Dr. Albert Leduc, 92, formerly of Vero Beach

Vero Beach remembers late actor Burt Reynolds

The Vero Beach community is mourning the loss of iconic actor and Florida resident Burt Reynolds, who made previous appearances at the Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival. The 82-year-old actor experienced health-related issues and passed away Thursday at a Florida hospital, according to media outlets. “It seems like yesterday we were presenting him with our lifetime achievement award and now he’s gone from us,” said Doris Kwek, Frosch Travel agent who escorted Burt Reynolds during his visit to Vero Beach. “I’m lucky to have those memories.” Reynolds starred in television shows like "Gunsmoke" and movies such as "Deliverance," "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Cannonball Run." The Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival presented Reynolds with the VBWFF Life ...

Capt Hiram’s Resort Founder passes away

SEBASTIAN — Tom Collins, the founder of Capt Hiram's Resort, passed away Saturday, according to officials. "It was a shock for everyone. Tom was quite the rock and very hands on," said resort director of marketing Kimball Stadler, "He was a caring individual and always wanted to make sure this was a casual, welcoming family resort. We're proud of what he has accomplished." Further details on how Collins died were not immediately available. His family is asking for privacy to gather their thoughts because of the unexpected death. Collins, 71, of Vero Beach, helped expand Capt Hiram's to become the area's largest riverfront resort, Stadler said. The property for the resort, located at 1580 U.S. 1, Sebastian, was purchased in 1986. ...

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 ...