The Year in Review: How Investigative Reporting Shaped 2025 on the Treasure Coast
2025 proved to be a landmark year for accountability and community action across Indian River County and the wider Treasure Coast. Local journalism played a pivotal role in uncovering environmental violations, shaping public policy, and rallying community support for historic landmarks. From the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Milton to critical updates on local infrastructure, here is a breakdown of the major stories that defined the region this year.
Environmental Watchdogs in Indian River County
Significant environmental concerns took center stage in 2025, specifically regarding the protection of local wetlands and wildlife in Sebastian and Vero Beach.
One of the most startling investigations involved the illegal removal of mangroves on a 4.5-acre lot at 5200 93rd Lane in Sebastian. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched an investigation into the site after reports surfaced of wetlands filling and water pollution in the Indian River Lagoon. The inquiry revealed that a clearing crew member had falsely claimed affiliation with the Department of Transportation, even going so far as to erect fake signs using the DOT logo to mask the unauthorized work.
Simultaneously, the region saw a spike in gopher tortoise relocations due to a construction boom. A specific case highlighting this tension involved the potential development of the Ridge Top residential neighborhood by developer RSG. Located on 150 acres between Wabasso and Winter Beach, the site contains approximately 565 burrows.
If developer RSG of Vero Beach is allowed to build its Ridge Top residential neighborhood atop 565 burrows on 150 acres between Wabasso and Winter Beach, 283 gopher tortoises and countless other animals will lose their homes.
Vero Beach Infrastructure and Youth Policy
In Vero Beach, community efforts to restore the historic Humiston Park Boardwalk gained momentum. The boardwalk, which was undermined by Hurricane Nicole in 2022, faced a grim future until local advocacy shifted the narrative. Following critiques of the City Council’s initial decision not to replace the structure, a private fundraising campaign was launched. By mid-January 2025, $175,000 had been pledged, prompting the City Council to vote on studying a replacement, with a target completion date set for 2027.
On the legislative front, a bill requiring adults participating in youth sports to undergo fingerprinting and background checks was postponed. Championed by Sen. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) and Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), the requirement faced logistical hurdles and high costs for leagues and volunteers. The deadline for compliance has been delayed until July 2026 to allow the state time to streamline the process.
Regional Recovery and Safety Concerns
Across the wider Treasure Coast, residents continued to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. A year after the Category 3 storm and its preceding tornadoes damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, many residents were still in the process of rebuilding or relocating.
Safety on the roads also became a major topic of discussion following changes to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) pursuit policy. Investigations revealed a troubling trend following the agency’s decision to relax chase rules:
* Crash deaths involving FHP tripled.
* PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuvers doubled.
* The policy change allowed tactics previously considered too risky by national agencies, including driving on the wrong side of the road.
St. Lucie County: Waste and Governance
Neighboring St. Lucie County faced its own unique challenges that impacted the region. In Fort Pierce, residents and officials were alerted to “trash trains” hauling waste from Miami-Dade County to the Okeechobee landfill. Investigations uncovered that thousands of tons of waste were sitting in the Florida East Coast Railway yard in Fort Pierce for hours, creating significant odor issues for locals. This revelation prompted federal advocacy to move the trash transfer operations elsewhere.
Additionally, a collaboration between reporters revealed substantial structural deterioration in condominium buildings across the Treasure Coast. Following new milestone inspection requirements, reports highlighted the scale of damage in various condo communities, providing critical information for owners concerned about safety and property value.
