FORT PIERCE — Two-time Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank might be the star of the upcoming movie Amelia, but Sally Chapman of Fort Pierce will be paying closer attention to co-stars Richard Gere and Virginia Madsen.

In the biopic about famed aviator Amelia Earhart, Gere portrays Chapman’s grandfather, George P. Putnam, and Madsen plays her grandmother, Dorothy Putnam. (more…)

You may have seen them on TV before, but not like this.

Former members of the 1970s musical group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Don Ciccone and Lee Shapiro, are teaming up on a new musical project.

Yet Ciccone, a St. Lucie County resident since 2001, and Shapiro, who lives in New Jersey, won’t be on stage together.
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PORT ST. LUCIE — One of the nation’s top film schools may be headed to the Treasure Coast to work with a Hollywood digital production spin-off and a cast of local college students.

Florida State University’s award-winning film school released a letter of intent Tuesday to partner with the Hobe Sound-based Wyndcrest Holdings LLC., which continues to work out a $30 million state and city incentives package for a 150,000-square-foot digital production studio that would be within the Tradition development.

“The direction they plan to take with the new studio in the development of innovative technologies and storytelling techniques is directly in line with the educational goals of The Film School,” said Frank Patterson, dean of the Florida State University College of Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts. “It’s a perfect match.”
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STUART — Aron Morlan didn’t think he’d even get into the studio audience for “The Price is Right” when he was vacationing with a few friends in California in June.

That same day, the 27-year-old Stuart resident was guessing the price of a diamond watch, spinning the giant wheel looking for that elusive $1 tile, and giving host Drew Carey a bear hug. (more…)

Andrea Nicolas (left), who is visiting from Georgia, and Eva Kinsey of West Palm Beach shed tears during the memorial tribute. (Sarah Grile / The Post)

See photos from the Fort Pierce event
More photos, video, full Michael Jackson coverage

FORT PIERCE — Gregory Barron Jr., just 21 months old, grinned up at his father, then turned and shuffled his sandal-clad feet sideways.

“Show your moonwalk. Show your moonwalk,” Gregory Barron Sr. said, laughing.

Barron and his son were among the throng of people that packed the historic Sunrise Theatre Tuesday to watch the televised memorial for Michael Jackson.

About 1,000 people came to the free event in downtown Fort Pierce. They sang, danced and clapped along to such Jackson favorites as “The way you make me feel,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.”

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By JOE CRANKSHOW
TCPalm.com

Popular morning radio talk show host, Ed Burchfield, 67, died Wednesday, ending a three-year battle with cancer.

Known as “Mr. Ed,” Burchfield had been a staple on local radio since 1983, said Greg Wyatt, vice president and general manager for WPSL/WSTU/WJNX radio.

Burchfield first appeared on WIRA 1400 AM of Fort Pierce in 1983 with a morning show, “Breakfast with Burchfield.” He moved to WPSL 1590 to take over the morning show that had been started by Greg and Carol Wyatt in 1994.

Burchfield was paired with newsman Charlie Neeld for more than 12 years, making them the longest-running radio duo on the Treasure Coast.

Breakfast with Burchfield was known for taking the show on the road. Whether it was in downtown Stuart or downtown Fort Pierce, or at Port St. Lucie public works facilities, WPSL’s “Breakfast with Burchfield” had been there. (more…)

Leggy Megan Fox, the Transformers actress who graduated from St. Lucie West’s Centennial High, shined on the red carpet for the Berlin premiere of Transformers 2.

Check out the buzz here.

JUPITER ISLAND — Rene Angelil, the husband of soon-to-be Jupiter Island resident Celine Dion, has been at the hospital for the past few days.

No one’s saying why, but there’s speculation he may have had heart surgery.

For more, click here.

VERO BEACH — A baseball-related organization is reportedly close to signing a five-year agreement for the use of Dodgertown.

County officials are declining to release the name of the proposed new tenant, although county officials previously met with Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner about the facility.

While the deal expected does not involve a Major League team, it leaves open the possibility of one using Holman Stadium for spring training in the future.
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You don’t have to win Home & Garden Television’s green home in Port St. Lucie to get an up-close look at the hydroponic garden and solar-power system.

The house, at the Tradition development, will be open for public tours April 20-June 6. Tickets are $15.

The domestic cable network built the 2,430-square-foot home for its second annual green home giveaway contest.

It’s one of a handful in Florida that has received platinum-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.