Vero Beach Handbook 2023

The guide to living in the jewel of the Treasure Coast

Slice of Paradise

I’ve lived on the East Coast my entire life, less about six months in the mountains. So, it’s easy to say that as much as I love taking trips to find cooler weather and new destinations, I have salt water in my veins. And after living and working in Vero Beach for nearly four decades, you’d think I would know most of what goes on in our beautiful little beachside city.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I started working with Vero Beach Magazine almost two years ago. Each month, as we’re putting together the latest issue, I learn something new: something new about a nonprofit, something new about one of our talented and interesting neighbors in Vero Beach, or just something new about a local advertiser or a new place to dine, shop, or experience.

And speaking of experiences, our hope is that by putting this handbook together each year, we’re helping to introduce you to a few.

New to the area? We have lists of important phone numbers, medical resources, schools, and established neighborhoods. We’ll also tell you a little bit about the history of Indian River County.

Looking to get outdoors and learn about our beautiful environment? We’ll send you kayaking, fishing, and hiking. But we’ll also tell you what type of flora and fauna you might encounter while you’re out and about.

Craving some after-hours entertainment? We’ve got you covered there, too, with new restaurants, visual and performing arts venues, lists of annual festivals, and even lectures to exercise your brain.

There aren’t enough days in the year to explore everything that Vero Beach and its surrounding areas have to offer. So, flip though the handbook to something new, whether it requires tickets, sunscreen, a new outfit, or just some walking shoes, get on out there and enjoy what our slice of paradise has to offer.

I know I will.

Kelly Rogers, Editor in Chief

For the Love of Vero

Welcome to Vero Beach, a beautiful town on Florida’s Treasure Coast. We here at Vero Beach Magazine work year-round on the Official Vero Beach Handbook to make sure that both established residents and new arrivals have a thorough and up-to-date guide covering everything they need to know about our amazing little town.

This handbook is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as you will find yourself referring to it over and over again throughout the year. It includes maps to point you in the right direction for shopping, dining, beach access, and parking. If you have a love for the water, you will find information on fishing, water sports, riverfront parks, and marinas. If the arts are your passion, you’ll learn where to find everything from chamber music to comedy to ceramics. Not only that, you’ll even learn things like how to spot the International Space Station and what to do if you have a coyote in your yard!

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you find our Official Vero Beach Handbook helpful and that you will love using it as much as we love putting it together.

Teri Amey-Arnold, Publisher

About Vero Beach Magazine

Vero Beach Magazine is the first magazine in history to be dedicated exclusively to Vero Beach and remains the only local magazine with verified circulation. A minimum of 10,000 magazines are distributed monthly, to at least 30,000 readers in almost every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Vero Beach Magazine’s staff is committed to using print media to make Indian River County a better place for all residents, mindful of environmental and historic preservation, while underscoring the best aspects of life in this charming oceanfront community.

Winner of numerous awards since its inception, starting with the Florida Magazine Association’s Best New Magazine Award in 1998, Vero Beach Magazine has made its greatest impact by providing meaningful information to readers about the needs of local nonprofit organizations, which no other local media outlet had done, inspiring philanthropy that now exceeds $400 million a year in Indian River County and prompting nonprofit coverage by many other media companies.

Vero Beach Magazine’s main office is at 3375 20th St., Suite 100, on the southeast corner of 34th Avenue and State Road 60. Visitors are welcome by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for subscription, article, and advertising questions.

INDIAN RIVER HOME CARE

Turning the Tide in Health Care on the Treasure Coast

TAKE COMFORT IN OUR CARE

Indian River Home Care is renowned as the only home health company in the county awarded the highest possible rating from Medicare for three consecutive years. In every aspect of the extensive survey, Indian River Home Care was the leader in timely initiation of care, decreased hospitalizations and improved ambulation. By mastering these measures, our clients are empowered to elevate their health and champion their well-being.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

By tailoring customized treatment plans for each patient, our multidisciplinary caregiver teams — which are made up of personal nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and nursing assistants — manage all aspects of our clients’ care. This includes providing patient education, along with highly specialized skills, such as IV therapy, advanced wound care and telemonitoring with disease management.

CARE CONNECT: HI-TECH & HI-TOUCH

Our Care Connect virtual wellness program engages patients to prioritize their health with customized educational videos and telemonitoring equipment. The data collected from these devices is uploaded to a tablet and continuously reviewed by the patient’s private nurse. Our patients are also asked daily survey questions, which can be added to a health report and sent to the patient’s physician upon request.

SAM WOLFE

KELLY ROGERS

KELLY ROGERS

Jaycee Beach

WelcomeVero Beach is a special place. But we’re telling you something you already know. Whether natives or transplants, we have all chosen this town or other parts of beautiful Indian River County to be our home.

In many ways, we have the best of both worlds, enjoying both the quiet familiarity of smalltown life and the vibrant cultural atmosphere usually found in larger cities.

Retirees are drawn to Vero Beach for its golf, beaches, and relaxed coastal lifestyle; at the other end of the spectrum, many of Vero’s pioneer families, now in their fourth, fifth, and sixth generations, continue to reside here.

A typical day in Vero Beach might include a morning at the beach and an evening at the theater; a morning on the pickleball court and an evening at a fine restaurant; or perhaps a morning volunteering and an evening at a nonprofit organization’s elegant gala.

Each resident enjoys the luxury of customizing his or her own Vero Beach lifestyle, with as much peace and quiet or hustle and bustle as desired. Outdoor activities are popular virtually all year round, the arts are a mainstay of local life, and a plethora of nonprofits offer endless opportunities to pitch in and serve the community.

Indian River County’s barrier island, not called often enough by its true name, Orchid Island, boasts 22 miles of expansive, uncrowded, easily accessible beaches, as well as scores of boutiques,

galleries, and local restaurants.

The mainland is home to a thriving design district and a historic downtown area filled with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and cafés.

The western part of the county provides the pleasant contrast of farms, ranches, and equestrian facilities.

Life in Vero Beach and the surrounding region is primarily one characteristic of a small city or suburban area. And while there is much here to keep us occupied, sometimes excursions to the “big city,” major attractions, or wide-open natural

spaces make for a nice change of pace. For these occasions, Vero Beach is quite strategically located. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and all the other Orlando-area destinations are just an hour and a half away, as are Kennedy Space Center to our north and Bok Tower Gardens to our west. A day trip to Miami is well within reach, and you may even want to catch a Dolphins or Marlins game while you’re down that way!

Wherever you’re from and whatever your interests, you’ve come to the right place!

Vero Beach Municipal Marina

Indian River County

Indian River County at a Glance

Of Florida’s 67 counties, Indian River is among the smallest, coming in at No. 59 by land area; but with a population ranking at No. 31, it is relatively densely populated.

The population of Indian River County is 163,662. Of those, fewer than 17,000 actually reside within the city limits of Vero Beach. All others who are not within the city limits of Sebastian or Fellsmere are in unincorporated areas of the county, some of which are named (for example, Wabasso, Winter Beach, and Gifford).

Yes, we are one of the more “senior” counties, ranking sixth, with a median age of about 54. We are also one of the safest, with a rate of violent crime among the lowest in the state.

FLORIDA TURNPIKE

FLORIDA TURNPIKE

Upper St. Johns River Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area

Blue Cypress Lake

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Look! Up in the Sky!

In the absence of the bright lights of big cities, Vero Beach and the surrounding area are wonderful places to view such natural phenomena as meteor showers and close approaches of other planets. Not only that, our proximity to Kennedy Space Center gives us a prime vantage point for viewing rocket launches.

Launches

Unlike the astronomical phenomena listed here, launches cannot be predicted many months in advance. Even after a launch is scheduled, changes can occur due to weather or mechanical issues up until the last minute. Keep an eye on nasa.gov, kennedyspacecenter.com, and spacex.com for launch plans and mission information.

International Space Station

The International Space Station is readily visible to the naked eye, if one knows where to look and when. Just go to spotthestation.nasa.gov and enter your location, and a list of viewing opportunities will appear. Using the dates, times, durations, and maximum heights above the horizon, you can determine the best times to look for the ISS. There is nothing else like it in the sky: The ISS is the only object that is bright, in motion, and not blinking. And even though it is traveling at 17,500 mph, it can be visible for several minutes as it arcs across the sky.

Be Sun Smart

Life in the Sunshine State is glorious. The sun boosts our spirits and our vitamin D levels. But it also delivers UV radiation, which can take a toll on our skin, causing premature aging and skin cancer. The key is to use good sun sense.

The highest UV levels occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s a good idea to avoid these hours when planning outdoor activities.

Clothing is our first line of defense. Long sleeves, pants, and hats shield us from the sun, and many lines of outdoor apparel even carry a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor.

There are many types of sunscreens to choose from. Look for one with an SPF of at least 15, and explore both mineral and chemical options. Apply 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply generously about every two hours, especially if swimming or perspiring.

Fun Facts

KING CHARLES III is no stranger to Vero Beach. In both 1989 and 1990, as the Prince of Wales, Charles visited to play charity polo matches at the newly founded Windsor. The name coincidence is not random: Both his family name and the community’s derive from the English town of Windsor.

The INDIAN RIVER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT, established in 1925, was the first mosquito control program in Florida. A multipronged approach is taken to control the annoying and potentially dangerous insects, including aerial larviciding. If you have been startled by a yellow airplane flying terrifyingly low and performing somewhat acrobatic maneuvers, you have probably witnessed aerial mosquito control in action.

The beloved “First Lady of Vero Beach,” ALMA LEE LOY, carried the Olympic torch half a mile as it made its way through Florida prior to the 1996 Summer Games, which were held in Atlanta.

DAVID LOMINSKA

Fun Facts

Indian River County is right in the heart of one of the most active sea turtle nesting sites in the world, and 2022 was a record-breaking season. Nesting season, which runs March 1–October 31, got off to an auspicious start when a leatherback came onshore in February to deposit her eggs. The total number of loggerhead, green, and leatherback nests exceeded 9,000 for the first time since the county’s SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM began monitoring the nests in 2005.

FIVE U.S. PRESIDENTS have visited Vero Beach: Warren G. Harding (as president-elect), Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

The first PUBLIX SUPERMARKET in Vero Beach opened in Miracle Mile shopping center (in the current location of The Fresh Market) April 28, 1960, nearly 30 years after the first Publix store was established in Winter Haven, just over 90 miles away. Today, Vero Beach is home to six Publix stores.

Vero Beach is the seat of Indian River County, but it was not originally intended to be—that would be FELLSMERE, which was incorporated eight years earlier. Nor is it the most populous town in Indian River County—that would be Sebastian, which boasts a 50 percent higher population than the city of Vero Beach, the smallest of the county’s three incorporated municipalities.

SAM WOLFE

A Sampling of Annual Events

JANUARY

Gifford Youth Achievement Center Gala Vero Beach Museum of Art Gala

Youth Guidance King of the Hill Tennis Tournament

FEBRUARY

Camp Haven Diamonds in the Rough Gala Childcare Resources Starfest Gardenfest!

McKee Botanical Garden Motorcar Exhibit Mental Health Association MHA Rocks! The Source Night of Hope VBMA Fashion Meets Art

MARCH

Boys & Girls Clubs Angels Dinner

Senior Resource Association Bingo Luncheon

Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts Show

VBMA Art in Bloom

Vero Beach Opera Rising Stars Vocal Competition

APRIL

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation Poetry BBQ

Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Pro Circuit Tournament

Saint Edward’s Pirate Ball

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 Sebastian Fourth of July Celebration

City of Vero Beach 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

The Buggy Bunch Pumpkin Patch

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 Youth Guidance Tropical Night Luau

NOVEMBER

Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Walk to Remember Care Net Pregnancy Center Banquet Gold Star Moms Walk-A-Thon Indian River Land Trust Benefit

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Muster The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Samaritan Center Soup Bowl St. Helen’s Harvest Festival United Against Poverty Trot Against Poverty

DECEMBER

Ballet Vero Beach Nutcracker on the Indian River Crossover Mission Gala Hibiscus Children’s Center Candlelight Ball

McKee Botanical Garden Festival of Lights Women’s Refuge Christmas Banquet

What’s in a Name?

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 pioneer 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 the bridge 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 I-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.

KELLY ROGERS

A. W. Young Park

The small, circular TROY MOODY PARK, found in the MCANSH PARK neighborhood, 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 nineteenth 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.

The northernmost bridge in Indian River County, the WABASSO CAUSEWAY BRIDGE, is also known as the A.B. MICHAEL BRIDGE, after Orchid Island pioneer resident and citrus grower ALFRED BENJAMIN “A.B.” MICHAEL.

The beachside HUMISTON PARK is named in honor of DR. W.H. HUMISTON, who relocated from Ohio to Vero Beach in 1919 and played a key role in town beautification efforts until his death in 1943.

A.B. Michael Bridge

MARTINA TANNERY

Dining Out

Fine Dining

Chez Frenchie's ....... 7 72-234-2809 1517 Ocean Drive chezfrenchies.com ●

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

Citrus............................... 7 72-234-4114 1050 Easter Lily Lane  citrusgrillhouse.com ●

Cobalt 772-469-1060

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa 3500 Ocean Drive cobaltrestaurant.com ●

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

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

Kitty’s 48 Royal Palm Pointe kittysplace.net ●

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

The Oar Restaurant 7 72-226-7155 1309 19th Place theoarrestaurant.com

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

Polo Grill 7 72-231-4090 2855 Ocean Drive pgvero.com ●

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

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

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

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

Casual Dining

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

Arturo’s American Grill .................................. 772-410-8100 710 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 arturosamericangrill.com

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

Beach Bum Bagel Cafe 772-492-6773 2263 14th Ave. beachbumbagelcafe.com

Blackfins

Riverfront Grill ..........7 72-589-4345 at Capt. Hiram‘s Resort 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant

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

Cafe 66 772-567-6700 685 U.S. Hwy. 1 Cafe66vero.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Crab Stop ............. 772-571-6767 1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian crabstoptc.com ●

Creperie ........................ 772-231-7299 1603 Ocean Drive thecaribbeancourt.com/ the-cup-of-starbucks

Dagwood’s Deli & Sub Shop 772-778-1900 835 17th St. dagwoodsvb.com

Edgewood Eatery 772-217-3156 1327 21st St.

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

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

The Grill at CW Willis Family Farms ............................. 772-770-5970 3700 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) cwwillisfamilyfarms.com ●

Citron Bistro

Heaton’s

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

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

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

La Tabla ........................ 772-205-2772

29 Royal Palm Pointe latablavero.com

Lemon Tree ................. 772-231-0858 3125 Ocean Drive

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

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

Mr. Manatee’s ............. 7 72-569-9151

30 Royal Palm Pointe mrmanatees.com/menu.pdf ●

Mrs. Mac’s

Fillin’ Station 772-564-8400 951 Old Dixie Hwy. mrsmacs.com

Mulligan’s ................... 7 72-492-6744 1025 Beachland Blvd. mulligansbeachhouse.com ●

Mulligan’s ................... 7 72-918-4844 806 Indian River Drive, Sebastian mulligansbeachhouse.com ●

Pepper & Salt BBQ .... 772-257-5726 308 Old Dixie Hwy. pepperandsaltbbq.com

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

The Red Onion

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

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

Ryder’s..........................772-500-3663 3106 Cardinal Drive rydersgourmetmarket.com ●

Sandbar 772-388-8588 at Capt. Hiram’s Resort 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant ●

Sealantro British Cafe & Market ............ 772-492-3614 2060 6th Ave. sealantro.com

Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant 772-918-4229 1732 Indian River Drive, Sebastian captnbutcher.com ●

Ski’s Hideaway ............ 772-567-2311 1453 20th St. skishideaway.com

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

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

Lemon Tree

JULIE WEBER

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

Wood ‘n Spoon ............ 772-217-3132 2015 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) and 97 Royal Palm Pointe and Vero Beach Museum of Art (open Jan. 2023) woodnspoon.biz ●

Asian

Kata .............................. 772-564-8883 1306 20th St.

