2021 Official Vero Beach Handbook

The guide to living i n the jewel of the Treasure Coast

MARTINA TANNERY

Still Special

When I moved here two years ago, my husband and I made it a point to get busy; we joined McKee Botanical Garden, went to shows at Riverside Theatre and tried different local restaurants every time we went out. I explored the shops on Ocean Drive, joined a church and a choral society, and met people who started out as friendly neighbors and soon became fast friends.

Then the pandemic hit, and life changed. Gone were our days of carefree exploration. With everyone else, we locked down in the spring, donned masks and took to getting takeout or cautiously dining outdoors.

I find that compiling an annual handbook as we approach the end of such an odd year is an exercise in both hope and nostalgia. Nostalgia for those days before any of us knew what it was like to experience a pandemic, and hope made easy by the resilience of this town.

It turns out that, even in hard times, Vero Beach is still a great place to live. Our wonderful weather, combined with uncrowded beaches, parks and preserves made it easy to find things to do outside. Creative business owners found ways to let us keep enjoying their food and browsing their products safely. Vero Beach Museum of Art and local galleries created virtual tours so that we wouldn’t have to spend a single day without art.

In that can-do spirit, we’re excited to bring you our 2021 Handbook. In it you’ll find a wealth of information, from where to order takeout to where to rent a boat to where to take a walk when you just want to unwind.

If you are visiting, welcome! If you live here, we hope you’ll find inspiration in these pages to try something new. Whatever 2021 has in store, we’re happy to meet it with you, here in this very special town.

Heather O'Shea, Editor in Chief

956 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 234-8871

verobeachmagazine.com

ELIZABETH MOULTON

Founder & CEO

CATHY HART Executive Office Manager

ROBIN HESSE

Senior Account Executive

TERI ARNOLD Senior Account Executive

HEATHER O'SHEA Editor in Chief

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH Senior Editor

MEGAN HYDE Community Engagement Editor

BETSY WHISMAN Proofreader

ANN TAYLOR Senior Writer

HEATHER BOTTO Creative Director

JANINE FISHER Senior Designer

TIFFANY FARIA Graphic Designer

Contributing Photographers

Annalise Anderson, Jared Blais, Renee Brady, Sarah Cail, Chris Fasolino, Matt Fulcher, Fred Gordon, Gregory Hills, Patrick Merrell, J. Patrick Rice, Teresa Lee Rushworth, Dustin Tackett, Martina Tannery

SUSAN LORENZ Distribution Coordinator

The Official Vero Beach Handbook is published annually by Moulton Media, Inc. as a supplement to Vero Beach Magazine. Entire contents copyright 2021 by Moulton Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not liable for errors or omissions. © 2021 Moulton Media, Inc.

Someplace Special

Welcome to Vero Beach, a seaside community like no other

Ask 10 people who weren't born here how they ended up in Vero Beach, and you're likely to hear a different version of the same story 10 times. The shortest one goes like this: I came for a visit, fell in love with the town and decided I had to live here. Of course, there are minor differences among stories; sometimes years had to pass between falling in love and settling in. Maybe there were children to be raised or homes to be built or careers to be nurtured. The common thread, though, is the realization that Vero Beach is someplace special.

Located in Indian River County, our relaxing oceanside community sits on Florida's Atlantic coast, about 140 miles north of Miami. Big-city ambience is close enough to visit, but far enough away to preserve our small-town charm. Residents here enjoy Florida's year-round balmy weather, reasonable cost of living and absence of state income tax. Full-time residents can also take advantage of the homestead exemption, a permanent reduction in property tax.

Our barrier island boasts 22 miles of spacious, uncrowded beaches graced with parking that is both ample and free. Scores of boutiques, galleries and local restaurants are in easy walking distance of beaches and parks. On the mainland, you'll find a thriving design district and historic downtown area filled with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and cafes.

Welcome to Vero Beach

Indian River County

we're glad you are here!

It's easy to live the outdoor life in Vero Beach, both on and off the water. Boaters, fishermen, sailors and paddlers explore the Indian River Lagoon and the coastal waters of the Atlantic, while surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers and sunbathers enjoy our ocean playground. For land lovers, nature preserves and hiking trails offer additional escapes from the indoors. Golfers will find beautiful courses and opportunities to play year-round.

Lovers of the arts have been drawn to Vero Beach for decades. The Vero Beach Museum of Art offers world-class exhibitions, such as the one opening this January featuring 40 paintings from the Hudson River School. Riverside Theatre brings professional productions to town, and Ballet Vero Beach and the Vero Beach Opera round out the performing arts offerings. Choral societies, symphonies and the Vero Beach Theatre Guild offer additional opportunities to be immersed in the arts.

When you are ready to put down roots, you'll find that Vero Beach has options to suit every taste. You can find oceanfront homes, houses with deep-water docks, and wide-open spaces to the west of town if you prefer to spread out. You will also find friendly neighbors ready to welcome you and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Indian River County has a rich history, including a robust agricultural legacy.

The Name Game

If you’ve ever crossed the Barber Bridge and wondered who Barber was, or visited Humiston Park and pondered the origin of its name, you may enjoy the list below.

• The MERRILL P. BARBER Bridge is named for a local businessman who served as the eighth mayor of Vero Beach and went on to serve two terms in Tallahassee as a state senator. His two daughters were the first to wield shovels at the 1993 groundbreaking for the current Barber Bridge.

• Vero Beach’s other bridge, known for over 30 years as the 17th Street Bridge, was renamed the ALMA LEE LOY Bridge in 2011, in honor of the businesswoman and Indian River County commissioner who was instrumental in bringing it into existence. A Vero Beach native and tireless public servant, Loy died in April 2020 at the age of 90.

• HUMISTON Park and HUMISTON Beach derive their names from DR. W.H. HUMISTON, a physician who settled in Vero Beach in 1919 and became a leader in the city’s beautification efforts.

• SEXTON Plaza and its adjacent beach bear the name of pioneer Vero Beach resident WALDO E. SEXTON — entrepreneur, rancher and antique collector extraordinaire.

• If you look closely, you may come across a reference to State Road 60 as OSCEOLA Boulevard. Vero Beach is also home to OSCEOLA Magnet School, and our neighboring county to the west is OSCEOLA County. Born Billy Powell in Alabama in 1804, OSCEOLA became a prominent Seminole leader in Florida.

• Speaking of State Road 60, you may have noticed a sign indicating that the 5-mile segment between 43rd Avenue and Interstate 95 is called “The RICHARD RACZKOWSKI Memorial Highway.” This designation was made in 2009 in memory of the only member of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office ever to have been killed in action. The 29-year-old deputy was shot by a suspect in 1986.

• Nestled in a residential area on the western side of the Indian River Lagoon is A.W. YOUNG Park, which is named after the first mayor of Vero Beach, ANTHONY W. YOUNG

• Another small residential park is found in the McAnsh Park neighborhood. The circular TROY MOODY Park is named in honor of a 1943 Vero Beach High School graduate who joined the U.S. Army and perished in the Korean War at the age of 25. Bonus: The neighborhood itself bears the name of its developer, Andrew McAnsh.

• MACWILLIAM Park, located near the eastern end of the Barber Bridge, has a familiar Vero Beach name that goes back to ALEXANDER MACWILLIAM SR. — World War I veteran, three-time mayor of Vero Beach, and member of the Florida House of Representatives.

• The “JOHN” of JOHN’s Island is believed to be JOHN LAROCHE, the Merritt Island citrus grower who, along with his brothers, first purchased land on John’s Island in the late 19th century.

• MCKEE Botanical Garden was founded as MCKEE Jungle Gardens by Cleveland industrialist and plant lover ARTHUR MCKEE, in partnership with Waldo Sexton, in 1932.

Welcome to Vero Beach

we're glad you are here!

The area has been especially well known for fine citrus products since the early 20th century and continues to grow delicious fruits today.

Vero Beach is also known for its aviation history. Vero Beach Regional Airport opened in 1930 and has served as a stop for Eastern Airlines, a naval air training station and finally as a general aviation airport — an airport that is, by sheer numbers of takeoffs and landings, the eighth busiest in Florida and the 41st busiest in the United States.

In 1957, Piper Aircraft selected Vero Beach as its research and development center and moved all manufacturing and administration here in 1961. Founder of Flight Safety International Albert Lee Ueltschi spent his winters in town, and in 1966, Flight Safety Academy made Vero Beach its home. Thousands of pilots from around the globe have received their training here. Today, whether you’re interested in learning to fly, chartering or purchasing a plane, or maintaining one you already own, you will find exceptional services here in Vero Beach.

Indian River County also includes the neighboring town of Sebastian, which is home to Triton, a pioneering producer of private submarines. Founded in 2007, the company deploys submersibles worldwide, including the first submersible to reach the deepest points of all five of the planet's oceans.

Another "claim to fame" for Vero Beach is that it was the spring training home of the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, who trained at Dodgertown for more than 50 years. Old-timers remember Jackie Robinson taking the field at the first integrated spring training facility in the South. Now known as the Jackie Robinson Training Complex and used by Major League Baseball for youth baseball development programs, the site was added to the Civil Rights Trail in 2019.

Finally, some of the things you won't find in Vero Beach might surprise you. Careful planning has kept our beaches largely free of high-rise development. Growth is managed thoughtfully by city and county planners to maintain the best qualities of small-town life. And the county's three bridges connecting the island and mainland mean you'll never waste a moment of a sunny day sitting in traffic.

Vero Beach, to put it simply, is a special seaside town. We're glad you're here.

Welcome to Vero Beach

glad you are here!

we're

This & That

Out of this World

Space exploration brings out the sense of wonder in all of us. Here in Vero Beach, we're lucky to be able to view rocket launches from NASA's Kennedy Space Center just by going outside and spreading a blanket on the beach. To get the latest information on upcoming scheduled launches, visit nasa.gov or spacex.com.

Night Lights

With our clear skies and uncluttered skyline, Vero Beach is the perfect place to stargaze. Spread your blanket, get comfortable and lift your eyes to the heavens. Nightlife takes on a whole new meaning this year.

Astronomical Events in 2021

Jan. 2 Peak of Quadrantid Meteor Shower

March 20 Vernal Equinox

April 21 Peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower

April 27 ................................................................

Supermoon

May 5 .............. Peak of Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

May 26 .........................Partial Lunar Eclipse 6:27 a.m.

June 21 ..................................................... Summer Solstice

June 24

Supermoon

Aug. 2 Best Visibility of Saturn

Aug. 12 Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower

Aug. 19 Best Visibility of Jupiter

Sept. 22 Autumnal Equinox

Oct. 8 Peak of Draconid Meteor Shower

Nov. 4 Best Visibility of Uranus (Binoculars)

Nov. 17 Peak of Leonid Meteor Shower

Nov. 19 ......................... Partial Lunar Eclipse 4:02 a.m.

Dec. 21 ...........................................................Winter Solstice

Seasonal Bounty

Nothing beats the delicious taste of eating local! Here are the times when you will find your favorites at their freshest. A few local farms will even let you pick your own!

Citrus

Ruby Red Grapefruit November–May

White Grapefruit ................................. November–May

Clementines November–December

Hamlin Oranges October–December

Honeybell Oranges .................... January–February

Mandarin Oranges December–January

Navel Oranges ............................ November–January

Temple Oranges January–March

Valencia Oranges...................................... March–June

Tangelos

November–January

Tangerines November–March

Good Migrations

While Vero Beach is a great place for birders all year long, October and November are the months to begin watching for snowbirds of the nonhuman sort. A colorful variety of warblers and other songbirds winter here, so keep an eye (and an ear) out for them. Many species of ducks can also be found in our area in late fall and winter. Other birds, such as sandpipers, plovers, gulls and terns, spend much of the year here but head far north over the summer to breed.

Blueberries

April–May

Mangoes ............................................... May–September

Pineapples June–August

Strawberries

December–April

Watermelon April–July

The (Un)Lovable Love Bug

Twice a year, Plecia nearctica comes to town. The creatures of this species must have a pretty slick publicist, because we know them as love bugs — so named because they are almost always seen as mating pairs rather than as individuals. The species gradually made its way north from Central America, arriving in the United States in the early part of the 20th century and in Florida in the 1940s. For most of the year, they lie low, but in May and September they swarm — some years you hardly know they're here, and others it's a bit like a scene from the book of Exodus. We advise you to remember two things: First, the sooner you remove them from your car, the easier it is and the better it is for your car’s paint. Second, they won't be here long; within a few weeks they will become a mere memory — until next time.

Male hooded merganser

we're glad you are here!

History in Our Midst

The National Register of Historic Places lists more than 90,000 sites of historical, cultural or architectural significance in the United States. Twenty-nine are right here in Indian River County: 13 within the city limits of Vero Beach, seven in Sebastian, four in Fellsmere, one in Orchid, and four in other areas of the county. Some are well known, others less so. Some are accessible to the public, while others are private property. Below is a sampling of six that should prove interesting to both longtime residents and newcomers.

Indian River County Courthouse (“Old Courthouse”)

After more than a decade of temporary housing for its judicial business, Indian River County built a proper courthouse at 2145 14th Ave. The two-story, 24,000-square-foot facility, designed in the art moderne style by W.H. Garns & Sons and built by William Hensick & Son, was completed in 1937. It was listed on the National Register in 1999. Today, it is the Courthouse Executive Center; the original main courtroom serves as a banquet hall.

Marian Fell Library

Marian Fell was the daughter of Fellsmere’s founding father, E. Nelson Fell. As a result of extensive travel related to her father’s mining interests, including four years in a remote region of the Russian Empire, Marian Fell attained fluency in Russian and became a published translator of Russian literature. She donated her royalties to the Fellsmere Library Association, and, in 1915, a small library was built at 63 North Cypress St. in Fellsmere. The 800-square-foot single-story frame structure, which is part of the Indian River County Library system, won a place on the National Register in 1996.

MARTINA TANNERY FRED GORDON

we're glad you are here!

Welcome to Vero Beach

Old Palmetto Hotel

Built in 1921, expanded in 1926, converted to apartments in 1930, renovated in 1990 and listed on the National Register in 1991, this lovely building stands at 1889 Old Dixie Hwy. in Vero Beach. Though privately owned and not accessible to the public, it is easily viewed and appreciated from the road or sidewalk.

Hallstrom House

Axel Hallstrom was one of Vero’s many early-20thcentury Scandinavian settlers. He established a pineapple plantation and completed the main house, a two-story brick structure, in 1918. In 1999, his daughter, Ruth Hallstrom, bequeathed the 5-acre property to the Indian River County Historical Society. The farmstead, located at 1723 Old Dixie Hwy. SW, was added to the National Register in 2002.

Vero Beach Woman’s Club

Built in 1916, expanded in 1926 and listed in 1995, the Woman’s Club building served for four decades as the community’s only library facility. Still owned by the Woman’s Club, today it serves as a meeting and event space. It is located at 1534 21st St. — next door to the Indian River County Main Library, built in 1991.

Sebastian Grammar and Junior High School

Recognized by the National Register in 2001 for its educational, social and architectural significance, the school was built in 1928 in the Mediterranean Revival style with a terra cotta roof. Today it is part of the Sebastian City Hall complex at 1235 Main St. It also houses the Sebastian Area Historical Museum.

MARTINA TANNERY

MARTINA TANNERY

FRED GORDON

As a Matter of Fact

★ The city of Vero Beach celebrated its centennial in 2019. Indian River County will do so in 2025.

★ Lakela’s mint is a critically endangered plant species that is native to a narrow strip of land in southern Indian River and northern St. Lucie counties and nowhere else in the world.

★ In the 1950s and early ‘60s, Vero Beach had its own synchronized swimming team, the Dolphinettes, which performed locally and around the country and even appeared in the Esther Williams film “Easy to Love.”

★ When President Theodore Roosevelt established the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903, Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon became the first national wildlife refuge.

★ Prince Charles played polo at Windsor in Vero Beach on Feb. 18, 1989.

★ Until the mid-1990s, State Road 60 in Vero Beach was a single four-lane road. The “Twin Pairs” project split the highway into two multilane roadways — one eastbound and one westbound — one block apart.

★ William Jennings Bryan spoke at the festivities inaugurating the newly formed Indian River County on June 29, 1925.

★ The “old library” building on 20th Place, now the home of Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, was built in the early 1960s in the likeness of books on a shelf.

★ It snowed in Vero Beach on Jan. 19, 1977.

The Dolphinettes pose for a newspaper publicity shot in eyecatching red suits by the pool of the Sea Cove Cottages near South Beach.

