Democratic Women to tackle “Fair Redistricting”

Fellsmere among towns impacted by Hurricane Irma to get infrastructure award

Fellsmere is among several Florida towns that will receive an infrastructure award that will go toward restoration and improvement projects following the damage left behind by the 2017 Hurricane Irma, state officials said Friday. The city of Fellsmere will receive $4,068,300 under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. The funds will aim to increase accessibility to the city's water plant. "Florida communities are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, and helping them rebuild remains a top priority," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. "This funding will not only help to ensure Hurricane Irma-impacted communities are restored, but also help improve their resiliency against future events." Nearly $100 million has been awarded to ...

Gov. issues state of emergency; beaches to close ahead of Isaias

Friday evening update: A hurricane warning and a storm surge watch were issued for Indian River County Friday afternoon. County officials will order voluntary evacuations for residents Saturday in mobile homes, low lying areas and on the barrier island. County officials will open three shelters at 2 p.m. Saturday. The shelters should be considered a last resort option for evacuees. The shelters are: Special Needs Shelter – Treasure Coast Elementary – 8955 85th Street, Sebastian. Pet-Friendly Shelter – Liberty Magnet School – 6580 81st Street, Vero Beach General Population – Freshman Learning Center – 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach Earlier story: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday issued a state of emergency for 18 counties, including Indian River, in Florida ahead of ...

Sheriff’s candidates say George Floyd’s death, national response will be an issue in their race

All five candidates for sheriff say the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month and subsequent nationwide protests will be an issue in the race here, and they expect to be asked about it as they campaign. Two of them – Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry and retired Sheriff’s Capt. Chuck Kirby – have addressed the incident extensively on their campaign Facebook pages, where they also discussed the strategies they would employ to prevent and respond to any such incidents involving their deputies. They also expressed a need to improve the relationship between the county’s largest law enforcement agency and the local black community. Touchberry condemned both the actions of the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt ...