Look back in time: June 22, 2008
Cindy SchwarzSunday,
June 22, 2008
80 YEARS AGO: 1928
Invitation to prayer group
VERO BEACH — A novel attendance contest conducted by the First Baptist Church attracted 159 people to the prayer meeting Wednesday night.
Twenty-teams of two people each were organized by Pastor P. T. Taylor last Sunday and requested to invite friends and acquaintances to the Wednesday night services. The most successful solicitors were Mrs. T. W. Hewlitt and O. J. Henderson who induced 21 people to attend the meeting.
Fred McEwan and Mrs. J. M. McCully brought 20 attendants. The result of the contest was arrived at after the regular services conducted by the Rev. Taylor and aroused lively interest among those present.
70 YEARS AGO: 1938
City refunding plan discussed
VERO BEACH — Status of the city's proposed refunding program was outlined and a general discussion conducted in the matter at a special meeting of the council and citizens last Friday night.
The City Hall auditorium was packed to capacity with interested citizens who listened to various phases of the refunding program and the Wilcox Municipal Debt Adjustment Act. Several speakers expressed their views of the matter.
60 YEARS AGO: 1948
Hilton Hotel official here
VERO BEACH — Robert B. Witwer, real estate representative of the Hilton hotel chain, gave Vero Beach the once over last Monday and indicated that he saw great possibilities in the beach and Miracle Mile sections, if properly developed.
While not making any commitment, Witwer inferred that his organization is "looking over Florida cities" for possible hotel sites. The Hilton chain operates the Palmer House and Stevens Hotel in Chicago and other hotels.
50 YEARS AGO: 1958
Typewriter, shotgun stolen
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Did anyone living in south Vero Beach have a typewriter and shotgun stolen from his residence between Nov. 1 and 8, 1957?
A young prisoner from Broward County, housed at Raiford State Prison, recently told prison officials he was passing through Indian River County sometime during that week and stole two such articles from a dwelling south of Vero Beach. He pawned them in two different shops in Fort Lauderdale, according to his statements.
Prison officials are trying to trace the truth of this statement, but can find no record these losses were reported with either the Vero Beach Police Department or the Indian River County Sheriff's Department.
40 YEARS AGO: 1968
County leaves regional council
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Wednesday, Indian River County formally withdrew from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council with the written blessing of its representatives. The county left the controversial group based on a proposal that it creates its own long-range planning authority.
County Commissioner Donald Macdonald moved, seconded by Commissioner D. B. McCullers, that the County Commission officially notify the regional council it is withdrawing after five years of participation at a cost to the county of almost $24,000.
"Without a trained planner, the county cannot take advantage of all the valuable information the council provides," reasoned Macdonald.
25 YEARS AGO: 1983
Reward proposal for teachers
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Specifics of a proposal to reward outstanding Indian River County teachers were released at Tuesday's Indian River County School Board meeting.
The bylaws and articles of incorporation of a foundation to administer the program will be discussed and voted on at a future meeting, after the board has had a chance to study the documents.
Under the proposed articles of incorporation, a nonprofit corporation will be formed with the intent and purpose of recognizing teachers.
The committee to select the recipients would be appointed by the corporation's trustees. The first trustees probably would be the original donors or sponsors for the chairs.
10 YEARS AGO: 1998
Subsidized housing may slow
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — "I think these will probably be the last," Indian River County Community Development Director Bob Keating said, referring to the three elderly affordable housing complexes still being built.
With those three — The Club at Vero on State Road 60, River Park Place on Indian River Boulevard and Lindsey Gardens off 40th Avenue — the county will have a dozen apartment complexes with some type of subsidy, with no less than half built in the past several years.
The building boom will stop, officials said, because the state is no longer targeting Indian River County as an area in dire need of affordable housing and so is no longer offering tax credits to developers.
The state targeted Indian River County in 1996 and 1997 as an area of need and began offering the tax credits.
FIVE YEARS AGO: 2003
Dock, bridge ready for public
SEBASTIAN — A city-owned dock and bridge were recently installed on the lake's west side near Kildare Drive and Conover Avenue.