Dining Delights

If

Restaurants

Fine Dining

Amalfi Grill 772-564-8218 398 21st St. amalfigrille.net ●

Citron Bistro 772-231-6556 6260 Hwy. A1A, Village Shops citronvero.com ● ●

Citrus 772-234-4114 1050 Easter Lily Lane  citrusgrillhouse.com ● ●

Cobalt............................772-469-1060 Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa 3500 Ocean Drive cobaltrestaurant.com ● ●

Di Mare Vero Beach 772-234-2809 1517 Ocean Drive  dimareverobeach.com ● ●

Fire and Wine 772-794-7587 2950 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) fireandwineverobeach.com ●

Heaton’s Vero Beach ................ 772-469-4444 3500 Ocean Drive heatonsverobeach.com ● ●

Joey & Kimmy’s Seafood Market & Restaurant 772-918-8855  1800 U.S. Hwy. 1 joeyandkimmys.com ●

Maison Martinique 772-231-7299 1603 Ocean Drive thecaribbeancourt.com ● ●

Ocean Grill 772-231-5409 1050 Beachland Blvd. ocean-grill.com ●

Polo Grill ....................... 772-231-4090 2855 Ocean Drive pgvero.com ● ●

Savor ............................... 772-925-1187 901 21st St. savorvero.com ●

The Tides ..................... 772-234-3966  3103 Cardinal Drive tidesofvero.com ● ●

Vero Prime ................... 772-226-7870  2023 14th Ave. veroprime.com ●

Vinz ................................. 772-234-3341 4885 Hwy. A1A vinzinvero.com ● ●

The Wave...................... 772-410-0100 3244 Ocean Drive costadeste.com ● ●

Casual Dining

Wilke's 14 Bones Barbecue .................... 772-770-5646 1500 U.S. Hwy. 1 14bones.com ● ●

Barefoot Cafe ............. 772-770-1733 2036 14th Ave. thebarefootcafe.com ● ●

Bobby’s Restaurant & Lounge 772-231-6996 3450 Ocean Drive ● ●

Capt. Hiram’s 772-388-8588 1580 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant ● ●

Heaton's Vero Beach

Casey’s Place 772-231-4790 917 Azalea Lane caseysplace.net ● ●

Chelsea’s 772-234-8300 3201 Cardinal Drive chelseasgourmet.com ● ●

Chill & Grill ................... 772-562-5477 7401 U.S. Hwy. 1 chillandgrillverobeach.wordpress. com ● ●

Chive ............................. 772-999-5452 390 21st St. chiveverobeach.com ● ●

C.J. Cannon’s .............. 772-567-7727 at Vero Beach Regional Airport 3414 Cherokee Drive cjcannonsrestaurant.com ● ●

The Crab Stop 772-257-5221 89 Royal Palm Pointe crabstopofverobeach.com ● ●

Earl’s Hideaway 772-589-5700 1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian earlshideaway.com ● ● First Watch ................. 772-807-3447 500 21st St. firstwatch.com ● ●

The Fishack ................. 772-770-0977 1931 Old Dixie Hwy. fishackverobeach.com ● ●

Green Marlin.............. 772-999-5248 1475 U.S. Hwy. 1 thegreenmarlin.com ● ●

Kilted Mermaid ........ 772-569-5533 1937 Old Dixie Hwy. kiltedmermaid.com ● ●

Kountry Kitchen 772-567-6733 1749 Old Dixie Hwy. ●

La Tabla 772-205-2772 29 Royal Palm Pointe latablavero.com ●

Lemon Tree 772-231-0858 3125 Ocean Drive lemontreevero.com ●

Marsh Landing 772-571-8622 44 N. Broadway St., Fellsmere marshlandingrestaurant.com ● ●

Michael’s on 7th 772-213-8554 2217 7th Ave. michaelson7th.com ● ●

Mr. Manatee’s 7 72-569-9151 30 Royal Palm Pointe mrmanatees.com ● ●

MARTINA TANNERY

Riverside Cafe

Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station 772-564-8400 951 Old Dixie Hwy. mrsmacs.com ●

Mulligan's 772-492-6744 1025 Beachland Blvd. mulligansbeachhouse.com ● ●

Ono Luau 772-999-2657 2045 13th Ave. ● ●

Post & Vine 772-907-5159 1919 14th Ave. postandvinevb.com ● ●

The Red Onion Eatery 772-492-8881 3001 Ocean Drive redonioneatery.com ● ●

Riverside Cafe .......... 772-234-5550 3341 Bridge Plaza Drive riversidecafe.com ● ●

Sealantro ..................... 772-492-3614 2060 6th Ave. sealantro.com ● ●

Seaside Grill .................. 772-231-1911 at Jaycee Park 4200 Ocean Drive ● ●

Southern Social 772-205-2212 1932 14th Ave. eatsouthernsocial.com ●

Sun Market Sauce Co. 7 72-913-2628 Old Dixie Hwy. sunmarketsauceco.com ● ●

Waldo’s .......................... 772-231-7091 Driftwood Resort 3150 Ocean Drive historicwaldos.com ● ●

Wood ‘n Spoon 772-217-3132 2015 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) woodnspoon.biz ● ●

Asian Kata .............................. 772-564-8883 1306 20th St. katamenu.com ● ●

Sake ................................ 772-978-9798 42 Royal Palm Pointe sakemenus.com ● ●

Siam Orchid ............... 772-999-5279 762 21st St. ●

Sumo House 772-770-0835 713 17th St. sumohousevb.com ●

Viet Bowl 772-999-3967 692 21st St. ●

International Inti .................................... 772-257-6652 2199 7th Ave. intivero.net ●

Irish Kelley’s Irish Pub ...... 7 72-567-3838 484 21st St. ●

Rosie Malloy’s Pub .... 772-562-7125 1125 21st St. ●

Sean Ryan Pub 772-217-2183 2019 14th Ave. seanryanspubvero.com ● ●

Italian

Baci Trattoria 772-794-4747 1918 14th Ave. bacivero.com ● ●

Francesca’s Italian Kitchen .......... 772-257-5540 3001 Ocean Drive francescasverobeach.com ●

Italian Grill .................. 772-567-6640 2180 58th Ave. italiangrill.com ● ●

Italian Kitchen 772-569-0060 2121 14th Ave. custominternetco.com/ italiankitchen ● ●

Johnny D’s Market & Bistro ........................... 772-234-4181 1409 Hwy. A1A johnnydsvero.com ●

Nino’s Cafe .................... 772-231-9311 1006 Easter Lily Lane ninosrestaurants.com ● ●

Nino’s Corner 772-562-0276 4236 20th St. ninosrestaurants.com ● ●

Pizzoodles 772-567-4160 56 Royal Palm Pointe pizzoodles.com ● ●

Cravings 772-231-0208 3149 Ocean Drive cravingsbymail.com ● ●

Frosting 772-234-2915 2915 Cardinal Drive eatfrostingcupcakes.com ●

Grind + Grape ............ 772-231-5536 925 Bougainvillea Lane grindandgrape.com ● ●

Tasty-O Donuts ........ 772-567-5505 1700 14th Ave. ● ●

Rio Coco Cafe 772-492-6794 1412 21st St. riococobeans.com ● ●

Rio Coco Cafe 772-226-5760 3300 43rd Ave. riococobeans.com ● ●

Vero Caffe 772-538-9500 3225 Cardinal Drive ● ●

Tea

Tea and Chi ................ 7 72-563-0620 2044 14th Ave. teaandchi.com ● ●

Gourmet Markets

Alimentari ................... 772-999-5483 6220 Hwy. A1A Village Shops alimentarigm.com

Countryside Family Farms 772-581-0999 6325 81st St. countrysidefamilyfarms.com

Village Beach Market ............................7 72-231-2338 4905 Hwy. A1A

villagebeachmarket.com

Breweries

American Icon Brewery ........................ 772-934-4266 1133 19th Place americaniconbrewery.com ● ●

Brewing Company 7 72-571-5693 712 Cleveland St., Sebastian pareidoliabrewing.com ●

Tree Brewery 772-217-3502 3209 Dodger Road walkingtreebrewery.com ●

Alimentari

Nightlife

Sit back, relax and enjoy live music at these local establishments. Outdoor Seating

Capt. Hiram’s 772-388-8588

1580 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant ●

Grind + Grape ............ 772-231-5536 925 Bougainvillea Lane grindandgrape.com ●

Marsh Landing .......... 772-571-8622 44 N. Broadway St., Fellsmere marshlandingrestaurant.com

Kilted Mermaid ........ 772-569-5533 1937 Old Dixie Hwy. kiltedmermaid.com ●

Post & Vine 772-907-5159 1919 14th Ave. postandvinevb.com ●

Riverside Cafe 772-234-5550 3341 Bridge Plaza Drive riversidecafe.com ● Vinz 772-234-3341 4885 Hwy. A1A ● Waldo’s 772-231-7091

Driftwood Resort 3150 Ocean Drive historicwaldos.com ●

Shaved Fennel and Grapefruit Salad

Servings: 2 for dinner/4 as a side dish

If you’ve never had shaved fennel, you’re in for a treat. It’s crunchy and aromatic, with a light, bright flavor that perfectly complements the citrus. This salad can stand alone as a light supper when it’s simply too hot to cook, or you can serve it alongside grilled shrimp or fish. Leftovers will save nicely for lunch the next day. The fennel will soften a bit and the flavors will meld if you let the dish sit out on the counter a bit before serving. If you prefer, you can substitute navel oranges for grapefruit or use a combination of the two. Castelvetrano olives provide the perfect flavor here, but if you can’t find those, any green olives will work.

1 large fennel bulb, washed, with stalks and fronds removed

2 large grapefruit, peeled

Juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the fennel bulb into the thinnest strips you can. Put shaved fennel into a large bowl and set aside.

Cut away white pith from grapefruit and cut in half, top to bottom. Segment the fruit into slices, lifting them away from their membranes, so you are left with just the juicy fruit. In a bowl, combine grapefruit slices and shaved fennel, adding in any juices that pooled on the cutting board. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and toss all ingredients (with your hands is best).

Add honey, olive oil, salt and pepper and give it another generous toss, then let the bowl sit on the counter for at least 5 minutes. If you have time to spare, let the fennel and citrus sit out a bit longer to soften.

Cut avocado in half and remove the pit, then slice into segments and remove from skin. Divide fennel and citrus mixture into bowls, then top with sliced avocado, pistachios and green olives. Grab a fork and dig in.

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 avocado

¼ cup shelled raw pistachios

¼ cup pitted and chopped green olives

Recently, Berlingieri spent three weeks with a client viewing properties, when Berlingieri showed him a three-story oceanfront Jensen Beach residence, the client knew this $4,450,000 property would be his new home. The client’s best friend Dr. Ben Carson was along for the tour. One example of the distinguished properties he has handled is the former estate of famous actress and singer Frances Langford. Many celebrities had made themselves at home there, including one of her husbands boat magnate Ralph Evinrude. Her friends Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason also visited so regularly that they had private suites with their names above the doors. The Polynesian-themed residence took a full hour to tour!

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, Robbie Berlingieri has the experience to meet your needs, and he looks forward to accompanying you on your unique real estate journey.

Broker Associate Robbie Berlingieri of Billero & Billero Properties has lived on the Treasure Coast for 40 years.

He is fluent in both English and Spanish and has experience with buyers from all over the globe. Berlingieri finds it exhilarating to work with each buyer to find the home that is the perfect match, especially when the process involves taking the client on tours of properties with fascinating histories or celebrity connections.

Robbie Berlingieri from Billero & Billero Properties sells a

Farm Fresh Produce Stands

Indian River County’s history is steeped in agriculture, and many farmers are carrying on this venerable tradition. Some run wholesale businesses, some are accessible to the public, and others blend the two. The farms and farm stands listed below sell their products to the public by various means. When contacting and visiting farms and stands, please bear in mind that many are open only seasonally and may not keep regular hours.

Ecotone Farm

13945 89th St., Fellsmere

772-713-9276

ecotonefarm.net

Jerry and Tamara Renick began their farm in 2012 with one greenhouse for hydroponic lettuce and leafy greens. They have expanded to several greenhouses and shade houses and have added other crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. They sell their produce to many local restaurants and country clubs, and have begun opening their farm stand to the public on Saturday mornings. Ecotone also hosts farm-to-table events.

Farm Girls Produce Stand

772-538-1573

farmgirlsproduce.com

This relatively new operation is a delivery-only service at this time. Farm Girls grows much of its own produce and also networks with other local farmers. Locally raised meat, eggs, honey, breads, milk and more are also available.

Five Acre Farm

1030 90th Ave.

772-360-8812

fiveacrefarmvb.com

This farm sells a variety of handpicked local produce, farm-fresh eggs from free-range chickens, and local raw honey. Delivery is available.

Birdie Hogan Farm

1800 66th Ave.

772-205-1321

birdiehogan.com

The Hogan Farm is a fourthgeneration family business established in 1918 as a tomato farm. Today the farm specializes in grass-fed cattle as well as vegetables and citrus. Birdie Hogan Farm can be visited by appointment, and its products are sold November through May at Schacht Groves Farm Store.

Countryside Citrus

Farm and Retail Store

6325 81st St.

772-581-0999

Beachside Retail Store and El Sid Taqueria

3300 Ocean Drive

772-234-8299

countrysidecitrus.com

The farm sells and ships citrus, gift baskets and gourmet products and holds periodic events on the property. The beachside store sells tacos and ice cream.

Farmers Market Oceanside

2901 Ocean Drive

772-410-8376

verobeachoba.com

farmersmarketdropoff.com

Many vendors participate in this event every Saturday 8 a.m.–noon across from Humiston Park. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Farmers Market initiated a drop-off service that has been very successful. In addition to fruits and vegetables, Farmers Market Oceanside products include baked goods, meats, cheeses, pasta, sauces, honey, teas, soaps and more.

Hale Groves

1-800-562-4502

halegroves.com

Founded in 1947 by Steve and Polly Hale as a roadside fruit stand, Hale Groves is now the largest shipper of Florida gift fruit. Florida citrus and mangos, Georgia peaches, and various other fruits and gourmet gift items are available for order.

Countryside Citrus

MARTINA TANNERY

Breaking Bread

Kroegel Homestead Produce

11200 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-925-2768

kroegelproduce.us

The stand, which sells locally grown produce and specializes in year-round vine-ripe tomatoes, is owned by Tim Timinsky, a fifth-generation Sebastian native and grandson of Paul Kroegel, who was instrumental in the designation of Pelican Island as the United States’ first national wildlife refuge.

Nature Farms

9150 U.S. 1, Sebastian 772-538-6066

naturefarmsinc.weebly.com

Indian River County was once a major hub for pineapple farms. Today, commercial pineapple farms are scarce everywhere in the continental U.S. Mark Dellerman, a third-generation farmer, switched from citrus to pineapples in 2003. On Saturdays during the June–August pineapple season, he opens a roadside stand at his 25-acre farm just north of Vero Beach.

Osceola Organic Farm

6980 33rd St. 772-834-1103

osceolaorganicfarm.com

Owned by Kevin O’Dare and open to the public on a seasonal basis, the farm has been certified organic since 1996 by Quality Certification Services. Baby lettuce, tomatoes, seasonal vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are grown on the premises.

Peterson Groves

3375 66th Ave. 772-562-6900

petersongroves.com

Eric and Tiffany Barkwell, both from a citrus background, purchased the farm in 2013 to carry on the work the Peterson family began a century earlier. The stand sells a variety of grapefruit, tangerines and oranges as well as other fruits and vegetables, honey, farm-fresh eggs and an assortment of gift items.

Kroegel Homestead Produce

MARTINA TANNERY

Poinsettia Groves

1481 U.S. Hwy. 1

772-562-3356

poinsettiagroves.com

This family-owned fruit company, named for the poinsettias the owner planted in front of the packinghouse in the late 1940s, has been shipping Indian River citrus since 1947. The grove store and packinghouse is open mid-September through May and sells citrus fruit and juice, marmalades, jellies, local honey and candy.

Schacht Groves

6100 12th St. 772-562-5858

schachtgroves.com

The Schachts are a fourgeneration citrus family whose 145-acre farm includes indoor and outdoor venues that are available for a variety of events. The farm store offers citrus fruit and juice, local produce, a variety of local honey, frozen treats made from the grove’s juice, candy, gourmet goodies and gift items.

Treasure Coast Harvest 6174 Hwy. A1A

Village Shops 772-231-1066

tcharvest.com

The charming Village Shops on Highway A1A support local agriculture by hosting Treasure Coast Harvest, a seasonal weekly farmers market representing several vendors of locally grown produce, meat, eggs, honey and more.

Young’s Market

4233 20th St. 772-569-4811

Serving Vero Beach since 1980, Young’s carries farm-fresh produce both in season and out, exotic imports, Asian grocery items, honey and more.

Zesty Fox Farm

772-473-1341

zestyfoxfarm.com

Owner Inna Basanets specializes in microgreens, of which she grows many types. In addition to home delivery, Zesty Fox products are available at the Oceanside Farmer’s Market and local farm stands, including Farm Girls Produce.

Peterson Groves MARTINA TANNERY

A Shopping Sensation

Make a day of it!

Sophisticated shoppers searching for one-of-a-kind items will delight in the myriad opportunities to shop in Vero Beach. Great customer service, coupled with creativity and loyal relationships, have enabled thriving local businesses to weather the pandemic and keep their doors open to welcome new shoppers.

The Oceanside Business District on and around Ocean Drive is a great place to start exploring. Its clothing shops, jewelry stores, salons, galleries and boutiques are filled with merchandise you won't find anywhere else. Along the way, a bevy of cafes and restaurants welcomes you to relax and refresh mid-shopping. On Saturday mornings, you'll also find fresh local produce, a great cup of coffee and artisanal goods at the Oceanside Farmers Market.

Safe Shopping

Even with great news about a vaccination, COVID-19 seems poised to remain in our lives for at least part of 2021. Local business owners are doing their best to provide the same great shopping experience we have grown used to, while taking extra steps to ensure we can shop in safety. Let's help them out and show our concern for each other by donning our masks. We can be confident that beneath that helpful fabric, we're greeting each other with grateful smiles.

Driving a short distance north along Highway A1A, you'll encounter the Village Beach Market , full of gourmet items, and Pelican Plaza, where you'll find additional clothing and gift boutiques as well as a florist, salon, restaurants and more. A little farther north at the Village Shops, a charming enclave awaits. Here you can

stroll under moss-draped oak trees as you browse. Apparel and gift boutiques, as well as an art gallery, stationery store, garden shop and gourmet market stand ready to welcome you.

Across the Barber Bridge on the mainland, Royal Palm Pointe offers waterfront shopping, dining, boating and

medical services. A large public park with docks and an interactive fountain for the kids offers a nice place to relax after a busy day on your feet.

Miracle Mile, paralleling Route 60, is yet another hub of shopping action in Vero Beach. Publix and The Fresh Market grocery stores can be found there, as

well as additional restaurants, clothing and consignment shops, a jeweler, an independent bookstore and more.

Some towns would be thrilled to have five local shopping destinations, but Vero Beach isn't finished yet. We've got a few more stops for you on your shopping journey. You won't want to miss the

Village Shops

MARTINA TANNERY

Shop Around

chance to stroll along 14th Avenue in historic downtown Vero Beach, where numerous art galleries and design studios are nestled among cafes, a tea shop and an array of casual dining establishments. Residents and visitors alike flock to the area for a gallery stroll on the first Friday of each month. You'll also want to explore our emerging design district along U.S. 1, where you can shop for flooring, lighting, cabinetry and more. Finally, on the western edge of town, the Indian River Mall and Vero Beach Outlets, home to Florida's only DWR (Design Within Reach) Outlet store, offer additional shopping opportunities.

MARTINA TANNERY

14th Avenue

Thank You for Shopping Local

Shopping locally benefits our community in many ways. When the pandemic struck, our local businesses took extraordinary measures to find creative ways to continue serving customers. In return, loyal customers made sure to patronize struggling shops, ensuring that our community would emerge from this challenge as vibrant and exciting as ever. Here are just a few ways that shopping local makes Vero Beach a better place to live.

1 JOBS: Local business owners provide good jobs for residents of all ages.

2 SERVICE: Small businesses hire knowledgeable, engaged employees and place a strong emphasis on getting to know each customer. We all love that feeling of being greeted by name in our favorite stores.

3. INDIVIDUALITY: Local businesses add to the personality of Vero Beach, keeping our town fresh, original and vibrant.

4 . ECONOMY: Shopping locally keeps your money circulating in Vero Beach, where you can see every day how it benefits the entire community.

5. PHILANTHROPY: Thriving local businesses have a deep commitment to their neighbors and are likely to be generous supporters of nonprofit organizations that meet local needs.

6. INVENTORY: Local businesses are free to stock their shelves with items that are tailored toward their own clientele. They know exactly what is happening in Vero Beach right now and what you are going to need for it. In a town like ours, rich with small businesses, you can count on one of them having exactly what you are looking for.

Humiston Park Beach

A Bevy of Beaches

Come on in, the water's fine!