Mama Hue ...................772-999-3967 692 21st St. mamahue.dine.online

The Noodle House ... 772-257-5256 4166 Atlantic Blvd. thenoodlehouseandsushi.com

Oniku Hibachi 7 72-617-8088 4125 9th St. SW, 101A (Oslo Road) onikuhibachi.com

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

Shandong Noodle House ............................. 772-257-6775 2089 Indian River Blvd. sdnoodle.com

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

International

Ceviche 28 7 72-257-6652 2199 7th Ave. ceviche28.com

Portside Pub & Grill 7 72-228-9911 717 Coolidge St., Sebastian

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

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

Italian

Armani’s Cucina 772-907-5774 1920 14th Ave. ●

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

Cap’s Pizza 772-770-2277 725 27th Ave. SW

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

Garage Wood-Fired Pizza & Provisions 772-907-5032 2217B 7th Ave. garagepizzavero.com ●

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

Italian Kitchen 772-569-0060 2121 14th Ave. italiankitcheninc.com ●

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

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

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

Pizza Mia ....................... 7 72-492-6151 1115 21st St. pizzamiavb.com ●

Pizzoodles 772-567-4160

56 Royal Palm Pointe pizzoodles.com

Pomodoro Grill & Pizza ............................ 772-234-1123

3055 Cardinal Drive pomodorogrillverobeach.com ●

Scampi Grill ............... 772-563-9766

815 20th St. scampigrill.com ●

South Beach Pizzeria 772-231-1110

1621 Ocean Drive ●

Station 49 Pizza ........ 7 72-492-8342 1802 Old Dixie Hwy. station49pizza.com ●

Trattoria Dario 772-231-1818  1555 Ocean Drive trattoriadario.com ●

Vic’s Pizza Italian Restaurant ................ 772-589-8989 1140 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian vicspizzafl.com

Vincent’s Ristorante 772-569-4333 510 21st St. vincentsvero.com

Mediterranean

Spiro’s Taverna .......... 772-217-3074 1555 U.S. Hwy. 1 spirostaverna.com ●

Mexican

Ay! Jalisco................... 772-778-8489 1902 U.S. Hwy. 1

Ay! Jalisco.................... 772-978-0661 1909 20th St.

Ay! Jalisco 772-388-2368 1814 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian

Blue Agave 772-999-3484  1979 14th Ave. ●

Dining Out

Coffeehouse 1420

El Rey ..............................7 72-257-5606 901 21st St.

El Sid Taqueria .......... 772-234-8299 3300 Ocean Drive elsid.com ●

El Tapatio Mexican Grill .............. 772-213-8249 4165 9th St. SW, #107 (Oslo Road)

Taco Dive..................... 772-999-3607 1901 14th Ave. tacodive.com ●

Taco Mobil ................... 772-581-8775 825 Sebastian Blvd. ●

Coffee/Sweets

Abbott’s Frozen Custard 772-567-7338 4140 20th St. abbottscustard.com ●

Coffeehouse 1420 772-925-1572 2001 14th Ave. coffeehouse1420.com ●

Countryside Citrus............................. 7 72-234-8299 3300 Ocean Drive countrysidecitrus.com ●

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

Frosting 772-234-2915 2915 Cardinal Drive frostingverobeach.com

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

Kilwins ........................... 772-584-3281 3001 Ocean Drive kilwins.com/verobeach ●

Palato Cafe ................ 772-643-4975 915 17th St., Suite 101

Rio Coco Cafe ........... 772-492-6794 2101 14th Ave. riococobeans.com ●

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

Simply Sweets ............772-571-6876 8905 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian

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

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

Tea

Bubble House 772-783-6960 768 21st St.

Bubble House 772-783-6960 661 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian

Tea and Chi ................ 772-563-0620 2044 14th Ave. teaandchi.com

Live Music

Backbeat Music Parlor 772-226-7287 3005 Aviation Blvd. backbeatmusicparlor.com

Earl’s Hideaway ....... 772-589-5700 1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian earlshideaway.com

The Grill at CW Willis Family Farms ............................. 772-770-5970 3700 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) cwwillisfamilyfarms.com ●

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

Havana Nights Piano Bar ...................... 772-234-9041 1605 Ocean Drive thecaribbeancourt.com

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

Breweries

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

Mash Monkeys Brewing Co. 772-571-6283 920 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian mashmonkeysbrewing.com ●

Pareidolia Brewing Co. ................. 772-571-5693 712 Cleveland St., Sebastian pareidoliabrewing.com ●

American Icon Brewery

Heaton’s

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

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

Live in the Loop 772-231-6990 3250 Riverside Park Drive riversidetheatre.com/live-in-theloop ●

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

Sailfish Brewing Company 7 72-842-0224 2855 Ocean Drive sailfishbrewingco.com ●

Sandbar at Capt. Hiram’s ............772-388-8588 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant ●

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

Sunset Saturday 772-226-5459 3000 Ocean Drive (Humiston Park) verochamber.com ●

Tiki Bar & Grill ............ 772-388-1080 1130 Indian River Drive, Sebastian sebastiantiki.com ●

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

Sailfish Brewing Co. 772-842-0224 2855 Ocean Drive sailfishbrewingco.com ●

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

Distilleries

21st Amendment Distillery ...................... 772-404-7660 2055 13th Ave. 21st-distillery.com

Indian River Distillery 772-538-3161 3308 Aviation Blvd. indianriverdistillery.com

Shopping

Vero Beach is a shopper’s paradise! Whether you’re looking for apparel, decor, or specialty food items, you’ll find an abundance of inviting shops all around town. In addition to one-ofa-kind items, you’ll encounter a warm welcome and friendly service everywhere you go.

Miracle Mile 21st Street

Historic Downtown 14th Avenue Old Dixie Highway

Royal Palm Pointe Other locations

Budget Blinds 1125 U.S. Hwy. 1

Ceramic Matrix 1107 18th Place

Consignment Gallery 2207 7th Ave.

Decor Envy 1858 Old Dixie Hwy. Deep Six 416 21st St.

Falasiri Oriental Rugs 2370 U.S. Hwy. 1

Florida Shutters 1055 Commerce Ave.

Inspired Closets 3950 U.S. Hwy. 1

Linus Cadillac 1401 U.S. Hwy. 1

Sunshine Furniture 1295 U.S. Hwy. 1

Beach Outlets

94th Dr.

Shopping Districts

Oceanside Business District

You’ll find clothing shops, jewelry stores, salons, galleries, and boutiques filled with exceptional merchandise along and around Ocean Drive.

Mid-shopping refreshment is available at cafés, restaurants, bars, and breweries. On Saturday mornings, the Vero Beach Farmers Market offers fresh local produce and artisanal goods.

Pelican Plaza on Highway A1A

Clothing and gift boutiques as well as a florist, salon, restaurants, and more can be found in this plaza, which sits adjacent to Village Beach Market, a local gourmet grocery store.

The Village Shops

Located on Highway A1A, this charming enclave set amidst moss-draped oak trees is a great place to browse apparel and gift boutiques as well as an art gallery, a stationery store, a gourmet market, and more.

The Village Shops

Veranda

Royal Palm Pointe

Found just south of the Barber Bridge on the mainland, Royal Palm Pointe is home to waterfront shopping, dining, boating, and medical services. The tree-lined boulevard ends in a public park overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, with docks and interactive fountains for children.

Miracle Mile

Anchored by Publix and The Fresh Market grocery stores, this shopping center runs along both sides of 21st Street and includes restaurants, clothing and consignment shops, jewelers, an independent bookstore, and more.

14th Avenue

Art galleries and design studios join cafes and other casual dining establishments in downtown Vero Beach. Historic buildings house a tea shop and a vintage furniture store. Residents and visitors alike flock to the area for a gallery stroll on the first Friday evening of each month.

Design District

Located along U.S. Highway 1, the design district has become a destination for homeowners in the market for flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and other home-design essentials.

Indian River Mall

Though shifting retail trends have taken a toll on indoor shopping malls everywhere, the Indian River Mall on State Road 60 continues to house an interesting mix of tenants, including two department stores, a movie theater, salons, restaurants, specialty stores, and even several nonprofit organizations.

Vero Beach Outlets

Found on State Road 60 near I-95, the outlets include a wide selection of stores offering clothing, household items, and more.

Artists Guild Gallery

Meat & Seafood

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

Gourmet Markets

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

Carmine & Lucia’s...... 772-999-5402 1916 14th Ave. carmineandlucias.com

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

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

Garden of Esther 772-382-9888 1016 21st St. gardenofesther.com

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

Rhonda's Seafood .... 772-473-6388 29 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 4 rhondasseafood.com

Ryder’s.............................772-500-3663 3106 Cardinal Drive rydersgourmetmarket.com

Sealantro British Cafe & Market 772-492-3614 2060 6th Ave. sealantro.com

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

Garden of Esther

Seasonal Bounty

Locally grown citrus and other fruits are among the many perks of living in Indian River County. A few farms will even let you pick your own. Mark your calendar for your favorites!

Produce Stands

Birdie Hogan Farm 772-205-1321 1800 66th Ave. birdiehogan.com

Countryside Citrus Farm & Retail Store ....772-581-0999 6325 81st St. countrysidecitrus.com

Ecotone Farm ................. 772-713-9276 13945 89th St., Fellsmere ecotonefarm.net

Vero Beach Farmers Market 3000 Ocean Drive verobeachfarmersmarket.com farmersmarketdropoff.com

Farm Girls Produce Stand................................. 772-538-1573

Five Acre Farm 772-360-8812 1030 90th Ave. fiveacrefarmvb.com

Hale Groves ................. 800-562-4502 halegroves.com

Kroegel Homestead Produce ........................... 772-925-2768 11200 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian kroegelproduce.us

Nature Farms 772-538-6066 9150 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian naturefarmsinc.weebly.com

Osceola Organic Family Farm ..................772-559-3967 6980 33rd St. osceolaorganicfarm.org

Peterson Groves ......... 772-562-6900 3375 66th Ave. petersongroves.com

Poinsettia Groves ...... 772-562-3356 poinsettiagroves.com

Schacht Groves .......... 772-562-5858 6100 12th St. schachtgroves.com

Treasure Coast Harvest 772-913-1345 tcharvest.com

Young’s Market 772-569-4811 4233 20th St.

Zesty Fox Farm 7 72-473-1341 zestyfoxfarm.com

Peterson Groves

Thank You for Shopping Local

There’s something special about shopping at locally owned businesses. Vero Beach and its environs boast many such establishments, but the number has dwindled in recent years. Online shopping, big-box stores, and COVID-19 have all taken their toll. That’s all the more reason to patronize our local shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

LOCAL MERCHANTS

know our community and stock inventory that is of interest to our residents

help infuse Vero Beach with its distinctive hometown feel instead of blending in with all the rest get to know their customers and learn their names as well as their likes and dislikes

place a high value on product quality and customer service because word-of-mouth recommendations—and criticisms—carry a lot of weight

are likely to support local nonprofit organizations and community efforts are a mainstay of good jobs for residents

spend and invest the money they earn right here in our local community

Bodies of Water

Water plays a vital role in our lives here in Indian River County; we enjoy both the natural beauty and the recreation opportunities it provides. Unspoiled beaches and ecologically important lagoon waters stretch 22 miles in Indian River County. Sebastian Inlet, the St. Sebastian River, and Blue Cypress Lake possess their own charms. Thirteen public beach access points offer a range of amenities, including free and ample parking. Sailing, surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and nature photography are all popular activities.

Map of Beachfront Parks 66

Beaches 68 Beach Safety 80 Sebastian Inlet.............................................................. 82

Indian River Lagoon .................................................. 84

Sea Turtles ....................................................................... 86 St. Sebastian River 90 Blue Cypress Lake 92 Riverfront Parks ............................................................ 94

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Turtle

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

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

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

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Beaches

Indian River County beaches from north to south:

Sebastian Inlet State Park

14251 Hwy. A1A

Located about 7 miles north of County Road 510 (Wabasso Bridge), Sebastian Inlet State Park offers surfing, fishing, boating, walking trails, a restaurant, picnic pavilions, camping, restrooms and showers, a bait shop, and beach wheelchairs. Like other state and national parks, the inlet charges an entrance fee, but we're confident you'll find the experience well worth the cost.

Ambersands Beach

12566 Hwy. A1A

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

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Treasure Shores

11300 Hwy. A1A

This unguarded beach nearly 3 miles north of County Road 510 is known for its sand dunes and wide-open beach vistas. Amenities include a pirate ship-themed playground, restrooms, showers, and walking trails.

Golden Sands

10350 Hwy. A1A

This guarded beach, part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, includes a playground, restroom facilities, showers, and picnic pavilions.

Golden Sands

Bodies of Water

Wabasso Beach Park

1820 County Road 510

Located at the east end of the A.B. Michael (Wabasso) Bridge, this guarded beach park offers picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, showers, a boardwalk, and other amenities.

Seagrape Trail Beach

8302 Hwy. A1A

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

KELLY ROGERS

Wabasso Beach Park

Turtle Trail Beach

8102 Hwy. A1A

This unguarded beach is peaceful and quiet— a great place to plant your chair and umbrella and dive into your latest beach read.

Tracking Station Beach 800 46th Place

Just off Highway A1A near the CVS pharmacy, Tracking Station is a guarded beach that is popular among local sunbathers and surfers alike.

Jaycee Park

4200 Ocean Drive

Located just 2 miles north of the Merrill Barber Bridge, this is the northernmost beach within the city limits of Vero Beach. In addition to a guarded beach, the spacious grounds include a boardwalk, playground, picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts, showers, and restrooms, making it a favorite locale for family outings.

Jaycee Park

Sexton Plaza

Easternmost end of Beachland Boulevard

This unguarded beach, adjacent to the Ocean Grill restaurant, is in the heart of the oceanside shopping district. It is just a hop, skip, and jump from fantastic beachside shops and eateries. It's a popular place for ocean gazing and sunrise spotting.

Humiston Park

3000 Ocean Drive

Humiston Park, a short distance south of Sexton Plaza, is conveniently located amidst shopping and restaurants. A guarded beach, large playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and showers make this a favorite among residents. It is also the site of the popular Vero Beach Farmers Market every Saturday morning.

Humiston Park

SAM WOLFE

South Beach Park

South Beach Park

1702 Ocean Drive

A straight drive east from the Alma Lee Loy (17th Street) Bridge brings you to the southernmost beach within the Vero Beach city limits. It features wide, guarded beaches, restrooms, showers, sand volleyball courts, and covered pavilions.

Round Island Park

2200 Hwy. A1A

This county park, located about 7 miles south of the Alma Lee Loy (17th Street) Bridge, is divided in two by Highway A1A. Oceanside you'll find a guarded beach, playground, picnic pavilions, and restrooms. The lagoon side includes boat and kayak launches, a playground and picnic pavilion, walking trails, and a three-story observation tower. It is a popular place for spotting manatees.

KELLY ROGERS

Beach Safety W

hen a lifeguard is on duty at a public beach, he or she hoists one or more color-coded flags indicating swimming conditions. Our lifeguards are happy to answer your questions, but the flags themselves speak volumes.

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

GREEN

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

YELLOW

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

RED

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

DOUBLE RED

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

PURPLE

Flown along with the green, yellow, or red flag signaling the level of surf hazard, a purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish, Portuguese man o’ war, or stingrays.

Sebastian Inlet

Boaters, anglers, surfers, paddlers, picnickers, and wildlife enthusiasts have made the Sebastian Inlet one of Indian River County's top destinations for outdoor fun. The inlet was cut a century ago to provide a passageway for boats between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean; it also facilitates water exchange between the two. Dolphins and manatees cross back and forth freely, and neither visitors nor local residents ever tire of watching them.

