Vero Beach officials will look at possibility of revamping utilities advisory commission
An upcoming rate study and a switch to a new power provider is more likely to lower electric bills and make sure customers in and out of the city are treated equally than creating a new authority to take over the city?s utilities would, according to city officials.

Traffic rerouted after dump truck turns over in accident on 58th Avenue in Indian River Co. | Video
Traffic is being diverted from the intersection of 58th Avenue and 49th Street where a dump truck turned over on its side Thursday, spilling several concrete blocks onto the road. The accident happened at 4:10 p.m.

Plea deal keeps former Sebastian River High teacher from facing molestation charges
A former Sebastian River High School teacher won't face molestation charges after a judge accepted a settlement deal Wednesday.

S. Florida man accused in 100-crime spree linked to con in Indian River County
Derrick Lewis, 31, of North Lauderdale, is accused of presented himself as a Florida Lottery official at a 7-Eleven convenience store to make off with $1,820 in scratch-off tickets. Throughout southeast Florida, Lewis is accused of committing about 100 crimes after his release from prison in July.

Russ Lemmon: Name fits teen on path to Obama
Should she one day aspire for the highest office in the land, her name will be as much an asset as Barack Obama's was a hindrance.

FCAT bonus money may be redistributed in Indian River County
Thanks to their students' progress on the FCAT, many teachers had a little extra money for the holidays.

Ron White plea deal accepted in Vero Beach
California comedian Ron White won't serve time in jail on drug charges as a judge has accepted his plea deal.

Vero Beach utility customers may see 5 percent reduction in electric bills
Customers of Vero Beach Municipal Utilities should see about a 5 percent decrease in their electric bills this month as a result of the declining fuel prices.

Indian River County Sheriff Loar names Elder as second in command
A longtime state law enforcement agent and assessor was named Wednesday as second in command for Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar's new administration.

Sebastian businessman's trial on grand-theft charges could start in February
Sebastian businessman Damien Gilliams' trial on state grand-theft charges could start in February or March, his attorney, Nicole Menz, said Wednesday.

Man nabbed after woman says he performed oral sex on her as she slept
Detectives charged a man with sexual battery after a woman said the man performed oral sex on her while she was sleeping, according to an arrest affidavit.

Melbourne man treated, released from hospital after being ejected from van in Vero Beach
A Melbourne man was treated and released from a hospital Tuesday, the same afternoon he was ejected from a Federal Express van.

Hatch's trial to be on March 11 docket call in Indian River County
The criminal trial of disbarred attorney Ira C. Hatch Jr. will be discussed at a docket call on March 11. No trial date was set was set at Wednesday's docket call but his attorney, Greg Eisenmenger said he would be ready for trial in 60 days.

Florida?s School Recognition Program bonuses to end?
Thanks to their students? progress on the FCAT, many teachers had a little extra money for the holidays. But they might not be able to count on bonuses from Florida?s School Recognition Program again and raises aren?t likely either.

Indian River Sheriff Loar names undersheriff
A longtime state law enforcement agent and assessor was named Wednesday second-in-command for Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar?s new administration. As undersheriff, Tim Elder brings a work ethic that will enhance the overall operation of the Sheriff?s Office, Loar said.

Vero Beach power customers to see bills drop thanks to cheaper fuel
Customers of Vero Beach Municipal Utilities should see about a 5 percent decrease in their electric bills this month as a result of declining fuel prices. For a customer using about 2,500 kilowatt hours a month, the monthly bill could drop from about $368 to about $350.

Ruling announced in Ron White marijuana case
In November, White?s attorney, Jeff Battista, and prosecutors reach a plea deal, which Wild accepted: six months probation along with fines and fees and suspension of his driving privileges for two years.

Man charged with sexual battery on sleeping Vero woman
The woman told the Sheriff's Office that Negron had stayed at her home after a night of drinking among friends. At 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, the woman was sleeping in her bed when Negron, who she assumed initially was her boyfriend, took off her pants and performed oral sex on her.