Author: <span>Deborah Maldonado</span>

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is a new seasonal actiity at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds on West Midway Road from Thursday, Nov. 28. to Sunday, Nov. 29. Enjoy a mile-long drive-through light display ending at Santa’s Village where people can get out and visit the shop. Santa is there on weekends. See real reindeer, ride on a real camel, enjoy the petting zoo and a live animal nativity. There will be sweets, treats, food and many different activities. See a forest of 50-60 decorated trees from non-profit organizations and find out what the organizations do. Visit stluciecountyfair.org for more information. THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DATEBOOK – Holiday 2024

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Datebook

Upcoming Events: Nov. 15 – Jan. 5, 2025

Austin Alderman stands at the spot in downtown Fort Pierce where his great-great grandfather, Ray Lynn, and three other members of the Ashley Gang were laid out and displayed after the shooting on the Sebastian River Bridge on Nov. 1, 1924. The 100th anniversary of the shooting approaches Friday, Alderman says Lynn was estranged from his wife and had been disowned by his parents when he was killed. No family members wanted to claim his body. “He was nothing but trouble,’’ Alderman says. GREGORY ENNS

Ashley Gang descendants not fond of ancestor

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Premium Content Treasure Coast History

As the daughter of Ashley Gang outlaw Ray Lynn, Inez Lynn Hamilton had an unusual —and intentionally misleading — story that she would share with her grandchildren about her father’s death.

The Boys & Girls Clubs are known for their popular after-school programs, offering children academic tutoring, hot meals, fitness and other engaging activities. GREG RODGERS

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Inspirational Treasure Coast Personalities

Operation Merry & Bright helps make Christmas the most wonderful time for children in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County.

The end of the Ashley Gang came the night of Nov. 1, 1924, when John Ashley, his nephew Hanford Mobley and Ray Lynn and Clarence Middleton were gunned down on the Sebastian River bridge. ELLIOTT MUSEUM

THE TUMULTUOUS END OF THE ASHLEY GANG

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Premium Content Treasure Coast History

With John Ashley in prison and three of his brothers dead from their criminal activities, leadership of the Ashley Gang in 1922 fell to John’s 17-year-old nephew, Hanford Mobley.

Fort Pierce’s Jeff Shultz retired as a successful businessman but now devotes his time to serving the less privileged. GREG RODGERS

SPIRITUALIZED

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Inspirational Treasure Coast Personalities

In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi founded a religious order devoted to acts of charity and service. More than 800 years later, a Treasure Coast retiree follows in his footsteps as a Secular Franciscan brother. “It’s not a group or organization,” Jeff Shultz explained. “It’s a lifestyle, a commitment to try to serve God.”

A.E. “Beanie” Backus, a legendary painter who mastered scenes of the Florida landscape, created an artistic path for the Florida Highwaymen. More than 50 paintings by the Highwaymen will be exhibited at the Backus Museum. A.E. BACKUS MUSEUM & GALLERY

Visual feast

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 21, 2024
Post category:Museums

Museums along the Treasure Coast are getting ready for an exciting season that is sure to please a wide variety of art lovers.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with a sleigh full of gifts at the Port St. Lucie Festival of Lights, eagerly awaited by hundreds of girls and boys and their parents. CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE

Light Up the Night

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 20, 2024
Post category:Festivals and Special Events Holiday

Lights, lights, and more twinkling lights herald the start of the holiday season on the Treasure Coast. From parades to a large-scale model railroad, hand-created lighted displays of animals and water, light-wrapped palm trees and Christmas trees, holiday shows, and Santa everywhere, the holiday spirit breaks free after a tough hurricane season finally ends.

Ring in the holidays with festive and flavorful recipes. This beautiful wreath is easy to make and bring to any holiday party. DANIELLE ROSE PHOTOS

Party Favorites

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 20, 2024
Post category:Food Holiday Indian River Kitchen

As the holiday season unfolds, the calendar fills with opportunities for parties from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Besides the traditional celebrations, we often forget about the gatherings in between each holiday when we need something to serve or take along other than cookies.

Giftology

Giftology-Holiday 2024

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 20, 2024
Post category:Holiday

You won’t have to travel far for holiday gifts this season. Here are some unique gift ideas from businesses and organizations right here on the Treasure Coast.

Bright spot

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:November 20, 2024
Post category:Festivals and Special Events Holiday Theater

The Treasure Coast doesn’t have snow to look forward to, but Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce provides a winter wonderland with the annual Garden of Lights, now celebrating its 10th year.