Pot Meets Kettle
Instigator Throws
Tantrum After Reaping What They Sowed
In St. Lucie County, politics have always been a battleground of ideologies, but the latest Sheriff’s race has turned into an outright war. The central figures in this drama are Anthony DiFrancesco, a local businessman with a checkered past, and Richard Del Toro, Port St. Lucie Chief of Police, a conservative Christian candidate vying for the Sheriff’s position.
DiFrancesco ‘s life had been marred by numerous legal troubles, boasting a staggering 24 arrests. However, in a surprising turn of events, Governor Ron DeSantis pardoned DiFrancesco for his felonies, a move that raised more than a few eyebrows. This situation is even more suspect, considering DiFrancesco ‘s family had donated a hefty $100,000 to DeSantis’ presidential campaign shortly before DiFrancesco’s choice for Sheriff, Keith Pearson, was appointed by the Governor.
This sequence of events has set the stage for a contentious Sheriff’s race. DiFrancesco had thrown his weight behind Keith Pearson, a candidate who was appointed as the interim sheriff by DeSantis himself. Keith’s campaign was aggressive, launching a series of smear ads against Richard Del Toro, painting him as a liberal—a term intended to be derogatory in the conservative stronghold of St. Lucie County.
Keith’s campaign slogan, “#NotInStLucie,” has been undermined by his campaign’s tactics, as he regularly skates on the edge of campaign law. The ads against Del Toro are ruthless, attempting to erode his conservative image by falsely branding him a liberal. However, Del Toro and his team are not ones to back down from a fight.
At the end of June, Del Toro’s supporters struck back with a forceful counterpunch. They dubbed Pearson “Shady Sheriff” and ran ads highlighting his dubious connections, specifically pointing out his “friendliness with felons.” The ads detailed DiFrancesco ‘s extensive legal history, a past riddled
with arrests and legal battles, challenging the integrity of Keith’s primary supporter.
The backlash from Del Toro’s campaign did not sit well with Anthony. Feeling the sting of public exposure, DiFrancesco filed a lawsuit against Del Toro for slander/defamation. He argued that he was not a felon, thanks to the pardon from DeSantis, and therefore the ads were defamatory. However, the lawsuit took an ironic twist when DiFrancesco ‘s legal team admitted in court documents that he had indeed been arrested 24 times.
The lawsuit quickly became the talk of the town. Residents are divided, with some seeing DiFrancesco and Pearson as hypocrites who could dish out smear campaigns but couldn’t handle the heat when it was turned back on them. Others believed that a pardon from the governor should wipe the slate clean, regardless of the past.
Pearson may have legal troubles of his own. He has been questioned as being the co-conspirator in the scheme to rig the 2020 Sheriff election. Then incumbent Sheriff Ken Mascara is accused of putting a straw candidate in the Republican race. Mascara left office last December as this came to light. Pearson helped him in this scheme which is interesting as he is now claiming to be a Constitutional Sheriff following Republican values. As he accuses his competition, Richard Del Toro, of being a liberal RINO, we have to wonder if he simply deflecting as he is the one who helped a liberal Sheriff cheat to win an election.
As election day approaches, the people of St. Lucie are reminded that in politics, as in life, actions speak louder than words, and the truth has a way of coming to light, no matter how deeply it is buried.
Attack ad ran for Sheriff Pearson’s campaign.
Audra’s Lies
St. Lucie County Commission is witnessing a fiercely contested election as incumbent Cathy Townsend seeks re-election against challenger Audra Macon. The race has taken a contentious turn, with negative ads targeting Townsend, and Macon’s campaign strategy raising eyebrows among voters.
Cathy Townsend, a dedicated public servant with a proven track record, is vying for another term on the St. Lucie County Commission. Since her initial election, Townsend has focused on improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public safety. Her commitment to transparent governance and community engagement has earned her the respect of many constituents.
During her tenure, Townsend has been instrumental in securing funding for critical projects and fostering a collaborative approach to address the County’s challenges. Her hands-on approach and accessibility to the community have made her a familiar and trusted figure in St. Lucie County.
Audra Macon, Townsend’s challenger, has taken a different route in her campaign. Opting to pay a fee to get on the ballot rather than collecting signatures, Macon’s approach has sparked discussions about her commitment to grassroots support. While this method is legally permissible, it has raised questions among some voters about her connection to the community and willingness to engage with constituents.
Adding to the controversy, Macon’s ability to communicate effectively in public forums has come under scrutiny. At a recent community event, Macon was asked to speak but chose to leave instead. This incident has fueled concerns about her readiness to handle the public duties and responsibilities that come with the office of County Commissioner.
The race has turned increasingly negative, with Macon’s campaign deploying ads attacking Townsend. These ads have focused on various issues, attempting to paint Townsend in a negative light. Townsend, known for her straightforward and issuefocused campaigns, has responded by emphasizing her accomplishments and vision
for the future of St. Lucie County.
The negative ads have generated mixed reactions among voters. Some view them as a necessary part of a competitive election, while others see them as a distraction from the substantive issues facing the County. Townsend’s supporters argue that her experience and dedication should speak for themselves, while Macon’s backers seem to only be focused on attacking Townsend. Many in the community question why Macon is even running as she has no experience that would benefit the Board of Commissioners. Macon’s backers even went so far as to attend a St. Lucie County Board of Commissioner’s meeting, to call for Townsend’s resignation and make false accusations against her. Townsend handled the criticism well and thanked them for their comments then moved the meeting forward to attend to important County business, showing her professionalism.
As the election approaches, both candidates are intensifying their efforts. Townsend continues to rely on her extensive record and community relationships, attending events and engaging with constituents to reinforce her commitment to the district, while Macon is relying on negative attack ads claiming Townsend
Cause Panic Attacks
is a liberal. Macon is counting on voter’s to not do their own research as Townsend has already been elected to the St. Lucie County Commission as a Republican in 2020.
