Parents ask School District to reconsider re-zoning plans for Storm Grove Middle

King’s legacy of love remains vital for Gifford leader

Dallasteen Yates’ connection to Martin Luther King Jr. began when she was in the third grade in the spring of 1968. Yates said her teacher rolled a TV in the classroom at Clemans Elementary School - now Dodgertown Elementary School - and had students watch news coverage in the days following King’s assassination. “(My teacher) wept. Her eyes were red all day. She tried to keep the kids busy with coloring,” said Dr. Yates, a retired minister who was born and raised in Gifford and who is the daughter of Dallas Yates, the first Black deputy in Indian River County, and Jane Yates, a public-school teacher in the county. “It had a very direct impact as a child when he ...

Photos – Celebratory Gifford MLK parade, program comes back bigger, better

GIFFORD — Celebrations were held across the nation this week honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., considered by many to be a fearless warrior for justice. Hundreds of spectators braved the cold in Gifford as the community held its annual MLK holiday parade and program on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The theme of the event was "Power of Unity," tracing back to one of King's influential messages. Dr. King stood before a Birmingham congregation in May 1963, telling the audience that "there is power in unity and there is power in numbers." King delivered the speech at St. Luke's Baptist Church after about 2,500 protesters were arrested because they advocated for civil rights, a ...

‘Love is the key,’ – Miss Fran’s Helping Hands provides meals ahead of Thanksgiving

GIFFORD — A comforting aroma of love exudes from the kitchen at House of God Church located near the heart of Gifford. In the newly renovated food preparation area, organizers packed food trays with freshly cooked dressing, turkey and gravy, green beans, peas and rice along with rolls and homemade pound cake. Members of Miss Fran's Helping Hands of Indian River County, wearing their signature bright yellow shirts, handed out more than 200 free Thanksgiving meals at the church on Saturday and also delivered the plates to various residences. The event was one of several meal giveaways taking place in Indian River County ahead of the holiday. "I've always had a passion for helping people. That's what we're supposed to ...