Residents in Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie reported a loud sonic boom early Tuesday, according to multiple calls to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m., with witnesses describing a thunderous noise followed by a low rumble. One caller said the sound was so intense it rattled windows in their home on Ocean Drive. "It felt like an explosion," said Maria Gonzalez, who lives near the Indian River. "I thought maybe a plane had crashed." Local authorities confirmed receiving multiple reports but have not yet identified a cause. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lisa Ramirez said investigators are reviewing radar data and checking with nearby military installations. The U.S. Air Force’s 20th Air Force, which operates bases in the area, did not immediately comment. Sonic booms are typically caused by supersonic aircraft, though officials have not confirmed if a military or civilian flight was involved. The last reported sonic boom in the region occurred in March 2023, linked to a training mission over the Atlantic. Residents in both cities have grown accustomed to occasional disturbances from military activity, but the suddenness of this event has raised concerns. The sheriff’s office urged residents to remain calm and report any additional incidents. "We’re treating this as a priority," Ramirez said. "We’ll have answers for the community as soon as possible."