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Starke, Florida

Starke is a city in and the county seat of Bradford County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,796 at the 2020 census. The origin of the city's name is disputed. Starke may have been named in honor of local landowner George W. Cole's fiancée's family or in honor of Madison Starke Perry, fourth governor of Florida.

Founding and 19th century
Prior to 1857, the area that is today Starke was sparsely settled. The announcement of the Fernandina to Cedar Key railroad, which would connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico, brought the first known settlement to the community.

In November 1857, the first post office in the area was established by George W. Cole. In 1859, Cole obtained 40 acre of land around the post office, which were described in his documents as the "Original Town of Starke."

In 1858, the railroad reached Starke, bringing new residents to the community. The city was incorporated on April 4, 1870. In 1875, Bradford County residents narrowly voted to move the county seat from Lake Butler to Starke. Three additional votes would be taken in later years on the location of the county seat, before the Florida Legislature resolved the issue in 1921, with the creation of Union County.

Starke's weekly newspaper, The Bradford County Telegraph, began publication in 1879 as The Florida Weekly Telegraph (it continues to be the oldest weekly newspaper in Florida today). The city experienced tremendous growth in the 1880s and 1890s from Florida's citrus industry. Northerners moved to the area in droves to take a stake in the industry, but the state's Great Freeze that, came in the winter of 1894-1895 devastated the area's orange groves, moving the citrus industry further south.

20th and 21st centuries
Starke oversaw a period of rapid expansion brought on by the new U.S. Highway 301 in the early 1900s, and the construction of Camp Blanding during World War II.

For travelers coming from the northeastern United States, Highway 301 was the quickest route between Jacksonville and Tampa (a title it still holds to this day). Starke's status as one of the largest cities on the route, as well its location on State Road 100, brought numerous hotels to the area. The construction of nearby Camp Blanding as a military training facility during World War II added to the local building boom, and by 1950, the city's population had doubled.

Post-World War II, the boom continued and the area continued to see an influx of residents working in the service industry and in its strawberry fields. Bradford County's famous Strawberry Festival was born during this time, and it continues to attract thousands of visitors today.

In the late 1980s, the city received national media attention during the proceedings of the Ted Bundy case and his eventual execution at Florida State Prison in nearby Raiford, Florida. It also received attention when Lawton Chiles was Florida governor as a notorious speed trap town, even having warning billboards placed on Interstate 10's exit onto south US 301. Other speed traps on this stretch of US 301 between I-10 and I-75 were Waldo, Lawtey, and Hampton.

During this time, controversy would also arise over the cross located on the city's water tower, as national atheist groups condemned the community. In the early 2000s, a court motion was filed by American Atheists against the city to remove the cross, bringing Starke back into the national spotlight. The battle in court would prove contentious, with most city residents staunchly opposed to its removal. In 2007, a district judge ruled against the city, and the cross would later be moved to a location on private property.

In later years, American Atheists attempted to have a Ten Commandments monument removed from the courtyard of the Bradford County Courthouse. A compromise was eventually reached however in this case.

Geography
Starke is located in east-central Bradford County. U.S. Route 301 passes through the center of the city, leading north 26 mi to Baldwin and Interstate 10 (with Jacksonville through it) and southwest (via State Road 24) 25 mi to Gainesville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.7 km2, all land.

Starke is located approximately 8 mi west of Florida's National Guard base, Camp Blanding, and is approximately 10 mi southeast of Florida State Prison, Union Correctional Institution, and New River East Correctional Institution.

The exact location for the City of Starke is at the coordinates 29.94417°N, -82.10972°W.

Climate
Starke has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,796 people, 2,160 households, and 1,215 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 5,449 people, 2,062 households, and 1,329 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,593 people, 2,003 households, and 1,350 families residing in the city. The population density was 839.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,273 housing units at an average density of 341.1 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 67.05% White, 29.54% African American, 0.21% Native American, 1.25% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.64% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.23% of the population.

In 2000, there were 2,003 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.14.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $27,021, and the median income for a family was $35,093. Males had a median income of $27,176 versus $17,986 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,507. About 19.2% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.9% of those under age 18 and 23.2% of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest

 * Call Street Historic District - Starke's downtown is home to locally owned restaurants, antique shops, a jewelry store, and a movie theatre.
 * Bradford County Strawberry Festival - In 1998, city and county residents came together to start the Strawberry Festival to recognize the importance of the strawberry crop in the community. The two day festival, which is held the first week of April, attracts thousands of visitors annually.
 * Eugene L. Matthews Historical Museum - This museum, named after the longtime editor of The Bradford County Telegraph, showcases many items from Bradford County's history. It is open select days of the month, or by appointment.
 * Andrews Center - Formerly the old Bradford County Courthouse, the Romanesque-style structure built in 1902 is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is widely considered to be the centerpiece of Starke and its distinctive look makes it one of the most recognizable symbols of the city and Bradford County.
 * Florida Twin Theatre - Having opened in 1941, the Florida Twin Theatre is one of the oldest movie theatres in north Florida. The theatre has been a popular destination for travelers from around the region for decades.

Government

Starke has a Commission-Manager form of government, with a mayor, vice mayor and three council members, all elected to single member districts. In addition, the City Clerk and Chief of Police are elected positions. Starke City Officials serve four-year terms.

The current city commissioners are:

 * District 1: Danny Nugent
 * District 2: Janice Mortimer
 * District 3: Shannon Smith
 * District 4: Scott Roberts (Mayor)
 * District 5: Andy Redding (Vice Mayor)

The city clerk is James "Jimmy" Crosby, the city manager is Russell A. Mullins, and the Chief of Police is Jeff Johnson.

Education

 * Bradford High School
 * Bradford Middle School
 * Starke Elementary School
 * Bradford Elementary School (As of 2023).

Southside Elementary School officially closed its doors in November 2023, having been used temporarily in light of the new school site being built for the current staff and students. The school building itself will be utilized as the new School District office. Schools within Starke are operated by the Bradford County School District. In addition, the Bradford County Public Library is in Starke. It is a part of the New River Public Library Cooperative.

Higher education

 * Santa Fe College's Andrews Center serves Bradford and Union counties as an important learning and cultural institution.
 * North Florida Technical College (Bradford-Union Technical Center), a tertiary institution managed by the school district, is in Starke.

Film and television locations
Starke has been the location of several Hollywood films, including: Starke has been the location of the following television series:
 * G.I. Jane, which starred Demi Moore and was filmed east of Starke on the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
 * Joel Schumacher's film Tigerland, starring Colin Farrell was filmed at Camp Blanding.
 * Basic starring Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta was filmed at Camp Blanding.
 * Why Do Fools Fall in Love starring Halle Berry and Vivica A. Fox.
 * The Fox Broadcasting Company's reality TV show Boot Camp.
 * The BBC's mini-series The State Within.

Notable people

 * Judy Canova, film actress and entertainer
 * Doyle Edward Conner Sr, former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
 * Charley Eugene Johns, 32nd Governor of Florida, former Florida State Senate President

title: Starke, Florida


text:
Cape Canaveral, Florida

Cape Canaveral is a city in Brevard County, Florida. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 9,912 at the 2020 US census.

History
After the establishment of a lighthouse in 1848, a few families moved into the area and a small but stable settlement was born. As the threat of Seminole Indian attacks became increasingly unlikely, other settlers began to move into the area around the Indian River. Post offices and small community stores with postal facilities were established at Canaveral, Canaveral Harbor and Artesia. It is thought the Artesia post office was so named for the ground water of artesian springs that are prevalent in the area.

In 1890, a group of alumni from Harvard University students established a hunters gun club called the Canaveral Harvard Club with a holding of over 18000 acres. Their game hunts helped clear the wilderness for other settlers to move into the area.

In the early 1920s, a group of Orlando journalists invested more than $150,000 in the beach acreage that now encompasses the area of presidentially named streets in Cape Canaveral. They called their development Journalista (now Avon-by-the-Sea) in honor of their trade. A wooden bridge linking Merritt Island with the area had just been constructed. The developers anticipated a growing number of seasonal visitors.

