? Email me at tawalker@wptv.com.

Two teenagers were hospitalized this week after a collision involving a motorcycle and an electric skateboard near Wellington, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, a 14-year-old girl riding an electric skateboard eastbound near 9396 Pinion Drive was struck by a Kawasaki motorcycle driven by a 14-year-old boy.

WATCH BELOW: WPTV HEARS FROM FRIENDS WHO CALLED 911

The girl is in critical condition with major injuries, including two brain bleeds, pelvic bleeding and a lacerated spleen, according to the crash report. The boy sustained minor injuries. PBSO says the girl is expected to survive.

Friends of the girl say they were nearby when the crash happened and immediately called 911.

"I just heard a boom," said Alex Melgarejo, a friend. "I saw one of them lying on the ground they were calling for help, so I called 911."

He described the scene as chaotic, with emergency crews flooding the neighborhood. He said the girl was unresponsive after the crash.

"Firetrucks, ambulances, a lot of cops blocking off the road for hours," said Melgarejo. "The girl was not moving at all. I just felt really bad for them."

According to investigators, neither teen was wearing safety equipment at the time of the crash.

As micromobility devices like electric skateboards and e-bikes grow in popularity, safety concerns are also increasing.

"Whatever the mobility device scooter, bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle be aware of what youre riding," said Tony Barbanente, owner of a West Palm Beach bike shop. Know the hazards, know its limitations, and wear the proper safety equipment."

County data shows there were six fatal crashes in 2025 involving micromobility devices.

Barbanente says the rapid rise in these devices may be outpacing safety awareness and regulation.

"In certain pockets, yes, theyre very popular," he said. "And the laws havent quite kept up with the growth of the space and products."

He points to proposed legislation, including Senate Bill 382, which would add safety measures such as speed limits for e-bikes on sidewalks and the creation of a safety task force. The bill is currently awaiting the governors signature.

Meanwhile, friends of the injured teen are hoping for her recovery.

"I just hope she wakes up soon and everything's fine, and her parents are doing okay through all of this," said Melgarejo.

The crash remains under investigation.

For over 30 years, a road sign in Palm Beach County has promised something that has still never happened: the extension of Lyons Road further north past Lake Worth Road. Now, frustrated Wellington drivers want to know why they're still waiting.

Right now, drivers in the area face a daily detour. Instead of a straight shot north on Lyons Road, they must zigzag from Lake Worth Road to U.S. Highway 441 to Stribling Way just to reach Forest Hill Boulevard. It's the only gap between Okeechobee Boulevard and Glades Road where you can't drive straight through.

"I'm really shocked that there hasn't been any progress," said Andrew, a resident who contacted WPTV about the stalled project. "This is the only spot where you cannot go straight through."

So, what's the holdup? The county has a simple rule: they'll only build the extension when traffic gets bad enough to justify it. Specifically, U.S. Highway 441 between Lake Worth Road and Stribling Way needs to hit capacity first.

Here's where it gets technical: US Highway 441 is an 8-lane divided road in that area. The county considers it "at capacity" when more than 3,590 vehicles use it during the busiest hour of the day.

The current count? Just under 2,860 vehicles per hour - still well below the threshold that would trigger construction.

However, even if traffic reached that magic number, the project faces another obstacle: opposition from the people who would be most affected.

The proposed extension would cut through Wellington's Ranchettes area, home to horse properties and families who chose the location for its quiet, rural character.

"I think I would be opposed to it," said Giannina, a local resident. "It's just such a nice road for families to walk horses. There's lots of wildlife, livestock. I think there's just plenty of other roads people can go down."

For supporters like Andrew, the extension represents more than convenience - it's about connectivity and reducing travel time throughout the area.

"It would save him a lot of time," Andrew explained. "A straight shot to be able to go from Okeechobee down to Glades right on Sansbury through Lyons Road would open up so many avenues for people.

Wellington International announced on Friday that it has terminated CEO Murray Kessler effective immediately.

The termination includes Equestrian Sports Production, LLC and its affiliated entities, as well as the management committee of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, the equestrian facility said.

The termination comes following an investigation into an incident involving Kessler that occurred in February.

"Upon learning of the matter, the organization acted immediately to support the employee who brought it forward. Consistent with company policies, steps were taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Following notification of the incident, the company initiated an independent investigation within 24 hours, demonstrating its commitment to a thorough and objective review," Wellington International said in a statement. "Any reports or suggestions to the contrary are inaccurate. Todays announcement underscores Wellington Internationals commitment to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. This matter continues to be handled thoughtfully and responsibly, with the best interests of our team, patrons and community at heart."

According to an offense report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, an employee filed a battery complaint against Kessler.

Kessler is not facing any criminal charges at this time.

We received the following statement on behalf of Kessler:

A Wellington man is seeking solutions for a growing coyote problem in the western communities of Palm Beach County.

Bobby has lived on his Wellington property for more than 50 years. He said he has noticed a growing problem of coyotes in his neighborhood, and recently captured a sighting of one in his backyard.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

Bobby and his service dog, Cooper, are inseparable, walking the property together or going for occasional bike rides. But recently, they have been running into a dangerous problem with coyotes.

"It was extremely close, and it just stood there, like it was at the dog park, really, you know, like it was wanted to play with my dog or something," Bobby said.

"Yeah, yeah. You know, growing up here, we've been here 54 years, so we never saw coyotes. They had a lot more room to roam," Bobby said.

Bobby said Cooper is specially trained to bark at the coyotes and scare them off, but never leave the property.

"During the day, in the morning, noon, night. Doesn't matter. At least once a week, I see one," Bobby said.