Last week, Summerlin's Seven Seas Inc. of Ft. Pierce finished building a 6-by-25-foot dock and a 10-by-80-foot pedestrian bridge to the island, said Linda Kinchen, administrative supervisor for the city Public Works and Engineering departments. The project cost the city $31,000.
They say the bridge provides better pedestrian access to the island.
ONE YEAR AGO: 2007
Planners may restrict church land
VERO BEACH — The city Planning and Zoning Board discussed the possibilities of creating new rules for how churches use their property.
Restrictions could include limiting the number of nonreligious events a church can have, the times and dates of the events and requiring churches to have a parking management plan for the event.
The changes will apply to all places of worship, including mosques, synagogues and churches.
No decision was made at the meeting and any proposed changes will have to go to the board for a public hearing and the City Council for approval.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Preservation group keeps putting nature at forefront
History Column: Preservation group keeps putting nature at forefront
Jean Catchpole,
corresponding secretary of Pelican Island Audubon Society
Sunday, May 25, 2008
"To preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities in Indian River County through advocacy, education and public awareness" is the stated mission of the Pelican Island Audubon Society.
Originally formed in 1961 as the Indian River Preservation Society, the organization's early members were comprised of citrus growers, commercial fishermen, sportsmen and concerned citizens. Spearheaded by local pioneer Joe Michael, the society's goal was to protect the vital wetlands adjacent to the Pelican Island National Refuge from dredge-and-fill operations and eventual development.
The organization was successful in convincing Florida to declare the wetlands sovereign land. From its success at Pelican Island and due to the island's reputation as a premier sanctuary for roosting and nesting water birds, the organization became affiliated with National Audubon and changed its name to the Pelican Island Audubon Society. In April of 1964, PIAS was voted a chapter of the Florida Audubon Society. Merritt C. Farrar served as its first president.
Over the succeeding decades the organization has continued its crusade against activities that result in negative impacts to our environment. Countless PIAS representatives have spoken out against improper development in Indian River County at government meetings and in print and continue to do so to this day.
In the 1970s, PIAS was instrumental in implementing several important environmental regulations and policies. For example, it led drives that resulted in the protection of beaches, dunes and their associated flora and fauna through construction of dune walkovers and prohibition of vehicles on the beach. Activist Maggy Bowman was the catalyst for this and many other endeavors and served as PIAS president numerous times. Other PIAS initiatives resulted in the now widely appreciated adoption of building height restrictions, a feature that sets Indian River County apart from its neighboring counties.
In 1986, PIAS organized the first coastal cleanup in the country when hundreds of volunteers gathered to clean Indian River County's beaches. PIAS was recognized by the Department of Interior and the Keep America Beautiful campaign in the early '90s for this program which has now grown into an international event with the participation of more than 90 countries and hundreds of thousands of volunteers annually.
From 1986 to 1990, PIAS led the community in convincing coastal government entities, including Vero Beach and Indian River Shores, to pass nighttime lighting ordinances to protect sea turtle hatchlings.
In 2006, the chapter worked with Indian River County staff to rewrite the county's landscape ordinance encouraging the use of water-saving plants and increasing tree protection. The new ordinance was adopted by county commissioners in 2007 and was a contributing factor to PIAS being named 2007 Chapter of the Year by Florida Audubon.
Most recently PIAS was instrumental in appealing a decision by the St. Johns River Water Management District to swap 1,265 acres of important conservation lands ( known as the Sand Lakes Tract) to avoid a lawsuit by adjacent landowners. St. Johns has reversed its decision and that parcel will remain in conservation with Indian River County now owning 23 percent of it and having a say in any future plans.
PIAS has a long history of promoting and supporting environmental education in Indian River County. The organization has donated monies to local schools for the purchase of scientific equipment such as the Water Analysis Laboratory presented to Vero Beach High School in the mid-1970s. Scholarships have been awarded since 1991 to high school students showing an interest in conservation or environmental education. The current award is $500 toward books at the recipient's college or university.