At that time, fishermen, retirees, and descendants of Captain Mills Burnham —the original official keeper of the Cape Canaveral Light—resided in the northern part of the present city.

Due to the hardships caused by the Great Depression, many investors defaulted on their holdings. Much of this land was recovered by newspaper owner R.B. Brossier and his son, Dickson, after they sold their Orlando home and used the remaining $4,500 to purchase much of the Avon area.

In the 1930s, archaeologists from Yale University surveyed various Native American sites in the area.

In 1951, anthropologist Irvine Rouse of Yale University visited the area and performed research.

By 1958, the workforce and the economy had grown with the space exploration program. At that time, state statute allowed an adjacent city to annex an unincorporated area without a vote of the residents. Local property owners were concerned that Cocoa Beach might annex them. Landowners felt that Cocoa Beach had more city debt and higher land taxes than they wished to support.

The City of Cape Canaveral started in 1961, when a committee was formed to incorporate. Due to paperwork delays the city charter was made into bill 167 and approved by the Florida State Legislature in Tallahassee on May 16, 1963.

In 1967, the annual Sun and Space Festival was started. It had flyovers and a parade that included a stop at the newly opened Museum of Sunken Treasure. This contained artifacts from the 1715 Treasure Fleet.

An annual celebration was started on October 9, 1990, The Patriot's Day Parade in honor of the last naval battle of the American Revolution that was fought off the Cape Canaveral coast in 1783.

In 2000, The Washington Post reported that the city's divorce rate was the highest in the country, 22%. It was the same rate in 2018.

At a Heritage Day event in March 2013 part of the festivities for the city's 50th anniversary included author Jay Barbree who delivered an oral history of the early days. On the 50th anniversary date of May 16, 2013, a 50-year time capsule was sealed and a pictorial postmark of the city's anniversary was stamped.

In 2017, the city won "Most Fit City" in the Mayor's Fitness Challenge, hosted by Health First.

Geography
The city of Cape Canaveral is located on a barrier island on the Atlantic coast of Florida. It is due south of the geographical feature Cape Canaveral. It is separated from the mainland by the Banana River, Merritt Island and the Indian River from east to west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.3 sqmi. 2.3 sqmi of it is land and 0.04 sqmi of it (0.85%) is water.

Climate
Cape Canaveral has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa in the Köppen climate classification). It has hot wet summers, and warm winters with moderate rainfall. In late summer and fall tropical cyclones can brush the area. On August 20, 2008, Tropical Storm Fay dropped 20.03 inch of rain.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,972 people, 5,951 households, and 2,633 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 9,912 people, 5,431 households, and 2,684 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,829 people, 5,066 households, and 2,097 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,788.0 PD/sqmi. There were 6,641 housing units at an average density of 2,849.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.68% White, 1.43% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.70% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Out of all of which Hispanics or Latinos of constituted 3.48% of the population, regardless of race.

In 2000, there were 5,066 households, out of which 11.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.7% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 58.6% were non-families. 47.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.74 and the average family size was 2.41.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 11.3% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $30,858, and the median income for a family was $43,109. Males had a median income of $33,571 versus $22,423 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,537. About 9.2% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Cape Canaveral has a cross section of both single family and multifamily residences. A number of hotels and time shares are located in the area. Many residents work in the service industry, engineering firms, and at the Kennedy Space Center to the north.

Workforce
In 2007, the average size of Cape Canaveral's labor force was 5,824. Of that group, 5,533 were employed and 291 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 5%.

Housing
In 2008, no building permits were issued. This was down from five permits for six units in 2007, which was down from 19 permits for 42 units in 2006.

The median home price in 2007 was $215,000.

Tourism
Tourism plays a major role in the economy as in any Florida beachside community. The largest hotel in Brevard County is located in the city. It has 284 rooms and 30000 ft2 of meeting space.

Government
Cape Canaveral is run by a council–manager government. The City Council consists of five members, including the mayor. All seats on the City Council are filled by nonpartisan election as outlined in the City Charter. The City Manager is an appointed position that acts as the city's administrative leader and carries out the council's acts and directives.

 * Mayor – Wes Morrison
 * Mayor Pro Tem – Mickie Kellum
 * Council Member – Kim Davis
 * Council Member – Kay Jackson
 * Council Member – Don Willis
 * City Manager (appointed) – Todd Morley
 * City Clerk (appointed) – Mia Goforth

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $1.46 billion.

In 2009–2010, the city paid $833,100 for solid waste disposal. This was furnished at a cost from $4.95 to $7.38 monthly per residence.

Federally, Cape Canaveral is part of Florida's 8th congressional district, represented by Republican Bill Posey, elected in 2008.

Past Mayors

 * 1) Raymond Jamieson, March 1962 – June 1963
 * 2) Richard Thurm, June 1963 – June 1970
 * 3) Leo Nicholas, June 1970 – June 1971
 * 4) George Firkins, Jr., June 1971 – June 1973
 * 5) Franklyn Maclay, June 1973 – June 1976
 * 6) Leo Nicholas, June 1976 – November 1977
 * 7) Ann Thurm, November 1977 – June 1979
 * 8) Johnson Murphy, Jr., June 1979 – November 1982
 * 9) Wayne Rutherford, November 1982 – November 1985
 * 10) Patrick Lee, November 1985 – November 1988
 * 11) Joy Salamone, November 1988 – November 1994
 * 12) John Porter, November 1994 – November 1997
 * 13) Rocky Randels, November 1997 – November 2015
 * 14) Bob Hoog, November 2015 – November 2021
 * 15) Wes Morrison, November 2021 – Present

Transportation
The primary transportation is by road.

 * Florida A1A.svg SR A1A, known officially as Astronaut Boulevard in the central and northern parts of the town and Atlantic Avenue in the southern parts, is the main road, running north–south within the city. Major intersections include George King Boulevard (diamond interchange), Central Boulevard, and Atlantic Avenue.
 * Florida 528.svg SR 528 is a controlled-access highway that connects the city with the mainland. It is concurrent with SR A1A until George King Boulevard, where SR 528 then ends, and SR A1A becomes a normal surface road.

Public transportation is provided by Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT). The #9 Beach Trolley bus line circles through Cape Canaveral and runs down to Cocoa Beach and connects with other SCAT bus lines serving Brevard County.

Water
Residents obtain potable water from the city of Cocoa. A single potable water line from Cocoa runs under the Sykes Creek Bridge at Sea Ray Drive.

Notable people

 * Allison Anders, raised in the city, filmed Things Behind the Sun in Brevard County in 2001
 * Mills O. Burnham, member of the Florida House of Representatives. Moved here in 1853 and was keeper of the Cape Canaveral Light for 30 years

Sister cities

 * 🇨🇭 Kloten, Zurich, Switzerland
 * 🇵🇹 Sagres, Faro, Portugal
 * 🇮🇹 Guidonia Montecelio, Lazio, Italy
 * 🇮🇹 Fonte Nuova, Lazio, Italy
 * 🇬🇷 Ithaca, Kefallinia, Greece

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cape Canaveral, Florida


text:
Cocoa, Florida

Cocoa is a city in Brevard County, Florida. The population was 19,041 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 17,140 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Etymology
Several stories circulate among Cocoa old timers as to how the town got its name. One story says that the mail used to come by river boat and was placed in an empty tin box labeled Baker's Cocoa. The box was nailed to a piling in the river next to downtown. Additionally, an early hotel in the area, located on the Indian River lagoon, was named Cocoa House. Another story speaks of an elderly African American woman who lived on the banks of the Indian River. She would supply hot cocoa to sailors traversing the Indian River. It was said, the sailors approaching her house would yell out "Cocoa! Cocoa!" alerting the woman that they were present and wanted the beverage.

