Jean D. “Shelley” Slusher, 68, Vero Beach

11-year-old breaks into church, steals laptop on Christmas Day

GIFFORD — An 11-year-old who deputies said broke into a church and stole a laptop on Christmas Day, was detained. Deputies also arrested the boy's mother after saying she failed to report the boy as missing. The Gifford youth told deputies he stole the $700 laptop because "he wanted something to play with," reports show. Deputies said the juvenile was a runaway. An arrest report noted the incident took place at St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church, located just south of St. Peter's Academy. Both facilities have the same address at 4250 38th Avenue, Gifford. The report indicated the child previously attended the church or school, but it was unclear which one. Deputies charged the youth with burglary of a structure ...

‘Tragic, sudden loss,’ – Memorials emerge for teen killed in ATV crash

With the sudden death of Sebastian River High School student Jake Beecher still fresh, family, friends, teammates and coaches continue to come to terms with the tragic crash that took his life. "He was well-liked by teammates and was extremely coachable. His coaches and teammates are taking it pretty hard," Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Jessica Upchurch said. "He was an overall good kid who had a passion for football." Family and friends created makeshift memorials for Beecher, 15, of Vero Beach, who relatives said aspired to be a pilot. Sebastian River High School dedicated Beecher, a sophomore, as "athlete of the week" following his death.   One memorial placed in front of the school campus had flowers, silver ...

‘God is still good’ – Residents worship at Drive-In Church amid virus concerns

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The coronavirus didn't stop worshipers from using creative ideas to hold church services while also keeping a social distance. Several people tuned in to 88.1 FM Sunday morning to hear Pastor Josh Robinson deliver a powerful message. Vero Beach Baptist Church members, including one wearing a medical mask, sat in their vehicles at South County Regional Park, watching and listening to Robinson's reassuring message about holding on to faith. "Usually when a crisis happens, people come together. But, this (virus) is making us stay apart because of social distancing," said church member Bethany Martin, 32, of Vero Beach. "This event allows us to still gather while keeping our distance." Robinson read several Bible verses while he ...