Welcome to Vero Beach

Welcome

Welcome to Vero Beach! Maybe you have come here for the water, or the golfing, or because your parents or grandparents wintered here several decades ago. Maybe you are up from Miami visiting friends for a long weekend. Maybe you just need a break from 20-degree (or minus-20-degree!) weather and snow or are in search of the perfect retirement community. Whatever prompted you to come, we're glad you're here!

Located in Indian River County, Vero Beach is nestled along 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 slower-paced 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.

The barrier island boasts 22 miles of spacious, uncrowded beaches accessible via three bridges and graced with parking that is both ample and free. Scores of boutiques, galleries and local restaurants parallel the coast on Ocean Drive, within 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.

It's easy to live the outdoor life in Vero Beach, both on and off the water. Golfers will find beautiful courses and opportunities to play year-round. Boaters, anglers, sailors and paddlers enjoy the Indian River Lagoon and the coastal waters of the Atlantic, while

Riverfront homes north of Wabasso Causeway

surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers and sunbathers enjoy our ocean playground. For land lovers, nature preserves and hiking trails offer additional escapes from the indoors. McKee Botanical Garden offers 18 acres of lush jungle pathways and a children's garden guaranteed to delight youngsters and the young at heart.

Lovers of the arts will find much to enjoy here as well. The Vero Beach Museum of Art holds a rich permanent collection and regularly hosts prominent international exhibitions. Riverside Theatre presents a full season of professional productions each year, and Ballet Vero Beach and the Vero Beach Opera add to the roster of cultural gems. Choral societies, symphonies and thriving community theater and gallery scenes offer additional opportunities to enjoy the arts. Live music, street festivals, holiday parades and art crawls are a regular part of life here.

If you are looking to put down roots, you'll find that Vero Beach has residential options to suit every taste. You can find oceanfront homes, riverfront houses with deep-water docks, and wide-open spaces to the west of town where you can spread out. Wherever you go, you will find welcoming neighbors and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

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, if you ask us, is unlike all those other beach towns. If you join the ranks of people who fall in love and never want to leave, well, don't say we didn't warn you!

AREA Indian River County........................617 sq. mi. (Land)..........................................503 sq. mi. Vero Beach’s Barrier Island (Land)...........................................17.4 sq. mi.

POPULATION Indian River County (2020 census) 159,788 Population per square mile .....................318 Vero Beach’s Barrier Island (2019 est)...............................................17,503

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Indian River County.................................58,612 Vero Beach’s Barrier Island...................7,357

MEDIAN AGE Indian River County......................................52.1 Vero Beach’s Barrier Island.....................68.6

AVG HOME VALUE (2019 ESTIMATED) Indian River County..........................$235,300 Vero Beach’s Barrier Island............$721,389

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME Indian River County (2018 est)...........................................$54,740

DISTANCE FROM VERO BEACH (MILES) Kennedy Space Center.................................83 Orlando................................................................. 107 Palm Beach...........................................................79 The Bahamas .....................................................110 Naples.....................................................................197 Miami......................................................................138 Key West................................................................297 Savannah, GA...................................................352 Charleston, SC.................................................460 Washington, D.C..............................................918 New York, NY.................................................... 1,143 Boston, MA........................................................1,357

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research; Florida Demographics by Cubit; city-data.com; point2homes.com