Searching for answers about what the Village of Wellington is doing about the issue, I spoke with Village Manager Jim Barnes.

Barnes said coyotes are not the village's responsibility, and that the issue belongs to FWC.

I reached out to FWC, and the agency said coyotes have found their way into all 64 counties across Florida.

The FWC says, "coyotes are commonly found throughout Florida and is not asking for people to report sightings. Reports of coyotes or other wildlife behaving aggressively can be made to the FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922."

FWC said the best way to keep coyotes away is to secure trash, feed pets inside, clean grills, pick up any fallen fruit or bird seed from the yard, and walk pets on a short, non-retractable leash.

While Bobby said he will not be walking his dog on a short leash, he hopes the problem does not get too bad before something major is done about it.

"I hope it doesn't get to that," Bobby 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.

Top high school football players from across the country gathered in Wellington this weekend to compete and learn from NFL professionals at the Sandlot 7v7-Pro-Am Challenge.

Typically known for hosting the some of the finest horse events in the world, Wellington called an audible to welcome the premier football tournament to the Village Park Athletics Complex. The event gave athletes the chance to spend time with about 30 current and former pros who acted as mentors and coaches, including Hall of Famer Champ Bailey and Jacoby Brissett.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

I didnt meet an NFL player until I got to the NFL. There were guys that I played ball with that I saw go to the league, but nevertheless, there's nothing like having experts pour back into you, Bailey said.

Its good to see these kids come out and compete and see some of the creativity of the plays. I think guys in the league kind of steal some of these plays over time, Brissett said.

Five-star athlete Aden Johnson used the premier stage to make a major announcement. Johnson, who held offers from top programs including Alabama and Georgia, committed to the University of Miami on camera. The addition means the national runners-up just got a lot better.

It means a lot to get some exposure and play with my guys, Johnson said.

Terriel Harmon, West Bocas newest running back, is embracing the challenge as he aims for a three-peat at the Palm Beach County powerhouse. He said he is ready for the challenge this year and wants to soak up the game from the best to ever do it.

Great experience, great intensity, its everything, its great to know that Im in the presence of these NFL players and to know what I got to put myself at to keep working harder and keep going, Harmon said.

Wellington residents have raised safety concerns about the intersection of 120th Avenue and Lake Worth Road for years, and while the village has a plan to build a roundabout, some neighbors said progress has been too slow.

WATCH BELOW: 'We have a planned start date now of May to June of this year,' Village Manager Jim Barnes tells WPTV's Samantha Gutierrez

The project is now expected to begin between May and June, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

Wellington resident Alyssa Schube said she has grown frustrated waiting for action at the intersection.

"It's frustrating because, like I said, there's still accidents happening. It's very congested this time of year, during equestrian season. It's frustrating that nothing's been done, because it's been like this for many years. We've been asking for something," Schube said.

Schube brought her concerns to our "Let's Hear It" event in Wellington last month. I began asking questions and found that the village had proposed a roundabout for the intersection last year, with a timeframe of February to December.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes said the bid process is what drives the timeline.

"We have as part of that construction process the bid phase, and so we received bids probably about a month ago," Barnes said. "We have a planned start date now of May to June of this year."

The completion date for the project is the first quarter of 2027, about three months later than the conceptual timeframe proposed last March.

While Schube said residents had hoped for other traffic solutions, she acknowledged that something needs to be done.

"We were hoping for a traffic light. If we get a circle, but something has to be done," Schube said.

Barnes said he came to support roundabouts after seeing results from one built nearby.

"I was personally not a believer in roundabouts until we constructed one not too far away from this location, at Stribling Road," Barnes said. "From just the data we've looked at, it is safer in that the accidents are less severe and there are fewer accidents, given that people are generally moving at a slower speed."

WATCH BELOW: Wellington plans roundabout for dangerous intersection

The village said the roundabout's larger diameter will accommodate trucks and horse trailers an important consideration given the area's equestrian community.

Barnes said the village is also focused on keeping the intersection accessible while construction is underway.

"Keeping the intersection open and accessible during the construction is key, and we try and achieve as much of that as possible by phasing it," Barnes said.

Barnes said project updates are posted on the village's website.

We want to be your voice and help you find solutions.

While we hold our monthly Let's Hear It meet-ups, we know many are not able to attend, but we still want to hear from you and start taking action to get you answers. You can e-mail us at LetsHearIt@wptv.com.

Emiliana Fuger's love for sea turtles began after her parents took her to a sea turtle nest excavation site.

The fourth grader at Western Academy Charter School in Wellington has now used that curiosity to become a published author and sea turtle advocate.

WATCH:

The idea for a book began while she was working on her science fair project; she wanted to study the internal anatomy of sea turtles, but during her research, she quickly learned there weren't any children's books to help.

"I didn't think I was going to be able to do my project all I could find was college textbooks," Emiliana said.

Using college textbooks and partnering with local marine biologists, Emiliana gathered the information she needed to complete her project and was inspired to write her own children's book about what she learned.

The book, titled

, helps young readers learn anatomy, conservation, and scientific curiosity. Emiliana even built a loggerhead sea turtle model to showcase the internal anatomy sea turtles.

Emiliana's book will live on forever in the Library of Congress, where generations of kids can continue to learn the inner workings of a sea turtle.

"We are just so so proud of her and can't wait to see what's next," Emiliana's mom, Stefany Allongo, said.

The 9-year-old now gives "Turtle Talks" at local schools and nonprofit organizations to continue sharing her love of marine science with other kids all across the state.

Emiliana won the 2025 Wavemakers Science Competition, was a 2025 Go Blue Award Nominee, and will represent the state of Florida on a PBS Kids feature.

