Driving Miss Daisy drives fundraiser for two organizations

Several agencies stop human smuggling attempt at Sebastian Inlet

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A group of Haitian migrants - along with two Brevard County captains - were in federal custody after local, state and federal agencies blocked a human smuggling attempt Thursday night. The 24 undocumented Haitains, and boat captains, were detained at the Sebastian Inlet and turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard, said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "The captains of the boat were trying to smuggle the Haitians into the country," Jaworski said. The incident led to a multi-agency response, including the Indian River County Sheriff's Office marine unit, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard. The smuggling attempt ...

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, ...

‘It’s a challenging situation’ – Schools take action amid virus outbreak

In the midst of uncertainty after statewide school closings caused by the coronavirus outbreak, local officials are making sure students still learn from home and have access to teachers. "It's a challenging situation. We're working to make sure (teachers) are available to families. We will implement flexible times (for employees)," Schools Superintendent David Moore said during Wednesday's laptop distribution. "Everyone's working together. Folks are getting their laptops with happiness." School officials will also give out laptops to families on Thursday and after spring break. Moore said the district has more than 10,000 laptops - one for each family that doesn't have a computer. Spring break for students in the county is March 23 through March 27. Students will resume their ...