Indian River County

FLORIDA TURNPIKE

60 Blue Cypress Lake

Upper St. Johns River Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area

FLORIDA TURNPIKE

Fellsmere Rd 512

Fellsmere

Sebastian Inlet

95

505

R o s e l a n d R d

Sebastian

Sebastian Blvd

t h A v e 9 0

85th St 510 Indian River Lagoon A1A

Sebastian River Medical Center

512

1 North Beach

Wabasso Bridge

Orchid

Wabasso

613

1

508

8 t h A v e 5

Winter Beach A1A

Sebastian Municipal Airport

Atlantic Ocean

Indian River Shores

20th Street 60

Gifford

41st St 630

Vero Beach

Indian Ri ver Blvd

1

60

Barber Bridge

20th Street

82 n d A v e

9th St SW 606

5 8 t h A v e 60

r d A v e 3 4 8th St

t h A v e 2 7 Ol d Di xi e Hw y 1

Alma Lee Loy Bridge

Vero Beach South

611

Florida Ridge

1

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Vero Beach Regional Airport

South Beach

A1A

Welcome Weather Report

Avg Low Avg High Record Low Record High Avg Precip Avg Humid Avg Snowfall JANUARY 53° 74° 21° 88° 2.4” 76% 0” FEBRUARY 54° 76° 28° 89° 2.9” 75% 0” MARCH 58° 78° 26° 93° 4.5” 72% 0” APRIL 62° 82° 36° 95° 2.8” 68% 0” MAY 68° 85° 46° 99° 3.6” 72% 0’’ JUNE 72° 89° 57° 100° 7.1” 77% 0’’ JULY 73° 90° 62° 99° 6.6” 78% 0’’ AUGUST 74° 90° 63° 98° 7.5” 78% 0’’ SEPTEMBER 73° 88° 61° 97° 7.6” 79% 0’’ OCTOBER 69° 85° 45° 94° 5.9” 75% 0’’ NOVEMBER 62° 80° 31° 92° 3.8” 78% 0’’ DECEMBER 56° 76° 23° 87° 2.4” 74% 0’’

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 looking up. To get the latest information on upcoming scheduled launches, visit kennedyspacecenter.com, 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 when you start to notice the wonders of the universe around us.

Astronomical Events in 2022 Jan. 3..............Peak of Quadrantid Meteor Shower

March 20.....................................................Vernal Equinox April 22...........................Peak of Lyrid Meteor Shower April 30..........................Partial Solar Eclipse 4:41 p.m. May 6..............Peak of Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower May 15...........................Total Lunar Eclipse 10:28 p.m. June 21.....................................................Summer Solstice

Aug. 13......................Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower Sept. 22.................................................Autumnal Equinox Oct. 8 ...................Peak of Draconid Meteor Shower

Nov. 17........................Peak of Leonid Meteor Shower

Nov. 8................................Total Lunar Eclipse 4:10 a.m. Dec. 21...........................................................Winter Solstice

Sun Safety

We don’t just live in the Sunshine State; we live in a part of the Sunshine State that is so scenic and engaging that it’s only natural for us to be outdoors enjoying the sea and sand, pathways and palms. But along with our splendid lifestyle comes an elevated level of ultraviolet radiation, so it’s very important for us to know how to protect our skin.

Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer, can range from a minor nuisance requiring a simple procedure at the dermatologist’s office to a lifethreatening condition. Melanoma, though less common than basal and squamous cell skin cancers and highly curable when caught early, can spread and kill if not treated in time. The good news is that skin cancer prevention is largely within our control.

Sun protection is not just a medical necessity; it’s a cosmetic one as well. UV rays take a toll on our skin, causing spots, wrinkles and premature aging — things most of us want to keep to a minimum!

Sun safety begins before we leave the house. Nowadays, checking the UV index is as easy as looking at our phones. It is usually given as part of weather reports and forecasts. The highest UV levels occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s a good idea to avoid these peak hours when planning beach excursions and other outdoor activities. The UV index chart gives us an idea of how much protection is needed at each level. In our area, it is wise to assume that if it’s daytime, some sun protection is going to be necessary.

When we think of sun protection, we often think first of sunscreen, but it really begins with clothing. Long sleeves, pants and hats go a long way toward shielding your skin. Many lines of outdoor apparel even carry a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. A UPF of 30, for example, means that a garment will block out all but 1/30 (about 3%) of the UV rays that strike it.

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.

The effectiveness of sunscreen is scored in terms of its SPF or sun protection factor. An SPF of at least 15 is a must. Apply it generously 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply about every two hours, especially if swimming or perspiring.