Her work doesn't stop here Emiliana is currently working on a Spanish version of her book, and she has also become snorkel certified.

A group of seniors in Wellington is keeping a classic New York street game alive, swinging rubber balls and reliving childhood memories on a South Florida parking lot turned ballfield.

A closed-off parking lot at Wellington's Village Park might as well be a side street in Brooklyn, Queens or any other place where the players of the Palm Beach Senior Stickball League grew up.

WATCH BELOW: Wellington seniors bring stickball back to South Florida

"It means more than most people would ever understand. This is our life as a kid," Barry Davis of the Palm Beach Senior Stickball League said.

Now in its 24th year, the league features players with various skills. They get together once a week for 9-inning games that usually take about an hour to play.

Bouncing a rubber ball to a hitter with a lean stickball bat, the hitters are limited to three swings, and hits are determined by automatic boundaries, and caught balls are outs.

"Sunnyside Queens, I was probably 10," said John Huston about when he started playing.

At Friday's game, the Legends defeated the Outkasts in the championship game.

"I enjoy it, makes me smile, it makes me laugh, I really, really enjoy it," Huston, who plays for the Legends, said.

Many of the players come from neighborhoods across New York City and stopped playing after their teenage years, only to take it up now in South Florida.

"I can remember playing in Brownsville. We had a small schoolyard right behind my apartment building," said Artie Kret.

The league plays both a summer and winter schedule in Wellington.

Click here to learn more about the league.

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.

We want to be your voice and help you find solutions.

While we hold our monthly Let's Hear It meet-ups, we know many are not able to attend, but we still want to hear from you and start taking action to get you answers. You can e-mail us at LetsHearIt@wptv.com.

The Village of Wellington has become the first municipality in the area to publicly oppose Project Tango a proposed hyperscale AI data center near homes and a school in Palm Beach County's western communities.

Wellington's mayor and town council sent a letter to Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez asking him to support state legislation that would "provide essential guardrails for hyperscale data center development that can pose significant risks."

WATCH:

The move comes ahead of the end of Florida's legislative session and follows months of opposition from residents across the western communities.

Wellington's Mayor Michael Napoleone said the village's equestrian identity is central to its concerns.

"We are the winter equestrian capital of the world, and we are concerned that the noise and vibrations it might generate could impact our equestrian community, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars every year," the mayor said.

Residents like Rachel Smith have been vocal in their opposition to the project, confronting county leaders directly.

"At what point did our elected officials forget that they work for us?" Smith said.

Smith and other neighbors have raised concerns about the unknown effects of a hyperscale data center so close to residential areas.

"Nobody wants to live next to a data center," Smith said.

Other residents have raised concerns about the impact on animals.

"I'm concerned about my horses hearing that sound all day long. They're going to be going crazy," one Royal Palm Beach resident said.

The mayor said Wellington's decision to speak out goes beyond its own borders.

"When we call ourselves the western communities, we are a community. So we care about what happens out in Arden, in that area, even if you're not one of the residents," the mayor said.

Full letter from Wellington to Speaker Perez:

More of WPTV's coverage of Project Tango below:

Those over 55 in Wellington have access to a free ride-sharing program designed to help them get around town and access essential services.

The FreeBee Rides program is a free, unlimited, on-demand shuttle service for residents in the Village of Wellington.

WATCH:

It is available to residents 55 and older. It provides transportation anywhere within Wellington boundaries, to Palms West Hospital and surrounding medical offices, along US-441 from Southern Boulevard to Lake Worth Road, and along both sides of Southern Boulevard between State Road 7 and Flying Cow Road.

The service runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The program does not operate on Sundays or on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

To be eligible, riders must be 55 or older and a resident of Wellington. To register, eligible residents must visit the Wellington Community Center at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard and bring a photo ID and a water or utility bill for a one-time registration.

Residents can also email their information to rides@wellingtonfl.gov.

Once registered, riders can call dispatch at 855-918-3733 or download the FreeBee app to request a ride. Rides are available for same-day service with an average wait time of 15 minutes. Riders can also schedule trips up to five days in advance.

Jennifer Brito, the community services director, said the program has made a significant impact since launching.

"We've given the seniors the ability and be able to socialize, but also to be able to access the programs and services," Brito said. "We have three cars, which helps with wait times. Since May 2024, we've been able to offer 18,823 rides."

The FreeBee ride-share service is also available in Fort Pierce and Delray Beach.

Wellington's summer camp registration is already drawing a crowd more than 160 kids have signed up since registration opened this week, and the village says remaining spots are disappearing quickly.

Registration for 13- to 15-year-olds opens Friday, with only 40 spots available. If past years are any indication, those slots could be gone within the hour.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

Each age group has a set number of spots. Once they're filled, registration closes and for some groups, that happens in the first 60 minutes.

Athletic program manager Ryan Hagopian said the demand has grown because of what the camp offers.

"So the first year we went to an online registration, it was pretty much just open, you know, to everybody. And it sold out. Each age group sold out within minutes," Hagopian said.

Hagopian said the full-day experience is a big part of why families keep coming back.

The village has made changes in recent years to make the process fairer. Registration is now online through the village's civic rec system, and Wellington residents get a 24-hour priority window before spots open to non-residents.

Resident Kylie Plevin remembers what registration used to be like before those changes.

"There was probably, I would say, about 100 people, 50 to 100, probably more like 75 to 100 people in front of me," Plevin said.

Plevin said the old in-person-only system left her empty-handed after a long wait.

"I was pretty frustrated. I waited for hours to just even get up there, and by the time I got there, it was already all taken," Plevin said.

That was 2 years ago. Since then, the shift to online registration has made the process more accessible but no less competitive.