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

Sebastian Inlet State Park

SAM WOLFE

Bodies of Water

Indian River Lagoon

MATT FULCHER

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon runs 156 miles along Florida's east coast, from Volusia County through Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties. Five inlets connect it to the sea; thus, it is an estuary in which the fresh water of its tributaries meet the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a brackish mix. The Indian River Lagoon is an extremely biologically diverse ecosystem, with more than 4,000 species of plants and animals calling it home. The St. Johns River Water Management District refers to the Indian River Lagoon as “the cradle of the ocean,” since it serves as a nursery for both fresh and saltwater fish.

In 1990, the Indian River Lagoon was designated an Estuary of National Significance by the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program.

For the early settlers of our area, the lagoon was the main thoroughfare for travel and commerce. It was also important for both commercial and private fishing. Today, the lagoon serves as a playground for anglers, boaters, sailors, and paddlers of all sorts. Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy spotting dolphins and manatees.

The lagoon’s average depth is just 4 feet, though a 10-footdeep channel was dredged in the 1950s for the Intracoastal Waterway. The soil resulting from this process was used to create the many spoil islands that dot the lagoon.

The ecological and economic importance of the Indian River Lagoon cannot be overstated. It faces many threats and challenges, and visitors and residents alike play a vital role in maintaining its health. The choices we make, from landscaping to litter, make a difference. We hope you’ll join us in becoming good friends to our beloved lagoon.

Alex MacWilliam Martin_2023HB.indd

Sea Turtles

Thousands of sea turtles representing three species make their way to the shores of Indian River County each year to lay their eggs. The majority are loggerheads, which are about 3 feet long and weigh nearly 300 pounds. The even larger green turtle also nests here. The enormous leatherback, 6 feet long and weighing a thousand pounds, accounts for about 1 percent of the nests in our county.

Witnessing one of these magnificent creatures emerge from the sea, dig a nest with its flippers, and deposit some 100 eggs is a thrilling experience. During the height of nesting season—May to October—guided nighttime tours known as turtle walks take small groups to the beaches to watch unobtrusively as this key event in the sea turtle life cycle unfolds.

Turtle Walks

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park at the Sebastian Fishing Museum 14257 Hwy. A1A 772-589-2147 friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org/ turtle-walks

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge Barrier Island Center 8385 Hwy. A1A, Melbourne Beach 321-723-3556 fws.gov/refuge/archie-carr

BEST OF MASTERS

NEW AVEDA SALON EL COCO INTERNATIONAL

George and Viktoria Kelloyan have been with Aveda for over 34 years.

George and Viktoria’s education stems from London, Paris, Milan, Denmark and New York.

George has won multiple awards in Aveda Coloring and Cutting Techniques.

Our Small Boutique Salon is next to Twigs on the beachside.

Bodies of Water

Turtle-Friendly Tips

The loggerhead turtle is listed at both the state and federal levels as a threatened species; both the green and the leatherback are endangered. You can welcome these annual visitors and help improve their conservation status by observing the rules below.

Other Resources:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission myfwc.com 888-404-FWCC (3922)

Coastal Connections 772-226-0133 coastal-connections.org

GO LIGHT ON ILLUMINATION

If you own or stay in a beachfront property, you have a special responsibility. Since sea turtles rely on moonlight to find their way, it is important to prevent competing light sources from confusing them. Close your drapes and look into “turtle-friendly” lighting options.

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

The trek from the water to the dunes can be a hard one for these gigantic creatures, and the tiny hatchlings’ trip back to the ocean is positively perilous. You can make their journey easier by clearing the way. After a day of fun at the beach, bring all chairs, umbrellas, and toys home with you. Don’t leave behind any plastic, which turtles could accidentally ingest. And, as hard as it may be to see your architectural masterpieces destroyed, you should also flatten sandcastles and fill in any holes you’ve dug.

DO NOT DISTURB

During nesting season, many nest locations are marked with orange flagging tape. Be careful not to disturb these sites. Also, should you come across a sea turtle that appears to be struggling, be aware that is against the law to interfere, no matter how tempting it may be to “help.” If that turtle is a female, she must “imprint” on that beach location and find her own way to the ocean. Believe it or not, she will return one day to that very same beach to lay her own eggs!

St. Sebastian River

To the north and west of the city of Sebastian runs the St. Sebastian River, a 16-milelong tributary of the Indian River Lagoon. The 22,000-acre St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, formerly known as the Buffer Preserve, offers 60 miles of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Opportunities for birders and wildlife enthusiasts also abound.

While there is no boat launch within the park, boaters and paddlers can launch from boat ramps nearby at Dale Wimbrow and Donald MacDonald Parks.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere

Open daily 8 a.m.–sunset, no entry fee 321-953-5005 floridastateparks.org/st-sebastian

Dale Wimbrow Park

11805 Roseland Road, Sebastian Open daily 7:30 a.m.–sunset, no entry fee 772-226-1875

Donald MacDonald Park and Campground

12315 Roseland Road, Sebastian Open daily 7 a.m.–sunset, no entry fee 772-589-0087

Bodies of Water

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

Blue Cypress Lake

Florida has thousands of lakes. For most people, the first one that comes to mind is Lake Okeechobee, which, at 730 square miles, dwarfs all others in the state by an order of magnitude. Blue Cypress Lake, the largest in Indian River County, measures just 10 square miles; it doesn’t even break the state’s top 10.

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

Since the lake is surrounded by wetlands, it can be viewed only by boat. The sole entry point is at Middleton’s Fish Camp on the lake’s western side, where boats and kayaks can launch. Airboat rides, pontoon tours, and fishing tours are also popular ways to enjoy the Blue Cypress experience.

Accessing one of the most beautiful lakes in our state requires a five-mile drive down a rustic road, where it is customary to wave at anyone you see.

Middleton’s Fish Camp

7400 Blue Cypress Road 772-473-1885

middletonsfishcamp.com

Riverfront Parks

Naturally, with the lagoon being at the heart of life in Indian River County, riverfront parks are popular recreation destinations. They are great places to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic lunch, or launch a kayak, paddleboard, or boat. They also offer ideal spots for fishing as well as bird and wildlife watching.

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

Fishing pier

A.W. Young Park

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

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

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

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

Joe Earman Island Park

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

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

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

Riverview Park

U.S. Hwy. 1 and County Road 512, Sebastian Sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, fishing piers, splashpad, and restrooms

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 S. Hwy. A1A

Picnic pavilion, walking trails, restrooms, and boat ramps

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

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

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary 100 Dahlia Lane, accessed via Riverside Park

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

Wabasso Causeway Park 1820 Wabasso Beach Road Boat launch, picnic pavilions, and restrooms

KELLY ROGERS

A. W. Young Park

Boating & Water Sports

Of Indian River County’s 617 square miles, 18.5 percent is water, and residents and visitors relish every opportunity to be on or in it. Thus, we have marinas, boat ramps, and water sport outfitters aplenty. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all excellent ways to take in some fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings. If you’d rather be in the water than on it, you’ll find everything you need to snorkel or scuba dive.

If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the view while someone else does the driving, there are lots of boat, catamaran, and airboat captains who will be happy to oblige.

Marinas & Gear............................................................. 98

Boats & Jet Skis 98

Kayaks, Paddleboards, & More 100

Scuba Classes & Gear 100

Snorkeling...................................................................... 100

Surfing Lessons & Gear 102 Guided Tours 104

Boating

Marinas & Gear

Sebastian Inlet Marina

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

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

Vero Beach Rowing 310 Acacia Road 772-261-0747 verobeachrowing.org

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

Vero Marine Center 12 Royal Palm Pointe 772-258-4268 veromarine.com

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

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

Boats & Jet Skis

Florida Boat Rentals

3321 Bridge Plaza Drive (behind Riverside Cafe) 772-713-7132 flboatrentals.com

Just in Time 1730 Indian River Drive, Sebastian 772-300-4101 justintimewatercraftrentals.com

Leisure Time Boating Club 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-539-0051 leisuretimeboatclub.com

Sebastian Inlet

Boating

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

Sail Moonraker 3611 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-696-2941 sailmoonraker.com 40-foot luxury catamaran available for charter

Sebastian Watercraft Rentals

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

Vero Beach Rental Boats 3611 Rio Vista Blvd. 772-453-3516 verobeachrentalboats.com

Kayaks,

Paddleboards, & More

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522 adventurekayakingtours.com

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

Orchid Outfitters 1173 Commerce Ave. 772-617-1804 orchidoutfitters.com

Paddles by the Sea 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-234-9585 paddlesbythesea.com

Sea Sup Go 772-217-8708 seasupgo.com

Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals 561-248-5695 sharkbaitbeachgearrentals.com

Scuba Classes & Gear

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

Snorkeling

Paddles by the Sea Snorkel Tours 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-234-9585 paddlesbythesea.com

KELLY ROGERS

Round Island Riverside Park

Surfing Lessons & Gear

Endless Windz 3615 U.S. Hwy. 1, Grant-Valkaria 772-217-KITE (5483) endlesswindz.com

Epic Sessions

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

EZride Surf School

Professional surf lessons and ocean education 954-803-5169 ezridesurfschool.com

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

Sebastian Inlet Surf & Sport

8898 S. Hwy. A1A, Melbourne Beach 321-574-0600 sebastianinletsurfshop.com

Wabasso Beach Shop (gear only) 4880 87th St., Sebastian 772-388-4077 wabassobeachshop.com

Sebastian Inlet State Park

KELLY ROGERS

Boating

Guided Tours

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522 adventurekayakingtours.com

Airboat Wilderness Rides

Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-584-0089 airboatwildernessrides.com

Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventures of Vero Beach Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-633-7849 airboatadventuretours.com

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

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

Gator Bait Airboat Adventures Blue Cypress Conservation Area County Road 512 772-766-2629 gatorbaitairboatadventures.com

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

Middleton's Fish Camp 7400 Blue Cypress Road 772-473-1885 middletonsfishcamp.com

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

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

Sea Sup Go 772-217-8708 seasupgo.com

Treasure Coast Cruises at MacWilliam Park 3305 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-321-5955 tccruise.com

Fishing

Many local residents are passionate about fishing, and we certainly live in a place that is conducive to piscatory pastimes: offshore and inshore fishing, saltwater and freshwater fishing, kayak and pier fishing, surf fishing and trolling, bait casting and bottom dropping. Local charter captains are standing at the ready to take you out to all the best spots. Or perhaps you prefer to strike out on your own. Either way, we hope the following information is helpful and that you enjoy all of your angling adventures.

Sebastian Fishing Museum 110

Mullet Run.........................................................................112

Getting Started

Fishing Licenses

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

Fishing Gear

King Pompano Bait and Tackle Shop 140 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-234-9300 king-pompano-bait-and-tackleshop.business.site

Reel ‘Em In Bait & Tackle 821 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-581-1027 reeleminbaitandtackle.com

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

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

Wabasso Bait & Tackle Shack 8456 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-571-5144 wabassobaittackleshack.com

Fishing Guides

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

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

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

Down Sea Charters 772-532-9347 downseacharters.com

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

Filet Show Fishing 321-693-4918 filetshow.com

Fish Vero Beach Charters 772-633-4274

Incentive Fishing Charters 321-676-1948 incentivecharters.com

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

Local Waters 321-266-2575 fishlocalwaters.com

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

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

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

Seek & Destroy Charters 772-559-5224 verobeachcharterfishing.com

Skipper Sportfishing Charters 772-473-4525 skipperfish.com

Vero Backcountry Fishing 772-532-6174 verobackcountryfishing.com

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

Vero Tight Line Charters 772-584-1500 verotightlinecharters.com

KELLY ROGERS

Sebastian Fishing Museum

The Sebastian Fishing Museum celebrates the important role the fishing industry has played in Sebastian’s history. Located inside the south (Indian River County) entrance of Sebastian Inlet State Park, the museum houses a homemade fishing boat and replicas of an original fish house and dock, along with nets and other gear used by early settlers. In addition, historical photographs of commercial fishermen at work on the Indian River Lagoon are on display throughout. Access to the museum is free with admission to the park.

Sebastian Inlet State Park 14251 Hwy. A1A 772-589-9659 floridastateparks.org

KELLY ROGERS

The Mullet Run

During their spawning migration, known as the mullet run, mullet travel by the thousands through local waters—the ocean, the lagoon, the Sebastian Inlet, and even canals. In our area, this throng reaches its apex in September–October. Anglers are in their glory during the mullet run, because those mullet are invariably being chased by delicious predators such as snook and redfish. If you’re not sure whether or not you want to take advantage of this opportunity, at least mull it over.

Whether you have a racket in your hand, running shoes on your feet, or a parachute strapped to your back, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stay active in Vero Beach and the surrounding area. And sports are not just for the young! Local residents and visitors of all ages find fun and fitness on the court, on the course, and beyond. The following pages will help you stay in shape, hone your skills, and learn some new ones—all while making new friends along the way.

Golf

Private Courses

Bent Pine Golf Club 6001 Clubhouse Drive 772-567-6922 bentpinegolf.com

This course, designed by Joe Lee, is located on 220 acres of lush hammock land where Florida pines and scenic lakes are plentiful.

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club 4985 Club Terrace 772-778-9000 grandharbor.com Grand Harbor boasts two courses: the challenging Joe Lee-designed River Course and the Pete Dye-designed Harbor Course, which is typical of the classic Scottish links style.

Hawk’s Nest

6005 Old Dixie Hwy. 772-569-9400 themooringsclub.com

This Moorings Yacht & Country Club course was designed by course architect Jim Fazio to suit the tall pine and oak trees abundant on the property. It is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf.

Indian River Club 800 Carolina Circle SW  772-569-5066 indianriverclub.com

Laid out on gently rolling terrain, this course was designed by Ron Garl, who is noted for his attention to the environment. In 1995, Indian River Club became one of the first courses in the world to receive the coveted status of Audubon Signature Sanctuary.

John’s Island Club

COURTESY

JOHN'S ISLAND REAL ESTATE COMPANY

John’s Island Club

North & South Courses 3 John’s Island Drive 772-231-1700 johnsislandclub.org

John’s Island Club has two 18-hole championship courses on the island. The North Course, designed by Pete Dye, is laid out around old Florida oaks with beautiful views that lead to the Indian River Lagoon. Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye designed the challenging South Course, which underwent impressive enhancements in 2019.

John’s Island Club

West Course 772-231-1700

johnsislandclub.org

The 300-acre West Course is located on the mainland, 6 miles from John’s Island Club. It was designed by Tom Fazio and built on a natural sand ridge that affords dramatic elevation changes. Ranked among the most challenging courses in the country, it is secluded and rich in wildlife and natural beauty.

The Moorings Yacht & Country Club

100 Harbour Drive 772-231-1004

themooringsclub.com

This Pete Dye-designed course is one of only a handful in the world with the entire front nine surrounded by water, complete with 40 species of birds. Majestic oaks dot the back nine. The course is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

1 Beachside Drive 772-388-2350 orchidislandfl.com

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Orchid Island’s course is laid out against a backdrop of old Florida oaks, grasses, and tropical landscaping. It is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program course that hosts a variety of wildlife and tests players of all skill levels.

COURTESY OF ORCHID ISLAND GOLF & BEACH CLUB

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club

COURTESY OF

Pointe West Country Club

7500 14th Lane 772-770-4653 pwccvb.com

Pointe West’s course was created in 1999 by golf course architect John Sanford, who saw to it that players of all levels would face a variety of challenges while progressing from tee to tee.

Quail Valley Golf Club 6545 Pinnacle Drive 772-299-0093

quailvalleygolfclub.com

Quail Valley’s 280-acre course was designed by Tom Fazio II and Nick Price. It features impressive elevations and generous waterways to challenge enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.

RedStick Golf Club 8350 58th Ave. 772-388-3200

redstickgolfclub.com

The par 72 RedStick course was designed by Rees Jones. It is a walking course that measures 7,192 yards in total.

