Florida’s Department of Health has revisited data on glioblastoma diagnoses in St Lucie County, eight years after initial concerns raised by local families and media coverage. The latest review confirms that the number of cases remains consistent with what would be expected for a county of roughly 400,000 residents.
The investigation was sparked by the tragic death of 33‑year‑old Lenny Schelin Jr., whose aggressive brain cancer was diagnosed. His mother, Deb Johnston, and other families noticed that several young patients lived in close proximity, prompting local reporter Meghan McRoberts to dig deeper. The story drew attention from lawmakers, environmental advocate Erin Brockovich, and the state’s health agency.
In 2019, the Florida Department of Health compiled a report after receiving a request from the county’s cancer registry. The analysis found no statistically significant rise in glioblastoma cases that would justify a larger investigation. Environmental data—including water quality tests and radiation monitoring from a nearby power plant—were also examined and showed no anomalies.
The most recent review, covering 2019‑2023, recorded 95 glioblastoma diagnoses, only three more than the 92 expected statewide for that period. Officials estimate that a county of this size should see about 14‑15 new cases annually. The report, however, does not break down cases by age or sex, citing insufficient numbers for reliable statistical comparison.
Critics note that the analysis does not address whether patients were clustered on specific streets or neighborhoods. Families argue that such geographic detail is crucial to understanding any potential environmental link. The Department of Health acknowledges this limitation and has not yet conducted a fine‑grained spatial assessment.
For Johnston, the lack of new findings is a source of frustration. She has spent years seeking answers and continues to organize annual fishing tournaments in her son’s memory, raising nearly $300,000 for glioblastoma research. She urges investigators to focus on the White City area, where several patients lived.
Since the initial reporting, the state has invested at least $9 million in glioblastoma research. Despite this, the question remains whether county‑wide statistics capture the full picture of a disease that can affect people of all ages. As St Lucie County’s population grows, officials anticipate a rise in diagnoses, but families and advocates press for more detailed, localized studies.
