The diligent journalists, investigative authors, and photographers have dedicated endless hours to keep the public informed. Through attending government proceedings, digging deep into the facts, and persistently requesting public records from officials, these news gatekeepers ensure that the masses can access the information they’re entitled to. Several impactful stories have resulted from this continuous effort at TCPalm, resonating in the communities that benefit from our unswayed journalism.
Take the example of Hurricane Milton. As Milton loomed ominously over the Gulf Coast of Florida, it was TCPalm that came forth as the beacon light of guidance for the anxious residents of Treasure Coast. They found pertinent information regarding the probable storm route, necessary protective measures for their homes, and miscellaneous information such as store timings, all in one place.
To supplement this coverage, live updates were shared as Milton embarked on its terrifying journey across the state. The aftermath was not ignored either; affected locales were visited immediately post-storm. Make no mistake, this wasn’t an odd storm article or two. Rather, a staggering number of over 170 local hurricane-related shines were produced in less than a fortnight.
TCPalm also dutifully chronicled the 2024 elections. They stayed up late to be the first to report the hotly contested local race results on election night. No stone was left unturned to secure follow-up interviews with the victors, in order to relay their future plans to the public.
Dedication to transparency was also evident, particularly after Governor DeSantis chose Keith Pearson as sheriff for St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. TCPalm chased this story relentlessly, in an effort to shed light on any opaque aspects of this appointment.
TCPalm’s annual ‘Giving Days’ series, a golden opportunity for environmental nonprofits focusing on clean water protection, especially for Indian River Lagoon, received noteworthy coverage. In just 2024 alone, TCPalm reported over $40,000 was raised through the 2023 campaign, and an impressive total exceeding $250,000 since the series inception in 2018. Additionally, in-kind donations were generously meted out.
In a quirky turn of events, Brian Barefoot, Indian River County School Board District 5 member, tendered his resignation upon changing residences. He jumped the gun, erroneously assuming that his relocation placed him outside his district. Despite later realizing his error and attempting to retract his resignation, Governor DeSantis had already selected a replacement, Kevin McDonald.
In Martin County, the Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative’s opposition to illuminating part of A1A on Hutchinson Island was given due prominence. Keith Burbank, the Watchdog Reporter for Martin County, successfully argued that this lighting would disturb sea turtles and contribute to light pollution. With the publication of his compelling report, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ceased their plans to install the lighting.
Underscoring the affordable housing crisis, reporter Lindsey Leake brought the continuously turned away applicants queued for the Treasure Coast-wide Section 8 to the forefront. She exposed the grim reality of local residents living in Section 8 housing, some having lingered patiently for an unfathomable average of 85 months.
Leake also ventured to shed light on a rarely examined issue – railway crossing malfunctions on the Treasure Coast. Her in-depth investigation revealed numerous occasions between 1995 and 2023 where the railroad crossings failed to activate. The concerning reality unearthed through this report supplemented her existing portfolio of investigative journalism.
To top that off, her comprehensive research further uncovered a disturbing statistic – in 2022 alone, the Brightline trains took more lives per mile in the U.S. than any other railroad company; it also held a grim record in Florida since its establishment in 2017.
As we can glean from these varied stories, TCPalm has served as an unwavering torchbearer of such objective journalism. They never shy away from their duty to inform the public, regardless of the subjects’ complexity or the possible consequences of their reporting.
In conclusion, through rigorous and dedicated commitment to facts and public awareness, TCPalm persistently cultivates a well-informed and accountable community, continually encouraging their audience to engage in the democratic process as thoughtful and educated citizens.