On several occasions the past couple of weeks, I’ve found myself sitting in bumper-tobumper traffic, waiting for lights to change, knowing there was no chance I was going to get through the intersections before being stopped again. Obviously, I wasn’t alone. Not on our major thoroughfares. Not during the weekday morning, evening and lunchtime rush hours. Not during peak season in the Vero Beach area. Not anymore. There are thousands of us out there each day, and many of us remember when we didn’t need to plan ahead to avoid traffic here. We knew exactly how long it took get to different places around town. If you were late, you might even be able to make up time on the road. Publix is preparing to build a supermarket that will provide a new option for shoppers who live between Grand Harbor and Sebastian. The site plan for the new store – to be located on the south side of State Road 510, less than a half-mile east of U.S. 1 – has been approved, and county officials say the supermarket chain hopes to begin construction later this year. Ryan Sweeney, the county’s chief of current development, said that Publix representatives believe the planned 34,000-square-foot store also will become the grocery-shopping destination for north Just as many homeowners are opening their mail to find higher water-sewer bills this month from the first round of at least four steep Vero Beach Utility rate hikes, the Florida Legislature finally seems inclined to force local-government-owned utilities like Vero’s to justify their rates to the Florida Public Service Commission. No bill has been introduced yet, but there’s bipartisan support from leaders across the state for reining in the power of municipal utilities that serve customers outside their political boundaries, especially if the utility – like Vero’s – siphons off revenues to hold taxes down for city residents (see companion story, page 4). The Florida House Energy Communications and Cybersecurity Subcommittee has held two meetings to seek information from state utility regulators, legal experts, local officials and utility customers about these government-owned utilities and how they operate. The committee chair invited Vero Utilities customers from the Town of Indian River Shores to speak at the Feb. 9 meeting in Tallahassee. Shores Mayor Brian Foley and Councilman Bob Auwaerter traveled separately to Tallahassee and both spoke at the meeting, which was televised and live streamed on The Florida Channel. Shores Town Manager Jim Harpring also added his remarks, as did longtime utility activist Glenn Heran, a local CPA who worked for nine years advoINSIDE To advertise call: 772-559-4187 For circulation or where to pick up your issue call: 772-226-7925 NEWS HEALTH PETS REAL ESTATE 1-7 8 B12 16 ARTS GAMES CALENDAR B1 B13 B16 © 2023 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved. The ‘will-they-be-back-or-won’tthey’ Elite Airways saga continues. The major announcement which Elite president John Pearsall in December promised was coming shortly after the calendar turned to 2023? Still no announcement. The only semblance of news posted on the airline’s website ? Last Friday, the log-in line at the top of the home page read: “Elite Airways will be announcing new service soon!” The website’s previous post was a message stating that the carrier’s reservation system was offline and undergoing an “upgrade and maintenance.” Asked by Vero News if he would comment on the new posting, Pearsall responded Monday with a text message saying, “No, thank you. We will let you know soon.” Hard to tell what “soon” means. A week earlier, when asked about the status of the announcement he promised months ago, Pearsall replied with a text mesNo solution in sight for traffic, so get used to it February 16, 2023 | Volume 10, Issue 7 | Newsstand Price: $1.00 | For breaking news visit VeroNews.com YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTY DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP REDUCE DISEASE Your Health, Page 8 MUSEUM’S ‘ROLLING SCULPTURE’ SHOW’S A VERY RARE TREAT Arts & Theatre, P. B2 No apparent end in sight to absurd Elite Airways saga By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] Publix moving ahead with a new option for Wabasso residents CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected] Legislature edging toward checks on utilities like Vero’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] MY TAKE
2 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com NEWS OTHERS MISS, OR CHOOSE TO IGNORE | PUBLISHED WEEKLY MILTON R. BENJAMIN President and Publisher | [email protected] | 772.559.4187 LOCATED AT 4855 NORTH A1A, VERO BEACH, FL 32963 | 772.226.7925 STEVEN M. THOMAS Managing Editor | [email protected] | 772.453.1196 DAN ALEXANDER Creative Director | [email protected] | 772.539.2700 Associate 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, Tina Rondeau, The Bonz, Photographer: Joshua Kodis, Graphic Designers: Robert Simonson, Jennifer Greenaway, Tania Donghia-Wetmore JUDY DAVIS Director of Advertising [email protected] | 772.633.1115 KATHLEEN MACGLENNON | [email protected] | 772.633.0753 MARIO CORBICIERO | [email protected] | 772.559.5999 ADVERTISING SALES Now, if you’re late, you’re only going to be later. There are too many roadwork projects, too many closed railroad crossings and – because of the COVID-spawned surge in the county’s population the past three years – too many cars on the road at the same time. Simply put: Our traffic infrastructure can’t handle it. “Even if you take away all the construction and train-crossing closures, you’re still going to have traffic during peak hours, especially during our peak season,” said Rich Szpyrka, the county’s public works director whose department oversees traffic engineering and road maintenance. “The road capacity just isn’t there,” he added. “Off-peak hours, everything moves fine, under normal circumstances. But you’re never going to build a road wide enough to eliminate the congestion and backups at rush hour, when you have so many cars on the road. “We know people get frustrated out there, but you can move only so many vehicles through an intersection in a given period of time.” It’s too easy, Szpyrka said, to blame the traffic engineering. Szpyrka said the county’s traffic engineer, Erik Ferguson, is actually very proficient and has played a crucial role in managing the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 MY TAKE impact of the railroad-crossing work being done to prepare for the Brightline passenger trains scheduled to start zipping through our community later this year. “Timing the traffic signals is a tough thing,” Szpyrka said. “We’re constantly monitoring the major intersections, trying to improve traffic flow and making tweaks to the cycles. “But there’s only so much you can do,” he added. “And no matter what you do – if you extend the cycle in one direction, the people waiting to go in the other direction have to wait longer – somebody is always going to be unhappy.” So what’s the solution? Widening roads and adding lanes increases capacity, which is what is being done along 58th and 66th avenues, as well as 43rd Avenue to the immediate north and south of State Road 60. But those projects are extremely costly, take years to plan and execute, and often require state approval and the necessary rightof-way, which isn’t always available. For example: Szpyrka cited the heavily trafficked intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue. “How do I put another 12-foot-wide lane in there without taking away a section of somebody’s parking lot?” he asked rhetorically. “And are the property owners going to allow us to do that?” State roads are built and maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation, which would need to address, approve and fund any improvements to A1A, 510 and even U.S. 1. Szpyrka said FDOT is preparing to embark on a multi-phase plan to widen State Road 510, from two lanes to four, between County Road 512 and 58th Avenue. The agency also has authorized a study to determine the viability of widening 510 east of U.S. 1, as well as evaluating the need for improvements to the intersection of 510 and U.S. 1. It’s much too soon to know what the study’s recommendations will be, which means it will be years before any such project is launched. But those two additional lanes on 510, east of U.S. 1, are needed now. One late afternoon last week, in fact, westbound traffic on 510 was backed up from U.S. 1 to A1A, with cars moving at a crawl over the Wabasso Causeway Bridge. I’ve also found myself held hostage by lunch-hour traffic on U.S. 1, between 37th Street and State Road 60, where it’s not uncommon to encounter red lights at two, three or even four consecutive intersections. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS February 16, 2023 3 The U.S. 1 intersections at 26th and 23rd streets have become especially congested at that time of day, often requiring two or three light changes to get through them. The intersection at 17th Street isn’t much better. Roadwork also has snarled traffic along Indian River Boulevard, and the backups on southbound A1A – headed to Beachland Boulevard – remain a peak-season daytime nightmare. My suggestion? Get used to it. According to the U.S. Census, the county’s population jumped from 113,000 in 2000 to 138,000 in 2010 to 160,000 in 2020. And as the calendar turned to 2023, we were already moving beyond 165,000. “Historically, the increases we’re seeing are higher than usual,” County Community Development Director Phil Matson said. “We’re usually at 1.6 or 1.7 percent growth. The past couple of years, we’ve been at about 2 percent. “So more people are moving here, and that puts more cars on the road,” he added. “For those who’ve been here for 20 years or more, it certainly looks more congested, when compared to what it was like when they first arrived.” Compounding the problem, Matson said, is the combination of road construction and railroad-crossing closures we’ve been experiencing. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many roads under construction or repair,” he said. “Traffic is ramping up at the same time we’ve got a lot of roadwork being done. Then you throw in the railroad crossings … “We’re in our busy season – and it’s been a very active season – so there’s an unusual demand on our roads,” he added. “But we’ve got several projects ongoing, and some in the planning stages, and we’re expanding our capacity. “It’ll get better.” For those wondering, FDOT projects we can expect to see in the coming decade include replacing the Sebastian Inlet bridge, building a new interchange at I-95 and Oslo Road, and extending Aviation Boulevard across U.S. 1 to the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital complex. Matson went on to compare the traffic situation here to the troubles found in other communities of similar size around the state. “Comparatively speaking, I don’t think you’ll find another place in Florida with less congestion,” he said, adding, “Vero Beach always gets compared to Stuart, but Stuart’s traffic is worse.” That’s small consolation for a community that’s struggling to retain its relaxed pace, friendly feel and small-town charm. Maybe you’ve noticed: The congestion on our roads and backups at intersections have produced an alarming increase in aggressive driving and road rage exhibited by motorists who recklessly weave in and out of traffic and run red lights. And yet a wrongheaded majority on the Vero Beach City Council wants to reduce lanes on State Road 60 through downtown. Let’s hope enough folks in our community show up at FDOT’s public hearings and voice the opposition needed to kill the shortsighted plan. Meanwhile, the county’s population continues to grow faster than local and state officials can build and widen roads to accommodate the increase in traffic. So be careful out there, and try to be patient. You’re not alone anymore. cating the sale of Vero Electric to FPL. Foley felt buoyed after the meeting. “We received a very warm reception from both sides of the aisle,” he said. “They were genuinely interested in hearing what we had to say. I was encouraged that there was bipartisan recognition and understanding about what they referred to as rogue utilities and that they’re going to be exploring a solution.” Shores officials told the committee about the town’s 2012 utility franchise agreement, and how Vero has increased rates on town customers in a way that the Shores says does not honor that contract. That story added to what the committee had already heard about utilities from Gainesville to Miami-Dade County. What the committee found out from the two meetings was that the setting of rates, the imposition of surcharges, and the use of utility revenues to pay for things unrelated to providing utility services is often arbitrary, with decision making handled by a revolving door of elected city or county officials who, on the whole, are not utility or financial experts. For example, the Vero Beach City Council approved a multi-year rate scheme hiking rates double digits per year based upon an estimate of how much the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant might cost – with no actual project bids or financing documents in hand. The new plant has not even been designed yet, and will likely not be operational until 2027 or 2028. The rate increases appearing on bills this month were programmed based upon a guesstimate from staff and consultants that the new plant would cost $82 million, with total debt service totaling about $156 million. Vero’s customers will start paying those rates years prior to the first shovel breaking ground, or the first debt service payment being due. What would the Florida Public Service Commission have to say about that if that scenario was presented by an investor-owned utility as part of the rate cases they are required to face. If utilities like Vero only served customers within the city limits who could vote city council members out of office, and no funds were transferred out of the utility to keep property taxes artificially low, a Florida House committee likely would have no interest in these local issues. But electric and water-sewer utilities all over the state do serve millions of customers who reside outside their political boundaries. And they do use their utilities as piggy banks to pad their general funds. As Auwaerter put it in his remarks to the committee members last week, “It’s just open season on customers outside the city.” Vero Beach officials contend that the owners of the utility – Vero Beach city residents – have a right to a “fair rate of return” because the city invested in building a utility many decades ago. Where does this idea come from? The legislators asked this very question at the Jan. 24 committee meeting. The deputy general counsel of the Florida Public Service Commission explained that the “reasonable rate of return” concept was developed for investor-owned utilities like Florida Power & Light, and he wasn’t sure how or when it was broadened to municipal utilities. The rationale for allowing monopoly utilities to turn a profit is that these companies need to pay dividends high enough to attract the private investment needed to build and maintain facilities. Government-owned utilities, however, fund capital improvements by floating bonds that are paid off by raising customers’ rates. If the PSC gains jurisdiction over municipal utilities through a change in Florida Statutes, the PSC commissioners could examine the rationale behind a municipality taking profits from its utility. The PSC could write new rules. The PSC could also redraw utility service territories if a deal was approved for a different utility to serve customers outside a utility’s city limits. The Town of Indian River Shores’ officials are quite excited about these possibilities, as are some south barrier island utility customers like Sandpointe resident Doug DeMuth, who has taken up the late Dr. Steve Faherty’s fight on behalf of residents of the unincorporated county against what he called Vero’s “predatory rate practices.” “Our major points of contention were that the City of Vero Beach’s profits on these (utility) services were used to subsidize unrelated services for Vero Beach residents,” DeMuth said. DeMuth, Foley and Auwaerter all asked the legislators to impose some common-sense regulation on municipal utilities to protect the outside customers. “There ought to be some form of redress, other than going to the fox that’s guarding the chicken coop and saying, you know, we think your rates are unfair,” Foley said, closing his comments to the subcommittee. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 VERO UTILITIES