One of the proudest accomplishments has been the creation of the Environmental Learning Center at Wabasso in 1988 with its ongoing public education programs including the award-winning "River Days." This special event targets all fourth-grade students in the county who are brought to the center and exposed to a full, hands-on day of estuarine ecology on the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in North America.
The chapter publishes a monthly newsletter, "The Peligram," to inform the community about environmental issues and schedules monthly speakers, field trips, canoe trips and educational workshops for its members and the general public. It annually recognizes community members for making outstanding environmental contributions.
Currently PIAS is in the planning and fundraising stage to construct its own office and outreach center in collaboration with the University of Florida and Indian River County. The new center is designed to be a "green" building and will be located adjacent to the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area.
The public is invited to attend the chapter's monthly meetings at 7:30 p.m. conducted the third Monday of each month at the Vero Beach Community Center. For further information or to become a member of Pelican Island Audubon, visit its Web site at http://www.pelicanaudubon.org/. or call the office at (772) 567-3520 .
Jean Catchpole,
corresponding secretary of Pelican Island Audubon Society
Sunday, May 25, 2008
"To preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities in Indian River County through advocacy, education and public awareness" is the stated mission of the Pelican Island Audubon Society.
Originally formed in 1961 as the Indian River Preservation Society, the organization's early members were comprised of citrus growers, commercial fishermen, sportsmen and concerned citizens. Spearheaded by local pioneer Joe Michael, the society's goal was to protect the vital wetlands adjacent to the Pelican Island National Refuge from dredge-and-fill operations and eventual development.
The organization was successful in convincing Florida to declare the wetlands sovereign land. From its success at Pelican Island and due to the island's reputation as a premier sanctuary for roosting and nesting water birds, the organization became affiliated with National Audubon and changed its name to the Pelican Island Audubon Society. In April of 1964, PIAS was voted a chapter of the Florida Audubon Society. Merritt C. Farrar served as its first president.
Over the succeeding decades the organization has continued its crusade against activities that result in negative impacts to our environment. Countless PIAS representatives have spoken out against improper development in Indian River County at government meetings and in print and continue to do so to this day.
In the 1970s, PIAS was instrumental in implementing several important environmental regulations and policies. For example, it led drives that resulted in the protection of beaches, dunes and their associated flora and fauna through construction of dune walkovers and prohibition of vehicles on the beach. Activist Maggy Bowman was the catalyst for this and many other endeavors and served as PIAS president numerous times. Other PIAS initiatives resulted in the now widely appreciated adoption of building height restrictions, a feature that sets Indian River County apart from its neighboring counties.
In 1986, PIAS organized the first coastal cleanup in the country when hundreds of volunteers gathered to clean Indian River County's beaches. PIAS was recognized by the Department of Interior and the Keep America Beautiful campaign in the early '90s for this program which has now grown into an international event with the participation of more than 90 countries and hundreds of thousands of volunteers annually.
From 1986 to 1990, PIAS led the community in convincing coastal government entities, including Vero Beach and Indian River Shores, to pass nighttime lighting ordinances to protect sea turtle hatchlings.
In 2006, the chapter worked with Indian River County staff to rewrite the county's landscape ordinance encouraging the use of water-saving plants and increasing tree protection. The new ordinance was adopted by county commissioners in 2007 and was a contributing factor to PIAS being named 2007 Chapter of the Year by Florida Audubon.
Most recently PIAS was instrumental in appealing a decision by the St. Johns River Water Management District to swap 1,265 acres of important conservation lands ( known as the Sand Lakes Tract) to avoid a lawsuit by adjacent landowners. St. Johns has reversed its decision and that parcel will remain in conservation with Indian River County now owning 23 percent of it and having a say in any future plans.
PIAS has a long history of promoting and supporting environmental education in Indian River County. The organization has donated monies to local schools for the purchase of scientific equipment such as the Water Analysis Laboratory presented to Vero Beach High School in the mid-1970s. Scholarships have been awarded since 1991 to high school students showing an interest in conservation or environmental education. The current award is $500 toward books at the recipient's college or university.
One of the proudest accomplishments has been the creation of the Environmental Learning Center at Wabasso in 1988 with its ongoing public education programs including the award-winning "River Days." This special event targets all fourth-grade students in the county who are brought to the center and exposed to a full, hands-on day of estuarine ecology on the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in North America.