Do your homework and consult your dermatologist in order to make the best sunscreen decisions for your needs. And be sure to keep a close eye on all moles and spots, and make regular visits to the dermatologist a part of your routine. After all, your skin is the largest organ of your body, and if you take good care of it, it will take good care of you!

Welcome Fun Facts

POET LAURA (RIDING) JACKSON moved to Wabasso, Florida, in 1943, with her husband, Schuyler Jackson. They made some improvements to a 1910 frame “cracker-style” house, where the poet lived, without electricity, until 1989. She died in 1991, and the historic house now sits on the grounds of Indian River State College’s Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

INDIAN RIVER … PINEAPPLES? Yes, that’s right! Even though “Indian River” is virtually synonymous with citrus, our area has the potential to be a pineapple paradise. When Herman Zeuch founded Indian River Farms in the early 20th century and Northern farmers flocked here for the three growing seasons, many of them grew pineapples. They are a common yard fruit here to this day, and Mark Dellerman runs a thriving pineapple farm just north of Vero Beach. Since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, NASA has relied on private companies to transport cargo and crews to the International Space Station. One of those companies, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, even holds a 20-year lease as the exclusive user of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. Thus, Vero Beach residents continue to enjoy excellent views of KENNEDY SPACE CENTER LAUNCHES.

Welcome Fun Facts

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

Welcome A Sampling of Annual Events

JANUARY

Vero Beach Museum of Art Gala Youth Guidance King of the Hill Tennis Tournament Camp Haven Diamonds in the Rough Gala

FEBRUARY

Gardenfest! McKee Botanical Garden Motorcar Exhibit VBMA Fashion Meets Art Childcare Resources Starfest Mental Health Association MHA Rocks!

MARCH

Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts Show VBMA Art in Bloom Boys & Girls Clubs Angels Dinner Vero Beach Opera Rising Stars Vocal Competition Riverside Theatre Premiere Benefit Gala McKee Garden & Antique Show

APRIL

Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Pro Circuit Tournament Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation Poetry BBQ Saint Edward’s Pirate Ball The Arc Starlight & Sneakers

MAY

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation May Pops IRSC Foundation Golf Tournament Healthy Start Coalition Dancing with Vero’s Stars

JUNE

McKee Botanical Garden Waterlily Celebration United Against Poverty Burgers & Brews

JULY

City of Vero Beach Fourth of July Celebration City of Sebastian Fourth of July Celebration Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Race to the Wreck

AUGUST

Keep Indian River Beautiful Paddle Dash

SEPTEMBER

Keep Indian River Beautiful Coastal Cleanup

OCTOBER

Military Moms Prayer Group Holidays for Heroes Drive United Way Day of Caring Treasure Coast Food Bank Pack the House Treasure Coast Community Health Duck Derby

NOVEMBER

Indian River Land Trust Benefit Riverside Theatre Festival of Trees The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Muster Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Walk to Remember Care Net Pregnancy Center Banquet Samaritan Center Soup Bowl

DECEMBER

McKee Botanical Garden Festival of Lights H.A.L.O. Love at First Bite Women’s Refuge Christmas Banquet Ballet Vero Beach Nutcracker on the Indian River

Names Seen Around Town

Roads, bridges, parks and other landmarks often bear the names of prominent local residents who have helped shape our area’s history. Keep an eye out for the following names as you travel around Indian River County.

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.

While the name of VERO BEACH is believed to have been derived from the Latin word for “truth,” its neighboring towns are both named after people: SEBASTIAN after third-century Christian martyr ST. SEBASTIAN and FELLSMERE after the town’s founder, EDWARD NELSON FELL. The community of GIFFORD is named for early Vero Beach settlers HENRY and SARAH GIFFORD and their family.

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.

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

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.

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 the line of duty. The 29-year-old deputy was shot by a suspect in 1986.

Another small residential park is found in the MCANSH PARK neighborhood. The circular TROY MOODY PARK is named in honor of 1943 Vero Beach High School graduate TROY MOODY, 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 the 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.

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