19th Century
In 1885, the S. F. Travis Hardware store opened. As of 2023, the business remains open. Cocoa's business district was mostly destroyed by fire in 1890. But soon, significant development was stimulated by the extension of the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Indian River Railway to Cocoa.

The city was chartered on October 1, 1895. In the winter of 1894–1895, Cocoa had an economic setback when the "Great Freeze" destroyed the citrus crop and forced many citrus workers to seek new jobs. By 1903, the population of Cocoa had declined to 382.

Early 20th Century
In the 1910s, population growth in Cocoa accelerated. The state business directory of 1911–1912 stated the population was 550.

In October 1918, the mayor of Cocoa proclaimed that all places of assembly, including schools, churches, and movies be closed to avoid spreading the Spanish flu.

By 1925, the population was estimated at 1,800. By 1930, despite the Great Depression, the population had risen to 2,200.

World War II and beyond
The population rose dramatically following the development of the space industry, quadrupling from 3,098 in 1940 to 12,244 in 1960. Cocoa and the surrounding area also became integrated with the tourist industry for the first time, as thousands visited the area to witness the launches from Cape Canaveral. By 1980, the population had grown to 16,096.

Education was segregated until the 1960s, at which time Monroe High School and elementary schools for black students were closed.

In 1964, the Cocoa Expo Sports Center (Cocoa Stadium) was built for the Colt 45s spring baseball training and Grapefruit League games. The team later became the Houston Astros. In the early 1980s, the city attempted to upgrade the stadium by asking the Astros to pay for needed repairs. In 1985, the team responded by moving its training to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. As a result, it was decided that future negotiations with major league teams would be done by the county government.

Clearlake Middle School was closed in 2013. Students were moved to Cocoa High School, which was converted to a junior and senior high school.

Government
Cocoa first approved the Council-Manager form of government in 1959, and subsequent changes to the state statutes mirrored the City of Cocoa's Council-Manager Plan. The City Council serves as the board of directors for the city, with the Mayor as chairman. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive. The City Council for the City of Cocoa is made up of five members; the Mayor is elected at large and the four council members are elected by each of their districts.

 * Mayor – Michael C. Blake
 * Councilman, District 1 – Alex Goins
 * Councilman, District 2 – Lavander Hearn
 * Councilman, District 3 – Matthew Barringer (appointed, upon resignation of previous councilman)
 * Councilwoman, District 4 – Lorraine Koss
 * City Manager (appointed) – Stockton Whitten

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $1.18 billion.

Cocoa has its own police and fire department. The Cocoa Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city. It is aided by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, for court and civil process. The Cocoa Fire Department has three stations. Brevard County Fire Rescue also has a station within the city limits.

In 2021, the city had an authorized police force of 72 police officers and 44 firefighters.

Geography
Cocoa is located at 28.36933°N, -80.74378°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 39.9 km2. 34.5 km2 of it is land and 5.4 km2 of it (13.46%) is water. Cocoa is home to the highest point in Brevard County, listed by the USGS as being 83 ft above sea level at its apex.

Fauna
The Cocoa Bird Count has annually counted species of birds in or near Cocoa since 1950. In 2010, it counted 150 species. There was an annual "Christmas Bird Count" before this, starting in 1900.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 19,041 people, 8,062 households, and 4,550, families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 17,140 people, 7,429 households, and 4,480 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,412 people, 6,939 households, and 4,232 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,200.3 PD/sqmi. There were 8,064 housing units at an average density of 1,081.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 62.47% White, 32.28% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 1.58% from other races, and 1.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.93% of the population.

In 2000, there were 6,939 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.97.

In 2000, in the city, the population was distributed as follows: 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

Personal income
According to 2020 United States Census data:
 * Median household income = $45,011
 * Per capita income = $26,831
 * Below the poverty line:
 * Population = 13.0%

Industry
Construction and retail trade are the two largest industries by employment in Cocoa as of 2017. In 2008, Kel-Tec CNC Industries, located in Cocoa, was the third-largest manufacturer of pistols in the United States. Cocoa has 1,381 registered businesses that include light manufacturing and industrial, retail and office businesses as of 2017. Cocoa hosts one of the facilities building SpaceX Starship.

Workforce
In 2017, 9,633 persons were employed, with 84% having a high school education or higher.

Tourism
Tourism is high in the downtown historic business district. Cruise passenger tourists come from Port Canaveral on excursions or day trips. In addition, tourists are attracted to the historic sites and local attractions such as the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science, the Eastern Florida State College Planetarium and Observatory, Historic Cocoa Village, Indian River Queen (excursion boat), Indian River Drive scenic by-pass, the Aladdin Theater, Historic Porcher House, and Riverfront Park. Historic Cocoa Village has shopping and two Golden Spoon award-winning restaurants, and boutiques. The city sponsors more than 50 special events each year.

Cocoa Village
The historic downtown area is called Cocoa Village, situated along Florida Avenue to Stone Street, and stretching to Riverfront Park along the Indian River. It has shops and restaurants, and is surrounded by historic buildings and the Cocoa Riverfront Park. The Florida Historical Society is headquartered in the historic Cocoa Post Office, originally built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration. The area was revitalized by funding for public infrastructure through the Cocoa Redevelopment Agency, City and private investment. Cocoa Village is also home to the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse which was originally called, The Aladdin Theatre.

Education
The city area has the following educational institutions:

Higher education:
 * Eastern Florida State College, Cocoa Campus
 * University of Central Florida, Cocoa Campus

Public school system:
 * Cambridge Elementary School
 * Cocoa High School
 * Endeavor Elementary Magnet School
 * Saturn Elementary School

Private schools:
 * Emma Jewel Charter Academy
 * St. Marks Episcopal Academy

Major roads
All are at least four-lane roads, unless otherwise designated.
 * – This is the main north–south route through the city, known officially as Cocoa Boulevard. From north to south, the road enters Cocoa via the census-designated place Sharpes. The road follows a vaguely northwest–southeast course as it passes through Cocoa Village. Major intersections include SR 528 (diamond interchange), Michigan Avenue, CR 503, and SR 520.
 * – There are three interchanges within city limits: SR 520 (exit 201), SR 524 (exit 202), and SR 528 (exit 205).
 * – This is the secondary north–south road in Cocoa, known locally as Clearlake Road. It runs from SR 524 to SR 520. Major intersections include SR 524, Michigan Avenue, CR 503, Lake Drive, and SR 520.
 * – This is a minor county road, known locally as Dixon Boulevard, running from SR 501 to US 1. Major intersections include SR 501, Fiske Boulevard and US 1.
 * – This scenic two-lane county road, known locally as, from north to south, Indian River Drive, Brevard Drive/Delannoy Avenue (south/north), and Rockledge Drive, is a slow residential route running directly parallel to the Indian River. Major intersections include Dixon Boulevard and SR 520 (northbound shares a brief concurrency).
 * – This is the main east–west route through the city; 25,000 vehicles/day drive through Cocoa Village. Starting from the west, the road enters the city limits of Cocoa from unincorporated Brevard County and takes on the name King Street. It then intersects SR 524. Following a brief interruption from Cocoa West, the road then runs through Cocoa Village on a pair of one-way streets, eastbound named King Street and westbound named Willard Street, and onto the Merritt Island Causeway. Major intersections include SR 524, I-95 (diamond interchange), SR 501, SR 519, US 1, and Indian River Drive.
 * – This is a rural, sometimes two-lane, secondary road running from SR 520 to SR 528. It has no local name. Major intersections include SR 520, I-95, SR 501, and SR 528.
 * – This is an east–west highway running from unincorporated areas of the county to the census-designated and unincorporated place of Merritt Island. Major intersections include I-95, SR 524, and US 1.

Rail
The Florida East Coast Railway runs through Cocoa. Into the early 1960s, passengers could take one of two Chicago-bound trains (on alternating days), the City of Miami or the South Wind (both via Birmingham) and the New York-bound East Coast Champion, Havana Special, and Miamian from the Florida East Coast Railway's Cocoa-Rockledge station. Into the latter 1950s, passengers could take the Dixie Flagler to Chicago via Atlanta from the station. All passenger trains along the FEC were suspended in 1963 due to a strike. The FEC resumed local passenger service between Jacksonville and the Miami area from 1965 until July 31, 1968.

