David DeVirgilio-Challenger

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 ...

Man critical after being struck by vehicle Friday in Sebastian

SEBASTIAN — A 70-year-old Brevard County man was critically injured after being struck by a pickup truck while walking across U.S. 1 last week, fire rescue crews and sheriff's officials said. An update on his condition was not immediately available on Monday. "All indications are that the pedestrian was crossing the roadway improperly," said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "Impairment is suspected for the pedestrian." The driver of the pickup and two passengers were not hurt, Jaworski said. The crash involving the Indian Harbour Beach man and the pickup happened at 9:30 p.m. Friday in the 1400 block of U.S. 1, north of Main Street and just west of Mo Bay Grill in ...