Thomas Murray Funka Sr., 76, Vero Beach

Driver hurt after crashing into utility pole

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A van driver was taken to a trauma center as a precaution after officials said he crashed into a utility pole Monday morning. The single-vehicle wreck happened at 10:30 a.m. at southbound U.S. 1 and Highland Drive Southeast in south county, Indian River County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kyle Kofke said. The crash impact left the power pole leaning at a diagonal angle. The man was taken by ambulance to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute in Fort Pierce with possible serious injuries, Kofke said. Florida Power & Light Co. crews responded to the area to repair the damaged utility pole. It was unclear if any residents in the immediate area lost power. Florida Highway ...

‘Tragic, sudden loss,’ – Memorials emerge for teen killed in ATV crash

With the sudden death of Sebastian River High School student Jake Beecher still fresh, family, friends, teammates and coaches continue to come to terms with the tragic crash that took his life. "He was well-liked by teammates and was extremely coachable. His coaches and teammates are taking it pretty hard," Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Jessica Upchurch said. "He was an overall good kid who had a passion for football." Family and friends created makeshift memorials for Beecher, 15, of Vero Beach, who relatives said aspired to be a pilot. Sebastian River High School dedicated Beecher, a sophomore, as "athlete of the week" following his death.   One memorial placed in front of the school campus had flowers, silver ...

Man shot after charging at deputy with small sword

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 29-year-old man who was shot by a deputy after charging at the officer with a small sword, was hospitalized late Friday, officials said. The unidentified man was taken by ambulance to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute in Fort Pierce, Indian River County sheriff's spokesman Maj. Eric Flowers said. The deputy who fired the shot was not injured. The deputy was placed on paid administrative leave, which is protocol for police-involved shootings. Neither the deputy's name nor the man's name were released Friday. The incident unfolded about 7 p.m. Friday after deputies received a series of calls about a disturbance at a home at 12th Street Southwest and 35th Avenue Southwest in the Grovenor ...