Brightline is an inter-city rail route that currently runs between Miami and Orlando. On March 12, 2024, Brightline officials confirmed that an infill station on the Space Coast would be built in Cocoa.

Bus
Space Coast Area Transit operates a public bus service in Cocoa and vicinity.

Water

Since 1957, Cocoa has supplied the communities of central Brevard County with potable water. Cocoa made major investments in the water supply and treatment facilities needed to produce a sub-regional water system.

In 2017, Cocoa provided an average of 23000000 USgal of water daily to over 80,000 customers (250,000 people) in Cocoa, Rockledge, Port St. John, Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Suntree/Viera, Patrick Air Force Base, Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.

Cocoa's water system includes the wellfield and raw water collection system, Wewahootee Water Treatment Plant, transmission mains, and the Dyal Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Cocoa's drinking water sources include the Floridian Aquifer, Intermediate Aquifer, Taylor Creek Reservoir, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells. All of these facilities are located in east Orange County. A distribution system and storage pumping facilities are located in Brevard County. The Dyal WTP processes about nine billion gallons per year, with peak flows reaching 38 million gallons per day (mgd) during the summer. Daily flows average 25 mgd. The Dyal WTP is unusual for Central Florida because it is capable of treating both ground and surface water.

The flag was originally painted on the water tower free of charge by a Greek immigrant. He wanted to decorate the tower in time for the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976. In 2014, the City re-furbished and re-painted the tower with the iconic American flags.

Radio stations

 * WMMV 1350 AM
 * WWBC 1510 AM
 * WMIE-FM 91.5
 * WQCP 93.9 FM
 * WRRQ-LP 96.9 FM

Television station

 * WUCF-TV 68, a PBS member station operated by a consortium of the University of Central Florida and Eastern Florida State College.

Points of interest

 * Florida Solar Energy Center
 * Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
 * Alma Clyde Field Library of Florida History

Historic sites

 * Community Woman's Club
 * Aladdin Theater
 * Historic Derby Street Chapel
 * Porcher House
 * St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Athletics
The Houston Astros held spring training in Cocoa from 1964 through 1984, and the Florida Marlins trained in Cocoa in 1993. Cocoa Stadium was also the long-time home of the Florida State League Cocoa Astros.

In 2009, the Space Coast Surge, a member of the Florida Winter Baseball League, had Cocoa Stadium as its home stadium. The league suspended operations in November 2009.

Cocoa High School has numerous state champion athletic teams. In 2015, the Cocoa High School football team was ranked 13th in the State of Florida and 1st in the county and had a 35-game winning streak against other Brevard County schools.

Notable people

 * Emory L. Bennett (1929–1951), United States Army soldier during the Korean War and Medal of Honor recipient. A statue of him is in Cocoa Riverfront Park
 * Tarean Folston (born 1995), football player at the University of Notre Dame
 * Chauncey "C.J." Gardner-Johnson (born 1997), NFL American football player
 * Jumaine Jones (born 1979), professional basketball player
 * Chip Skowron (c. 1968), hedge fund portfolio manager, convicted of insider trading
 * Abbie Sweetwine (1921–2009), nurse who was called "The Angel of Platform 6" for her work during the Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash
 * Scott Thompson (aka; Carrot Top) (born 1965), a 1983 Cocoa High School graduate, is an American stand-up comedian and actor
 * Danita Davis (born 1981) Strong, commitment to continue the spirit of generosity through philanthropic studies.

Sister city

 * 🇮🇱 Beit Shemesh, State of Israel. On October 7, 2007, the city became a sister city with Beit Shemesh. Eastern Florida State College announced that it would participate by exchanging students.

title: Cocoa, Florida


text:
Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The population was 11,354 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 11,231 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The first non-native settlement in the area was by a family of freed slaves following the American Civil War. In 1888, a group of men from Cocoa bought the entire tract of land, which went undeveloped until it was bought out in 1923 by a member of the group—Gus Edwards, Cocoa's city attorney. At that time, Edwards' total holdings included approximately 600 acre. He stopped practicing law to devote all his efforts to developing the area.

Prior to incorporation, the area was known as Oceanus. The Town of Cocoa Beach was established on June 5, 1925. Cocoa Beach's first official meeting was held at the Cocoa Beach Casino on July 27, 1925, and adopted the City Seal. Gus C. Edwards was elected as mayor and served as a commissioner along with J.A. Haisten, and R.Z. Grabel. A little less than a month later, plans for a pier became official.

In 1935, the FDOT opened up what is now State Road A1A as a one-lane dirt road to Eau Gallie. In 1938, a Deputy Marshal was appointed "to act in emergencies at night or at other times" for $.25/hour. By 1939, the town had 49 residents. In 1940, the town requested that State Road 140 (now A1A) be routed on Orlando Avenue instead of Atlantic Avenue. In 1942, the town prepared to receive men assigned to the newly opened Naval Air Station Banana River. Establishing regular garbage collection was discussed when the town discovered that the Air Station was having theirs collected.

On May 1, 1942, the German submarine GS U-109 (1940) torpedoed the La Paz off the shore of Cocoa Beach. The crew was able to beach it with the help of tugs. Eventually it was returned to shipping. On May 3, the same U-boat sank the SS Laertes near the same spot. Local boys were recruited for salvaging efforts and to rid the beach of subsequent debris. Shortly thereafter, the federal government realized the danger of back-lighting from the coast making easy targets of passing ships and ordered a blackout for the remainder of the war.

During World War II, Cocoa Beach experienced money shortages to pay employees or to fix roads. In 1944, the town successfully fought a bill introduced in the Florida legislature which would have dissolved the city government. In 1947 a single police officer was hired for $1/hour. The same year, the city constructed works for the distribution of potable water. In 1950, a volunteer fire department was created which used a second-hand vehicle. In 1950, a proposal to prevent people from driving on the beach was defeated. In 1951, the city sought to place a stoplight, the city's first, at the intersection of what is now A1A and Minutemen Causeway. In 1953, the city decided to mark the names of all streets. That same year, the city planned to pave A1A south from 520 down Orlando Avenue. The city intended to bear 1/3 of the costs, the adjacent property owners, 2/3.

In 1954, the Women's Club opened a library in the building used by the Fire Department. In 1955, the speed limit in most of the town was raised to 35 mph. In 1955, the city prepared to house the people who were going to be launching missiles from what is now Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

In 1956, the city attorney warned the council that blacks might attempt to use the beach. If they did, he recommended clearing the beach of all persons, both white and black. The 1954 decision, Brown v. Board of Education, had, in theory at least, integrated all general public facilities. Actual integration came later.

The city proposed selling the town dump to the school board for a junior high school, in order to keep students from being bused to Merritt Island.

On June 29, 1957, the town of Cocoa Beach incorporated into a city. It sold its water system to Cocoa, Florida and contracted with them to furnish water.

In September 1959, the city voted to add more sidewalks, improve the streets in residential areas as well as the main streets, and to pave more roads.

In 1961, Ron-Jon opened their first store locally.

In 1965, Cocoa Beach High School requested that Cocoa Avenue, the street that the school was located on, be renamed Minutemen Boulevard, in honor of the school's mascot, the Minuteman.

Cocoa Beach started its major growth during the 1960s. There was a 1000% population increase from 1950 to 1960, mainly as a result of the U.S. space program. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is located approximately 15 mi north of town. Many people moved to Cocoa Beach due to jobs connected to the space program and in search of new opportunities.

After crewed space flights, the town held parades in honor of the astronauts.

After NASA's Apollo program came to an end, and before the Space Shuttle program was in full swing, the town's economy reflected the resulting layoffs. At one point, in 1975, unemployment was 14.3%. Many families lost their jobs or simply moved away. The housing market plummeted and some people unable to sell their homes simply abandoned them.

