On the Menu: Frog & Gator 2010

12-foot gator caught on South Beach

 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 12-foot long alligator was spotted on the beach by a resident near Saint Christopher Lane shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday night. The Indian River Sheriff’s Office responded to the beach, which is roughly halfway between The Moorings and Round Island Park. Undersheriff James Harpring, who lives nearby, said deputies got a call from a woman walking her dog who spotted the alligator walking along the shoreline. Harpring went to the scene with his 8-year-old daughter Elizabeth to witness the rare occurrence. Deputies called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which sent a professional trapper to capture the full-size gator. "It's unusual to have an alligator that size on the beach," Harpring said. "(The gator) was very ...

Humane Society advises pet owners to prepare for cold

VERO BEACH -- With Treasure Coast temperatures set to dramatically drop this evening and remain chilly throughout the week, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is urging pet owners to protect their animals and offers the following tips: Bring pets indoors. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets. Even dogs with heavy fur coats should stay inside. In the home, keep animals off cold tile flooring and give them blankets or pet beds to sleep on. Appropriate dress required. Small dogs and dogs with short coats can easily chill. Provide them with a turtleneck sweater when going outdoors and keep walks brief. Puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are ill as well ...

Attendance

Attendance/social work staff responds to attendance and truancy referrals following school district policies, procedures and established law. Reasons for attendance and truancy issues are assessed and a plan of action is developed to improve attendance. This process includes home visits, conferencing with family and teachers, and participation in the school Student Support Team. Referrals and networking with community agencies are also conducted to identify prevention and remedial interventions for students. Staff assists with expulsion reviews, truancy court proceedings and analyzing enrollment and attendance data. Attendance: (772) 564-3145 On the Web: http://www.indianriverschools.org/SiteDirectory/StudentServices/Attendance/Pages/default.aspx