4 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com island residents and those who live as far south as Indian River Shores. Currently, the nearest Publix supermarkets to island shoppers coming across the Wabasso Causeway are at the intersections of U.S. 1 and Barber Street in Sebastian, and U.S. 1 and 53rd Street, near Grand Harbor, north of Vero Beach. “Based on what we’ve been told,” Sweeney said, “this store will feature many of the upscale offerings you find at the Miracle Mile location.” Sweeney said Publix representatives opted for the site – less than 2 miles west of Wabasso Beach Park – because “they couldn’t build on the island.” Sweeney was referring to Publix’s decision four years ago to abandon its plans to build a slightly smaller shopping center on a seven-acre parcel on 510 in Orchid, where the proposed development met with overwhelming opposition from town residents and their neighbors. Publix regional media relations manager Lindsey Willis did not respond to multiple messages left at her office. Under the plan Publix submitted to the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission last year, the new mainland supermarket will anchor the Bridge Marketplace shopping plaza that also will include a 6,400-squarefoot retail store, 2,100-square foot liquor store and bank with drive-thru lanes. “It’ll be the prototypical Publix shopping center,” Sweeney said. The plaza will be built adjacent to a 100- acre tract on which DiVosta Homes plans to build 270 single-family homes in Harbor Isles, which it describes as a “waterside boutique community” that will feature a clubhouse, swimming pool and fitness center. Sweeney said the county is requiring Publix to make roadway and traffic-control improvements in the area. They include the installation of turn lanes from State Road 510 and a traffic signal at the entry to the shopping center’s parking lot. DiVosta will be required to build turn lanes at Harbor Isles’ main entrance on State Road 510, as well as a right-turn lane along northbound U.S. 1, where a second entrance will be located. Sweeney said Publix hadn’t yet submitted its building-permit applications and isn’t expected to break ground on the new shopping center for at least six months, possibly a year. As for the seven-acre Orchid parcel where Publix earlier had hoped to build, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club purchased it for $2.3 million in December 2020 from the estate of longtime Vero Beach businessman and developer Ken Puttick, who died in May 2019. The club plans to use the property to build additional amenities, including pickleball courts. Opponents of the Publix plans for the Orchid site had said the proposed development was not in compliance with the town’s building and zoning codes, and was out of character with the town’s feel, quality of life and natural surroundings. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 NEW PUBLIX If the Florida Legislature clamps down on municipal utilities that use money from customers outside the city limits to defray city dwellers’ property taxes, Vero Beach’s financial practices – while perfectly legal the way the law reads today – could get some scrutiny at the state level. In the City of Vero Beach’s last fiscal year prior to the 2019 electric sale, the water-sewer utility had an annual budget of $16.3 million. From that, the utility made a $974,000 contribution to Vero’s general fund, and also was charged $732,000 to cover the cost of running City Hall. Of that $1.7 million, customers outside the city limits paid approximately 40 percent or $682,000. In 2019, with the electric subsidy gone, City Hall expenses were re-allocated to the various city departments. For the 2022-23 fiscal year which began Oct. 1, the water-sewer utility was budgeted to have revenues of $17.4 million, make a $1.03 million direct contribution to the general fund, plus be charged $1.38 million for City Hall operations. Thus, though the water-sewer utility’s budgeted revenue rose by 6.7 percent between 2018 and 2022, the total transfers were hiked 42 percent to make up for revenue the city was no longer getting from the electric utility. To put it into perspective, the water-sewer utility – even without increased transfers from the January rate hikes – will add $2.41 million to general fund coffers this fiscal year, roughly 40 percent of which is funded by customers in Indian River Shores and in the unincorporated county. Utility customers who live outside the city limits – a high percentage of whom are customers in Indian River Shores and the unincorporated part of the island as well as parts of the mainland – will have $964,000 skimmed off their water-sewer bills this year to subsidize Vero’s general fund. So overcharging water-sewer customers in Indian River Shores and the unincorporated county lets Vero hold down the property tax rate for city residents by diverting from their payments an amount that is about 10 percent of what it collects in taxes from the whole city. The recently approved “One Rate” plan makes this situation worse for customers outside the city limits. Water-sewer bills just rose about 15 percent on Vero’s “One Rate” plan, which will apply to seven months of receipts this fiscal year. Vero Utility customers in the unincorporated county and in the Town of Indian River Shores will pay at least $1 million into the city’s general fund in the 2022-23 fiscal year through their utility bills. That’s an average of roughly $250 per year, per household outside the city limits. When water and sewer rates rise by another 15 percent in October, transfers into Vero’s general fund will increase, too. With the three compounded rate increases in January, in October and in October 2024, the direct transfers will increase 52 percent over 2022 levels as utility bills and revenues rise. COULD VERO’S UTILITY TRANSFERS FINALLY GET STATE SCRUTINY? By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected]
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS February 16, 2023 5 Now is the time to stock up on COVID-19 home test kits As the number of new weekly COVID-19 infections continues to decline across most of Florida – with local numbers holding steady at 120 cases – the time to stock up on COVID home test kits and get a booster shot is now, before federal regulations change in May or supplies run out. The federal public health emergency declared for COVID-19 is set to expire. Unless it’s extended, test kits, vaccines and medications used to treat COVID illness will eventually shift to being sold on the “commercial market” without government stockpiles or subsidies. Some things won’t change immediately on May 11, provided that the federal government still has these products in stock purchased under contract during the emergency declaration. “As long as federally purchased vaccines last, COVID-19 vaccines will remain free to all people, regardless of insurance coverage. Providers of federally purchased vaccines are not allowed to charge patients or deny vaccines based on the recipient’s coverage or network status,” the Kaiser Family Foundation reported. After the federal stockpile runs out, the report said Medicare patients should still be able to get free COVID vaccines, but the uninsured or underinsured likely won’t have access to those needed boosters. At-home test kits, now widely available under Emergency Use Authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will be an out-of-pocket expense for many people after the public health emergency expires. “After May 11, 2023, people with traditional Medicare will no longer receive free, at-home tests. Those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage (private Medicare plans) no longer will be guaranteed free at-home tests, but some insurers may continue to voluntarily cover them,” Kaiser said. “For those on Medicaid, at-home tests will be covered at no-cost through September 2024. After that date, home test coverage will vary by state.” In the meantime, two ways to get free or reimbursed test kits are through insurance coverage (8 kits per month should be covered), or through the U.S. Postal Service’s free test kit distribution program at www.covid.gov/tests. For COVID-19 tests performed at a medical office after May 11, the test itself will still be covered for most insured people, but a copay may be required for the doctor’s visit. Telehealth flexibility for Medicare recipients has been extended through Dec. 31, 2024, but people with private insurance will need to check to see what their policy covers after May 11 for telemedicine. COVID oral treatments have been provided through a supply of medications purchased directly from companies like Merck and Pfizer by the federal government. That won’t change while those supplies last. “Any pharmaceutical treatment doses (e.g. Paxlovid) purchased by the federal government are still free to all, regardless of insurance coverage,” Kaiser said. “This is based on the availability of the federal supply and is not affected by the end of the public health emergency.” After that pre-purchased supply runs out, most insured people including Medicare recipients will need to pay a cost share for those treatments, just like any other prescription medication. For people on Medicaid, COVID treatments will be free through Sept. 2024, the report said. A separate issue from the supply and cost to patients of the vaccines, tests and treatments is that eventually, the emergency authorizations granted by the FDA will end, and drug companies will need to complete the process of obtaining full FDA approval for their products. The FDA has yet to issue a Federal Register notice on that topic. “Importantly, the ending of the public health emergency declared by HHS under the Public Health Service Act will not impact FDA’s ability to authorize devices (including tests), treatments or vaccines for emergency use. Existing emergency use authorizations for products will remain in effect and the agency may continue to issue new EUAs going forward when criteria for issuance are met,” the FDA’s Jan. 31 update said. Though the timeline is unknown, when drug makers need to present their efficacy and safety data to the FDA to obtain traditional, non-emergency approvals, each test, vaccine and therapeutic medication should face a high level of scrutiny from FDA officials that the urgency and the politics surrounding a growing pandemic did not allow in 2020 when the EUAs were first issued. In other virus news, the number of hospital admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV is up along the Treasure and Space coasts this month, but influenza activity is down across the state of Florida. By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected]
6 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com Vero island enclave draws national attention as top luxury market Long seen as one of the best neighborhoods on Vero’s barrier island, Riomar has come into its own as a world-class real estate destination. With a series of record-breaking sales and an average home price that is up more than 100 percent in just the past two years, Riomar was recently lumped in with La Jolla, one of the dreamiest parts of the California Dream, and elite Colorado resort town Telluride in an article about top luxury markets in Forbes Global Properties. “At this time three years ago, the average listing price in Riomar [including Riomar Bay] was $1.75 million. Today, the average is $4 million,” Forbes Global reported at the beginning 2023. When Vero News checked active listings a week ago on Feb. 8, the transformation in valuation was even greater, with an average listing price of $5.78 million for the 12 homes and lots in Riomar and Riomar Bay shown online at Realtor.com and similar sites. What the current listings will sell for remains to be seen but Matilde Sorensen, co-owner of Dale Sorensen Real Estate, told Forbes Global that “as recently as October 2022 a three-bedroom home sold for $400,000 above the listing price, totaling $2.3 million.” Closed sales in Riomar since 2019 tell an even more impressive story than soaring list prices. In the final pre-pandemic year of 2019, there were 10 sales in Riomar and Riomar Bay with a total value of $22,359,500 and an average sales price of $2.23 million, according to the Indian River County Property Appraiser. Against all odds, the pandemic juiced the market and there were 20 Riomar sales in 2020 worth $40,650,000. Then, in 2021, there were another 20 sales with an average sales price of $3.14 million, up nearly 40 percent from the year before, with a total value of $67,277,000. By 2022, a fraught year for the real estate market as a whole, the average price in Riomar had jumped to $5.08 million, 60 percent above the prior year and up more than 120 percent from 2019. There were 16 sales in 2022 with a total value of $81,350,000 – almost four times the sales volume in 2019. That blockbuster $81 million number included a $20 million sale on the water in Riomar Bay that set a new record for riverfront property in Vero, fetching 60 percent more than the previous recordholder. Twenty million was three times the $6.5 million the sellers paid in 2014 and there were similar price jumps on the ocean where Sorensen in March 2022 sold a home for $13.9 million that had changed hands two years earlier for $4,425,000. The home had been redecorated and upgraded but there was no major structural renovation between the two sales. “Riomar has always been one of the most desirable areas and now the market has really taken off there, due to its beautiful setting by the ocean and its location between the bridges, within walking or biking distance to town,” said Sorensen, whose company was involved in half of the sales in Riomar in 2022, repping either the seller or buyer. Sorensen has a long history with the neighborhood. She and her husband Dale Sorensen Sr. have owned and lived in four houses in Riomar, starting in the 1970s, and currently are building a new residence there. She sold her first of many homes in Riomar in 1980 and has a $4 million listing on the market now. “We have tried [living in] other places in Vero but we always come back to Riomar,” Sorensen said. Cindy O’Dare, broker-associate at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty who has sold many homes in the enclave, agreed that “Riomar has become the most sought-after neighborhood in Vero Beach. “There is no other place I have been on the east coast of Florida besides Riomar that has the beautiful historical houses and sandy streets with canopies of live oaks that can survive salt breezes and hurricanes,” O’Dare said. Premier Estate Properties estate agent Lange Sykes said Riomar has a “mystique” that no other island neighborhood possess. He notes the country club and golf course at the heart of the historic community and the allure of the setting between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. “It has wide, accreting beaches and there is a reef close to shore that is like a National Geographic documentary at times,” with abundant, colorful marine life, he said. He also talked about the boating and fishing virtues of the Riomar Bay side of the community where most homes have docks and water views. Like Sorensen, Sykes knows Riomar well. His grandparents owned one of the original cottages in the development, which stayed in the family until 2019, and he spent much of his childhood in the community, soaking up the seaside beauty and Old Florida ambiance. “Riomar is a haven for people who might otherwise live at (John’s Island) or one of the other club communities on the island but who aren’t into club life,” Sykes said. “It is the same caliber of people,” but a different lifestyle. “It is a small neighborhood where everyone is very cohesive and friendly,” said Sorensen. Just how special Riomar is can be seen by comparing its home prices with values in two nearby subdivisions – Castaway Cove and the section of Central Beach south of Beachland Boulevard. Both neighborhoods offer high-quality housing and enviable lifestyles, with the village charm of Central Beach and suburban ideal embodied along the shady streets of Castaway Cove. Values in both were lifted by the same pandemic tide that quadrupled the prices of some homes in Riomar. But even though the neighborhoods are close by and partake of the same general island lifestyle that has such appeal to buyers these days, their values remain far below values in Riomar. According to county records, there were 20 sales in Castaway Cove in 2022 with a total value of $29,068,000 and an average sales price of $1.45 million. In Central Beach south of Beachland, there were 22 sales worth $39,275,000 with an average price of $1.78 million – just 35 percent of the average price in Riomar. There are commonsense reasons for the price differential – lots and homes tend to be larger in Riomar than in Central Beach or Castaway, and Central Beach lacks waterfront properties, which are the most valuable. But more of the difference seems to be due to the “mystique” that Sykes mentioned, that blend of history, architecture, natural beauty and country club amenities that set the neighborhood apart. And prices could go higher still. By Steven M. Thomas | Staff Writer [email protected] PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS
Circuit court panel sets interviews to fill Vaughn’s vacant seat Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS February 16, 2023 7 sage: “Elite is not ready to release yet.” That message followed a Jan. 27 text in which he wrote that the announcement was “just a few days away.” He later amended that to say the release would need to wait until the “following week.” When contacted via text on Feb. 3, Pearsall replied, “Call you later.” The call never came. The next day, he agreed to talk “tomorrow afternoon.” Again, no call. He didn’t bother to respond to an interview request on Feb. 5, prompting a next-morning call to his cellphone, which he didn’t answer. There was no option to leave a voice message. Pearsall has operated this way for months, dodging direct questions about the fate of his boutique airline, which hasn’t flown into or out of Vero Beach since June 30. He has not provided answers or explanations to anyone here – not Vero Beach Airport Director Todd Scher, not the local news media, not Elite customers – nor offered any definitive plan for the future. This lack of communication and transparency has left Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno wondering if Elite will ever return, especially after this month’s arrival of Breeze Airways, which enjoyed a wildly successful launch to its commercial passenger service to Hartford, Conn., and Westchester County, N.Y. “If Elite shows up, we’ll talk about it,” Cotugno said, referring to the City Council. “But me, personally? I’m not counting on it. Until we hear something definite, Elite isn’t even going to enter my thought processes.” The mayor said he’d rather focus on the city’s budding relationship with Breeze, adding the airline appears to be “well-financed, professionally run and very interested in succeeding in Vero Beach.” Drawing a comparison with Pearsall’s recent interactions with the city, Cotugno said he sent well-wishing emails to two Breeze executives on the night of Feb. 5, and he immediately received responses expressing gratitude for the warm reception from the community. “We’re supporting the Breeze operations the best we can,” Cotugno said, “and they said they could expand their flights if the initial service is successful.” Asked if he had a message for Elite, Cotugno replied: “Take care and safe travels.” His remark wasn’t surprising, given Elite’s sudden and unexplained disappearance. Elite began offering non-stop passenger-jet service between Vero Beach and Newark, N.J. in December 2015, then added flights to Portland, Maine, Westchester County, N.Y., and Asheville, N.C. Last spring, though, the carrier began canceling flights before completely shutting down in June. In a text exchange with this newspaper in December, Pearsall wrote that he expects the airline to resume service during the first quarter of 2023, adding that he would make an announcement “right after New Year’s.” Scher is still waiting for it. He said Monday he hadn’t spoken to Pearsall in more than three weeks. Unless Elite solves its problems and talks steps to actually resume service to Vero Beach, this is the final story like this you will read in Vero News. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ELITE AIRWAYS The 19th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announced on Monday that it will interview applicants in March for the judicial seat that opened up when Judge Dan Vaughn retired. Interviews are scheduled to be conducted on March 8, and possibly on March 9 if more time is needed, at the Martin County Courthouse. On Feb. 6, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Michael Dadko and Nina Ferraro to serve on the Judicial Nominating Committee. Vaughn, who was elected in 1990 and served on the bench for 32 years, lives in St. Lucie County and most recently presided over the felony criminal docket in Indian River County, but also worked around the circuit covering civil and other courts. Vaughn was only two years into his six-year term when he retired in January. Qualified applicants can reside anywhere in the 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties. The candidate chosen would serve out the balance of Vaughn’s term and, if they chose to run, would be on the 2026 ballot. By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected] FILE PHOTO
8 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., accounting for 86 percent of all healthcare dollars spent, but Dr. Aisha Thomas, a board-certified internal medicine and infectious disease physician who also is trained and certified in Lifestyle Medicine, says many of the chronic conditions people suffer from can be prevented “by practicing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, which include a whole food, plant-based diet; physical activity; restorative sleep; stress management; avoidance of risky substances; and positive social connections. “Lifestyle changes can help alleviate and often reverse conditions by treating the underlying cause of disease rather than its symptoms,” she adds. “Lifestyle medicine specialists like me have mastered the science of preventing, treating and reversing chronic disease through whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle changes.” The World Health Organization backs up that assessment, reporting that 80 percent of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes and 40 percent of cancer could be prevented by evidence-based improvements in diet and lifestyle. “Typically, physicians prescribe medicines to treat the symptoms of the diseases, month after month, day in and day out, but they aren’t curing anything,” Dr. Thomas says. “I’ve been practicing in Sebastian since 2013 but it was during the pandemic that I decided to focus more on lifestyle medicine. “We quickly identified that it was lifestyle and wellness factors that made the patient’s COVID-19 symptoms more complicated. Patients with diabetes, obesity and things like that were the patients at highest risk for bad outcomes. It made me see that lifestyle changes were critical to keep patients on the path to good health. “Even though you have a geHow ‘evidence-based’ diet, lifestyle changes can reduce disease By Kerry Firth | Correspondent NEUROPATHY RELIEF CALL NOW! 564-2454 PAINFUL, BURNING, OR NUMB FEET? BALANCE PROBLEMS? PAINLESS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT NEUROPATHY & LASER CENTER 780 US 1, SUITE 200 VERO BEACH, FL 32962 DR. SUSAN PERKINS, DC TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE NeuropathyAndLaser.com Dr. Aisha Thomas. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH February 16, 2023 9 netic code for something like hypertension, you can keep it shut off by lifestyle changes. We have the ability to get a genetic baseline on your metabolism and how you process fats and minerals. We can tailor a diet for you to follow that will keep those [harmful] genes shut off. Studies show that the best diet for general health and longevity is actually whole, plantbased food. So many people eat so much processed food without knowing they are doing themselves a disservice.” Dr. Thomas asserts that the six pillars of lifestyle medicine are really quite simple to follow once you establish a smart goal for each pillar. She suggests making your goals manageable and attainable. Stick to those goals and you will live a longer life. Nutrition: Eat a whole food, plant-based diet. This can be achieved by eating the colors of the rainbow that you find in fresh fruits and vegetables. By purposely eating six colors a day in fresh fruit and vegetables you will benefit from their antioxidant properties that help reverse cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation in your blood vessels. Physical activity: Movement is a golden key to better health and everyone should strive to do a moderate activity like walking 30 minutes each day. You should walk quickly enough to where you can talk but you can’t sing. A nice brisk walk benefits your cardiovascular system and helps keep you limber and fit by maintaining your balance and flexibility. It also helps by increasing antioxidants and blood vessel dilation. Restorative sleep: The average person needs at least seven hours of sleep, preferably getting at least one hour in before midnight. That’s when your hormones are regenerated. Obviously, some people work at night and it’s challenging for them because it does mess with their circadian rhythm. Try to avoid a nightcap for at least three hours before retiring because it will inhibit sleep. Avoid watching TV right before going to bed or while in bed because the blue light from the TV stimulates centers in the brain. Also, getting exposure to sunlight early in the morning helps you to sleep at night. Stress management: Find healthy ways to relax, such as exercise and listening to music. Try to be creative and find hobbies and make an effort to connect with other people and participate in group activities. Figure out what things work for you to reduce stress based on how you feel. Dr. Thomas suggests keeping a journal about your lifestyle changes and activities to gain perspective and find your happy place, whether it is a walk on the beach, meditation, a fast game of pickleball, or getting a massage to give yourself peace and calm. Avoid risky substances: Alcohol, illegal drugs and even prescribed drugs can be risky if used the incorrectly or recklessly. Risky means something that can be harmful. Even though medical marijuana is now legal, some people overdo it. and tens of millions of Americans continue to smoke tobacco, despite its known harmful effects. Likewise, even more people load up on high quantities of sugar, salt, bad fats and ultra-processed foods that often are full of non-nutritive chemicals (plus more sugar and fat). Positive social connections: We are social creatures and isolation can cause psychological harm. When you don’t have social interaction, depression is more likely to set in. Once you start connecting with other people, you are likely to feel better. Join some activities at the local library, civic center or university. Join a spiritual group. Volunteer in your community or at an animal shelter where you’ll experience unconditional affection from the animals you care for. Volunteering gives you sense of altruism and self-worth. Studies show that when you help someone else it releases beneficial chemicals that give you a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Dr. Thomas is in practice with Dr. Sydney Nichols, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in lifestyle medicine for children. “One in three children in the United States are obese,” Dr. Nichols says. “Some as young as 10 already have plaque that leads to coronary artery disease. Their lifestyle habits, what they eat, how they exercise all begin in childhood. Diabetes and hypertension is being diagnosed earlier and earlier, as are some cancers such as colon cancer. I’ve seen a 9-year-old child with diabetes type 2 … these children are eating highly processed red meats, fats and sugars, and not enough fiber in the diet from fruits and vegetables. “We try to impact the child’s life early so they can think about living a healthy lifestyle with a plant-based diet, manage stress, get adequate sleep and exercise and maintain meaningful relationships. These all affect the child’s mental and physical health.” “When you leave our office, you do not leave with a prescription for a medicine or pill,” Dr. Thomas says. “Instead, you are leaving with a personalized lifestyle goal that will help you live a healthy life. The way you live your life will be different and you will be living without costly meds that often have more side effects than benefits. You will become your own physician. We simply guide you and help you on the path to good health.” Dr. Aisha Thomas received her medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University, completed her residency at Wayne State University, and a fellowship at Medical University of South Carolina College of medicine. Dr. Nichols received his medical degree from St. George University in Grenada and was trained in pediatrics at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The doctors’ offices are located in Sebastian. Call 772-783-2124 for an appointment.
10 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com A multi-generational study of thousands of people begun in 1938 has determined unequivocally that the single most important factor keeping people happy and healthy into old age is good relationships. “That definitely doesn’t surprise me,” says Dr. Denise Garee, a nurse practitioner for the Steward Medical Group, which owns Sebastian River Medical Center. “If people aren’t in healthy social relationships, their whole life changes. It’s not uncommon for them to become depressed, which leads to hypochondria and feeling increased levels of pain.” Begun 85 years ago with 724 young men from the Boston area with diverse backgrounds, the Harvard study “is the longest in-depth longitudinal study on human life ever done,” according to an article about the results the Atlantic. The study has maintained a participation rate of 84 percent with more than 1,300 male and female descendants of the original group (spanning three generations) still participating. Those who were the most satisfied in their relationships when they were 50 were the healthiest, both mentally and physically, when they were 80. Loneliness on the other hand was as- sociated with g r e a t e r sensitivity to pain, suppression of the immune s y s t e m , diminished brain f u n c t i o n and less effect i v e sleep. D r . G a r e e Good relationships paramount in seniors’ wellbeing, longevity By Jackie Holfelder | Correspondent Dr. Denise Garee. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH February 16, 2023 11 says it is a mistake to underestimate the value of being part of a community. “Peo - ple, especially older people feel more vul - nerable when they’re alone. Being in a group gives them a feeling of supporting each other.” Fifty thousand years ago, being alone often was dangerous or even deadly and an isolated person’s body and brain would have gone into survival mode, heightening the release of stress hormones. Through - out evolution, that human characteris - tic remained unchanged and the same stressful reaction to loneliness exists now, regardless of age – even though physical danger from wild animals or hostile tribes has been reduced. “Particularly in today’s society, it’s easy to become isolated,” says Dr. Garee. “Fam - ily members live in different states and the multi-generational connection is lost. Coupled with that, the older people get, the greater the chances that they don’t feel safe enough to go outside their comfort zone and socialize.” It’s well-documented how social media and technology have changed face-to-face interactions. According to EarthWeb, an independent technology research outlet, the average American now spends several hours a day on their phone. Add the time spent in other technological pastimes and even more hours can go by without tradi - tional human interaction. Socializing is more than just a mental activity; it also tends to involve physical activity, going, coming and mingling, and the essential element of interpersonal touch – hugs, handshakes, backslaps, etc., which other studies have found highly beneficial to wellbeing. What makes the Harvard Study so unique is that it followed subjects from their teen years into old age, including Harvard undergraduates and boys from disadvantaged families, with findings documented at the time they took place. This sets it apart from similar research that asks people to recall what took place in the past and depends on their memory to get accurate data. Many other studies back up the Harvard findings. “Research published by Brigham Young University reveals that social iso - lation is more lethal than smoking 15 cig - arettes a day,” according to Friendship - Centers.org, an organization founded by a Catholic priest in the 1970s to give seniors a place to meet and socialize. In fact, loneliness is associated with sig - nificantly higher rates of heart disease and stroke and a 50 percent increased risk of dementia, according to a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engi - neering and Medicine. “Lonely or isolated older adults report a greater incidence of depression and anxiety and suffer a mortality rate com - parable to that linked to smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol and physical inactivity.” Loneliness and lack of socialization among senior citizens is a major problem in Florida, where 50 percent of the patients treated by Steward Medical Group are over the age of 65. Whatever the specialty of a medical practitioner, they have to become expert at recognizing signs of isolation and depression. Dr. Garee has years of experience deal - ing with seniors and says you don’t have to undertake massive changes to get on a healthier and more social path. “Find a place in your community where you can drop in to see others,” she says. “It will help you change your routine – older peo - ple tend to become very set in their ways and this is a good way to change that.” You can also go further if you want to and can get around, joining a church or club or gym where you can interact and make friends. If you are housebound, invite neigh - bors or friends over and stay in touch via Skype or Zoom – or the phone, which even though it often has an antisocial effect can also help people stay connected and close to each other. The bottom line, according to the Atlan - tic’s analysis of the Harvard study results: “Good relationships lead to health and happiness. The trick is that those relation - ships must be nurtured.” Dr. Denise Garee, Ph.D. from Capella Uni - versity in Nursing Education, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CEN, SANE, is a nurse practitioner with Steward Medical Group, owner of Sebas - tian River Medical Center.