The beaches of Indian River County, all 22 miles of them, are gorgeous and generally uncrowded. With 13 public access points to choose from, each offering different amenities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for all your favorite beach activities. Four public beaches are within the Vero Beach city limits, while the others fall under the county’s jurisdiction. As in any natural environment, it's important to be aware of potential hazards; we encourage everyone to be safety conscious when entering the water and to look to our helpful and highly trained lifeguards for guidance.

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Beachfront Parks

Beach

Boat Dock

Boat Launch

Camping

Dogs Allowed

Equestrian Access

Fishing

Lifeguard

Parking

Playground

Picnic Tables

Rentable Space

Restrooms

Tennis

Walking Trails

Tracking Station Park 800 46th Place, N. Highway A1A

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

Sexton Plaza Beach Sexton Plaza at the east end of Beachland Blvd

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Round Island

Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Indian River County beaches from north to south:

Sebastian Inlet State Park is located about 7 miles north of County Road 510 (Wabasso Bridge) and offers surfing, fishing, picnic pavilions, walking trails, a campground, a boat ramp, restrooms, showers and beach wheelchairs. Events such as the Night Sounds concert series also take place at the park. Like other state and national parks, Sebastian Inlet State Park charges an entrance fee, but we're confident you'll find the experience well worth the cost.

Ambersand Beach is just to the south, about 6 miles north of County Road 510. This beach is unguarded and has no amenities — no man-made ones, that is. Ambersand is a quiet spot located within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a 248-acre property designed to protect habitat in this important sea turtle nesting area.

Treasure Shores, just 3 miles north of County Road 510, is known for its sand dunes and

Sebastian Inlet

wide open beach vistas. The beach is unguarded, but amenities include a pirate ship-themed playground, restrooms, showers and walking trails.

Golden Sands is another beach park that is part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. It is guarded during the day and includes

a playground, restroom facilities, showers and picnic pavilions.

Wabasso Beach Park is found at the east end of the Wabasso Bridge and offers picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, showers, boardwalk and other amenities, including lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Seagrape Trail Beach, an unguarded beach a half-mile south of County Road 510, is pristine and secluded. It has been the site of many coin discoveries related to the 1715 Treasure Fleet.

Turtle Trail Beach is peaceful and private. It’s unguarded, but it is a great place to plant your chair and

MARTINA TANNERY

Jaycee Beach

umbrella and dive into your latest beach read.

Tracking Station Beach, located near the CVS pharmacy, is popular among local surfers and has lifeguards on duty from 9:10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

Jaycee Beach, just two miles north of the Merrill Barber Bridge, is

Sun, Sand, Surf and Safety

Of all the places to go and things to see in Indian River County, the beach holds a special place in all of our hearts. It is breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful, equally suited for meditation and recreation. The information on this page will help you stay safe as you enjoy the sun, sand and surf.

Safety begins before you leave the house, because protecting your skin from the sun’s rays will not only keep you looking younger longer, it helps prevent skin cancer. Beach excursions that avoid the sun’s peak hours are smart, so early morning and early evening visits are best.

When it comes to sun protection, we often think first of sunscreen, but it really begins with clothing. Long sleeves, pants and hats go a long way toward protecting your skin. Now for the sunscreen. There are two types: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and octisalate that filter out UV rays. Research is ongoing as to the degree to which these chemicals are absorbed into the skin and the effects that may arise from long-term use. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which form a physical barrier to the sun’s rays. Do your homework and consult your dermatologist in order to make the best sunscreen decisions for your needs.

When you arrive at a guarded beach (a must if you’re entering the water), one of the first things you will see is the flag flying at the lifeguard station. These colorcoded flags provide a wealth of information, even before your toes touch the sand.

GREEN

The coveted green flag indicates calm conditions and low hazard. A certain degree of caution is always called for, but if the green flag is flying, you’re probably in for lots of fun in smooth seas.

YELLOW

The commonly seen yellow flag signifies medium hazard due to moderate surf and/or currents. Entering the water is permitted, but extra caution is advised.

RED

If you see the red flag, you’ll be wise to stay out of the water due to high hazard risk brought on by high surf and/or rip currents. Don’t take chances; there will be plenty of other times to enjoy the ocean.

DOUBLE RED

If the lifeguard is flying two red flags, one atop the other, he or she has closed the water to the public due to extremely hazardous conditions unsuitable for even the strongest swimmers, such as extremely rough surf, rip currents or even a shark sighting.

PURPLE

A purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life. Jellyfish are a common culprit.

In addition to the flag(s), you will find a sign near the lifeguard station with a chalkboard on which the lifeguard has written up-to-date information such as water temperature and any special conditions. Always consult the lifeguards with your questions, as they are there to keep everyone informed and safe.

the northernmost beach within the city limits of Vero Beach. It is a favorite locale for picnics and lots of other family activities. The spacious grounds include a boardwalk, picnic pavilions, a playground, sand volleyball courts, showers and restrooms. Lifeguards are

present from 9:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

Sexton Plaza Beach, at the end of Beachland Boulevard, is adjacent to the legendary Ocean Grill restaurant. Within the city of Vero Beach, it is just a hop, skip and jump from some fantastic beachside shops and eateries. The

beach is unguarded, but Sexton Plaza is a popular spot for ocean gazing and sunrise spotting.

Humiston Park , also a city beach, is a short distance to the south of Sexton Plaza. With lifeguards, picnic pavilions, playground, restrooms and showers,

Humiston Beach

Humiston Park has been a favorite among residents for decades. It is conveniently located near shopping and restaurants and is the site of the popular Farmers Market Oceanside every Saturday morning.

South Beach Park is directly in line with the Alma Lee Loy (17th Street) Bridge. It

features wide open beaches, restrooms, showers, sand volleyball courts and covered pavilions. Lifeguards are on duty from 9:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. It is the southernmost beach within the Vero Beach city limits.

Round Island Park, a county beach about 7 miles south of the Alma Lee Loy (17th

Street) Bridge, sits just north of the St. Lucie County line. Its west side on the Indian River Lagoon has a short hiking trail and is a favorite among lagoon paddlers and manatee spotters. Beachside amenities include restrooms, covered pavilions, a playground and lifeguards from 9:10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

South Beach

MARTINA TANNERY

Turtle Walks

We love our sea turtles!

Several local organizations lead turtle walks — guided evening beach tours that offer participants an opportunity to observe a turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs.

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park at the Sebastian Fishing Museum

14257 Hwy. A1A

772-589-2147

fsispturtlewalk.org

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

8385 S. Hwy. A1A

Melbourne Beach

321-723-3556

fws.gov/refuge/Archie_Carr

OTHER TURTLE-RELATED RESOURCES:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

1-888-404-3922

Coastal Connections

coastal-connections.org

Turtle Tips

From May 1 to Oct. 31, our coastline is a major site for sea turtle nesting. All five species that nest here — loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley — are classified as either endangered or threatened, so it is of paramount importance that we as residents and visitors understand how our actions can interfere with the turtles’ life cycle events.

GO LIGHT ON ILLUMINATION

If you’re blessed with beachfront property, you have a special responsibility. Since sea turtles rely on moonlight, it’s important to prevent competing light sources that could confuse them. Look into “turtlefriendly” lighting options.

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

After a day of fun at the beach, bring all chairs, umbrellas and toys home with you. Don’t leave behind any plastic, which turtles could accidentally ingest. And, as hard as it may be to see your architectural masterpieces destroyed, you should also flatten sandcastles and fill in any holes you’ve dug.

DO NOT DISTURB

During nesting season, nest locations are marked with orange flagging tape. Do not disturb these sites. Also, should you come across a mother or baby sea turtle, do not interfere. It’s improper and illegal.

This may seem like a lot of “don’ts,” but definitely "do" participate in ranger-led nighttime turtle walks, which allow you to witness the nesting process up close!

Beach Bounty A

side from the literal treasures left behind by the 1715 Fleet, the sands of our beaches contain many fascinating finds right under your feet. Keep an especially close eye on the wrack, the strip of debris left by waves. This section can be especially interesting in the wake of a storm.

Many beach finds tell their own stories. Sea beans, also known as drift seeds, have made long voyages from exotic locales to our shores. They drop from various tropical trees, shrubs and vines and are picked up by waves. Some will even germinate here. They have fun

names, too: nickernut, sea heart, sea purse and Mary’s bean are just a few examples. The aptly named hamburger bean really looks like a hamburger nestled between the two halves of a bun!

Seashells and corals also offer an endless variety of shapes and patterns and are fun to observe and collect.

Sea glass, which may have any number of origins, is also a sought-after beach find. Smoothed by sand and water, sometimes for decades, it turns up on the beach as colorful pieces of glass that may be collected or used in art, decor or jewelry.

There’s Gold in Them There Sands

Have you ever wondered why this special stretch of land along the Atlantic is called the “Treasure Coast”? On July 31, 1715, a fleet of 12 Spanish ships sailing from Havana loaded with gold, silver, emeralds and other precious jewels encountered a fierce hurricane. Only one ship survived, and precious cargo was strewn from Jupiter to Sebastian.

Dedicated beachcombers, often armed with metal detectors, continue to discover bits of treasure, including Spanish coins, musket balls and the occasional centuries-old shoe buckle. Uncovered jewelry may trace its origins to a swashbuckling sailor or a hapless vacationer.

Local experts, who are notoriously secretive about their favorite treasure-hunting spots, do offer a few tips. For example, some propitious times include during a full moon and after a storm, both due to the action of the tides. “Bowls” (indentations in the sand) and “cuts” (small cliffs formed by the erosion of a section of sand) may reveal previously unscanned areas that are worth checking out. Just be prepared to find plenty of bottle caps and other “junk” before landing your big treasure!

To see relics from the wrecks and learn more about the 1715 Fleet, visit the McLarty Treasure Museum on the site of the original survivors’ salvaging camp at 13180 Hwy. A1A, south of Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Carlos and Juana 2-real coin dated 1544–1548

1701 2-real coin mounted in a gold bezel

Ring found by a local beachcomber

Lagoon Life

Life in Indian River County has long revolved around the lagoon. For the early settlers of our area, the lagoon was the main thoroughfare for travel and commerce. It was also important for both commercial and private fishing. Today, we associate the lagoon perhaps most closely with

wildlife viewing and recreation. For all these reasons and more, we place great importance on protecting and preserving our lagoon.

At a length of 156 miles, the Indian River Lagoon runs along 40% of Florida’s east coast. Five inlets connect it with the Atlantic Ocean; Sebastian Inlet to the

north and Fort Pierce Inlet to the south are the closest to Vero Beach. The water of the lagoon is neither salt nor fresh, but rather “brackish,” or slightly salty.

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, home to 685 species of fish, 370 species of birds and

2,100 species of plants.

It also serves as a fish nursery, as it is the spawning ground for both ocean and lagoon fish.

The sea grasses that grow in the lagoon are a major food source for the West Indian manatee, one of our favorite marine mammals, along with dolphins, which are also plentiful in the lagoon.

The average depth of the Indian River Lagoon is just 4 feet, though a 10-foot-

deep channel was dredged in the 1950s for the Intracoastal Waterway. The soil resulting from this process was used to create the many spoil islands that dot the lagoon.

As residents of Indian River County, we play a vital role in the health of the lagoon. From landscaping to litter, our choices make a difference. There are many ways we can all be good friends to our beloved lagoon.

Vero Beach City Marina

Sebastian Inlet

One of Indian River County’s top destinations for boaters, anglers, surfers, paddlers, picnickers and wildlife enthusiasts is the Sebastian Inlet. Cut a century ago as a passageway for boats between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, the inlet also facilitates water exchange between the two. Dolphins and manatees cross back and forth freely, and neither visitors nor local residents ever tire of watching them.

Sebastian Inlet is one of just five navigable inlets along the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon — two natural and three man-made. Sebastian Inlet State Park, established in 1971, is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. It protects 755 acres around the inlet from development and ensures public access to this true gem of the Treasure Coast.

St. Sebastian River

The St. Sebastian River, a 16-milelong tributary of the Indian River Lagoon, runs west and north of the town of Sebastian. Its natural beauty can best be explored by visiting the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, formerly known as the Buffer Preserve, in Fellsmere. Sixty miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking

and horseback riding; they also offer wonderful opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.

The Buffer Preserve itself does not have a boat launch, but the St. Sebastian River is accessible from boat ramps nearby on Roseland Road, including Dale Wimbrow and Donald MacDonald parks.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere

Open daily 8 a.m.–sunset, no entry fee 321-953-5005

floridastateparks.org

Blue Cypress Lake

Florida has thousands of lakes. Naturally, the first one that comes to mind is the visible-from-space Lake Okeechobee, which dwarfs all others in the state by an order of magnitude.

Indian River County’s own Blue Cypress Lake, at 6,600 acres, doesn’t even break the top 10 in size.

Beauty, however, is a different story. Surrounded by graceful cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, Blue Cypress Lake is a major nesting site for ospreys. Their piercing calls punctuate the peaceful silence. Cypress trees emerge from the shallow water, and their knees protrude around them.

Blue Cypress is not a lake one can approach by car and view. The sole entry point is at Middleton’s Fish Camp on the lake’s western side, where boats and kayaks can launch. Airboat rides are also a popular way to enjoy the Blue Cypress experience.

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary

MARTINA TANNERY

Riverfront Parks

Riverfront parks offer ideal vantage points for dolphin and manatee spotting as well as pelican and osprey watching. They are also great places to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic lunch or launch your kayak, paddleboard or boat.

45th Street Dock

Gifford Dock Road

Fishing pier

A.W. Young Park

2 Park Ave., in Vero Isles, also known as “the Fingers”

Small public park with an excellent view of the lagoon, including both bridges; picnic pavilions and restrooms

Dale Wimbrow Park

11805 Roseland Road, Sebastian Playground, picnic pavilions, event pavilion, barbecue grills, restrooms, boat launch, fitness trail and fishing access

Donald MacDonald Park

12315 Roseland Road, Sebastian Observation boardwalk, fire pits, concrete picnic tables, boat launch and restrooms with showers

Joe Earman Island Park

Accessible only by boat, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Merrill Barber Bridge Covered pavilion and grill

MacWilliam Park 3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, at the northeast end of the Barber Bridge Sheltered picnic areas, restrooms and boat ramps

Riverside Park 3280 Riverside Park Drive, adjacent to Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art Picnic pavilions, playground, tennis courts, fitness trail, restrooms and boat ramps

Riverview Park U.S. Hwy 1 and CR 512, Sebastian Sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilions and two fishing piers

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 Hwy. A1A

Picnic pavilion, walking trails, restrooms and boat ramps

Royal Palm Pointe Park

2 Royal Palm Pointe

Decorated with beautiful mosaics, this park is known for its interactive fountains, fishing pier and excellent lagoon views. Picnic tables and restrooms are also on site.

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary

100 Dahlia Lane, accessed via Riverside Park

A beautiful and solemn memorial to Indian River County men and women who paid the ultimate price in serving our country, Memorial Island includes a number of monuments and benches for quiet contemplation overlooking the Indian River Lagoon.

Wabasso Causeway Park

1820 Wabasso Beach Road

Boat launch, picnic pavilions and restrooms

Riverside Park

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Round Island Riverfront Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

A.W. Young Park East end of 21st St.

Bethel Creek House 4405 N. Highway A1A

Joe Earman Island Park Accessible by boat only, 1 mile north of the Barber Bridge

Live Oak Road Park South side of Wabasso Causeway

Mac William Park Southeast end of Barber Bridge

Oslo Dock Eastern end of Oslo Road

Riverside Park Riverside Drive

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive

Wabasso Bridge

In, On and Under the Water

When you are ready to kick back and relax, there's no better place to do it than in, on or under the water. In Vero Beach, it's easy to leave the land behind. Seasoned boaters and sailors will find ample marinas and rental options. Kayaks and paddleboards can be launched at a number of local parks, including Wabasso Causeway Park, MacWilliam Park, Riverside Park and Round Island. Larger lakefront parks, such as Middleton’s Fish Camp at Blue Cypress Lake, also have boat ramps. For those who want to leave the boat behind, opportunities abound, including kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing. Finally, if you want to get out on the water but want someone else to do the driving, all sorts of guided tours are available. Whatever your preference, the following information will get you started on your next aquatic adventure!

Boating and Beyond

Marinas & Gear

Sebastian Inlet Marina

8685 U.S. Hwy. 1, Micco 772-664-8500

sebastianinletmarina.com

Vero Beach City Marina 3611 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-978-4960 covb.org

Vero Beach Yacht Club 3601 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-231-2211

verobeachyachtclub.com

Vero Marine Center 12 Royal Palm Pointe 772-562-7922

veromarine.com

Vero Beach Rowing 310 Acacia Road 772-261-0747

verobeachrowing.org

Vero Tackle & Watersports 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-234-9585

verowatersports.com

Youth Sailing Foundation 17 17th St. 772-492-3243

ysfirc.org

Boat Rental

Florida Boat Rentals 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive (behind Riverside Cafe) 772-713-7132

flboatrentals.com

Landlubber Boat Rentals 732-861-4175

landlubber-boat-rentals.business. site

Sail Moonraker 3611 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-696-2941

40-foot luxury catamaran available for charter

MARTINA TANNERY

Vero Beach City Marina

Boating and Beyond

Sebastian Watercraft Rentals 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian (at Capt. Hiram’s) 772-589-5560

sebastianwatercraftrentals.com

Propel Watersports and Boat Rental 3611 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-643-0245

propelwsbr.com

Canoes, Kayaks

& More

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522

adventurekayakingtours.com

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050

discoverelc.org

Orchid Island Bikes & Kayaks 1175 Commerce Ave. 772-299-1286

orchidislandbikesandkayaks.com

Paddles by the Sea 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-444-7871

paddlesbythesea.com

Sea Sup Go Paddle & Surf Company 40 Royal Palm Pointe 772-217-8708

seasupgo.com

Endless Windz 3615 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-217-KITE

endlesswindz.com

Scuba Classes & Gear

Deep 6 Dive and Watersports 416 21st St. 772-562-2883

deepsixintl.com

Treasure Coast Dive Center 8466 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-571-5987

tcdivecenter.com

MacWilliam Park

Boating and Beyond

Snorkeling

Paddles by the Sea

Snorkel tours

3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-444-7871

paddlesbythesea.com

Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals

Snorkeling gear, rentals and guided tours 561-248-5695

sharkbaitgearrentals.com

Surfing Lessons & Gear

Epic Sessions

Skimboard, surf and paddleboard lessons and tours 772-360-7166

EZride Surf School

Professional surf lessons and ocean education 905 Shorewinds Drive 954-803-5169

ezridesurfschool.com

Deep 6 Dive and Watersports (gear only) 416 21st St. 772-562-2883

deepsixintl.com

Sebastian Inlet Surf & Sport 8898 S. Hwy. A1A, Melbourne Beach 321-574-0600

sebastianinletsurfshop.com

Wabasso Beach Shop 4880 87th St., Sebastian 772-388-4077

wabassobeachshop.com

Guided Tours

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522

adventurekayakingtours.com

Airboat Wilderness Rides Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-589-3278

airboatwildernessrides.com

Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventures of Vero Beach

Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-633-7849

airboatadventuretours.com

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050

discoverelc.org

Florida Cracker Airboat Rides and Guide Service Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-563-0001

floridacrackerairboatride.com

Gator Bait Airboat Adventures

Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-766-2629

gatorbaitairboatadventures.com

Marsh Beast Airboat Tours Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-584-0089

marshbeastairboattours.com

River Explorer Boat Tours 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-713-7132

riverexplorerboattours.com

River King at Capt. Hiram’s 45-foot Sightseer pontoon boat 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian 772-589-4345

hirams.com

Treasure Coast Cruises at MacWilliam Park 3469 Indian River Drive 772-321-5955

tccruise.com

Tropical Kayak Tours 772-778-3044

tropicalkayaktours.com

Environmental Learning Center

It's your turn to Go Fish

If your best days on the water involve throwing a line out, you've come to the right place. Local fishing charters are standing by ready to take you to all the best spots. If you'd rather explore on your own, you can head out on the water, surf fish from the beach, or find a nice shady spot along the lagoon.