Riomar Country Club 2106 Club Drive 772-231-6426 riomarcountryclub.com

Built in 1919, Riomar Country Club is the oldest golf course in Vero Beach. It has seven holes that run along the ocean, more than any other course in Florida. Despite an extensive renovation by Tom Fazio II and Nick Price in 2015, it remains an “Old Florida” style course.

Vero Beach Country Club 800 30th St. 772-567-3320

vbcountryclub.com

Designed in the 1920s, this course has been enhanced since the 1990s to increase shot variety. Players face challenges involving wind, doglegs, strategically placed bunkers, oak and palm trees, lakes, and perimeter canals.

Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-5050

windsorflorida.com

The 18-hole, links-style Windsor golf course was laid out by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in a traditional design. The greens are situated against a rolling panorama of Florida native trees that border the softly rolling fairways.

Sandridge Golf Club

SAM WOLFE

Public Courses

American Golf Club 100 Woodland Drive 772-569-5554 americangolfclubvero.com

This Arthur Hills course was built in 1976. It includes 27 holes, driving range, pro shop, golf instruction, and full restaurant and bar.

Sandridge Golf Club 5300 73rd St. 772-770-5000 sandridgegc.com

Sandridge Golf Club, owned and operated by Indian River County, includes two 18-hole championship layouts designed by Ron Garl. The Dunes Course, which opened in 1987, winds around an old ridge that runs up the east coast of Florida. The Lakes Course, which opened in 1992, features one of the toughest holes around, the par 4 fourteenth. Players visit from around the world to take a shot at its challenging island green.

Sebastian Municipal Golf Course 100 Brush Foot Drive, Sebastian 772-589-6801 cityofsebastian.org

The 18-hole Sebastian course features 6,717 yards of golf for a par of 72. Designed by Charles Ankrom, it opened in 1981. A surprising feature of the course appears on the back nine, where golfers will sometimes have an audience of skydivers from Skydive Sebastian floating down with their colorful parachutes.

Vista Plantation Golf Club 48 Plantation Drive 772-569-2223 myvistagolf.com Vista Plantation Golf Club is an 18-hole, semiprivate, par 62 course. Designed by Arthur Hills, the PGA- and USGA-affiliated course is challenging for every level of golfer, from the most avid to the beginner. Seventeen of the 18 holes touch water on this course, which also features exceptionally fast greens.

Golf Training & Entertainment

BigShots Golf 3456 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-979-GOLF (4653) verobigshots.com

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

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

COURTESY OF ORCHID ISLAND GOLF & BEACH CLUB

Tennis & Pickleball

Boulevard Tennis Club 1620 Boulevard Village Lane 772-778-4200 boulevardtennis.com 14 lighted Har-Tru courts

Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club 4985 Club Terrace 772-778-9000 grandharbor.com

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

Intergenerational Recreation Center 1590 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-226-1780 Ircgov.com

John’s Island Club 3 John’s Island Drive 772-231-1700 johnsislandclub.org

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

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

Pickleball University at Pocahontas Park 2199 14th Ave. pickleu.com 12 pickleball courts

Quail Valley River Club 2345 Hwy. A1A 772-492-2020 quailvalleygolfclub.com/river-club

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

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

Schumann Drive Park 1096 Schumann Drive 772-228-7054 cityofsebastian.org/facilities

6 lighted tennis courts, 2 with pickleball lines

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

Sebastian Pickleball Complex

160 Airport Dr. E., Sebastian 772-228-7054

8 pickleball courts

Twin Oaks Tennis Club 1295 6th Ave. 772-770-1149 twinoakstennisclub.com 7 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts

Vero Beach Tennis & Fitness Club 702 Timber Ridge Trail SW 772-569-7700 verobeachtennis.net 14 Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball court

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

6 indoor lighted pickleball courts and 2 lighted tennis courts

Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-8400 windsorflorida.com

*Memberships/fees may apply

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Windsor Schumann Drive Park (tennis)

John’s Island West Course

RedStick Golf Club

Indian Trails Tennis Courts

Sandridge Golf Club

Quail Valley Golf Club

John’s Island Club

Bent Pine Golf Club

Hawk’s Nest Golf Club

Grand Harbor Golf & Tennis Club

Vista Plantation Golf Course

Links at Pointe West

Riverside Park Tennis Courts

Sea Oaks Tennis Club Riomar Country Club (golf)

Quail Valley River Club (tennis)

Pocahontas Park Pickleball Courts

Twin Oaks Tennis Club

Charles Park Tennis Courts

West Side Racquet Club

Vero Beach Tennis & Fitness Club

South County Regional Park (tennis)

Indian River Club

Equestrian

Angel’s Appy Acres 4885 58th Ave. 772-519-0065 angelsappyacres.com Riding, instruction, and boarding

BG Equestrian 7700 8th St. 561-859-2605 bgequestrianverobeach.com Riding, instruction, boarding, and special events venue

Carefree Ranch 7290 53rd St. 772-564-9222 carefreeranch.org Boarding, leasing, and programs for “at-risk” children

Copper Light Farm 6900 45th St. 650-248-8227 copperlightfarm.com Boarding, grooming, training, and supplements

High Hopes Eventing Farm 7230 49th St. 772-538-3772 highhopeseventing.com Riding lessons and events

Indian River Riding Club 6250 37th St. indianriverriding.org Wide range of activities at all levels

Shady Oaks Ranch 6555 Atlantic Blvd. 772-633-2716 Boarding, lessons, clinics, and on-site horse leasing

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

Equine-assisted activities for people with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities

Vero Beach Equestrian Club 7355 69th St. 772-226-0376 verobeachequestrianclub.com Boarding and training

Whispering Pines Equestrian 10370 105th St., Fellsmere 772-925-6064 wpef.weebly.com Western instruction for children and adults

BG Equestrian

Additional Sports

Archery

Indian River Archers 6000 77th St. 772-413-8892 indianriverarchersclub.com

Bowling

Vero Bowl 929 14th Lane 772-299-PINS (7467) verobowl.com

Strike Zone 730 S. Fleming St., Sebastian 772-770-2710 strikezonesebastian.com

Boxing

Gus Curren's House of Champions 4378 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-713-1157 gchouseofchampions.com

Sweet Science 1137 21st St. 772-501-2744 sweetsciencevb.com

Cycling

Bike Walk Indian River County bikewalkirc.org

Vero Cycling verocyclingclub.org

Disc Golf

Kiwanis Hobart Park Disc Golf Course 5400 77th St. 772-226-1875 ircgov.com

Treasure Coast Disc Golf Club treasurecoastdiscg.wixsite.com/tcdg

Martial Arts

Bamboo Dojo 2111 14th Ave. 772-770-2491 thebamboodojo.com

The Cloudwalker Place Qigong classes at Charles Park, South Beach Park, Environmental Learning Center, and the Intergenerational Center 772-453-6449 thecloudwalker.com

Florida Karate Academy 1140 19th St. 772-563-9333 floridakarateacademy.com

RT Martial Arts 6200 20th St., Suite 382 772-913-4898 rtmartialartsvb.com

Vero Beach Karate Association 1355 29th St. 772-567-9899 vbka.com

Running

Runners’ Depot 436 21st St. 772-569-7364 runnersdepotvb.com

Shooting

Indian River County Public Shooting Range 10455 102nd Terrace, Sebastian 772-226-3096 ircgov.com/parksandrecreation/ shootingrange

Indian River Sportsman 4185 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-778-4844 indianriversportsmans.com

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

Shuffleboard

Vero Beach Shuffleboard Club Pocahontas Park Shuffleboard Courts 2199 14th Ave. (facing 21st Street) 772-567-8729

Skydiving

Skydive Sebastian 400 Airport Drive W., Sebastian 772-388-5672 skydiveseb.com

Volleyball

Vero Beach Volleyball 1060 6th Ave. 843-267-3378 beachvolleyballfl.com

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

Yoga & Pilates

Bending Light Yoga & Aerial Studio 1960 44th Ave., Suite B 772-999-1240 bendinglightyoga.com

Level Yoga 29 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 2 and 3055 Cardinal Drive, Suite 106 772-365-4407 levelyogastudio.com

S.T.A.R. Pilates 690 21st St. 772-205-7969 starpilatesstudio.com

RT Martial Arts

Captain Forster Hammock Preserve

MARTINA

The Great Outdoors

Our little slice of subtropical paradise is home to a lovely array of flora and fauna. We’ve done our homework and compiled some information that we hope will help you experience it to the fullest. We’ll point the way toward places to hike, birdwatch, and perhaps engage in some nature photography, and we’ll even offer some tips on wildlife encounters.

Invasive Species 151 Wildlife Resources 152

Hiking Trails

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

This 60,000-acre conservation area near Blue Cypress Lake is under the aegis of the St. Johns River Water Management District. It includes miles of levees that provide vantage points for viewing the open water, marshlands, cypress trees, and native wildlife, including many species of birds.

Captain Forster Hammock Preserve 8610 Jungle Trail, south of CR 510 ircgov.com

This 110-acre preserve contains a short trail that offers a quick wilderness getaway in which you’re never very far from civilization. Birders are especially fond of this preserve during fall, winter, and spring songbird migrations.

Fort Drum Marsh Wildlife Conservation Area

About 20 miles west of Vero Beach, 10 miles east of Yeehaw Junction; access south side of State Road 60 sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/fort-drum-marsh

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

Jungle Trail traillink.com /trail/historic-jungle-trail/ This 7.8-mile 1920s hard-packed sand road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003, stretches from Old Winter Beach Road north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Jungle Trail

Lagoon Greenway

Accessed at the intersection of Indian River Boulevard and 8th Street Indian River Land Trust 772-794-0701 irlt.org

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

North Sebastian Conservation Area

1200 and 1295 Main St., Sebastian 772-589-9223 ircgov.com

Just half a mile west of U.S. Highway 1, this 407-acre preserve offers some 10 miles of trails, including boardwalks that traverse wetland areas. Hikers can expect to spot gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and even the endangered Florida scrub jay.

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

150 9th St. SE (Oslo Road)

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

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

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

Lagoon Greenway

Properties Conserved by the Indian River Land Trust

Priority Conservation Areas

Other Conservation Areas

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

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

For more information, visit www.irlt.org.

The Great Outdoors

Round Island South Conservation Area 2200 Hwy. A1A 772-589-9223 ircgov.com

Just south of Round Island Riverside Park, which includes a boardwalk and observation tower that are popular for spotting manatees and other wildlife, this conservation area offers a trail through a maritime hammock habitat.

Sebastian Inlet State Park 14251 Hwy. A1A 772-589-9659

floridastateparks.org/sebastian-inlet Just over a mile long, the Hammock Trail meanders through the undeveloped portion of the southern section of the park.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere 321-953-5005

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

T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area 3200 T.M. Goodwin Road, Fellsmere 321-726-2862 floridabirdingtrail.com

The open marsh habitat of this wetland restoration project makes it an excellent locale for bird-watching. The dikes surrounding the impoundments provide a prime vantage point; the property also includes an observation tower.

Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail Accessed at U.S. Highway 1 and 79th Street Indian River Land Trust 772-794-0701 irlt.org

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

St. Sebastian River

KELLY ROGERS

Local Birds

The Vero Beach area is home to a fascinating array of birds, some seasonal and some year-round residents. In wintertime, you may hear some unfamiliar songs coming from the trees, as many migratory songbirds stop here during their travels. The most visible of our feathered friends are the large wading birds we see every day. The following are some of the most notable birds likely to be seen in our area.

Snowy Egret

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

Bald Eagle

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

Little Blue Heron

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

White Ibis

The ubiquitous white ibis is seen in and near shallow water, often in yards, and usually in groups. Its long, curved, reddish-orange bill and similarly colored legs make it unmistakable. Its feathers are all white except for black wing tips visible only during flight. Juveniles have patchy brown feathers that serve as camouflage until the bird matures.

Cattle Egret

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

Great Egret

The tall, graceful egret, a type of heron, possesses a long, slender neck, perfectly white feathers, black legs, and a straight yellow bill. The great egret exceeds 3 feet in height and 4 feet in wingspan. It is often spotted in or near shallow water, stalking fish slowly and intently. It also eats frogs and other small critters.

Osprey

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

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

This large duck is common throughout peninsular Florida and is easily recognizable by its bright pink bill and legs and, of course, its black belly and its whistling! Its high-pitched call may also bring to mind the sound made by a dog’s squeak toy. Whistling ducks are often seen in flocks frequenting shallow ponds, golf courses, and agricultural fields. It is also common for them to perch in trees.

Great Blue Heron

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

The Great Outdoors

Pelican

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

Cormorant and Anhinga

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

Sandhill Crane

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

Roseate Spoonbill

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

Pileated Woodpecker

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

The Great Florida Birding Trail

Aproject of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is not a contiguous trail; rather, it is a network of more than 500 significant birding and wildlife-viewing locations throughout the state, totaling some 2,000 miles. GFBWT sites are marked with brown signs bearing the GFBWT’s swallow-tailed kite logo. Our neighbor to the north, Brevard County, contains the most GFBWT sites in the state, with more than 30. There are a dozen such locations in the much smaller Indian River County, most of which appear in the “Hiking Trail” list on page 138.

Wood Stork

The wood stork is larger than the great egret but slightly smaller than the great blue heron. Easily identifiable with its bald head and white feathers, it is an impressive bird, especially in flight. The only stork native to North America, the wood stork is listed federally as a threatened species.

Going Wild

Wildlife encounters are probably not uppermost on our minds in Vero Beach. But it is always a good idea to be prepared with some basic information, especially for those of us who enjoy hiking, paddling, or other outdoor activities. Even if you’re not the adventurous type, there is always the possibility of a gator-on-the-golf-course or bobcat-in-the-backyard scenario.

Alligators

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

While alligators prefer fresh water, it is also possible to see them in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Their bodies are not good at eliminating salt, but they are capable of spending several hours in salt water. If you are walking near a lake and encounter a gator sunning itself at the water’s edge, keep your distance, and it will most likely slip into the water, where it feels most at home. And this probably goes without saying: It is illegal to feed or interfere with alligators in any way.

Feral Pigs/Wild Hogs/Wild Boars

Known by several names, feral pigs are not native but have been in Florida for centuries. They are ubiquitous throughout the state and considered invasive due to the property damage they are capable of causing by their rooting and eating habits. Like most other animals, feral pigs prefer to avoid danger, but they can behave aggressively and can carry diseases, so keep your distance, especially if you see a sow with her adorable piglets.

Coyotes

Through natural habitat expansion, coyotes have made their way from the Western United States to every state except Hawaii, and they have been seen in every county in Florida. They are close relatives of domestic dogs and will eat almost anything. They are generally shy animals, but it is important to discourage them from losing their fear of humans. Feeding them is forbidden. The FWC even recommends “hazing” coyotes by shouting, raising your arms, and otherwise discouraging them from making themselves at home (hazing should not be done to an injured coyote or to a parent with pups present).

Snakes

While Florida is home to some 46 species of native snakes, only six are venomous, and of those only four live in the southern part of the state. Snakes are a valuable part of our ecosystem, so if you see one in your yard, it is more likely a friend than a foe. Snakes will usually flee if not cornered, and most of us are more than happy to accord all snakes, venomous or not, a wide berth.

The Eastern coral snake, though potentially dangerous, is actually shy and rarely seen. But a couple of non-venomous species mimic its red, black, and yellow bands, though in different patterns. Several variations of a rhyming mnemonic help make the distinction: “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack.”

The cottonmouth or water moccasin is a thick-bodied snake that measures 30–48 inches. Eight non-venomous water snakes resemble this venomous species.

Two types of rattlesnakes are native to our area, though not frequently seen: The heavy-bodied Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, which measures 33–72 inches, can shake its tail to create a buzzing sound. The dusky pygmy rattlesnake is likewise thickbodied but much shorter at just 12–24 inches.

However, the snakes you are most likely to encounter are quite harmless. Most will bite only if they feel threatened, but otherwise are not aggressive.

