Shavonne Poyner, 53, Wabasso

Retired educator honored for sowing seeds in lives of county’s youth

It is a peaceful space that A. Ronald Hudson finds filled with restful moments amid the citrus groves. Here in the orchard, the lessons of harvesting and sowing remain a constant in life – in and out of the field. “I would go in the grove, get on my tractor and forget about everything else,” said the longtime educator, of the therapeutic feeling he gets from minding the land, years after trading in a life of walking the school hallways and guiding students. “I’m strictly a nature person,” said Hudson, who turned 93 on July 1, talking of tending to the soil, planting oranges and grapefruit about a mile from his Vero Beach home. Hudson worked in the citrus groves ...

Together: Gifford MLK parade, program brings unity, music, performances

GIFFORD — The spirit of solidarity flourished at the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade along 45th Street, where residents gathered to see creative floats, marching band performances and banners showing King's image along with some of his famous quotes. A program held afterwards beneath the gray skies featured poetry, Christian rap, mime showcase, dances and singing. "I think it's very important for our students and community to continue the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. We cannot allow his dreams to die after he was assassinated," said Curtis Webb, director of youth programs at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center - one of many organizations to march in this year's parade. "He fought for the rights of all people so we ...

2 wounded in late Monday shooting; deputies investigating

GIFFORD — Two people suffered non-life threatening injuries following a double shooting late Monday, Indian River County sheriff's deputies reported. It was the second reported shooting to take place in Indian River County over the Labor Day weekend. Both incidents are not connected, sheriff's spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Jaworski said. Details on the motive in Monday's shooting were not immediately available. The individuals - a 33-year-old man and a teen believed to be age 17 or 18 - have since been released from the hospital, according to sheriff's officials and fire rescue. Deputies were combing through evidence and speaking with witnesses to identify a possible suspect. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 9 p.m. in the 4500 block of ...