Predator’s Pulpit
St. Lucie Sheriffs Candidate’s Circus Canceled
In a bizarre turn of events that could only happen in good old Fort Pierce, a highly anticipated candidates forum at a church was abruptly canceled most likely after the shocking revelation that the host pastor of the church, Kenneth Johnson, is on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Predator List.
The event, meant to be an outlet for St. Lucie County Sheriff hopefuls to plead their case, was quickly cancelled when Sweetie’s Diner owner Rick Reed, who clearly did his homework, alerted some of the candidates to the unsavory history of their would-be host. Reed’s timely intervention probably put an end to what could have been the most cringe-worthy event of the election season, and that is saying a lot!
Aisha Nash, president of the St. Lucie County Branch of the NAACP, who is also an Assistant United States
Public Defender as well as a resident of Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County apparently did little or no due diligence. The candidates for the Sheriff’s race are Republicans Richard Del Toro, Preston Michael DiFrancesco, and current Sheriff Keith Pearson and Democratic candidate Steven Giordano.
The forum, hosted by the NAACP and Faith in Florida set to take place at a seemingly respectable church, had gathered considerable attention. Candidates from both parties we assume were eager to present their platforms, win over voters, and perhaps even enjoy some polite applause in a sanctified setting. Instead, they were saved from standing on a stage and being hosted by a sex offender.
Rick Reed, a Fort Pierce native, shared the news of the pastor’s past, causing some of the candidates to back out. “It’s one thing to answer tough questions from the public,” said Rick Reed, “but it’s another thing entirely to share a stage with a registered pedophile.”
The church’s pastor, whose name could be associated with some of Fort Pierce’s most scandalous crimes, has a history that made the candidates’ decision to cancel a smart one. While some might question how such a figure managed to plan a public event without raising alarms sooner, it’s clear that Reed’s intervention saved some face.
The cancellation left the community with a lingering question: President Aisha Nash, How did this happen in the first place? One can only hope that future events will be vetted more thoroughly.
For now, the candidates can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they dodged not just tough questions, but an association that could have casued them embarrassment. And Rick Reed? He proves that a little due diligence goes a long way in Fort Pierce.
As for the pastor, perhaps it’s time to consider a different line of community involvement—one that doesn’t involve hosting public forums, not to mention anything involving children.
What Can $100,000 buy? All Sales Final, No Refund!
Timeline:
November 15: DeSantis visits Fort Pierce for a fundraiser for his presidential campaign at Missionary Flights International in Fort Pierce. The fundraiser was hosted by Anthony DiFrancesco.
November 20: Anthony, Michael, Patrick, Steven, and Carol DiFrancesco each contribute $6,600 to the DeSantis campaign. The is is maximum allowed. Anthony, Michael, Patrick, and Carol also donated $5,000 per person to Great American Comeback and $11,600 per
person to Team DeSantis. Steven donated $12,600 to Team DeSantis. Pearson’s mother Karen also donated $2000.
December 1: Keith Pearson was appointed St. Lucie County Sheriff after former Sheriff Ken Mascara abruptly retired.
Governor DeSantis and Keith Pearson during the fundraiser on November 15.
Donations:
Anthony DiFrancesco- $6,600, $5,000, $11,600, totalling $23,200
Michael DiFrancesco- $6,600, $5,000, $11,600, totalling $23,200
Patrick DiFrancesco- $6,600, $5,000, $11,600, totalling $23,200
Steven DiFrancesco- $6,600, $5,000, $12,600, totalling $24,200
Carol DiFrancesco- $6,600, $5,000, $11,600, totalling $23,200
Karen Pearson- $2000
#NotInStLucie
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis last December after former Sheriff Ken Mascara stepped down. Pearson has since filed to run for Sheriff in the next election and has placed signs all over town and on social media claiming to be Governor DeSantis’ choice. If our Governor is backing Pearson then why did he sign an order on June 4, 2024 allowing State Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida Thomas Bakkedahl step down from a case against Pearson to avoid a conflict of interest? Bakkedahl has been publicly vocal about Pearson’s wrongdoings. Pearson is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. A new state attorney will be assigned to the case until June 4, 2025. Executive Order number 24-103 states the following:
• The Honorable Thomas Bakkedahl, State
Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has advised the Governor that Keith Pearson is the Sheriff of St. Lucie County and the State Attorney has endorsed Keith Pearson’s opponent for Sheriff of St. Lucie County.
• The Honorable Thomas Bakkedahl, to avoid a conflict of interest or any appearance of impropriety, has voluntarily disqualified himself and has requested the executive assignment of another State Attorney regarding the investigation and prosecution of this case and all related matters regarding Keith Pearson.
• The Honorable Phil Archer, State Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, has agreed to accept an executive assignment in this matter.
DeSantis’ signature on this document released Bakkedahl from the case and assigned it to Archer to prosecute.
St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend Takes On Mudslingers in Bid for Re-Election
In the midst of a contentious re-election campaign, St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend faces a barrage of unfounded attacks from her opponents. Elected to the commission in 2016 as a Democrat with notable support from Republicans, the Commissioner made a significant shift in 2019, aligning herself with the Republican Party. Her decision, driven by a belief that her values and ideas better matched those of the GOP, did not deter her supporters; she was re-elected in 2020 as a Republican.
Throughout her tenure, Commissioner Townsend has remained steadfast in her commitment to transparency, lower taxes, and advocacy for small businesses. She has earned a reputation as a vocal champion for her constituents, consistently pushing for policies that enable economic growth and community development. “I firmly believe that every individual should have the chance to participate in fulfilling employment and gain assets that enable their families to provide support and thrive economically,” Townsend stated. Her dedication to these principles has garnered her a loyal following, but it has also made her a target for political adversaries.
The current election cycle has seen a disturbing rise in the spread of vicious lies about Commissioner Townsend. Her opponents, seemingly unable to challenge her record and policies on their merits, have resorted to smear tactics, including bringing up her past as a Democrat however Townsend’s record speaks for itself. Despite these attacks, Townsend remains focused on her campaign and her commitment to the residents of St. Lucie County.
Her platform is built on a foundation of transparency, promising to keep constituents informed and involved in county decisions. She
advocates for lower taxes, arguing that financial relief for residents and businesses is crucial for economic prosperity. Moreover, she is a staunch supporter of small businesses, recognizing their vital role in the local economy and fighting for policies that provide them with the support they need to succeed.
As election day approaches, the Commissioner Townsend continues to emphasize her track record and her vision for the future of St. Lucie County. Her supporters are positive that voters will see through the falsehoods being spread and recognize the positive impact she has had on St. Luci County.
In an era where political discourse can often be marred by negativity and deception, Commissioner Townsend’s message of integrity and dedication to public service stands out. She remains committed to serving the people of St. Lucie County with the same passion and determination that has defined her career.
