St. Lucie watchdog reporter appreciates seeing the impact of his work in the community

Wicker Perlis joined TCPalm in September as the St. Lucie County watchdog reporter.

Previously he covered state governments in Mississippi at the Clarion Ledger, and in Missouri at the Columbia Missourian. He is a 2022 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism and is a native of New Orleans.

Q: What is it like covering St. Lucie County for TCPalm?

A: St. Lucie County is a dynamic and ever-changing place.

As the sixth-biggest city in Florida, Port St. Lucie provides opportunities to cover exciting developments and the problems that come with rapid growth. In Fort Pierce, there are efforts to change the perceptions of the Sunrise City, which also is exciting. In unincorporated areas, there are huge opportunities for growth, especially in the west, which creates both excitement and raises questions of how to grow sustainably.

All of this makes the beat very intriguing to cover.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a watchdog journalist?

A: I like being a watchdog journalist because I believe local journalism is a public service and know that such a dynamic and ever-changing place needs accountability and transparency.

I particularly enjoy seeing stories have an impact, like seeing increased public interest in a topic I covered.

Q: What is your most memorable story or topic?

A: From my first days in the TCPalm newsroom, I was talking about Brightline with my editors and colleagues.

My first story about Brightline came as we were preparing for trains carrying passengers to begin running through the Treasure Coast, including just two blocks from our newsroom in downtown Fort Pierce.

Fast forward about a month, I was able to help break the news that Brightline had begun its search for a Treasure Coast station. Over the next few months, I would help chronicle that search process, particularly in Fort Pierce.

Then, when Brightline decided on Stuart over Fort Pierce, I was able to tell the story of the city's disappointment and resolve.

Our whole team has done a great job owning this story. I am proud to have played a role in it.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: I am a big sports fan, particularly of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, the Missouri Tigers and the St. Louis Blues. I enjoy playing golf, when I can find the time.

I also volunteer regularly with the youth group at my local Episcopal church.

I love pets, and when at home I enjoy spending time with my dog, Truman, and my partner's rabbit, Barry.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Wicker Perlis is TCPalm St. Lucie County watchdog reporter