Cocoa Beach was the setting for the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, although no episodes were actually filmed there, and star Barbara Eden only made two visits during the show's production—both in 1969, for publicity. Cocoa Beach High School was used as the school in the 2002 movie Race to Space.

In 2002, 69% of the voters capped building height to 45 ft. Prior construction and later variances, resulted in about 80 buildings between 45 and 70 ft high, as of 2018.

The 2010 Nebula Awards were held in the city.

In 2016, the largest mansion in the city was destroyed by fire. It had been built on the beach by Al Neuharth in 1975. It contained 10000 sqft of living space, 11 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. It was valued at several million dollars.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.0 sqmi. 4.9 sqmi of it is land and 10.1 sqmi of it (67.49%) is water. Bordering the city on the north is Cape Canaveral; on the south is Crescent Beach; on the east is the Atlantic Ocean (5.6 mi of oceanfront); on the west is the Banana River.

Propelled by a powerful hurricane, the ocean pushed its way through the barrier islands centuries ago and formed the Thousand Islands in the Banana River.

There are a number of boating channels dredged in the area: the 0–99 Channel, the 100 Channel, the 200 Channel for houseboats, the 300 Channel, the 400 Channel near housing for private boats, the 500 Channel and the 600 Channel. Dredged material is placed on one of the Thousand Islands, but is now controlled.

Many of the homes in Cocoa Beach are built on dredged mud and sand from the Banana River.

Surrounding areas

 * Merritt Island [[Image:West.svg]]
 * Atlantic Ocean [[Image:Boxed East arrow.svg]]
 * Cape Canaveral [[Image:North.svg]]
 * Crescent Beach [[Image:South.svg]]

Climate
Cocoa Beach's has a humid subtropical climate Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This climate features hot and humid summers with frequent tropical downpours and daily thundershowers, and warm, dry, and sunny winters. The average high temperature in the warmest month (July) in Cocoa Beach is 91 F and the average high in the coolest month (January) is 72 F.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 11,354 people, 6,064 households, and 3,003 families residing in the city.

The ancestry in 2020 (excluding Latino groups), was 19.5% German, 19.4% Irish, 18.1% English, 6.4% Italian, 5.2% Polish, 4.6% French, 2.0% Scottish, 1.1% Norwegian, and 0.1% Sub-saharan African.

In 2020, the median age was 57.9 years old. 33.1% were older than 65, with 18.1% between the ages of 65 and 74, 8.5% between the ages of 75 and 84, and 6.4% 85 or older. 10.8% of the population were under 18, with 1.9% under 5 years. The gender makeup was 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

In 2020, the median household income was $73,901, with families having $104,449, married couples having $114,468, and non-families having $44,792. 9.8% of the population were in poverty, with 9.8% of people under 18, 12.0% of people between the ages of 18 and 64, and 6.2% of people 65 or older in poverty. The per capita income was $55,754.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 11,231 people, 6,052 households, and 3,263 families residing in the city.

Government
Cocoa Beach is run by a Commission-Manager government, agreed to by its citizens in 1958. The City Commission acts as the legislative branch of the city government, guided by the provisions of the Charter of the City of Cocoa Beach. The City Commission enacts ordinances and resolutions that the City Manager administers as the appointed executive officer of the city government.

The city owns and runs the Cocoa Beach Country Club, a golf course on the Banana River.

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $2.09 billion.

In 2011, the city photographed more than 20,000 instances of vehicles running red lights by the use of automatic cameras. A total of 6,595 violations were prosecuted. In 2012, the police force consisted of 36 officers. In 2014, the city grossed $1.1 million for over 9.000 red light violations. Over 24,000 violations were captured on film. All could not be prosecuted for various reasons. The city netted over $249,000. The remainder went for licensing fees to the installing vendor; over half was remitted to the state. Cameras were sited at four locations on state road A1A, including the intersection with state road 520. Intersection crashes dropped from 88 in 2009 to 30 in 2014.

The City Commission is made up of five members, one of whom is the Mayor. Historically, the commissioners were elected at-large to three-year terms but with a successful referendum on the 2010 ballot to hold elections on even-numbered years, the terms were extended to four years.

Following an election, a Vice Mayor is then selected from the commission members at an organizational meeting. The Mayor presides over all meetings and performs duties as delegated by the City Commission. Seats affected by the 2010 referendum included Seat #1, Seat #4 and Seat #5.

City Commission

 * Mayor and Commissioner Keith Capizzi, Seat 1 (Term expires November 2024)
 * Commissioner Joshua Jackson, Seat 2 (Term expires November 2024)
 * Commissioner Karalyn Woulas, Seat 3 (Term expires November 2024)
 * Commissioner Skip Williams, Seat 4 (Term expires November 2026)
 * Vice Mayor and Commissioner Jeremy Hutcherson, Seat 5 (Term expires November 2026)

City Manager
The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and is responsible for the city's day-to-day operations. The city's charter has established a separation of powers and responsibility between the Commission and the Manager; the elected commission establishes policy that the manager and staff carry out. The City Manager conducts day-to-day operations through four city departments: Administrative, Public Safety, Utilities, and Recreation. Charles Billias was the City Manager from 1998 until October 2012. Bob Majka was the City Manager from 2012 until 2015. As of 2023, Robin R. Hayes is the current city manager.

Crime Rate
In 2016, the crime index for the Cocoa Beach is 14 in 100. Where 100 is safest and 0 is most unsafe. Cocoa beach is safer than 14% of cities in the United States. The crime rate of Cocoa Beach is higher than Florida where chances of becoming a victim is 1 in 264, while in Cocoa Beach it is 1 in 183 people. Below is the chart for the crime rate of violent nature in Cocoa beach. This is a single year and may not represent the municipality as a whole over a broader period of time.

Tourism

Ron Jon's, a surf shop, receives 2 million visitors a year (as of 2006). Cocoa Beach is home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

The Cocoa Beach Pier, formerly known as the Cape Canaveral Pier, was built in 1962. An annual Easter Surfing Festival began in 1964. An estimated 100,000 spectators attend annually.

An air show in 2009 drew a crowd estimated at 30,000.

The Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival drew 50,000 visitors in 2009, while around 10,000 visitors attend the Surfing Santas festival each year at Christmas.

The largest charity surfing festival, National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surfing Festival, has been held every Labor Day Weekend in Cocoa Beach since 1985.

In 2015, businesses in the city collected $5.6 million in tourist tax, over half the tourist tax collected in the county and more than any other municipality, $1.4 million.

Workforce
In 2007, Cocoa Beach's median labor force was 6,344. Of that group, 6,006 were employed and 338 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 5.3%.

The median home price in 2007 was $409,000.

Health
The disability rate for the people under age of 65 is 7.6%. The number of people who do not have insurance policies on the Cocoa beach is 20.8%.

Language
As of 2018, the primary language spoken in Cocoa Beach is English, with 9.8% of the population speaking languages other than English at home.

Travel time to work
As of 2018, mean travel time to the work is 25.4 minutes from home to work.

Education
The city has three public schools:
 * Freedom 7 Elementary
 * Theodore Roosevelt Elementary
 * Cocoa Beach High School

Freedom 7 Elementary school and Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr High School both are certified International Baccalaureate schools. Freedom 7 Elementary has a primary years program, and Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr High has both a middle years program and a diploma program.

96.1% of all residents 25 years or older are high school graduates. 42.3% have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.