Families can register for one week, multiple weeks, or all 10 weeks of camp. Residents pay $185 a week. Non-residents pay $210 a week.

Hagopian said the camp fills a real need for families.

"Because I know summer camp is a need. It's not always just a want," Hagopian said.

Hagopian encourages families to register as early as possible.

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.

Nearly 7,000 residents of the Arden community could soon find themselves living in Wellington, without moving an inch.

Arden is currently located in unincorporated Palm Beach County, but Wellington is exploring annexing the community, along with other nearby properties, as part of a broader land use agreement.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

For weeks, Wellington has tried to annex land along Southern Boulevard. The county has already approved a plan for more than 500 homes, called Artistry Lakes, once development begins.

The county opposes annexation, arguing the land isn't urban enough and isn't connected to Wellington, so it doesn't meet legal requirements.

Now, both sides are exploring a new interlocal service boundary agreement, which was discussed at Thursday night's meeting.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes said the agreement is designed to help local governments work together on a range of issues before they become problems.

"It is a way that local governments can work with each other, not only specific to annexation, but really covering a host of other issues, whether it's traffic, whether it's service provision, water and sewer, what have you. Anything related to that land use process and allows local governments to work collaboratively to try and address issues in advance of those issues happening," Barnes said.

The agreement also looks "to facilitate the future annexation of Artistry Lakes and other adjacent property."

Those other properties Arden, with nearly 7,000 residents, and the proposed site for a hyperscale AI data center known as Project Tango represent more land than Wellington originally wanted to annex.

Arden resident Ben Brown said the timing of the push is interesting and that he's hearing mixed reactions from neighbors.

"People are concerned about the property tax value, but also understand that the services are better out there in Wellington, even the reputation is very well known," Brown said.

Barnes said Project Tango did not factor into the agreement, but it is something the village is monitoring.

On the question of services, Barnes said most, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and fire rescue, wouldn't change significantly if the properties are annexed.

"The village of Wellington has a higher level of service than the adjacent unincorporated area. So generally speaking, any annexed properties would benefit from that enhanced level of service that the village provides," Barnes said.

Discussions about the future of these properties are still underway something Brown and other Arden residents say they'll be keeping a close eye on.

"I think it's a lot more information we need to find out, but something that's very interesting," Brown 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.

Justin Hicks has spent most of his life on the golf course first as a student of the game, then as a professional, and now as a teacher. This week, the Wellington resident is stepping back into the spotlight as a competitor in the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.

For Hicks, golf has always been a part of who he is.

WATCH BELOW: Wellington golfer looks to make history at the Cognizant Classic

"I grew up in Michigan, in the Detroit area. My parents introduced me to the game when I was pretty young," Hicks said.

That early introduction paid off. Hicks rose through the ranks as one of Michigan's top junior golfers before starring on the University of Michigan's golf team from 1994 to 1997. After graduating, he turned pro.

His professional career spans 116 PGA Tour events, with 54 cuts made, 25 professional wins, and a PGA Tour card secured in 2011 that helped him compete in seven major championships.

"I was fortunate enough to play on the PGA Tour. My last year out there was 2016," Hicks said.

Among those majors was a memorable appearance at the 2008 U.S. Open a tournament that has become part of golf lore.

"I think most people, when they think of me, think of me as the guy from the 2008 US Open. It's the one when Tiger (Woods) and Rocko (Mediate) had the playoff. I led the tournament after the first round at three under par," Hicks said.

"I played in the Open Championship, which is known as the British Open here in the States," Hicks said.

Now 51, Hicks has transitioned into a new chapter of his golf life. He serves as a PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge in Boca Raton and competes in the Senior PGA division a role he has embraced with the same competitive drive that defined his earlier career. He was named the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year.

"It's a lot of fun, you know it's tough because it's a big challenge, you know? With the speed those guys bring. Now that I'm spending a lot of time teaching as opposed to playing, I'm not able to train as much as I'd like to," Hicks said.

As he prepares to compete in his first Cognizant Classic, Hicks has a special source of motivation watching from the gallery.

"I've got a 14-year-old son, and I've been able to take him to some of these events too, and he's been able to see some of these guys and meet these guys too. Now my sons are trying to beat me also, so it's pushing me to stay competitive as well," Hicks 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.

A mother's grief has transformed into a powerful advocacy campaign for school safety nearly one year after her 13-year-old son died in a tragic bicycle accident outside Woodlands Middle School in Wellington.

Kristina Coggin spoke to WPTV for the first time since losing her son, Landon, during a dedication ceremony held in his honor at the school.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:

The eighth-grader died after crashing his bike after school and falling into traffic near the school campus.

"I knew how much he was loved at home by his family and his friends, but I didn't know how well loved he was around this school," Coggin said, pausing with a deep sigh during the emotional ceremony.

Since the tragedy, Coggin has met relentlessly with state and local representatives to push for safer infrastructure around schools.

Her advocacy has already yielded some results.

Coggin said in December, new signs went up along Lyons Road directing trucks to use the left lane and stay away from the right lane, which runs closer to sidewalks where students walk.

The family is now advocating for wider sidewalks and guardrails to separate students from busy roadways.

Her latest initiative involves creating a pedestrian bridge over the canal between Woodlands Middle School and Joaquin Garcia High School, allowing students to avoid the dangerous roadway where Landon lost his life.

"This shouldn't have happened. Kids should be able to ride their bikes and walk home from school. This could have been prevented," Coggin said.

A road study on the potential bridge should be completed by the end of February, with staff planning to bring the matter before the school board in March, according to family members.

The school dedicated its Fine Arts Hallway in Landon's honor, located outside the choir room where he loved to sing.

