EVENT: Inaugural Oktoberfest presented by the Junior League of Indian River

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 ...

County announces beach closures ahead of beach restoration project

At least two beaches will be closed starting this weekend ahead of the beach restoration project, which will start back up next week, county officials said. The project aims to restore sand - which had been washed away by storms and hurricanes over the years - at the beaches. Beach park access at Seagrape Trail Beach Access and Treasure Shores Park Beach will both close starting Friday, county officials said. Seagrape Trail Beach is located south of Wabasso Beach, off Highway A1A. Treasure Shores Park Beach is located north of Wabasso Beach. Construction at Treasure Shores Park Beach - which will start Nov. 1 - was expected to last for 45 days. Crews will finish dumping 30,000 cubic yards of ...

Noted South Florida landscape architect designs native plant garden at county administration complex

A noted South Florida landscape architectural firm has teamed up with Pelican Island Audubon Society and Indian River County to design a native plant garden that will be installed at the entrance to the main county administration building. Approved unanimously by the county commission last week, the garden is intended “to provide a striking visual example of the ecological and aesthetic value of native plants,” according to Stephanie Dunn, an architect with Cadence Landscape Architects, which is known for high-profile projects in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, including Tarpon Landing, FATVillage Arts District and URBIN Retreat Miami Beach. “There are 21 native species of plants included within the 1,125-square-foot garden. They were carefully chosen for their ecological benefits, such as providing ...