Latest news with #PalmBeachCounty
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Topping $5 billion: Thousands of new homes lift Palm Beach County's new-construction value
The value of new construction in Palm Beach County will top $5 billion this year as thousands of new residences are added. This is according to Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks, who recently told county commissioners about the state of the market from last year and what to expect this year. New construction value also hit $5 billion in taxable value in 2024 with nearly 6,500 'new livable units added to the tax roll for 2025,' Jacks said during a recent public County Commission meeting. And the new construction estimates for this year include more than 3,000 new homes and more than 4,000 rentals. 'In Palm Beach County, we still have a lot of land to build on and also the cost of construction is rising, which causes the new construction values to rise because all of that new construction is being better built, probably more solidly built, and so I suspect we'll see a continuation of these high new construction numbers over the next few years,' Jacks said. Palm Beach County Chief Appraiser Cecil Jackson explained that the $5 billion in taxable value is essentially the same as assessed value, which is a property's deemed worth. This is different from market value, which is the cost for which the property would sell. Adding the $5 billion in new construction ultimately means a 'widening of the tax base for all taxpayers in Palm Beach County,' said Becky Robinson, a spokesperson for the Property Appraiser's Office. And for prospective buyers who may want a property that is newer and more 'vibrant,' rather than buying a used property, the new construction is good news for them, too, Jackson said. 'It's just a lot like buying a new car. Some people like new cars. Some people like used cars. It just depends on the motivation of the buyer,' he said. The county also is 'insulated' in many ways from the inevitable development problems that will be spurred by the slowing economy, Jacks said. 'We still have a lot of interest from people who want to develop in this particular area in Florida but also in South Florida and really Palm Beach County is right there at the center of it now as Broward is built out,' Jacks said. 'Broward really is east-to-west built out. They can only go up now, and Miami-Dade certainly still has a fair bit of land to build but also a very large population already.' Jackson called Palm Beach County's market a 'robust' one. 'We have very diverse types of property here throughout the county from mobile homes to multimillion-dollar, single-family properties to the condominiums,' he said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Florida's burger game is on fire with these 11 local restaurants worth a road trip
As the area's restaurants have proven time and again, Palm Beach County has plenty to offer any burger lover. We have burgers even a president could love from the local smash burger to one served up at a spot now recognized by the renowned Michelin Guide. But headed into summer, you may find yourself traveling, and while Florida may be best known for its beloved waterfront restaurants, the Sunshine State's burger game is on fire. We've found 11 locally loved burger destinations that'll enhance — or even inspire — any summer road trip. Whether it's a beloved island institution or a rising food truck phenom, each restaurant on this list is drawing crowds and dishing out burgers worth bragging about. So start plotting your summer adventures with these places in mind. Best waterfront restaurant near you? 10 Florida favorites for great food, drinks and views Details: 4810 N. Kings Highway, Fort Pierce; 772-588-4087; Bearded Brothers Taphouse & Eatery opened in 2024 in the Indrio Crossings Shopping Center in Lakewood Park, north of Fort Pierce. Brothers Gaetano and Liborio Traina were inspired to open the new restaurant by their Italian heritage, their family's culinary legacy and their passion for flavorful brews. They were brought up in the restaurant industry, learning from their father, Francesco Traina, who owned pizzerias across Palm Bay. Its menu features four smash burgers: "All-American" with mayo, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles; "Black and Bleu" with blackened beef, bacon and blue cheese crumbles; "My Pregnant Wife's" with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles and peanut butter; and "Mushroom Swiss" with sautéed mushrooms and onions, Swiss cheese, lettuce and mayo. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers March Madness bracket 2025: See who won area's best burger in basketball-style rankings Details: 2435 N. 12 Ave., Pensacola and 6820 Caroline St., Milton; 850-380-1519; While Pensacola loves and defends its old-school favorites, Brown Bagger food truck has been sparking rumors of the best burger in the Panhandle since opening in January 2021. Brown Bagger is a collaboration between Pensacola locals Tim Thompson and Ellis O'Neal, who opened the business with the mission to serve 'exceptional food consistently" and have since fostered a reputation for their fun-loving service and playful rotating burger specials. They have grown to offer two flourishing permanent locations outside Alga Beer Co. and Milton's Gulf Coast Garage Patio Bar, where diners can enjoy their mouthwatering burger while washing down a pint of Pensacola beer and chatting it up with a local. While there are many interesting varieties to try, we recommend experiencing the food truck's namesake, The Bagger Burger, which comes loaded up with a quarter-pound Waygu beef patty, American cheese, grilled onions, and is topped with their signature Bagger Sauce on a potato bun. It is hard to beat. Don't forget to add the Bangin Brussels or the truffle parm fries on the side. — Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal National Burger Month 2025: 10 essential burger spots to try in the Pensacola area in May Details: 311 S. Washington Ave., Titusville; Family owned and operated, BurgerRobs specializes in gourmet hot dogs and double smash burgers. The Hawaii 5-OHHH burger has teriyaki sauce, pepper jack cheese, pineapple, scallions and red bell pepper with a house-made honey sriracha mayo sauce. Feel free to add another patty or two, they don't mind. Owned by Rob and Shelby Buffaloe, BurgerRobs was recently crowned the winner of our 'Best Burger in Brevard' award, as voted by our readers. Fans can't get enough of their mouthwatering smash burgers, flavorful toppings and the flexibility of enjoying their favorites either at the cozy restaurant or via the convenient food truck. BurgerRobs keeps its loyal following updated on food truck stops throughout the week via their Facebook page. — Amber Olesen, FLORIDA TODAY Hungry? Titusville's top 5 must-try restaurants Details: 310 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach; 386-872-3298, This burger staple of more than a decade has earned itself a reputation for its funky sandwich concoctions served in quite the character-rich setting. From its infamous 'wall of shame' calling out no-tippers to chalkboard walls scribbled with animations from patrons past, Daytona Taproom's burgers certainly won't be the only thing to leave an impression. While you can choose from the classic smash patty lineup, it's the offbeat array of 'munchie-inspired' burgers that give this place its edge. Try a Krispy Kreme Belly Buster ($14.99) — as simple, yet unlikely as it sounds — sandwiching two quarter-pound patties and bacon jam between two warm glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts; or The Fat Elvis ($14.99) — a double smash patty bite layering smooth peanut butter and grape jelly with bacon jam, crispy bacon strips and sliced pickles all between two deliciously-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Whether opting for a mac and cheese-stuffed Big Richard or a three-tiered, full-pound Belly Buster, two things are certain — each dish is made to order and well worth the wait. — Helena Perray / The Daytona Beach News-Journal 10 best New Smyrna Beach restaurants for a burger Details: 5310 NW Eighth Ave; 352-575-5788; This popular Gainesville food truck seems to have found a quasi-permanent home about a mile and half east of I-75 at Newberry Road in front of CYM Coffee. The burger patties are extremely thin (DJ'S recommends ordering a double) and, as its name suggests, are cooked on cast iron planks, which makes for a great outer crust and a juicy inside. Among DJ's most popular items is the Oklahoma Onion Burger, which includes a double patty, charred onions, DJ's sauce and bread and butter pickles. The new location can be a bit awkward to park, but most cars seem to find a spot in the grass. A few tables are setup for those who wish to dine before they dash. — Alan Festo, The Gainesville Sun Best burgers in Gainesville? Here are 8 favorites Details: 5808 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-778-2501; Located on Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa Bay, Duffy's Tavern has been a beloved West Coast Florida icon since 1971, proudly run by the Geyer family gals. Cincinnati native Pat Geyer bought the original Duffy's, which dates back to the 1950s, 'to keep her five daughters off the streets and out of trouble.' All five — Patti, Pam, Peggi, Penni, and Polli — put in time behind the bar and grill, with Peggi and Polli most often at the helm today. Cash-only and full of character, Duffy's lives up to its slogan: 'world-famous burger and coldest beer in town.' The star is the diner-style cheeseburger, seasoned to perfection and served 'all the way' with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a swipe of mayo ($8.80). Other favorites include the Brie & Caramelized Onion Burger, Tex Burger (cheddar, bacon, barbecue sauce), Bacon Cheeseburger, and the fiery Fresh Jalapeño & Havarti Cheeseburger. No fries here — but the homemade chili and navy bean soup more than make up for it. And yes, you'll want that beer in a frosty mug. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune 10 most legendary restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area Details: 4480 Fowler St., Suite 110, Fort Myers; 239-245-7145; and 1402 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 4, Cape Coral; 239-471-7128; When this old Florida-flavored restaurant opened two locations within the last year, it brought frog legs, blue crab fritters and golden-fried gator bites in homemade swamp sauce to Southwest Florida. More importantly, though, creative and crafty gourmet burgers that pay homage to the Sunshine State came along too. There are 15 or so to choose from, including the two-patty Alligator Alley, the Swamp Stomper with thick-cut slabs of bacon, a Big Cypress Dip with au jus, a beer-battered mushroom-topped Florida Scrub and the spicy Black Rambo with alligator sausage and blackened crabmeat. You'll find fried eggs, BBQ pork, beer-battered lobster, blueberry jam and peanut butter on others. Enjoy it all surrounded by oversized fish tanks with baby gators swimming around, stuffed rattlesnakes and squirrels scattered here and there, wild boar heads mounted on walls and python skins stretching from floor to ceiling. Welcome to old Florida. — Robyn George, The News-Press New Fort Myers restaurant full of old Florida flavor, from gourmet burgers to frog legs Details: Popup burger stand in Southwest Florida; or It's hard to imagine you're an auditor at a surgical supply company and in a matter of years you're cranking out delicious Wagyu smash burgers. But that's what happened to Kyle Cravo, whose Only Doubles popup burger stand has become so popular in Southwest Florida that Naples Daily News readers in 2024 crowned it the best burger in Collier County. Fans especially rave about the signature dressing on Only Doubles' burgers. Only Doubles on its Instagram lists where it will be each week. ― Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Details: 4812 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-623-7471 and 3421 S. Orange Ave., Orlando; 407-233-4094; Michelin Guide recognition? Check. Tapping into the beef tallow self-care trend? Absolutely, with refrigerated jars for sale to use in cooking and/or moisturizing. From Frito pie to hot dogs and burgers, Palm Beach Meats is all things wagyu beef. West Palm Beach's location is a Bib Gourmand winner, a designation the Michelin Guide salutes as "friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices." An anonymous Guide inspector shared such destinations are often where inspectors go on their own time. Beautifully cooked and presented, the wagyu patty seemingly has a finer grind than other burgers, making for a softer, smoother experience bite after bite sans detectable yucky gristle. Though the burger itself is hot, the lettuce, tomato and onion are perfectly cool and refreshingly crisp. Think of it as a high-end McDLT from the 1980s. — Diana Biederman and Eddie Ritz, The Palm Beach Post Behold! 10 best burgers in Palm Beach County Details: 3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-364-5938; in a nondescript strip mall near world-famous Siesta Beach, Shakespeare's has been serving Sarasota's best burgers for more than two decades. The setting is a charming English pub, but the real draw is the burgers — hand-formed, eight-ounce patties of Black Angus beef, seasoned well and cooked to order. I prefer mine medium, and they consistently arrive with a smart sear and charred exterior giving way to a juicy, tender, perfectly pink center. Each burger comes on Shakespeare's famous toasted rosemary Kaiser bun, an ideal companion to the pub's various signature creations. Of the many burger options, none are more impressive than the caramelized onion and brie burger ($15.95). The umami-rich patty, sweet balsamic caramelized onions, and creamy, nutty brie make for an indulgent combination that every burger enthusiast should try. Pair it with fries and a pint of Guinness, and you'll feel transported — far from the Florida heat and just a few bites away from bliss. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune Best burger restaurant in Sarasota? My favorite for food, drinks, and a fun setting Details: 2520 W. Tharpe St. Tallahassee; 850-224-9766; They say some of the best food places are hole-in-the-wall spots and this would ring true for Woodchuck's Cafe. Located next to the Sunoco gas station on West Tharpe Street, this hidden gem decorated in woodchuck decor might take you by surprise. They tote a generous list of burgers, including the "King Kong" a double stack burger topped with 2 slices of cheese, stuffed with golden French fries ($12.75). The "Breakfast Burger" is made with an egg (prepared as guest choice) and crispy bacon piled between two pancake buns ($12.75). Pro tip, this burger deliciously pairs with funnel cake fries ($1.50). For the last 13 years Woodchuck's Cafe has offered a casual dining space with an abundant selection of specialty breakfast items, sandwiches, desserts and more. — Kyla Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat Best burger? May is National Burger Month: 5 essential Tallahassee spots to try for the food holiday Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at Support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: From smash burgers to bougie ones. these are Florida's best burgers
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm the new leader of the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus. Let's make progress.