Fishing Licenses

Anyone over the age of 16 must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Florida. Fresh and saltwater licenses are readily available online and at local shops. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-486-8356 or myfwc.com for up-to-date information on fees and requirements.

Fishing Gear

King Pompano Bait and Tackle Shop 1901 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-234-9300

king-pompano-bait-and-tackleshop.business.site

Reel ‘Em In Bait & Tackle 821 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-228-6336

reeleminbaitandtackle.com

Professional Outfitters 1204 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-569-3666

pro-out.com

Vero Tackle & Watersports 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-234-9585

verowatersports.com

Wabasso Bait and Tackle Shack 8456 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-571-5144

Sebastian Fishing Museum

The Sebastian Fishing Museum is located on the south (Indian River County) side of Sebastian Inlet State Park. The museum celebrates the important role the fishing industry has played in Sebastian's history. A homemade fishing boat, replicas of an original fish house and dock, nets and

other gear used by early settlers, and photographs of commercial fishermen at work in the Indian River Lagoon are all on exhibit. Access to the museum is free with admission to the park.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

14257 Hwy. A1A

321-984-4852

floridastateparks.org

Fish Tales

Fishing Guides

A Guide Fishing Service 772-559-1422 aguidefishingservice.com

Big Easy Fishing Charter 772-538-1072 bigeasyfishingcharter.com

Captain T. Fred’s Charters 772-473-2156 tfredcharters.com

Down Sea Charters 772-532-9347 downseacharters.com

East Coast Fishing Charters 321-266-1160 ecfishingcharters.com

Filet Show Fishing 321-693-4918 filetshow.com

Fish Vero Beach Charters 772-633-4274 fishverobeach.com

Incentive Fishing Charters 321-676-1948 incentivecharters.com

Just Bumminit Guide Service 772-562-5978 justbumminit.com

Local Waters 321-266-2575 fishlocalwaters.com

O’Fishly Hooked Charters 772-633-8240 ofishlyhooked.com

On Island Time Charters 772-473-0694 onislandtimecharters.com

Roy Bass, Middleton’s Fish Camp 772-473-1885 roybass.com

Renegade Charters 863-840-1422

floridarenegade.com

Seek & Destroy Charters 772-559-5224

verobeachcharterfishing.com

Skipper Sportfishing Charters 772-473-4525 skipperfish.com

Vero Backcountry Fishing 772-532-6174

verobackcountryfishing.com

Vero Tackle & Marina 772-234-9585 verowatersports.com

Vero Tight Line Charters 772-584-1500

verotightlinecharters.com

WHAT'S BITING?

Coastal

Inshore & Coastal

SNOOK

COBIA

KINGFISH

MAHI-MAHI/DOLPHIN FISH

REDFISH

TARPON

PERMIT

SAILFISH

SNAPPER

WAHOO

JACK

Merrill Barber Bridge

All in Good

Vero Beach is a great place to maintain an active lifestyle, whether you’re inclined to enjoy a competitive morning of golf, go head-to-head on the pickleball court, or make a hair-raising skydive. Runners and cyclists of all ages can be found on the paths of Indian River County, and plenty of equestrian facilities are available for the horse-lovers among us. Whatever your sporting pleasure, you’ll find lots of ways to keep moving, have fun, learn some new skills and, without a doubt, make new friends in the process.

WGolfhat could be better than hitting the links on a warm, sunny Florida day, with egrets and ibises strolling past? Golf is not just a hobby in Vero Beach; it is a way of life. Some of the most talented course designers have lent their expertise to Indian River County’s exceptional courses, making many of them favorites of the United States Golf Association and the Florida Golf Association. Not only that, six of our courses’ careful attention to environmental impacts have earned them Audubon International certification. In this section, we have included an overview of our county’s many golf courses. Which is your favorite?

Private Courses

Bent Pine Golf Club

6001 Clubhouse Drive

772-567-6838

bentpinegolf.com

The Bent Pine Golf Club has been described by Links Magazine as one of “golf’s best kept secrets.”

The course blends a picturesque landscape with a championship course. Designed by Joe Lee, the course is located on 220 acres of prime hammock land, surrounded by Florida pines, citrus groves and ranch land with eight scenic lakes.

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club

4985 Club Terrace

772-778-9000

grandharbor.com

Grand Harbor boasts two courses: the River Course and the Harbor Course. The River Course was designed by Joe Lee and challenges the most seasoned player. The classic Pete Dye-designed Harbor Course is typical of a links style of tiered greens, undulating fairways and deep pot bunkers. A blend of grasses in the roughs encourages the use of a variety of clubs and shots.

Hawk’s Nest

6005 Old Dixie Hwy.

772-569-9400

themooringsclub.com

Golf course architect Jim Fazio

was commissioned in 1983 to design an 18-hole, par-72 course that would fit the “natural look” of the land with tall pine and oak trees abundant on the property. Because of this, Hawk’s Nest is one of the few “green courses” left in Florida. Long-needled pines, live oaks and natural landscape line the fairways. This, combined with the sand ridge that it was built on, which forms the boundaries of the fairways, make this a golfer’s dream challenge. Long holes, no two quite the same, and sand dunes along the fairways beckon a player’s ball. Hawk’s Nest, a Moorings Yacht & Country Club course, enjoys a reputation as one of the area’s finest.

Indian River Club

800 Carolina Circle SW

772-569-5066

indianriverclub.com

The Indian River Club is laid out on gently rolling terrain, close enough to the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy ocean breezes and still maintain the feel of a Florida woodlands nature preserve. The course was designed by Ron Garl, noted for his attention to the environment. In 1995, the Indian River Club was designated an Audubon Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International. It was the third club in the world to receive this coveted status.

The Sporting Life

John’s Island Club: North & South Courses

3 John’s Island Drive

772-231-1700

johnsislandclub.org

The John’s Island Club has two championship, 18-hole golf courses on the beachside. The North Course, designed by Pete Dye, is laid out around old Florida oaks with great views that lead to the Indian River Lagoon. Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye designed the South Course, which demands premium driving with its wellbunkered greens and water hazards.

John’s Island Club: West Course

772-231-1700

johnsislandclub.org

The West Course is located on the mainland 6 miles from John’s Island Club on the barrier island. It hosted the 2015 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. This 300-acre course was designed by Tom Fazio and built on a natural sand ridge that features stunning elevation changes. It has been ranked among the most challenging courses in the country. Because it is built in a secluded area without home sites, members can enjoy an array of wildlife as well as the course’s natural beauty.

The Moorings Yacht & Country Club

100 Harbour Drive

772-231-1004

themooringsclub.com

World-renowned designer Pete

Vero Beach Country Club

Dye called The Moorings golf course a “little gem.”  The course is one of only a handful of courses in the world with the entire front nine surrounded by water, while the back nine is graced with majestic oaks. With all the scenic views, the course challenges the placement of shots. Along with Hawk’s Nest, the course is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

1 Beachside Drive

772-388-2350

orchidislandgolfand

beachclub.com

Orchid Island’s award-winning course was designed by Arnold Palmer. The course is laid out against a backdrop of old Florida oaks, grasses and tropical landscaping, testing players of all skill levels. As a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program course, Orchid Island hosts a variety of wildlife in the ponds and in the air, including white pelicans, egrets and roseate spoonbills. The 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship was played there.

Pointe West Country Club

7500 14th Lane

772-770-3401

pointewestcountryclub.com

Rising from an old citrus grove, the course at Pointe West was developed in 1999. Striking bunker complexes were created to highlight subtle mounding, and some unique features were incorporated for several riskreward situations. Most notably, the 18th fairway is traversed by a water feature just short of the green, making an exciting moonlighting-finishing hole.

Hawk's Nest

Vero Beach Country Club

Membership in the Vero Beach Country Club is an incomparable experience filled with “Old Florida” charm, a breathtaking golf environment and warm, welcoming members and staff. The Club’s inviting atmosphere is elegant and comfortable, allowing members to feel at home, enjoy themselves and establish lasting friendships. Conveniently located in the heart of Vero, VBCC is the perfect home for seasonal and full-time residents.

Quail Valley Golf Club

6545 Pinnacle Drive

772-299-0093

quailvalleygolfclub.com

Quail Valley’s 280-acre, 18-hole course was designed by Tom Fazio II and Nick Price and provides the perfect course to challenge all levels of play, from hobbyists to enthusiasts. With rolling fairways and 60 acres of waterways, the course provides multiple challenges. Quail Valley boasts elevations of up to 62 feet and is, by most accounts, the highest point in Indian River County.

RedStick Golf Club

8350 58th Ave.

772-388-3873

redstickgolfclub.com

RedStick maintains a highly exclusive reputation with only 275 members and is strictly a golf club: no pools, no tennis courts, no dinners. Lying on a

sand ridge that runs through the county, RedStick was designed by honorary member Rees Jones, one of America’s renowned golf course architects. The result? A course with sweeping fairways of Bermuda grass, surrounded by oaks and pines. Sixty acres of land were excavated to use for fill on the course and, as a result, created six ponds. The sand ridge is 38 feet above sea level and provides a rolling terrain that challenges any level of golfer.

Riomar Country Club

2100 Club Drive

772-231-6426

riomarcountryclub.com

Built in 1919, Riomar Country Club is located in the heart of the central beach area and is the oldest golf course in Vero Beach. It has seven holes that run along the Atlantic Ocean, more than any other course in Florida. Although it underwent a massive renovation

by Tom Fazio II and Nick Price in 2015, Riomar Country Club remains an “Old Florida” style course — generally flat terrain covered in Bermuda grass, accentuated by tropical flora, water hazards and plenty of sand.

Vero Beach Country Club

800 30th St.

772-567-3320

vbcountryclub.com

The Vero Beach Country Club course was originally designed in the 1920s. Since the late 1990s, the layout and quality of the course have been enhanced. Fairway and green contouring has increased shot variety. Each hole is distinct and challenges the golfer with a range of risk-reward strategies involving the wind, doglegs, strategically placed bunkers, oak and palm trees, lakes and perimeter canals, and greens. The result is a course of unusual variety.

Windsor

3125 Windsor Blvd.

772-388-5050

windsorflorida.com

The 18-hole, links-style Windsor golf course was laid out by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in a traditional course design. The greens are placed against a rolling panorama of Florida native trees that border the softly rolling fairways. The subtle par-72 course is unobstructed by housing and is appreciated more with each round of play.

The Moorings COURTESY OF THE MOORINGS

The Sporting Life

Public Courses

Sandridge Golf Club

5300 73rd St. 772-770-5000

sandridgegc.com

Sandridge Golf Club, owned and operated by Indian River County, boasts two 18-hole championship layouts. Designed by Ron Garl, the Dunes Course, which opened in 1987, winds around an old ridge that runs up the east coast of Florida that was once used for mining operations. The second course is the Lakes Course, which opened in 1992. This layout features one of the toughest holes around, the par-4 14th. Players visit from around the world to take a shot at its challenging island

green. The courses have earned Sandridge a reputation as one of the finest public golf destinations in Florida. Sandridge hosts the annual Treasure Coast Amateur Championship, which is a 36-hole, two-day event naming the top golfer in four counties.

Sebastian Municipal Golf Course

100 Brush Foot Drive, Sebastian 772-589-6801

sebastiangolfcourse.org

The 18-hole “Sebastian” course at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course facility features 6,717 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by Charles Ankrom, the golf course opened in 1981. A surprising feature of the course appears on the back nine,

where on some holes golfers will have an audience of skydivers from Skydive Sebastian floating down with their parachutes open.

Vista Plantation Golf Club

48 Plantation Drive

772-569-2223

myvistagolf.com

Vista Plantation Golf Club is an 18-hole, semi-private, par-62 course. Designed by Arthur Hills, the PGA- and USGA-affiliated course is challenging for every level of golfer from the most avid to the beginner. The greens using ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass provide for faster putting and exceptional ball roll, nearly 2 feet faster than other grasses. Seventeen of the 18 holes touch water on this challenging course.

Golf Training & Entertainment

BigShots Golf

3456 U.S. Hwy. 1

772-979-GOLF (4653)

verobigshots.com

This 10-acre, state-of-the-art golf recreation and entertainment facility has BigShots gaming software powered by radar ball tracking technology. The venue includes a restaurant, sports bar, private event space and 30 climate-controlled tee boxes.

Tennis & Pickleball

Private Courses

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club

4985 Club Terrace 772-778-9000

grandharbor.com

Indian Trails Tennis Club 125 Chiefs Trail 772-234-9981

John’s Island Club

3 John’s Island Drive 772-231-1700

johnsislandclub.org

The Moorings Yacht & Country Club 100 Harbour Drive 772-231-1004

themooringsclub.com

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club 1 Beachside Drive 772-388-2350

orchidislandfl.com

Quail Valley River Club 2345 Hwy. A1A 772-492-2020

quailvalleygolfclub.com

Sea Oaks Beach & Tennis Club 8850 Sea Oaks Way 772-231-2667

seaoaksbeachandtennis.com

Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-8400

windsorflorida.com

Public Courses

Boulevard Tennis Club 1620 Boulevard Village Lane 772-778-4200

blvdtennisclub.com

13 lighted HarTru courts

Pickleball University pickleu.com

Pocahontas Park 2199 14th Ave. 772-567-2144

covb.org

Four hard-surface tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts

Riverside Racquet Tennis Complex 350 Dahlia Lane (within Riverside Park) 772-231-4787

covb.org

10 lighted hard-surface tennis courts and pro shop; adult and children’s programs; courts are available for free play when pro shop is closed

Schumann Drive Park 1096 Schumann Drive 772-228-7054

parks.cityofsebastian.org

Six tennis courts

Twin Oaks Tennis Club 1295 6th Ave. 772-770-1149

twinoakstennisclub.com

Seven lighted HarTru tennis courts

Vero Beach Tennis & Fitness Club 702 Timber Ridge Trail SW 772-569-7700

verobeachtennis.net

14 HarTru tennis courts, pickleball courts

Vero Fitness 1060 6th Ave. 772-567-1400

verofitness.fit

Six indoor lighted pickleball courts and two lighted tennis courts

Palm Island Plantation is a premier gated, barrier island community featuring Estate and Carriage homes, and new luxury Courtyard homes. Each home offers private and inviting layouts that complement the exquisite Vero Beach lifestyle with both river and ocean access, and use of the Community’s private Beach Club.

We build beautiful lifestyles.

Cycling

Bike Walk

Indian River County Inc. bikewalkirc.org

Vero Cycling verocyclingclub.org

Disc Golf

Kiwanis Hobart Park 5350 77th St. 772-370-8279

Treasure Coast Disc Golf Club treasurecoastdiscg.wixsite.com

Horseback Riding & Boarding

Angel’s Appy Acres 4885 58th Ave. 772-519-0065

Riding, instruction and boarding

BG Equestrian 7700 8th St. 561-859-2605

bgequestrianverobeach.com

Riding instruction, boarding and special events venue

Carefree Ranch 7290 53rd St. 772-564-9222

carefreeranch.org

Boarding, leasing and programs for “at-risk” children

Copper Light Farm 6900 45th St. 650-248-8227 copperlightfarm.com

Boarding, grooming, training and supplements

High Hopes Eventing Farm 7230 49th St. 772-538-3772 highhopeseventing.com

Riding lessons and events

Indian River Riding Club 6250 37th St. indianriverridingclub.com

Wide range of activities at all levels

Shady Oaks Ranch 6555 Atlantic Blvd. 772-633-2716

Boarding, lessons, clinics and on-site horse leasing

Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast 7065 37th St. 772-562-7603

specialequestrianstreasurecoast. org

Equine-assisted activities to improve the lives of people with mental, physical and emotional disabilities

Tall Pines Equestrian 6150 37th St. 772-774-9223

tallpinesequestrian.com

Training, boarding and showing

The Sporting Life

Vero Beach Equestrian Club 7355 69th St. 772-226-0376

verobeachequestrianclub.com

Boarding and training

Whispering Pines Equestrian 10370 105th St., Fellsmere 772-925-6064

wpef.weebly.com Western instruction for children and adults

Running

Runners' Depot 436 21st St. 772-569-7364

runnersdepotvb.com

Sunrunners sunrunnersofverobeach.com

Shooting

Indian River County Public Shooting Range 10455 102nd Terrace, Sebastian 772-226-3096

goshootingirc.com

Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports 5925 82nd Ave. 772-978-0935

verobeachclayshooting.com

Skydiving

Skydive Sebastian

400 Airport Drive W., Sebastian 772-388-5672

skydiveseb.com

Volleyball

Vero Beach Volleyball

1060 6th Ave. 843-267-3378

beachvolleyballfl.co

A nine-court sand volleyball facility offering professional training and recreational leagues for adults

The Sporting Life

Vero Elite Volleyball Academy 1060 6th Ave. 772-567-6711

veroelitevolleyballacademy.com

Toni Robinson Trail

Wild Wonders

Our lush landscape lures us outdoors

Here in Indian River County, it’s easy to find opportunities to step off the beaten path and take a walk on the wild side. We’ve compiled a list of great places to go if you want to hike, birdwatch, or just enjoy the scenery. You will also find a guide to some of the plants, birds and creatures you might encounter. In case you want to create your own perfect outdoor retreat, we’ve also included basic gardening tips and resources.

Whenever you are outdoors, we encourage you to respect the environment: Leave only footprints, and be appropriately cautious. Poison ivy is fairly common, so remember, “Leaves of three, let it be.” When it comes to wild animals, keep your distance, no matter how good the photo opportunity. Most wildlife will simply vamoose if not confronted. When hiking near water, you may see an alligator sunning itself. Back off, and it will most likely enter the water, where it is more at home.

Hiking Trails

Blue Cypress Conservation Area State Road 60 and County Road 512 sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/ blue-cypress

This 60,000-acre conservation area near Blue Cypress Lake is under the aegis of the St. Johns River Water Management District.

