11/20/2025 ISSUE 47

Detectives want anyone who ever had a bizarre, uncomfortable or disconcerting experience with longtime Vero Beach physician Dr. Christopher Olenek to tell them their story. Despite the bravado of the sherVero Beach High School’s nationally ranked Fighting Indians and its best-known grad, country music star Jake Owen, teamed up this past weekend to provide our community with big wins on the stage and the football field.Owen performed the ceremonial coin toss before excited fans at the Citrus Bowl before the undefeated Indians continued their march toward a hoped-for state football championship, whipping East Ridge High School from the town of Clermont, 57-10.The Indians, who moved into the Top 100 this week in High School Football America’s national rankings, will be trying to extend their 2025 unbeaten record to 12-0 tomorrow night (Nov. 21) when they host Lake Nona High School from Orlando in the 7A Region 3 state semifinals.Owen, 44, who moved to the heart of the country music industry in Nashville long ago but still regards Vero as his “home,” was back here this past weekend for his annual Flamingo weekend series of charity fundraising events.The high point was a concert held in a packed hangar made available by Corporate Air at the Vero Beach Regional Airport.The Jake Owen Foundation, which has raised more than $8 million since it was founded in 2010, supports a variety of charities here and nationally. An announcement Monday that Treasure Coast Community Health had appointed Heather Miranda, its executive vice president, as interim CEO left a whole lot of people wondering what happened to longtime CEO Vicki Soule, who had not made known any plans to retire or resign after nearly two decades on the job. One sentence, apparently added as an afterthought in a different, smaller typeface than the rest of the press release said simply “Miranda succeeds Vicki Soulé, who resigned as CEO earlier this month.” Efforts to contact Soule, 73, who was the powerhouse behind Treasure Coast Community Health for 18 years during which it became arguably the most important healthcare nonprofit in our community apart from the INSIDETo advertise call: 772-559-4187For circulation or where to pick up your issue call: 772-226-7925NEWSHEALTHREAL ESTATE1-5612ARTSGAMESCALENDARB1B8B11© 2025 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.MY TAKEBY RAY MCNULTYDon’t greenlight thisinsane left-turn planNovember 20, 2025 | Volume 12, Issue 47 | Newsstand Price: $1.00 | For breaking news visit VeroNews.comYOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTYPROTEIN CRAZE:HOW MUCH ISTOO MUCH?Your Health, P. 7ADHERENCE TO ‘ABSTRACTREALISM’ BRINGS OUT THE BEST OF ARTIST O’NEAL In Arts & Theatre, Page B2TCCH head’sabrupt exit atotal mystery “This is crazy.”That was my immediate reaction upon seeing the ill-conceived design of the entryway and exit on the developer’s site plan for a 10-building, 318-unit apartment complex on west side of Indian River Boulevard, south of 37th Street.More than a month later, it’s still mindboggling – trying to understand how anyone familiar with Vero Beach and the increasing traffic flow along that much-traveled road could possibly believe it would be a good idea to: Allow drivers leaving the premises to make a left turn – across two lanes of southbound traffic that tends to ignore the posted 45-mph speed limit – onto the northbound boulevard. Require those drivers to dart into an acceleration lane they can use to merge into northbound traffic, which often includes motorists moving toward the left-turn lane at 37th Street on their way to Cleveland Clinic hospital or the surrounding medical complex. Ask exiting drivers to attempt these maneuvers on a busy stretch of highway that bends to the west, severely restricting the sight line to the north, while also contending with northbound drivers turning left into the development.And without a traffic signal.To those of us who regularly drive Indian River Boulevard in that area, it’s more than irresponsible. It’s dangerous. It’s a game plan for disaster, especially during our busy season, when our roads are crowded with partBy Lisa Zahner | Staff [email protected] ON PAGE 4CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3By Lisa Zahner | Staff [email protected] hopes to bringmore serious chargesagainst Vero doctorBy a Staff Writer

time residents, tourists and other visitors.It’s along Indian River Boulevard that the return of our seasonal neighbors is most noticeable on the mainland, particularly during the daytime hours.“I see this intersection as being one of those things that, in season, our residents are going to say: ‘What were they thinking?’” said Jeb Bittner, chairman of the Vero Beach Planning & Zoning Board.Bittner, a retired developer, was concerned about not only the perils of the left turn onto the boulevard, but also the stacking of vehicles in both the northbound acceleration lane and the left-turn lane at 37th Street.There’s also potential for trouble when vehicles crisscross, as drivers in the acceleration lane merge to the right while motorists in the northbound lanes veer left to turn onto 37th Street.According to the site plan, the apartment complex’s driveway would be only 900 feet south of the 37th Street intersection – in an area where development has been booming.There are all kinds of new residential offerings, including single-family homes and hundreds of other apartments, as well as the burgeoning Vero Orthopaedics facility.In addition, the wildly popular Quail Valley Club is adding a fourth campus on eight acres near the intersection of the boulevard and 41st Street, where it plans to build courts for pickleball, padel, bocce and even squash, along with a fitness center, swimming pool, café and spa.All this growth already is having a noticeable impact on the flow of traffic on the boulevard, north of the Barber Bridge.The proposed entryway and exit of the planned apartment complex to the south of 37th Street will only make a bad situation worse – and possibly treacherous.Anyone want to mention the emergency vehicles regularly rolling through the area?“This is going to be a pretty significant cluster-…,” Bittner said, politely opting to not finish the thought.Yet, Bittner dutifully cast the deciding vote in the board’s 3-2 decision last month to approve the site plan for the 26-acre development, which will be located at 3601 Indian River Boulevard, east of the hospital and southeast of the 777 Building. He had no choice. “I definitely have concerns about the intersection, but we can’t vote based on personal preference,” Bittner said. “The site plan submitted was consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and it met all the requirements and codes. Legally, we had no alternative but to approve it.“Otherwise,” he added, “the developer could sue the city.”Not that the city has any meaningful say in the site plan’s entrance and exit, anyway: The development sits within the Vero Beach limits, but its driveway intersects with Indian River Boulevard, which is a county road.That means the plans for the develop2 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.comNEWS OTHERS MISS, OR CHOOSE TO IGNORE | PUBLISHED WEEKLYMILTON R. BENJAMINPresident and Publisher | [email protected] | 772.559.4187LOCATED AT 4855 NORTH A1A, VERO BEACH, FL 32963 | 772.226.7925STEVEN M. THOMASManaging Editor | [email protected] | 772.453.1196DAN ALEXANDERCreative Director | [email protected] | 772.539.2700Associate Editor: Paul Keaney, Asst. Managing Editor: Lisa Zahner, Society Editor: Mary Schenkel, Reporters: Stephanie LaBaff, Ray McNulty, Samantha Rohlfing Baita, George Andreassi, Columnists: Kerry Firth, Ellen Fischer, Jackie Holfelder, Tina Rondeau, The Bonz, Photographer: Joshua Kodis, Graphic Designers: Robert Simonson, Jennifer Greenaway, Larissa BemesderferJUDY DAVIS Director of [email protected] | 772.633.1115KATHLEEN MACGLENNON | [email protected] | 772.633.0753MARIO CORBICIERO | [email protected] | 772.559.5999ADVERTISING SALESCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1MY TAKE ment’s ingress and egress must meet the traffic engineering requirements of the county’s Code of Ordinances – and, ultimately, be approved and permitted by the county staff.That process is ongoing.But the developer’s representatives, testifying before Bittner’s board at the Oct. 16 quasi-judicial hearing at City Hall, said they followed the county’s standards and used information from a county-conducted traffic study to design the entrance, exit and acceleration lane.They said the design contained in the siteplan complied with the county’s code.In fact, City Planning Director Jason Jeffries, who recommended the board’s approval of the site plan, said the county staff had reviewed the design and that he had not been informed of any objections.“If they had a problem, they could have relayed their concerns to us,” Jeffries said. “They didn’t.”The county hasn’t made any decisions yet.Both Alex Laffey, a county traffic engineer, and David Schryver, the county’s assistant public works director, said during a phone interview last week the site plan – specifically, the development’s ingress and egress – was still under review.They said community members had voiced concerns about the safety of intersection’s design as illustrated in the developer’s plan, and that the staff is taking a hard look at the left turn onto the boulevard.They’re also examining the sight-line challenges drivers would confront when departing the property, even when making right turns. “We are aware of these issues, and we believe they’re valid, so we’re going through them,” Schryver said. “We want to find the best solution.”One possible alternative the county staff is examining would allow only right turns out of the development but provide access to the boulevard’s northbound lanes via a U-turn lane to the south – if there’s enough room to do so without negatively impacting traffic flow. “We have to look at that,” Schryver said.Another option the county might want to consider would be to allow the developer to build a northbound, one-way, exit-only driveway that connects the property to 37th Street. (The site plan already includes such a road, but it’s for emergency-use only.)Departing drivers would then have the opportunity, after turning right onto 37th Street, to proceed eastbound and turn north or south onto the boulevard.That might appear to be a practical solution, but, for that to happen, the county would need to grant the developer a code variance – because any such road would connect with 37th Street too close to the boulevard intersection.We’ll leave that to the county professionals, who we trust will come up with something better than what’s in the site plan.Fact is, even the developer’s engineers admitted they’d rather not have an entrance and exit on the boulevard, but they determined it was the only viable option.But is it viable? 