The corn snake, also called the red rat snake, measures 30–48 inches and is colored in shades of red, orange, and brown.

The North American racer, commonly called the black racer, is very common in our area. Its length is approximately 20–56 inches.

The common garter snake sports a blotched pattern with three yellowish stripes. It is usually less than 2 feet long but can grow larger.

Eastern coral snake

Cottonmouth

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

Dusky pygmy rattlesnake

Corn snake

North American racer

Common garter snake

The Great Outdoors Blue Land Crab

You have probably noticed large blue land crabs peeking out of their burrows and then darting in for cover if you get too close. These crabs are adult members of the species Cardisoma guanhumi, and they are found in coastal areas, where they dig domestic burrows in moist soil up to 5 miles from the ocean. Have you ever been startled by a horde of them crossing the street or your yard? Such a large-scale migration can be seen during the blue land crab’s spawning season, which runs from June to December, with peak activity in October and November. After mating occurs, the female lays the eggs—many thousands of them—and carries the “egg mass” underneath her body for about two weeks, until the eggs hatch into larvae. She must then deposit the larvae into salt water, where they will spend the next few weeks developing into juvenile crabs, which will then wash up on unknown sands and establish their new homes.

Bobcats

About twice the size of domestic cats, bobcats pose little threat to humans. They are plentiful but reclusive, spotted occasionally in wooded areas and even backyards. They hunt rabbits, rodents, and other small animals, usually at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. As with all wildlife, observe and admire the bobcat, but keep your distance, and it will most likely blend back into the wild.

Invasive Species

Many nonnative plant and animal species have encroached upon our area over the years. Not all are harmful, but many have the potential to upset the ecological balance by competing with native species. Florida’s climate makes it a haven for invasive lizards in particular, which are introduced either deliberately or accidentally via the exotic pet trade.

One of most dramatic examples of an invasive lizard proliferating in Vero Beach is the Peter’s rock agama, an African native that has, over the past few years, become entrenched throughout our area. Though not one of the more terrifying lizards, such as the Nile monitor or the Argentine tegu, so far found in counties to our south, it is an intimidating interloper; males sport an orange head and grow to a foot in length.

The agama is not venomous and generally flees from humans, but it competes with other lizards by eating insects, and may even eat the smaller Cuban brown anole, which is not native to our area but is long established here. No control program is in place for the agama; indeed, none has been found to work. But some efforts are being made to track its spread.

IveGot1 is a smartphone app for reporting invasive species in Florida. It is available for both iPhone and Android and allows the user to submit a photograph of the creature in question. Its associated website, eddmaps.org, and hotline, 888-483-4681 (888-IVE-GOT1), can be used for the same purpose.

For more information on nonnative fish and wildlife as well as guidance on how to deal with them, see myfwc.com/ wildlifehabitats/nonnatives. For a list of nonnative plants, floridainvasivespecies.org is an excellent resource.

In the case of a serious threat, such as a Burmese python, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922.

STANDING: Brent Jeremy, LCSW, Lora Beth Hearn, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Amy Solderich, Psy.D.

SITTING: Cynthia Kepfer, APRN, PMHNP-BC and Tammy Pritchard, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

1702 CLUB DRIVE | VERO BEACH, FL 32963 | 772.222.5001

Now accepting new patients for psychiatric evaluation, medication management as well as individual therapy. We are a Medicare provider.

Wildlife Resources

Whether you feel threatened by an animal or come across an animal that appears orphaned or injured, the following resources will be helpful.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, baby animals are rarely actually orphaned, so it is best to leave them alone, even if they appear unattended. Animal parents may be out gathering food or observing their young outside your field of vision. FWC advises, “Do not pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment.”

If you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife, seek advice from the experts.

Indian River County Animal Control 772-226-4799

Vero Beach Police Department Animal Control Officer 772-978-4600

Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary 321-254-8843

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline To report injured manatees, dolphins, sea turtles; wild animals that pose a threat to human health or safety; or wildlife law violations 888-404-3922

From a cell phone: *FWC or #FWC (depending on the service provider)

Nuisance alligator 866-392-4286

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture and Marine Unit Loose livestock 772-569-6700

Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

Found domestic or feral animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses; or to report animal neglect or abuse 772-388-3331

Email: cruelty@hsvb.org

Vero Beach resident Francesca Anderson is a talented and renowned botanical illustrator.

The Arts

The arts are an integral part of life in Vero Beach. We revel in welcoming world-class musicians, opera singers, ballet dancers, and authors; and we zealously foster artists and performers of all kinds right here at home. Our vibrant legion of artists never ceases to bring joy and fresh perspectives to our community.

Visual Arts 156 Theater 164 Dance ................................................................................166 Music 168 Choirs 169

Classical 169 Opera 170 Other Live .............................................................. 172 Lectures 173

Visual Arts

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

VBMA is the largest accredited art facility on Florida’s Treasure Coast, presenting changing international exhibitions from lenders and its permanent collection of more than 950 objects of American and international art. It features sculpture parks, five galleries, docent tours, art classes, public programs from lectures to film studies, jazz concerts, an annual children’s art festival, Museum Stories and Studios, Museum Babies, an interactive children’s Art Zone, and a museum store. Admission fees apply. Admission is free on the last Saturday of each month. Museum Extras, a more recent addition, offers an array of curated online content with something for everyone in the community.

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

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

Vero Beach Art Club 1903 14th Ave. 772-217-3345

Satellite Location 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0303 verobeachartclub.org

The Art Club is an independent nonprofit organization serving 450 members and the art community through education, exhibitions, social events, and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artists. The club is based at its main location downtown, which houses the office, classroom, gallery, and marketplace; it maintains a satellite presence at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

Art at the Emerson The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 artattheemerson.com

The Emerson Center’s art gallery features the work of local artists in six themed two-month exhibitions per year.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

Big Art Now

Artists Guild Gallery

1974 14th Ave. 772-299-1234 artistsguildgalleryofverobeach.com

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

Art in Public Places 772-770-4857 cultural-council.org

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

Art Works

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 Theatre Plaza 772-907-5128 artworksofvero.com

This fine art gallery and art school was founded by educators Betsy Nelson and Mary Partow. The gallery features works by artists from various parts of the United States, particularly the East Coast, representing a range of styles. Classes for all ages and skill levels, as well as art parties, team-building events, and children’s art clubs and camps are available.

Barbara Krupp Fine Art Studio/Gallery

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

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

Big Art Now

1791 Old Dixie Hwy. 561-440-4260 bigartnow.co/ This gallery offers large contemporary paintings by more than a dozen Florida-based artists. Featured genres include abstraction, Expressionism, Impressionism, and naive painting.

Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

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

Findlay Galleries

165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

Worth the drive from Vero Beach, Findlay Galleries is world renowned for its distinguished stable of abstract and representational contemporary artists. The gallery also specializes in Impressionism, European modernism, l’Ecole de Rouen, l’Ecole de Paris, and twentieth-century American art. Visit its collection of 10 elegant galleries on two spacious floors encompassing three centuries of art in the heart of Palm Beach.

The Galleries at First Pres

First Presbyterian Church 520 Royal Palm Blvd. 772-464-6712 firstpresvero.org

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

Gallery 14 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

The gallery features a diverse array of works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, collage, sculpture, ceramic, jewelry, and photography by Gallery 14 owner-artists Edgardo Abello, Lila Blakeslee, Barbara du Pont, Mary Ann Hall, Barbara Landry, George Pillorgé, Deborah Morrell Polackwich, and Dorothy Napp Schindel. Other artists include Walford Campbell, Joan Earnhart, Terry Green, Viola Pace Knudsen, Mia Lindberg, Francis Mesaros, Michael Robinson, Carol Staub, and sales associate-artist Jo Zaza, along with monthly rotation exhibits by guests.

The Gallery at Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-4071 windsorflorida.com/art Founded in 2002, The Gallery at Windsor is an independent art space at the heart of the Windsor community. The gallery annually invites curators to respond to the space with museum-quality shows of contemporary art. The gallery has exhibited works by many leading contemporary artists.

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

The gallery offers worldwide collections of original paintings, objets d’art, sculptures, and select antique furnishings.

The Laughing Dog Gallery 2910 Cardinal Drive 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com

The gallery features a sophisticated collection from more than 350 contemporary American craftsmen. The Treasure Coast’s largest collection of art glass, along with ceramics, sculpture, furniture, and an extensive collection of fine-art jewelry is represented in its friendly, 4,000-square-foot showroom. The collection is also viewable on the gallery's website.

Main Street Vero Beach Art Studios and Gallery 2036 14th Ave. 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

The studios and gallery showcase the handcrafted jewelry of Clair Brunetti, who creates custom, one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more in a variety of themes, such as nature, sea life, golf, and spirituality. She also repairs and updates older jewelry.

Meghan Candler Gallery 6160 Hwy. A1A Village Shops 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com

The gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by select local, national, and international artists and represents more than 40 contemporary emerging and established artists working in abstract, impressionist, and realistic styles. The gallery presents an uplifting, friendly, and sophisticated environment that currently features new paintings from the studios of its New York, California, Atlanta, and Cape Cod artists. Works are also viewable on the website.

Meghan Candler Gallery

Under the Oaks

Vero Beach is home to one of the most highly regarded art shows in the country—Vero Beach Art Club’s three-day Under the Oaks fine arts and crafts show. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors flock to Riverside Park to meet more than 200 artists who have come from far and wide to exhibit a breathtaking array of works in this juried event. The seventy-second Under the Oaks is scheduled for March 10–12, 2023. You won’t want to miss this quintessential Vero Beach event!

Under the Oaks

Riverside Park 3001 Riverside Park Drive March 10–12; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. 772-231-0303 verobeachartclub.org

KELLY ROGERS

Ocean Drive Gallery

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8

Second floor, elevator located in alcove behind Lyra Home 772-579-7667 eliseartist.com oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com

This studio and gallery features contemporary abstracts by Elise Geary, acrylic animal paintings by Andrea Lazar, and acrylic seascapes by Gail Fayerweather.

Palm House Studio and Gallery

3227 Ocean Drive, 2nd floor 772-231-6816 palmhousegallery.com

The studio and gallery features original artwork by award-winning artists Wendy Douglas, Dede Gilbert, Rick Kelly, Kathy Kemp, Madeline Long, Suzy Mellott, Lee Moore, Jack Staley, Emily Tremml, and Janet Kipp Tribus. Their work includes landscapes, marine scenes, contemporary realism, portraiture, narrative imagery, and original jewelry designs by Faith & Family. Commissions are welcomed. See the gallery’s website, Facebook, and Twitter to view current available artwork, works in progress, teaching videos, and biographies of the artists. Open by chance or appointment.

Raw Space

1795 Old Dixie Hwy. 305-213-9411

artconceptalternative.org

A vibrant, innovative, and alternative cultural venue located in the heart of downtown Vero Beach, Raw Space provides a platform that promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines and events with a distinct focus on community engagement. Its program includes exhibits from local and international artists, workshops, lectures, black box theater, film screenings, music, dance, and anything that promotes "out of the box" ideas.

The Rowe Gallery

46 Royal Palm Pointe 302-521-4175 therowegallery.com

The Rowe Gallery features the work of artist Lori Rowe; it also serves as her studio. Rowe is a self-taught artist who experiments with various methods of applying paint to canvas, such as brushwork, palette knife, and finger painting. Using bold strokes and vivid colors, she explores many facets of the human experience.

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

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

The Viner Series for the Visual Arts at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-469-2320 ccovb.org

The Viner Series was established in 2020 to showcase the work of area artists, with a new artist featured every three months in the sanctuary narthex. The series is named for Teryl Townsend Viner, who served Community Church as a deacon and as a member of the church’s board of music and fine arts.

Ocean Drive Gallery

Riverside Theatre

Theater

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

Florida’s largest professional theater is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary and is proud to call Vero Beach home. This cultural treasure provides a full season of theater productions, a vibrant children’s theater, live music and comedy, and an annual lecture series. The season kicked off with Butterflies Are Free; and Man of La Mancha, A Comedy of Tenors, 42nd Street, and Honky Tonk Angels are slated for 2023.

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Ave. 772-562-8300

verobeachtheatreguild.com

The Vero Beach Theatre Guild has been bringing the house lights up on local talent since 1958, producing dramas, comedies, musicals, and musical revues; also, September 2022 marked the guild’s inaugural Theatre Festival. If you’d like to do more than watch, you may audition for an acting, singing, or dancing role in a future show or volunteer behind the scenes. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ; Yasmina Reza’s Art; Musical Chairs: The Musical; and Love, Loss & What I Wore are in the books already, and the remaining performances of this sapphire anniversary season include Visiting Mr. Green, The Lifespan of a Fact, The Boy from Oz, Equus, and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile

National Theatre of London

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

cwtheaters.com

The Majestic 11 periodically brings livefilmed performances from the National Theatre of London to Vero Beach audiences. This year’s offerings will include The Crucible and Othello

DanceBallet Vero Beach

at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-905-2651 balletverobeach.org

The only professional ballet company in the Treasure Coast region, Ballet Vero Beach seeks to promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond. In addition to its Main Stage Series, which is scheduled to present three performances from January to April 2023, Ballet Vero Beach also offers the Accessible/Family Friendly Series, in which modifications are made to accommodate the needs of children and audience members with differing abilities. Each December, BVB presents its signature performance, Nutcracker on the Indian River

Bolshoi Ballet

at The Majestic 11 movie theater 940 14th Lane 772-770-0773 cwtheaters.com

The Majestic 11 occasionally partners with Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet to give local dance aficionados opportunities to view live performances by the renowned company transmitted to the big screen.

Ballet Vero Beach

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Music

Choirs

Paradise Master Chorale at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church 7550 26th St. 772-584-9744

Paradise Master Chorale made its debut in 2021 under the direction of Ryan Kasten. It specializes in large choral works to be performed with chamber orchestra, brass ensemble, organ, and/or piano.

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

Treasure Coast Chorale seeks to offer people who love to sing and people who love to listen a chance to experience programs that combine voices, instruments, and the visual arts. Director Michael Carter and the TCC are planning several concerts for 2023, including “Food, Glorious Food” in March, “All That Jazz” in May, and their annual rendition of Handel’s Messiah in December.

Vero Beach Choral Society at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach 520 Royal Palm Blvd. verobeachchoralsociety.org

The Vero Beach Choral Society is an auditioned, community-based, intergenerational ensemble that has been making beautiful music since 1984. Jacob Craig of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach serves as artistic music director.

Classical Music

Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-460-0851 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com The ACO has been gracing our community with beautiful music for over 30 years. In 2023, David Amado will direct the orchestra in four Masterworks performances to be held at Community Church of Vero Beach.

Chamber Music Series

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

The Atlantic Classical Orchestra partners with Vero Beach Museum of Art to present the annual Chamber Music Series. Musicians from the ACO are scheduled to perform three concerts at the museum in early 2023.

Indian River Symphonic Association at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-778-1070 irsymphonic.org

The Indian River Symphonic Association brings the finest orchestras from around the world to perform seven concerts each season. January through April 2023 will be full of beautiful symphonic music, exciting soloists, and dynamic performances.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra 855-252-7276 spacecoastsymphony.org The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is passionate about making professional classical music affordable and widely accessible to all members of the community in Indian River and Brevard Counties. SCSO has year-round programming that includes classical music, pops, film scores, jazz, and more. The orchestra has eight Vero Beach concerts scheduled for winter and spring 2023.

at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St.

at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. at Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Ave.

Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-299-4625 verobeachchamberorchestra.org

Active since 2007, the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra consists of professional and semiprofessional adult and student musicians from Indian River County and neighboring communities. The ensemble presents two free concerts annually, both in the spring.