I rise with deep gratitude, a strong sense of responsibility, and profound hope. It is the greatest honor of my professional life to stand before you as the newly elected Leader of the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus. I thank my colleagues for their trust, and I appreciate the people of Palm Beach County for the incredible privilege of representing them in this chamber. Let me begin with this: Florida stands at a crossroads. This moment demands clarity and courage. Yes, we face serious challenges, from a changing climate to rising costs, but within every challenge lies a chance to lead with purpose and heart. And this session has shown us what's possible when we choose progress over partisanship. This session in Tallahassee, we are standing firm against bills that would roll back child labor protection. We are fighting against efforts to ban books and censor ideas in our schools. We oppose efforts to roll back the important gun safety measures passed in a bipartisan manner in the wake of the horrific Parkland school shooting. We must honor the memories of those we lost by continuing to prioritize public safety, not by moving backward. Floridians are watching. They are watching this chamber not for theatrics or soundbites, but for leadership. Leadership that puts people first. Leadership that rises above the noise and moves us toward a shared vision for our state's future. We come from different parts of Florida. We hold diverse perspectives, life experiences, and political philosophies. But we were all elected for the same reason: because the people of this state entrusted us to do the work. The real work. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power. Opinion: I'm the mayor of Wellington. Florida's local governments need property taxes. Our caucus is not just here to oppose; we are here to propose. To advance real solutions that address the needs of everyday Floridians. We will listen, legislate, and lead with empathy and resolve. My approach to leadership will not be one of division. It will be one of inclusion. We will not trade in fear. We will lead with facts. We will not engage in personal attacks. We will focus on policy. And we will not allow the loudest voices to drown out the needs of everyday Floridians. To my colleagues across the aisle: I extend my hand in partnership. Some issues should never be partisan, such as ensuring our children's safety in school, protecting clean water, caring for our veterans, and growing our economy in a way that uplifts all Floridians, not just the few at the top. Let's work together where we can. Let's disagree with respect where we must. And let's remember we were not elected to be comfortable. We were elected to be courageous. To my fellow Democrats: I am proud to serve you, and I am prouder of what we are building. We are alive and kicking, passing bills, fighting bad policy and getting appropriations for projects that impact our districts. We may not hold the majority, but we have something just as powerful: a vision rooted in fairness, in justice, in equality, and in care. Members, let us work together to build a Florida where every child, no matter their background or ZIP code, can attend a well-funded public school that prepares them not just to pass a test, but to thrive in life. Let us make healthcare affordable and accessible, not just in our urban centers, but in rural communities where care is too often out of reach. Let us address our housing crisis — not by pushing people out, but by ensuring that working families, seniors, and young people can afford to live in the communities they love. Let us protect fundamental freedoms, ensuring that every person has the right to make decisions about their own body, their own future, and their own family. Opinion: Rolling the dice with Mother Nature: Trump's FEMA cuts would be new disaster for Florida This is what we believe, and this is what I will fight for. I believe in the potential of Florida's future, and I will fight to see it realized. We will lead with heart, with purpose, and with the unwavering belief that Florida's best days are ahead of us. Editor's Note: Sen. Lori Berman gave this speech, outling her hopes in the Florida Legislature, shortly after being selected Senate Democratic Leader. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Democrats can make a difference in our Senate | Opinion
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Advocates form Animal Justice Task Force ahead Gov. DeSantis signing 'Dexter's' and 'Trooper's' bills