12 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com As a psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, I hear this complaint the most from new patients: “I fall asleep OK, but I wake up during the night.” Everyone wakes up a few times per night. Cycling out of sleep occasionally is normal. But frequent wakings can affect physical, emotional and mental functioning. We fail to get adequate quantities of the deepest stages of sleep, and react to disruptions with metabolic, inflammatory and stress responses. Obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements (leg jerks), iron deficiency, hyperthyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux, pain, allergies, asthma, hormonal changes, anxiety, depression and certain medications are some of the main contributors to fragmented sleep. A related problem for many of my patients is that once their sleep is disrupted – especially if they are startled awake or have a lot on their minds or have already had most of their night’s sleep – they lie awake for long stretches. While I teach methods for returning to sleep, it is always better to prevent unnecessary wakings and full wakefulness. One of my patients complained of frequent wakings to use the bathroom. After awakening for the last time, she would use the bathroom, and then toss and turn. She would read on her phone for a couple of hours until she had to get up to start her day. She had been diagnosed with apnea, and had a continuous positive airway pres3 ways to stop waking up frequently during the night By Lisa Strauss The Washington Post 1225 US HWY 1, VERO BEACH, FL 32960 JULIE A. CROMER, DDS COSMETIC DENTISTRY GENERAL DENTISTRY DENTURES & PARTIALS DENTAL IMPLANTS WHITENING GUM SURGERY WALK-INS WELCOME FINANCING & SAVINGS PLAN AVAILABLE SE HABLA ESPANOL DENTAL LAB ON PREMISES Call 772-562-5051 CromerAndCairnsDental.com The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other services, examination, or treatment that is preformed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM FULL SET XRAYS TREATMENT PLAN CLEANING* $79 *Not in combination with any other offer. Offer good for new patients only and cleaning in absence of periodontal disease. Xrays are non transferable. (D0150) (D1110) (D0210) (D0330)
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | HEALTHY SENIOR February 16, 2023 13 sure, or CPAP, machine, but found the mask uncomfortable and would remove it early in the night. Consequently, she was tired during the day and struggled to stay awake in the evenings. My patient did not appear to be a candidate for simple behavioral interventions such as compressing her sleep hours, limiting late-day alcohol (whose wearing off precipitates light sleep and wakings), minimizing environmental disturbances (such as snoring spouses and clamorous pets), avoiding lengthy or late naps, facing problems long before bedtime, not eating or exercising late at night, winding down in the pre-bed hours until peaceful, and getting morning sunshine. Other interventions such as these three less well-known solutions for light sleep and wakings seemed more likely to help. My patient benefited significantly from the first two approaches. 1. Minimize bathroom breaks: There are many reasons for excessive nighttime urination, such as diabetes, apnea, an enlarged prostate, caffeine and Pavlovian conditioning. But there is another potential culprit: circadian rhythm. We secrete antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) throughout the 24-hour cycle, but especially at night, and even more so toward the end of our sleep. This keeps the body hydrated and reduces the need to urinate at night. If your biological clock is misaligned with your intended sleep schedule – for example, if you are an early bird or night owl trying to sleep on a normal schedule – you may not be secreting enough of the hormone at the appropriate times, causing the need to go to the bathroom. And ironically, turning on the light each time you have to go may reinforce the circadian issue that is causing the need to go in the first place. Light exposure in the middle of the night sends a “sunlight” signal to the biological clock, which is highly sensitive at that time. And light has an especially potent effect if your eyes are dark-adapted, as they are if you have been asleep. Strive for darkness at night, or if you need a light for safety, use a dim and reddish (long-wavelength) light in the bathroom. This preserves production of melatonin, a hormone that helps with the timing of sleep. The short-wavelength component of many lights – even when they don’t look blue – suppresses the synthesis and secretion of melatonin. To help my patient not go to sleep too early and then wake too early, I suggested exposure to abundant environmental light during the 7 p.m. hour. This would suppress premature secretion of melatonin, which tends to begin two to three hours before natural sleep onset and would provide a “sunlight” signal. I also asked her to avoid the light from her phone if she woke up early because it was sending that signal prematurely. Delaying a too-early sleep and wake rhythm can also prevent stress hormones – adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and then cortisol – from being secreted in the middle of the night, making sleep more restful. 2. Desensitize yourself to CPAP: My patient also needed to treat her apnea to forestall wakings and the need to use the bathroom. Many people give up on CPAP because both the idea and the physical intrusion of the device can be daunting. They also are not convinced they need it. To convert the machine from adversary to ally, commit to a temporary trial, so that you feel less pressure to use the device forever. You might discover you feel better and can tolerate the CPAP. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the machine’s operations to feel less daunted. Practice putting the mask on several times. Adjust the straps, if necessary, for a good fit. Use it for 30 to 60 minutes per day while reading or watching TV with the air pressure high. This method can help you overcome anxiety and aversion and get used to the sensations associated with use. When you can forget you have it on, repeat the previous step in your bed (not at sleep time). Try it on your back and your sides. Figure out how to position your pillows and the hose when you shift. The next step is to put it on in bed close to sleep time, zeroing the pressure ramp as often as you like and gradually working toward being able to fall asleep with it. You will have adjusted to it at higher pressure, and now can enjoy falling asleep with it at low pressure, which is much easier. Slowly work toward all-night use. Take breaks as needed if you awaken and put the mask back on. Focus on something soothing. If you can’t overcome leakage, mask shifting or discomfort, speak with your provider about a different mask. Using these techniques, my patient was able to increase her nightly use of CPAP to about six hours and felt better for it. 3. Relax hypervigilance: Some people are on guard duty all night even when any trauma is past. Assuming there is no immediate danger (which should always be addressed first), you can work on feeling safer to sleep better. This is not a substitute for trauma therapy, if it is needed, but here is one of many methods I teach my patients for feeling safer: Direct this mantra (or one you prefer) toward yourself for a few minutes each day with eyes closed and whenever you feel afraid (including during the night): May you know that you are safe; may you know that you are loved; may you be at peace. Lisa Strauss, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in the Boston area.
14 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com The FDA announced a recall earlier this month by a Baltimore-based company of hundreds of food products because of potential listeria contamination, putting the disease back in the spotlight. The bacteria is tied to lettuces, meats, cheeses and other foods, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says listeria outbreaks are especially dangerous for people who are elderly or pregnant. The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall last Friday by Fresh Ideation Food Group of Baltimore of hundreds of food products because of potential Listeria contamination. “The recall was initiated after the company’s environmental samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes,” the announcement said. The products included sandwiches, salads, fruits and breakfast meals under various brand names, and were sold between Jan. 24 and Jan. 30. The products were distributed in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. People most at risk are those who are pregnant, over the age of 64, immunocompromised or newborn. Listeria is short for listeria monocytogenes, the name of the bacteria that causes problems in humans. Listeriosis is the sickness that makes people ill and can be fatal. Every year about 1,600 people get sick from listeria and about 260 people die, the CDC reports. Listeriosis ranks third on the list of foodborne illnesses that cause death in the United States. Symptoms of a severe case usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated food – but symptoms could present anywhere between the same day or 10 weeks after ingesting the bacteria, according to the agency. Certain foods are more likely to contain listeria, reports the CDC. They include: - Unpasteurized milk and products made from such milk, including queso fresco and other soft cheeses. - Raw sprouts. - Melons. - Hot dogs, refrigerated pâtés, lunch meats, cold cuts, fermented or dry sausages - Refrigerated smoked seafood. Sometimes a single source such as a deli slicer or a distribution plant can be blamed for an outbreak, said Catherine Donnelly, a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont. Donnelly, who has spent her nearly four-decade career studying listeria, said the bacteria is special and stubborn because it grows on foods even when they’re inside a refrigerator. Refrigeration makes food less hospitaWhat to know about potentially deadly listeria outbreaks By Ben Brasch The Washington Post
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH February 16, 2023 15 ble to bacteria and spoilage, but listeria can grow even in extreme cold if food is left long enough, which is why it’s important to respect the dates on food packaging, Donnelly said. Listeria isn’t just on meat and cheese, she said. It’s also found on raw vegetables and fresh fruits. “Those of us with functional immune systems are being constantly exposed [without knowing it],” she said. People with listeriosis report having flu-like symptoms along with headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, CDC officials said. The CDC recommends that people see a healthcare provider about foodborne illness if they have severe symptoms such as: - Bloody diarrhea. - An oral temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. - Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, which can lead to dehydration. - Signs of dehydration, including little or no urination, a very dry mouth/throat, feeling dizzy when standing up. - Diarrhea that lasts more than three days. Staff members at the Mayo Clinic write that symptoms of a listeria infection in a newborn can be subtle but can include: - Little interest in feeding. - Irritability. - Fever. - Vomiting. - Difficulty breathing. Listeria is an intracellular pathogen that can go through gut lining and into blood. Then listeria in the blood can pass the brain barrier, causing serious infections. One-third of people who get listeriosis in some outbreaks die, Donnelly said. Listeria can sneak past the defenses that bodies create during pregnancy, Donnelly said: “The organism can cross the placental barrier, which is a barrier to prevent fetuses from getting infected.” Donnelly said delicatessens are particularly susceptible to listeria growth. If meat that has listeria on it is cut on the deli slicer, the machine can spread bacteria to every slice of meat and cheese afterward, she said. From there, it can introduce the bacteria to every knife or surface it touches. “Those slicers are incredibly difficult to clean and sanitize,” Donnelly said. The CDC and health departments track the disease by taking clinical samples from sickened people, Donnelly said. Health officials analyze either blood or spinal fluid to see whether there’s a genetic match. If there is a match between bacteria in separate patients that commonality tells them a lot. “That suggests maybe these products were made in a common food-processing facility,” she said. Authorities try to identify the source by surveying with patients have eaten. An outbreak of listeria in November tied to deli meat and cheese killed one person, sickened 16 others and resulted in a lost pregnancy, the CDC announced this winter. The illnesses spanned six states. The CDC identified listeria in Dole lettuce during an outbreak that killed two people and hospitalized about a dozen earlier in 2022, the Washington Post reported. The company recalled products from scores of brands and said it was working with federal authorities to investigate its operations. A 2015 listeria outbreak tied to ice cream killed three people, the Post reported at the time. That case led to a Texas grand jury charging a former chief executive of Blue Bell Creameries, Paul Kruse, with wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with an alleged scheme to cover up the outbreak The company pleaded guilty, according to Houston Public Media, and Kruse’s first case ended in mistrial after the jury could not find consensus. Kruse’s defense attorney Chris Flood told the Austin American-Statesman that of the 12-person jury, 10 jurors voted for a not-guilty verdict. The newspaper reported that Flood told jurors that prosecutors were overreaching in their charges. Donnelly says you can’t tell whether food has listeria on it by sight, smell or touch. “You wouldn’t have any off-odors or off flavors,” she said. “There really aren’t any clues that listeria is contaminating those products.” That’s why the CDC recommends that those who are susceptible not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit – or until steaming hot. Donnelly suggests not eating anything you’re concerned about, and sanitizing your fridge and whatever surfaces potentially contaminated food may have touched. Again, she preached caution: “Listeriosis is a rare illness. But for vulnerable consumers, they’re the ones that have to be cautious here.”