Vero Beach Opera

OperaVero Beach Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-569-6993 verobeachopera.org Established as the Vero Beach Opera Guild in 1988, Vero Beach Opera has become a preeminent cultural presence in our community. VBO presents fully staged operas, professional performances by worldclass opera stars, and international vocal competitions. The 2023 season will include an original VBO production of L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra; “Phantom Goes to the Opera,” a concert featuring the best of Broadway and opera; and the annual Rising Stars competition and concert. VBO also offers master classes, awards scholarships to local students, and hosts parlor concerts in members’ homes.

The Met: Live in HD at The Majestic 11 movie theater 940 14th Lane 772-770-0773 cwtheaters.com

In conjunction with The Majestic 11, Vero Beach Opera brings the Met to town with broadcasts that allow opera lovers to enjoy live Metropolitan Opera performances in the comfort of the movie theater. Shows slated for 2023 include Umberto Giordano’s Fedora, Wagner’s Lohengrin, Verdi’s Falstaff, Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, Terence Blanchard’s Champion, and Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Die Zauberflote

Live in the Loop

Other Live Music

Downtown Friday Downtown Vero Beach along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

On the last Friday of each month, enjoy a free, family-friendly street party with live music and a variety of vendors, including food trucks.

Live in the Loop

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

Nearly every Friday and Saturday evening, Riverside Theatre presents an outdoor grill and bar with music from local bands.

MusicWorks

at The Emerson Center

1590 27th Ave. 772-777-9321 musicworksconcerts.com

Enjoy classic rock and folk music of the 1960s and ’70s. Eleven Vero Beach shows are scheduled for 2023.

Night Sounds

Sebastian Inlet State Park 14251 Hwy. A1A 772-589-2147 friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org

Monthly concerts in a variety of musical genres take place at the park’s Coconut Point Pavilions.

Lectures

Distinguished Lecturer Series

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

The Distinguished Lecturer Series is the longest continuously running lecture series in Vero Beach. In 2023, Riverside Theatre will welcome former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, author Bjorn Lomborg, and author Walter Isaacson.

Distinguished Lecture Series on Current Issues

Indian River State College Foundation at McAlpin Fine Arts Center IRSC Massey Campus 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce 772-462-7880 irscfoundation.org

This series presents experts and educators addressing current events in the areas of foreign policy, environmental issues, education, health, justice, the economy, and more.

International Lecture Series

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

For more than four decades, the ILS has been presenting arts and humanities scholars with lectures tying in with VBMA’s major exhibitions. These events may be attended live in the museum’s Holmes Great Hall or viewed via simulcast in its Leonhardt Auditorium. This season’s topics will include Art Deco design, the aesthetic aspect of automobiles, the art of filmmaking, and fashion in the interwar era.

Vero Beach Book Center 392 21st St. 772-569-2050 verobeachbookcenter.com

For more than 40 years, this independent bookstore has been bringing renowned authors to Vero Beach to discuss their work. Audiences have enjoyed talks by a wide range of presenters: bestselling fiction authors such as Nicholas Sparks, James Patterson, and countless others; astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Scott Kelly; former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush; and entertainers Andy Williams and Henry Winkler— just to name a few.

Riverside Theatre, Distinguished Lecturer Series

Riverside Theatre DLS_2023HB.indd 1

R.D. Carter and son E.E. “Ed,” shown here in the early 1950s, worked on local engineering projects that continue to be part of our lives today.

The Man Who Put Vero on the Map

TWO GENERATIONS FOLLOWED R.D. CARTER INTO THE FIELDS OF ENGINEERING AND AGRICULTURE

BY TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

This article, now slightly revised, originally ran in the April 2008 issue of Vero Beach Magazine.

When a baby boy was born in Eufaula, Alabama on August 10, 1877 and named Robert Daniel Carter, in part after family friend Daniel Boone, one might have suspected that he was destined to lead an adventurous life. For starters, his father, Dr. Wilbur Wesley Carter, had had an eventful four-year career in the Confederate army, wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga and captured at least once by Federal forces. Then, after the war, during the painful “Reconstruction” period, Wilbur shot and killed a carpetbagger who broke into

the Carter home. As a result of this incident, the family relocated to Tennessee. Wilbur and his wife, Blanche, had five sons, of whom Robert Daniel was the eldest. The move to Tennessee proved providential for R.D.; there he met Miss Lillian Purkey, and they were married on Valentine’s Day 1901. Educated by correspondence courses in the field of civil engineering, R.D. worked for a time in North Carolina and then, in 1909, accepted a position with the Daytona Beach engineering firm of C.M. Rogers & Co. It was a good time to be a civil

engineer in Florida, as many strides were being made in laying down the infrastructure in various areas.

The town of Vero was one of the places whose moment for progress had arrived. Herman Zeuch of Davenport, Iowa was about to purchase 55,000 acres of what is now Indian River County, and he hired Rogers to determine the feasibility of converting this giant marshland into prime farmland that could be marketed to Northerners interested in seeking their agricultural fortunes in sunny Florida. Rogers assigned the task to a crew of 12 surveyors

1715 Eleven of 12 ships of a Spanish fleet carrying silver treasure are lost in a hurricane off the coast of Vero Beach, just seven days into their journey from Havana to Spain; hence the name “Treasure Coast.”

and engineers, who arrived in January 1912 with a wagon, a team of mules, two large tents, a cot for each man, cooking utensils, a large supply of groceries, and a cook who was expert at preparing meals on an open fire. The expedition was led by R.D. Carter.

1888 H.T. and Sarah Gifford and family arrive and begin to organize the nascent settlement into the town that today is Vero Beach.

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

At $3 per acre, the land was a good investment for Zeuch, but there was much to be done. It took a year to complete the survey alone; most of the work was done in ankle-deep to knee-deep water. The men would set up camp on a spot of high ground, work a few miles’ radius out from the camp, and then move the camp to the next refuge of high ground.

Carter’s job in Indian River County (then part of St. Lucie County) became permanent in 1913 when he became an employee of Zeuch’s Indian River Farms Co. and homesteaded 80 acres west of Wabasso. Having planned and mapped out an extensive grid of canals and laterals, Carter undertook the daunting task of draining 55,000 acres of wetlands.

The digging of the canals was accomplished by building a device known as a “dipper dredge” onto a barge. One of the barges used had an interesting claim to fame: it had been used in the digging of the Panama Canal, disassembled, relocated, and reassembled in Vero.

growing crops, especially citrus, also ventured into the dairy business. Around the time of World War II, when the law began to require pasteurization, he switched from dairy to beef cattle. He and Lillian had four children, of whom two survived to adulthood: Egerton Everett and Blanche, named for her paternal grandmother, who came to live with the family later in her life.

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

Decades later, Carter recalled occasions of heavy rain when the men would awaken with water just a few inches from the tops of their cots. But they learned to live with the water; it was the mosquitoes and deerflies that proved to be the scourge of their existence.

All told, it took 17 years to bring the roads, ditches, and other infrastructure on those early maps to reality.

Engineering was not Carter’s only enterprise; he was also a farmer and family man. Over the years he increased his land holdings and, in addition to

E.E., known as “Ed,” followed his father’s dual path of farming and engineering. He began working with R.D. at an early age but still found time to run track for Vero Beach High School. He graduated in the class of 1921 along with Horace Gifford, also a member of a local pioneer family.

E.E. attended the University of Florida but never obtained an engineering degree because the Great Depression cut his formal education short. But he did become a licensed surveyor and was appointed resident engineer for the state road

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

The original Indian River County Road and Bridge Department‘s fleet of dump trucks lines up outside the crew’s workshops.

department. He later became Indian River County Road and Bridge superintendent.

Like his father, E.E. was not afraid of hard work. For several years he would rise at 3 a.m. to initiate the farming operation for the day and then deliver milk to town. Arriving by 7 a.m. at the county barn to start the road and bridge crew for the day, he would appear at his office in the courthouse by 8. He worked side by side with his father on many projects,

including State Road 60, McAnsh Park, and the wooden predecessors of our current bridges.

Have you ever gotten lost in McAnsh Park? Do you find the layout impossible to navigate, no matter how long you have lived in Vero Beach? Take heart: E.E. Carter himself, while delivering milk on foggy mornings, occasionally had to find his way out of McAnsh, regain his bearings, and reenter—and he had designed the neighborhood

himself! The story goes that Andrew McAnsh, the developer, visualized a circular layout and conveyed this notion to E.E. Carter, who was perplexed until he looked out the window and saw a spider web. Even today, overhead views of McAnsh Park bear an uncanny resemblance to this natural engineering wonder.

R.D. Carter died in 1956. In his obituary he was remembered as a generous humanitarian and an

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

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

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

innovator who was “always seeking to apply new and improved methods of Florida agriculture to his farm.” E.E. took over the engineering firm, Carter Associates Inc. By this time, the next generation of Carters was already being groomed in the fields of agriculture and engineering.

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

E.E. Carter and his wife, Gertrude, known as “Shug,” had five children. The youngest, Mildred, would enter neither of these fields but would leave her own memorable mark on Vero Beach.

1973

She grew up to be Millie Bunnell, an art therapist who worked with people of various walks of life, developing a special outreach to those in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. She was also a Red Cross water safety instructor who founded the Vero Beach Dolphinettes, a synchronized swimming team that became known internationally in the 1950s. Bunnell was heavily involved with the Indian River County Historical Society and was the

county’s Woman of the Year in 1990. She was a true pillar of the local community until her death in 2000.

Growing up on the Carter family farm west of Wabasso,

brothers Marvin Egerton and Everett Stanley learned much from their father and grandfather. They also had opportunities to experience the excitement of the pioneer

Riverside Theatre is built using funds from private donations.

R.D. Carter was involved in many of our area’s early engineering projects, including the wooden precursors of our current bridges spanning the Indian River Lagoon.

life. In 1950, when Marvin was 14 and Stan 12, a 7-foot alligator took up residence in a fish pond on their property and proceeded to eat the family dog. The brothers showed that they were descended from true pioneer stock when they avenged their pet’s death with a .22 rifle.

R.D. Carter passed along more than the pioneer spirit to his grandsons. The pair also inherited his passion for civil engineering and agriculture. But instead of getting up at 3 a.m. as their father had done in order to pursue both careers, each would pursue one path: Marvin as a civil engineer, Stan as a farmer.

Marvin did obtain an agriculture degree from the University of Florida in 1959, but quickly added a second in civil engineering in 1961. After working for the state for a year, he returned to Vero Beach in 1962. Thus, he was poised to take over the family business when E.E. passed away in 1969.

Stan attended the University of Florida for one year, subsequently transferring to Florida Southern College in Lakeland. He then returned to his home county of Indian River, which happened to be the citrus capital of the United States. He has applied his skills here ever since, with the exception of a stint in Brevard County during the ’80s. “My love is growing citrus, but I’ve worked in every area of the citrus industry,” he explains. Marvin, with obvious pride in his brother’s accomplishments, adds, “He pioneered topping and hedging, as well as other practices still in use today.”

R.D. and E.E. Carter were ahead of their time in their concern for environmental issues, and Stan has honored that heritage in many ways. In 1999, when the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Watershed Restoration Act, the state commissioner of agriculture appointed Stan to the committee that would

develop the “BMPs” (best management practices).

BMPs were the regulations that Indian River citrus growers would implement to minimize the deleterious effects of their operations on the environment. In this five-year process, Stan and his colleagues undertook the herculean task of bringing together the government, the environmentalists, and the growers to agree on a body of feasible and efficacious measures.

Stan has also served on the Florida Citrus Commission, which is involved in the marketing and promotion of Florida citrus. One of the major objectives of the FCC is securing research funds in the fight against canker and huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening—a serious bacterial citrus tree disease for which there is no cure. In all of his pursuits, he summarizes his attitude by referring to himself as “an active environmentalist, not an environmental activist.”

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

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

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

2019 “First Lady of Vero Beach” Alma Lee Loy serves as grand marshal of the city’s October 2019 Centennial Parade, six months before her passing.

While Stan has been grounded in the Carter family’s agricultural roots, older brother Marvin has continued to run Carter Associates civil engineering firm. Though several partners have come and gone over the years, the company remains the oldest ongoing business in Vero Beach. In fact, it has created much of its own competition, as some of the partners have moved on to launch their own companies.

Marvin has fond memories of Vero Beach’s simpler days. Puffing on his pipe, he reflects

that “when we were growing up here, there were 7 or 8,000 people in the county, and we pretty much knew all of them—and most of their dogs.”

But times have changed, and these days young people enjoy a wider array of career options, so the next generation of Carters are pursuing paths other than engineering and agriculture. When the time comes for Marvin to retire, the business will most likely be handed on to some of the younger engineers who have been

with the company for a number of years.

Time must march on, but there are always reminders of Vero Beach’s pioneers. In the case of the Carters, the dry land we build on, the roads we drive on, and much of our basic infrastructure whisper to us of the family’s impressive legacy.

Note: Carter Associates was indeed handed on to other engineers within the company, though Marvin stayed on as a consultant. Sadly, Stan passed away in 2013 at age 74.

Stan and Marvin represent the third generation of Carters in Vero Beach.

Museums & More

Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

2880 45th St. 772-985-7573 giffordhistoricalmuseumand culturalcenter.org

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

Hallstrom House 1723 Old Dixie Hwy. SW 772-778-3435 irchistorical.org

This historic home was built in 1909 by Axel Hallstrom, a Swedish horticulturist who emigrated to the United States in 1898, relocating to Vero Beach after initially settling in Minnesota.

Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum

2140 14th Ave. 772-770-2263 veroheritage.org Itself a landmark, the 1935 Heritage Center houses a museum that explores the history of Indian River County’s far-reaching citrus industry.

Indian River County Historical Society 2336 14th Ave. 772-778-3435 irchistorical.org Housed in the restored 1903 Vero Beach train station, the IRCHS headquarters contains a variety of local historical exhibits.

Laura (Riding) Jackson Historic Home

6155 College Lane 772-569-6718 lauraridingjackson.org

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

McKee Botanical Garden 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org Established in 1932, the garden is an 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock filled with rich landscapes and historic architectural treasures.

McLarty Treasure Museum 13180 Hwy. A1A Southern boundary of Sebastian Inlet State Park 772-589-2147 floridastateparks.org/ sebastian-inlet This state-operated museum lies on the site of the camp established by the survivors of the 1715 shipwreck of Spanish treasure galleons while they awaited rescue.

Mel Fisher Treasure Museum 1322 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian 772-589-9875 melfisher.com/sebastian The museum is home to the legacy of America’s famed marine treasure hunter Mel Fisher.

National

Navy UDT–SEAL Museum

3300 N. Hwy. A1A, Fort Pierce 772-595-5845 navysealmuseum.org

The birthplace of the Navy Frogman program is the site of the only museum devoted solely to documenting and honoring the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs.

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

The museum, located in the 1927 historic Sebastian Grammar and Junior High School, has exhibits related to Indigenous inhabitants, pioneer life, and more.

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum 14251 Hwy. A1A

Inside south entrance of Sebastian Inlet State Park 772-589-9659 floridastateparks.org/ sebastian-inlet

The museum tells the story of the culturally significant local fishing industry.

KELLY ROGERS

Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

COURTESY OF ORCHID ISLAND GOLF & BEACH CLUB

Welcome Home

This section is geared particularly toward those who have decided to take the plunge and make Vero Beach their home, either year-round or seasonally, but there’s plenty of information that even established residents will find helpful: education and recreation options, medical resources, details on our local government and municipal services, and an overview of some popular residential areas. Whether you’ve been here a week, a decade, or a lifetime, we want you to enjoy life in Vero Beach to the fullest.

Neighborhoods

Medical Resources ...................................................194 Clubs & Classes 198 Gardening 200 Government Basics 202

Neighborhoods

Vero Beach has a wide variety of residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct amenities and nuances. The following list gets you started with a few of the highlights on both sides of the Indian River Lagoon. Our local real estate agents would be delighted to help you find the home of your dreams.

Country Club Communities

Grand Harbor

Located on the western banks of the Indian River Lagoon, Grand Harbor is Vero Beach’s only mainland community that offers a full-amenity “grand lifestyle” package. Activities abound, including two championship golf courses, tennis center, marina, and both beach and golf clubs.