The chapter publishes a monthly newsletter, "The Peligram," to inform the community about environmental issues and schedules monthly speakers, field trips, canoe trips and educational workshops for its members and the general public. It annually recognizes community members for making outstanding environmental contributions.
Currently PIAS is in the planning and fundraising stage to construct its own office and outreach center in collaboration with the University of Florida and Indian River County. The new center is designed to be a "green" building and will be located adjacent to the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area.
The public is invited to attend the chapter's monthly meetings at 7:30 p.m. conducted the third Monday of each month at the Vero Beach Community Center. For further information or to become a member of Pelican Island Audubon, visit its Web site at http://www.pelicanaudubon.org/. or call the office at (772) 567-3520 .
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wildlife Festival March 8th this year
staff reportSunday,
February 17, 2008
SEBASTIAN — Celebrate nature from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at the Pelican Island Wildlife Festival at Sebastian’s Riverview Park.
The event, now in its 16th year, commemorates President Theodore Roosevelt’s establishing Pelican Island as the nation’s first national wildlife refuge 105 years ago.
The festival is free and is one of the best attended wildlife festivals in the state of Florida. More than 80 exhibitors will show wildlife and showcase local environmental and historical organizations.
Live music, food and arts and craft vendors will be at the event alongside the Indian River Lagoon. The event also includes a 5-kilometer run, guided kayaking and pontoon boat tours to view Pelican Island.
All funds from the festival will go toward building the new wildlife observation facility at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
For information, visit the festival Web site at www.pelicanislandfriends.org.
Call (772) 562-3909, ext. 258, for event information and volunteering; (772) 323-4550 to inquire about being an exhibitor; (772) 569-7364 for the 5-kilometer run; and (772) 794-9900 for the kayak race.
February 17, 2008
SEBASTIAN — Celebrate nature from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at the Pelican Island Wildlife Festival at Sebastian’s Riverview Park.
The event, now in its 16th year, commemorates President Theodore Roosevelt’s establishing Pelican Island as the nation’s first national wildlife refuge 105 years ago.
The festival is free and is one of the best attended wildlife festivals in the state of Florida. More than 80 exhibitors will show wildlife and showcase local environmental and historical organizations.
Live music, food and arts and craft vendors will be at the event alongside the Indian River Lagoon. The event also includes a 5-kilometer run, guided kayaking and pontoon boat tours to view Pelican Island.
All funds from the festival will go toward building the new wildlife observation facility at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
For information, visit the festival Web site at www.pelicanislandfriends.org.
Call (772) 562-3909, ext. 258, for event information and volunteering; (772) 323-4550 to inquire about being an exhibitor; (772) 569-7364 for the 5-kilometer run; and (772) 794-9900 for the kayak race.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Old Trees & Such
117-year-old tree may get fresh air in Sebastian
By Ed Bierschenk (Contact)
Monday, January 28, 2008
SEBASTIAN — City workers are expected to take measures next week to help breathe new life into the historic Hardee oak tree.
"That is what we are shooting for," said City Manager Al Minner on Friday.
The tree, planted in 1891, is northwest of the Main Street and Indian River Drive intersection.
The tree's namesake, Capt. Robert Hardee, served on the Sebastian City Council for 11 years, starting in 1926, two years after the town was incorporated.
The tree has been attracting renewed attention recently as plans are under way to realign the intersection in connection with a controversial project to build a new parking lot for boat trailers. A new bathroom and additional car parking also would be added as part of the plan.
The condition of the oak tree had some officials and at least one arborist questioning whether the tree could be saved. For the past several months, there was discussion about replacing it with a fountain and retaining a piece of the tree's history by using acorns from the tree to grow saplings.
However, Minner said at least one arborist with Jimmy's Tree Service, which does work for the city, has indicated the tree can be saved.
Part of the process will be removing concrete and pavement near the tree to try to allow more air and water to reach its roots. Workers will be "trying to loosen the collar, so to speak," he said.