"It's such a central part of our school. That's where we all enter, that's where we all exit," said Danielle Fuente, Landon's chorus teacher.

"Every single student walks past that, every single teacher walks through there to start our day and to end our day. It's just a beautiful thing because now he's not forgotten."

Fuente said the school has collected a binder of letters from students and staff, sending copies to state representatives to help get safety measures approved.

"Please help us, please keep our kids safe. This was something that was unspeakable grief," Fuente said. "Not only did we lose one of our own, but busloads of students witnessed that happen, and that's something no one should have to see, especially middle schoolers."

"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 Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections wrongly told voters a candidate running for a Wellington Village Council seat had withdrawn from the race, according to a voter information card WPTV obtained from peoples mail-in ballots.

An official from the Supervisor of Elections office claims the printer retyped the notice after the correct proofs were sent to Commercial Printing, a contractor based in Fort Lauderdale.

WATCH: Candidate says she doesn't buy Supervisor of Elections' excuse

The contractor declined to comment on the topic after WPTV obtained copies of the correct proofs sent to the company last week. An official from the office said a staff member responsible for proofreading the printed notice then missed the error before sending out the cards.

The card sent to voters says: "A candidate in the race for the office of Council Member - Seat #3 Wellington has withdrawn such that: A vote cast for Lauren Brody will not count."

However, the card is incorrect because Lauren Brody is still running for the seat. She said she doesnt believe the offices explanation that the printer retyped the notice.

I think that my chances of winning a billion-dollar lottery are greater than the chance of a printer sticking the word not in front of the word count, Brody said. I think that is a completely unacceptable excuse.

The card correctly identifies that voters can vote for Brody in Spanish. But the language at the top identifies a candidate that dropped out as Brody, who is the only woman running for the seat. (Paulo Santana did drop out of the race.)

PHOTO OF CARD WITH ERROR AFTER BRODY'S NAME:

Brody said she was surprised to learn about the card incorrectly identifying her as dropping out because her vote-by-mail ballot didnt contain the notice. She said she learned about the wrongly printed card after a neighbor and other supporters reached out with pictures.

My heart dropped, Brody said. I couldnt believe it. I read it 10 times. I thought, this cant really be happening. How can this be happening to me? Ive been working so hard and now the Supervisor of Elections is telling voters a vote for me doesnt count.

She said she reached out to WPTV when she couldnt immediately get in contact with anybody from the Supervisor of Elections office, after calling the phone line reserved for candidates.

Brody told WPTVs Ethan Stein that she believes the card creates a disadvantage for her campaign even though it was only sent to 170 people, because the card is being posted on various social media platforms.

It puts me at a huge disadvantage, Brody said. This is going to be a race won by a small margin. We dont expect a lot of voters to come out. This race could be won by a handfulThe problem with this card is that once they send it out. they lose all control on who sees it.

She said she wants the Supervisor of Elections to contact all eligible voters in Wellington about the mistake in a letter because the incorrect information is being spread on social media, as well as put out in a press release and notice on their website.

Brody said she also wants the Village of Wellington to contact voters about the mistake along with a full audit and investigation into the Supervisor of Elections office.

"We want to assure all candidates and voters that we take this matter extremely seriously," said Alison Novoa, a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office. "Our review confirms that this was solely a case of human error, with no malintent or misconduct involved. We have addressed this issue directly with our printer and implemented new safeguards to ensure that all future notices are inserted exactly as approved."

The Supervisor of Elections office added: "Any ballots returned by affected voters before we can reach them will be securely segregated and remain unopened until voter contact is made, or until 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 10, 2026."

A spokesperson declined to allow WPTV to record a conversation for broadcast purposes with Wendy Sartory Link (D), the Supervisor of Elections for Palm Beach County. An official said the office is only contacting around 170 voters who received the inaccurate information.

The official said on Monday theyve made contact with 48 people after texting, calling and emailing voters. The official said it felt terrible about the mistake and said it doesnt know how the printer retyped the notice incorrectly, saying it doesnt generally happen.

"We are confident that we will reach every affected voter and ensure their vote is properly cast and counted for the candidate of their choice," the office said. "All VotebyMail packets mailed going forward will contain the corrected notice with accurate information."

New public meetings are scheduled for a controversial Palm Beach County road extension project that has faced debate and litigation for about two decades.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced two dates this month for public comment, one virtual and the other in person, for the proposed extension of State Road 7 from Okeechobee Boulevard to Northlake Boulevard.

Meeting dates are as follows:

The latest updates on the FDOT website said the total project would cost $137.6 million and be completed in two phases, with the first beginning in Spring 2028 from Okeechobee Boulevard north to 60th Street. This phase would cost an estimated $43.4 million with a completion date of Spring 2031.

First Phase would include the following:

The second phase is scheduled to start in Fall 2028 from 60th Street to Northlake Boulevard. This phase would cost an estimated $94.2 million with a completion date of Fall 2031.

Second Phase would include the following:

Latest details from FDOT on the project:

According to FDOT, there would be short-term, temporary detours for the construction of connections to Orange Grove and Persimmon boulevards. Both will be limited to one weekend each and will not occur at the same time, according to officials. Business and resident access would be maintained throughout construction.

FDOT has long said the project is needed to provide a shorter route for north-south drivers as Palm Beach County's western communities continue to grow.

"Data shows an increase in population by 50% from 2015- 2045 and a job growth increase of 73%," FDOT says on the project website. "Three new developments in western Palm Beach County, including Avenir, Minto West, and Indian Trails Grove, [rely] on the SR 7 extension to accommodate their trips."

The city of West Palm Beach has fought the extension for years, spending millions over concerns that the project would harm the nearby Grassy Waters Preserve, the main source of the city's drinking water supply.

