Distant Dream

On most days, Maritza carries a big smile. On this day, her eyes well up as she talks about illegal immigration.

Costs soar for immigrants seeking legal status

Maricela Hernandez de Escobedo had a smile on her face as she walked out of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office Monday. After seven years of waiting, she finally had the interview to approve or deny her permanent resident application. She was approved.

Bliss at dawn, agony at noon

Four-year-old Gregory Cesar woke to his aunt’s voice Saturday morning. Four hours later, she would lift the dying boy out of a Ford Expedition, splash water on his face and try to breathe life back into him.

Parents pack fair, seek to insure kids with low-cost state program

About 500 people stood in line Sunday to get free school supplies, bicycle helmets, lunch and perhaps low-cost health insurance for their children.

St. Lucie sheriff ruled immune to suit

A judge ruled Wednesday that Sheriff Ken Mascara was “absolutely immune” from having to pay the $600,000 a jury awarded in May to a former St. Lucie County corrections deputy.

Victim’s mother got no warning before shootings

A day after losing her daughter, Jocelyne Willard said she is scared, her heart is in pain and she is alone.

All that’s left: ‘I Love you very much’

Silvia Herrera kneels at her husband’s grave in Deerfield Beach Memorial Cemetery and lets out a sob. The tears come next, streaming down her face.

Neighborhoods face rash of generator thefts

Pedro Blanco walked toward his back door and flicked the switch that turns on his patio light. It didn’t turn on, so he strained to look through the window but couldn’t see anything.

Shooting survivor recalls bedlam

Stevens Dormezil was dancing to an R&B song in a club at 2:45 a.m. Monday when he heard what sounded like firecrackers

2 killed, 1 hurt in shooting at club in Riviera

Gunfire at a crowded nightclub early Monday left two people dead, another injured and sheriff’s deputies frustrated by the reluctance of witnesses to come forward.

Hooked on fun

Soon after the captain turned on the motor of his 65-foot boat, Terrina Barnes felt dizzy. She had never been on a boat before and the rocking was new to her.

A touching offer

The state may have lost faith in touch-screen voting machines, but Century Village residents say they may be just what’s needed to give democracy a boost within the community of 13,000.

Trash to treasure

On Fridays, a day before the sale starts, Angelo Di Pierro sees people standing in line by 9 a.m. Some are locals; others are from Mexico and Canada or even Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Military heroes night at the ballpark

Jack Clift joined the Army so he can afford to go to college and study business. T’Shane Williams joined because she wants to have a concrete future, and Ryan Partington did so to build a solid background when he later applies to the FBI or CIA.