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Treasure Coast's Year in Review: A Look at 2025's Biggest Stories

Treasure Coast, USAMonday, December 29, 2025
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2025 was quite a year for the Treasure Coast, packed with events that kept everyone talking. From protests to political drama, and even some shocking crimes, there was never a dull moment. Let's dive into some of the biggest stories that shaped the year.

Protests and Political Drama

No Kings Protest

  • Location: Vero Beach
  • Date: October 18th
  • Attendance: Over 3,000 people

Ryan Routh Trial

  • Charges:
  • Attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate
  • Possessing a firearm as a felon
  • Verdict: Guilty on all five charges

Government Shutdown Impact

  • Start Date: October 1st
  • Affected Services:
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Vero Beach
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Demand Surge: Up to 80,000 people needing assistance

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

  • Effects:
  • Seven HUD contractors lost their jobs
  • USDA cut $1 billion in federal programs

City Elections

  • Election Date: November 4th
  • Cities:
  • Fellsmere
  • Fort Pierce
  • Ocean Breeze
  • Vero Beach
  • Runoff Election: January 13th (Fort Pierce)
  • Candidates: Chris Dzadovsky and Jaimebeth Galinis

St. Lucie County Stories

  • James Taylor:
  • Former Fort Pierce City Commissioner
  • Arrested and faces 22 felony charges
  • Erik LeVasseur:
  • Port St. Lucie Sgt.
  • Shot twice in the face while responding to a disturbance
  • Expected to survive, though may be blind

Indian River County Stories

  • Lake Mary Rams:
  • Stunned Vero Beach with a Hail Mary pass
  • Won the Class 7A state football championship
  • Linda Moore:
  • Vero Beach Vice Mayor
  • Florida Attorney General launched an investigation
  • Hosted a Pride Tea Dance at the Kilted Mermaid bar-restaurant

Martin County Stories

  • Stuart City Council:
  • Fired City Manager Michael Mortell without cause
  • Cleveland Clinic:
  • Closed Martin North Hospital's labor and delivery unit
  • Only hospital birthing service in Martin County

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