Eliezer Ortiz-Rivera, 36, Vero Beach

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 ...

‘Love is the key,’ – Miss Fran’s Helping Hands provides meals ahead of Thanksgiving

GIFFORD — A comforting aroma of love exudes from the kitchen at House of God Church located near the heart of Gifford. In the newly renovated food preparation area, organizers packed food trays with freshly cooked dressing, turkey and gravy, green beans, peas and rice along with rolls and homemade pound cake. Members of Miss Fran's Helping Hands of Indian River County, wearing their signature bright yellow shirts, handed out more than 200 free Thanksgiving meals at the church on Saturday and also delivered the plates to various residences. The event was one of several meal giveaways taking place in Indian River County ahead of the holiday. "I've always had a passion for helping people. That's what we're supposed to ...