A judge ruled last year that the project could finally move forward. However, the city of West Palm Beach quickly appealed that ruling.

Read more of WPTV's coverage of the State Road 7 extension project:

A dangerous Wellington intersection that has been the site of multiple crashes could soon be transformed with a new roundabout, despite some residents questioning whether the solution will address the real safety issues.

The intersection of Lake Worth Road and 120th Avenue has a troubling history of crashes that residents say have become expected rather than rare.

WATCH BELOW: Wellington plans roundabout for dangerous intersection

Village council leaders are moving forward with plans to replace the current four-way stop with a roundabout, following concerns raised by residents at a recent community meeting.

"I just witnessed an accident last week," said Alyssa Schuve, a Wellington resident. "There was a 4-year-old in the car. Thankfully, the child was okay. ... We've passed many accidents (at this intersection)."

The intersection has been problematic for years, according to residents we listened to at a Let's Hear It event held in Wellington last week.

In 2010, the area was the site of a fatal drowning that involved polo mogul John Goodman and the death of 23-year-old Scott Wilson.

During a Wellington council meeting in March, county engineers presented their solution to convert the four-way stop into a roundabout. Village council officials say the roundabout would reduce crashes, improve traffic flow and add pedestrian safety features.

"The project's designed to provide long-term safety and operational improvements to the intersection," officials said during the council meeting.

However, some residents remain skeptical that a roundabout will solve the underlying problems.

"They've kind of made up their mind that it's going to be a traffic circle," Schuve said. "I know the traffic circle that was built, there's accidents at that traffic circle too because it's a matter of people having to yield."

Residents say congestion during peak tourism season creates additional safety hazards.

"You get a lot of frustrated drivers," said Jarrett Schuve, another Wellington resident. "They want to jump the stop sign, squeezing between a car that's coming."

The project has been approved, with design and construction expected to be completed by December 2026. However, currently, there is no construction visible at the location.

For families with teenage drivers, the intersection remains a source of anxiety.

"We have a 16-year-old driver, we just try and be careful," Alyssa Schuve said. "If you're not paying attention and you don't slam on the brakes, you're going to hit someone."

The engineering contract for the project costs about $250,000.

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.

WPTV kicked off February by connecting with the community through a series of engagement events.

The first of four "Let's Hear It" events this month took place on Wednesday in Wellington, where our team is meeting with residents to hear their concerns and stories.

Many people have come to voice their traffic and driving concerns to WPTV traffic reporter Johann Hoffend at the event.

Jennifer Christiansen Vurno came to talk about Project Tango, voicing her concerns with the water and energy resources the data center would take.

Project Tango is a proposed AI data center in Palm Beach County. The project would convert more than 200 acres into what developers describe as a "modern hyperscale AI facility" spanning 1.8 million square feet, along with 1.9 million square feet of warehouse space. The proposed location sits between Southern Boulevard and the 20 Mile Bend, directly adjacent to protected environmental land.

Three additional community events are planned throughout February as part of WPTV's ongoing effort to connect with viewers across the region.

We want to be your voice and help you find solutions.

While we hold our monthly Let's Hear It meet-ups, we know many are not able to attend, but we still want to hear from you and start taking action to get you answers. You can e-mail us at LetsHearIt@wptv.com.

Five horse manure haulers are accusing two Palm Beach County municipalities of unfairly steering business to a competitor, according to a letter WPTV obtained.

These companies, who work to address an estimated 50,000 tons of horse manure in the area, said recent regulatory actions could cause them to go out of business. Their accusations against the company, Agricultural Blending Company, came after WPTV uncovered records showing Village of Wellington staff helped the companys owner create the business and lobby on it behalf to circumvent local zoning laws.

WATCH:

It has come to the attention of manure haulers, agricultural producers, and members of the public that hauling operations serving equestrian facilities are being steeredexplicitly or implicitlytoward depositing manure loads at a single private facility commonly referred to as ABC, notwithstanding the existence of multiple agricultural farms that openly and lawfully accept manure as a beneficial agricultural input, wrote the haulers.

The Village of Wellington said in a written statement that the haulers assertion of steering haulers to one location is incorrect. The village wrote in an email that it applied regulations uniformly and arent designed to advantage or disadvantage any particular business. However, Village Manager Jim Barnes wrote he remained open to discussing regulatory requirements with haulers.

The Village remains committed to transparency, fair enforcement, and open communication, he wrote in a written statement. We are always willing to discuss regulatory requirements with haulers, agricultural operators, and residents to ensure clarity and compliance, but we do not, and will not, interfere with lawful private business choices.

WATCH BELOW: Village helped developer's son circumvent zoning rules, records show

Justin Hickey, who owns a manure hauling company, said the Village of Wellington no longer allows him to deliver unprocessed material directly to farms. He said hes being forced to use a list of approved facilities, who can then charge dump fees ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. Hickey said these facilities can then process the material into top soil. He doesnt understand why his company cant do the same process or at least deliver the unprocessed material directly to other places like farms.

Whats the difference between him and us taking it to the farms, Hickey said to WPTVs Ethan Stein. Youre trying to control us and not him.

Hickey said he doesnt know why his company is on the list of approved facilities, which also includes the Alymra Company, Agricultural Blending Company and five other companies.

Agricultural Blending Company, according to state records, is owned by Matthew Bellissimo. Matthews father, Mark, is a well-known developer in Wellington that owns the land where Agricultural Blending Company operates in Wellington.