For voters in St. Lucie County this election presents a critical choice between a seasoned incumbent with a history of service and a challenger promising change but facing questions about her readiness and methods. In a recent interview, Macon bragged about her experience at the county airport, which consisted of working there as a teenager. One thing is for sure, the outcome will significantly impact the direction of the County and the future of its communities.
The race for St. Lucie County Commission, District 5, underscores the complexities and dynamics of local elections. As Cathy Townsend defends her seat against Audra Macon, voters are tasked with evaluating the candidates’ records, campaign tactics, and ability to lead. Amid the negative ads and campaign controversies, the decision ultimately rests with the residents of St. Lucie County who will determine the next chapter in their County’s governance.
Reading, Writing, and Rumors
Spera Fails Ethics, but Aces Slander
The St. Lucie County School Board race for District 4 is drawing significant attention as incumbent Jennifer Richardson faces off against challenger Nate Spera. This contest has quickly become a focal point for local voters, highlighting contrasting approaches and ideologies within the community.
A Republican, Jennifer Richardson has served on the school board for four years. She prides herself on being a staunch advocate for parents, ensuring their voices are heard in school decisions. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to increase parental involvement in the education system and to ensure transparency in board decisions.
Originally a Democrat, Nate Spera switched to the Republican Party to run in this predominantly Republican County. His campaign strategy has included aggressive tactics, notably running attack ads against Richardson. Spera’s switch has raised eyebrows among voters, prompting discussions about his political alignment and motivations.
Spera’s attack ads have focused on Richardson’s attendance record, highlighting that she missed seven meetings during her four-year term. This line of attack questions Richardson’s commitment to her role on the board. However, the context behind her absences paints a more nuanced picture.
In 2022, Richardson missed four meetings due to the loss of a family member. She took this time to support her family through their grief, prioritizing personal healing during a difficult period. In the current year, Richardson missed three meetings after contracting COVID-19. Her decision to stay home was driven by a concern for public health, as she did not want to expose her colleagues to the virus.
The community’s response to Spera’s ads has been mixed. While some voters appreciate his focus on accountability, others feel his attacks are unwarranted and insensitive. Many believe Richardson’s reasons for missing meetings are understandable and show her
consideration for both her family and public health. As the election approaches, the focus remains on the candidates’ visions for the future of St. Lucie County schools. Richardson continues to emphasize her dedication to parents and her track record of transparency and advocacy. She has also been endorsed by the Republican Party of St. Lucie County. Spera, on the other hand, seeks to position himself as a candidate of change, despite the controversy surrounding his campaign tactics.
The District 4 school board race in St. Lucie County is shaping up to be a significant test of local values and priorities. Voters are tasked with choosing between an experienced incumbent with a record of parental advocacy and a challenger who has employed bold strategies to question the status quo. As election day nears, the community will weigh these factors carefully, determining the direction they wish their school board to take.
Alleghany Ministries Scandal: NonProfit or Campaign Piggy Bank?
Curtis Johnson, Jr., a candidate for the Fort Pierce Commission, is under scrutiny for accepting a $10,000 donation from Alleghany Franciscan Ministries, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, during his 2020 bid for election. The funds were directed to the Phrozen Pharoah Foundation, where Johnson is the resident and registered agent. The foundation claims to educate and inform targeted communities with low rates of involvement and participation in the U.S. Census count and voter registration. However, this transaction raises significant questions about the appropriateness and legality of the donation. According to the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are strictly prohibited from participating in or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. This regulation is intended to maintain the impartiality and focus of nonprofits on their charitable missions, free from political influence.
The timing and nature of the $10,000 donation from Alleghany Franciscan Ministries to the Phrozen Pharoah Foundation during Johnson’s campaign have prompted concerns about the potential misuse of nonprofit funds for political purposes. Critics argue that the donation, ostensibly for voter education and Census participation efforts, might indirectly benefit Johnson’s campaign by increasing his visibility and influence in the community.
Johnson’s dual role as a candidate and the President and registered agent of the Phrozen Pharoah Foundation further complicates the issue. The foundation’s activities, which include voter registration and education, are undeniably valuable. However, the proximity of these activities to Johnson’s campaign raises red flags about the potential for blurred lines between charitable work and political gain. The central question is how a non-profit organization can fund initiatives to register and inform voters when its top person is a candidate. The ethical and legal implications of such a scenario are profound. By supporting voter registration and education, the Phrozen Pharoah Foundation performs a crucial public service. Yet, if these efforts are perceived as supporting Johnson’s political ambitions, the non-profit could be
seen as violating its 501(c)(3) status.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) explicitly states that 501(c)(3) organizations must not engage in any activity that could be interpreted as supporting or opposing a political candidate. The donation from Alleghany Franciscan Ministries to a foundation closely associated with a candidate appears to contravene this rule. While the foundation’s mission of enhancing civic participation is commendable, the involvement of a candidate at its helm raises concerns about the impartiality of its efforts.
As Curtis Johnson, Jr. continues his campaign for the Fort Pierce Commission, the controversy over the nonprofit donation is likely to persist. Voters and watchdog groups will be closely monitoring his campaign to ensure that all activities comply with legal and ethical standards. The broader issue of how non-profits can engage in voter education and registration without crossing into political advocacy remains a critical topic for discussion.
In the meantime, Alleghany Franciscan Ministries and the Phrozen Pharoah Foundation may need to clarify the intent and use of the $10,000 donation. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust in both non-profit organizations and political candidates.
The Fort Pierce community deserves clear answers and a commitment to ethical conduct from those seeking public office. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in both the charitable and political arenas.
