Crystal Vander Weit, TCPalm Journalist Profile

Articles

Gopher tortoises in preserve, conservation lands on Treasure Coast

1 week ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit |Kaila Jones

A gopher tortoise in Seabranch Preserve State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Martin County. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMA gopher tortoise forages for plants to eat off 53rd Avenue, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Indian River County. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classifies gopher tortoises as threatened. Roads and housing developments often cut through their preferred habitats, and roads can be an appealing place for them to bask in the sun.
'No Kings' protests attract thousands on Treasure Coast

1 week ago | tcpalm.com | Colleen Wixon |Eric Hasert |Crystal Vander Weit

Colleen Wixon Eric Hasert Crystal Vander WeitAn estimated 2,000 people lined the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach between 10 and 11 a.m. June 14, 2025, for the 'No Kings Protest and Community Gathering' against President Donald Trump's administration, and his planned military parade for the Army's 250th anniversary and birthday celebration in Washington, D.C. that evening.
A look back at Hurricane Milton's tornado outbreak on the Treasure Coast

4 weeks ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit |Eric Hasert |Kaila Jones

Crystal Vander Weit Eric Hasert Kaila JonesHurricane Milton and tornado damage is seen at the Sunnier Palms Nudist Park and Campground at 8000 Okeechobee Road west of Interstate 95, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Fort Pierce. ERIC HASERT/TCPALMMallory Tollett, 12, comforts her dog Maggie moments after an F1 tornado went through her family's property along Southeast Azimuth Way as Hurricane Milton bands move through Port Salerno on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Martin County.
Congratulations Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Class of 2025! See photos and video

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit

A time for celebrating achievements, reflecting on past years, and looking forward to the future. Details: Information on each of the spring 2025 high school graduations on the Treasure Coast. All Treasure Coast schools: Find your school to view photos and videoIndian River State College: With campuses in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Stuart, the college graduated students. The Treasure Coast is turning out graduates from 17 high schools May 15-24.
U.S. Sugar Corp.mill, factory and headquarters in Clewiston

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Crystal Vander Weit

Crystal Vander WeitThe raw sugar warehouse at the U.S. Sugar Corp. sugar factory in Clewiston. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMThe U.S. Sugar Corp. sugar factory in Clewiston. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMThe U.S. Sugar Corp. factory in Clewiston. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMU.S. Sugar Corp. sugar cane in a field in Clewiston. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMThe U.S. Sugar Corp. factory in Clewiston. CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALMThe raw sugar warehouse at the U.S. Sugar Corp. factory in Clewiston.
St. Lucie Lock and Dam, C-44 Canal construction in the early 1900s

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit

Crystal Vander WeitConstruction of lock at the St. Lucie Canal in flood control district in Martin County. Photo taken in the 1920s. In 1907, The Everglades Drainage District was created. Between 1907 and 1929, 440 miles of canals and levees were built. The St. Lucie Canal is part of the Okeechobee Waterway, a 155-mile-long waterway that goes from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Canal.
St. Lucie Lock and Dam, C-44 Canal construction in the early 1900s

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Crystal Vander Weit

Crystal Vander WeitConstruction of lock at the St. Lucie Canal in flood control district in Martin County. Photo taken in the 1920s. In 1907, The Everglades Drainage District was created. Between 1907 and 1929, 440 miles of canals and levees were built. The St. Lucie Canal is part of the Okeechobee Waterway, a 155-mile-long waterway that goes from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Caloosahatchee River, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Canal.
Historic images of Vero, Wabasso, Orchid, Fellsmere, Sebastian

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit

Crystal Vander WeitFrom his home in Sebastian, Paul Kroegel could watch over Pelican Island. In 1903 when Pelican Island became the nation's first wildlife refuge, Kroegel was named the official refuge manager. PRESS JOURNAL ARCHIVESStephen Kelita Michael home in Orchid. CONTRIBUTED FROM MICHAEL FAMILYGottlob Kroegel stands in front of the first home he constructed for his family around 1879.
See Sebastian River's 2025 graduation ceremony in best photos and video

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Kaila Jones |Crystal Vander Weit

High School Graduation Day!Sebastian River High School's Class of 2025 paid tribute to classmate Calvin Deshawn Peart during the school's May 15 graduation at the school's Shark Stadium. Peart, 18, drowned May 9 when he was caught in a rip current at Treasure Shores Park as he and other seniors celebrated their impending graduation. "Before us, there's an empty seat. Many of us know why," said salutatorian Andrew Simpson. "Just six days ago, we lost someone special.
Class of 2025: Treasure Coast high school graduations in videos and photos

1 month ago | tcpalm.com | Crystal Vander Weit |Kaila Jones |Eric Hasert

High School Graduation Day!A time for celebrating achievements, reflecting on past years, and looking forward to the future. Details:Information on each of the spring 2025 high school graduations on the Treasure Coast. The Treasure Coast is turning out graduates from 17 high schools May 15-24.