Historian Brinkley to replace Noonan at Emerson Celebrated Speakers Series

SRHS teen dies after being pulled in by rip current at the beach

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An 18-year-old Sebastian River High School senior died after a rip current pulled him underwater for several minutes at Treasure Shores Park on Friday, officials said. The student, whose name was not publicly released, was a well-respected member of the school's band and set to graduate next Thursday. "The School District of Indian River County is heartbroken to confirm the tragic passing of a Sebastian River High School senior who drowned at the beach after school hours earlier today. Although this incident did not occur during a school-sponsored activity, the loss of one of our students is felt deeply across the entire school community," Cristen Maddux, spokesperson for the School District, said in a statement. "Throughout ...

A taste of history: Zafè’m eatery brings joy, culture

To some customers, the platter of black rice, stewed turkey and vegetables sitting on the table may seem like only a meal, but to the family that prepared it, it’s a matter of faith and history. The same family bonds - like the seasonings that bind the flavors in the food - blend easily with the quiet atmosphere of Zafè'm Carribean Restaurant, a celebrated Haitian eatery located off 45th Street in Gifford.  The workers and owners of the family-owned diner offer up prayers before reverently cooking up dishes born out of the island nation’s fusion of African, Caribbean and French influences. But the biggest ingredient is one not found in the cupboard, but instead in the hearts of those behind ...

Low beach attendance for January; no water rescues

VERO BEACH — While chilly temperatures caused a drop in beach attendance last month, lifeguards are happy to report that there were no water rescues that occurred in January. "It's a great thing," Vero Beach Lifeguard Association officials said in a statement. "We hope people are paying attention to lifeguards and condition signs before they go into the water." The Vero Beach Lifeguard Association recently released its monthly report for the beaches at Jaycee Park, Humiston Park and South Beach Park. Lifeguards said about 54,105 beachgoers flocked to the shore in January. The highest beach-attendance record of 65,700 was set in 2019 for Vero Beach, lifeguards said. The record low for beach attendance was set in 2016 with 36,000 people, ...