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

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