Landmarks

 * Cocoa Beach Pier
 * Alan Shepard Beachfront Park
 * Thousand Islands Conservation Area
 * Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center and Pool Complex
 * I Dream of Jeannie Lane

Former Landmark

 * Cocoa Beach Glass Bank

Roads
The following roads are usually called by their numbers when spoken: It is estimated that there are 2.4 million day trippers to the city annually. While businesses appreciate the tourism, it creates a parking problem for the city. There are 1,780 paved parking spaces and 607 spaces on the streets downtown, near the beach.
 * [[Image:Florida A1A.svg|20px]] SR A1A – This is the main road through the city. From north to south, SR A1A enters Cocoa Beach from Cape Canaveral as Atlantic Avenue. After passing the downtown area and resort area, the road splits into a one-way pair of roads, southbound being named Orlando Avenue, with northbound keeping the name Atlantic Avenue. The route continues in this manner until the southbound town limits. Major intersections include SR 520, 4th Street, and Minutemen Causeway.
 * [[Image:Florida 520.svg|20px]] SR 520 – This is the main way to access the city from the mainland. It enters the city from the unincorporated community of Merritt Island, and the route terminates at SR A1A. Major intersections include the Cape Canaveral Hospital entrance, Banana River Boulevard, and SR A1A.

Public transportation
Public transportation in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and surrounding Brevard County is provided by Space Coast Area Transit.

Utilities
The city contracted directly with Florida Power & Light for electricity, paying 10.689 cents per kilowatt hour in 2010.

Canals
The city has 37 canals, totaling 9 miles, serving residential homes, plus 17 miles of channels. These are maintained by the city.

Notable people

 * Kim Adler, professional bowler and USBC Hall of Famer, 5th Street
 * Allison Anders, raised in the city. Filmed Things Behind the Sun in the county in 2001
 * Emanne Beasha, singer
 * Willam Belli, a drag queen, actor, recording artist, and YouTuber raised in the city
 * Dana Brown, iconic surfing legend, 16th Street
 * Cullen Douglas, television and movie actor, director, screenwriter
 * James Folston professional football player for the Oakland Raiders #55
 * Ashlyn Harris, professional soccer player
 * Jay F. Honeycutt, former director of the Kennedy Space Center
 * Zora Neale Hurston, author
 * Rick Martel, former professional wrestler
 * Bubba McDowell, professional football player with the Houston Oilers #25
 * Al Neuharth, CEO of Gannett and columnist. Founder of USA Today
 * Kelly Slater, professional surfer, 11-time World Champion
 * George Steele, professional wrestler a.k.a. George "The Animal" Steele
 * Carrot Top, comedian, actor, was born in the city
 * Lori Wilson, Florida state legislator and lawyer
 * Melissa Witek, Miss Florida USA 2005 and contestant on NBC's Treasure Hunters
 * Nancy Yasecko, filmmaker and videographer

title: Cocoa Beach, Florida


text:
Cocoa West, Florida

Cocoa West is a census-designated place (CDP) in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,939 at the 2020 census, up from 5,925 at the 2010 census. It is the closest place to Lake Poinsett and Canaveral Groves. Cocoa West is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Cocoa West is located at 28.36174°N, -80.76295°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.4 km2, all of it land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,921 people, 2,237 households, and 1,521 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,383.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,537 housing units at an average density of 592.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 55.16% White, 40.89% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.53% of the population.

There were 2,237 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.6% were married couples living together, 23.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,094, and the median income for a family was $32,188. Males had a median income of $29,714 versus $20,423 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,964. About 21.7% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.9% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cocoa West, Florida


text:
Indialantic, Florida

Indialantic (officially incorporated as Indialantic-By-The-Sea, though the official name is seldom used in casual parlance) is a town in Brevard County, Florida. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town's population was 3,010 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 2,720 at the 2010 census.

The town's name is a portmanteau derived from the town's location between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.

History
From 1919 to 1921, the Dutchman Ernest Kouwenhoven, who bought the land that ultimately became Indialantic, settled in the area, and built a wooden bridge connecting Indialantic with Melbourne (Bridge #1)

In the 1920s – The Indialantic Hotel was built. Its name was later changed to the Tradewinds Hotel. The hotel was on what is now South Shannon Avenue, the current location of Tradewinds Terrace.

By 1924, the Indialantic Casino was built. Its name was later changed to the Bahama Beach Club. This is the location of Nance Park today.

From 1941 to 1947, the wooden bridge was replaced with a drawbridge, delayed by the war years. (Bridge #2)

In 1952, Indialantic was incorporated with the official (but rarely used in common parlance) name "Indialantic-By-The-Sea".

In 1985, a modern causeway was built with an elevated span to avoid obstructing boats using the Indian River (Bridge #3)

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Indialantic is located at 28.08778°N, -80.56889°W.

Indialantic is situated on the barrier island that separates the Indian River Lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean. This island, approximately 40 mi in length, stretches south from Cape Canaveral to the Sebastian Inlet. The Melbourne Causeway connects Indialantic to the city of Melbourne across the Indian River Lagoon. Indialantic is bordered on the south by the town of Melbourne Beach and on the north by unincorporated Brevard County and Indian Harbor Beach, Florida.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.4 km2. 2.5 km2 of it is land, and 0.9 km2 of it (25.80%) is water.

Greater Indialantic
Greater Indialantic, outside the town boundaries, represents a parallel development of suburban beach homes, which for lack of a stronger identity, has assumed that of the nearest town. The Town of Indialantic is a 1 by community. The areas mentioned below are not in town but share a ZIP code with Indialantic.

This area starts with the town of Indialantic on the south and lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, extending north just short of the Eau Gallie Causeway (SR 518). It includes mostly unincorporated parts of Brevard County but also includes a development that is part of the city of Melbourne, otherwise a mainland community.

Included are these developments:

 * Canova Beach
 * Cloisters
 * Coventry
 * Highland Groves
 * Indialantic Heights
 * North Atlantic by the Sea
 * Ocean Park
 * Oceanside Village
 * Palm Colony
 * Puesta del Sol
 * Rio Linda
 * Rio Villa
 * River Shores
 * Riviera
 * Sanctuary (part of the City of Melbourne)
 * Shady Shores
 * Terrace Shores

Climate
The Town of Indialantic is part of the humid subtropical climate zone with a Köppen Climate Classification of "Cfa" (C = mild temperate, f = fully humid, and a = hot summer).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,010 people, 1,251 households, and 757 families residing in the town.

In 2020, there were 1,586 housing units in the town.

In 2020, the top ancestries were 19.7% English, 14.3% German, 8.5% Italian, 7.1% Irish, 6.9% Scottish, 5.7% Polish, 3.8% French, and 1.2% Norwegian.

In 2020, the median age was 51.2 years old. A total of 23.3% of the population were 65 or older, with 13.0% between the ages of 65 and 74, 7.2% between the ages of 75 and 84, and 3.0% 85 or older. A total of 13.7% of the population were foreign born, of those 44.7% were born in Europe, 34.5% were born in Asia, 14.4% were born in Latin America, and 6.4% from North America.

In 2020, the median household income was $76,773, with families having $139,625, and married couples having $145,132. A total of 13.3% of the population were in poverty, with 17.7% of people under 18, 13.2% of people between the ages of 18 and 64, and 10.5% of people 65 or older being in poverty.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,720 people, 1,316 households, and 817 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,944 people, 1,330 households, and 848 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,840.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,467 housing units at an average density of 1,415.5 /sqmi.

In 2000, there were 1,330 households, out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.72.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 17.6% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 24.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $62,181, and the median income for a family was $76,109. Males had a median income of $51,830 versus $30,047 for females. The per capita income for the town was $41,126. About 1.1% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.

In 2000, the per capita income of $41,126 places the town of Indialantic first in Brevard County and 58 in the state (out of 887 places).