It includes miles of levees that provide vantage points for viewing the open water, marshlands, cypress trees and native wildlife, including many species of birds.

Captain Forster Hammock Preserve

8610 Jungle Trail, south of CR 510 ircgov.com

This 110-acre preserve contains a short trail that offers a quick wilderness getaway in which

you’re never very far from civilization. You’ll start just east of Jungle Trail and emerge onto beach sand with the ocean before you. Birders are especially fond of this preserve during spring and fall songbird migrations.

Fort Drum Marsh

Conservation Area

About 20 miles west of Vero Beach, 10 miles east of Yeehaw Junction; access south side of

MARTINA

Properties Conserved by the Indian River Land Trust

Priority Conservation Areas

Other Conservation Areas

First established in 1990 to save McKee Botanical Garden, the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) protects the land that protects the Indian River Lagoon.

IRLT offers free conservation tours and miles of hiking trails throughout Indian River County.

For more information, visit www.irlt.org.

State Road 60 sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/ fort-drum-marsh

Located at the southwestern corner of Indian River County, this 20,000-acre property offers some 5 miles of trails, including a boardwalk that traverses a hardwood swamp. This biologically diverse area also includes prairie and marshland as well as pine flatwoods.

Jungle Trail traillink.com

This 7.8-mile 1920s hard-packed sand road, now on the National Register of Historic Places,

stretches from Old Winter Beach Road north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Lagoon Greenway

Accessed at the intersection of Indian River Boulevard and 8th Street

Indian River Land Trust

772-794-0701

irlt.org

This property comprises 187 acres, including 3 miles of trails for hiking, jogging or bicycling through oak hammocks, over wetlands and around a mangrove forest along the edge of the lagoon.

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

150 9th St. SE (Oslo Road)

As soon as you enter this 298-acre wilderness, you forget you are less than a mile from a shopping center. Trails and boardwalks take you through mature coastal hammock, scrubby flatwoods and wetlands that are home to such native plants as wildflowers, wild coffee, myrsine, marlberry, firebrush, saw palmetto, cabbage palms and a wide variety of other species. The South Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area is located just across Oslo Road.

Lagoon Greenway

CHRIS FASOLINO

Pelican Island

National Wildlife Refuge

The entrance can be accessed off Highway A1A, 3.7 miles north of Wabasso Beach Road (CR 510) or from the south via Jungle Trail. Established in 1903 by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island was the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. Visitors enjoy peaceful hiking trails, plentiful wildlife and an extraordinary view of the Pelican Island rookery in the Indian River Lagoon.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere

321-953-5005

floridastateparks.org

With 22,000 acres of wilderness and 60 miles of trails, this state park is a local treasure. Habitats include long-leaf pine forests, grassland prairies, scrub cypress domes and swamps. Look for the rare Florida scrub jay and keep an eye out for bald eagles, gopher tortoises and a host of other native species. Even the elusive bobcat is known to make the preserve its home.

Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail

Accessed at U.S. Highway 1 and 79th Street

Indian River Land Trust

772-794-0701

irlt.org

A 1-mile trail encompasses open canopy scrub habitat, oak forest and an impoundment loop with a boardwalk through mangroves.

We’re Fond of Our Fronds

Nothing represents Florida like a palm tree. Our state tree is the ubiquitous native sabal palm. But — are you ready for this? — strictly speaking, palms are not actually trees. Botanically, they are in the category of grasses. Palms certainly function as trees in the environment, but they lack the type of tissue that produces wood and bark. Thus, their growth does not involve the formation of rings and annual increase in width. Palms tend to reach their maximum diameter and, from then on, shoot upward. They also do not form branches as most trees do. Florida is a state like no other, so it seems fitting that our state tree is a “tree” like no other!

Sabal Palm

The sabal, or cabbage, palm is native to Florida and is also the state tree. This stalwart palm, like most natives, is pretty much foolproof as far as maintenance is concerned. It is also salt tolerant and will not freeze.

Royal Palm

Aptly named, the royal palm is regal and majestic, but, alas, it grows too large for most residential landscapes. It is perfect, however, for gracing the roadways of Royal Palm Pointe and makes up a magnificent collection within McKee Botanical Garden.

Chinese Fan Palm

Sometimes called fountain palm, owing to the graceful fronds that overlap each other, the Chinese fan palm is easy to grow. The fans are a bright, shiny green and provide an interesting tropical ambience.

Christmas Palm

Grown as a solitary tree or in clumps of two or three trunks, this palm is ideal for the home landscape. It has several names: “Christmas palm” and “cherry palm” refer to the bright red seeds or berries produced in the winter. It is also referred to as Manila palm and dwarf royal palm.

Coconut Palm

The coconut palm is a most graceful palm and is especially beautiful when planted along an ocean beach or on the edge of the lagoon, where it will tend to arch over the water. The fruit and the milk inside have recently been receiving a lot of attention as healthy additions to the diet.

Pygmy Date Palm

One of the most popular landscape palms in Florida, the pygmy date is often grouped in pairs or trios. It is a slow grower that reaches a height of about 12 feet. This native of Southeast Asia is cold tolerant down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

Saw Palmetto

This small native palm is not tall and slender like many palms; it is not stately like a royal palm. But it is extremely common in our local environment, forming low-to-the-ground clusters in scrub habitats, pine woods and hammocks.

Areca Palm

The Areca palm is a clumping variety in that it continuously sends up new shoots from the ground. If nothing is done to control it, the resulting clump or clumps form a dense privacy screen. However, by carefully selecting canes to be removed, an attractive multi-trunked palm can be created.

Bismarck Palm

The Bismarck palm, a native of Madagascar, is strikingly beautiful owing to its massive star-shaped fans. Also contributing to that regal appearance is the gorgeous silvery-blue color. The Bismarck is an example of a palm best appreciated as a solitary specimen.

Sylvester Palm

Native to India, this palm is also known as the silver date palm, sugar date palm or wild date palm. It is popular in landscaping, as it is a hardy slow grower that reaches a height of about 50 feet. The boots are often trimmed with either a straight or diamond cut for a neat look.

Gardening

Botanical beauty is one of the many wonderful things about Vero Beach, so it makes sense that many residents become avid gardeners. Whether you are new to gardening or new to gardening in Florida's climate, local organizations are eager to help you learn what you need to know to create a beautiful garden while protecting our waterways. When you are ready to link green thumbs with others or need to find answers to your questions, the listings below will help you find what you are looking for.

Gardening Seasons

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension produces a Florida Gardening Calendar that provides a monthly guide to walk you through an entire year of gardening. You can find the calendar at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a few ideas below.

Winter Gardening Season

Plant in late August through September

Beefsteak tomato

Nurseries

BB’s Tumbleweeds Garden Center 119 11th Place SW 772-778-2618

Beech Annuals Nursery

Gardenfest!

The Garden Club of Indian River County’s annual Gardenfest! is a beloved tradition. It will resume in February 2022 at Riverside Park. The two-day event draws more than 85 vendors of plants, flowers, trees, pottery and garden furniture and decor. A variety of food trucks help ensure that you can browse all day. Experts are on hand to share their knowledge, admission is free and there’s even a raffle!

Gardenfest!

at Riverside Park 3250 Riverside Park Drive

1300 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-567-2033

Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center

7445 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-562-1166 busybeegardencenter.com

C.W. Willis Family Farms

3700 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-770-5970 cwwillisfamilyfarms.com

Penjing Bonsai Garden 1650 U.S. Hwy. 1, Malabar 321-725-2855

penjingbonsaigarden.com

Rock City Gardens

9080 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-589-5835 rockcitygardens.com

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Kale

Peas

Radish Spinach

Summer Gardening Season

Plant in March

Beans

Cantaloupe

Cucumber

Eggplant

Lettuce Okra

Peppers

Summer squash

Sweet potato

Watermelon

Zucchini

Spanish Moss

Spanish Moss is one of the many charming facets of the Florida landscape. But now is as good a time as any to break it to you that it is neither Spanish nor moss. Here’s another shocker: It is much more closely related to the pineapple than to any kind of moss!

Spanish moss is a type of bromeliad known as an epiphyte, an “air plant” that

makes its home on trees in tropical and subtropical regions, such as the Southeastern United States.

Sometimes it is erroneously regarded as a parasite, but it actually obtains its nutrients and moisture from the air, rain and bits of trapped plant debris. It takes nothing from its host tree, so the two botanical buddies generally get along just fine, unless the

moss becomes so thick that it obscures the light reaching some of the tree’s leaves. And the only thing it has to do with Spain is that it apparently reminded French settlers of the beards of the Spaniards.

Perhaps we should call Spanish moss by its Native American name, Itla-okla, which translates to “tree hair”!

Blue Cypress Lake

Leapin’ Lizards!

If you spend any time at all in Vero Beach, you will, without a doubt, encounter lots of lizards. No need to worry — they are all harmless. The following are the four lizards you are most likely to see. Since they eat insects and are themselves a food source for some of the birds we love, such as herons and egrets, we consider them friends.

Green Anole

Of the approximately 400 species of anoles, ranging from the Southeastern United States down to Paraguay, only one is native to the U.S.: the green anole. Due to its ability to change color from bright green to shades of brown, depending upon its mood, it is sometimes erroneously called a chameleon; but anoles are actually more closely related to iguanas. Green anoles, which grow to a length of about 7 inches, were plentiful in the Vero Beach area just a few decades ago, before they declined due to competition with the encroaching brown anoles. From a second-floor window, you may occasionally see green anoles in the treetops. They remain plentiful in other parts of Florida and other Southern states.

Mediterranean Gecko

While anoles are seen on all sorts of surfaces, from trees to sidewalks, Mediterranean geckos dwell almost exclusively on walls. And, unlike anoles, these lizards are nocturnal. Having arrived in the U.S. most likely as stowaways on cargo ships, they have also been introduced via the pet trade. Their appearance can vary from a translucent grayish hue to shades of brown with spots, depending on their surroundings.

Northern CurlyTailed Lizard

This native of the Bahamas is relatively new to our area, and its range is spreading. With a length of 9 inches and a curled tail, these newcomers can be a bit more intimidating than the innocuous-looking anoles, but they are in fact harmless and are even popular as pets.

Brown Anole

In our area the brown, or Cuban, anole is the most common lizard at this time, having gradually made its way north after being introduced to the U.S. a century ago. Like its green relative, the brown anole is about 7 inches long. The male of both species possesses a bright reddish-orange dewlap, or throat flap, that it puffs out to attract a mate or discourage territorial competition.

Bird Sanctuary

Coastal Florida is a dream come true for bird enthusiasts both serious and casual. Large wading birds frequent our yards year-round, and colorful songbirds visit us in winter. The following are a few of our favorite winged residents.

White Ibis

The ubiquitous white ibis is seen in and near shallow water, often in yards, and usually in groups. There’s no mistaking it for any other species because of its very long, curved, reddish-orange bill and similarly colored legs. Its feathers are all white except for black wingtips that are visible only when the bird is in flight. Juveniles possess patchy brown feathers, which serve as camouflage as the bird matures.

Little Blue Heron

This methodical wading predator is larger than a cattle egret but much smaller than a great blue heron. Its feathers include slate blue, maroon and purplish hues.

Osprey

Plentiful in our area, this raptor feeds almost exclusively on fish, which it snatches from the water after a 30- to 100-foot dive and then carries off in its talons. Osprey nests are large and often built atop poles and dead trees, making them easy to spot.

Bald Eagle

When it comes to bald eagle populations, Florida takes a back seat only to Alaska. It is not at all uncommon to spot a bald eagle soaring over Indian River County. Though at first glance it is possible to mistake an osprey for a bald eagle, just keep a sharp eye out for the eagle’s pure-white head and hooked yellow bill.

Pelican

While brown pelicans can be spotted fishing or perching on docks year-round, the larger white pelican, whose wingspan can exceed 9 feet, is literally a snowbird, residing here in the winter. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a bird’s-eye view of the Pelican Island rookery in the Indian River Lagoon.

Great Blue Heron

Even taller than the great egret, and possessing a 6-foot wingspan, the great blue heron is an attention getter. But if you’re trying to photograph one, be sure to have a zoom lens, because if you get too close, this bird will fly off with an irritated squawk. Its hunting behavior is similar to that of its relative the great egret.

Cattle Egret

Though smaller than the great egret, the cattle egret is likewise all white, except for some buff-colored plumage during breeding season. Just under 2 feet in height, the cattle egret is seen in open fields and yards. Its name derives from its practice of hanging out around (or even on) grazing cattle, eating the insects they stir up.

Snowy Egret

Slightly larger than the cattle egret, the snowy egret is characterized by bright yellow feet and a black bill. This bird was once hunted extensively for its beautiful long, white breeding plumage, but populations have rebounded significantly.

Great Egret

There’s no mistaking the tall, graceful egret — a type of heron — with its long, slender neck, perfectly white feathers, black legs and straight yellow bill. The great egret exceeds 3 feet in height and possesses a wingspan of more than 4 feet. It is often spotted in or near shallow water, stalking fish slowly and intently. It also eats frogs and other small critters.

Pileated Woodpecker

With its impressive size, brilliant red crest and boisterous vocalizations, the pileated woodpecker is not easily overlooked. It is 16–19 inches long — the largest woodpecker in North America and one of the largest in the world. While two similar but larger North American species are believed extinct, the pileated woodpecker is adaptable and enjoys a wide range. In the Southeastern U.S., pileated woodpeckers are common year-round.

Cormorant and Anhinga

These are the birds often seen with their wings outstretched, seemingly in an act of flamboyant sunbathing. In fact, these water birds possess less preen oil than other birds, so they frequently have occasion to dry their wings. Due to this common behavior, it is easy to get these two birds mixed up. Perhaps the most noticeable distinguishing feature is that the cormorant’s bill is curved at the end, while the anhinga’s is straight.

Sandhill Crane

There’s nothing like a sandhill crane. For one thing, it is 4 feet tall, with a wingspan exceeding 6 feet. Then there’s its red forehead and its tendency to stroll terrifyingly close to high-traffic areas and to cross streets on foot, a perplexing habit for a bird. Finally, the sandhill crane’s rattling trumpet-like call is difficult to describe, but once you hear it, you won’t soon forget it.

Roseate Spoonbill

Without a doubt, this bright pink bird is a favorite of many residents and visitors alike. Its vibrant color comes from the crustaceans that make up most of its diet. The bill, with its wide, flat tip, almost calls to mind that of a platypus. Larger than a white ibis, the spoonbill can be seen foraging in shallow waters.

Wood Stork

The wading wood stork is larger than the great egret but slightly smaller than the great blue heron. With its bald, scaly head and gangly appearance, it may not be much of a looker, but it is an impressive bird nonetheless, especially in flight. It is the only stork native to North America.

What Is the Great Florida Birding Trail?

The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail is not actually a contiguous trail; rather, it is a network of 510 prime birding and wildlife viewing locations totaling some 2,000 miles. It is a project of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the sites are marked with brown signs bearing the GFBWT’s swallow-tailed kite logo. There are a dozen such sites in Indian River County.

A Walk on the Wild Side

Year-round outdoor activities are one of the major reasons people are drawn to a place like Vero Beach. When we venture outside to take in fresh air, get some exercise or enjoy nature, we enter, to a greater or lesser degree, the realm of wildlife.

It’s only natural to be frightened by the thought of alligators, snakes, bears

and panthers, but it helps to remember that most wild animals don’t want to interact with you any more than you want to tangle with them. We wouldn’t like to see anyone miss out on enjoying the outdoors due to misconceptions about Florida’s wildlife. Yes, we do have alligators, snakes, bears and panthers; but did you know that dogs and cows kill

far more people each year than all of these wild critters combined?

It’s fun to learn about the wild creatures we share our beautiful state with. And that knowledge, coupled with a healthy respect, can help us feel more prepared as we venture out into nature.

Here is a brief introduction to some of Florida’s … well … wilder wildlife.

Florida Panther

We’ll start with an easy one. Not only are Florida panthers shy, they are critically endangered. In fact, there has never been a recorded case of a Florida panther attacking a human, and most Floridians go their entire lives without ever spotting one.

Bobcat

In the wild cat department, you are much more likely to see a bobcat than a panther. About twice the size of a domestic cat, bobcats pose

little threat to humans. They are plentiful but reclusive, spotted occasionally in wooded areas and even backyards. They hunt rabbits, rodents and other small

animals, usually at dawn, dusk and nighttime. As with all wildlife, observe and admire the bobcat, but keep your distance, and it will most likely blend back into the wild.

Alligators

Alligators are plentiful in the Sunshine State, but living side-by-side with these scaly neighbors is not nearly as terrifying as you may think. Unprovoked gator attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, alligators need to be taken seriously. As with most wildlife, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Use good gator sense: Don’t swim in lakes or other inland bodies of water. Don’t let small children or pets wander at the edges of lakes, especially during the hours from dusk to dawn. While alligators prefer fresh water, it is also possible to see

them in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Their bodies are not good at eliminating salt, but they are capable of spending several hours in salt water. If you want to observe alligators in their natural habitat, Blue Cypress Lake is a good place

to do so. If you are canoeing or kayaking and see the trademark triangle of an alligator’s eyes and snout peeking above the waterline, watch carefully, and you will probably see it duck under and resurface farther away from you. If you are walking

near a lake and encounter a gator sunning itself at the water’s edge, keep your distance, and it will most likely slip into the water, where it feels most at home. And this probably goes without saying: It is illegal to feed or annoy alligators in any way.

Sharks

Let’s face it: When we enter the ocean, we are stepping into someone else’s habitat. And while that’s no reason to refrain from frolicking in

the waves, it is wise to do so in the guarded stretches of beach, which are clearly marked. The U.S. sees about 30–40 shark attacks per year, and on average only one is

deadly. Stay aware of your surroundings, don’t stray too far from the other swimmers, and always look to our experienced lifeguards for advice and assistance.

Bull shark

Bears

Florida is home to black bears, but they won’t exactly be strutting down Ocean Drive. If you are a hiker or camper, you’ll want to “bear” them in mind. Campsites will sometimes have “bear

boxes,” in which you can store any scented items, such as food and toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, etc.). Otherwise, keep such items in your car — never in a tent. By the way, did you know that the diet of black bears is

mostly vegetarian, with small animals making up only a small percentage? In other words, they don’t want to eat us. Black bear attacks are extremely rare. Don’t tempt them and don’t antagonize them, and you should be fine.

Black bear

Ribbon snake

Snakes

While Florida is home to 46 species of snakes, only six are venomous, and of those only four live in the southern part of the state. The even better news is that you probably stand a better

chance of winning the Florida lottery than being bitten by a venomous snake.

Snakes will usually flee if not cornered. According to the University of Florida, the chance of dying from a venomous snakebite in the

U.S. is nearly zero, due to the ready availability of effective medical care.

Snakes are actually a valuable part of our ecosystem, so if you see one in your yard, it is more likely a friend than a foe.

