STUART — Have you ever wondered why some of those markers on the water are red and some are green?

And why are they different shapes, anyway? Why shouldn’t I just wait until I need my life jacket to put it on?

What is the minimum length of boat that requires a second fire extinguisher — or a third?

Answers to these and many other questions will be yours just for taking the time to attend the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s program, About Boating Safely.
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ST. LUCIE COUNTY — After weeks of police officer training in a classroom, Indian River State College students move on to a small platform that provides a high-tech simulation of how they react in a real-life situation.

They’re given a weapon that only emits lasers and equipped with a belt that zaps them if they put themselves in danger.

“It teaches consequences if they make bad decisions,” Stephen Huntsberger, associate dean of Public Service Education for IRSC, said of the VirTra Systems simulator at the complex.

The simulator is one of the planned demonstrations at Friday’s public open house at the new Indian River State College Public Safety Complex.
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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Two of the youngest people to dial 911 this month were given a citizens award by Sheriff Deryl Loar for composure under pressure.

Amanda Reynolds, 8, and her brother Zachary, 7, of Indialantic were visiting their grandmother, Beverly Ferguson, of Vero Beach on July 1 when the 71-year-old was struck by a dizzy spell, she said. (more…)

PORT ST. LUCIE — One year ago, a 6-year-old autistic boy was brought to the front of his classroom. He left moments later feeling like an outcast.

For many, he became a symbol of how children with autism are mistreated and misunderstood.

Some experts say the case of Alex Barton, who was voted out of his kindergarten classroom 14-to-2, brought about change and awareness of how autistic children are educated. Others say there still is a long way to go. (more…)

STUART — J.D. Parker School of Science, Math & Technology will soon generate enough solar electricity to power five classrooms.

On Tuesday, Florida Power & Light announced it would install a new solar array at six schools in its service territory to help teach future generations about the benefits of renewable energy.

When FPL’s Next Generation Solar Education Station is complete, it will provide 5 kilowatts of solar electricity and provide students with a hands-on tool to learn how solar power works, according to a news release. The solar installation will save the school about $800 each year in electricity costs.

In May 2007, Palm City Elementary had a solar electricity array installed as part of the “SunSmart Schools” program, which generates enough energy to power the lights in the science building.

TCPalm.com

FORT PIERCE — Despite a sagging economy, graphic design using digital media is booming.

“Over 10,000 new jobs in graphic design become available in Florida each year,” said Jose Farinos, dean of advanced technology at Indian River State College. “And over 6,000 of them require a two-year college degree.”
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PORT ST. LUCIE — Former President Jimmy Carter cruised the St. Lucie River, mingled with friends and family at the local Club Med resort and helped raise more than $800,000 on Saturday to support the Carter Center.

Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and some of his children and grandchildren were in town this past weekend for the annual “Winter Weekend,” an event for supporters of the non-profit, Atlanta-based Carter Center, which promotes peace and health worldwide. (more…)

Wendy Portillo

Portillo got the suspension after a lengthy St. Lucie County Schools investigation into the incident. Alex was 5 years old last May when he was voted out by classmates. He was in the process of being diagnosed with a type of autism. (more…)

SEBASTIAN — A former Sebastian River High School teacher won’t face molestation charges after a Circuit Court judge accepted a settlement deal late Wednesday.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in May charged Aaron Scott Fusselman, 26, of the 7900 block of 100th Avenue, Vero Lake Estates, with a lewd and lascivious act on a person between 12 and 16 years old. The charge followed the accusations of a 15-year-old female student, authorities said. (more…)

Finding enough substitute teachers to fill in used to be a daily struggle for Treasure Coast school districts. But these days — likely thanks to the economy — school districts don’t have a problem getting substitutes.

“For the first time in the history of Martin County — and perhaps any county — we have more substitute teachers than we can actually use,” Martin County Schools Superintendent Nancy Kline said. “Our substitute base has grown exponentially.” (more…)