PETS PARADE: The holidays are coming

Santa visits students at GYAC

GIFFORD — In the days leading up to Christmas, the jolly Saint Nicholas cleared up his busy schedule of gift giving to make sure students at a youth center received presents on their wish list. Saint Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, visited youth last Thursday afternoon at Gifford Youth Achievement Center. The man in the traditional red and white outfit with a white beard was GYAC staff member Lebon Nicholas, happily providing each student with a gift. The students sung Christmas carols inside the gymnasium and the youth orchestra performed classic holiday tunes. The orchestra did a combined performance as well as solo performances, staff members said. The GYAC, a center that offers an after school program focused on ...

Fourth of July fireworks events in Indian River County

Confused about where to go to celebrate the nation's Independence Day? Don't fret, here is a list of some local events that will be taking place on the Fourth of July, provided by the City of Vero Beach, Visit Indian River County and the Vero Recreation Department. 4th of July Sebastian Freedom Festival & Fireworks Date and time: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Riverview Park, 600 U.S. 1, Sebastian Description: The Fourth of July festivities will start early Wednesday with a parade from Sebastian Community Center at 1805 Jackson Street, along Davis Street and south on Indian River Drive to Riverview Park. Attendees can enjoy the all day festival in the park with food, craft booths, vendors, live bands ...

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 ...