State of

The Arts

Visual arts, theater, opera, dance and music are thriving

Visual Arts

Home to a world-class art museum, numerous art galleries and a thriving community of artists and art aficionados, there is nothing small-town about the Vero Beach art scene.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

VBMA is the largest accredited art facility on Florida’s Treasure Coast, presenting changing international exhibitions from lenders and its permanent collection of more than 950 objects of American and international art. It features sculpture parks, five galleries, docent tours, art classes, public programs from lectures to film studies, jazz concerts, an annual children’s art festival, Museum Stories and Studios, Museum Babies, an interactive children’s

Art Zone and a museum store. Admission fees apply. Admission is free on the last Saturday of each month. Museum Extras, a more recent addition, offers an array of curated online content with something for everyone in the community.

Vero Beach Museum Art School 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 ext. 116 vbmuseum.org

The art school at the museum offers a wide selection of studio arts and humanities classes as well as weekend workshops for all skill levels.

A Heart for the Arts

Vero Beach Art Club

3001 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-0303

Art Club Annex & Gallery 1903 14th Ave.

772-217-3345

verobeachartclub.org

The Vero Beach Art Club was formed in 1936 and serves the community through education, exhibitions, social events and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artist demonstrations. In addition to frequent Art in the Park fine art and crafts shows in Humiston Park, the club hosts several major events, including Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show and Art by the Sea Fine Arts and Crafts show. The

club’s new annex is home to the Jeanette Beach Gallery, named for its founder, as well as space for classes and other activities.

Artist Bungalow

1905 14th Ave. 772-205-7631

artistbungalow.com

Jeff and Patti Hall are the artistowners of this boutique gallery with a tie-dye vibe and a funky flair. It is an intimate space showcasing original art, prints, assemblages, textiles, jewelry and more.

Artists Guild Gallery

1974 14th Ave.

772-299-1234

artistsguildgalleryofverobeach. com

Celebrating 30 years of sharing art with Vero Beach, this cooperative fine art gallery features the work of artist-owners Merana Cadorette, Sue Dinenno, Annette Gekle, Barbara Glover, Sherry Haaland, Judy Mercer, Dawn Mill, Patricia Padoll, Judy Rixom, Fran San Miguel and Rita Ziegler. In addition to paintings in various media, the gallery’s 12 rooms present works of sculpture, pottery, jewelry, ceramics and glass. Art classes, commissioned works and private showings are also offered.

MARTINA TANNERY

Vero Beach Museum of Art

Art In Public Places

772-770-4857

cultural-council.org

The Cultural Council of Indian River County and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture presents “Art in Public Places” exhibits at the Indian River County Courthouse, IRC Administration Complex, Intergenerational Recreation Center and Vero Beach Regional Airport.

Art Works

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 Theatre Plaza

772-907-5128

artworksofvero.com

Founded out of the passion for art of two educators, Art Works is both a fine art gallery and art school. Betsy Nelson and Mary Partow are veterans of the public school system who want to bring their experience teaching art to the broader Vero Beach community. The gallery features works by artists from various parts of the United States, particularly the East Coast, representing a range of styles. Nelson and Partow offer art classes for students of all ages and skill levels, as well as art parties, team-building events and children’s art clubs and camps.

Barbara Krupp Fine Art and Studio

4315 U.S. Hwy. 1 440-574-4662

barbarakrupp.com

The gallery and studio presents the work of international artist Barbara Krupp, whose several collections feature abstract paintings in acrylic. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

"Captive 1" by Minakshi De, mixed media, 36 x 36 inches at Raw Space

MARTINA TANNERY

A Heart for the Arts

Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive

772-589-5050

discoverelc.org

The ELC’s Lagoon Room and Tidal Room are dedicated spaces for the exhibition of nature-related art in the form of paintings, photography, sculpture and more.

Findlay Galleries

165 Worth Ave.

Palm Beach

561-655-2090

findlaygalleries.com

Worth the drive from Vero Beach, Findlay Galleries is worldrenowned for its distinguished stable of abstract and representational contemporary artists. The gallery also specializes in impressionism, European modernism, l’Ecole de Rouen,

l’Ecole de Paris and 20th-century American art. Visit its collection of 10 elegant galleries on two spacious floors encompassing three centuries of art in the heart of Palm Beach.

Flametree Gallery

2041 14th Ave.

772-202-2810

flametreegallery.com

Leah and Bruce Cady’s gallery is a place for local clay artists and

"Exuberance" by Lila Blakeslee, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 inches at Gallery 14

potters to show their work. The gallery features resident artists Rae Marie Crisel, Keko Ekonomou, Heidi Hill, Coco Martin, Kim Mayo, Judy Nye, Maria Sparsis and Peggy Thomas. Exhibiting artists include John Aruffo, Bill Bennett, Jim Cohoe, Mary Goetz, Judi Nickelson and Katie Santomartino.

The Galleries at First Pres

First Presbyterian Church

520 Royal Palm Blvd. 772-464-6712

firstpresvero.org

The campus of First Presbyterian Church is home to the Galleries at First Pres, a venue displaying the work of local artists in various media. Installments are rotated on a quarterly basis, with three artists featured each season. Indian River County artists are invited to

apply to be a part of the venue’s ever-changing lineup. Guests are welcome to view the galleries Monday through Thursday afternoons from noon to 3, and guided tours are available every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Gallery 14 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525

gallery14verobeach.com

The Gallery features a diverse array of works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, collage, sculpture, ceramic, jewelry, pastel and photography by Gallery

14 owner-artists Lila Blakeslee, Barbara du Pont, Beth-Anne Fairchild, Mary Ann Hall, Barbara Landry, George Pillorgé, Deborah Morrell Polackwich and Dorothy Napp Schindel. Other artists

include Walford Campbell, Joan Earnhart, Terry Green, Viola Pace Knudsen, Mia Lindberg, Francis Mesaros, Michael Robinson, Carol Staub and sales associate-artist Jo Zaza, along with monthly rotating exhibits by guests.

The Gallery at Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-4071

windsorflorida.com/art

Founded in 2002, The Gallery at Windsor is an independent art space at the heart of the Windsor community. The Gallery annually invites curators to respond to the space with museum-quality shows of contemporary art. The gallery has exhibited works by many leading contemporary artists.

Barbara Krupp Fine Art and Studio

JARED BLAIS

James R. Hahn Productions

2020 Old Dixie Hwy. SE, Suite 11 863-253-1053

jamesrhahn.com

Works by mural and trompe l’oeil specialists James and Kay Hahn are shown, including originals, prints and projects.

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art

3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900

jmstringergallery.com

The gallery offers worldwide collections of original paintings,

objets d’art, sculptures and select antique furnishings.

The Laughing Dog Gallery 2910 Cardinal Drive

772-234-6711

thelaughingdoggallery.com

The gallery features a sophisticated collection from more than 350 contemporary American craftsmen. The Treasure Coast’s largest collection of art glass, along with ceramics, sculpture, furniture and an extensive collection of fine

art jewelry is represented in its friendly, 4,000-square-foot showroom. The collection is also viewable on its website.

Main Street Vero Beach Art Studios and Gallery

2036 14th Ave. 772-643-6782

mainstreetverobeach.org

The studios and gallery showcase works by Clair Brunetti and Barbara Sharp. Works include custom jewelry, pottery, paintings, hand-painted glass and furniture.

"Charleston Evening" by Andre Lucero, oil on panel, 36 x 24 inches at J.M. Stringer Gallery

"Red, White & Blue — The Pointe View" by Joy Jackson, oil on linen, 48 x 36 inches at J.M. Stringer Gallery

Meghan Candler Gallery

6160 Hwy. A1A Village Shops

772-234-8811

meghancandlergallery.com

The gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by select local, national and international artists and represents more than 40 contemporary emerging and established artists working in abstract, impressionist and realistic styles. The gallery presents an uplifting, friendly and

sophisticated environment that currently features new paintings from the studios of its New York, California, Atlanta and Cape Cod artists. Works are also viewable on the website.

Ocean Drive Gallery

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8 Second floor, elevator located in alcove behind Lyra Home 772-579-7667 eliseartist.com

This studio and gallery features contemporary abstracts by Elise

Geary, acrylic animal paintings by Andrea Lazar and acrylic seascapes by Gail Fayerweather.

Palm House Studio and Gallery

3227 Ocean Drive, 2nd floor

772-231-6816

palmhousegallery.com

The studio and gallery features original artwork by award-winning artists Wendy Douglas, Dede Gilbert, Rick Kelly, Kathy Kemp, Madeline Long, Suzy Mellott, Lee Moore, Jack Staley, Emily Tremml and Janet Kipp Tribus. Their work

"Peaceful Reflections" by Reid Christman, oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches at Meghan Candler Gallery

Under The Oaks

Vero Beach is home to one of the most highly regarded art shows in the country. Entering its 70th year, Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show is the Vero Beach Art Club’s largest event and primary fundraiser. The three-day juried event draws more than 200 artists from around the country and beyond, and is attended by more than 50,000 visitors. It has been hailed as a top art show by both Florida and national publications. The 70th Under the Oaks is scheduled for March 12–14, 2021. You won’t want to miss this quintessential Vero Beach event!

Under the Oaks Riverside Park 3001 Riverside Park Drive March 12–14;

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. 772-231-0303

verobeachartclub.org

includes landscapes, marine scenes, contemporary realism, portraiture, narrative imagery and original jewelry designs by Faith & Family. Commissions are welcomed. See the gallery’s website, Facebook and Twitter to view current available artwork, works in progress, teaching videos and biographies of the artists. Open by chance or appointment.

Raw Space

1795 Old Dixie Hwy. 305-213-9411

artconceptalternative.org

A vibrant, innovative and alternative cultural venue located in the heart of downtown Vero Beach, Raw Space provides a platform that promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines

and events with a distinct focus on community engagement. Its program includes exhibits from local and international artists, workshops, lectures, black box theater, film screenings, music, dance and anything that promotes ‘’out of the box’’ ideas.

Sebastian River Art Club 1245 Main St., Sebastian 772-571-6632

sebastianriverartclub.com

The club offers art, web design and photography classes, demonstrations, workshops and art shows inside the clubhouse and at Riverview Park. Their exhibit space features works in an array of media: pottery, sculpture, woodworking, jewelry, mixed media, photography and glass.

"Latticino Shell" by Treg and Candace Silkwood, handblown glass, 9 x 8 x 6 inches at The Laughing Dog Gallery

Lectures

Another perk of visiting or living in Vero Beach is that you are bound to meet many interesting people. Four local organizations host annual lecture series that attract an array of speakers. You are sure to find some that speak to you!

Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning Distinguished Lecture Series

Indian River State College Foundation 772-462-7880

irscfoundation.org

Now in its 15th season, this series presents experts and educators addressing current events in the areas of foreign policy, environmental issues, education, health and the economy. This year, the lectures will take place online; live simulcast tickets are available for home viewing.

International Lecture Series

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

This lecture program enters its 39th year of presenting a series of four lectures by arts and humanities scholars in conjunction with one of the museum’s major exhibitions. Simulcast tickets are also available for viewing on screen in the Leonhardt Auditorium.

Distinguished Lecturer Series

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

2021 would be the 23rd season of Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series, but the difficult decision has been made to postpone the speakers scheduled for 2021 until 2022.

Humanities Series

The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave.

772-778-5249

theemersoncenter.com

The Emerson Center offers its Humanities Series each year, but due to the uncertainties related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, plans for 2021 remain unsettled.

Riverside Theatre

MARTINA TANNERY

Classes

You'll never be bored in Indian River County! You will find many opportunities to learn new things and meet others who share your interests. We've provided a sampling of the classes available nearby.

Art Museum Extras

vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach Museum of Art offers six types of curated online content, updated weekly, to make art and art education available, even when a visit to the museum is not possible. In Anke’s Art Moment, Curator Anke Van Wagenberg presents short videos offering art insights. Flick Picks features Film Studies Coordinator Diane Thelen,

who recommends a new film each week. Museum Stories is geared toward babies and toddlers. Art Tutorials offers short art-making tutorials to spark creativity. A+ Art presents art-related material designed especially for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and those with other special needs. Finally, Museum Fun contains an assortment of entertaining museum-related photos, social media posts and more.

MARTINA TANNERY

Garden Club of Indian River County

Vero Beach Art Club

Vero Beach Art Club Annex

1903 14th Ave.

772-217-3345

verobeachartclub.org

The Art Club offers hands-on art classes at its annex in downtown Vero Beach. Each course lasts several weeks and covers a particular art form or technique.

Bridge

Vero Beach Bridge Center

1520 14th Ave.

772-562-3008

bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcenter

Vero Beach Community Center

Bridge Club

2266 14th Ave.

772-589-3741

bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcommunitycenter

Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or a beginning learner, you will find a place to test and strengthen your bridge skills among a large circle of avid players in town. The Vero Beach Bridge Center is at the heart of our competitive bridge community and hosts a web page filled with links to help you learn the game. The Bridge Club at the Community Center welcomes players of all levels.

Vero Beach Art Club Annex

A Heart for the Arts

Garden Club of Indian River County 2526 17th Ave.

772-567-4602

gardenclubofirc.org

The Garden Club’s mission is to educate its members and the public and to beautify our county. The club was founded in 1928.

UF/IFAS Extension IRC

1800 27th St.

772-226-4330

sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river

The Extension Service is a branch of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences that exists through the cooperation of the university with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Board of County Commissioners. It is a treasure trove of resources on all things agricultural and horticultural. Contact the extension office for information on the Florida Master Gardener Program, FloridaFriendly Landscaping Program, Gardening Solutions Program and much more.

Literary

Indian River County Library

Film

Museum Film Studies

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707, ext. 116 or 139 vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach Museum of Art offers a series of several five-week courses of films selected from the finest in classic and contemporary cinema and presented with critical context and moderated class discussions. In 2021, both in-person and streaming formats will be utilized.

Gardening/ Landscaping

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Series

Indian River County Main Library 1600 21st St.

772-770-5060

irclibrary.org

Brackett Library

IRSC Mueller Campus

6155 College Lane

772-226-3080

North IRC Library

1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian 772-589-1355

IRC Main Library 1600 21st St. 772-770-5060

Brackett Library

IRSC Mueller Campus 6155 College Lane

772-226-3080

North IRC Library

1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian 772-589-1355

As if miles of loaded bookshelves weren’t enough, the Indian River County Library system offers much more. In addition to

Indian River County Main Library

countless children’s events and programs, the library holds many free classes of various sorts. Call your nearby branch or peruse the event calendar at irclibrary.org.

Public Awareness

Citizen’s Academy

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Unit

4055 41st Ave.

772-978-6296

ircsheriff.org

This 11-week course, offered periodically by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, is a jaw-dropping experience for just about everyone who attends.

The program offers a fascinating, up-close overview of the criminal justice system. Participants hear from deputies, detectives, SWAT team members, crisis negotiators, state attorneys, public defenders and numerous others; tour the jail, crime lab, 911 call center and courthouse; examine IRCSO vehicles such as helicopters, boats and SWAT vehicles; and witness a K-9 demonstration. Also included is information on avoiding fraud and surviving an active shooter scenario. The course is offered at no cost, but pre-registration is required. Contact the IRCSO for information on the next Citizen’s Academy.

Citizen's Academy

Riverside Theatre

Theater

Vero Beach is home to both an amateur and a professional theatre, so you won't have to go far to find a live staged production. While COVID-19 is wreaking havoc with this year's schedules, rest assured that, sooner or later, the show will go on!

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

Florida’s largest professional theater is proud to call Vero Beach home. This cultural treasure provides a full season of theater productions, a vibrant children’s theater, live music and comedy, and an annual lecture series. Due to COVID-19, Riverside’s 2021 season, set to include “Carousel,” “Billy Elliot the Musical” and more, has been postponed until 2022. Comedy Zone and Live in the Loop music continue to be held each weekend.

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Ave. 772-562-8300

verobeachtheatreguild.com

The Vero Beach Theatre Guild has been bringing the house lights up on local talent since 1958, producing dramas, comedies, musicals and musical revues. Twelve shows are scheduled to take place from January 2021 through May 2022. Want to do more than watch? Actors, singers and dancers may audition for future shows, and volunteers of all sorts are always welcome. Extensive renovations have been conducted to enhance the safety of guests.

A Heart for the Arts

National Theatre of London

The Majestic 11 movie theater 940 14th Lane 772-770-0773

cwtheaters.com

The Majestic 11 periodically brings live-filmed performances from the National Theatre of London to Vero Beach audiences.

A Heart for the Arts

Vero Beach Opera

Opera

No town's cultural scene would be complete without an opera, and Vero Beach doesn't disappoint. You won't want to miss a single aria!

Vero Beach

Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center

1707 16th St. 772-569-6993

verobeachopera.org

Established as the Vero Beach Opera Guild in 1988, Vero Beach Opera has grown in profile and mission over the years. Today, VBO presents fully staged operas, professional performances by world-class opera stars, and international vocal competitions. It also offers master classes, awards scholarships to local students and hosts parlor concerts in members’ homes. Due to the uncertainties related to COVID-19, stay in touch with VBO for the latest information on plans for the 2021 season.

The Met: Live in HD

The Majestic 11 movie theater 940 14th Lane 772-770-0773

cwtheaters.com

Can’t make it to a live performance? The Vero Beach Opera, in conjunction with The Majestic 11 theater, brings the Metropolitan Opera to town, broadcasting "The Met: Live in HD."

Dance

The movement of the human body expresses nuances of meaning and emotion that transcend acting and even music alone. Balletomanes have much to savor here in Vero Beach.

Ballet Vero Beach at VBHS Performing Arts Center

1707 16th St.

772-905-2651

balletverobeach.org

The only professional ballet company in the Treasure Coast region, Ballet Vero Beach seeks to promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond. In addition to its Main Stage Series, which is scheduled to present three performances in early 2021, BVB also offers the Family Friendly Series, geared toward children, and the Accessible Series, in which modifications accommodate the needs of audience members with differing abilities.

Bolshoi Ballet

The Majestic 11 movie theater

940 14th Lane

772-770-0773

cwtheaters.com

The Majestic 11 occasionally presents transmissions of performances of the Bolshoi Ballet.

Ballet Vero Beach

SARAH CAIL

Music

Our small community is generously endowed with opportunities to enjoy wonderful live music. Local orchestras, chamber orchestras and choral societies all call Vero Beach home. International orchestras and soloists visit frequently. Outdoor concerts, local bands and visiting musicians of many genres round out the music experience available here.

Choirs

Treasure Coast Chorale at First Baptist Church 2206 16th Ave. 772-231-3498

treasurecoastchorale.org

The Treasure Coast Chorale’s 19th season is, like so many things, up in the air, but its director, Michael Carter, has lots of plans for upcoming performances. TCC seeks to offer people who love to sing and people who love to listen a chance to experience programs that combine voices, instruments and the visual arts.

