Opinion
Thousands Flood Treasure Coast Streets in 'No Kings' Rallies
Residents from Stuart to Vero Beach turned out in force, demanding accountability and prompting calls for local leaders to respond seriously.
Claire Fontaine
Opinion Editor
Covers: opinion, editorial
Claire Fontaine ran the op-ed desk at the Palm Beach Post for seven years before joining TC Sentinel to build its opinion section from scratch. She believes strongly that a local paper's editorial voice is its most distinguishing asset — and that good opinion journalism asks hard questions of everyone, regardless of party. She grew up in Stuart and has strong roots in the community.
“Principled and measured. Makes arguments by evidence and logic, never by volume. Treats readers as intelligent adults. ”
Stories by Claire Fontaine
Opinion
Book's 11th Walk in My Shoes Battles Child Abuse Across Florida
The 1,500-mile trek from Key West to Tallahassee starts in April but skips Treasure Coast stops, urging local action against abuse affecting 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys.
Opinion
Treasure Coast Urges Investment in Visual Journalism
As Martin County's population swells to 165,000, local leaders must fund photographers and videographers to capture the region's real stories and foster community understanding.
Opinion
Defend Treasure Coast Beaches from Erosion and Storms
Martin County's shorelines have shrunk due to hurricanes and erosion, requiring urgent action to protect these irreplaceable public assets beyond just enjoying them.
Opinion
Treasure Coast Women Forge Florida's Future Beyond One Month
As Women's History Month spotlights influential figures, local leaders in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties push for sustained recognition of women's ongoing roles in shaping land use and environmental policies.
Opinion
Indian River County Approves 3,400 Homes Without Growth Limits
Officials must set concrete thresholds for traffic, schools and water before greenlighting more projects straining Vero Beach suburbs along State Road 60 and Oslo Road.
Opinion
Indian River Leaders Falter as Vero Beach Suburbs Boom with Developments
With dozens of new residential and mixed-use projects flooding unincorporated areas, residents demand a full accounting of the accelerating growth's costs.
Opinion
DeSantis Blasts Politics' 'Sugar High,' Demands Results Over Entertainment
As Florida's term-limited governor exits office, his Arizona State speech urges Tallahassee leaders to prioritize real governance in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Opinion
Failed AI Bill Exposes Treasure Coast Families to Privacy and Job Risks
Legislature's collapse of protections backed by Gov. DeSantis leaves local residents without safeguards on government AI use and minor misuse.
Opinion
Florida Lawmakers Block AI Bill, Sparing Treasure Coast Heavy Regulations
By halting SB 482, legislators prevented mandates on AI platforms that could hinder jobs and innovation in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Opinion
Treasure Coast Letters Lament Lost Icons, Fading Memories and AI Threats
Residents from Vero Beach to Fort Pierce share urgent concerns about eroding community values in heartfelt submissions to the TC Sentinel.
Opinion
Vero Beach Leaders Must Tackle Downtown Decay Now
Cracked sidewalks and vacant storefronts in the Treasure Coast gem expose a neglect that demands immediate city investment and action.
Opinion
Treasure Coast Residents Must Fight to Preserve State Parks
From Hobe Sound's wildlife refuges to the Indian River Lagoon, these natural spaces define our identity and demand protection against modern threats.
Opinion
Treasure Coast Residents Must Fiercely Protect State Parks and Wildlife
From Jonathan Dickinson's trails to St. Lucie River manatees, these natural treasures define local life and demand urgent defense against threats.
Opinion
Florida's Data Center Law Shields Treasure Coast, But Loophole Risks Aquifer Drain
SB 484 forces data centers to cover their own utility costs, protecting local ratepayers from hikes, yet an undefined term could allow developers to evade water protections and burden residents.
Opinion
Budget Cuts Force WFIT Into Survival Mode During Spring Pledge Drive
Treasure Coast listeners in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties must support the Melbourne-based public radio station to keep noncommercial broadcasting alive amid financial threats.
