Katie Bente

West Palm Beach

News Reporter at WPEC-TV (West Palm Beach, FL)

CBS12 News Reporter ✰ University of Miami alum

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Articles

FSU gunman used deputy stepmom's weapon: Could she be held liable?

6 days ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — After a deadly mass shooting at Florida State University, investigators have confirmed that the weapon used by the suspected gunman, Phoenix Ikner, belonged to his stepmother — a longtime deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Now, questions are being raised about whether she could face legal consequences for how that gun was stored, and how it ultimately ended up in her stepson’s hands.
Hope Florida online meeting hijacked: Racial slurs, porn force sudden recess

1 week ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — A public board meeting for one of Florida’s most high-profile programs was hijacked in real time Thursday morning, just as its leaders were trying to restore public trust. The meeting for the Hope Florida Foundation — a nonprofit initiative spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis — came to a sudden halt when internet trolls flooded the open Zoom call with pornographic images, Nazi symbols and racial slurs, forcing an abrupt recess.
Buc-ees' puts Fort Pierce on developers' radar

1 week ago | cw34.com | Katie Bente

Their proposal calls for about 73,000 square feet of retail space, 733 parking stalls, 11 bus parking stalls, 120 fueling stations, and 20 electric vehicle charging stations on the 33-acre site.(Buc-ee's)
Buc-ees' puts Fort Pierce on developers' radar

1 week ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

A Buc-ee’s is coming to Fort Pierce — and it's already reshaping the area around it, even before construction begins. The Texas-based travel center will rise just off I-95 and Indrio Road, bringing 120 gas pumps, EV chargers, nearly 800 parking spots, and its famously stocked snack aisles. But the project’s impact goes far beyond brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets.
Atlantic High School mourns loss of senior killed in Boca Raton plane crash with family

1 week ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

Grief fills the halls of Atlantic Community High School, where students are mourning 17-year-old Brooke Stark — a senior killed in a devastating plane crash with her dad and grandfather last week. “It’s just extra sad because she made it so far, and right when she’s about to make it to the finish line, things happen and it’s really unfortunate,” said classmate Jason Timothee, who wore a blue jacket Monday in her memory.
Call for change: Wife says West Palm Beach VA's failure led to murder and tragedy

2 weeks ago | cw34.com | Katie Bente

A veteran who checked himself into the West Palm Beach VA Hospital last year, desperate for help, ended up walking out in handcuffs, accused of murder. His wife, Autumn, spoke to CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente, saying the system failed both her husband and the man who lost his life. Last month, a judge found Christopher Schweikart not guilty by reason of insanity. But Autumn believes the verdict isn’t just a legal outcome — it’s a glaring sign that this tragedy could have been prevented.
Call for change: Wife says West Palm Beach VA's failure led to murder and tragedy

2 weeks ago | cw34.com | Katie Bente

It has been more than a year since Christopher Schweikart, a former military pilot, confessed to killing his roommate at the West Palm Beach VA Hospital. Now, his wife, Autumn, is telling her side of the story. (WPEC)
Call for change: Wife says West Palm Beach VA's failure led to murder and tragedy

2 weeks ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

A veteran who checked himself into the West Palm Beach VA Hospital last year, desperate for help, ended up walking out in handcuffs, accused of murder. His wife, Autumn, spoke to CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente, saying the system failed both her husband and the man who lost his life. Last month, a judge found Christopher Schweikart not guilty by reason of insanity. But Autumn believes the verdict isn’t just a legal outcome — it’s a glaring sign that this tragedy could have been prevented.
Tariff talk: How much will the new 125% hit your wallet?

2 weeks ago | cbs12.com | Katie Bente

BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBS12) — You’ve seen the headlines and heard about the threat of recession and the rising cost of everything—including $30,000 iPhones. Now, with the new reciprocal tariffs going into effect, you might be wondering what this really means for your wallet. President Donald Trump says the new tariffs are about "putting America first," and he claims countries like Japan and South Korea, as well as the European Union, are now rushing to the table. But China is not backing down.
Pay-to-park is coming to Fort Pierce beaches: What you need to know

2 weeks ago | cw34.com | Katie Bente

Later this year, the city will launch a Paid Parking Pilot Program at Jaycee Park, South Causeway Park, and Jetty Park. The goal is to generate sustainable revenue that will go directly toward keeping these public spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. (WPEC)