Vero Beach Choral Society

at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St.

verobeachchoralsociety.org

The Vero Beach Choral Society is an auditioned, community-based, intergenerational ensemble that has been making beautiful music since 1984. It is a resident ensemble of the Community Church of Vero Beach.

Treasure Coast Chorale

Classical Music

Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-460-0851

atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

The ACO has been gracing our community with beautiful music for over 30 years. Its 2020 season included four "Masterworks" concerts that presented works by several composers, with Beethoven accounting for the largest share. The ACO looks forward to presenting its next “Masterworks” series when the time is right.

Chamber Music Series

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707, ext. 116 or 139 vbmuseum.org

The Atlantic Classical Orchestra partners with Vero Beach Museum of Art to present the annual Chamber Music Series. Musicians from the ACO are scheduled to perform three concerts at the museum in early 2021.

Indian River Symphonic Association

at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-778-1070

irsymphonic.org

The Indian River Symphonic Association brings the finest orchestras from around the world to perform seven concerts each season. The difficult decision was made to cancel its 2021 season, but IRSA looks forward to returning to the stage in 2022 with a full concert season of beautiful symphonic music, exciting soloists and dynamic performances.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. and The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 855-252-7276

spacecoastsymphony.org

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is passionate about making professional classical music affordable and widely accessible to all members of the

community. SCSO has year-round programming that includes classical music, pops, film scores, jazz and more. The orchestra has seven Vero Beach concerts scheduled for winter and spring 2021.

Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-562-6125

verobeachchamberorchestra.org

Active in Vero Beach since

2007, the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra consists of professional and semi-professional adult and student musicians from Indian River County and neighboring communities. The ensemble presents two free concerts annually. Due to safety concerns, the 2021 concerts have been canceled.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Souljam

Other Live Music

Live in the Loop

3250 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

Nearly every Friday and Saturday evening, Riverside Theatre presents its Live in the Loop outdoor grill and music bar, featuring various local bands.

MusicWorks

at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave.

800-595-4849

musicworksconcerts.com

The classic rock and folk music of the 1960s and ‘70s are the focus of MusicWorks and its Live From Vero Beach concerts. Esteemed performers, tribute bands and “Classic Albums Live” transport fans to unforgettable musical places. Numerous shows are planned for 2021.

Night Sounds

Sebastian Inlet State Park 14257 Hwy. A1A 772-388-2750

friendsofsebastianinletstatepark. org

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park presents Night Sounds, held monthly on the Saturday evening nearest the full moon. The concerts include folk, rock, bluegrass, international music, blues, country, R&B — just about every genre imaginable. Due to COVID-19, Night Sounds concerts have been postponed until further notice.

Sunset Saturday Night

Humiston Beach Park

3000 Ocean Drive

772-410-8376

verobeachoba.com

The Oceanside Business Association presents a free music festival with fun for the whole family on the second Saturday of each month. Enjoy a beautiful Florida evening with music by local bands and food and drink from local vendors. For the time being, Sunset Saturday Night is on hold for safety reasons.

Collins & Company at Live in the Loop Riverside Theatre

McKee Jungle Gardens, now McKee Botanical Garden

And now, Vero Beach 101

Let’s get back to basics with a look at our town’s history

Everyone loves Vero Beach. Archaeological evidence has indicated that humans may have first arrived here in the Pleistocene Epoch, about 12,000 years ago. After all, it was the Ice Age; who could blame them?

The earliest inhabitants of our area about which anything substantial is known were the Ais people, hunter-gatherers who partook predominantly of the abundant seafood available to them.

The Seminoles came much later, in the mid-18th century, emerging from the southerly migration of groups from several tribes, most notably the Creeks. By that time, the Spanish had been in Florida for centuries, though they remained considerably north of our location. Their most renowned contact with the Treasure Coast was the incident that made it the Treasure Coast: the destruction of 11 ships — all but one of what would

become known as the “Spanish Treasure Fleet” — off our coast by a hurricane in 1715.

Settlers Discover Vero

It wasn’t until the latter part of the 19th century that settlers of European descent made their way to Vero Beach. There was already a small permanent settlement just to the south near Fort Pierce, an army fort built

in 1838 during the Second Seminole War and named for Lt. Col. B.K. Pierce, brother of President Franklin Pierce.

The roots of modern-day Vero Beach can be traced to the 1888 arrival of Henry T. and Sarah Gifford, with their family and one hired man, from Vermont. The dramatic relocation was brought about by a doctor’s recommendation of a warmer climate and, one must assume, a sense of adventure.

About a year later, the Ayers family arrived, and gradually, out of the dense palmetto thickets began to emerge a town. A major step occurred in 1891 when Gifford petitioned the U.S. postmaster general for a post office in the fledgling community. It is believed that, in response to the need for a four-letter designation, Sarah Gifford drew on the Latin word for “truth” in selecting the name “Vero.” The Gifford home was the town’s first post

office, and mail was delivered via rowboat once a week.

The men hacked out the roadway that would become U.S. Highway 1, but in the early days, the river was the real highway. Vero was part of Brevard County then, and “floating stores” made regular round trips from Titusville and Cocoa down to Fort Pierce, trading at settlements as they went.

As the turn of the century approached, the railroad made its way southward,

1715

1888

1891 The U.S. Postal Service accepts the application of the town of “Vero.” It is believed that Sarah Gifford chose the name based on the Latin word for “truth.”

1919 The town of Vero is incorporated, with A.W. Young as its first mayor. Riomar, the first residential development on Vero’s barrier island, is established.

1925 “Vero” becomes “Vero Beach” and is designated county seat of the newly formed Indian River County.

Eleven of 12 ships of a Spanish fleet carrying silver treasure are lost in a hurricane off the coast of Vero Beach, just seven days into their journey from Havana to Spain; hence the name “Treasure Coast.”

H.T. and Sarah Gifford and family arrive and begin to organize the nascent settlement into the town that today is Vero Beach.

reaching us and then the considerably more developed town of West Palm Beach in 1894. The increasing ease of travel throughout the country set the stage for Vero to begin its own growth spurt.

Agriculture Takes Off

Agriculture would be the byword for the next phase of Vero’s growth.

It was an Iowan named Herman Zeuch (rhymes with

“sigh”) who spearheaded a major agricultural campaign in our area. Recognizing that the climate here allows for three growing seasons, Zeuch purchased 55,000 acres in 1912 and established the Indian River Farms Company. Heavy advertising up North inspired many adventurous men and women to come down and seek their fortunes as farmers.

The Indian River Farms company undertook an enormous drainage project

to transform the swampy terrain into arable land. It was during the dredging of the main canal (near the current County Administration complex) that artifacts of archaeological significance were discovered, leading to the fascinating saga of Vero Man and the Old Vero Ice Age Site excavations.

As the second decade of the 20th century came to a close, a huge variety of crops were growing, and so was the town of Vero, which was

1932 Nurse Garnett Lunsford Radin establishes a 21-bed hospital, which, after World War II, would become Indian River Memorial Hospital.

1942 The U.S. Navy selects Vero Beach’s airport to be commissioned as Naval Air Station Vero Beach and used as a training facility during the war.

1948 At the initiation of businessman and airport manager Bud Holman, Naval Air Station Vero Beach is transformed into Dodgertown, the spring training facility of the Brooklyn (and later Los Angeles) Dodgers.

1951 The Merrill P. Barber Bridge, connecting the mainland to the barrier island, is dedicated. A steel-and-concrete drawbridge, it replaces the wooden bridge in use since 1920.

incorporated in 1919. In 1925, when Indian River County was formed, its county seat was established in Vero, which would henceforth be known as Vero Beach.

Citrus Becomes King

Because Vero Beach lies at the very heart of a long, narrow strip of land, known as the Indian River Citrus District, that possesses optimal geological and

meteorological conditions for the cultivation of delicious citrus fruits, the town’s destiny became clear. Many Indian River County farmers and businessmen zeroed in on citrus as the path to success, and groves blanketed our landscape as far as the eye could see.

Citrus, particularly grapefruit, became a mainstay of our economy and the name “Indian River” became so synonymous with superior citrus that growers in

other parts of Florida began using that designation to market their products. The Indian River Citrus League describes the efforts of local growers to preserve the integrity of the name, with a successful outcome: “In 1930 the Federal Trade Commission issued a ‘cease and desist’ order prohibiting the use of the term ‘Indian River’ on citrus not grown in the Indian River Citrus District.”

Alas, citrus plant diseases,

1973 Riverside Theatre is built using funds from private donations.

1978 Indian River Memorial Hospital moves into its newest facility, which will, in 2019, become Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

1986 Vero Beach Center for the Arts, later Vero Beach Museum of Art, is established.

2008 The Los Angeles Dodgers play their last spring training game in Vero Beach.

2019 “First Lady of Vero Beach” Alma Lee Loy serves as the grand marshal of the city’s October 2019 Centennial Parade.

hurricanes and, perhaps most of all, development, have taken their toll on the local citrus industry. Nevertheless, some dedicated growers refuse to turn their backs on this integral part of our heritage and, with ever-expanding technology and modern

agricultural advances, are carrying on the Indian River citrus legacy.

Airport Activity

Even the briefest history of Vero Beach would be incomplete without a

mention of Bud Holman. It was through his efforts that Vero Beach obtained its airport in the 1920s.

It was the presence of that airport that drew the attention of the U.S. Navy to our area early in World War II.

Naval Air Station Vero Beach was established at the airport

Chaperoned dances were held for Naval Air Station Vero Beach sailors and local young ladies.

and served as a training facility for the rest of the war. But what to do with the barracks after the war was over and the airport reverted to the municipality? Baseball! The inventive Holman proposed the conversion of the empty fields into baseball diamonds and the barracks into housing for players and staff. The idea was presented to Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey, and the Dodgers came to Vero Beach, where they would conduct their spring training for more than 50 years.

Beachside Boom

Only gradually did the barrier island become the affluent haven it is today. In 1919, three Cleveland physicians discovered Vero Beach as a potential site to build winter vacation homes for their families. They found some like-minded snowbirds, and Riomar Country Club was born. A golf course and clubhouse were built immediately, and Riomar

became a destination for prosperous professionals.

It would be decades, though, before the “Beach” in “Vero Beach” was developed beyond Riomar. The town of Indian River Shores was established in 1953, and former Chicago stockbroker Fred R. Tuerk purchased a large amount of land. But before any plans came to fruition, he died in 1967. Enter developer E. Llwyd Ecclestone, who became the father of John’s Island. Jorge Gonzalez was instrumental in founding The Moorings a few years later, and Vero’s beachside was well on its way.

A Century and Beyond

In 2019, Vero Beach held months of centennial festivities. Another milestone will take place in 2025, when Indian River County will turn 100 years old. Natives and newcomers alike, we enjoy every opportunity to celebrate our wonderful life in Vero Beach and the surrounding area.

The Laura (Riding) Jackson House

History Museums & More

Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

2880 45th St.

772-985-7573

giffordhistoricalmuseum.org

Housed in the historic Old Macedonia Church, the museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of Gifford.

Hallstrom House

1723 Old Dixie Hwy.

772-778-3435

irchistorical.org

This historic home was built by Axel Hallstrom, a Swedish horticulturist who emigrated to the United States in 1898.

Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum

2140 14th Ave.

772-770-2263

veroheritage.org

Trace the history of Vero Beach and the citrus industry in Indian River County.

Indian River County Historical Society

2336 14th Ave.

772-778-3435

irchistorical.org

Housed in the vintage 1903 Vero Beach train station, about a block from the Heritage Center and Citrus Museum

Laura (Riding) Jackson

Historic Home

6155 College Lane

772-569-6718

lauraridingjackson.org

The turn-of-the-century cracker house of the poet Laura (Riding) Jackson has been preserved and is situated on the Mueller Campus of Indian River State College. Tours available by appointment.

McKee Botanical Garden

350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601

mckeegarden.org

The botanical garden, established in 1932, is an 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock filled with rich landscapes and historic architectural treasures.

McLarty Treasure Museum

13180 Hwy. A1A 772-589-2147

floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/sebastian-inlet-state-park

This state-operated museum lies on the site of the camp established by the survivors of the 1715 shipwreck of Spanish treasure galleons while they awaited rescue.

Mel Fisher Treasure Museum

1322 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-589-9875

melfisher.com/Sebastian

The museum is home to the legacy of America’s famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher.

National Navy UDT–SEAL Museum

3300 Hwy. A1A, Fort Pierce 772-595-5845

navysealmuseum.org

The birthplace of the Navy Frogman program includes the lifeboat used in a hijacking by

Somalian pirates in 2009, a steel I-beam section from the World Trade Center attack in 2001, and other displays. The museum also features a new World War II exhibit that is a must-see for any history buff.

Sebastian Area Historical Museum

1235 Main St., Sebastian 772-581-1380 sebastianareahistoricalmuseum. com

The museum, located in the 1927 Historic Sebastian Public School, has exhibits on the Ais Indians, Pelican Island, clothing, family life, quilts, fishing, agriculture, military, transportation, early shops and trades, a book shop and research facilities.

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum

14257 Hwy. A1A

South side of the Sebastian Inlet Bridge 321-984-4852

floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/sebastian-inlet-state-park

The museum, within Sebastian Inlet State Park, focuses on the local fishing industry.

Welcome Home

Ready to sink your toes in the sand for good? Small-town hospitality meets big-city sophistication in Vero Beach

Government and Tax Information

Indian River County is part of the 19th Judicial District of Florida. It has a five-member board of commissioners and five constitutional officers, all of whom are elected: tax collector, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, sheriff and clerk of the circuit court. The county website at ircgov.com has more information.

The city of Vero Beach is the county seat and operates under a council-manager form of government. The

five-member city council appoints the city manager, city attorney and city clerk. Council members are elected. See covb.org for more information.

One of the many bonuses to living in Florida is that it has no state income, inheritance or gift taxes, making the state particularly attractive to retirees. There is, however, a statewide sales tax of 6% and an Indian River County sales tax of 1% that apply to most purchased products. Medications, medical services and most groceries are excluded.

When it comes to real estate taxes, property owners are assessed ad valorem — based on the value of the property — and non-ad valorem by the county, city, school districts and special districts. Be sure to take advantage of the homestead exemption if you live here year-round. Currently up to $50,000, the exemption is available to permanent resident homeowners living on the property as of Jan. 1 of the tax year. Exemptions are also available for disabled veterans, widows and widowers and people

Licenses

Driver’s License, License Plates and Registration

New residents must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring original documents that validate your identity, Social Security number and residential address. Vehicles are required to be registered within 10 days of establishing residency. Proof of identity and proof of insurance are required for vehicle registration, along with an application for certificate of title. Several standard license plates are available, plus a wide variety of specialty plates supporting good causes in Indian River County and throughout the state. Motor vehicle services are managed by the Indian River County Tax Collector.

Indian River County Tax Collector County Administration Complex, Building B 1800 27th St. 772-226-1338

ircgov.com

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Hunting and fishing licenses are required in the state of Florida. A variety of plans are available to suit your situation. Licenses may be acquired from the Indian River County Tax Collector or by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-486-8356. Licenses are also available online at gooutdoorsflorida.com.

Pet Licenses

Dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination and an annual county license. Licenses are available at the Animal Control Division, select other locations and by mail.

Indian River County Animal Control Division 4305 43rd Ave., #102B 772-226-3485

irces.com

on disability. You will find a wealth of information on state-level matters at myflorida.com.

Emergency Services & Law Enforcement

The Indian River County Emergency Services Department provides a variety of services, including emergency management, fire, rescue and animal control.

The area within the city limits of Vero Beach is served

by the Vero Beach Police Department. Sebastian and Fellsmere also have city police departments. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office serves the entire county, especially the areas outside individual city limits. The town of Indian River Shores is served by the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department, all of whose officers are triple-certified as police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

Putting Down Roots

Medical Resources

Hospitals

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital 1000 36th St. 772-567-4311 indianrivermedicalcenter.com

Sebastian River Medical Center 13695 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-589-3186 sebastianrivermedical.org

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

CareSpot Urgent care 1820 58th Ave., #110 772-257-3200 carespot.com

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Walk-In Care Center — Sebastian 801 Wellness Way, Sebastian 772-226-4200 indianrivermedicalcenter.com

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Rosato Plastic Surgery

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Walk-In Care Center — Pointe West 1960 Pointe West Drive 772-226-4250 indianrivermedicalcenter.com

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Walk-In Care Center — Primary Care South 4165 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-569-7706 indianrivermedicalcenter.com

East Side Urgent Care 927 37th St. 772-770-6225 eastsideurgentcareverobeach. com

Florida Department of Health, Indian River County County Administration Building 1900 27th St. 772-794-7400 indianriver.floridahealth.gov

Indian River Walk-In & Family Medicine 1880 37th St., #4 772-778-1400 locations.steward.org

MD Now Urgent Care 640 21st St. Miracle Mile Plaza 772-299-1092 mymdnow.com

MedExpress Urgent Care 1150 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-978-5679 medexpress.com

Treasure Coast Community Health, central Vero Beach location 1553 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-257-8224 tcchinc.com

Vero Beach Urgent Family Care 2651 20th St. 772-217-6012 verourgentcare.com

Cancer Treatment Resources

American Cancer Society in Florida 3375 20th St., Suite 100 772-562-2272 cancer.org/about-us/local/florida

Scully Welsh Cancer Center Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital 3555 10th Court 772-563-4673

scullywelshcancercenter.com

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Major Medical Centers

Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville 904-953-2000

mayoclinic.org/

patient-visitor-guide/florida

Moffitt Cancer Center 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa 813-745-8111

moffitt.org

University of Florida Shands Hospital

1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville 352-265-0111

ufhealth.org/ uf-health-shands-hospital

University of Miami Health System 1400 NW 12th Ave., Miami 305-325-5511

umiamihealth.org

Veteran Resources

Vero Beach VA Clinic 372 17th St. 772-299-4623

va.gov/directory

Senior Resources

Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County 2300 5th Ave., Suite 150 772-563-0505

alzpark.org

Senior Resource Association 694 14th St. 772-569-0760

seniorresourceassociation.org

VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) 1110 35th Lane 772-567-5551

vnatc.com

Additional Resources

AA Indian River Central Office 1600 26th St., Suite 6 772-562-1114

indianriveraa.org

American Red Cross 2506 17th Ave. 772-562-2549

redcross.org/local/florida/ south-florida

Indian River Blood Bank 1300 36th St. 772-567-4266

oneblood.org

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Marsh Island

MATT

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?

While choosing a new home can be daunting, you will be surprised and delighted by the diverse array of residential neighborhoods within Vero Beach and Indian River County. Each community is rich with its own distinct amenities and feel. There are scores of neighborhoods to choose from; here, we will help you start your journey by introducing you to just a few.

Country Club Communities Windsor

Windsor is a magnificent 416-acre private sporting and social club situated along a stretch of north Vero Beach. Amenities abound, such as a polo field, equestrian center with trails, 18-hole championship golf course, tennis center and croquet lawn. A trap and skeet shooting facility is nearby.