Hickeys complaints come after WPTV uncovered records showing the Village of Wellington sent Agricultural Blending Company a business plan to help dispose of or reuse the horse manure produced in Wellington and decrease illegal dumping. The plan even offered several possible locations, expenses and potential profits. But, village staff said in the plan that zoning regulations could stop any manure transfer plant.

"The Equestrian Overlay Zoning District (EOZD) does not currently allow a manure transfer station," the plan reads. "If the site selected is located in the EOZD, there would have to be some changes to the EOZD to allow the manure transfer station."

Emails WPTV village staff worked with the company to get an "agricultural" classification, which would allow it to operate on the property without a rezoning change. Village staff were attached to emails with Matthew Bellissimo, where he was working with FDEP employees to get the agency to classify his business as "agricultural and not industrial."

"It would be helpful if in the language of the registration that FDEP could include verbiage referencing that our business function is in the eyes of DEP, is 'Agricultural' and not 'Industrial,'" Matthew Bellissimo told FDEP.

"It would be appreciated if FDEP could reiterate in writing, what was already mentioned verbally, that this process could serve as an effective substitute so that we remain a 'Mixing Station' and not a 'Transfer Station' in the registration letter."

Bellissimo then forwarded FDEP's response to village employee Michael Dell in an email dated April 15, 2022.

Hickey and Paulo Santana believe Agricultural Blending Company filed complaints with various local government and government agencies. The company, Agricultural Blending Company, declined to comment on this report.

Paulo Santana, who showed WPTV his facility with mounds of wood chips and manure as tall as seven feet, said his operation has completely stopped after being given a Stop Work Order from the town of Loxahatchee Groves. He said the towns actions have started costing him money and believes the regulations arent fair because his operation is just as agricultural as Agricultural Blending Company.

I see everybody being close to bankruptcy, Santana said. Between paying diesel, labor, all the taxes and the dump fees: You can not give that price back to the customer. We are literally since the last year paying to work and trust me hauling horseshit isnt a fun business.

Francine Ramaglia, who is the Town Manager for Loxahatchee Groves, said it requires haulers to collect waste from out of town within parameters set forth by the health department and the state for protecting the water supply.

Our goal is simply to support the rural lifestyle we all cherish, she wrote in an email Because Loxahatchee Groves is such a unique community where virtually all of our homes and farms rely on private wells and septic systems, we have a responsibility to protect our water supply.

She also said there are no designated sites in the Town.

WPTV is connecting with you in your community!

In February, we are visiting four locations each Wednesday at our Let's Hear It meet-ups.

To start the month, we were at the Village Park Athletics Complex in Wellington on Feb. 4, the North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens on Feb. 11 and the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens in Port St. Lucie on Feb. 18.

To wrap up the month, we'll be in Boca Raton on Feb. 25:

We want to be your voice and help you find solutions.

While we hold our monthly Let's Hear It meet-ups, we know many are not able to attend, but we still want to hear from you and start taking action to get you answers. You can e-mail us at LetsHearIt@wptv.com.

For months, WPTV has been listening to frustrated drivers all across Palm Beach County about speed cameras in school zones

The cameras are popping up in communities all across the area.

WATCH BELOW: Money grab or safety tool? We took your questions to Wellington officials

In Wellington, Mary McLean reached out to WPTV reporter Christy Waite after she said she was ticketed when the lights weren't flashing near Wellington Landings Middle School.

After our story aired, McLean told us that her ticket was dismissed and she would not have to attend a hearing to dispute it.

Since then, WPTV has been sorting through messages from viewers. We took your questions directly to Village Manager Jim Barnes in a nearly 40-minute one-on-one interview.

Many people in the area want to know why the village needs to have speed cameras at school zones. Barnes tells us the Wellingtons School Zone Safety Program is designed to enhance safety around our school by cracking down on speeding, crashes, deaths and injuries.

Since the cameras were installed in September, the village has issued 14,337 citations:

Barnes said some of the hot spots are Polo Park Middle School and near Wellington High School. He said based on the numbers, the cameras are doing their job. He hopes the cameras force drivers to change their behavior behind the wheel and not speed.

Other community members questioned why the village doesn't use police officers to monitor the school zones. Barnes said the use of law enforcement would inflate law enforcement's budget, and the cameras are a more efficient way of making sure school zones stay safe.

WPTV spoke with Lauren Brody, who is running for Village Council Seat 3 and drives through multiple school zones a day. She tells us the cameras have forced her to change her driving route because she doesn't trust they will work the way they are supposed to.

Residents are also asking the village to provide more transparency when it comes to where the money goes after they pay their ticket. Some people are calling the program a "money grab" for the village. The village tells us the camera system is entirely funded by paid violations, and the cameras are provided by the vendor, Jenoptik, at no cost to the village.

The village provided a breakdown of where funds are allocated once a ticket is paid off. Barnes said the money is not being used for other projects, and it all goes back to the safety program.

A $100 citation is broken down by:

Complaints were also coming in about a speed discrepancy in the cameras. Barnes confirmed that there is a speed discrepancy in the cameras and it is less that 1 mph. Barnes said those citations were not sent out.

Earlier this month, the village released this statement to us:

Barnes said no other changes will be made to school zones. He is reminding drivers to be mindful of the cameras and that nothing has changed.

"School zones haven't changed, the times of the school zones haven't changed, the posted speeds haven't changed. We are just enforcing it," Barnes said.

The Village of Wellington said if drivers have any other questions, concerns or want more information on why they were ticketed, please reach out to them.

In life, we all have to take a leap of faith, and Julian Granison did just that.

"I was physically thrown into the water, and since then it's called me, I guess," said Granison.

WATCH: Swimmer looking to compete on the world stage in 2028

Granison has traveled the world swimming against some of the most elite competitors. However, it wasn't until two years ago at Wellington High School that he realized he was among the best in the world.

