Indian River Symphonic Assn. presents Brevard Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Sunday April 11 at the Community Church

Low beach attendance for January; no water rescues

VERO BEACH — While chilly temperatures caused a drop in beach attendance last month, lifeguards are happy to report that there were no water rescues that occurred in January. "It's a great thing," Vero Beach Lifeguard Association officials said in a statement. "We hope people are paying attention to lifeguards and condition signs before they go into the water." The Vero Beach Lifeguard Association recently released its monthly report for the beaches at Jaycee Park, Humiston Park and South Beach Park. Lifeguards said about 54,105 beachgoers flocked to the shore in January. The highest beach-attendance record of 65,700 was set in 2019 for Vero Beach, lifeguards said. The record low for beach attendance was set in 2016 with 36,000 people, ...

‘No swimming’ advisory lifted for beaches, officials say

VERO BEACH — Authorities lifted a 'no swimming' advisory for three local beaches Tuesday after test samples showed that bacteria returned to normal levels, health department and city officials said. The result means it was safe to return to the water Tuesday, Vero Beach city officials said. The advisory - which was in place for nearly a week - was issued Jan. 31 for South Beach, Humiston Beach and Sexton Plaza Beach after high levels of fecal-related bacteria were reported at the locations. Environmental specialists with the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County collected water samples at the beaches Monday and on Jan. 28. The more recent collection of samples - tested at the Flowers Chemical Laboratory in Port St. ...

Hometown star Jake Owen holds annual benefit concert

Photo by Leigh Green There’s nothing like a hometown superstar to bring out the best in Vero Beach. Jake Owen, Vero’s native born Platinum-certified recording artist, drew enthusiastic fans from around the country when he visited last weekend, bringing along a few of his country music friends to join him for three packed weekend events. Monies raised at the event will benefit charities funded by the Jake Owen Foundation.   On Friday evening, event sponsors were treated to a VIP reception and performance at the Vero Beach Country Club. Several hundred guests, many with personal ties to Owen, partook in an impressive spread of hors d’ oeuvres and free flowing drinks while mingling with celebrities such as NASCAR driver Kevin ...