Recreational season for Atlantic vermilion snapper opens April 1

Fellsmere among towns impacted by Hurricane Irma to get infrastructure award

Fellsmere is among several Florida towns that will receive an infrastructure award that will go toward restoration and improvement projects following the damage left behind by the 2017 Hurricane Irma, state officials said Friday. The city of Fellsmere will receive $4,068,300 under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. The funds will aim to increase accessibility to the city's water plant. "Florida communities are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, and helping them rebuild remains a top priority," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. "This funding will not only help to ensure Hurricane Irma-impacted communities are restored, but also help improve their resiliency against future events." Nearly $100 million has been awarded to ...

New fish hook regulations on our coast in the new year

Beginning Jan. 1, recreational anglers and commercial fishers along our coast who target snapper and grouper with natural bait on hook-and-line gear from boats must use only non-stainless steel hooks to catch them. The new rule for state waters --(out to three miles from shore)--recently was adopted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to improve conservation of valuable reef fish stocks.   In addition, fishers from Sebastian Inlet north will be required to use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks for grouper and snapper. The new hook requirements are aimed at enhancing survival chances of undersized fish that are released, or those that break the line during a fight, or in cases where a hook can not be removed.  Non-stainless ...

Gov. issues state of emergency; beaches to close ahead of Isaias

Friday evening update: A hurricane warning and a storm surge watch were issued for Indian River County Friday afternoon. County officials will order voluntary evacuations for residents Saturday in mobile homes, low lying areas and on the barrier island. County officials will open three shelters at 2 p.m. Saturday. The shelters should be considered a last resort option for evacuees. The shelters are: Special Needs Shelter – Treasure Coast Elementary – 8955 85th Street, Sebastian. Pet-Friendly Shelter – Liberty Magnet School – 6580 81st Street, Vero Beach General Population – Freshman Learning Center – 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach Earlier story: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday issued a state of emergency for 18 counties, including Indian River, in Florida ahead of ...