Greater Indialantic
Here are the figures as of the 2000 census for the area with the Zip code 32903:

Total population = 12,792

Gender and age:
 * Male = 6,339 (49.6%)
 * Female = 6,453 (50.4%)
 * Median Age = 45.2, above US average of 35.3
 * Under 5 years = 583 (4.6%)
 * 18 years and over = 10,361 (81%)
 * 65 years and over = 2,887 (22.6%)

Racial characteristics:
 * White – 96.4%
 * Asian – 1.2%
 * Two or more races – 1.1%
 * Black or African American – 0.7%
 * Another Race – 0.5%

Households:
 * Size – 2.25
 * Family size – 2.74

Housing:
 * Owner occupied – 78.5%
 * Renter occupied – 21.5%
 * Vacant housing units – 11.3%

Social Characteristics:
 * High school graduate or higher – 95.2%
 * Bachelor's degree or higher – 47.5%
 * Veterans – 21.5%
 * Disability status (5 years and over) – 15%
 * Foreign born – 7.4%
 * Male, now married, except separated, (15 years and over) – 61.5%
 * Female, now married, except separated, (15 years and over) – 61.1%
 * Speak a language other than English at home (5 years and over) – 8.1%

Government
The town publishes a quarterly report to all residents.

As of 2024, officers are as follows:
 * Mayor – Mark McDermott
 * Deputy Mayor – Stuart "Stu" Glass
 * Council Member – Loren Strand
 * Council Member – Brett Miller
 * Council Member – Doug Wright

As of 2024, the following are all appointed or hired:
 * Town Manager – Michael Casey
 * Police Chief – Michael Connor
 * Public Works Director – Joe Gervais
 * Town Attorney – Paul Gougelman
 * Town Clerk – Mollie Carr
 * Fire Chief – Tom Flamm
 * Building Official – Clifford Stokes

In 2008, the town had a taxable real estate base of $367.69 million. The budget for fiscal year 2012 was $4,060,999.

Public safety
There are six paid firefighters plus fifteen active volunteers. Since 1985, residents have lit luminaria before Christmas when firemen have distributed candy to children from a firetruck, on every street.

Indialantic maintains a police force with 12 sworn police officers, including the chief of police. On average, officers respond to 4,000 calls for service a year with an approximate response time of under two minutes.

Emergency services are dispatched from the town's communications center, staffed by four full-time and five part-time dispatchers.

Past mayors

 * 1) John McLean 1952–1954
 * 2) Louis H. Mussler c. 1954–1958
 * 3) William Ballinger 1958–1959
 * 4) Harry Kane 1959–1961
 * 5) Timothy D. Deratany 1971–1977
 * 6) Clayton Test 1977–1979
 * 7) Constantine "Gus" Carey 1979–1981
 * 8) Andrea Deratany 1981–1984
 * 9) Gloria Gardner 1984–1985
 * 10) Barry Kronman 1985–1987
 * 11) Norbert "Norb" O'Hara 1987–1989
 * 12) David Lawrence Dean 1989–1992
 * 13) Bill Vernon 1992–1996
 * 14) Todd Deratany 1996–1998
 * 15) Robert Cochran 1998–2002
 * 16) Daniel Trott 2002–2006
 * 17) Robert Cochran 2006–2008
 * 18) David Berkman 2008–2022
 * 19) Mark McDermott 2022-now

Personal income
Economic characteristics, as of 2019:

 * In labor force, 1,228 of total 2,865 population
 * Travel time to work, minutes – 24.2%
 * Median household income in 1999 dollars – $59,773 ($41,994)
 * Median household income – $83,365 (compared to US average of $65,712)
 * Families below poverty level – 8.86 (compared to US average of 12.3%)
 * Median Home Value - $374,500

Events
The following events occur annually:
 * July Craft Show at Nance Park
 * Witch Way 5K run and Halloween Party in Nance Park in October
 * Indialantic Boardwalk Sprint Distance Triathlon, June
 * Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Nance Park, December

Education
There are two local schools, both of which lie outside the city boundaries in the adjacent unincorporated part of Indialantic; they are under the jurisdiction of the Brevard County School Board: Indialantic Elementary and Hoover Middle School. The state evaluated Hoover "Grade A" from 2000 to 2008.

In 2005, Hoover contained grades 7 and 8. There were 512 students and 32 teachers, for a ratio of 16:1. 11.3% qualified for free or reduced lunch. Indialantic Elementary contained grades pre-kindergarten though sixth. There were 812 students and 54 teachers for a ratio of 15:1. 13.3% qualified for free or reduced lunch.

Media

 * Florida Today
 * The Hometown News is a free weekly paper distributed to each home
 * Space Coast Daily

Roads
Travelocity.com named route A1A, which runs along the Brevard shore, as the "Best Driving Route" in Florida. This runs close to the ocean. A secondary major route, paralleling it, is Riverside, which is close to the Indian River.

The Florida Department of Transportation maintains A1A and 192. Brevard County maintains North Riverside Drive. The town maintains 95568 ft of roadway. Most blocks are 650 ft long.

See State Roads in Florida for explanation of numbering system.

 * US 192.svg U.S. Route 192 – "Fifth Avenue"
 * Florida A1A.svg SR A1A – Miramar Avenue
 * Riverside Drive – 10,000 vehicles used this road daily in 2010. It runs throughout the length of Indialantic including "greater Indialantic" in the county

Notable people

 * Brian Bollinger, NFL player
 * Kathy Johnson, gymnast
 * Ernest Kouwen-Hoven, businessman
 * Robert F. Marx, pioneer scuba diver and author
 * Pat Neshek, MLB pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies
 * Stefanie Scott, actress
 * John Siptroth, U.S. politician and public figure

title: Indialantic, Florida


text:
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Indian Harbour Beach is a coastal city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 9,019 at the 2020 census, up from 8,225 at the 2010 census.

It is 3 mi north of the town of Indialantic and south of Satellite Beach. It is the first and only community in the United States to be a NOAA Tsunami Ready community along the nation's East Coast.

History
Indian Harbour Beach was founded on June 6, 1955, by W. Lansing Gleason, John H. Neafie, and Louis S. Henry.

In 2013, along with Palm Beach and Sanibel, Indian Harbour Beach ranked among the top 3 places to live in Florida according to AreaVibes livability score.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 sqmi. 2.1 sqmi of it is land and 0.5 sqmi of it (18.63%) is water.

Fauna
Threatened Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles nest on the city's ocean beaches at densities of approximately one nest per 10 ft of shoreline per year. Endangered green sea turtles deposit an average of tens of nests along the city's ocean beach each year.

Endangered right whales calve off the city's shoreline. Endangered West Indian manatees frequent the city's canals and the Banana River. Bald eagles forage over Samsons Island.

The 12 acre of wetland created as mitigation by a local developer on Samsons Island provide nutrient-rich, sheltered aquatic habitat serving as finfish nursery and feeding ground for a diverse assemblage of birds and mammals. The city established Samsons Island Nature Park, the only gopher tortoise relocation recipient site on the barrier island. It is occupied by 42 relocated tortoises and three which had been living on the island when development began. The city has erected five osprey nesting platforms on Samsons Island Nature Park, from which young have been fledged. Efforts are now under way to create habitat for use by gopher tortoises and scrub jays. The city is working with faculty of the Florida Institute of Technology to promote graduate student research and class projects on Samsons Island Nature Park and to assist in devising and implementing maintenance programs to preserve and enhance desirable wildlife habitats.

Flora
There are plant species, both indigenous and imported. Vegetated sand dunes are found along most of the beach's length and provide the major defense against storm events in the region. Native plant species found on the dunes include sea oats, Sabal palmetto, sea grape, railroad vine, dollar weed, coral bean, Spanish bayonet, wax myrtle, yaupon holly, and several grass species. More salt-tolerant and wind-tolerant species, such as sea oats and railroad vine, are found predominantly on the ocean side of the dune, while other dune vegetation species do not generally show such zonation. These plants assist in building the dune by trapping windblown sand and in stabilizing the dune with extensive lateral root systems.

Geology
There are approximately 10 acre of coquina rock outcrops frequently exposed along the low-tide line of Indian Harbour's ocean beach. The National Marine Fisheries Service has classified the rock as an Essential Fish Habitat-Habitat Area of Particular Concern. It is important to aquatic life and found only in a few locations along the Eastern seaboard.

Fossilized Atlantic ghost crabs can be found on the Indian Harbour's ocean beach, the remnants of a unique set of geological circumstances which preserved these creatures when they died in their burrows perhaps about 110,000 years ago.