16 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com The charming ground-floor condo at 308 Grove Isle Circle is located in Building 4, with its handsome, four-columned, pediment-topped entrance, in the Grove Isle condo development on U.S. 1 south of Oslo Road. Completely renovated by gifted owner/ designer/artist Annette Winkler, this little gem will delight you from the moment you step inside. Throughout, you’ll find wonderful paintings and other perfectly selected design elements, including light fixtures and other details, as well as selected pieces of furniture – all of which enhance the home’s appeal and are included in the price. This bright, airy, lake-view dwelling is perfect for a first home or a retirement home, a single person or a couple, and not a single inch of space is wasted. Past the front door with screen door, the foyer features one of the home’s stylish, precisely chosen ceiling light fixtures and a storage closet. To the left, a tall, slender window looks out upon a pebbled “serenity garden.” White walls and gray-toned laminate wood-look flooring flow throughout the residence. The kitchen features white cabinetry with slender silver bar pulls, and birch butcherblock countertops. The bottom corner cabinet includes a space-saving lazy Susan. Along the length of the counter containing the range and double stainless-steel sink is a sleek gray subway tile splash. A charming kitchen bay looks out to the front and, within an alcove to the right, is the in-unit stacked washer/dryer. A basket-woven barrel ceiling light illuminates the little bay. The kitchen is open to the living/dining space via a wide pass-through with birch counter. Along the kitchen wall backing the entrance hallway is a long, shallow white and gray cultured marble-top, 5-door cabinet and, on the wall above, two floating birch shelves with slender black braces, artistic and convenient. To the right off the entrance hall is the guest bedroom, with built-in closet unit featuring two doors and a full length mirror. A low storage cabinet sits next to it, below a wide front window looking out on another small pebbled “garden.” Also along this hallway is one of the home’s two beautifully styled bathrooms, in white and gray hues, with rectangular gray floor tile; wood vanity cabinet with gleaming white counter and single builtin basin; gray-tiled splash and three-mirrored door cabinet, adjacent to a small display alcove. The tub/shower features gray and white tile. Glass sliders in the main living space open onto a long screened porch. Along the entire length of the wall shared with the kitchen is an eye-catching storage unit with seven open-front squares on top and seven on the bottom containing tan woven storage baskets. A taller cabinet at the end has two additional open squares. With a lovely view of the sparkling lake and grassy lawn, the living room offers a comfy, nautical blue, three-place sofa with six plump pillows; a shiny white rectangular coffee table and, on the opposite wall, a low sideboard with a delicate mint greenand-cream mosaic design. The primary bedroom contains a white dresser with birch top and pulls and a side chair with cocoa pillow. Glass sliders offer the lovely lake view and access to the long porch. Entered through a “barn-door” style sliding door, the sophisticated en suite bathroom features a warm wood-look Stylish Grove Isle condo ideal for first-time home buyer By Samantha Rohlfing Baita | Staff Writer [email protected]
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE February 16, 2023 17 vanity with white cultured marble top and long rectangular, built-in basin. Adjacent is a tall wooden double door storage unit. Dark gray tile on the floor, white-and-gray straited tile in the shower and carefully chosen fixtures and accessories complete the stylish look. Also in the primary bathroom, behind double bi-fold doors, is the large walk-in closet, with plenty of shelf and hangar storage and a recessed light. The long, gray-tiled screen porch – enhanced by four white columns – offers a pair of white fans, and will no doubt be a favorite place for coffee, cocktails or a restorative nap. It’s also here that, with views in three directions, you will best enjoy the home’s location, set well back from the water encircled by wide sweeps of green turf. The Grove Isle condominium complex is convenient to commercial and medical centers along U.S. 1 and Indian River Boulevard as well as Vero’s downtown arts, restaurant and pub district. It’s also only a 10-minute drive to the beach and Vero’s famous seaside village with all its restaurants, boutiques, parks and resorts, not to mention an outstanding art museum, producing professional theater, municipal tennis center and city marina. Neighborhood: Grove Isle Condos Year built: 1985; completely renovated Construction: CBS • Home size: 913 square feet Bedrooms: 2 • Bathrooms: 2 full baths Additional features: Central heat/air; 1 assigned, covered parking space; impact windows in front; roll-down electric shutters; screened patio; new kitchen appliances; stacked washer/dryer; all plumbing re-piped; walk-in closet; in-unit laundry; community pool, clubhouse, shuffleboard, tennis, walking and jogging paths; county sewer; public water; gated with guard; HOA fee includes common areas, cable TV, insurance, maintenance, recreation facilities, reserve fund, sewer, security, trash, water Listing agency: AMAC Alex MacWilliam Real Estate Listing agent: Phil Sunkel, 772-538-2339 Listing price: $260,000 FEATURES FOR 308 GROVE ISLE CIRCLE #308
18 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com MAINLAND REAL ESTATE SALES: FEB. 6 THROUGH FEB. 10 TOP SALES OF THE WEEK Another solid week for mainland real estate saw 31 transactions of single-family residences and lots reported (some shown below). The top sale of the week was in Vero Beach, where the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home at 5545 Las Brisas Dr. – first listed in October for $1,500,000 – sold for the asking price on Feb. 8. Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Ashley Fletcher of Keller Williams Realty of Vero Beach. Representing the buyer was agent Diane Marie De Francisci of Alex MacWilliam, Inc. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS ORIGINAL SELLING TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD PRICE VERO BEACH 5545 LAS BRISAS DR 10/18/2022 $1,500,000 2/8/2023 $1,500,000 VERO BEACH 3470 BUCKINGHAMMOCK TRL 6/1/2022 $1,595,000 2/8/2023 $1,300,000 VERO BEACH 1994 6TH AVE SE 1/5/2023 $1,295,000 2/6/2023 $1,267,500 VERO BEACH 1765 COVEY RUN CT SW 12/5/2022 $1,385,000 2/8/2023 $1,200,000 VERO BEACH 1910 TARPON LN UNIT#303 9/6/2022 $1,195,000 2/6/2023 $985,000 VERO BEACH 1310 RIVER REACH DR 5/30/2022 $1,250,000 2/6/2023 $865,000 VERO BEACH 1025 CAMELOT WAY 12/1/2022 $795,000 2/6/2023 $773,625 VERO BEACH 6980 29TH CT 12/6/2022 $650,000 2/6/2023 $632,500 VERO BEACH 144 40TH CT 12/14/2022 $625,000 2/8/2023 $615,000 VERO BEACH 832 ALEXANDRA AVE SW 12/29/2022 $600,000 2/7/2023 $598,000 VERO BEACH 3668 LOBLOLLY SQ 8/23/2022 $489,900 2/6/2023 $459,900 VERO BEACH 5523 55TH TER 11/12/2022 $515,000 2/9/2023 $450,000 VERO BEACH 1346 LEXINGTON SQ SW 9/7/2022 $465,000 2/7/2023 $405,000 VERO BEACH 5560 TANGERINE MNR SW 1/4/2023 $375,000 2/7/2023 $365,000 VERO BEACH 706 10TH CT 12/21/2022 $379,000 2/7/2023 $365,000 VERO BEACH 2753 W BROOKFIELD WAY 11/2/2022 $389,900 2/10/2023 $360,000 VERO BEACH 6490 OXFORD CIR UNIT#103C 1/11/2023 $345,000 2/7/2023 $345,000 SEBASTIAN 1306 SCHUMANN DR 9/27/2022 $360,000 2/10/2023 $345,000 SEBASTIAN 1054 BARBER ST 11/16/2022 $320,000 2/9/2023 $305,000 SEBASTIAN 906 CANAL CIR 1/17/2023 $325,000 2/7/2023 $300,000 SEBASTIAN 942 SENECA AVE 11/6/2022 $290,000 2/9/2023 $290,000 SEBASTIAN 993 S EASY ST 11/28/2022 $310,000 2/6/2023 $290,000 SEBASTIAN 438 COLUMBUS ST 1/9/2023 $280,000 2/7/2023 $288,500 VERO BEACH 1833 POINTE WEST WAY 12/19/2022 $285,000 2/10/2023 $271,000 VERO BEACH 980 32ND AVE SW 10/27/2022 $324,000 2/8/2023 $260,000 SEBASTIAN 571 BISCAYNE LN 10/11/2022 $285,000 2/6/2023 $250,000 SEBASTIAN 931 BARBER ST 1/6/2023 $249,500 2/10/2023 $249,500 VERO BEACH 1010 35TH AVE 1/9/2023 $250,000 2/7/2023 $240,000 Stats were pulled 2/11/23 10:14 AM
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE February 16, 2023 19 HERE 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: Address 12/5/2022 $1,385,000 2/8/2023 $1,200,000 Mike Thorpe ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Bob Faller Berkshire Hathaway Florida 1765 Covey Run Ct SW, Vero Beach 1/5/2023 $1,295,000 2/6/2023 $1,267,500 Holly Gorman ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Holly Gorman ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 1994 6th Ave SE, Vero Beach 6/1/2022 $1,595,000 2/8/2023 $1,300,000 Joseph Schlitt Douglas Elliman Florida LLC Lucy Hendricks Premier Estate Properties 3470 Buckinghammock Trl, Vero Beach
20 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com Despite changes in the real estate market ushered in during the COVID-19 lockdowns, demand for walkable urban areas has resurged in the U.S., according to a new analysis. But the footprint of these coveted areas remains small. Among the 35 most populous metro areas, New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., top the list of the most walkable, according to the report by nonprofit Smart Growth America and real estate services company Places Platform. The researchers weigh factors like density, land use and proximity to amenities via paths to decide what’s considered “walkable” – including for people with wheelchairs or strollers. Good transit systems are a key attribute among the most highly ranked metro areas. Chicago, for example, shows walkable urbanism along its Metra and CTA network extending past the center city. Boston’s subway system runs through both the city and its urban suburbs. Los Angeles, which ranked eighth, has a reputation for car-centric sprawl. But downtown L.A., Pasadena and Santa Monica have walkable cores that helped the massive metro area score a spot on the list. “The L.A. region had the longest rail transit system in the world in 1945, which was eliminated by 1962,” the report states. “The metro area has recently built and continues to expand a new regional transit system, investing $180 billion of locally raised funds.” City dwellers will pay to live in a walkable location. Real estate in these areas averages a 34 percent price premium per square foot in for-sale housing and 41 percent for multifamily rental apartments. The same is true about areas with easy access to transit, which tend to have overlap with walkable areas. According to the LA Times, condos near high-use transit stations in the Los Angeles metro area are 42 percent more valuable on average than car dependent properties. Researchers found that these premiums dropped in many regions during and after the pandemic but have since recovered. Residential and office renters pay more near a station, and houses and condominiums are more valuable. All of that is good for property owners but these price premiums cut two ways, limiting the availability of affordable housing and barring low-income groups from potential walkability benefits like health improvements and strong community life. Take Charlotte as an example. The North Carolina metro area’s housing is affordable overall when compared to other bigger regions, but the premium to buy a home in its walkable areas is 77 percent, according to the study. “In some ways the housing affordability crisis in walkable areas worsened, given that pandemic-era supply chain and labor challenges have further exacerbated housing undersupply,” the report adds. And, of course, it tends to be challenging to develop in the midst of a busy inner city, in any case. Overall, only a small percentage of land is walkable even in the largest 35 metro areas, accounting for an average of 1.2 percent of land mass, according to the report. But by definition, that land is both dense and has high economic value: Walkable neighborhoods in just those 35 metro areas account for 19.1 percent of the total U.S. real GDP and 6.8 percent of the total U.S. population, by the researchers’ calculations. In many areas, new development takes the form of low-density, single-family homes, and it’s “illegal to build walkable urban densities and mixed-use development on much of the 98.8 percent of land that is car-dependent due to restrictive zoning policies in most metropolitan areas,” the report states. Most walkable U.S. neighborhoods show economic resilience By Sri Taylor | Bloomberg
The Vero Beach Museum of Art has quite the array of events designed to please every corner of the community. Its Concerts in the Park program presents Fred Goodnight 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. This is a pay-atthe-door, cash or checks only event, costing $10 for museum members and $12 for non-members. Seating is limited so you are advised to bring a chair. You can also bring your appeCONTINUED ON PAGE B4 ‘CONCERTS IN PARK’ STARTS REVVED-UP SLATE AT RIVERSIDE By Pam Harbaugh | Correspondent Coming Up 1 HOUSE OF THE WEEK: CONDO IN GROVE ISLE SEA OAKS DOG WALK 8 16 IS BACK LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN REDUCE DISEASE B12 WONDER ON WHEELS ‘ROLLING SCULPTURE’ EXHIBIT IS RARE TREAT PAGE B2
B2 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com Opulence and innovation are on display at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles, featuring 22 rare automobiles and two motorcycles, most from the 1930s, on loan from private collectors and museums through April 30. “The show is unique to Vero Beach. This is not copied anywhere, and it won’t go anywhere else. The cars just go back to the owners all over the country,” says VBMA curator Anke Van Wagenberg. Guest curator Ken Gross, former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, says back in 1951 curator Arthur Drexler first referred to the cars as “hollow rolling sculpture” at a show at the Museum of Modern Art. Gross shared his knowledge of the showstoppers, starting with the 1937 Delahaye 135MS, a sensuous roadster with Hermès leather interior, produced by Figoni and Falaschi for the 1937 Paris Auto Salon. Like others of the era, it was designed to appear in motion, even when standing still. “This particular car, I think, is BY PAM HARBAUGH | CORRESPONDENT BY MARY SCHENKEL | STAFF WRITER Wonder on wheels: ‘Rolling Sculpture’ exhibit’s a rare treat Top left to right: 1934 Voisin Type C27 Aerosport, 1939 Graham Combination Coupe, 1934 Chrysler Imperial Model CV Airflow Coupe, 1934 Benix SWC Sedan and 1936 Stout Scarab. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE February 16, 2023 B3 one of the stars of the show. There may be 11 of these and they’re all hand built. It took a team of artisans about 2,100 hours to just build the aluminum body of this car,” says Gross. “It has a number of innovative ideas, besides its dramatic styling. Basically, these were an expression of taste and obviously means.” William Stout had better luck with his aircraft designs than his unusual 1936 Stout Scarab, which he envisioned as the car of the future. “He was absolutely right, but he was 50 years ahead of his time,” says Gross, likening it to today’s minivan. The 1933 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow, one of five, competed in the Car of Tomorrow contest at the Chicago Century of Progress. “This, for 1933, was extremely radical and streamlined. Pierce Arrow loved putting its headlights in the fenders. In this case they ran that line all the way to the rear, so it’s really a dramatic looking car. With many of the cars here, functionality takes second place to style, elegance and drama.” The innovative 1938 Tatra T77a was one of the first cars tested in a wind tunnel. “It has a kind of a dorsal fin to stabilize at 100 miles an hour on an autobahn. This is a magnificent beast,” says Gross. “Another favorite is this 1938 Talbot-Lago. They built 12 of these Teardrop Coupes in this New York style. They may look beautiful, but it’s got muscle to it. You see this teardrop theme everywhere. Figoni and others thought that the teardrop was the perfect romantic form of this era.” Ettore Bugatti only built some 12,000 cars “but they were glorious,” says Gross. The elegant 1929 Bugatti Type 46 Semi-Profile, designed by his son Jean, boasts an elephant hide interior. “Not unusual for Bugatti and not unusual for that era.” Rust Heinz, of the Heinz 57 family, developed the 1938 Phantom Corsair as a prototype. It appeared as the Flying Wombat in “The Young at Heart” with Douglas Fairbanks Jr. “There wasn’t anything like it at the time and there really hasn’t been anything like it since. It’s just such a wonderful, sensuous bundle of a car. Sadly, he was killed in an automobile accident [at age 25], not in this car,” says Gross. “Who knows what might have happened if he hadn’t perished.” The 1938 Panhard & Levassor Type X81 Dynamic Sedan, one of three, offered perfect peripheral vision and the choice of steering wheels on the left, right or center. “It’s like an exercise in deco. Just all the elegance. I see something new every time I see it.” Gross says Chrysler was ahead of its time with its 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt – no grill, a disappearing metal top, and headlights behind doors. The war halted its development, but some design cues appeared in post-war Chryslers. Harley Earl developed a whole new look for General Motors with the 1938 Buick Y-Job Roadster. “Earl wanted cars that were exciting, and after this car was developed, General Motors used a number of these cues. It doesn’t look low to our eyes, but these little 14-inch wheels were long before anyone did anything like that.” Of the 1934 Packard Twelve Model 1106, one of four, Gross says, “This, to me, is just a wonderful, handsome car. Someone spent a lot of time crafting this to make a statement.” Interestingly, the car has had three owners. The couple who owned it 42 years ago now live in Stuart, and attended the recent VBMA Gala, excited to see it for the first time in four decades. The 1930 Ruxton Model C Sedan, one of the first front-wheel drive cars built in America, has a reversed three-speed transaxle. It allowed a lower silhouette, dramatized by no running boards, and an unusual, graded color scheme. The remarkably aerodynamic 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B “Xenia,” one of one, was created by aircraft designer Jean Andreau and commissioned by World War I fighter ace Andre Dubonnet, of the aperitif family. With its panoramic windshield, curved glass windows and cantilevered doors, “it really looks like an airplane. When you rolled up in this car, you were somebody special.” The car was thought lost when the Germans invaded France in World War II and appropriated valuables, but it had been hidden. It reappeared at a 1946 auto show, to the delight of the populace. The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster was one of about 20, most owned by Nazi bigwigs. CONTINUED ON PAGE B4 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster.
