Skip to main content

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Pierce

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

🌱 Judge to decide death or life sentence in Fort Pierce murder

Fort Pierce, Florida Patch AM: a 5 min read

Coffee in hand, Fort Pierce? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Judge to decide death or life sentence in Fort Pierce murder
  • How a state law is fast‑tracking Fort Pierce’s biggest project
  • Why a high-profile OpenAI lawsuit is now in Fort Pierce court

Also on today's calendar: Christmas in July at Fur Ever Friends Market and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 93 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 74.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 92 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Judge to sentence Otto Lenke in 2021 Fort Pierce murder case (cbs12.com) — A St. Lucie County judge is set to decide Tuesday whether convicted killer Otto Lenke receives the death penalty or life in prison for murdering Fort Pierce motorcycle shop owner Richard Benson in 2021. Jurors previously recommended death after hearing graphic evidence, but the final call now rests with the judge at the St. Lucie County Courthouse.
   

2. State law limits Fort Pierce's control over proposed 913-unit condo development (wqcs.org) — A massive 913‑unit Causeway Cove condo project on Seaway Drive is advancing in Fort Pierce under Florida’s Live Local Act, sharply limiting the city’s control over its design and scale. Planning officials say they must approve it administratively if it meets code, even as board members question whether the state law was meant for a development this large.
   

3. OpenAI lawsuit lands in Fort Pierce federal court before Judge Aileen Cannon (wqcs.org) — A major tech-related consumer protection lawsuit against OpenAI has landed in the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce, where Judge Aileen Cannon will decide whether it stays in federal court or returns to Highlands County. Florida’s attorney general alleges ChatGPT mishandled children’s data and misled consumers, while OpenAI argues federal law is implicated. The court has not yet ruled on the state’s request to remand.
   

4. Florida hotel's storied history ties Sebastian Inn to Earl's Hideaway (heraldtribune.com) — A deep dive into local history traces how Fort Pierce developers helped build the Sebastian Inn and the Altadena Hotel, once landmarks overlooking the lagoon and port. The story follows the Altadena’s Fort Pierce ownership, its ties to today’s federal courthouse name, and how a Fort Pierce couple ultimately replaced the aging Sebastian Inn with Sportsman’s Lodge & Marina. It’s a nostalgic look at how regional tourism and nightlife evolved.
   

5. Fort Pierce resident joined WPTV Weather Spotter program to share beauty of South Florida skies (wptv.com subscription) — Fort Pierce resident Debbie Brateman is using her cell phone and love of sunsets to help WPTV track weather across South Florida as part of its First Alert Weather Spotter program. She says anyone in Fort Pierce with an interest in photography can join online and make a difference by sharing both severe conditions and everyday sky views with neighbors.
   

📸 Around Fort Pierce

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Pierce

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Fort Pierce Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Fort Pierce PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This longtime local family company (since 1972) has worked on several of my homes also for family and friends.
    They are very knowledgeable as well as friendly, very competitive with price and top notch finished installations of screen rooms, hurricane shutters… (Nextdoor Oleander Blvd)
  • I saw on YouTube that Ft.
    Pierce might be getting a DATA CENTER called Atlas Compute. If true, then this is a good opportunity for people in this area to get long lasting… (Nextdoor Spanish Lakes Blvd)
  • Cracker Barrel posted a job opening for Cook in Fort Pierce. Apply here.
  • Camping World posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate in Fort Pierce. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Pierce here.

Ok Fort Pierce! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The letter “R.” (Thank you Manuela A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Support These Local Businesses

+ Get My Business Found

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Pierce

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Fort Pierce

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.