Although most of the people speaking at a recent meeting on the road project spoke in favor of saving the tree, City Councilman Eugene Wolff questioned whether a large amount of taxpayer money should be spent preserving it. He pointed out the arborist saying the tree could be saved works for a company that could benefit financially from the preservation efforts.
Wolff noted numerous other trees were taken down as part of other projects and the Hardee family name is honored in other ways throughout the city, including the local Hardee Park, and a plaque could be placed where the tree is located.
Mayor Andrea Coy said though she agreed with Wolff's position earlier, she had received numerous calls petitioning for the tree to be saved.
"That tree is important to a lot of people in the community," she said.
By Ed Bierschenk (Contact)
Monday, January 28, 2008
SEBASTIAN — City workers are expected to take measures next week to help breathe new life into the historic Hardee oak tree.
"That is what we are shooting for," said City Manager Al Minner on Friday.
The tree, planted in 1891, is northwest of the Main Street and Indian River Drive intersection.
The tree's namesake, Capt. Robert Hardee, served on the Sebastian City Council for 11 years, starting in 1926, two years after the town was incorporated.
The tree has been attracting renewed attention recently as plans are under way to realign the intersection in connection with a controversial project to build a new parking lot for boat trailers. A new bathroom and additional car parking also would be added as part of the plan.
The condition of the oak tree had some officials and at least one arborist questioning whether the tree could be saved. For the past several months, there was discussion about replacing it with a fountain and retaining a piece of the tree's history by using acorns from the tree to grow saplings.
However, Minner said at least one arborist with Jimmy's Tree Service, which does work for the city, has indicated the tree can be saved.
Part of the process will be removing concrete and pavement near the tree to try to allow more air and water to reach its roots. Workers will be "trying to loosen the collar, so to speak," he said.
Although most of the people speaking at a recent meeting on the road project spoke in favor of saving the tree, City Councilman Eugene Wolff questioned whether a large amount of taxpayer money should be spent preserving it. He pointed out the arborist saying the tree could be saved works for a company that could benefit financially from the preservation efforts.
Wolff noted numerous other trees were taken down as part of other projects and the Hardee family name is honored in other ways throughout the city, including the local Hardee Park, and a plaque could be placed where the tree is located.
Mayor Andrea Coy said though she agreed with Wolff's position earlier, she had received numerous calls petitioning for the tree to be saved.
"That tree is important to a lot of people in the community," she said.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Farmer's Market celebrates 11 successful years
By Larry Bailey
Correspondent
Monday, January 28, 2008
FORT PIERCE — Food, fun, and entertainment captivated those who attended the Farmers' Market in downtown Fort Pierce Saturday morning.
Debra Yatsko, a longtime market patron, said her family members do so well selling photography at the market that she is considering a venture for herself.
"It is high spirited, full of positive energy, and a great opportunity to make money," she said.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market, designed to bring more customers to businesses and help showcase downtown area, attracts large crowds. According to market chairwoman Linda Hudson, the market draws 12,000-15,000 people into downtown Fort Pierce every Saturday. The mood was especially festive on Saturday as the market celebrated 11 years of success.
Patrons of the market come to feast on the varied cuisines while they sit on the sea wall that overlooks the Indian River Lagoon. Foods offered at the market include soup to nuts, crepes, cakes, sandwiches, Mexican and Jamaican dishes, gyros, jellies, and fruit. There is also a large display of arts and crafts that includes pottery, painting, and jewelry.
The market also features entertainment. On Saturday, the Avenue D Boys Choir offered up soulful gospel songs and solo singer Maury Stauffer followed with memorable mellow folk ballads from the 1960s and '70s.
Market manager Bobbi Spencer, of Fort Pierce, said participating vendors come to Fort Pierce because they believe it's the best farmer's market in south Florida.
"Our beautiful waterfront location draws many people," she said.
Beverly Loureiro, a customer from of Fort Pierce, said "I have been coming to the market for many years, we often start here with breakfast and end here with lunch, I come for bread and my husband comes for sticky buns."
Saturday morning regular Mary Ann Bryan, of Fort Pierce, said, "The market on the waterfront is a Fort Pierce treasure."
