Tree trimmer electrocuted by power line in Sebastian, officials say

Sebastian elementary, middle, high schools earn Purple Star designation

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools were recently awarded Purple Star designations for providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs for military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored with the designation Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis. "We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation." Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved ...

Deputies ID man fatally struck by Brightline

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 25-year-old man who deputies said was wearing headphones when he was struck and killed by a Brightline train on Tuesday, was identified as Bryan De Paz Vazquez. The man lived in Indian River County, said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "Witnesses said Vazquez was seen going underneath the lowered railroad arm and attempted to run across the tracks," sheriff's officials said in a statement. "There is no indication that this was a suicide and no foul play is suspected." The incident happened at 2:58 p.m. at the 12th Street Railroad crosswalk near the 1200 block of Old Dixie Highway, west of U.S. 1 and east of Old Dixie ...

Man struck, killed by Brightline train at 12th Street crossing

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 25-year-old man was killed after being struck by a Brightline train at the 12th Street Railroad crossing on Tuesday afternoon, sheriff's officials said. This is the third fatal crash involving Brightline and a pedestrian to occur this year in Indian River County. "The train was southbound and the (crossing) arms were down," said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "According to the witness, all of the (crossing) arms and (flashing red) lights were activated and they could hear the train horn approaching." The most recent incident happened about 2:58 p.m. near the 1200 block of Old Dixie Highway, just west of U.S. 1. and east of Old Dixie Highway, ...