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By Hometown News staff

UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory names director

VERO BEACH — Internationally respected mosquito- and vector-borne disease expert Yvonne-Marie Linton has been chosen as the new director for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL).

Linton, most recently a Research Entomologist and Curator of Diptera at the Smithsonian Institution, has had a career focused on bringing entomology expertise to the global stage to prevent and fight vector-borne diseases.

She will lead the team at FMEL, located in Vero Beachas they conduct research and provide public stakeholder input on topics related to known and emerging mosquito- and other vector-borne disease threats, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, West Nile, Oropouche virus and more.

Robert Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research and executive director for academic affairs, said Linton will bring an international viewpoint to vector-borne disease research and prevention.

“She will be able to build on our strong programs at FMEL and bring them into their next era as a global leader in mosquito- and vector-borne disease research, prevention and eradication,” he said. “We are fortunate to gain the expertise she brings from the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Army.”

Linton said her mission will be to champion cutting-edge biomedical research solutions to detect, mitigate and solve emerging and persistent vector-borne diseases by providing solution-driven services to the center’s stakeholders.

“I am truly honored to join the Gator Nation. UF/IFAS is one of the nation’s premier educational institutions, globally respected for its top-tier academic prowess, cutting-edge research outputs and One Health data-driven stakeholder solutions to ensure sustainable environmental, human and animal health and food security, shaping a better future for us all,” she said.

Her experience spans 25 years of biomedical research and public outreach across more than 30 countries and four continents. She aims to advance the laboratory through a One Health approach – which is a healthcare approach that balances the health of people, animals and ecosystems – by expanding stakeholder collaborations and global partnerships.

Brystol North at Wylder Breaks Ground on Amenity Center

GreenPointe North starts amenity center at Bristol North in Wylder

PORT ST. LUCIE — Construction has begun on a new amenity center for Brystol North, a single-family neighborhood within the 1,970-acre Wylder master-planned community in Port St. Lucie.

The lakefront amenity center is expected to open in early 2027 and will serve residents of Brystol North and, once completed, also will be available to residents of neighboring Brystol South.

According to developer GreenPointe Holdings, the center will include a clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, putting course, two pickleball courts, an open lawn and hammock area, and a food truck court.

The facility was designed by Basham & Lucas Design Group and will be built by Wells Brothers Construction, which also constructed the Brystol South amenity center that opened in early 2025.

Brystol North residents currently have access to Brystol South’s outdoor amenities, including pickleball courts, a playground and dog park.

The Brystol North neighborhood features homes built by Dream Finders Homes and Lennar. Floor plans range from approximately 1,500 to 3,600 square feet with three to six bedrooms. Home prices begin in the upper $300,000s, according to the developer.

Together, Brystol North and Brystol South encompass about 315 acres within Wylder and include nearly 1,000 homesites surrounded by lakes, wetlands and preserved natural areas.

“Breaking ground on the amenity center represents a significant milestone in delivering the connected lifestyle envisioned for the neighborhood,” said Austin Burr, regional president of GreenPointe Holdings.

Wylder is one of several large master-planned communities under development in Port St. Lucie as the city’s residential growth continues.

Hibiscus Children’s Center sets 2026-27 Board of Directors

TREASURE COAST — Hibiscus Children’s Center has announced its new board officers, naming Nicholas Ferraro as chairman of the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors.

Joining Ferraro on the executive board are Joseph Trapani, vice chair; Tracey Dexter, treasurer; Dr. Fernando Petry, secretary; and Michael LaPorta, past chair.

Ferraro, a certified public accountant and vice president of Ferraro & Ferraro, CPAs, PA in Sewall’s Point, has more than 20 years of public accounting experience in South Florida. He has supported Hibiscus Children’s Center since 2021 and served as the board’s vice chair from 2024 to 2026. He has also served on the organization’s audit, compensation and finance committees.

Founded more than 40 years ago, Hibiscus Children’s Center provides safe shelter, mental health services, prevention programs and life-skills training for at-risk children and families. The nonprofit serves more than 1,800 children and families each year through its community outreach and residential programs.

The organization also recognized the service of board members Joseph Annone, Dan Braden, Dr. Jennifer Burgess, John Corbett, Rebecca Lachance, Kate Mikkelson and Scott Roads.

According to the organization, its board is made up of leaders from the business, healthcare and nonprofit sectors who provide strategic oversight of governance, operations and financial stewardship.

Hibiscus Children’s Center said the new leadership will continue to support its mission of protecting children, helping them recover from trauma and strengthening families throughout the Treasure Coast.