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS November 20, 2025 3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1DOCTOR ARRESTEDiff’s press conference announcing Olenek’s Nov. 13 arrest, and the release of a litany of uncharged accusations dating back 14 years, Olenek, 62, an internal medicine doctor on the mainland who lives on the island, is only facing one misdemeanor charge of simple battery as of press time.If convicted for just that alleged act of inappropriately touching a prospective job applicant while performing a demonstration electrocardiogram, Olenek could be ordered to pay a fine of $1,000 and serve up to one year in the county jail. The other eight complaints from 2011 to 2022 fall beyond the statute of limitations, which is a year or two depending on the particulars. Sheriff Eric Flowers explained that victims became uncooperative, were afraid of reprisal or job loss, or the alleged acts boiled down to a ‘he said, she said’ scenario since no one else was in the room to bear witness to what occurred. Exam rooms also don’t typically have surveillance cameras for privacy reasons. Of the hundreds of doctors who practice medicine in the Vero area, allegations like those lodged against Olenek are extremely rare here, Flowers said. In July after the latest incident, an employee did walk into the room and was able to give credence to the particulars of the victim’s complaint. The employee also told detectives Olenek had made her feel uncomfortable with unwanted sexual attention over the years, causing her to walk off the job. “I would walk out and be like, you know, like, I’m not working for you anymore or whatever. He would offer me a lot of money to come back and work for him. So, I mean, that’s why I stayed for so long. ’cause each time I would leave, he would be like, oh, I’ll give you more money. I’ll give you a check to come back and I’ll give you a raise,” she said.The employee told detectives, “Like everybody in Vero, (redacted) know that he is a creep.”Detective Chad Scarpeta said that the behavior during the victim’s job-shadowing day momentarily stopped when the employee walked in, but “it continued on. While that specific victim was at the office. She stayed there for quite some time and it proceeded to go on during the time that she was there,” he said. Scarpeta interviewed Olenek and said Olenek claimed his actions all fell well within the scope of his duties as a physician. “He did not admit, he wouldn’t take ownership of what happened. He had no idea why these women would single him out.”The reason why Flowers wants other potential victims to come forward is that state law recognizes successive similar crimes as a more serious matter. Subsequent battery could be charged as a third-degree felony. Not only would that be punishable by up to five years in state prison, it would also make it quite tough for Olenek to keep practicing medicine in Florida. Flowers said he’s also working with the Florida Department of Health and any other licensing or regulatory agency which might have jurisdiction over regulating physicians’ professional conduct. As of press time, Olenek’s East Side Urgent Care, which shifted to a concierge-type practice when Olenek stopped accepting insurance, was serving patients as usual. When Vero News tried to leave a message seeking comment from Olenek, the receptionist said she was instructed to tell anyone calling about the doctor’s arrest, “He does not want to make any statements at this moment. He does not want to speak to anybody.” Olenek, 62, who trained at both Mount Sinai Medical Center and Columbia University’s Presbyterian Hospital before moving to Florida in 2009, was referred to as a “creep” by Flowers last week – the sheriff echoing the employee’s characterization.“Essentially what we’re doing is building a pattern of behavior,” Flowers said. “That is not a one-off.”Flowers wants victims to reach out even if the events occurred beyond the statute of limitations. “It takes multiple acts to pull together to show what’s happening,” he said, citing the Williams Rule of criminal law that allows police to pull in evidence from separate but related crimes. “We wish we had more. We wish we had the opportunity to make a greater charge than this. That’s why we’re reaching out in case somebody has had something way worse than this.” There seems to be a pretty obvious pattern of behavior in the eight older complaints, but again, no case could be made previously to charge Olenek. Reading in between heavy redactions, Olenek would get the female patient or employee alone in a room for a legitimate reason and give her unwanted romantic attention. He would allegedly stare at certain body parts, comment on her looks or fitness, sometimes invite her to dinner or on a date, or discuss her relationship status and sex life, and at some point even touch her in an inappropriate way. The women often said he would brush the groping off as an accident or a joke. The affidavit filed with the court by sheriff’s detectives details the previous complaints they turned up, and summaries of victim interviews with blocks of type blacked out. The redactions serve two purposes. First, they protect women whose complaints are too old to prosecute. Second, it signals to any women out there who may have had a similar bad experience with Olenek that they, too, will be protected while prosecutors build a stronger case. As of press time, the court docket showed that no attorney had filed a notice to appear as Olenek’s defense counsel. At the conclusion of the 13-page affidavit the detectives stated, “Two additional victims of Dr. Olenek’s sexually motivated crimes have been contacted and provided similar acCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

4 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.comcounty’s two hospitals, were unsuccessful.She represented TCCH at a charity function on Nov. 6 and made no mention of any plans to suddenly leave her post. Soule had had at least one meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, which had to be cancelled after her abrupt departureWhen a donor called TCCH upset because she had recently given a substantial sum to the organization based upon her personal relationship with Soule, Chief Development Officer Lauretcounts. These cases share similarities which cannot be overlooked and provide relevant material facts. These accounts show that Dr. Olenek utilizes the confidential nature of a doctor patient relationship to perpetrate his crimes. Utilizing an examination room where there are no cameras or witnesses.“Each victim advised that sexual comments and undertones were utilized which made them feel suspicious of his care and uncomfortable. Each victim expressed that they were touched in an inappropriate manner on intimate parts of their bodies which is outside the scope of what would be called a bona fide medical purpose. Each case shows that Dr. Olenek utilizes his profession as a way to justify his inappropriate touching of his victims. Each case involves young attractive, thinly built (the word women or females is redacted). Each case shares the same motive, to fulfill Dr. Olenek’s sexual desires for the (word redacted) who come to see him for medical care. And each victim expressly identifies Dr. Olenek as the perpetrator of these crimes.”Olenek’s arraignment is scheduled for December, where he’ll presumably plead not guilty. In the meantime, he’s been ordered not to have any contact with the victim or her place of employment. Olenek’s receptionist said she was “not sure” whether he had an attorney. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3DOCTOR ARRESTED ta Farrell reportedly told the donor that TCCH is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent successor. Treasure Coast Community Health has grown into an organization with an annual budget approaching $35 million, six facilities from Fellsmere to Gifford to South County, and more than 99,000 medical, dental, vision, pediatric and behavioral health visits in 2024, serving more than 28,000 unique patients. It’s a huge employer with a payroll of nearly 500 people. Under Soule’s leadership TCCH garnered the support of many barrier island philanthropists and foundations, including the John’s Island Community Service League, which has invested in TCCH programs to provide mammograms and cervical cancer screening to low-income residents. John’s Island residents earlier this year also provided seed money for TCCH’s new pediatric care center which is now under construction adjacent the new TCCH West Center. The organization is the second largest benefactor of county Hospital District taxpayer funding, with $4.56 million budgeted for seven different TCCH programs this fiscal year. That’s roughly one-sixth of the entire Hospital District budget. When contacted on Monday regarding the leadership change, Hospital District Trustee Paul Westcott, who communicates fairly regularly with Soule about TCCH programs, said he was unaware of the leadership change and had no idea why Soule might have resigned. “Vicki’s definitely going to be missed because she’s such a dynamic, forward-thinking leader,” Westcott said. In her 18-year tenure, Soule led TCCH through many expansions, and challenges during the COVID pandemic when TCCH stepped in to lead local testing and treatment programs. This fall, TCCH celebrated the September launch of its new West Center on Oslo Road with an October grand opening. Another of Soule’s major accomplishments was taking over the Gifford Health Center from the Indian River County Hospital District and re-opening it in 2019. Miranda, who has a doctorate in public health and is not a medical doctor, joined TCCH in 2022 after moving to Vero from Raleigh, N.C., to serve as Soule’s executive VP. She previously served as Director of Clinical Operations and Interim Health Director for Wake County Health and Human Services, and prior to that worked as health center director for Piedmont Health Services’ federally qualified health centers. She earned her undergraduate science degree from California State University, Long Beach and became a registered dietitian in 2091. She then earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of Chicago, respectively. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1TCCH LEADERSHIP CHANGE