"My first states, I would say. I dove in, I was like, dang, I'm pretty good, and I just kept pushing in practice," said Granison.

While he didn't place at the state tournament his first year, he practiced and practiced. Then, in his junior year, his work paid off.

"That was an amazing meet for me, that's where I got first place in freestyle, and I also got a personal best in everything. It was an amazing meet, and my boys won both relays, 400 and two free," said Granison.

Now with a state crown under his belt, this class of 2027 standout is looking to compete on the world stage in 2028.

"It's really exciting, I did go to the Olympic Trials in 2024, but I didn't get to go, so now I'm going to push for 2028," said Granison.

While it's a tall task to qualify for the Olympics, the fourth-ranked swimmer in the state of Florida believes he learned from previous mistakes and has what it takes to represent Team USA.

"There were a couple of meets where I was like, dang, I did mess up on that, like my start or maybe my underwaters, that is something I want to keep practicing on more.," said Granison.

As the presence of speed cameras in school zones increase around Palm Beach County, WPTV is listening to your thoughts and frustrations about their effectiveness.

WPTV reporter Christy Waite has been speaking with those in Wellington, where speed zone cameras were implemented last fall, and some claim they have been unfairly ticketed and that the signage is confusing.

WATCH:

Mary McClean travels through the Wellington Landings Middle School zone multiple times each day and has had a negative experience with these cameras, having gotten a ticket for speeding when she thought the cameras weren't active.

McClean got a ticket along Aero Club Drive at 8:35 a.m., where signs show that a camera is enforced and that the speed limit is 20 mph when flashing. However, the ticket was issued when the lights were not flashing, and states she was driving 35 mph in a 20 mph zone.

According to the Village of Wellington's website, the cameras are supposed to be active from 8:35 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. to 4:35 p.m. but the signs don't reflect that time. Drivers also say there is confusion about what the actual speed limit is along the road due to the lack of signage.

Waite took McClean's concerns to Wellington, and signs are now changed to reflect the times shown on the village's website.

Wellington released this statement regarding the signs:

WPTV drove through every school zone in the village to document the signs. People we spoke to say they would like to see more signs leading up to New Horizons and Polo Park Middle School.

GPS in the area notifies of the speed cameras; however, the location of the warning and where the camera actually is varies.

McClean and other residents say they plan on disputing their tickets, especially with the updated signs. Residents are hopeful that clearer signs will continue to keep our students safe.

Read more of WPTV's coverage of school speed zones:

A Wellington homeowner is stuck in limbo with Florida's My Safe Florida Home program after what appears to be a technical glitch prevented her from completing her grant application for a new roof.

Selena Burnett contacted me because she wasn't having much luck getting through to anyone in Tallahassee who would listen to her problem. She applied for the program a couple of months ago, hoping to get a grant to help replace her 23-year-old roof on her home.

WATCH BELOW: My Safe Florida Home problems: Resident struggles to 'get through to anyone'

"What I can't do is get through to anyone to listen to me," Burnett said.

The issue started when Burnett said she believes she made a mistake on her application. When trying to add her husband as an additional household member, the system wouldn't accept his information.

"There had to be (a glitch) because they're asking me for additional household members. I'm entering my husband's name, and it won't take it," Burnett said.

This technical problem has left Burnett watching as her neighbors receive their grants and have their work completed while she remains stuck in the system.

"I'm stuck, and they're telling me that there's nothing they can do, no changes, no omissions. It's just sorry, and (my) application can't move forward," Burnett said.

Burnett's situation reflects the difficulties many homeowners have experienced with the My Safe Florida Home program. However, there may be hope on the horizon.

On Monday, lawmakers filed Senate Bill 1148, which aims to allow homeowners in certain situations to reapply for grants where current rules prevent them. The bill could provide relief for people like Burnett who have been caught in administrative complications.

Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week, and the My Safe Florida Home program is expected to return later this year, potentially with new rules that could address some of these ongoing issues.

A new state-of-the-art aquatics center is now open in Wellington.

Located at Village Park, 3410 120th Ave. S, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday.

The facility includes:

The aquatics center is open at the following times:

Labor Day to Memorial Day (fall, spring and winter):

Memorial Day to Labor Day (summer):

The village said that water temperatures will be maintained at 83-85 degrees in the recreation pool and 79-80 degrees in the Olympic pool.

Resident

Non-Resident

Click here to learn more about membership prices.

Music legend Billy Joel made a surprise appearance at The Village of Wellington's 30th anniversary of its incorporation, delighting residents and visitors as the village rang in the new year.

Joel joined Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel on the amphitheater stage for an impromptu two-song set that organizers called an unforgettable highlight of the evening.

The celebration, held to mark 30 years since residents incorporated Wellington on Dec. 31, 1995, combined music, family activities and community tributes.

As Wellington ushered in 2026, the event drew families, community partners and longtime residents who came together to honor the villages history and its commitment to local decision-making and preserving quality of life.

According to the village's Facebook post, Joels brief performance alongside the tribute band was a spontaneous moment that electrified the crowd and underscored the festive tone of the anniversary celebration.

Turnstiles, known for recreating the sound and stage presence of Joels catalog, provided the main set, and Joels guest appearance added a rare personal touch for fans.

Thirty years after incorporation, Wellington officials said the villages founding principles, that local choices are best made locally and that preserving the communitys character matters, continue to guide planning and public life.

The anniversary event aimed to celebrate those roots while looking ahead to the villages future growth and community initiatives.

Organizers thanked residents, families and community partners for joining the milestone celebration. The village closed the release with a birthday message to Wellington and a note of optimism for the years to come.