Main library closes due to lack of air conditioning

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, ...

Vacation, short-term rentals reopen under safety plan

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A detailed safety measure to reopen vacation and short term rentals in the county has been approved, allowing the plan to go into effect immediately, officials said. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation approved the Indian River County Vacation Rental Re-opening Plan, officials said. The county submitted the plan to the department Thursday for review, Administrator Jason Brown said. The plan was designed to keep residents and visitors safe from the spread of coronavirus while also allowing property owners to rent in accordance with regulatory and health guidelines. County officials formed the plan in response to Gov. Ron DeSantis' Full Phase 1 of the "Safe, Smart, Step-By-Step" guidelines to reopen Florida. The maximum occupancy ...

Sebastian Inlet Park open except for campgrounds

A return to a new normal is underway at our community's state parks and environmental education and conservation organizations following COVID-19-related closures. Effective Friday at 8 a.m., Sebastian Inlet State Park reopened for 24-hour visitation throughout the park, except for campgrounds.   Beachgoers and anglers fishing from the jetties are expected to follow social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including staying six feet apart. Officials pledge to close the park when it reaches 50-percent capacity. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is open for day use only (8 a.m. to sunset) until further notice. Hiking trails are open for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding.  Boat/kayak launch facilities and restrooms are open. Visitors are required to keep ...