John’s Island

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

Grand Harbor

COURTESY OF GRAND HARBOR

The Moorings

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

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

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor is one of Vero Beach’s premier senior living communities, offering a variety of senior services in a stress-free, country club environment with Bermuda-style architecture. The community offers on-site assisted

living facilities, a 42,000-square-foot clubhouse with wellness programs, dining options, transportation services, property maintenance, and housekeeping services.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is a 600-acre community styled with tropical Caribbean elegance.

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon just south of Windsor, this club features a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, with an exclusive golf clubhouse, a charming tennis center, Town Square Shops, and an elegant beach club featuring a terrace bar and lounge, dining room, and oceanside pool.

Sea Oaks

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

The community boasts two major recreational centers: the outstanding Tennis Club complex and the private Beach Club on the ocean. Amenities include the oceanfront beach clubhouse, tennis clubhouse, 16 fast-dry clay tennis courts, a 48-slip marina, seven swimming pools, and a health club.

Windsor

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

In the heart of Windsor is the Village Center, with a post office, general store, business center, and support offices. Windsor’s beach clubhouse has a swimming pool, library, and cabanas. The elegant, modern golf clubhouse also maintains a world-class art gallery with shows running throughout the winter season.

The Moorings

COURTESY OF THE MOORINGS

In-Town Neighborhoods

Central Beach

If a relaxed, bike-to-it-all lifestyle is desired, Central Beach is the place to be. This barrier island neighborhood is close to Ocean Drive and Cardinal Drive restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and businesses. Riverside Park is also in this neighborhood, with its tennis courts, fitness trail, and boat ramp, as well as Memorial Island, Vero Beach Museum of Art, and Riverside Theatre.

Riomar

When golf enthusiast Winchester Finch discovered this barrier island location in 1919, he invited his Cleveland cohorts and coined the name Riomar (“river to sea”). Since then, many homes have been added and changed, but the charming cottage-style architecture and oak-lined streets remain.

South Beach

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

Vero Beach Country Club, McAnsh Park, and Royal Park

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

Country Living

Estates, Farms, and Ranches to the West

If it’s wide-open spaces you’re looking for, Vero Beach has that, too. Just west of the city, several neighborhoods offer 5-acre zoning, and even larger tracts are also available.

McAnsh Park

Gregory Allan Ness Principal Designer

Crystal Crosby Senior Designer

Education

Indian River County families are fortunate to have a variety of excellent educational options. Our area is also home to several private, charter, religious, and specialty schools. At the college level, Indian River State College offers more than 100 programs leading to bachelor’s and associate degrees as well as technical certificates and applied technology diplomas. In addition to the Massey (main) Campus in Fort Pierce, IRSC has several satellites, including the Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. Several other institutions of higher learning lie somewhat farther afield but still within commuting distance for Indian River County residents.

Public Schools

Elementary

Schools

Beachland Elementary 772-564-3300

Citrus Elementary 772-978-8350

Dodgertown Elementary 772-564-4100

Fellsmere Elementary 772-564-5970

Glendale Elementary 772-978-8050

Indian River Academy 772-564-3390

Liberty Magnet School 772-564-5300

Osceola Magnet School 772-564-5821

Pelican Island Elementary 772-564-6500

Rosewood Magnet School 772-564-3840

Sebastian Elementary 772-978-8200

Treasure Coast Elementary 772-978-8500

Vero Beach Elementary 772-564-4550

Middle Schools

Gifford Middle School 772-564-3550

Oslo Middle School 772-564-3920

Sebastian River Middle School 772-564-5111

Storm Grove Middle School 772-564-6400

High Schools

Sebastian River High School 772-564-4170

Vero Beach High School 772-564-5600

VBHS Freshman Learning Center 772-564-5800

Specialty Public Schools

Indian River Virtual School 772-564-3124

SDIRC Early Learning Programs 772-564-4169

SDIRC Homeschool 772-564-3124

Wabasso School (special education, ages 5–22) 772-978-8000

Charter Schools

Imagine Schools South Vero (K–8) 772-567-2728

Indian River Charter High School (grades 9–12) 772-567-6600

North County Charter Elementary School (K–5) 772-794-1941

Sebastian Charter Junior High School (grades 6–8) 772-388-8838

St. Peter’s Preparatory Academy (K–6) 772-562-1963

Indian River State College

Private Schools

Glendale Christian School (K–8) 772-569-1095

Master’s Academy (K–12) 772-794-4655

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

St. Helen Catholic School (K–8) 772-567-5457

Suncoast School (K–8) 772-778-0892

Willow School (K–8) 772-770-0758

Colleges

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology 772-466-4822

Indian River State College 772-462-4772

Treasure Coast Technical College 772-564-4970

Saint Edward’s School

MARTINA TANNERY

Family Fun A

re you looking for recreation that will appeal to the whole family? Whether you’re a parent raising your children here or a grandparent planning a family visit, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained—rain or shine, young or young at heart.

Andretti Thrill Park 3960 S. Babcock St., Melbourne 321-956-6706 andrettithrillpark.com Arcade, batting cages, racetracks, and laser tag Good for older kids

Art Zone at Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org Lots of hands-on activities to engage the little ones with art

BigShots Golf 3456 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-979-GOLF (4653) verobigshots.com Golf recreation and entertainment facility

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

Children’s Garden at McKee Botanical Garden 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeechildrensgarden.org Enchanted outdoor space includes pirate ship, monkey bridge, splash garden, and more

Countryside Family Farms 6325 81st St. 772-581-0999 countrysidefamilyfarms.com Flower patch, strawberry patch, and various seasonal and annual special events

Defy Trampoline Park 440 NW Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie 772-236-0970 defy.com/defy-port-saint-lucie 750 Bass Pro Drive NE, Palm Bay 321-953-0284 defy.com/defy-palm-bay Extreme air sport park, birthday party packages available Good for older kids

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort 9250 Island Grove Terrace 772-234-2000 verobeach.disney.go.com Miniature golf, swimming, and dining with Disney characters

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org Discovery Station, touch tank, trails, water sports, pontoon rides, guided kayak tours, and more

Painted Frog

Escape Room Vero Beach 836 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 772-626-0217 escaperoomverobeach.com Solve riddles and puzzles to “escape” from themed rooms

Fellsmere Skate Park 222 S. Myrtle St., Fellsmere Includes several ramps and rails

Gifford Aquatic Center 4895 43rd Ave. 772-226-1175

ircgov.com/parksandrecreation/ gac

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

Hallstrom Planetarium

Indian River State College

Massey Campus 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce 772-462-4750 irsc.edu/community/planetarium Lectures and live multimedia presentations on the planets, constellations, and stars

Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center 5600 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Fort Pierce 772-242-2293 fau.edu/hboi Marine research and wildlife exhibits

MARTINA TANNERY

Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center

1590 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-226-1780 ircgov.com/parksandrecreation/ig Indoor recreational center and event venue

Indian River Hauntings 772-633-3955 indianriverhauntings.com Historical ghost tours

Kennedy Space Center Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island 855-433-4210 kennedyspacecenter.com Visitor complex with many exhibits telling the story of space exploration; tours; immersive educational experiences; launch viewing

LaPorte Farms 7700 129th St., Sebastian 772-633-0813 laportefarms.com 5 acres with petting farm, pony rides, and various scheduled events

North County Aquatic Center 9450 County Road 512, Sebastian 772-226-1752 ircgov.com/parksandrecreation/ ncac

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

Painted Frog 1906 14th Ave. 772-999-3763 paintedfrogvb.com Paint your own pottery

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-2144 covb.org/facilities Splash fountains, fishing dock, lagoon views, picnic tables, and restrooms

Safari Golf & Games 455 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-562-6492 safariminigolfandgames.com 36 holes of safari-themed miniature golf, arcade room, batting cages, and ice cream

St. Lucie County Aquarium 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce 772-462-FISH (3474) stlucieco.gov Educational displays highlighting Florida’s marine ecosystems; includes Smithsonian exhibition

Sebastian Skate Park 1121 Barber St., Sebastian 772-228-7054 cityofsebastian.org/facilities 3 concrete ramps, jersey barrier, boxes, and skating floor for skateboards and in-line skates; good for older kids

Skate Factory 485 27th Ave. SW 772-794-3373 skatefactory.us Skating, classes, video arcade, and team sports including speed skating and roller hockey; available for private party rental

Smithsonian Marine Station 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce 772-462-6220 naturalhistory.si.edu/research/ smithsonian-marine-station Scientists share knowledge and answer questions about the ocean and Indian River Lagoon.

Strike Zone 730 S. Fleming St., Sebastian 772-770-2710 strikezonesebastian.com Bowling, laser tag, arcade, and birthday parties

Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures at the Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne 321-254-9453, ext. 253 treetoptrek.com Obstacle course, 14 zip lines, view zoo animals from above

Vero Beach Book Center 392 21st St. 772-569-2050 verobeachbookcenter.com Independent bookstore, large toy selection, and children’s story hours

Vero Bowl 929 14th Lane 772-299-PINS (7467) verobowl.com 30+ glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes; billiards; party zone for children, teens, and adults

Parks & Playgrounds

Charles Park Playground

2405 15th St. 772-567-2144

Humiston Beach Park 3000 Ocean Drive 772-567-2144

Jaycee Beach Park 4200 Ocean Drive 772-567-2144

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

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

Riverside Park 3200 Riverside Park Drive 772-567-2144

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

Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex 4715 43rd Ave. 772-226-1780

Humiston Beach Park

SAM WOLFE

Room to Roam

Our furry four-legged friends agree that life is good in Indian River County, especially in parks that allow them to romp off-leash. Joining a private dog park includes a modest annual fee that ensures that the dogs your pet encounters are current on all vaccinations, have been spayed or neutered, and have a suitable disposition for playing with other dogs.

Private Parks

Humane Society Vero Beach & Indian River County Dog Park 6230 77th St. 772-571-6413 hsvb.org

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

Public Parks

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

Sebastian Bark Park 245 Keen Terrace, Sebastian

OCEANFRONT PARKS

Ambersands Beach Access 12566 N. Highway A1A

RIVERFRONT PARKS

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

Golden Sands Park 10350 N. Highway A1A

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

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

Jaycee Park 4200 Ocean Drive

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Bethel Creek House 4405 Highway A1A

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive

Sebastian Canoe Launch 9800 Canoe Launch Cove, Sebastian

Dale Wimbrow Park 11805 Roseland Road

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

Donald MacDonald Park 12315 Roseland Road

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Sebastian Inlet State Park 9700 N. Highway A1A

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

Wabasso Causeway Park 3105 Wabasso Bridge Road

INLAND PARKS

16th Street Sports Complex 16th St. and 20th Ave.

Live Oak Road Park South side of Wabasso Causeway

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Tracking Station Park 800 46th Place

MacWilliam Park Southeast end of Barber Bridge

Oslo Road Boat Ramp Eastern end of Oslo Road

County Road 512 Boat Launch North of State Road 60

Blue Cypress Park 7400 Blue Cypress Lake Road

C-54 Boat Launch CR 507 and Fellsmere Grade Road

Riverside Park 3200 Riverside Drive

Charles Park 2405 15th St.

Treasure Shores Park 11300 N. Highway A1A

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Roseland Community Park 12925 83rd Ave.

Wabasso Beach Park 1820 County Road 510

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Indian River County Fairgrounds Ag. Building 7955 58th Ave.

Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex 4715 43rd Ave.

Hobart Ball Fields

5790 77th St. (Playing fields only)

Hosie Schumann Park 1760 37th St.

Jacoby Park 1915 25th Ave.

Kiwanis Hobart Park

58th Ave. and 77th St.

Leisure Square 3705 16th St.

North County Regional Park 9450 CR 512

Piece of Pie Park 37th Ave. at Atlantic Blvd.

Pocahontas Park 21st St. at 14th Ave.

Roseland Ball Field 8020 129th Court

South County Regional Park 800 20th Ave. SW

Troy Moody Park 2300 Victory Blvd.

Vero Highlands Park

625 Highlands Drive SW

Open Area

West Wabasso Park 8900 64th Ave.

Medical Resources

Hospitals

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital 1000 36th St. 772-567-4311 ccirh.org

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

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

CareSpot Urgent Care 1820 58th Ave., Suite 110 772-257-3200 carespot.com

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Sebastian Urgent Care 801 Wellness Way, Sebastian 772-226-4200 ccirh.org

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Certified by the American Board of Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Member, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

5070 Hwy A1A | Vero Beach, FL | 772.234.3700 www.oceandriveplasticsurgery.com

Member, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons

New Beauty Magazine, 2012-2020

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Indian River County, 2017

Awarded America’s Top Doctor, by Castle Connolly, 2020 National Key Opinion Leader, Facial Aesthetics

Screening

Cleveland Clinic

Indian River Hospital Pointe West Urgent Care 1960 Pointe West Drive 772-226-4250 ccirh.org

Cleveland Clinic

Indian River Hospital Primary Care South 4165 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-569-7706 ccirh.org

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

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

Indian River Walk-In & Family Medicine 1880 37th St., Suite4 772-778-1400 locations.steward.org

HCA Florida Vero Beach Emergency 660 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 772-563-5500 hcafloridahealthcare.com/ locations/vero-beach-emergency

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

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

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

Treasure Coast Community Health

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

Cancer Treatment Resources

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

Major Medical Centers

Mayo Clinic 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville 904-953-2000 mayoclinic.org/ patient-visitor-guide/florida

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

University of Florida Shands Hospital 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville 352-265-0111 ufhealth.org/ uf-health-shands-hospital

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

Resources for Veterans

Vero Beach VA Clinic 372 17th St. 772-299-4623 va.gov/directory

Resources for Seniors

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

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

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

Additional Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous of Indian River County 1600 26th St., Suite 6 772-562-1114 indianriveraa.org

American Red Cross 2506 17th Ave. 772-562-2549 redcross.org/local/florida/ south-florida

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

Mental Health Association in Indian River County Walk-In & Counseling Center 820 37th Place 772-569-9788 mhairc.org

Clubs & Classes

Indian River County is full of opportunities for learning and meeting people with shared interests. We’ve compiled an array of clubs and organizations, so thumb through and see which one(s) appeal to you. Then just pick up the phone or stop by and introduce yourself to the friendly people who are ready to welcome you and answer all your questions.

Art

Art Works

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 772-559-5230 artworksofvero.com

This gallery and art school offers classes for all ages and skill levels.

Indian River Clay 1239 16th St. 772-202-8598 indianriverclay.org

This pottery studio offers courses in wheel throwing, hand building, and other skills.

Vero Beach Art Club 1903 14th Ave. 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

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

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

vbmuseum.org

The museum offers studio classes in drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as guest artist workshops, online art talks, a film studies program, and more.

Aviation

Treasure Coast FAASTeam Richard Funcheon 772-713-1526

This group of aviation professionals and other individuals committed to promoting aviation safety offers courses, seminars, and hangar talks.

Indian River Clay

KELLY ROGERS

Bridge

Vero Beach Bridge Center 1520 14th Ave. 772-562-3008 verobridge.com

The Vero Beach Bridge Center is at the heart of our competitive bridge community and hosts a web page filled with links to help you learn the game.

Vero Beach Community Center Bridge Club 2266 14th Ave. 772-589-3741 bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcommunitycenter The Bridge Club at the Community Center welcomes players of all levels.

Car Clubs

Antique Automobile Club of America indianriver.aaca.com

Indian River Corvette Club ircorvettes.com

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

Dance

Indian River Ballroom 845 16th Place 772-794-9040

Private and group lessons in many styles are available.

Swingsation’s 14th Avenue Dance Studio 2109 14th Ave. 772-766-0578 djanddanceproductions.com Learn to dance salsa, swing, Latin, and ballroom, and dance at a variety of locations around town.

Gardening/ Landscaping

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

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

McKee Botanical Garden 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org The garden hosts occasional workshops and classes and welcomes volunteers.

