STUART — A Martin County jury tomorrow will likely begin deliberating the case of former Jensen Beach pastor Rodney McGill and his wife, Shalonda McGill, accused of orchestrating a real estate scheme that ended in more than $1 million in foreclosed property from three unwitting investors.
After a week on the other side of the witness stand, the former pastor and real estate investment pitchman took the stand in his own defense Monday, telling a jury that unscrupulous mortgage brokers were the ones to blame for an alleged mortgage scheme that ruined the credit of the women he and Shalonda helped invest in local properties. (more…)

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…)

PORT ST. LUCIE — One year ago, a 6-year-old autistic boy was brought to the front of his classroom. He left moments later feeling like an outcast.

For many, he became a symbol of how children with autism are mistreated and misunderstood.

Some experts say the case of Alex Barton, who was voted out of his kindergarten classroom 14-to-2, brought about change and awareness of how autistic children are educated. Others say there still is a long way to go. (more…)

PORT ST. LUCIE — Residents near Faith Congregational Church won’t be seeing a cell phone tower by their homes in the future.

The Port St. Lucie City Council unanimously agreed Monday night to deny granting special exception to city zoning codes for a cell phone tower to be built at the church on the southeast corner of Savona and California boulevards. (more…)

MARTIN COUNTY — For Gary Guertin, the almost 68 miles of ocean that separate Stuart from Grand Bahama is not a divide, it’s a bridge.

And it’s an opportunity to capitalize on Stuart’s waterfront resources and promote the two destinations.

The general manager of the Harborage Yacht Club & Marina in Stuart has formed partnerships with marinas and resorts in the Bahamas in the hopes of attracting customers to Stuart as they travel out to sea. Others said partnerships with the Bahamas could be helpful if they brought business, although they were wary of the costs. (more…)

Real Radio’s The Love Doctors, Rich Dickerson and Glenn Curtis, will kick off their 15th Marathon Toy Drive today from Waldo’s Restaurant at the historic Driftwood Resort in Vero Beach and end Thursday at 88 Keys Piano & Tiki Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.

Joined by co-host Lexxus and producer Luke, the Love Docs will take calls nonstop at each location for 12 hours on WZZR 94.3 FM and WCZR 101.7 FM. They’re also streamed live at www.wzzr.com. (more…)