Car rams into Ruby Tuesday in Sebastian

Sebastian elementary, middle, high schools earn Purple Star designation

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools were recently awarded Purple Star designations for providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs for military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored with the designation Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis. "We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation." Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved ...

Sebastian police investigating murder-suicide

SEBASTIAN — A next-of-kin death notification led police to discover the body of a 64-year-old resident, Patricia Rockwell-Kuhner, at her home on Saturday, officials said. The same day, law enforcement officers found the body of the suspect in the woman's death, a 48-year-old man, in Volusia County. "The suspect was not found deceased at the residence. They were in another jurisdiction," said Sebastian police Deputy Chief Timothy Wood. Police determined the case is a murder-suicide. On Tuesday afternoon, detectives publicly identified the suspect as Michael Rockwell, who they said is Rockwell-Kuhner's son, Wood said. Officers with the Daytona Beach Police Department first discovered the body of Rockwell in Volusia County on Saturday, Wood said. Then, Sebastian police officers went to ...

County damage from tornadoes at least $55M and growing

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — One week after at least three tornadoes wreaked havoc in the county and destroyed dozens of homes, county officials now have an estimate of damages. The number is at least $55 million...for now, county officials said. "(The number) will grow but not exponentially," Indian River County Commissioner Joe Flescher said on Wednesday. "We checked infrastructures, roadways, households and businesses." Flescher said the estimate includes damages to public and private sectors. The commissioner said the county has an assessment team surveying the damages. County officials, nonprofit organizations and volunteers have been providing resources, including comfort centers, free roof tarps, a multi-agency resource center, emergency shelter, help with FEMA assistance and more to help those impacted by the ...