Vero Beach – Richard Kennedy

John’s Island woman’s estate leaves $500K gift for ELC

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A woman who once lived on John's Island willed $500,000 from her estate to the Environmental Learning Center to support its mission in promoting connections to the natural environment. Officials said Marie G. Gookin left the bequest gift to the ELC. The center received the first installment this month from Gookin, who included the organization in her estate plans back in 1994. "We were thrilled to receive this very generous gift from the estate of Mrs. Gookin," ELC Board Chair Don Barr said in a statement. "The gift is particularly significant as the ELC begins the implementation of our master plan and enhances programming in an effort to attract more visitors." Gookin, described as a dedicated ...

Howle, Zudans win in Vero; Kinchen, McPartlan, Iovino in Sebastian

All results are in for the Vero Beach and Sebastian municipal elections. Voters have returned Harry Howle to the Vero Beach Council and Bob McPartlan and Linda Kinchen to the Sebastian Council. Val Zudans will join Howle on the Vero Council, while Albert Iovino will round out the last of three seats up for grabs on the Sebastian Council. "I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote and who supported me," Howle said. "I look forward to continuing to represent the citizens of Vero Beach." Zudans credited his wife, Tracey, and her support of his candidacy with his success in achieving the top vote-getter status. "My wife is truly my better half and the reason that I ...

Humane Society advises pet owners to prepare for cold

VERO BEACH -- With Treasure Coast temperatures set to dramatically drop this evening and remain chilly throughout the week, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is urging pet owners to protect their animals and offers the following tips: Bring pets indoors. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets. Even dogs with heavy fur coats should stay inside. In the home, keep animals off cold tile flooring and give them blankets or pet beds to sleep on. Appropriate dress required. Small dogs and dogs with short coats can easily chill. Provide them with a turtleneck sweater when going outdoors and keep walks brief. Puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are ill as well ...