B4 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com tite since Treasure Coast Concessions will be selling burgers, brats, sandwiches and more. There is also a beer and wine cash bar. No outside food or drink is allowed. The museum’s Fashion Meets Art program presents a talk by Badgley Mischka beginning 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. The event includes a cocktail reception at the museum. It is sold out, but those people who already paid $200 a ticket may want a reminder. Next week, the museum’s International Lecture Series will present Miles C. Collier, founder of the Revs Institute, a renowned car museum and archive in Naples, Fla. He is also author of “The Archaeological Automobile: Understanding and Living with Historical Automobiles.” He will speak at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27. Organizers expect the talk will “map a fascinating journey through the primitive, rationalist baroque, fantasy and international” styles in automobile design. It coincides with the museum’s current blockbuster exhibition, “Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles” which runs through April 30. Individual lecture tickets are $120 for VBMA members and $145 for non-members. The lecture will also be streamed and simulcast in the Leonhardt Auditorium. Tickets for that are $80 VBMA members and $95 for non-members. For more information on the ILS event, call 772-231-0707, ext. 116, or email egiordano@VeroBeachMuseum. org. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr. Call 772-231-0707 or visit VBMuseum.org. And oh, by the way, the museum has re-opened its Wood N Spoon café which serves between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays. Live! From Vero Beach presents the Buckinghams and the Box Tops 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Emerson Center. This is a definite walk-down-memory-lane concert as the two iconic bands play hits from the ’60s and ’70s. The Buckinghams formed in Chicago and hit the big time with their hits “Kind of a Drag” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song).” The Box Tops formed in Memphis and are known for hit songs like “The Letter” and “Cry Like a Baby.” Tickets are $45 to $115. For more information, call 800-595-4849 or visit MusicWorksConcerts.com. The Emerson Center is at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. If something a bit more classic is your musical style, then look at what’s happening at the Community Church of Vero Beach. First, it’s the Indian River Symphonic Association’s presentation of the Philadelphia Orchestra with principal guest conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and violinist Gil Shaham. They will perform Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68. The concert begins 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Tickets are $110. For more information, call 772-778-1070 or visit IRSymphonic.org. Next up is the Queens Six, a vocal ensemble in residence at Windsor Castle. The ensemble will perform 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Tickets are $40. For more information, call 772-562-3633 or visit CCOVB.org. The Community Church of Vero Beach is at 1901 23rd St. The Indian River County Cultural Council invites you to discover some unexpected goodies at its Treasures 2023 Art & Collectibles Sale. There will be treasures of all sizes, antique, vintage and collectibles, artwork, furniture, oriental rugs, home décor and more. There will also be a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the cultural arts programs offered by the Cultural Council. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. The Cultural Council is also running the Juried Exhibit for Student Artists in Grades 9-12. The exhibit runs through March 17 at the IRC Intergenerational Recreation Center, 1590 95th St. SW, Vero Beach. On view will be works by students in the Indian River Charter High school, Saint Edward’s School and Sebastian River High School. Works on view include painting, mixed media, photography and drawing. For more information, visit Cultural-Council.org. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 3 4 2 “This car is all about arrogance. It’s got horns that could be perfectly suited for a diesel train. Only the very, very wealthy had cars like this,” says Gross. It also has a shortwave radio, with preset dials to European cities. This car, however, was owned by a lady who escaped the Nazis twice with her brother, mother and the car, first to France and when that was invaded to America. Decades later, she put the car in storage and returned to Europe, dying there with little money. The car was sold to pay the storage. “To me it’s very touching that she kept the car all that time. It was one of her joys and that’s why she kept it,” says Gross. The public called the 1939 Graham Combination Coupe the “Shark Nose,” because of its severely angled grill. Despite its wonderful design and conservative price, it was too outré and didn’t sell well. A wealthy, intrepid flyer and aircraft designer, Gabriel Voisin used aircraft principals in his 1934 Voisin Type C27 Aerosport. “He wanted to make his own statement, so his cars look like nothing else. I think they’re fabulous looking.” Built as a medium-priced car, the 1937 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe literally saved the company. “Lincoln was slowly collapsing because the cars were considered just too expensive and not exciting enough. The car itself is wonderful. It’s got curves and angles in a very pleasing way.” Built across town from one another, the 1934 Chrysler Imperial Model CV Airflow Coupe and 1934 Bendix SWC Sedan did not fare as well. “The two designers didn’t communicate, didn’t know one another, and yet there’s some remarkable similarities,” says Gross. Among them, unfortunately, was little interest. Weighing in at almost 3.5 tons, Gross calls the singular 1925/1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom Aerodynamic Coupe the ultimate Rolls Royce (chassis and engine 1925/body 1934). “This is a very unusual car, even for a Rolls Royce. The car just makes a statement.” Initially made for a wealthy American woman who never took possession, a Belgium coachbuilder built the dramatic “round door” body. Amazingly, the magnificent car was found in a New Jersey junkyard, abandoned. Gross says a great number of cars went to the scrapyard during WWII, recycled for their aluminum, steel and rubber. A catalog produced by Gross is available in the gift shop. For more information, visit VBMuseum.org. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3 Badgley Mischka.
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE February 16, 2023 B5 The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation celebrated its 30th-anniversary with a real chuckle fest, drawing a packed house to the Community Church of Vero Beach for (LOL) Laughing Out Loud with Carl Hiaasen. During her welcome, Marie Stiefel, LRJF president, shared that having a sister who is a writer and documentary filmmaker has given her a great respect for the effort it takes to produce a good poem, book or film, and said that she was hooked after learning about all the foundation does to nurture writers of all ages. “The support of writers, together with my interest in caring for the environment and preserving history, as we do with Laura’s 1910 house, attracted me to this foundation,” said Stiefel. “This year, LRJF is celebrating 30 years of service to this community. Something that seems so remarkable when we recall our first days as a small group of people, passionate to save a house and the incredible literary legacy of Laura’s work.” Over the past 30 years, she said, LRJF has preserved the historic ‘Cracker’ style home of Laura (Riding) Jackson, a noted poet of the 20th century. The nonprofit lovingly moved the house and pole barn to its current location on the Mueller campus of Indian River State College and planted a native Florida garden there. The foundation offers literary-based adult and teen writers’ programs and workshops, and hosts fundraising events so that all can rejoice in the love of language. Xaque Gruber introduced the “renowned newsman and novelist,” Carl Hiaasen, and noted that this was the single largest fundraiser for LRJF in its 30- year history. Hiaasen, a Florida native and Vero Beach resident, had a storied career as a Miami Herald columnist, which gave him endless fodder to humorously address environmental issues and political corruption in his numerous Florida-based novels over the years. Two of his novels, “Striptease” and “Hoot,” have been made into feature films, and an Apple TV series starring Vince Vaughn, based on “Bad Monkey,” is scheduled to air sometime this year. Hiaasen said his writing style evolved during his newspaper years, noting, “You write every day so that muscle gets pretty tuned up and then I would go home at night and work on the books.” Miami in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s provided him with a mountain of material for books, including stories that struck him as “bizarre and warped,” such as men sleeping with alligators, the theft of nativity figures, a woman who hid a baby gator in her pants, and even the theft of a foot stolen from a car accident. As a satirist Hiaasen said he takes the ridiculous and cranks it up a notch. For instance, his book “Razor Girl” was inspired by a car accident in the Keys that was caused by a woman who had been shaving her “private parts” while driving. “I have lived in Vero for about 17 or 18 years. There’s not a lot of headlines that come out of Vero or this area compared to what the rest of the state generates. That’s probably why a lot of us live here,” he added. On April 22, LRJF will host its 12th annual Poetry & Barbecue fundraiser. For more information, visit lrjf.org. Hiaasen’s hilarity highlights special Jackson Foundation fete By Stephanie LaBaff | Staff Writer Carl Hiaasen. PHOTOS: AMANDA DUFFY Marie Stiefel and Jacque Jacobs. Patricia Meisol and Gary Goldberg. Randy and Jody Old.
B6 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE www.veronews.com Sponsors of the new Garden of Glass Exhibition at McKee Botanical Garden were invited for an afternoon wine reception to meet Seattle-based master glass artist Jason Gamrath, who created the 10 magnificent glass sculptures, including orchids, waterlilies, and even carnivorous pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, on display through April 30. Gamrath explained that what he does is considered glass sculpting, as opposed to traditional blown glass work. His process begins by watching as an actual flower grows over time, keeping track of the shapes during each stage of development, and sculpting pieces representing each stage. “I’m basically just taking the way the plant would grow and growing it in glass, not with my bare hands, because the glass is 3,000 degrees, but with different tools,” said Gamrath. “I take that molten glass and, like a living thing, you kind of push it into the shape you want it to be. The glass really is alive. It’s moving all the time, and gravity affects it, and centrifugal force affects it. So it’s a lot like how a plant normally would grow.” He explained that the vibrant colors in his glassworks are obtained by adding colored powders to clear glass and layering them one upon the other. “By the time you’re done, you end up looking through about five different colors. And all of those different gradients affect it and make it look more realistic,” said Gamrath. “What’s so fun about the complexity when we start working in those extravagant color patterns, is to just make those subtle things that nature does. Nature does it effortlessly. It takes us years and years and years to even get 1/10th as good as nature does something. Getting close is good enough for people, I think.” Gamrath said the beauty of having the large glass sculptures – the pieces in the exhibit range from 6 feet to 14 feet tall – next to the real thing is that they draw attention to the subtle details of the plants and how their own color gradients flow. “I love that you can have right beside it, something organic and living that just tells the whole story of how these small details can just blow your mind if you just stare at them,” said Gamrath. “That’s part of why I make them so large and exaggerated. Because I just love what they really are.” Each piece takes some 100 hours to complete, from the time the glass is taken out of the furnace to cooling it down over the course of the week. As a result, he said each piece takes a lot of people with very specific skill sets that can take at least six years to master. “Depending on the number of flowers, the number of pieces in each flower, it could easily take a year to build a piece. When I was starting out, it took me years and years and years just to get one single good flower.” For more information, visit McKeeGarden.org. McKee ‘Garden of Glass’ artist details the how – and wow By Mary Schenkel | Staff Writer [email protected] Bob Formisano and Claudia Owen. Liz Schroeder and Karen Meyer.
