Sebastian marks Fourth of July with Freedom Festival

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 ...

Slight dip for July beach attendance compared to last year

VERO BEACH — Beachgoers are hitting the shores this summer all while practicing social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. The city's three guarded beaches had a slight dip in attendance numbers in July compared to last year, according to a Vero Beach Lifeguard Association report. Last month, 86,095 people flocked to Jaycee Park Beach, Humiston Park Beach and South Beach Park, lifeguards said. This number is less than the 86,686 beachgoers who hit the sand in July 2019. In July of 2018, the city set an attendance record when the beaches had 93,000 visitors, lifeguards said. Lifeguards said the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing concerns may be a contributing factor to a decline in attendance from residents and tourists. Beach ...

Deputies: Caregiver steals, pawns $35K in jewelry items

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 37-year-old caregiver was arrested Thursday after deputies said she stole $35,000 in jewelry from a residence before pawning the items at pawn shops. Melitta Lahazel Thornton told deputies she cared for one of the victims' parents and was often alone with them at their home, reports show. Thornton denied stealing and pawning the jewelry. This is the second incident this week involving suspects stealing and pawning thousands in jewelry from county homes. Deputies arrested Thornton, of the 4000 block of 41st Square, on charges of giving false information to a pawn broker and third-degree grand theft. Thornton was released Thursday from the Indian River County Jail on $20,000 bond. Indian River County deputies began investigating the ...