There are significant deposits of sand, marl, coquina and possibly phosphate within the limits of Indian Harbour Beach.

Surrounding areas

 * Merritt Island; Indian River Lagoon; Banana River; Melbourne [[Image:West.svg]]
 * Atlantic Ocean [[Image:Boxed East arrow.svg]]
 * Melbourne [[Image:South.svg]]
 * Satellite Beach [[Image:North.svg]]

Climate
Indian Harbour Beach is located in the region where the climate is Humid subtropical climate. Daytime temperatures average 90 F in the summer months and 72 F in the winter months. A study commissioned by NASA lends credence to the notion that Indian Harbour Beach is located in a portion of the North American Atlantic shoreline with a uniquely reduced incidence of catastrophic hurricanes.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,019 people, 3,621 households, and 2,337 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 8,225 people, 3,877 households, and 2,181 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,152 people, 3,762 households, and 2,381 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,470.8/km$2$ (3,810.1/mi2). There were 4,315 housing units at an average density of 778.5/km$2$ (2,016.7/mi2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.40% White, 0.93% African American, 0.28% Native American, 1.57% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.28% of the population.

In 2000, there were 3,762 households, out of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.69.

In 2000, the population was distributed by age with 18.5% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 24.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $42,889, and the median income for a family was $56,803. Males had a median income of $50,045 versus $29,697 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,986. About 2.3% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The city has a council-manager form of government.

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $920.7 million.

Education
All of the public schools are served by Brevard Public Schools.

 * Public schools:
 * Ocean Breeze Elementary (The only public school within the city limits. In 2009, it scored 11th in the state on the FCAT test. )
 * DeLaura Middle School (located in Satellite Beach)
 * Satellite High School (located in Satellite Beach)

 * Private schools:
 * Indian Harbour Montessori
 * Indian Harbour Kindercare

In 2010, the town had the highest percentage of people with undergraduate degrees of any municipality measured in the county, 41%, compared with an average of 26% countywide.

Recreation
There are parks, recreational facilities and natural landscapes as well as Anchorage Yacht Basin.

The Indian Harbour Beach Recreation Center is located in 27 acre Gleason Park on the corner of South Patrick Drive and Yacht Club Boulevard. The Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes, services and activities, ranging from those for toddlers and preschoolers, to a Senior Leisure-time Club. Also located in the park is the city's heated competition-size swimming pool—open seven days a week year-round, shuffleboard courts, two playgrounds, a walking/exercise trail and picnic facilities.

The million-dollar Algonquin Sports Complex located off Wimico Drive is home to senior baseball, major Little League, softball and soccer fields serving multiple age groups. Other city ball fields are located next to Ocean Breeze School and serve minor Little League teams as well as T-ball participants. Some of the special activities offered through our Recreation Department include the annual Art & Crafts Show held the third Saturday in November, the annual Breakfast With The Easter Bunny, and numerous pool activities including American Red Cross instructed summer swim lessons.

There is a private tennis club and a private yacht club.

Public safety
The National Weather Service has named Indian Harbour Beach the first "tsunami-ready" city in Florida.

The city has a 100% Volunteer Fire Department, consisting of 30+ members and utilizing three Class-A pumpers, including a 75-foot ladder truck.

Roads
Travelocity.com named State Route A1A as the "Best Driving Route" in Florida. This runs close to the ocean. A secondary major route, paralleling it, is South Patrick Drive, which is close to the Banana River.

The Florida Department of Transportation maintains SR A1A, SR 513, and SR 518. See State Roads in Florida for explanation of numbering system.

 * Florida A1A.svg SR A1A – This is the main route through Indian Harbour Beach, leading from Melbourne and Satellite Beach. It has no local name. Major intersections include SR 518 and Pine Tree Drive.
 * Brevard County Road 3 FL.svg CR 3 – A small portion of CR 3 runs through Indian Harbour Beach, from Mathers Bridge to SR 513.
 * Florida 513.svg SR 513 – This is a parallel state route of SR A1A, known locally as Patrick Drive. Major intersections include SR 518, CR 3/Banana River Drive, and Cassia Boulevard.
 * Florida 518.svg SR 518 – Known locally as Eau Gallie Boulevard, this road leads from the Eau Gallie Causeway to SR A1A, where SR 518 ends. Major intersections include SR 513/Riverside Drive and SR A1A.

Notable people

 * Larry Guarino, spent 8 years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War
 * Mike Haridopolos, American politician
 * Deborah Jin, American applied physicist
 * Jim Rathmann, 1960 Indianapolis 500 winner
 * Tim Wakefield, Major League Baseball player

title: Indian Harbour Beach, Florida


text:
June Park, Florida

June Park is a census-designated place (CDP) in Brevard County, Florida. The population was 4,283 at the 2020 United States census, up from 4,094 at the 2010 United States Census. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
June Park is located at 28.07361°N, -80.68583°W (28.073643, -80.685709).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.8 km2, all composed of land.

Demographics
As of the census in 2000, there were 4,367 people, 1,736 households, and 1,274 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,171.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,859 housing units at an average density of 498.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.86% White, 0.76% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.21% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.29% of the population.

There were 1,736 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,670, while the median income for a family was $49,926. Males had a median income of $39,821 versus $26,386 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,147. About 4.2% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: June Park, Florida


text:
Malabar, Florida

Malabar is a town in Brevard County, Florida. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,949 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 2,757 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Malabar is located at 27.99429°N, -80.58127°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 13.2 sqmi. 10.6 sqmi of it is land and 2.6 sqmi of it (19.53%) is water.

Climate
The climate for the Town of Malabar is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Malabar has a humid subtropical climate zone, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,949 people, 1,380 households, and 947 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 2,757 people, 949 households, and 766 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,622 people, 1,033 households, and 757 families residing in the town. The population density was 246.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,177 housing units at an average density of 110.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 93.48% White, 2.78% African American, 0.53% Native American, 1.14% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.63% of the population.

In 2000, there were 1,033 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.95.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $49,674, and the median income for a family was $62,321. Males had a median income of $37,050 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,502. About 7.5% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Malabar has a strong council form of government consisting of a five-seat Town Council (one from each of Malabar's five districts), and a mayor to serve as a figurehead and for ceremonial purposes. The council members must reside in the district they represent; each district's registered voters vote for their respective district council seat. Council members serve two year terms; district 1, 2, and 3 members are elected in even numbered years, and district 4 and 5 in odd numbered years. The mayor serves a four-year term elected the same year as the US presidential election. Town council members are subject to a three-term (six-year) limit, but may run again and serve up to another six years after sitting out one term. The mayor has a two-term (eight-year) limit, and may also run again after sitting out one term. Day-to-day operation of the Town and its finances is handled by a Town Manager/Administrator and a Town Clerk/Treasurer, both of whom report directly to the Town Council. Public works, the fire department, (a hybrid volunteer/paid professional department) report to the Town Manager/Administrator, and the clerk's office reports to the Town Clerk/Treasurer. There are several advisory boards authorized by the town charter who advise and report to the Town Council.

In 2007, the town had a taxable real estate base of $282.32 million. As of 2007, Malabar had the lowest property tax rates of any area of Brevard County, including unincorporated areas of the county. In early 2019, the Town Council voted unanimously to designate the Town as a sandhill crane sanctuary, affording the birds extra attention to protect them within the town borders. It also designated the sandhill crane the official town bird (Town Resolution 08–2018, May 20, 2019).

Malabar Road (Florida State Road 514)
This route is the way to go to Palm Bay and surrounding.

Weber Road
This route is the way to go to Grant-Valkaria, Florida.

Corey Road
This is another route to go to Grant-Valkaria, Florida.

Atz Road
This road connects from west of Weber Road through Corey Road and on to LaCourt Lane.

Hall Road
This road connects from west of Weber Road through Corey Road and on to Marie Street.

title: Malabar, Florida