A six-member jury took only two hours to find Indian River County Administrator Joe Baird not guilty of DUI late Wednesday afternoon.

Baird, noticeably jubilant, sat with his attorney Bobby Guttridge as the court clerk read the verdict at 3:57 p.m. Baird then hugged his girlfriend and deferred comments to his attorney, before leaving the courthouse. (more…)

Martin County seniors scored above state and national averages on the SAT this year, though average scores fell slightly in each section.

State and national scores were released Tuesday by The College Board, which operates the SAT. The college entrance exam tests students in reading, math and writing. Colleges use results to help determine admission, but Florida students can use scores as an alternative way of earning a diploma if they have not passed the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

About 56.4 percent of Martin’s seniors took the SAT last year, scoring a combined average of 1,532 out of a possible 2,400. Each section counts for 800 points. The writing section was added in 2005.

Following the national trend, Martin students scored best on the math section, with an average score of 523. This year’s math score was a slight decrease from last year’s 526, but still remained above the state average of 498 and national average of 515.

In reading, Martin students averaged a 513, a slight decrease on last year’s score of 515. State average is 497 and national average is 501.

Writing scores were the lowest, with Martin students averaging a 496, a decrease from last year’s score of 498. State average is 480 and national average is 493.

Composite scores, which combine all three sections for a possible high of 2400, are as follows: Jensen Beach High, 1,530; Martin County High, 1,549; and South Fork High, 1,521. The state average is 1,475; the national average is 1,509.