2022 Official Vero Beach Handbook

The guide to living in the jewel of the Treasure Coast

A Lot To Love

Ifell in love with Vero Beach the first time I walked along a wooden boardwalk surrounded by plants with giant leaves, trailing vines, and foliage so dense you couldn’t see the ground. At the end of the path, the plants disappeared and all I could see was sand, sky and sparkling ocean.

“I could live here,” I remember telling my husband at that moment, and less than a year later, I did. Fresh from the high desert climate of New Mexico, I couldn’t get enough of my new home’s natural beauty. If you want to walk uncrowded beaches, take a boat out onto the lagoon, golf year-round or birdwatch in a nature preserve, you have come to the right place.

The longer I’ve lived here, the more I’ve found to love. The cultural scene in Vero Beach enjoys generous local support and is unparalleled for a town our size. Riverside Theatre, the Vero Beach Museum of Art and McKee Botanical Garden are just a few of the places I’ve already grown attached to. Still on my bucket list to experience are performances by Ballet Vero Beach and the Vero Beach Opera. Monthly art crawls, a Saturday morning farmers market, live music outdoors, holiday parades and thriving local restaurants and shops all contribute to making this a delightful place to call home.

In addition to all of that, my vantage point here at Vero Beach Magazine affords me a great view of what may be the best thing about this town. People here, across all income levels and backgrounds, care deeply about this community. Every day I hear another story about people banding together to stare down a problem and accomplish something wonderful.

Whether you are planning to stay for a few weeks, a few months, or the rest of your life, our handbook is your invitation to explore this special place I’m proud to call home.

Heather O'Shea, Editor in Chief

Vero Beach 101

See it like a native.

For first time readers of the Vero Beach Handbook, welcome! Inside this issue you will find dozens of activities, events and hidden gems that make Vero Beach a unique and wonderful destination. For returning readers who look forward to receiving the Handbook each year, thank you! Your input, guidance and recommendations have provided the team at Vero Beach Magazine unparalleled support in creating this annual resource.

In addition to profiling the wide range of activities in Vero Beach, the Handbook also provides detailed guidance for new residents as well as those enjoying a seasonal visit. In need of a fishing license? We have that information. Opera tickets for four? We can point you in the right direction.

Whether you are new to Vero Beach or return year after year, you are sure to learn something new and wonderful about our beautiful seaside town.

Enjoy! We are happy that you are here.

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.

In November Vero Beach Magazine was acquired by Palm Beach Media Group, publisher of internationally renowned Florida Design as well as six monthly flagship titles, including Palm Beach Illustrated and Naples Illustrated. A proven leader in publishing excellence, PBMG looks forward to building on the magazine’s successful history.

Vero Beach Magazine’s main office is a historic 1914 building at 956 20th Street, on the corner of 10th Avenue and State Road 60 eastbound, in downtown Vero Beach. 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.

The Merrill Barber Bridge spans the Indian River Lagoon

Photograph by Martina Tannery

ELIZABETH MOULTON Founder

TERI AMEY-ARNOLD Publisher

HEATHER O'SHEA

Editor in Chief

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

Senior Editor

KELLY ROGERS

Visuals & