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It wasn’t a planned passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Far from it. In fact, at one time, Suzanne Leigh-Vilas saw herself standing in front of a classroom instructing and inspiring students. Preparing lesson plans and grading papers would fill her after-school hours. “When I was in college, I never thought I’d be back in Vero Beach, let alone working here at the store. I’m really glad how things turned out. I’m happy here.”

IRGF is introducing young players to the game while teaching them life skills. Our mission is to create programs and events that promote knowledge, player development and service in the game of golf,” PGA Life Member and Master Professional Roger Van Dyke explains. “Golf is not only fun, it teaches values and good manners and places honesty above winning. There’s no referee out there on the course to determine whether or not your shot was within the rules. It’s all up to you.”

John Farnsworth, the highly acclaimed executive chef at John’s Island, has been pleasing palates there for 25 of the 52 years he’s been working in the culinary arts. When asked about his plans for retirement, the 72-year-old shrugs and smiles. For now, the kitchens at the club are still “John’s” island.

Duncan Riefler’s plans of playing basketball for the Wimbledon Hoop Stars were dashed when he tore his ACL in a game in 2009. The injury opened a door for a new love to emerge. Riefler, a Windsor resident, learned to fly and soon found himself purchasing his own plane. Named “Grace,” after Grace Kelly and lovingly restored, the two are up to amazing things.

From his boyhood days bringing home fish for family dinners, to his youth as a schooner captain on the Indian River, to his decades of prosperity and accolades in the citrus industry, A.B. Michael’s life spanned Florida’s history, especially the history of Orchid Island. This island he loved had no bridges when he arrived in 1887. Now, a bridge to Orchid Island bears his name.

At its current, 150-acre aquafarm in Fellsmere, Parabel can harvest 40 tons (before drying) of Lemnaceae per day during peak growing periods when the weather is warm, which is, obviously, most of the time here in Indian River County. The water lentil is capable of doubling itself every 24 to 36 hours.

“We had many friends, restaurants and activities we liked, and, of course, the beautiful beach,” says Rena. “How could we leave this wonderful place? The answer was to become possibly the only snowbirds from Turkey ..."

In its 150-year history, Findlay Galleries has sold paintings by major artists, including Mary Cassatt, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Along with their renown, these names speak to the range of artistic styles that Findlay Galleries has represented: from the French impressionism of Monet and the American Cassatt to the surrealism of Dalí to the cubism of Picasso.

William Bartram traveled to Florida during the 1770s, coming from Pennsylvania and trekking as far south as Sebastian. A sign near Riverview Park in Sebastian marks the area as a site on what is today known as the William Bartram Trail. The sign commemorates his “great journey to study the flora, fauna and peoples of Florida.”

As Vero Beach continues to grow and move forward, our historic airport will, no doubt, continue to play a key role in the community.

So what does the future hold for the now-32-year-old who, as his father says, basically oversees every aspect of the business and is in the process of spearheading a new company initiative? Where does he see himself in five, 10, 15 years?

It took almost two years before the Bells finally found the perfect property in Central Beach. The problem was that it came complete with a classic 1950s cinder block house and carport. Both had to go.

“The impact UP has made throughout the last year is a true testament to our dedicated staff’s collective embodiment of our purpose, which is to inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency. Everyone here has a heart for the mission.”

Over the years, the Garden Club has been quietly beautifying Vero Beach, one project at a time.

Oprah once told Chris Madden to "leave your footprint on this planet.” The interior design star and Vero Beach resident is doing exactly that — one sandy toe at a time.

Discover the age of British East Florida — a brief but colorful period in Floridian history.

Whether they are planning their next pickleball game or kayak adventure, relaxing by the waterfront pool or enjoying happy hour on the balcony while watching dolphins cavort in their cove, Sally and Bruce Taylor are delighted they traded up to a “forever” second home in John’s Island that embraces their casual lifestyle and can grow with their grandchildren.

Vero Beach lawyer John M. Stewart has the reputation for tackling tough issues for the good of The Florida Bar and its members, even though they may be controversial.

For VBMA Executive Director Brady Roberts, “Poetry of Nature” represents the fruition of long-standing plans. Shortly after his arrival at VBMA three years ago, he had reached out to his former colleague Linda S. Ferber, the New-York Historical Society’s museum director and executive vice president, about bringing Hudson River school paintings to Vero Beach.

Home is where you design it. Meet the Dudzik family and explore the John's Island villa they made their own.