6 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com“Oh, it was just a cough.”Those five words have ended far too many lives. For decades, lung cancer was typically discovered too late, after symptoms appeared and the disease had already spread, leaving patients with few options and little time.But that’s beginning to change, thanks to one deceptively simple tool – the lowdose CT scan. This powerful yet painless screening catches lung cancers early, saves lives, and opens the door to treatments that weren’t even possible a decade ago.“By the time you develop warning signs like coughing up blood, chest pain, or shortness of breath, it’s likely already in an advanced stage,” said Dr. Philip Seibel, a cardiothoracic surgeon with HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, who has seen first-hand how early detection changes outcomes. “Most early-stage lung cancers are found through low-dose CT scan screening, which is a relatively simple test.”Screening is designed for people who would be candidates for curative treatment if a cancer is found. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for adults ages 50 to 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history – meaning the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years – and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.“The only way to detect early-stage lung cancer is through screening or incidental findings on an X-ray,” Dr. Seibel explained. “Let’s say you’re going in for a knee replacement, and they do a routine pre-op chest X-ray. If a small nodule shows up, that might be the first clue. At that point, you’d be referred for more definitive testing.”That’s exactly what modern technology helps hospitals do better than ever before. “We have an artificial intelligence system that flags any lung nodule, no matter how small, on every chest radiograph that comes through our system,” Dr. Seibel said. “A full-time nodule coordinator reviews the images and determines whether it needs referral to a surgeon or just follow-up. We’re now identifying most of our early-stage lung cancers through this AI program.”Catching cancer early dramatically improves survival. When lung cancer is found while still localized in the lung, five-year survival rates exceed 60 percent. Once it spreads to distant organs, that number plummets to less than 10 percent.By shifting diagnoses toward earlier stages, screening vastly expands the number of patients eligible for surgery, radiation and other curative therapies, turning what was once a fatal disease into a treatable one.“The CT scan shows areas of inflammation, infection or tumor,” Dr. Seibel said. “If a nodule lights up, it suggests cancer. It also tells us whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or the middle of the chest. We love to see small, isolated nodules because those are the ones we can cure.”Once a suspicious nodule is identified, Low-dose CT scan transforms lung cancer into a curable diseaseBy Kerry Firth | Correspondent

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH November 20, 2025 7the next step is a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. “We can do a CT-guided lung biopsy, where the radiologist localizes the nodule and inserts a needle into it to extract cells,” Dr. Seibel explained. “Or we can go from the inside out using a robotic bronchoscope – it’s like having a GPS that lets me navigate directly to the nodule for sampling.”If biopsy confirms cancer, surgery is often the best course. “We remove the lobe of the lung that contains the cancer and sample all the nearby lymph glands to determine whether it’s spread,” Dr. Seibel continued. “Before surgery, patients undergo pulmonary function tests to see how much lung can be safely removed. That helps us plan treatment and minimize risk.”Even though the lungs don’t regenerate, the body is remarkably adaptable. “The remaining parts of the lung expand to fill the space, and other structures in the chest shift slightly to help,” he said. “Patients are often surprised at how well they recover.”But surgery is just one piece of the puzzle. For patients who aren’t good surgical candidates or whose tumors are more advanced, there’s a new generation of therapies. Targeted chemotherapy treatments can home in on specific genetic mutations in the cancer, while immunotherapies stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.“Therapies have transformed cancer from a death sentence into a potentially curable disease,” Dr. Seibel declared. “Markers in the cancer dictate which treatments will work best. It’s a very personalized approach based on the tumor’s size, its genetic makeup, lymph node involvement, and the patient’s lung function. For those who can’t tolerate surgery, we can often use highly focused radiation therapy instead.”That progress means more patients are living long, full lives after diagnosis – something few would have imagined just a generation ago. “Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence,” Dr. Seibel said. “It’s not something to fear. It’s something to face and deal with. These days, we can move from detection to diagnosis to treatment in about 30 days, and many of our patients go on to live normal life spans.”So, if you have a history of smoking, talk to your doctor about screening. Don’t wait for symptoms to tell you something’s wrong. That “routine” CT scan could be the test that saves your life.Dr. Philip Seibel received his medical degree at Medical University of South Carolina and completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital/Carilion Clinic at Virginia Tech School of Medicine. He went on to complete a fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital. His office is located at 2100 Nebraska Ave., Suite 201, Fort Pierce. Call 772-465-8100 for an appointment. Dr. Philip Seibel. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODISTHE PROTEIN CRAZE: HOW MUCH DAILY IS TOO MUCH?Starbucks Caffe Latte Protein Drink with Coffee. Skippy Peanut Butter with added protein. Clear Protein Water.We’re in a protein craze that’s hard to ignore. Every aisle in the supermarket is overflowing with protein-enhanced products. But how much is too much. Do we really need it all?Professor Stacy Ferrari, who teaches at Keiser University Dietetics and Nutrition Department at the St. Lucie campus, says that protein fervor has exploded out of control.“In the past, consuming large amounts of protein was a gym-related mindset, something the young Arnold Schwrzenegger used in body building,” she says.By Jackie Holfelder | Correspondent CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com“But now social media and celebrity influencers have morphed it into a ‘the-morethe-better’ phenomenon, and clever marketing is helping fan the flame.”Mayo Clinic says that protein should account for 10 percent to 35 percent of your calories. If your daily needs are 2,000 calories, that’s 200 to 700 calories from protein or 50 to 175 grams of protein.The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult who weighs 165 pounds is 60 grams of protein per day. That changes for older folks. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 50, sarcopenia – losing muscle mass as you age – begins to set in. To prevent this and to maintain independence and quality of life, a 165-pound person needs 75 to 90 grams of protein per day.The craze for more protein is driven in part by industry trends. In February, Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health noted that, over the past decade, food companies have quadrupled the amount of high-protein products they sell worldwide – not because people need more protein, but because it’s a moneymaker. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. adults are eating an average of 2.9 ounces of protein per day – roughly 20 percent more than is recommended.Ferrari says that the daily recommendations are aimed at helping people maintain muscle and avoid chronic disease, and that recommendations vary from one demographic to another.“Some people benefit from higher protein intake – including pregnant, nursing or menopausal women – as well as aging seniors, as we discussed above,” she says.Verywell Health, an online health information website, shares six signs that you’re overloading on protein: You have bad breath:Stinky breath can be a sign that you’re in ketosis – when your body burns fat instead of glucose as its main energy source. Ketosis is associated with a high-protein diet, including the Keto diet. You’re dehydrated: Ifyou start eating more protein, you’ll probably start urinating more often because your kidneys are working harder to metabolize the excess nutrient. All that urinating can lead to dehydration.  You’re gaining excessweight: Eating more protein than your body can handle can lead to weight gain. More protein usually means more calories, and the protein source you choose may be converted by your CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH November 20, 2025 9body into sugar that gets stored as fat. You notice more GI discomfort:Gastrointestinal symptoms are prettycommon if you’re eating excess protein.A diet high in protein (especially animal protein) and low in fiber can leadto constipation, nausea, diarrhea andstomach pain. Stress on your heart: Protein canhave positive and negative effects onyour cardiovascular system dependingon the types of protein you eat. Fish,seafood and plant-based protein canbenefit your heart health, while meatcan increase your risk of heart disease. Abnormal kidney and liver function: If you have kidney or liver disease,the process of breaking down excessprotein can be too much work. Eatingtoo much protein if you have kidneydisease can even contribute to renalfailure.Ferrari says many of the most popular recent diets push a high-proteinarray of food. “Paleo, keto, low-carb diets all helped get the high protein crazestarted.”The irony is that people can add moreprotein to their diets without any of thepotential negatives if they do one thing,says Ferrari. “When people think protein, they think meat and poultry. Mostdon’t think about plant sources like legumes, lentils, nuts and edamame.“None of this would be an issue ifpeople realized that the more plantbased protein, the better,” Ferrari says.Professor Stacy Ferrari has a Master of Public Health in Nutrition degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and a licensed dietitian and nutritionist in the State of Florida. She is on staff at Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie campus, where she teaches Advanced Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Counseling and Communication. Stacy Ferrari. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS

10 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.comFor millions of people, the shorter, darker days leading into winter also portend a darkening of their mood.Many have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression typically beginning in the fall or winter and marked by lower moods, lethargic energy, diminished pleasure and excessive sleepiness that affects an estimated 5 percent of Americans. Women are four times more susceptible to developing SAD. Many more people are believed to experience a milder version, known as the “winter blues.”“If you are one of those people who really feel it and feel badly, you’ve got a lot of company and there’s a lot you can do about it,” said Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatrist at Georgetown University School of Medicine.Rosenthal would know: He, along with his colleagues, first described and named the condition in 1984.And he’s had decades of firsthand experience with SAD.Rosenthal remembers traveling from South Africa to the United States in 1976 for his medical training and how much he struggled in those first three years of residency in New York. South Africa, famous for its sunshine, generally has many hours of bright light each day, even in winter. New York City? Not so much.Leaving work at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, the wind and darkness of winter over the Hudson River hit him hard, especially following the end of daylight-saving time in November.After he moved to the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, to study biological rhythms and mood, he started hearing about other people who had similar symptoms as he did.These other cases, combined with his research and lived experience, led Rosenthal to theorize that there was a connection between light and why some people like him felt depressed in winter.The Washington Post played a role in helping Rosenthal and his colleagues gather even more evidence and data. A 1981 article about Rosenthal’s early work garnered over 3,000 letters from readers around the country about their own experiences. The researchers sent these readers questionnaires about how they felt as the days turned short and dark, and they gave similar answers: “I get tired,” “I eat more,” “I sleep more,” “I crave sweets and starches,” “I feel down.”“Prior to that, there was no sense that there was this entity called SAD and that this entity could have a special kind of treatment that might be useful for it,” Rosenthal said.Since then, Rosenthal, now 75, has seen over 1,000 patients with SAD through multiple winters.At first, Rosenthal did not divulge that he also had SAD. But then he thought of How to avoid seasonal depression, from expert who would knowBy Richard Sima | The Washington Post

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH November 20, 2025 11the courage of all the subjects in his studies. “They’ve offered their time, their work, their energy to help us characterize and understand this,” he said. “There’s no shame in it, you know, it’s a biological thing.”Lightening our moodResearchers believe that wintertime SAD is caused by reduced daylight, which can desynchronize our internal circadian rhythm from the natural light cycles outside.At the same time, light is invigorating and mood-lifting; specialized photoreceptors in our retina connect directly to mood-related areas of the brain. People also have seasonal variations in the mood-related neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, research shows.(Summer seasonal affective disorder is less well known and thought to be triggered by the heat, humidity and pollen.)To fight the dark, the answer is to provide more light where it is missing. The standard treatment for SAD is bright-light therapy with a light box that delivers at least 10,000 lux of light. Run-of-the-mill indoor lights are typically less than 1,000 lux, while direct sunlight can go up to about 100,000 lux.Research shows that light therapy is effective at improving mood and reducing symptoms of SAD in about 64 percent of patients, according to a 2015 study.For his part, Rosenthal has supplemental light in almost every room of his house.In the bedroom, he has a selection of lights that can be gradually illuminated, including three large light boxes that can be turned on sequentially to help him greet the day.In total, he has 13 light-therapy devices of different shapes and sizes in his home. They are an integral part of other habits that he’s adopted. “When I wake up in the morning, oftentimes the first thing I’ll do is I’ll draw the curtains, and I’ll feel that first morning light. And it’s a great time for mindfulness. It’s a good time to say, wow, look at this: Here is the light. I’m thankful. I’m present. I’m here,” said Rosenthal, who helped develop light therapy as a SAD treatment.In his exercise room, where Rosenthal lifts weights, does push-ups and stretches, as well as yoga once a week, he has set up three light boxes so that light can reach him regardless of where he is in his exercise routine. (Exercise is also a well-established way to help reduce the symptoms of depression.)He also meditates twice daily and takes regular walks outdoors, including weekly with his psychiatrist son, to take advantage of the sun’s natural light.“These are very vital, important things to keep all aspects of your mind and body alive,” Rosenthal said.How to prepare for darker daysIt is important to keep an eye open to how you are feeling this time of year, said Rosenthal, whose most recent book is “Defeating SAD: A Guide to Health and Happiness Through All Seasons.” Has it changed since the month before? How were you this time last year?While SAD symptoms tend to peak in January and February, the onset can vary from person to person.Think of SAD as a possibility, if “you’re just struggling like I did those first three years of my residency,” Rosenthal said. “We put on a happy face. We do our best. We push ourselves. We drink a little more coffee. But ‘fine’ means really feeling wonderful. And I want people to feel wonderful. Why shouldn’t we? It’s an amazing thing, this world we live in.”Fall is the best time to prepare, especially if you’ve had issues during winter in the past.Getting a light box may help those who are struggling. After all, light therapy also can help in nonseasonal depression, Rosenthal said.A 2024 meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found that bright-light therapy is effective as an added treatment for nonseasonal depression and may speed up response to the treatment.Rosenthal says people don’t need to go as far with lights as he does and recommends speaking with your doctor or mental health professional about your particular needs. Doctors generally recommend you sit in front of the lights for at least 30 minutes a day.Light therapy is most typically prescribed in the early morning, which studies show is the most effective time to shift circadian rhythms to align with the environment.However, using light therapy near the end of the day also can be effective so that you don’t feel the “suddenness” of the winter darkness, Rosenthal said. “Be cognizant of replacing what’s missing.”Besides sitting indoors with light boxes, Rosenthal recommends “walking outside, enjoying the seasons. They’re beautiful, but you can only enjoy them when you’ve treated your biology.”Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy are very effective for “many different kinds of depression, and SAD is no exception,” Rosenthal said.“I say whatever works. You know, sometimes the light is sufficient. Sometimes it needs a little help with the medicines, but you know, be in tune with yourself. “Be in tune yourself in the seasons. Then you’ll be able to enjoy all the seasons,” Rosenthal said.Even if you are losing just 10 percent of your usual functioning this season – feeling just a bit more tired, more down or more lethargic – it’s something that needs to be identified and addressed.“It is consequential to be at one’s peak, not just performance, but peak experience and enjoyment of life,” Rosenthal said. 

12 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.comIf ever there was an Absolute Must See piece of property, this is it.The gorgeous agricultural estate at 7000 33rd St. encompasses nearly nine acres of pastoral peace surrounding a grand, five-bedroom, seven bath, 6,500-squarefoot home built in 2019.At the mailbox, turn onto a long country lane that edges the pasture and leads along a fenceline toward the impressive house, curving up to a wide circular drive.Although there is no “curb,” per se, there is plenty of curb appeal. The exquisitely designed structure with a wraparound front porch rises from its skirt of low greenery beneath an expansive blue sky, its all-white palette allowing the home’s beautiful roof lines and window patterns to take center stage.Three steps ascend to the covered entry porch, where, beneath a narrow transom, the deep maroon, glass-paned French entry doors open into a vast open central space. Columns and millwork define the foyer, which opens into a large living space that opens, in turn, to a long porch with restful, rural views. The splendid flooring – high-end, multihued, wood-look tile – flows from the foyer throughout the house, perfectly offsetting the white palette of the sophisticated interior design. Twelve-foot ceilings, recessed lighting, shiplap accent walls, and open, room-to-room entryways create an expansive, light-filled space that is casually elegant and welcoming.Left from the foyer, accessed via white barn doors with black hardware, is a large “craft room” with many potential uses. Off the foyer to the right is the dining room, which flows into the living room area, where glass French doors open to a covered patio. Beneath a shiplap ceiling, the dream kitchen offers extensive white cabinetry, including many drawer units, and endless stretches of glowing quartz countertop. A sleek white subway tile backsplash completes the crisp look.This dreamy kitchen also offers stainless steel appliances – side-by-side fridge with a freezer drawer, microwave, double oven and a sleek stainless-steel hood above the smooth cooktop.The wide quartz-top island accommodates additional drawers, a porcelain double-basin sink, and four-place lunch bar.At the end of the kitchen, a breakfast nook occupies a sunny bay with four transom-topped windows and glass French doors that open onto the patio. In the first-floor primary suite, you’ll find a pair of large walk-in closets, and a big bright bathroom with corner Roman soaking tub and door-free walk-in shower, both sporting tan wood-look tile. There’s also a long, angled vanity with white cabinetry and two farmhouse style basins. Stretching along the wall opposite the vanity, a tall, shallow, nine-drawer unit offers additional storage space.Off the bedroom is a large study, handy for a home office, library or sewing room.From the foyer, solid oaks stairs go up beneath a skylight to the second level, By Samantha Rohlfing Baita | Staff [email protected] TIME! 8.7-acre ranch property features 6,500-square-foot home