In the heart of Windsor is the Village Center, with a post

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office, general store, business center and support offices. Windsor’s beach clubhouse has a swimming pool, library and cabanas.

The elegant modern golf clubhouse also maintains a world-class art gallery with shows running throughout the winter season.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is a 600-acre community styled with tropical Caribbean elegance. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon just north of Vero Beach and south of

Windsor, this club features a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, with an exclusive golf clubhouse, a charming tennis center, Town Square Shops, and an elegant beach club featuring a terrace bar and lounge, dining room and oceanside pool.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

John’s Island

John’s Island is Vero Beach’s most established luxury community, offering three championship golf courses, a tennis club, an oceanfront clubhouse and fine dining. Noted developer E. Llwyd Ecclestone had a vision, and real estate broker Alex MacWilliam Jr. helped to make it happen in 1969 when he brokered the land sale. Today, Georgian architecture still graces this elegant community.

The Moorings

The Moorings has over 7.5 miles of bulkheaded riverfront living, as well as oceanfront estate homes and condominiums. This is truly Vero Beach’s boaters’ paradise, and it is located just 6 miles from ocean access via Fort Pierce inlet.

Two golf courses, tennis facilities, a riverfront fitness center, health spa, private beach and expansive golf clubhouse round out the amenities.

Grand Harbor

Located on the western banks of the Indian River Lagoon, Grand Harbor is Vero Beach’s only mainland community that offers a full-amenity “Grand Lifestyle” package.

Activities abound, from the two championship golf courses, tennis center, and both oceanfront and golf course clubhouses to one of Florida’s largest deep-water Atlantic marinas.

Vero Beach Country Club Neighborhood

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Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor is one of Vero Beach’s premier senior living communities, offering a variety of senior services in a stress-free, country club environment with Bermudastyle architecture.

The community offers on-site assisted living facilities, a 42,000-squarefoot clubhouse with wellness programs, dining options, transportation services, property maintenance and housekeeping services.

Sea Oaks

Sea Oaks is a masterplanned community of approximately 125 shaded acres, encompassing 2,400 feet of Atlantic beach and 1,500 feet of riverfront on the Indian River Lagoon.

Sea Oaks boasts two major recreational centers: the outstanding Tennis Club complex and the private Beach Club on the ocean. Amenities include the oceanfront beach clubhouse, tennis clubhouse, 16 fast-dry

clay tennis courts, a 48-slip marina, seven swimming pools and a health club.

In-Town Neighborhoods Central Beach

If a relaxed, bike-to-it-all lifestyle is desired, Central Beach is the place to be. This barrier island neighborhood is close to Ocean Drive and Cardinal Drive restaurants, boutiques, hotels and businesses. Riverside Park

Licensed/Insured CCC# 018986, CCC# 1325908, CCC# 1330283

is also in this neighborhood, with its tennis courts, fitness trail, boat ramp, Memorial Island, Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre.

Riomar

When golf enthusiast Winchester Finch discovered the barrier island location in 1919, he invited his Cleveland

cohorts and coined the name Riomar (translation: “river to sea”). Since then, many homes have been added and changed, but the charming cottage-style architecture and oak-lined streets remain.

South Beach

South of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge on the barrier island, a

long expanse of sandy beach borders properties all the way to Round Island Park at the county line. On the river side, the Indian River Lagoon offers boating access and water views. In between, a series of gated residential communities offers a variety of lifestyles, from formal to relaxed.

Riomar

Putting Down Roots

Vero Beach Country Club, McAnsh Park and Royal Park

Located on the mainland, these adjoining neighborhoods offer some of the most historic homes in the county, some dating from the 1920s and earlier. They are also very conveniently located to churches, the public library, county administration building, courthouse and, best of all, a revitalized downtown arts and business district.

Country Living

Estates, Farms and Ranches to the West

If it’s wide open spaces you’re looking for, Vero Beach has that, too. Just west of the city, several neighborhoods offer 5-acre zoning. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, you can find even more extensive acreage where you can build the house of your dreams with space for horses to roam and all the privacy you could ever want.

McAnsh Park

ANNALISE

Vero Beach and Indian River County families

are fortunate to have many outstanding choices when it comes to schools, both public and private. National achievement tests rank Indian River County’s public school system above the national average.

Kindergarten is required in the state of Florida — children must be 5 years old on Sept. 1 to enroll.

Twenty public schools — 13

Educationelementary, four middle and three high schools — provide a wide range of educational opportunities. Indian River County is also home to several private, charter and specialty schools.

Saint Edward’s School and St. Helen Catholic School are two of the major private schools in the county. Saint Edward’s offers programs from pre-K through 12th grade; St. Helen offers programs from kindergarten through eighth grade.

At the college level, Indian River State College, with an undergraduate enrollment

of around 18,000, offers more than 100 programs leading to bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as technical certificates and applied technology diplomas. In addition to the Massey (main) Campus in Fort Pierce, IRSC has several satellites, including the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

Barry University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach Atlantic, Rollins College and University of Central Florida are also within commuting distance of Indian River County.

Putting Down Roots

Public Schools

Elementary Schools

Beachland Elementary

772-564-3300

Citrus Elementary

772-978-8350

Dodgertown Elementary

772-564-4100

Fellsmere Elementary

772-564-5970

Glendale Elementary

772-978-8050

Indian River Academy

772-564-3390

Liberty Magnet School

772-564-5300

Osceola Magnet School

772-564-5821

Pelican Island Elementary

772-564-6500

Rosewood Magnet School

772-564-3840

Sebastian Elementary

772-978-8200

Treasure Coast Elementary

772-978-8500

Vero Beach Elementary

772-564-4550

Middle Schools

Gifford Middle School

772-564-3550

Oslo Middle School

772-564-3920

Sebastian Charter Junior High

772-388-8838

Sebastian River Middle School

772-564-5111

Storm Grove Middle School

772-564-6400

High Schools

Sebastian River High School

772-564-4170

Vero Beach High School

772-564-5600

VBH Freshman Learning Center

772-564-5800

Specialty Public Schools

Alternative Center for Education (grades 6–12)

772-564-6240

Indian River Virtual School

772-564-3124

Wabasso School (special education, ages 5–22)

772-978-8000

Charter Schools

Imagine Schools South Vero (K–8)

772-567-2728

Indian River Charter High School (grades 9–12)

772-567-6600

North County Charter Elementary School (K–5)

772-794-1941

Sebastian Charter Junior High School (grades 6–8)

772-388-8838

St. Peter’s Preparatory Academy (K–6)

772-562-1963

Private Schools

Glendale Christian School (K–8)

772-569-1095

Master’s Academy (K–12) 772-794-4655

Saint Edward’s School (K–12) 772-231-4136

St. Helen Catholic School (K–8)

772-567-5457

Suncoast School (K–8)

772-778-0892

Willow School (K–8)

772-770-0758 Colleges

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology

772-466-4822

Indian River State College

772-462-4772

Treasure Coast Technical College

772-564-4970

Indian River Charter High School

We are an obstetrics and gynecology office offering a full range of ob/gyn services including:

Well woman exams

Adolescent gynecology | Obstetrical care | Nexplanon Menopause treatment | Gynecologic surgery | Minimally Invasive Surgery

In office ablation for heavy bleeding | IUD

Monday - Friday 9:00-4:30 (patients are seen by appointment only) Most insurances are accepted

Rosana Salama Bello, M.D.

Shannon Brown, MSN, FNP-BC

Shannon Brown, MSN, FNP-BC, James J. Presley, M.D. and Rosana Salama Bello, M.D.

Great for Grandkids

One of the best things about moving to paradise is that friends and family and all their little ones are sure to visit. Here are some indoor and outdoor activities that the whole gang can enjoy, rain or shine. We recommend calling ahead; COVID-19 is impacting many of these programs.

Outdoor Activity

Andretti Thrill Park 3960 S. Babcock St. Melbourne 321-956-6706

andrettithrillpark.com

Good for Small Children

Arcade, batting cages, racetracks and laser tag

Good for older kids

Art Zone at Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

Lots of hands-on activities to engage the little ones with art ●

Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne 321-254-9453

brevardzoo.org ●

Children’s Garden at McKee Botanical Garden

350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601

mckeechildrensgarden.com

Enchanted outdoor space includes pirate ship, monkey bridge, splash garden and more ●

Countryside Family Farms

6325 81st St. 772-581-0999

countrysidefamilyfarms.com

Flower patch, strawberry patch, and various seasonal and annual special events ●

DEFY Port St. Lucie 440 NW Peacock Blvd. Port St. Lucie 772-236-0970

defy.com/locations/ defy-port-saint-lucie

Extreme air sport park, birthday party packages available Good for older kids

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort 9250 Island Grove Terrace

772-234-2000

verobeach.disney.go.com

Mini golf, swimming, and dining with Disney characters

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050

discoverelc.org

Trails, water sports, pontoon rides, guided kayak tours and more ●

Escape Room Vero Beach

836 U.S. Hwy 1

772-626-0217

escaperoomverobeach.com

Solve riddles and puzzles to "escape" from themed rooms

Fun City Party and Play Center

1375 U.S. Hwy. 1

772-770-0707

funcityfl.com

Arcade games, bounce houses, laser tag and birthday parties

Gifford Aquatic Center

4895 43rd Ave.

772-770-5312

ircrec.com/gac

Zero-depth entry pool, swimming lanes and two enclosed slides ●

Painted Frog

MARTINA TANNERY

Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center

5600 U.S. Hwy. 1, Fort Pierce

772-242-2293

Marine research and wildlife exhibits

Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center

1590 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-226-1780

ircig.com

Indoor recreational center and event venue

Kennedy Space Center Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island 855-433-4210

kennedyspacecenter.com

LaPorte Farms

7700 129th St., Sebastian 772-633-0813

laportefarms.com

5 acres with petting farm, pony rides and various scheduled events ● ●

North County Aquatic Center

9450 County Road 512, Sebastian

772-581-7665 .ircrec.com/ncac

Extensive water play area, 24-lane competition pool and diving well ●

Painted Frog

1906 14th Ave. 772-999-3763

www.paintedfrogvb.com

Paint your own pottery

Piper Freedom of Flight Factory Tours

2926 Piper Drive 772-567-4361

piper.com

Behind-the-scenes look at aircraft manufacturing

Royal Palm Pointe Fountains Park

2 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-2144

covb.org

Splash fountains, fishing dock, lagoon views, picnic tables and restrooms ● ●

Safari Golf & Games

455 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-562-6492

safariminigolfandgames.com

36 holes of safari-themed miniature golf, arcade room, batting cages and ice cream ●

Sebastian Skate Park

1126 Barber St., Sebastian 772-581-2630

parks.cityofsebastian.org

3 concrete ramps, jersey barrier, boxes and skating floor for skateboards and in-line skates

Good for older kids

Skate Factory 485 27th Ave. SW 772-794-3373

skatefactory.us

Skating, classes, video arcade and team sports including speed skating and roller hockey; available for private party rental

Smithsonian Marine Station

701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce 772-462-0977

Scientists share knowledge and answer questions about the ocean and Indian River Lagoon

Parks and Playgrounds

Charles Park Playground 2405 15th St. 772-567-2144

Humiston Beach Park 3000 Ocean Drive 772-231-5790

Jaycee Beach Park 4200 Ocean Drive 772-567-2144

Piece of Pie Park 3701 Atlantic Blvd. 772-567-2144

Strike Zone

730 S. Fleming St., Sebastian 772-770-2710

strikezonesebastian.com

Bowling, laser tag and birthday parties

Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures at the Brevard Zoo

8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne 321-254-9453

treetoptrek.com

Obstacle course, 14 ziplines, view zoo animals from above ●

Vero Beach Book Center

Story Hour

392 21st St. 772-569-2050

verobeachbookcenter.com

Independent bookstore, large toy selection and children’s story hours ●

Vero Bowl 929 14th Lane 772-299-7467

verobowl.com

30+ glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes; billiards; party zone for children, teens and adults

Pocahontas Park 2199 14th Ave. 772-567-2144

Riverside Park 3200 Riverside Park Drive 772-567-2144

Troy Moody Park 2300 Victory Blvd. 772-567-2144

Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex 4715 43rd St. 772-567-8000

MARTINA TANNERY

Humiston Park

Putting Down Roots

OCEANFRONT PARKS

Ambersands Beach Access 12566 N. Highway A1A

Wabasso Beach Park 1820 County Road 510

Roseland Community Park 12925 83rd Ave.

Golden Sands Park 10350 N. Highway A1A

RIVERFRONT PARKS

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

Round Island Riverfront Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

A.W. Young Park East end of 21st St.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

Bethel Creek House 4405 N. Highway A1A

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Dale Wimbrow Park 11805 Roseland Road

Sebastian River Canoe Launch County Road 512

Grosvenor

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Donald MacDonald Park 12315 Roseland Road

Sebastian Riverview Park U.S. Highway 1 and Indian River Dr

Sebastian Inlet State Park 9700 N. Highway A1A

Joe Earman Island Park Accessible by boat only, 1 mile north of the Barber Bridge

Wabasso Causeway Park

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Live Oak Road Park South side of Wabasso Causeway

Tracking Station Park 800 46th Place, N. Highway A1A

Mac William Park Southeast end of Barber Bridge

Treasure Shores Park 11300 N. Highway A1A

Oslo Dock Eastern end of Oslo Road

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Riverside Park Riverside Drive

Putting Down Roots

A

Dog’s

Best Friend

Life is good in Vero Beach and Indian River County, and our furry four-legged friends couldn't agree more. We are home to several private dog parks where dogs can romp off-leash. When you join these parks, your modest annual fee ensures that the dogs your pet will interact with are current on all vaccinations, have been spayed or neutered, and have a suitable disposition for interacting with other dogs. The county also offers two public dog parks, which do not provide prescreening.

Private Parks

Humane Society Vero Beach & Indian River County Dog Park 6230 77 St hsvb.org/membership---dog-park

Dogs For Life Off-Leash Dog Park 1230 15 Ave 772-567-8969 dogsforlifevb.org

Public Parks

Vero Beach Dog Park 3449 Indian River Drive East verobeachdogpark.org

Sebastian Bark Park 245 Keen Terrace, Sebastian

Get Involved W

hat better way to put down roots than by getting involved? Wherever your interests lie, you are likely to find people in Vero Beach who share them. Below you'll find a small sampling of active groups in town. You'll also want to view and download the digital edition of our annual Guide to Better Giving to see a list of nonprofit organizations that need your help and that welcome volunteers. You can find it at verobeachmagazine.com.

Garden Club of Indian River County

MARTINA TANNERY

Putting Down Roots

Clubs and Hobbies

Bridge Clubs

Vero Beach Bridge Center 1520 14th Ave.

772-562-3008

bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcenter

Vero Beach Community Center Bridge Club

2266 14th Ave. 772-589-3741 bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcommunitycenter

Book Clubs

Brackett Book Club

6155 College Lane

772-226-3080

irsc.libguides.com/ BrackettBookClub

McKee Botanical Book Club 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601

mckeegarden.org/ mckee-botanical-book-club

Car Clubs

Antique Automobile Club of America

1350 26th St. local.aaca.org/indianriver

Indian River Corvette Club 1570 56th Square W. 772-770-2839

ircorvettes.com

Space Coast Region Porsche Club of America spc.pca.org

Clay Shooting

Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports 5925 82nd Ave. 772-978-0935

verobeachclayshooting.com

Cycling

Vero Cycling verocyclingclub.org

Flying Treasure Coast FAASTeam faasafety.gov

Treasure Coast Pilot Club 772-567-1134

tcpc.info

Gardening

Garden Club of Indian River County 2526 17th Ave. 772-567-4602

gardenclubofirc.org

Historical Societies

Indian River County Historical Society

2336 14th Ave. 772-778-3435

irchistorical.org

Indian River Genealogical Society 772-444-7470 irgs.org

Sebastian Area Historical Society 1235 Main St. 772-581-1380

sebastianareahistoricalmuseum. com

Putting Down Roots

Model Sailboats

Indian River Model Sailing Club 4700 77th St. irmsc.org

Photography

The Indian River Photo Club indianriverphotoclub.org

Rowing

Vero Beach Rowing 310 Acacia Road 772-261-0747

verobeachrowing.org

Running

Girls on the Run

1836 14th Ave. 772-202-3776

girlsontheruntc.org

Sunrunners of Vero Beach 772-473-5417

sunrunnersofverobeach.com

OFFICIAL VERO BEACH HANDBOOK

Putting Down Roots

Kiwanis Hobart Park

PATRICK MERRELL

Find Our Advertisers Who’s Who

Gourmet Markets

Sports &

Performance Arts & Entertainment

Christine R. McLaughlin at Shamrock Real Estate Corp 772-538-0683 propertyin32963.com 33

Dan Downey 772-713-6314

Anne Wallace

772-532-3226 at Berkshire Hathaway

Real Estate

Debbie Bell at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-473-7255 verobeachislandrealestate.com

Diane DeFrancisci 772-538-1614

Martin Carder 772-696-0131

Brenda Montgomery 772-532-4170

Karl Dietrich 772-538-3453 at Alex MacWilliam Real Estate grandharborproperties.com 21

Dustin Haynes at Coldwell Banker Paradise

772-205-1931 verobeachproperty.com 3

Frances Bonsignore Smyrk at One Sotheby’s International Realty

772-532-7278

fransmyrk.one sothebysrealty.com 39

Fredi Ash 772-217-0887

Christine Barry 781-910-5602 at One Sotheby’s

Andrew

Cheryl Burge 772-538-0063

Becky Rossway 772-633-4190

Lucy

Jane Tupper Johnson at Alex MacWilliam Real Estate

772-559-3520

jtjhomes.com 19

Janyne Kenworthy at One Sotheby’s International Realty

772-696-5110

janyne.com 35

Jeanine Harris

772-633-3521

Luke Webb

772-234-5116

Kay Brown

772-321-8626 at Premier Estate Properties brownharrisandwebb.info 1

Jeff and Ginny Mitchell

772-231-3355

Kitty Rossetti

585-802-8290 at Coldwell Banker Paradise coldwellbankerluxury.com 123

Jill Arsenault at One Sotheby’s International Realty

772-233-0660

jillarsenault.one sothebysrealty.com 49

Joe Liguori at Premier Estate Properties

772-234-5555

premierestateproperties.com Inside Front Cover

John’s Island Real Estate Company

772-231-0900

johnsislandrealestate.com ...........41

Karen Smith at One Sotheby’s International Realty

772-559-1295

realestateofvero.com 7

Kathleen B. Powell at One Sotheby’s International Realty

772-696-4062

iamvero.com 125

Kim Spears at Douglas Elliman Real Estate 772-263-2505

verobeachluxe.com

Inside Back Cover

LuAnn Donnelly-Willemen at One

Patti

Richard

Non-Emergency Law