Both patrons and vendors get up early to participate in the Saturday morning tradition of activities offered by the market.
"It is worth getting up at four in the morning to get my peanuts ready for my customers because I do well in this market," said Barbi Motisi, of Stuart.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market is open every Saturday year-round from 8 a.m. to noon.
Correspondent
Monday, January 28, 2008
FORT PIERCE — Food, fun, and entertainment captivated those who attended the Farmers' Market in downtown Fort Pierce Saturday morning.
Debra Yatsko, a longtime market patron, said her family members do so well selling photography at the market that she is considering a venture for herself.
"It is high spirited, full of positive energy, and a great opportunity to make money," she said.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market, designed to bring more customers to businesses and help showcase downtown area, attracts large crowds. According to market chairwoman Linda Hudson, the market draws 12,000-15,000 people into downtown Fort Pierce every Saturday. The mood was especially festive on Saturday as the market celebrated 11 years of success.
Patrons of the market come to feast on the varied cuisines while they sit on the sea wall that overlooks the Indian River Lagoon. Foods offered at the market include soup to nuts, crepes, cakes, sandwiches, Mexican and Jamaican dishes, gyros, jellies, and fruit. There is also a large display of arts and crafts that includes pottery, painting, and jewelry.
The market also features entertainment. On Saturday, the Avenue D Boys Choir offered up soulful gospel songs and solo singer Maury Stauffer followed with memorable mellow folk ballads from the 1960s and '70s.
Market manager Bobbi Spencer, of Fort Pierce, said participating vendors come to Fort Pierce because they believe it's the best farmer's market in south Florida.
"Our beautiful waterfront location draws many people," she said.
Beverly Loureiro, a customer from of Fort Pierce, said "I have been coming to the market for many years, we often start here with breakfast and end here with lunch, I come for bread and my husband comes for sticky buns."
Saturday morning regular Mary Ann Bryan, of Fort Pierce, said, "The market on the waterfront is a Fort Pierce treasure."
Both patrons and vendors get up early to participate in the Saturday morning tradition of activities offered by the market.
"It is worth getting up at four in the morning to get my peanuts ready for my customers because I do well in this market," said Barbi Motisi, of Stuart.
The Fort Pierce Farmers' Market is open every Saturday year-round from 8 a.m. to noon.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Indian River County: What's ahead in 2008
Here are a few New Year predictions and prognostications for Indian River County and the Treasure Coast
Monday, December 31, 2007
IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
Orioles snatch up Dodgertown
Dodger blue will give way to Oriole orange when officials announce that Baltimore will move its spring training facility from hectic Fort Lauderdale to laid-back Vero Beach. Keeping the historic training facility occupied will help stabilize Indian River County's economy by bringing new life — and new dollars — to the tourist trade.
Estefan opens Vero Beach hotel with concert
Gloria Estefan will open her long-awaited luxury hotel in Vero Beach and commemorate the event with a free community concert. Vero Beach won't nix the concert this time around because local candidates want to usurp the event for their campaigns. They will be booed by residents just looking for rhythm, not rhetoric.
Wild Turkey mine defeated by riled residents
Angry residents will wear down the owners of the Wild Turkey property, and they'll give up plans to mine the land — either willingly or after being bought out by the county or neighbors. In the battle, lawsuits will be filed, letters to the editor will be written and the growth debate in Indian River County will have a new epicenter.
Guthrie finally cleans up
Acting on a New Year's resolution, singer Arlo Guthrie will clean and rebuild his ruined Roseland house. Once he's out of hot water with county code enforcement officers, Guthrie will try to make amends with his neighbors who will be civil, but refuse to support his bid to turn the place into the new Alice's Restaurant.
Piper stays, but isn't quite welcomed
After months of waffling, Piper executives will decide to keep the 1,100 jobs in Vero Beach. But the company's relationship with Indian River County residents and officials will remain strained. Some workers will leave anyway, worried their jobs could be in jeopardy again.