The Brief Animal advocates have formed an Animal Justice Task Force ahead of Governor Ron DeSantis signing Dexter's Bill and Trooper's Bill into law. The Animal Justice Task Force was established to keep advocating for animals, with members tracking animal abuse and cruelty cases, and writing to prosecutors and legislators. It comes before a private ceremony at a Palm Beach County animal rescue, where DeSantis is scheduled to sign Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law. PALM HARBOR, Fla. - Animal advocates have formed an Animal Justice Task Force ahead of Governor Ron DeSantis signing Dexter's Bill and Trooper's Bill into law. The backstory Elizabeth Olson began volunteering at Pinellas County Animal Service in 2009 and started her own rescue, Rescue Pink. She said the outpouring of support for Dexter and Trooper inspired her to keep the momentum going. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "I said 'we have to keep doing this. We have to keep trying to change things and showing up,'" she said. Big picture view Last week, she established the Animal Justice Task Force to keep advocating for animals. Members would track animal abuse and cruelty cases, and write to prosecutors and legislators. "Show up at some peaceful protests," she said. "Just be part of the group, the force that says, 'we're here watching, and we want justice because way too many cases don't get it." RELATED: 'Trooper' the dog found tied to fence during Hurricane Milton adopted by Florida family She said for now, the task force operates on YouTube and Facebook. To learn more, click here. "I really need help with research and legal help. If there's any attorneys especially criminal attorneys," she said. "You could spend five minutes, or you could spend hours. Anything you want to do to help is a plus." Dig deeper On Wednesday, in a private ceremony at a Palm Beach County animal rescue, DeSantis is scheduled to sign Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law. PREVIOUS: Man convicted of decapitating newly adopted dog, dumping body in Fort De Soto Trooper's Law is in honor of a dog found abandoned by a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol ahead of Hurricane Milton. The dog was tethered to a fence on I-75. Trooper's Law would make abandoning an animal during a natural disaster a third-degree felony. The penalty would be up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Dexter's Law is in honor of a rescue dog who was found decapitated and dumped in a Pinellas County park shortly after he was adopted. Dexter's Law would increase punishment for especially heinous animal cruelty cases and an offender database on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's website. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Who are the Escobedo killers and what happened on Florida's Turnpike in St. Lucie in 2006?
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Five months after former President Joe Biden commuted the federal death sentences of the men who brutally slaughtered a family on Florida's Turnpike, the pair could be returned to death row, but to a Florida prison. That's according to State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl, who is holding a press conference May 27 to discuss prosecuting Daniel "Homer" Troya, 42, and Ricardo 'Ricky' Sanchez, Jr., 41, whose federal death sentences were commuted for the 2006 murders of Jose Escobedo, his wife and two young sons on Oct. 13, 2006. On May 23, Bakkedahl and Sheriff Richard Del Toro announced they were reopening the 2006 Escobedo family murder case in 'direct response to the federal government's commutation of the death sentences.' The announcement stated Bakkedahl's office would seek the death penalty against Troya and Sanchez, both of Palm Beach County, if a jury seated in St. Lucie County convicts the two of capital murder charges. State Attorney: Prosecutors to pursue death penalty in turnpike killings after commutation Editorial: Trump, Biden undermine justice The men were sentenced to death in 2009 for their involvement in the drug-related slaughter of the Escobedo family in gangland-style executions tied to a drug peddling operation in West Palm Beach. Prosecutors said the men carried out the killings on the orders of their co-defendant and convicted drug trafficker Danny Varela, 44, for whom the two worked as drug couriers. The hits were ordered, according to federal investigators, to settle a drug debt and to steal drugs from Escobedo, who had been the group's cocaine supplier, smuggling in kilos from Texas. Here's a closer look at the extraordinary killings and the people involved. Jose, 28, and Yessica Escobedo, 25, grew up in Brownsville, Texas, but were living in Greenacres in Palm Beach County with their two sons, Luis Damien, 3, and Luis Julian, 4. Federal agents believed Jose Escobedo was the leader of a drug ring and ran drugs between Texas and Florida. Jose Escobedo was shot once above the left eye, three times in the lower torso and genitals, and once in the left leg. His wife was shot 11 times, with four shots to the head and face and seven in her torso. Luis Julian was shot six times; he suffered a fatal wound to the top of his head. His brother Luis Damien sustained five bullet wounds. June 15, 2006: Jose "Lou" Escobedo, his wife Yessica and their sons, Luis Damian, 3, and Luis Julian, 4, moved from Brownsville, Texas, to a rental home in Greenacres in Palm Beach County. Investigators say a trail of evidence linked Jose Escobedo to Varela, Troya and Sanchez and the trafficking of drugs between Texas and Florida. Oct. 12, 2006: The night before the killing, the Escobedos left their home in Palm Beach County, possibly