ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Lennar Homes, Inc. was granted a three-year development agreement Tuesday to put 325 homes on about 156 acres at the southeast corner of Silver Oaks Drive and Tilton Road in a move that drew heavy criticism from those living near the land.
County commissioners ultimately decided 4-1 that the proposal is about as good as they could get and decided this is not a precedent that could give developers expectations to extend other projects. The applicant agreed during the meeting to accept three years instead of five years to develop the project.
“I am not convinced you’re going to get a much better development on this property,” said Commissioner Chris Craft, who voted for the project along with Commissioners Doug Coward, Chris Dzadovsky and Paula Lewis. (more…)

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — After making changes, Dr. Abdul Raoof Shadani received county permission to build a 14,400 square foot mosque on Bell Avenue.

“This project meets or exceeds all of the land development code provisions,” said Johnathan Ferguson, the attorney representing Dr. Shadani.

Neighboring residents were upset but prepared for the county commissioners’ 5-0 vote at 1 a.m. Wednesday. Those in favor of the building cheered after the passage. (more…)

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Members of Muslim Friends of Florida International who are looking to build a mosque at the corner of Bell Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard in White City hope to have their prayers answered Tuesday.

The group, headed by Dr. Abdul Raoof Shadani, has worked with neighbors, including those in the Estates of Longwood Homeowners Association, to come to an agreement. The issue is how to best to build a structure for worship while appeasing concerns that it is too big for the 2.94-acre site.

Those living nearby have expressed concerns that the mosque could cause drainage problems and does not fit the neighborhood. (more…)

Michael DiTerlizzi

Lee Weberman

Since his loss to environmental activist Patrick Hayes in August, Weberman has found himself without employment in the middle of maybe the worst economic slump since the 1930s. (more…)

Karen Bartlett

A manager for the convenience store in the 8700 block of Southeast U.S. 1 told Martin County sheriff’s deputies on Monday that an employee reported a customer had stolen wine the day before.

When the manager checked surveillance video, she saw a woman pack four bottles of Beringer wine in her purse, according to a sheriff’s report. (more…)