Hibiscus Festival on April 16 to hold Chinese Auction

Fertilizer restrictions to go into effect next month

A reminder from the Indian River Neighborhood Association to residents of Indian River County, City of Vero Beach, Sebastian and Orchid. We are coming into our rainy season when more nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous are likely to be washed from our lawns, driveways and roads into the storm water system and, ultimately, into our local waterways such as the Indian River Lagoon. The fertilizer ordinances passed by our communities goes into effect June 1st. It prohibits the use of lawn fertilizer between June 1st and September 30th. No fertilizer containing Phosphorous is to be used anytime. All fertilizers must contain at least 50% slow release Nitrogen. Finally, no fertilizer is to be applied within 10 feet of any ...

Treasures auctioned by CCA

More than 200 conservation-minded anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts gathered Friday at Vero Beach's Walking Tree Brewery to sample craft beers and wine, chow down on savory barbecue from 14 Bones, and bid on auction items ranging from fishing tackle to African safaris --all to raise money for fisheries and habitat conservation in the Sunshine State. The occasion was the fourth annual fundraiser for the 500-member Treasure Coast chapter of Coastal Conservation Association-Florida  --one of 42 chapters in the state--and arguably the most active. Vero Beach fishing guide captain Paul Fafeita is chapter president and also heads the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County. "We bring awareness to our lagoon situation," Fafeita said.  "We're concerned about saltwater fisheries. The ...

More than 50 new businesses over past 5 years lead to parking issues

When a shop shutters downtown, the real estate is swiftly snatched from the market and reopened by a new merchant, according to downtown business owners and experts who monitor growth in the area. A case in point: In recent weeks, Jetson closed up shop at the corner of 14th Avenue and 20th Street to move to a larger location downtown. Before the dust settled from the appliance store’s move, Michael Glatz, business manager and savory chef for the now closed original Patisserie Vero Beach, was already eyeing the storefront for a new business venture. He hopes to convert the space by the beginning of next year into a coffee shop called Coffee House 1420 that specializes in exotic coffees from ...