picking up or dropping off drugs, and Sanchez and Troya made several phone calls to Escobedo, following him in a van. Also on that night, Jose Escobedo talked to his brother and reported he had "picked up the package," which was drugs, and was being followed by the van with Troya and Sanchez. Oct. 13, 2006: In the predawn hours, Daniel Troya and Ricardo Sanchez gun down the Escobedo family along Florida's Turnpike at mile marker 149 in Port St. Lucie. Prosecutors said Sanchez drove Jose Escobedo's Jeep away from the crime scene on Florida's Turnpike. Oct. 16, 2006: Escobedo's black Cherokee Jeep is found abandoned in a West Palm Beach industrial area, with matches and a container of gasoline nearby. Oct. 25, 2006: Police raid "Thug Mansion," a rented home in a West Palm Beach gated community where Danny Varela, Liana Lee Lopez, Troya, Sanchez, Kevin Vetere and Juan C. Gutierrez, lived and were arrested for multiple gun and drug offenses. January 2008: Co-defendant Kevin Vetere, a key government trial witness who lived with the drug gang in West Palm Beach, was the first of its members to plead guilty. He's sentenced to a 12-year prison term for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Jan. 27, 2009: Federal trial begins against Varela, Lopez, Troya and Sanchez. Jurors saw video showing the Escobedo's Jeep and a van getting on and off the turnpike. Prosecutors also presented fingerprint evidence of Sanchez and Troya on toll tickets, and cell phone evidence that linked them to the crime. March 5, 2009: A jury returns guilty verdicts on all charges against all four defendants. Troya and Sanchez are convicted of 16 charges, including armed carjacking resulting in death, along with drug trafficking and weapons offenses. April 2, 2009: A jury votes to put to death Troya and Sanchez for the killings of Luis Damian and Luis Julian Escobedo. They receive two life prison terms for the murders of Jose and Yessica Escobedo. In sentencing the men to death, Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley described the Escobedo murders as "shocking, appalling and outrageous.' Troya, he said, was "an enormously dangerous person who has no regard for the taking of human life." "He slaughtered the Escobedo family - the entire family - mother, father and two beautiful children.' May 2009: Danny Varela, 31, receives two life terms in prison, plus 60 years on gun, drug possession and drug trafficking convictions; Liana Lopez is sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release; co-defendant Juan C. Gutierrez, 25, a cousin to Ricardo Sanchez who also ran drugs for Varela, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. April 2013: In a ruling upholding Troya and Sanchez's convictions, a three-judge panel with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta wrote the gangland-style murders 'took place to protect a large-scale drug trafficking ring involving drugs, guns and extensive violence.' The panel called the killings a 'gruesome quadruple homicide' and concluded Troya and Sanchez stalked the Escobedos for nearly nine hours, personally spoke to the family 'and then ruthlessly murdered them one-by-one, execution style.' Dec. 23, 2024: President Joe Biden commutes the death sentences of Troya and Sanchez; their sentences are reclassified from execution to life without the possibility of parole. Daniel Troya, 42, and Ricardo Sanchez, 41 are housed at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., a high-security facility housing male inmates and men sentenced to death. Co-defendant Danny Varela, 44, is serving two life sentences plus 60 years in prison at the medium-security U.S. Penitentiary Ray Brook, in Ray Brook, N.Y. He was convicted of nine conspiracy, weapons and drug possession offenses. His convictions and sentences were upheld on appeal, and in 2020 his legal bid to reduce his life term was denied. Co-defendant Liana Lee Lopez, 37, Varela's former girlfriend who was never directly implicated in the murders, was convicted of four conspiracy, drug and firearm charges. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison and was released in 2019, records show. Editorial: State law on condominium safety has done its job to protect Floridians Sultanate of Brunei: Why does a faraway monarchy own Piper Aircraft? Co-defendant Kevin Vetere, who lived with the drug gang and provided key government testimony at trial, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Federal Bureau of Prison's website however, does not list him as an inmate at any federal facility. Co-defendant Juan C. 'Flaco' Gutierrez, 35, Ricardo Sanchez's cousin who lived with the gang, was released from federal custody on Jan. 14, 2022. Sources: U.S. Attorney's Office for the U.S. Southern District of Florida; Federal Bureau of Prisons; St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office records Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers and is writer and co-host of "Uncertain Terms," a true-crime podcast. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Why was the Escobedo family slaughtered in 2006 on Florida's Turnpike?