UF/IFAS Extension IRC 1800 27th St. 772-226-4330 sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river

The Extension Service, a branch of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is a treasure trove of resources on all things agricultural and horticultural. Contact the Extension office for information on the Florida Master Gardener Program, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, Gardening Solutions Program, and much more.

Genealogy

Indian River Genealogical Society

IRC Main Library 1600 21st St. 772-444-7470 irgs.org

Literary Groups

American Association of University Women aauwverobeach.org Membership is open to duespaying graduates holding an associate degree or higher. Members may participate in a variety of interest groups, including international relations, creative writing, a variety of reading groups, and more.

Indian River County Library System libraries.ircgov.com All three branches of the library offer a variety of classes.

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

Brackett Library 6155 College Lane 772-226-3080 irsc.libguides.com/ brackettbookclub

North IRC Library 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian 772-589-1355

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation 1914 14th Ave. 772-569-6718 lauraridingjackson.org

The foundation’s activities include writing workshops and groups, poetry festivals, and more.

Vero Beach Book Center 392 21st St. 772-569-2050 verobeachbookcenter.com Vero Beach’s independent bookstore hosts frequent talks and book signings.

Model Sailboats

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

Photography

Indian River Photo Club indianriverphotoclub.org

Public Awareness

Citizen’s Academy

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Unit 4055 41st Ave. 772-978-6296 ircsheriff.org

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office offers an 11-week close-up overview of the criminal justice system.

Rowing

Vero Beach Rowing 310 Acacia Road 772-261-0747 verobeachrowing.org

Table Tennis

Vero Beach Table Tennis Club

Vero Beach Outlets 1708 94th Drive, Suite G100 772-226-5905 vbttc.com

Green Thumbs Up

With our warm climate and lush surroundings, it is not surprising that landscaping and gardening are high on the list of our residents’ interests. If you’re new to gardening in Florida’s climate or just plain new to gardening, you’ll find an abundance of resources to guide you in creating a beautiful yard or garden while protecting our precious waterways.

Gardening Seasons

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

Winter Gardening Season

Plant in late August through September

Resources

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

UF/IFAS Extension IRC 1800 27th St. 772-226-4330 sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river

Gardenfest!

The Garden Club of Indian River County’s annual Gardenfest! is a beloved tradition. The two-day event draws more than 85 vendors of plants, flowers, trees, pottery, and garden furniture and decor. A variety of food trucks participate, admission is free, and there’s even a raffle!

Gardenfest!

3250 Riverside Park Drive February 4–5; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org

Nurseries

BB’s Tumbleweeds Garden Center 240 Old Dixie Hwy. SW 772-778-2618

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

Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center 7445 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-562-1166 busybeegardencenter.com

C.W. Willis Family Farms 3700 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-770-5970 cwwillisfamilyfarms.com

Digg Gardens 7430 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-360-2131 digggardens.com

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

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

Beefsteak tomato Broccoli Cabbage Carrots

Summer Gardening Season

Plant in March

Kale Peas Radishes Spinach Beans Cantaloupe Cucumbers Eggplant Lettuce Okra

Peppers Summer squash Sweet potatoes Watermelons Zucchini

Native Plants

Landscaping with native and “Florida-friendly” plants conserves water, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and brings a host of other benefits.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers extensive information on this topic at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/native-plants and a guide designed specifically for the Treasure Coast at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ EP348.

The Florida Native Plant Society is devoted to the preservation, conservation, and restoration of Florida’s native plants and also offers a wealth of information. You can find them at fnps.org and connect with other native-plant enthusiasts at the local Eugenia chapter by visiting ircnativeplants.org for more information.

Did you know?

The Florida-friendly landscaping statute protects homeowners’ right to install native landscaping. It states, “A deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit or be enforced so as to prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-friendly landscaping on his or her land.”

Government Basics

Structure

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

The city of Vero Beach is the county

seat and operates under a councilmanager form of government. The five members elected to the city council appoint the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk. The city website at covb. org provides additional information.

Florida has no state income, inheritance, or gift taxes. A statewide sales tax of 6 percent and an Indian River County sales tax of 1 percent apply to most purchased products, excluding

medications, medical services, and most groceries. Property taxes are assessed ad valorem—based on the value of the property—and non-ad valorem by the county, city, school district, and special districts. Be sure to take advantage of the homestead exemption if you live here year-round. Currently up to $50,000, the exemption is available to permanent resident homeowners living on the property as of January 1 of the tax year. Exemptions are also available for disabled veterans, widows and widowers, and people on disability. The state website at myflorida.com provides a wealth of information on all staterelated matters.

Emergency Services & Law Enforcement

The Indian River County Emergency Services Department provides emergency services including fire, rescue, and animal control. Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere all have police departments that serve areas within their respective city limits, while the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office serves the entire county, especially the areas outside individual city jurisdictions. The town of Indian River Shores is served by the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department, all of whose officers

are triple-certified as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Don’t worry about keeping this information straight— in an emergency, dial 911 and your call will be routed to the appropriate place.

Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration

New residents must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring original documents that validate your identity, Social Security number, and residential address. Vehicles are required to be registered within 10 days of establishing residency. Proof of identity and proof of insurance are required for vehicle registration, along with an application for certificate of title. Several standard license plates are available, plus a wide variety of specialty plates supporting good causes in Indian River County and throughout the state. If you are coming here from a big city and have always dreaded renewing your license, relax! You’ll find the process here to be efficient and county workers happy to welcome you to the area.

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

Other Licenses

Hunting & Fishing Licenses

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

Pet Licenses

Dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination and an annual county license. Licenses are available at the Animal Control Division office Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Indian River County Animal Control Division 4305 43rd Ave., Suite 102B 772-226-4799 irgov.com

KELLY ROGERS

Architects

Moulton Layne, P.L. 772-234-0445 moultonlayne.com 31

Art Galleries

Findlay Galleries 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com 159

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com 4

Meghan Candler Gallery 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com 161

Vero Beach Museum of Art 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org................... 153, 157, 167

Attorneys

Gould Cooksey Fennell 772-231-1100 gouldcooksey.com 110

Rossway Swan 772-231-4440 rosswayswan.com 105

Automobiles

Linus Cadillac of Vero Beach 772-562-1700 linuscadillac.com 75

Banking & Accounting Services

Marine Bank & Trust 772-231-6611 marinebank.bank ............................... 101

Rehmann 772-234-8484 rehmann.com 117

Beauty & Spa Services

Aveda El Coco Int. 772-360-1010 elcocoverobeach.com 87

Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery & Spa Services 772-234-3700 oceandriveplasticsurgery.com 195

Boating Services

Vero Marine Center 772-562-7922 veromarine.com 99

Construction & Development

Croom Construction 772-562-7474 croomconstruction.com 8

Reilly Construction 772-794-9799 building2last.com 89

Fashion & Accessories

Decor Envy 772-492-6518 shopdecorenvy.com 61

Deep Six Dive & Watersports 772-562-2883 deepsixintl.com .....................................95

M. Maison 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 16

The Museum Store Vero Beach Museum of Art 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org..................................... 157

Preppy Palms 772-492-3770 shoppreppypalms.com 61 Sassy Boutique 772-234-3998 77

Vero Beach Outlets 772-770-6097 verobeachoutlets.com 55

Furniture, Flooring, & Home Products

Budget Blinds of Indian River County 772-202-7324 budgetblinds.com ............................ 125

Ceramic Matrix 772-778-7784 ceramicmatrix.com 71

Consignment Gallery 772-778-8919 consignmentgalleryverobeach.com 58

Decor Envy 772-492-6518 shopdecorenvy.com 61

Falasiri Oriental Rugs 772-562-0150 falasiriorientalrugs.com ...............2, 3

Florida Shutters Inc. 772-569-2200 floridashuttersinc.com 109

Inspired Closets 772-492-9226 inspiredclosetstc.com 123

Island Interiors at Ocean Reef 772-770-6007 islandinteriors.net 127

Lyra Home 772-257-4777 lyrahome.com ........................................ 57

M. Maison 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 16

Sunshine Furniture 772-569-0460 sunshinefurniturecasual.com 119

Trimmings Home Garden & Gifts 772-213-8069 shoptrimmingsvb.com 62

Vero Beach Roofing 772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com....................91

Gourmet Markets

Village Beach Market 772-231-2338 villagebeachmarket.com 63

Homeowners’ Services

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club 772-388-3888 orchidislandfl.com 21

S olid Waste Disposal District 772-226-3212 ircrecycles.com 133

Hotels

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa 772-562-9919 costadeste.com 163

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa 772-231-5666 verobeachhotelandspa.com 47

Interior Design & Home Furnishings

Baer’s Furniture 321-872-2377 baers.com 69

Coastal Interiors 772-492-6881 coastal.net 187

Decor Envy 772-492-6518 shopdecorenvy.com 61

Island Interiors at Ocean Reef 772-770-6007 islandinteriors.net 127

Lyra Home 772-257-4777 lyrahome.com 57

M. Maison 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 16

Page 2 Design 772-492-9220 page2design.net 17

Spectrum Interior Design 772-234-4427 spectrumvero.com 131

Surfaces Design Studio 772-778-2622 surfacesdesignstudio.com 27

Jewelry

Leigh Jewelers 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com 59

Landscaping & Nurseries

Rock City Gardens 772-589-5835 rockcitygardens.com 141

Medical Services

EYE CARE

New Vision Eye Center 772-257-8700 newvisioneyecenter.com 81

Medical Services

HOME HEALTH CARE

Indian River Home Care 772-569-3885 Indianriverhomecare.com 13

Medical Services

MENTAL HEALTH

Compassionate Psychiatric Services 772-222-5001 151

Medical Services

SURGERY

Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery 772-234-3700 oceandriveplasticsurgery.com 195

Rosato Plastic Surgery 772-562-5859 rosatoplasticsurgery.com 197

Medical Services

WHOLE HEALTH

Whole Family Health Center 877-345-9342 wfhcfl.org 189

Nonprofit Organizations

Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC 772-563-0505 alzpark.org 127

Indian River Habitat for Humanity 772-257-0222 irchabitat.org.......................................... 112

Indian River Land Trust 772-794-0701 irlt.org 147

McKee Botanical Garden 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org 137

Riverside Theatre 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com 165, 173

Treasure Coast Food Bank 772-489-3034 stophunger.org 147

Vero Beach Museum of Art 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org 153, 157, 167

Vero Beach Opera 772-569-6993 verobeachopera.org ....................... 171

Whole Family Health Center 877-345-9342 wfhcfl.org 189

Performance Arts & Entertainment

Distinguished Lecturer Series

Riverside Theatre 772-231-6990 riversidelecturerseries.com 173

International Lecture Series

Vero Beach Museum of Art 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org 167

Riverside Theatre 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com 165

Vero Beach Opera 772-569-6993 verobeachopera.org 171

Real Estate

Alex MacWilliam Real Estate 772-231-6509 alexmacwilliam.com 49

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-231-1270 bhhsfloridarealty.com 33

Beth Livers at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-559-6958 sandandland.com 78

Bobbie Holt at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-583-9093 discoveringverobeach.com 103

Cathy Curley at Dale Sorensen Real Estate 772-559-1359 cathycurleyrealestate.com 11

Charlotte Terry Group of Alex MacWilliam Real Estate 772-234-8500 charlotteterry.com 7

Cheryl Michel at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-532-6542 cmichel@onesothebysrealty.com 131

Chip Landers at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-473-7888 chiplandersrealtor.com 109

Christine R. McLaughlin at Shamrock Real Estate Corp 772-538-0683 propertyinvero.com 41

Cindy O’Dare 772-713-5899 Richard Boga 772-559-4800 at Premier Estate Properties odareboga.com inside back cover

Dan Downey 772-713-6314 Anne Wallace 772-532-3226 at One Sotheby’s International Realty anneanddan32963.com 73

Debbie Bell at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-473-7255 verobeachislandrealestate.com 29

Dustin Haynes at Coldwell Banker Paradise 772-205-1931 verobeachproperty.com 5

Gary Sutcliffe at One Sotheby’s International Realty 917-418-1864 garysutcliffe.onesothebysrealty. com 25

Heather Delamarter at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-321-3056 rentalsinverobeach.com 101

John’s Island Real Estate Company 772-231-0900 johnsislandrealestate.com .................................... inside front cover, 1

Karen Smith at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-559-1295 karensmith.onesothebysrealty. com ................................................................... 9

Kathleen Saxon 203-912-2433 Peter Saxon 203-912-1724 at Alex MacWilliam Real Estate kathleensaxon.alexmacwilliam. com

Mary Frances Driscoll at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-766-5942 bhhsfloridarealty.com .................... 113

Mary Lintermann at Alex MacWilliam Real Estate 802-253-2244 marylintermann.alexmacwilliam. com 77

Michele Mackett at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-559-0898 michelemackett. onesothebysrealty.com 111

Michelle Clarke at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-263-0386 bhhsfloridarealty.com 71

The Moorings Realty Sales Company 772-231-5153 themoorings.com back cover

S herry Brown at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-633-1472 verobeachislandrealtor.com 35

Steve Borenz at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-925-9277 bhhsfloridarealty.com ................... 129 Windsor 772-388-8400 windsorflorida.com 43

Sports & Fitness

Deep Six Dive & Watersports 772-562-2883 deepsix.com 95

Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports 772-978-0935 verobeachclayshooting.com 121

Wine & Spirits

87

Kay Brown 772-234-5148 Melissa Talley 772-633-0407 Allison Ritter 772-532-6619 at Brown Talley Group browntalleygroup.info 39

Maria Caldarone at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-713-7139 sandandland.com .............................. 79

One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-492-1002 772-222-5215 onesothebysrealty.com 45

Patti Martin at Alex MacWilliam Real Estate 772-205-5860 pattimartin.net 85

Peggy Hewett at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-321-4282 verobeachpeggy.com 75

Scott Oberlink at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-643-3181 scottoberlink-sir.com 93

Village Beach Market 772-231-2338 villagebeachmarket.com 63

Emergency

Police, Sheriff, Fire, Ambulance 911

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control 800-222-1222

IRC Emergency Services Dept. 772-226-3900

FL Division of Emergency Mgmt. floridadisaster.org

National Hurricane Center nhc.noaa.gov

Special Needs Hurricane Shelter 772-226-3900

Pet-Friendly Hurricane Shelter 772-571-6408

Non-Emergency Law Enforcement

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office ircsheriff.org 772-569-6700

Fellsmere Police Department 772-646-6309

Sebastian Police Department 772-589-5233

Vero Beach Police Department vbpd.org 772-978-4600

Utilities

Florida City Gas 8 00-993-7546

Florida Power & Light 800-226-3545

Indian River County Utilities 772-770-5300

Vero Beach Utilities Dept..................... 772-978-5100

Propane Gas: Amerigas 772-567-4394

Sanitation

Vero Beach Solid Waste...................... 772-978-5300

Republic Services/Treasure Coast Refuse 772-562-6620

Waste Management 772-569-1776

Recycling Questions ................................ 772-770-5112

City Offices

Fellsmere City Hall cityoffellsmere.org 772-571-0116

Indian River Shores Town Hall irshores.com 772-231-1771

Orchid Town Hall townoforchid.com ................................... 772-581-2770

Sebastian City Hall cityofsebastian.org...............................772-589-5330

Vero Beach City Hall covb.org 772-978-5151

County Offices

Administration Complex ircgov.com 772-567-8000

Animal Control 772-226-3485

Health Department 7 72-794-7400 Library, Main 772-400-6335

Property Appraiser ircpa.org 772-226-1469

School Board indianriverschools.org 772-564-3000

Supervisor of Elections voteindianriver.gov ............................... 772-226-4700

Tax Collector irctax.com 772-226-1338

Veterans Services 772-226-1499

Federal Offices

Post Office, Main.......................................772-778-3039

Social Security Administration 866-964-7414

ANNALISE