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE February 16, 2023 B7 Paul Landry and Roz Allen. Toni Hamner, Sheila Marshall and Ann Hamner. Bob and Connie Wood. Jason Gamrath and Christine Hobart. PHOTOS: AMANDA DUFFY Barb and Dave Kaytes. Harry and Ilona Benham.
B8 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE www.veronews.com Supporters of the Gifford Youth Achievement Center celebrated 25 years of ‘Changing Lives, Changing Futures’ at a Night to Remember fundraiser at the Oak Harbor Club that featured a look back at the history of the remarkable nonprofit. GYAC was founded by the visionary Chairman Emeritus Dr. A. Ronald Hudson, the late Dan K. Richardson and the late Rev. Dr. William Nigh, and is guided by executive director Angelia Perry, her staff and board, led by chairwoman Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long. Freddie Woolfork, director of public relations and facilities operations, said GYAC is as needed today as it was 25 years ago to continue that ‘old Gifford spirit’ of working in unity for excellence and self-motivation in the children they serve. Taylor-Long introduced Carolyn Dean, wife of the late John Dean, the architect who designed the GYAC building and then served 10 years as its first board chairman. “He loved beauty and buildings like GYAC. He liked to call buildings frozen music,” said Carolyn Dean, adding that designing and building GYAC had been one of John Dean’s greatest joys. “Thank you to our donors, collaborative partners and this community for making this celebration possible,” said Perry. A video presentation related that the “Miracle on 43rd Avenue” was the result of concerns over the drastic decline in graduation rates by Black students following desegregation. A quarter-century later, GYAC is thriving, with 230 students in the educational afterschool program and more than 300 in the academic-based summer camp. “The high school graduation rate of African-American students in Indian River County for the 2020-21 school year was 93 percent,” said Perry in the video. “This is proof that when children know they have someone in their corner, someone who believes in them through the highs and lows of life, they can achieve things they never imagined.” Bradyn Harp, a Gifford Middle School eighth-grader, and Justin Woulard, a Vero Beach High School 10th-grader, spoke eloquently about their GYAC experiences. “GYAC is a place that allows me to excel academically, offers me a chance at special activities like field trips, and even lets me to talk to astronauts in space,” said Harp, who spoke about an activity-packed trip to Atlanta, having an “amazing” opportunity to speak with astronauts Jessica Watkins and Bob Hines in the International Space Station, and being exposed to job opportunities and training through the Youth Employability Program. “From the tutors to the trips and the chance to talk to someone in space, the center has helped me reach for the stars, literally,” said Harp. Woulard started at GYAC in kindergarten and is now ranked No. 1 out of 760 students in his sophomore class. “I attribute my academic success to GYAC and my family,” said Woulard, who interned with an engineering firm over the summer through YEP. “The list of opportunities that GYAC provides me and hundreds more kids goes on and on. It is programs like GYAC that encourage me to excel at high levels so that one day I can give back to the kids in my community. Please continue to change lives and change futures as you have done for me and my family.” “They are just two of our shining stars at GYAC, and the reason why we will continue, as Dr. Long has stated, changing lives, changing futures for the next 25 years,” said Perry. Following dinner, guests danced to their own devices, donning headphones for a ‘silent disco’ to boogie the night away. For more information, visit mygyac.org. Achieving is believing: 25 years of ‘Gifford Youth’ excellence By Mary Schenkel | Staff Writer [email protected] Bernadette and Mike Emerick. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS Ken and Julie Mindt with Gail and Scott Alexander. Bob and Karen Drury. George and Marlen Higgs.
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING February 16, 2023 B9 Fine Dining, Elevated Exciting Innovative Cuisine Award Winning Wine List Unparalleled Service Expanded outdoor dining in The Café. Proud recipient of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award placing us in “The Top 10% of restaurants worldwide”. Catering Now Available (772) 234-3966 • tidesofvero.com Open 7 Days a Week Starting at 5 PM 3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL Reservations Highly Recommended • Proper Attire Appreciated Wine Spectator Award 2002 – 2021 Serving Dinner Tues - Sat from 5pm (772) 226-7870 Downwn Vero Bea 2023 14th Avenue www.VeroPrime.com Prime Steaks, Seafood & Italian Specialties Happy Hour featuring Premium Spirits Nightly 5 - 6:30pm (Bar Only) Early Dining Menu Nightly 5 - 5:30pm
B10 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING www.veronews.com
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING February 16, 2023 B11 The Gri One free kids meal per one adult 772.770.5970 | 3700 Oslo Rd (9th St SW), Vero Beach C W W I L L I S F A M I LY F A R M S . C O M Fridays at The Grill Kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree 4pm to 6pm 1931 Old Dixie • 772.770.0977 fishackverobeach.com • Like us on Facebook! Gift Certificates, Private Parties & Patio Dining Available TUESDAY NIGHT l ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM l TUES.- SAT. WE CAN ACCOMMODATE LARGE PARTIES TUES OPEN FOR DINNER AT 4 WED-SAT OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER CLOSED SUNDAYS & MONDAYS OFFERING Local Fish Northern Fish Patio Dining Happy Hour Best Margaritas Full Liquor Bar Large Parties Daily Specials PARTY PLATTERS AVAILABLE 56 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-4160 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram OPEN FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY BEGINNING AT 4 PM. CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY. ORDER ONLINE FOR DELIVERY OR PICKUP THROUGH Pizzoodles.com or ToastTakeout.com SALADS, PASTA, VEAL, CHICKEN , SUBS AND DESSERTS OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY OPEN Tues-Sun 11:30 AM to Close Daily Drink Specials Daily Dinner Specials Where Vero goes for a Lil bit of Ireland! 2019 14th Ave (772) 217-2183 seanryanpub.com Chef Chet Perrotti Be Known’ My Friends March 17 is the Wearin’ O’ the Green Sean Ryan Pub is the place for St Patrick’s Day Celebrate with us and the Jameson Shot Girls with outside bar & dining available
B12 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | PETS www.veronews.com One of the Cool Kibble-est events of the Canine High Season is the Sea Oaks Dog Walk, where I get to catch up with pooch pals and make new pooch frens. It’d been goin’ on for 10 (human) years, until that duh-zeese happened an it got CAN-sulled for 2 years, which was Totally Dismal Dog Biscuits. SO, I was WAY happy when my fren Tess Patota (longtime Dog Walk Spokespooch until her retirement this year) woof-mailed me that it was BACK, an this year was gonna be the first-ever Pawrade of Champions, like an ackshull Dog Show, ’cept with much more appropriate cat-a-gories for not-pro-fesh-unal pooches like most of us are! The pooches an their humans were WAY excited, an 47 pooches signed up, the most EVER! I’m always impressed with how wellbuh-haved this big buncha poocheroos an their humans are. Everybody hangs out for a Meet-an-Greet buh-for the show, so the air’s filled with lotsa of woofin’, of course, but it’s just frenly pooch conversation. PLUS, there’re always yummy snacks for the pooches an their humans. Even POP-corn. The new Spokespooch was Lady Jandorf, a lifelong Sea Oaks resident considered by all to be the Grande Dame of Sea Oaks Canine Society. She’s 11, an English Golden Retriever with a soft, thick coat in a color called British Cream. Born in on-TERRY-oh (which is in a next-door-neighbor country), Lady has Very Impressive Lineage, so I was a liddle nervous meeting her, felt like I should bow or somethin,’ but she was Super Mellow (the mellowest pupper in her litter, she told me), then pleasantly explained the new event, an innerduced me around. According to Lady, each pooch an his or her human hadda walk across the tennis court to the judges, one by one, an buhHAYV! There were 13 CAT-uh-gories (I don’t know why it’s called that, either, except doguh-gories sounds sorta weird). “Meet Oliver Burns,” Lady said. Arriving with his Mom, the liddle blackan-tan Yorkie looked especially jaunty, with one ear up an the other down. “Hi, Mr. Bonzo!” the perky liddle doggo said. “I’m a purebred and I was hopin’ to be a Show Dog cuzza bein’ so pawsome, ’cept for my ears, which I personally like: They’re, you know, my SIG-na-chur, but they disqualified me, if you can buh-leeve it.” “Bummer,” I commiserated. “I think you look outstanding!” “Speaking of ears,” said Lady, “this young lady, Suki Polke, just won the award for Most Expressive Ears.” “Congrats, Miss Suki,” I said to the liddle French bulldog. “It’s my first Dog Show. Isn’t it SO Crispy Biscuits? I’m SO excited!” she exclaimed, bouncing about. “Oooo, me too!” agreed a handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. “My name’s Augustus Austin. It’s my first, too. Does my hair look OK?” It totally did, I told him. “Bonzo, I’d like you to meet Molly Farhy,” Lady indicated a liddle Maltese who was waggin’ non-stop with great enthusiasm. A pleasure, Miss Molly,” I said. “Hi, Mr. Bonzo. Are we gonna be in the PAYper? Isn’t this FUN? All my frens are here, I’m pretty sure. Guess what? I won! Guess which CAT-uh-gory.” Miss Molly’s joyful, energetic waggin’ bein’ a liddle clue, I took a wild guess. “Best Tail Wagger?” “YES!! Isn’t that SO Crispy Biscuits?” “The crispiest!” I agreed. “Pardon me, Madame Lady, I’d love to meet Mr. Bonzo,” said a deep voice behind me. I turned to see a large (!) impressive German Shepherd peering down at me, an I felt a strong urge to salute. “Ah, Wolfie, of course,” said Lady, smiling. She turned to me: “Bonzo, meet Wolfgang von Olympia Tweedie, aka Eric the Wolfe. We all call him Wolfie. He’s a dear.” “Delighted to meet you, umm, Wolfie, is it?” I said. “But of course,” he said, with a wag of his tail that would have whooshed a passing Maltese right off the sidewalk, had the liddle pooch not ducked in the nick of time. “May I call you Bonz?” “Absolutely! I saw you out on the court. How’d it go?” “Actually, I won in my cat-uh-gory: Best Tail Wagger!” “I expect it wasn’t even close,” I observed. We laughed. Other pawsome pooch winners were: Loudest bark, Hazel Grant; Shyest, Piper Quinn; Best Leash Walker, Yogibear/Max Wilson; Best Mini Me, Nikki Kendig; Most Congenial, Cosmo Vincent; Shortest Legs, Lucy Finigan; Cutest Puppy, Tank Richter; Best Prancer, Rory Venne; Best Rescue, Skipper Foster; Most Senior Dog, Stella Duff, age 15. All winners got a box of duhLISH-shus all-natural goodies, donated by Dog Days Homemade Bakery. Moving through the crowd of happy canines, I recognized a fren, black-an-white Border Collie Julie Teplitz. She’d told me she an her Mom were gonna wear special, super-secret mother-daughter outfits to the event, an they Totally Did! Julie rocked a matching black-an-white houndstooth collar/leash ensemble trimmed in red, and a super cute bow decorated with glittery red hearts, an her Mom was matchin’ with black-an-white check pants. Tray, tray chick! Lady explained that “proceeds from this year’s bran new event go to H.A.L.O., a no-kill shelter up in Sebastian. AN,” she added with pride, “We raised $1,040! Isn’t that the Coolest Kibbles EVER?” “Woof, yes!” I exclaimed. “Congrats!” I hadda brief Woof with H.A.L.O. Spokespooch Remi, a big, playful, longnosed mixture who himself is hoping for a Furever home, “You know, Bonz, if it weren’t for no-kill shelters like H.A.L.O. and the Humane Society, many, many more Pets Less Fortunate would be in Dire Straits. We are so lucky to have so many humans who care about us.” I couldn’t put it better myself. Till next time, Hi Dog Buddies! Bonzo has the ‘Best’ time at Sea Oaks Dog Walk The Bonz Don’t Be Shy We are always looking for pets with interesting stories. To set up an interview, email [email protected]. Lady. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES February 16, 2023 B13 WHEN YOU GET LUCKY, TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist John Key, the 38th prime minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016, said, “You get out of life what you put into it. I think you need a bit of luck, but you also make a bit of luck.” Sometimes you need to get lucky at the bridge table. If so, go for it. Don’t just throw in the towel. In this week’s deal, it isn’t clear that North-South want to be in a slam. But if they do, six diamonds is where they would prefer to be. But South plunged into six spades. What should he have done after West led the club four: two, king, ace? Using two-over-one game-force, North’s response was natural and gameinvitational. Fine, but North-South had never discussed follow-ups. South basically just guessed! After the favorable first trick, declarer had to play the trump suit for the loss of only one trick. He cashed the spade ace: five, diamond, three. He continued with the spade king: jack, diamond, eight. What next? There were three spades still extant: the six, nine and queen. Hoping to pin the nine, declarer led the spade 10. But now he had to lose two trump tricks. What inference did South miss? If West had had Q-J-6-5 of spades, why would he have dropped the jack under the king? He wouldn’t. So, declarer should have led a low spade on the third round of the suit — and he would have gotten lucky! One other North got even luckier. In seven diamonds, when he led the diamond queen from the dummy, the robot West inconceivably covered with the king! Dealer: South; Vulnerable: East-West NORTH — K J 5 A J 10 7 6 3 2 10 3 2 WEST Q J 5 7 6 3 K 8 4 9 8 6 4 SOUTH A K 10 7 4 2 A 2 Q A Q J 7 EAST 9 8 6 3 Q 10 9 8 4 9 5 K 5 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: 4 Clubs SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1 Spades Pass 3 Diamonds Pass 4 NT Pass 5 Diamond Pass 6 Spades Pass Pass Pass Shack Shine_SPEC_HI560 HOUSE DETAILING SERVICE MAKING YOUR HOME SMILE • Window Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Power Washing • Roof Cleaning • Christmas Lights We’ll give you the shiniest house on the block. Book your appointment today! SHACKSHINE.COM 772-766-0079 BOOK TODAY AND SAVE DRIVEWAY CLEANING FREE with Purchase of Exterior House Cleaning Up to 2500 sq. ft. Expires 3/31/23 BOOK TODAY AND SAVE FREE DRIVEWAY CLEANING with Purchase of Exterior House Cleaning Up to 2500 sq. ft. Expires 3/31/23 CARPET ONE CREATIVE FLOORS & HOME Creative Floors & Home has more for your entire home from the floor up! With Flooring, Tile, Cabinets and even vacuum cleaners! 772.569.0240 1137 Old Dixie Hwy • Vero Beach creativefloorscarpet1verobeach.com Professional Cabinet Design Available
B14 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.com The Telegraph How to do Sudoku: Fill in the grid so the numbers one through nine appear just once in every column, row and three-by-three square. The Telegraph SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (JANUARY 26) ON PAGE B12 ACROSS 1 Wages (3) 3 For each (3) 5 Hang about (4) 7 Scene; put (5) 8 Lasso (6) 10 Went by horse (4) 11 Imaginary (8) 13 Cat’s in (anag.) (6) 14 Breathing illness (6) 17 Smart alecs (4-4) 19 Frail and weedy (4) 21 In a nonchalant way (6) 22 Flashily smart (5) 23 Plot (4) 24 Church seat (3) 25 Papa (3) DOWN 1 Popular books (10) 2 Start of time (colloq.) (4,3) 3 Bard (4) 4 Broadcasts (6) 5 Fighting fund (3,5) 6 Biblical patriarch (5) 9 Looking half-awake (6-4) 12 Event (8) 15 Beset by spirits (7) 16 Exaggerate; misbehave (4,2) 18 Bay window (5) 20 Once more (4)
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES February 16, 2023 B15 ACROSS 1 Avant-garde art 5 Near the rear 8 Calendar abbr. 11 Zincite, for one 14 Coldness exemplar 17 It’s a stinking problem 18 Understand 19 Car or drug? 21 Throng 22 Car or drug? 24 Car or drug? 25 Sphere 26 The Clan of the Cave Bear author Jean 27 Mr. Clampett 28 Belts into oblivion 29 Diving bell inventor 31 Car or drug? 35 Furry friend 36 Guardian spirits 37 Puncture opening 38 Squirrel’s prize 39 Birdie plus 1 40 Irma ___ 42 Car or drug? 46 Water under the bridge? 47 Top number 48 Mr. Planck 49 Fuel suffixes 50 Car or drug? 53 Lofty peak 54 Car or drug? 57 Hit the nightclubs 58 “It ___ Be You” 60 Word before Fox or Rabbit 61 Literary king 63 Dist. from the ground 64 Black, to a poet 66 Car or drug? 69 Car or drug? 74 Sky, in French 75 Certain particle 77 Rugged rock 78 Notice in the office 79 Rim that holds a gem 82 Distant 84 Car or drug? 86 Author Umberto 87 Car or drug? 90 Galatea’s love 91 Overhead trains 92 Not strict 93 The way, in China 94 Car or drug? 98 Race car time-out 101 Dial-up pioneer 102 Air rifle shot 103 Home: abbr. 104 Show conclusively 105 Salt Lake City player 106 Car or drug? 110 Family members 111 CD rate abbr. 112 Old nuclear org. 113 Get up 114 Witch’s spell 115 Car or drug? 118 Car or drug? 122 Repulsed response 123 Car or drug? 124 “Just me” 125 Lorre’s sleuth 126 Mentalist’s claim 127 Allen or Roth 128 Ultimate (degree) 129 CIA precursor 130 London area DOWN 1 Deer girl 2 Vogue, mostly 3 A Dwarf 4 “Could you hold it down to ___ in here?” 5 ___ in the right direction 6 Whose Casanova and Roma? 7 John Ritter’s dad 8 Whipped through, as a test 9 Angel dust 10 Chair for grandma 11 Track postings 12 Nutrient amt. 13 Go over 14 Car or drug? 15 Car or drug? 16 Subside 19 Hairy Halloween costumes 20 Outbreak of a sort 23 Regret 27 Blue Angel’s vehicle 30 Sonoran year 31 “My name is ...” 32 Sgt., for one 33 The Boy King 34 Do a sound job 35 Bridge sign 36 Outlaw group 39 Penne and such 40 Fibula site 41 Fair 43 Workaday world 44 End to “end”? 45 “Whoa!” girl 46 Burger support 47 It’s a blast 50 Dictionary name 51 Driver’s place, old-style 52 Shoe man McAn 54 TV network, in Toronto 55 “... man ___ mouse?” 56 Book after Exod. 57 1914-18 event 59 Belief in souls 62 Moray 64 Historic time 65 Elaborate charade 67 Cheery quality, in a song 68 Stubbing result 70 Attempt 71 Rorem or Sparks 72 Med. grp. 73 In favor of 76 Of birth 79 Vehicle sound 80 Car or drug? 81 Car or drug? 82 Send over phone lines 83 A personal question? 85 12 on a clock 88 Lotion ingredient 89 Space 90 Non-winners 94 Alphabet network 95 Ulna’s locale 96 Dry, as wine 97 Lawyer’s honorific: abbr. 99 Unhappy sound 100 Commercial 101 Reach 102 Pen brand 105 La Jolla campus (strangely) 106 Barber’s call 107 Chows down in style 108 Zone of Conn. 109 Lots (of paper) 111 Purple fruit 112 Amulet symbol 114 Color 116 Swiss canton 117 Q-U innards 118 Where some buffalo roam 119 Dove sound 120 Stretch inning 121 Indy’s mile total The Telegraph The Washington Post CARS OR DRUGS? By Merl Reagle [email protected] 1964 14th Avenue 772.217.2161 HairIdentityVB.com BOOK TODAY FOR ALL YOUR HAIR AND NAIL NEEDS. FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
B16 February 16, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | CALENDAR www.veronews.com Check with organizations directly for updates/cancellations. Riverside Theatre: “Bakersfield Mist” on the Waxlax Stage through Feb. 19. 772-231-6990 or RiversideTheatre.com King of the Hill Tennis Tournaments, 6 p.m. Thursdays through March 2 at the Boulevard to benefit Youth Guidance. 772-979-5582 Vero Beach Museum of Art: Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles exhibit through April 30. VBMuseum.org or 772-231-0707 Garden of Glass at McKee Botanical Garden through April 30. McKeeGarden.org or 772- 794-0601 First Friday Gallery Strolls, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Vero Beach Arts District. 16 Concerts in the Park, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Vero Beach Museum of Art, featuring Fred Goodnight. BYO lawn chair. Refreshments available for sale. $10 & $12 at the door. VBMuseum.org 16 Live from Vero Beach presents the Buckinghams and the Box Tops, 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center. 800-595-4849 16 Indian River Symphonic Association presents the Philadelphia Orchestra, with conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and violinist Gil Shaham, 7:30 p.m. at Community Church of VB. 772-778-1070 or IRSymphonic.org 17 Concerts in the Park presents the Sebastian High School Band, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Riverview Park. Free; BYO chairs/blankets. SebastianChamber.com or 772-589-5969 17 Vero Beach Sock Drive Sock Hop, 7 p.m. at Walking Tree Brewery, with Professor Pennygoode’s Mighty Flea Circus and 8:30 p.m. dance-off. Admission: New socks for charities. VeroBeachSockDrive.com 17-19 Vero Beach High School Performing Arts presents Matilda the Musical at VBHS PAC. 772-564-5537 17-19 Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents “The Lifespan of a Fact,” a stage reading in the Studio Theatre. VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com or 772-562-8300 17-19 Thunder on the Beach Powwow, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., with dancing, music, storytelling, food and vendors. Adults $10; children $5. Fiha.us 18 Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Royal Palm Pointe to benefit Sunrise Rotary projects, with food, craft beer tastings, Best of Vero Wing competition, and four bands. Free admission. Beer tasting bracelet $55. FloridaCraftBrewAndWingFest.com 18 MHA Rocks Motown, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. VIP) at Grand Harbor Club to benefit Mental Health Association of IRC, with food stations, auctions and music. $100; $225 VIP. 772-569-9788 18 Performance by the Queen’s Six, vocal ensemble in residence at Windsor Castle, 7 p.m. at Community Church of VB. $40. 772-778-1070 18|19 Treasures 2023 Art & Collectibles Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun. at the Heritage Center to benefit the Cultural Council of IRC. Cultural-Council.org 18|19 Vero Beach Antique Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Garden Club of IRC hosted by Bougainvillea Circle. $3. 772-696-0095 19 Rat Pack Tribute featuring Tony Sands, with hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. $35. 772-778-5249 21 to March 12 - Riverside Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors on the Stark Stage. 772-231-6990 or RiversideTheatre.com 22 Fashion Meets Art presents Badgley Mischka, 4 p.m. talk followed by cocktail reception at Vero Beach Museum of Art. $200. VBMuseum.org or 772-231-0707 23 Diamonds and Crystals Gala, 5:30 p.m. at Quail Valley River Club to benefit Gifford Youth Orchestra, with former astronaut Capt. Winston Scott. $150. GYOTigers.org or 772-213-3007 23 Diamonds in the Rough fundraising dinner, 6 p.m. at Bent Pine Golf Club to benefit Camp Haven. $195. CampHaven.net 24 Live from Vero Beach presents Ones: the Beatles #1 Hits, 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center. 800-595-4849 24-26 Ballet Vero Beach presents Beyond the Ballets Russes, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sat. at Vero Beach High School PAC. $10 to $75. Accessible/ Family Friendly performance 2 p.m. Sun., $10. Balletverobeach.org or 772-905-2651 25 Chimpathon 2.5K, 5K and 10K options 7:30 a.m. at and to benefit Save the Chimps chimpanzee sanctuary. SaveTheChimps.org 25 Impact 100 Share to Care, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park, showcasing 40+ nonprofit grant recipients over the past 15 years. Impact100IR.com ONGOING FEBRUARY Beachside Dog Spa Pampering In Paradise Luxury Dog Grooming 772-584-3368 2190 45th St. #102 (West), Vero Beach, FL 32967 VBDogspa.com • [email protected] SPRINKLER SERVICES Guaranteed to Make Something Pop Up 772-539-3365 Don’t Panic 20% DISCOUNT FOR ALL NEW CUSTOMERS Sudoku Page B11 Sudoku Page B12 Crossword Page B11 Solutions from Games Pages in January 26, 2023 Edition ACROSS 1 STEEP 4 ATLAS 10 LEAVE 11 ABALONE 12 COASTER 13 PIECE 14 BELLOW 16 JESTER 19 SALSA 21 APPOINT 23 EXAMINE 24 PATIO 25 SHINE 26 FLEET DOWN 2 TRAVAIL 3 EJECT 5 TRAIPSE 6 ALONE 7 BLOCKBUSTER 8 CARRY 9 CELEBRATION 15 OVATION 17 THISTLE 18 BABEL 20 LEASH 22 PUPIL Crossword Page B12 (IN A PERFECT WORLD 2) State Certified Electrical Contractor TOM G. WALTON Hiring Electricians 772-569-1547 • [email protected] Residential • Commercial • Industrial L. Walton Electric, Inc. EC13003596 BUSINESS DIRECTORY - ADVERTISING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BUSINESSES Our 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]. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE. SUPPLEMENT. RX INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY HEALTH PLANS CALL FOR A NO COST QUOTE! JENNIFER TOMAS LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT 772-834-4703 TOMASINSURANCE.COM