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE November 20, 2025 13where there are four additional bedrooms, each with its own full bath. Two of the rooms have walk-in closets. There’s also a second big family room/game room with a coffered ceiling and French doors that open onto a spacious Trax deck. The deck overlooks the long sweep of back pasture edged by Australian Pines, a fine natural windbreak that also provides a sense of privacy.Also upstairs is a room referred to as The Christmas Tree Room, a commodious storage space capable of accommodating all your Christmas decorations along with décor of all the other holidays. The attic is accessed from this room, as well, opening up lots more storage space. From this serene country property, stores, restaurants, medical facilities and other commercial services are only minutes away, depending on the season. It is less than15 minutes to downtown Vero Beach’s gallery, restaurant and entertainment district, and only about 20 minutes to Vero’s famous oceanside village, where you’ll find charming boutiques, fine and casual dining, resorts, country clubs, pubs, parks, a superb fine art museum, live theater and miles of clean, uncrowded beaches. Community:Indian River FarmsYear built: 2019 Architect: Tony DonadioConstruction: Concrete block first level and frame second level, with metal roof and impact windows and doorsHome size: 6,588 square feetLot size: 8.76 acresBedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 5 full baths and 2 half-baths Additional features: Gated, fully fenced property; 3+car garage/carport; barn with space for 5 stalls and tack room; wrap-around porches; tile flooring; spray foam insulation; two 5-ton A/C units; 2 hot water heaters; extra-large laundry room; 12-ft. ceilings; ceiling fan/lights; blinds; formal living/dining rooms; extensive storage space; French doors; homework station; multiple office spaces; mud room; custom walk-in closets; den; craft room; gym; gourmet island kitchen; stainless steel appliances; walk-in pantry; 5 en suite bedrooms; Trax deck off second floor family room; irrigation sprinkler; 2 artesian wells; county water; no HOAListing agency: AMACAlex MacWilliam, Inc.Listing agents: T.P. Kennedy, 772-473-2521, andShannon O’Leary, 772-205-4412Listing price: $2,450,0007000 33RD STREET

14 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.comMAINLAND REAL ESTATE SALES: NOV. 10 THROUGH NOV. 14TOP SALES OF THE WEEKA modest week for mainland real estate transactions saw 31 single-family residences and lots change hands (some shown below).The top sale of the week was in Vero Beach, where the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom penthouse condo at 1215 Marina Village Cir., Unit #402 – listed in September for $895,000 – sold for $905,000 on Nov. 14.Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Troy Westover of Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc.Representing the buyer was agent Alexander Jasmin of LPT Realty, LLC.SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTSORIGINAL SELLINGTOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD PRICEVERO BEACH 1215 MARINA VILLAGE CIR, #402 9/26/2025 $895,000 11/14/2025 $905,000 VERO BEACH 5038 PENDELTON SQ 9/16/2025 $879,000 11/10/2025 $865,000 VERO BEACH 6418 HIGH POINTE CIR 3/4/2024 $685,001 11/13/2025 $613,000 VERO BEACH 4240 79TH ST 9/10/2025 $599,000 11/12/2025 $570,000 VERO BEACH 645 32ND CT SW 8/12/2025 $625,000 11/12/2025 $570,000 SEBASTIAN 107 CAPRI AVE 6/5/2025 $639,000 11/12/2025 $565,000 SEBASTIAN 1526 POLYNESIAN LN 5/1/2025 $615,000 11/13/2025 $565,000 VERO BEACH 6915 28TH CT 8/27/2025 $549,500 11/12/2025 $530,000 SEBASTIAN 588 GOSSAMER WING WAY 9/15/2025 $550,000 11/13/2025 $515,000 VERO BEACH 3679 2ND PL SW 9/5/2025 $525,000 11/13/2025 $500,000 VERO BEACH 955 SOUTHLAKES WAY SW 8/20/2025 $540,000 11/14/2025 $500,000 VERO BEACH 1896 GREY FALCON CIR SW 8/4/2025 $465,000 11/13/2025 $445,000 SEBASTIAN 591 BIRCH CT 10/25/2025 $442,000 11/13/2025 $430,000 VERO BEACH 4415 9TH LN SW 8/14/2025 $450,500 11/10/2025 $430,000 Stats were pulled 11/15/25 9:19 AM

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE November 20, 2025 15HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY REAL ESTATE SALES.Listing Date:Original Price:Sold:Selling Price:Listing Agent:Selling Agent:Listing Date:Original Price:Sold:Selling Price:Listing Agent:Selling Agent:Listing Date:Original Price:Sold:Selling Price:Listing Agent:Selling Agent:Listing Date:Original Price:Sold:Selling Price:Listing Agent:Selling Agent:8/12/2025$625,000 11/12/2025$570,000 Becky StirratDale Sorensen Real Estate Inc.Sherrie ColemanONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty645 32nd Ct SW, Vero Beach9/10/2025$599,000 11/12/2025$570,000 Troy WestoverDale Sorensen Real Estate Inc.Andrew WestoverDale Sorensen Real Estate Inc.4240 79th St, Vero Beach3/4/2024$685,001 11/13/2025$613,000 Lisa KrynskiThe GHO Homes Agency LLCLisa KrynskiThe GHO Homes Agency LLC6418 High Pointe Cir, Vero Beach9/16/2025$879,000 11/10/2025$865,000 John ChuterEngel & VoelkersLori DavisDale Sorensen Real Estate Inc.5038 Pendelton Sq, Vero Beach

16 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.comInvestors including billionaire Jorge Perez have plans to build luxury condo towers on a lot they bought for $180 million on Fisher Island in South Florida. Miami-Dade County officials, suddenly panicked about the effect on the local economy, are trying to stop them.The parcel is the last sliver of land available for high-end residential development on the posh island, which was recently named the most expensive ZIP code in the U.S. But it also houses a 700,000-barrel fuel depot that’s crucial for Miami’s port, the world’s largest hub for passenger cruises and a bustling cargo facility. The developers plan to replace the fuel terminal with condos.“This is an existential crisis,” Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado said at a meeting last month, citing the port’s importance as an economic juggernaut.County officials, under fire for failing to head off a real estate deal involving critical infrastructure, are rushing to find a solution and in some cases calling for legal action to force a sale of the land to the government. But the developers are plowing ahead even as mediation talks are ongoing: They shared plans with Bloomberg News to build two 13-story “ultra-luxury” condo towers.“It’s the last masterpiece to complete the island,” said Jon Paul Perez, Related Group’s chief executive officer.He’s the oldest son of Jorge Perez, whose long career developing residential projects in Miami earned him the moniker of “condo king.” Next door to the new site on Fisher Island, Related Group is completing a condo building in which it sold two penthouse units for $150 million.The deal for the new lot closed last month. A joint venture between Related Group, HRP Group, Raycliff Capital and GFO Investments bought the land from a fuel-terminal operator at a record price for Fisher Island, capping over a year of working with local authorities on the proposed development. The land will require environmental cleanup.Penthouses in the planned towers are expected to be priced at around $100 million, according to Bippy Siegal, CEO of Raycliff Capital. On a square-foot basis, the condos – which will all be corner units with ocean views – will probably start at about $5,000 per square foot and “handshakes have already been done” for sales, Siegal said.Jon Paul Perez said he estimates the project will have a total sell-out value of about $2 billion. The land sale came with a two-year leaseback agreement with the fuel-depot operators. Developers expect to break ground in 2027 and complete the luxury towers about three years after that, adding residential units to an island that has been home to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.Before the backlash from Miami-Dade County, the developers spent 18 months in talks with the island’s famously finicky community association and its country club – a process they called a “heavy lift.” While they said about 30 percent of residents opposed the project, citing worries about traffic and crowding in the exclusive enclave, many were eager to get rid of the fuel depot.One person’s eyesore is another person’s lifeline, however.In September, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. CEO Jason Liberty pleaded with county commissioners to keep the fuel facility intact, calling it “the backbone” of port operations. Flanked by other cruise industry leaders, he warned that no major ports in the U.S. operate without their own fuel bunkering.A formal mediation process began Oct. 20. PortMiami’s director, Hydi Webb, said the property serves an “essential public purpose.” The port is reviewing options for building a new fueling site and “continues to actively pursue a path for potential acquisition of the Fisher Island site,” she said.County commissioners were caught off guard when they were called into a special meeting in September to first discuss the issue. They have been seeking answers from Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and her staff, as well as from port leaders, who acknowledged that the issue should have been raised when the property went on the market. Condo feud erupts on Miami’s Fisher Island over $180M lotBy Anna J Kaiser | Bloomberg

Young performers take center stage as Riverside Theatre Kids opens its production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” a lively retelling of the Disney animated classic. Featuring students ages 11 to 18, the show runs on the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22. There is also a 2 TALENTED RIVERSIDEKIDS STAGE ‘ALICEIN WONDERLAND JR.’CONTINUED ON PAGE B4Coming Up!LOW-DOSE CT SCANFOR LUNG CANCERPROTEIN CRAZE: HOW 12 6 7 MUCH IS TOO MUCH?HOUSE OF THE WEEK:CUSTOM-BUILT HOMEBy Pam Harbaugh | CorrespondentABOVE AND BEYONDADHERENCE TO ‘ABSTRACT REALISM’ BRINGS OUT BEST OF ARTIST O’NEALPAGE B21

B2 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.comAn independent thinker and artist, Mary O’Neal brings works of tranquility and gentle imagery into focus, capturing the viewers’ attention with such subjects as rare conch shells, fleeting butterflies with black and white racing stripes and exotic flowers.“My mother, who will be 100, tells me that as soon as I could hold a pencil, I would be drawing whatever I saw,” says O’Neal. “And now I do the same with photographs and paint.”Most recently, O’Neal’s painting “The Sea, Beyond” was one of the 63 selected to be included in the A.E. Backus Museum’s annual Best of the Best juried fine art exhibition, out of the 297 submitted.“‘The Sea, Beyond’ was from a photograph I took at the Treasure Shores Beach Park access at Wabasso. The trees and view caught my attention, and I just knew I had to paint this scenic area. I work from my own photographs, and they’re all done with an iPhone,” she explains.Raised in Mims, Florida, O’Neal studied at Ringling School of Art, which officially became Ringling College of Art and Design in 1979.“Ringling was then a three-year school and awarded certificates,” says O’Neil, adding that 10 years later she earned a BFA degree from the New York State School of Ceramics at Alfred University.O’Neal worked mostly in watercolor when she moved to New York state. She also designed T-shirts and other fashions and began to work in clay. Her ceramic creations were decoratively hand painted, and included functional stoneware and porcelain. They were fired in her own kiln and sold at art shows, enabling O’Neal to support herself.“I did and still do art for my own pleasure. I strive to enhance nature’s colors. I always did a lot of two-dimensional work. I used lots of vibrant colors, mixed media, pastels and a combination of the two.”She describes her art process as abstract realism, taking from nature and embellishing it; transforming actual plein air vistas with the imaginative brush strokes of the artist.“I create my butterflies and construct an environment for them, even place it on an entirely different flower. Initially I combine thumbnail sketches, but I eventually do a large butterfly just to see how it will work. I manipulate the colors and subject and use photographs as a reference and may eliminate the background,” says O’Neal.The effect is lifelike; an almost living, breathing fleeting butterfly image captured on canvas.After a trip to Sanibel, she returned with a bucket of treasured shells, inspiring a series of conch oil paintings – the queen conch, horse conch, horned queen conch and murex.O’Neal has captured the minute details of the shells; their rugged edges and the curling inward of the curves, resting on the sand as if waiting for a passing beachcomber. A hint of surf and sky shows in the foreground, causing the shell to appear life size.“When I did the conch shells, I took pictures of them and had some photos of the ocean used as a backdrop. The goal is to bring the viewer along on my perception of the world and how I want to see the world. It’s a bit fantasy-base but it’s not,” she explains.ADHERENCE TO ‘ABSTRACT REALISM’ BRINGS OUT BEST OF ARTIST O’NEALMary O’Neal. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODISBY JOAN B. REID | CORRESPONDENT

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE November 20, 2025 B3“I paint one color across the entire canvas. It’s called an under painting. Whether looking at a photograph or if I’m doing plein air, I lightly sketch the forms and subjects.”O’Neal’s understated manner of describing her process belies the mindfulness she puts into each painting.Her self-confidence is evident in O’Neal’s “Three Faces of Diana,” a startling portrait in watercolor that affirms her sense of pigment saturation, determination and humor. The subject is a woman dressed in a bright tutu, carrying a pitchfork, and wearing an opera style helmet with horns.She and her husband owned and operated a frame shop, during which time they attended art receptions and exhibits, before another door opened, a position with the home furnisher Rooms to Go. “I did display and visual design for about 35 years. This offered a lot of artistic freedom with some standards. Staff weren’t allowed to place their own work in the rooms. The company sent us to the Japan franchises. We stayed in Yokohama, worked during the day then at night went sightseeing,” O’Neal recalls with a gleam.Following her retirement, O’Neal, still an independent artist, became a board member at the nonprofit Isola Arts, founded by Katherine Larson. Abiding to the mantra of “Art in Unusual Places,” they held one of their first group exhibits at the “haunted” Tangelo Apartments building. Built in the mid-1920s, it is said to have paranormal activities, and during building renovations, workers began to experience intermittent vertigo and heard strange creaking noises. Even the artists felt something strange about the building, but O’Neal and the others were pleased with the turnout, no doubt helped by the ghostly intrigue.Soon after, Larson and Charlotte Tripson, great-granddaughter of Waldo Sexton, launched Waldo’s Secret Art Walk, weekends the first Friday through Sunday of the month at the Sexton homestead. Its winding stone-pebbled paths offer a unique place for O’Neal and other Isola Arts artists to showcase their work. O’Neal and her husband of 31 years, a retired chemical engineer, enjoy reading, Florida summers, each other’s company, and staying engaged with nature, artists and the arts of Vero Beach.She advises aspiring artists to “be yourself, stay true to yourself and don’t get influenced by whatever other people are doing. Do who you are.” 

B4 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.comp.m. matinee Saturday, Nov. 22. Admission is $10. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.The Environmental Learning Center launches its new outdoor movie series with a pair of free family-friendly screenings 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22. Friday’s movie is the animated classic “The Little Mermaid,” followed on Saturday by the live-action adaptation. Both days include access to the Touch Tank from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., food trucks, games and use of the ELC Playscape from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be popcorn and s’mores available for purchase. Free for members and $5 to $10 for non-members. The Environmental Learning Center is at 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach. For information, call 772-589-5050 or visit DiscoverELC.org.The Mardy Fishing Tournament is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. The catch-andrelease event benefits the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation’s afterschool and summer programs. The tournament covers waters from Sebastian Inlet to Fort Pierce Inlet and targets snook, redfish and seatrout. An awards ceremony will follow at 3 p.m. at Riverside Café, 3341 Bridge Plaza Dr., Vero Beach. Registration is $150. Call 866-633-4070 or visit MardyFishChildrensFoundation.org.The Tactical 10K and 2 Mile race begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at South Beach Park, 1704 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. The event benefits the Vero Beach Police Department Foundation. Fees are $40 for the 10K and $25 for the 2 Mile. The first 100 paid registrants will receive a Dri-Fit race shirt. Early packet pickup takes place Nov. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at American Icon Brewery, 1133 19th Place, Vero Beach. Call 772-978-4679 or visit RunSignUp.com.The Downtown Vero Beach annual Tree Lighting Festival runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Pocahontas Park, 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. There will be children’s crafts, bubble snow, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music and food trucks, and a holiday movie on the green will accompany the tree lighting at dusk. Call 772-567-3491 or visit IndianRiverChamber.com.MusicWorks presents Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver featuring Tom Becker and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets range from $45 to $105. An optional after-party offers guests the chance to meet musicians, conductor Aaron Collins and Tom Becker for $35. Call 772-777-9321 or visit MusicWorksConcerts.com.Shoppers seeking handmade gifts will have a full weekend of browsing this weekend at the Vero Beach Holiday Art & Craft Expo. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, the Indian River County Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave. The expo, which is free to attend, features 250 booths of artists and crafters from across Florida and the United States. Live music, food, beverages and a free kids’ zone add to the experience. Visit ArtAndCraftExpo.com.Pianist Marcos Daniel Flores performs works by Liszt, Debussy and Lecuona at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church, 3755 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, Vero Beach. Tickets $30 for adults and $10 for youth. Call 772-231-1661.The Treasure Coast Chorale presents a Country Music Spectacular celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach. There is a suggested donation of $10. 56789342CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE November 20, 2025 B5

B6 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING www.veronews.comThough nonalcoholic wines aren’t a new invention, good ones are.The first one I tasted, more than 20 years ago at a Thanksgiving dinner, was little more than dark grape juice in a fancy bottle, and while I was happy to have something a bit more sophisticated to sip at dinner, it was more about fitting in than outright enjoyment.It also felt like a shame to pair good food with not-so-good wine – but still, it was better than drinking soda.That’s no longer the case, especially where red wine is concerned. Technology has improved, and it’s now possible to strip the alcohol from wine without decimating body, color and all the distinct characteristics that make reds so special in the first place. Now there are so many choices, it’s genuinely hard to know where to start. We’re well past the “any choice is a good choice” era and deep into the “which of these fifty great choices is the best?” problem.And the audience has changed, too. Nonalcoholic wine is no longer just for those in recovery. It’s for anyone who loves the ritual and flavor of wine but not the buzz – or the hangover. Hosts who would like everyone to feel included, people taking a night off, sober-curious types who want something nice in their glass. But with the abundance, it’s easy to get lost in marketing and pretty labels. We wanted to know what really holds up. So we assembled a blind taste panel – a mix of drinkers across the spectrum. The mission: to find truly fantastic nonalcoholic reds that will pair well with a holiday meal – or any time you want a glass of wine but not the alcohol.Here are some of their favorites:Chavin Zéro Cabernet MerlotThis French import swept the floor, with every member of our panel picking it as their absolute favorite. It’s bold and refined, with a velvety texture, and layers of rich plum, cherry and warm spice. Our panel loved its balance, calling it “pleasantly dry,” with the sort of big, jammy fruit flavors “you get excited to drink.”Chavin Zéro Pinot NoirOur panel dubbed this one “very close to the real thing.” It skips the heavy fruitiness common in NA wines, delivering the bright acidity and freshness pinot fans crave. With aromas of strawberry and red currant, and a surprisingly complex mouthfeel, tasters described it as “tannic, fresh and tart,” with “great flavor – you can taste the skins.”Oddbird Grenache Syrah MourvèdreWow, what a wine – bursting with big berry flavor and tart cherry pucker, plus a touch of tannin and pleasant dryness. Every taster agreed they’d happily drink this at a dinner party, imbibers and abstainers alike.St. Viviana Cabernet SauvignonThis cab impressed us with its full-bodied heft. Juicy black cherry and currant lead the way, finishing dry and assertive. Tasters noted a “cranberry aroma,” and one compared its sharpness to “the first lick of a Warhead.” A bold, bracing NA red. The best nonalcoholic red wines for holiday mealsBy Allison RobicelliThe Washington Post3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-3966 • tidesofvero.comReserve Online on our website or the Resy AppCELEBRATING OVER 26 YEARS Innovative Cuisine & Unparalleled Service Award Winning Wine List Covered Outdoor Dining Open Daily at 5pm

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING November 20, 2025 B756 Royal Palm Pointe  772-567-4160  Follow us on Facebook & InstagramOPEN 6 DAYS • DAILY AT 4 PM • CLOSED MONDAYSORDER ONLINEFOR PICK UP ATPizzoodles.com or ToastTakeout.comOPENTUESDAY -SUNDAYCLOSEDMONDAYSPARTY PLATTERSAVAILABLECLOSEDTHANKSGIVING 1931 Old Dixie • 772.770.0977fishackverobeach.com • Like us on Facebook!Gift Certificates, Private Parties & Patio Dining AvailableWe Will Reimburse for Parking.BEST MARGARITAS OPEN FORLUNCH WED-SATOPEN FORDINNERTUES-SATTUES & FRINIGHTSALL YOU CAN EAT FISHFRYPATIODINING!HAPPY HOURALL DAY UNTIL 6PM!PARTY PLATTERS AVAILABLECLOSED THANKSGIVINGSERVINGFRESH LOCAL & NORTHERN FISHTHE CAPTAIN’S HAPPY HOURMONDAY-FRIDAY3PM TO 6PMW E L L SD O M E S T I CH O U S E W I N E S $3C A P T . H I R A M ’ S R E S O R T Why wait for the weekend?W W W . H I R A M S . C O M 7 7 2 . 3 8 8 . 8 5 8 8

B8 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.comHow to do Sudoku:Fill in the grid so the numbers one throughnine appear just oncein every column, rowand three-by-three square. The TelegraphSOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (November 13th) ON PAGE B11ACROSS 1 Insect (3) 3 Pile (4) 5 Fizz (4) 8 Lazy (8)10 White powder (4)11 24 hours (3)13 Bird of prey (5)14 Finds out (9)16 Craft (3)17 Fool (3)19 Citrus fruit (9)21 Barrier (5)22 Slalom? (3)24 Sketch (4)25 More spirited (8)26 Board game (4)27 Piercing (4)28 Natter (3)DOWN 1 Dry (4) 2 Neat (4) 3 Whirlybird (10) 4 Building extension (6) 6 Chinese city (8) 7 Get larger (8) 9 Lowest point (5)12 Entranced (10)14 Narcissus (8)15 Flag (8)18 Reptile (5)20 Most recent (6)22 Vocally perform (4)23 Part of the eye (4)The TelegraphCreative Floors Carpet One Floor & Home in Vero Beach, FLcelebrating 50 Years serving our community with three generations.772.569.02401137 Old Dixie Hwy • Vero Beachcreativefloorscarpet1verobeach.comHome Flooring such as Wood, LVP, Carpet and TileKitchen Cabinets and Design

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES November 20, 2025 B9ACROSS 1 Nyasaland, today 7 Jay of Pay It Forward11 Watch things15 ___ up (sick)19 Spotted cat20 Part 2 of a sport21 All in all23 With 32 Across, tourist’s only complaint about his trip to Central America?25 Isolate26 Pamplona stampeder27 Pet preoccupier28 Greek peak30 ___ good turn31 Sauce source32 See 23 Across38 Actor Gulager39 Based on birth40 Repeated often, a child’s taunt42 Song about birds (in the springtime)?46 Deadlock49 Ladd’s daughter50 La Scala solo51 Free, in a way52 At any time, to poets53 Impressive54 Mr. Ford’s nickname as a young Republican?59 N. or S. state60 Bank-line bypasser61 Drum effect62 Currency-stabilizing org.63 With 76 Across, comment by an out-of-sorts zookeeper?72 Yung preceder73 Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g.74 Do the arithmetic75 Actress Tyler76 See 63 Across82 Venetian VIP83 Most Wanted abbr.84 Java joint85 Qom’s country86 Ditties87 Lens type89 Weasel-sized spinner that never caught on?93 French pate?94 “He’s not such ___ after all”96 Afflict97 With 113 Across, words from a zoo guide who used to sell pricey smokes in nightclubs?102 Apr. advisor105 Cut, as limbs106 “___ be over soon”107 Beauty’s preceder108 Divides (into)109 Bettor’s order113 See 97 Across117 Complex dwellings118 Casablanca escapee119 Beethoven’s 3rd120 Catch121 Thomas who tweaked Tweed122 Little bites123 Dolly & Co.’s 9 to 5 co-starDOWN 1 Applesauce brand 2 Allergic reaction 3 Suspicious 4 Plus 5 Grief 6 “I’m not kidding!” 7 Hip-hop queen Blige 8 Grand ___ Opry 9 Hem’s partner10 Italian dish11 Dig discoveries12 Tie score13 Rib-joint letters14 Faisal was one15 Italian dish16 Tunnel worker17 Pack content18 German article22 Fighter Spinks24 Break new ground?29 32-card card game32 Edison’s middle33 Detach by tearing34 Fergie’s first35 Perjury36 Sara Teasdale’s “Songs for ___”37 Alleviated38 Dip support41 That lady42 Troy story43 Indecorousness44 Director Brian De ___45 Form of “to be”47 Tussaud, e.g.: abbr.48 Class time49 Followers of The King?51 Kon-Tiki Museum city54 Biblical suffix55 Bakery lure56 Ph. bk. info57 Florida’s capital, on baggage58 Aral Sea feeder, the ___ Darya60 Immediately64 “___ never heard them at all ...”65 Windmill blade66 Work unit67 Soaking site68 Says “look out!”69 RB’s gain70 Dr. Watson portrayer Bruce71 First name in fashion76 Berlin’s are blue77 Michael Corleone’s wife78 “___ neither sword nor fire” (Shak.)79 Funeral hymn80 Shorthand pioneer81 Lunch invitation?82 It requires seconds83 Destroyer direction86 “Picture ___”88 Following closely89 Cheetah-like, in a way90 Henry James biographer91 Finishes fishing92 Did a lawn chore95 Less-played songs98 Invader of Rome99 Kitchen attire100 Sitar pieces101 I problem?102 Powerful Powell103 Hippie’s hello104 Rock analysis108 Dollop109 Columbo and others: abbr.110 Billion-year era111 Int’l carrier, once112 “___ Believer”114 Actor Wallach115 Uncommon sense116 102 Across’s suggestion (or his name, maybe)The TelegraphThe Washington Post...Playing with animalsA Walk on the Wild Side By Merl ReagleEstablished 32 Years in Indian River County(772) 562-2288 | www.kitchensvero.com3920 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach FL 32960

B10 November 20, 2025 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.comA small change, a big differenceBy Phillip Alder - Bridge ColumnistToday’s deal might look familiar. The North-South cards are identical to those in yesterday’s column – except for one small but important change: South’s club 10 is now the three.Against three no-trump, West leads a card in declarer’s weakest suit, spades. How should the loss of the club 10 affect declarer’s line of play?After holding up the spade ace until the third round, declarer cashed the club ace, as recommended yesterday. When the queen dropped, he smiled. He continued with the club king. When East discarded a heart, South’s smile evaporated. He couldn’t win nine tricks without establishing the clubs, and he couldn’t do that without letting West win a trick in the suit. But when South did that, West cashed two spade tricks to defeat the game.Why was it right to cash the club ace yesterday but not today? Because if the club queen dropped singleton yesterday, declarer, holding the club 10, could run the whole suit. Today, though, South should take a small precaution. He should play a heart to dummy’s ace at trick four. Then he leads a low club, planning to put up his ace. However, when East plays the queen, South lets East take the trick. The club suit is established, West cannot cash his spades, and the contract is safe.If East plays a low club, not the queen, declarer wins with the ace and cashes the king. If the queen appears now, South wins an overtrick. If she doesn’t, South plays a third club, hoping East has to win the trick (or that the spades are 4-4).Dealer: South; Vulnerable: BothNORTH8 5A 8 7 4A 10 8 5 38 2WESTQ 10 7 6 3Q J 9710 9 5 4SOUTHA 9 2K 2J 2A K J 7 6 3EASTK J 410 6 5 3K Q 9 6 4QThe Bidding:OPENING LEAD:6 SpadesSOUTH WEST NORTH EAST1 Clubs Pass 1 Diamonds Pass2 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | CALENDAR November 20, 2025 B11ONGOINGCheck with organizations directly for updates/cancellations. Vero Beach Museum of Art: Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocuts from a Private Collection through Jan. 4; Recent Acquisition Highlights through Jan. 11; and Double Portraits, photographs capturing the concept of double portraits, through Jan. 11. Free admission second Saturdays. VBMuseum.orgRiverside Theatre: Free Live in the Loop concerts Thurs./Fri./Sat. evenings; Comedy Zone Fri./Sat. and alternating SAK Comedy Lab and Howl at the Moon performances, Thursdays on Waxlax Stage. RiversideTheatre.com or 772-231-6990Holidays for Heroes Holiday Box Drive: visit MilitaryMomsPrayerGroup.com for kit pickup locations through Dec. 15.NOVEMBER20 Gathering the Light, a 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Center for Spiritual Care, 5 p.m. at the Heritage Center, with live music by Sunrise City Bluegrass Band, BBQ from Pepper & Salt, and honoring 25 years of connection, creativity and care. $125. CenterForSpiritualCare.org or 772-567-123320-22 “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” a lively new retelling of the Disney animated classic performed by RT students ages 11 to 18 on the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre, 7 p.m. Thurs., Fri. and Sat., plus 2 p.m. Saturday. $10. RiversideTheatre.com or 772-231-699021 to Jan. 4 – Glory in Glass: The Conrad Pickel Studio exhibition at the A.E. Backus Museum, with reception 6 p.m. Dec. 5. BackusMuseum.org.22 Tactical 10K and 2 Mile, 7 a.m. from South Beach Park to benefit the Vero Beach Police Department Foundation.RunSignUp.com 22 Mardy Fishing Tournament, to benefit the after-school and summer programs supported by the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. catch & release from Sebastian to Fort Pierce Inlets, with 3 p.m. awards ceremony at Riverside Café. MardyFishChildrensFoundation.org.22 Downtown Vero Beach annual Tree Lighting Festival, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with kids’ crafts and activities, bubble snow, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music, tree lighting at dusk, and holiday movie on the green.IndianRiverChamber.com22 MusicWorks presents a special benefit concert, Back Home Again: A tribute to John Denver featuring Tom Becker and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center to benefit SCSO. MusicWorksConcerts.com or 772-777-932122|23 Vero Beach Fall Boat Show at Riverside Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission/parking.22|23 Vero Beach Holiday Art & Craft Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indian River County Fairgrounds. ArtAndCraftExpo.com23 Solo Piano Concert featuring Marcos Daniel Flores performing pieces by Liszt, Debussy and Lecuona, 3 p.m. at Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church. $30 adults; $10 youth. cbtsumc.org or 772-231-166123 Treasure Coast Chorale presents a Country Music Spectacular celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry, 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church. $10 suggested donation.27 Trot Against Poverty 5K Walk/Run, 7:15 a.m. kids race and 7:30 a.m. 5K at Riverside Park to benefit United Against Poverty, followed by the famed sweet potato pancake breakfast and 8:30 a.m. awards.TrotAgainstPoverty.org28 Main Street Vero Beach Downtown Friday’s Hometown Holidays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along 14th Avenue, with local shopping, live music by Johnny & the Blaze, food trucks and festive fun for the whole family.30 Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Hooray for Hollywood: The Sequel, 3 p.m. at the Emerson Center. SpaceCoastSymphony.orgDECEMBER2 Countywide Volunteer Recruitment Fair hosted by Indian River CARES (Connect Advocate Renew Educate Strategize), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, with some 30 local nonprofits offering volunteer opportunities. The Treasure Coast Girls Coalition will serve lunch and snacks and there will be a free aerobics class from 9 to 10 a.m.IndianRiverCares.org3 Atlantic Classical Orchestra Benefit Concert hosted by Friends of the ACO, 4:30 p.m. at the Orchid Island Beach Club followed by cocktail reception. AtlanticClassicalOrchestra.com3 to Jan. 3 – Jungle Lights at McKee Botanical Garden, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly except Mondays and holidays, blending Amazon rainforest sights and sounds for an unforgettable holiday adventure. McKeeGarden.org4 Crossover Mission annual Gala, 6 p.m. at the Crossover Mission Center for Excellence, with cocktails, dinner and inspirational student athlete testimonials. $275. CrossoverMission.com5 Denim and Diamonds Hope Gala, 5:30 p.m. at Magnolia Manor, featuring 2025 honoree Ramie Darling, a 12-year-old cancer survivor, with cocktails, dinner and auctions and dancing to Riptide to support pediatric cancer research through the American Cancer Society. 772-473-46135-21 Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents }A Christmas Carol – the Musical.” VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.6 Rotary Kids Triathlon, 7 a.m. at Victor Hart Park and Gifford Aquatic Center, with ages 6 to 13 competing in a swim/bike/run race in varying ages and levels, including adaptive. Mandatory bike check-in 3 to 5:30 p.m. Fri. Dec. 5. KidsTriVeroBeach.com6 Vero Beach Christmas Parade presented by Sunrise Rotary, 4 p.m. red carpet preshow with Santa Claus, holiday photo booth, and parade at 6 p.m. along Ocean Drive. Free shuttle from Riverside Park.7 The City of Vero Beach Recreation Department is proud to present the Mythical Christmas Tree featuring gymnasts and performers of the Aerial Antics Youth Circus, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Vero Beach High School PAC. 772-978-4500.Sudoku Page B8 Sudoku Page B9 Crossword Page B8Solutions from Games Pages in November 13th, 2025 EditionCrossword Page B9 (The Guide Words Game)Time to Clean Your Carpets/Furniture?Maxfield Carpet Cleaning • 772-538-02135300 N. A1A, Vero Beach • SINCE 1979Three Reasons to Call Mitch Maxfield:QUALITY: My “2-step system” removes even tough ground-in dirt. All work guaranteed.SERVICE: I, personally, will clean your carpets and furniture.PRICE: Two (2) Rooms (any size)...$77, 6’ Sofa or 2 Chairs...$66State Certified Electrical ContractorTom G. WaltonServing the Treasure Coast since 1984772-569-1547 • [email protected] • Commercial • IndustrialL. Walton Electric, Inc.EC13003596BUSINESS DIRECTORY - ADVERTISING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BUSINESSESOur directory gives small business people eager to provide services to the community an opportunity to make themselves known to our readers at an affordable cost. This is the only business directory mailed each week. If you would like your business to appear in our directory, please call 772-633-0753. This is also where we publish Fictitious Name or “Doing Business As” notices, Public Notices and Employment ads. To place one, please email [email protected].