Officials reach historic annexation deal, but residents aren't happy
Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach and the other Indian River County governments finally hash out a deal — the first of its kind on the Treasure Coast — showing how much land each city eventually will annex. Officials say it will prevent land grabs. But residents won't like the plan, fearing the extended city outlines just mean unsustainable growth, and will lash out at incumbent candidates during the election.
ON THE TREASURE COAST
Failing real estate market cripples local, national economy
The continued free fall of housing prices, combined with skyrocketing foreclosures, will leave more Treasure Coast workers out of work. Treasure Coast governments, as both commercial and residential growth slows to a trickle, also will be scrimping for cash. Worry, panic and stress over the recession will make the economy a significant issue in every election, from presidential down to local campaigns.
Voters lash out at governments over high taxes, poor economy, extra fees
Local governments, crimped by property tax reform passed by voters in January and the failed housing market, will enact new and higher fees on many services with a backlash against incumbent candidates in the elections. Incumbents who manage to eke out another term will have to promise tighter budgets.
'Research Coast' lands another biotech company
Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research, a Santa Clarita, Calif.-based biotech organization, likely will be the next tenant of the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition in Port St. Lucie. The Mann Research Center, which has ties to the Mann Foundation, already has signed a contract with developer Core Communities to buy 22 acres at Tradition. Another research organization could be the one bright spot in the Treasure Coast economy.
Monday, December 31, 2007
IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
Orioles snatch up Dodgertown
Dodger blue will give way to Oriole orange when officials announce that Baltimore will move its spring training facility from hectic Fort Lauderdale to laid-back Vero Beach. Keeping the historic training facility occupied will help stabilize Indian River County's economy by bringing new life — and new dollars — to the tourist trade.
Estefan opens Vero Beach hotel with concert
Gloria Estefan will open her long-awaited luxury hotel in Vero Beach and commemorate the event with a free community concert. Vero Beach won't nix the concert this time around because local candidates want to usurp the event for their campaigns. They will be booed by residents just looking for rhythm, not rhetoric.
Wild Turkey mine defeated by riled residents
Angry residents will wear down the owners of the Wild Turkey property, and they'll give up plans to mine the land — either willingly or after being bought out by the county or neighbors. In the battle, lawsuits will be filed, letters to the editor will be written and the growth debate in Indian River County will have a new epicenter.
Guthrie finally cleans up
Acting on a New Year's resolution, singer Arlo Guthrie will clean and rebuild his ruined Roseland house. Once he's out of hot water with county code enforcement officers, Guthrie will try to make amends with his neighbors who will be civil, but refuse to support his bid to turn the place into the new Alice's Restaurant.
Piper stays, but isn't quite welcomed
After months of waffling, Piper executives will decide to keep the 1,100 jobs in Vero Beach. But the company's relationship with Indian River County residents and officials will remain strained. Some workers will leave anyway, worried their jobs could be in jeopardy again.
Officials reach historic annexation deal, but residents aren't happy
Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach and the other Indian River County governments finally hash out a deal — the first of its kind on the Treasure Coast — showing how much land each city eventually will annex. Officials say it will prevent land grabs. But residents won't like the plan, fearing the extended city outlines just mean unsustainable growth, and will lash out at incumbent candidates during the election.
ON THE TREASURE COAST
Failing real estate market cripples local, national economy
The continued free fall of housing prices, combined with skyrocketing foreclosures, will leave more Treasure Coast workers out of work. Treasure Coast governments, as both commercial and residential growth slows to a trickle, also will be scrimping for cash. Worry, panic and stress over the recession will make the economy a significant issue in every election, from presidential down to local campaigns.
Voters lash out at governments over high taxes, poor economy, extra fees
Local governments, crimped by property tax reform passed by voters in January and the failed housing market, will enact new and higher fees on many services with a backlash against incumbent candidates in the elections. Incumbents who manage to eke out another term will have to promise tighter budgets.
'Research Coast' lands another biotech company
Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research, a Santa Clarita, Calif.-based biotech organization, likely will be the next tenant of the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition in Port St. Lucie. The Mann Research Center, which has ties to the Mann Foundation, already has signed a contract with developer Core Communities to buy 22 acres at Tradition. Another research organization could be the one bright spot in the Treasure Coast economy.
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