James P. Norris III, 64, Sebastian

Fellsmere among towns impacted by Hurricane Irma to get infrastructure award

Fellsmere is among several Florida towns that will receive an infrastructure award that will go toward restoration and improvement projects following the damage left behind by the 2017 Hurricane Irma, state officials said Friday. The city of Fellsmere will receive $4,068,300 under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. The funds will aim to increase accessibility to the city's water plant. "Florida communities are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, and helping them rebuild remains a top priority," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. "This funding will not only help to ensure Hurricane Irma-impacted communities are restored, but also help improve their resiliency against future events." Nearly $100 million has been awarded to ...

‘Tragic, sudden loss,’ – Memorials emerge for teen killed in ATV crash

With the sudden death of Sebastian River High School student Jake Beecher still fresh, family, friends, teammates and coaches continue to come to terms with the tragic crash that took his life. "He was well-liked by teammates and was extremely coachable. His coaches and teammates are taking it pretty hard," Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Jessica Upchurch said. "He was an overall good kid who had a passion for football." Family and friends created makeshift memorials for Beecher, 15, of Vero Beach, who relatives said aspired to be a pilot. Sebastian River High School dedicated Beecher, a sophomore, as "athlete of the week" following his death.   One memorial placed in front of the school campus had flowers, silver ...

Gov. issues state of emergency; beaches to close ahead of Isaias

Friday evening update: A hurricane warning and a storm surge watch were issued for Indian River County Friday afternoon. County officials will order voluntary evacuations for residents Saturday in mobile homes, low lying areas and on the barrier island. County officials will open three shelters at 2 p.m. Saturday. The shelters should be considered a last resort option for evacuees. The shelters are: Special Needs Shelter – Treasure Coast Elementary – 8955 85th Street, Sebastian. Pet-Friendly Shelter – Liberty Magnet School – 6580 81st Street, Vero Beach General Population – Freshman Learning Center – 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach Earlier story: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday issued a state of emergency for 18 counties, including Indian River, in Florida ahead of ...