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…)

VERO BEACH — Indian River County Administrator Joe Baird was charged with driving under the influence Saturday night.

“I would like to apologize to the public and (Indian River County) commissioners and I will continue to work hard for the county,” Baird said Sunday. “This is a personal matter and I plan to handle it personally.” (more…)

STUART — A new handyman-service company is trying to help the community by offering free home repair services for those who need it most.

“I just hope I can actually get to the people that need help,” said David Noel, owner of Nomad Industries.

Noel started the Stuart-based company about a month ago after getting laid off from St. Lucie Pump & Water.
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It’s common to see Treasure Coast teens and preteens using cell phones for sending text messages and photos.

But it’s also becoming common for teens nationwide to send other things via their phones or computer Web cameras, including explicit and sexual photographs that have given the phenomenon a new name — sexting.

“It’s been going on for several years here. We just didn’t call it this,” said Detective Brian Broughton of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. “Now it has a little buzz word, but basically we’re referring to the same thing — when children would take nude pictures of themselves and send it to other children.”
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FORT PIERCE — Despite a sagging economy, graphic design using digital media is booming.

“Over 10,000 new jobs in graphic design become available in Florida each year,” said Jose Farinos, dean of advanced technology at Indian River State College. “And over 6,000 of them require a two-year college degree.”
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STUART — Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi said he wants County Administrator Duncan Ballantyne to resign on Tuesday to start a makeover of the county government.

“I asked Duncan for his resignation,” Ciampi said. “I think that we need change in our organization and I feel that change starts at the top. I want to get started right away.”

But Ballantyne’s fate remains uncertain because the four other commissioners said they did not want to immediately commit to keeping or firing him. (more…)

Some faux pas are unavoidable.

But wearing the same dress as another woman? Totally avoidable.

At least that’s what Andrew Jones thinks.

With that in mind, the Stuart resident recently launched DressRegistry.com, a Web site where women can post details about the frock they’ll wear to an upcoming event.

The idea is to avoid having a “fashion twin” at a charity ball or other shindig.

“Apparently, it’s humiliating whether it happens to an eighth-grade girl or to Laura Bush,” Jones said.

He bought the domain name eight years ago, after overhearing his wife and a friend discuss their attire for an upcoming gala.

Jones spent years developing a database engine to keep track of users’ dresses, working with the Indian River State College Business and Technology Incubator in Stuart. Finally, in mid-December, he rolled out a soft launch, just in time for the inaugural balls in Washington, D.C.

More than 500 women signed up to use the free registry for the balls, and the site attracted 92,000 unique visitors, Jones said.
Next, he wants to add fashion content to advise women on what jewelry to wear with what neckline, for example.

“It turns out women are going to the site to help influence their shopping,” he said.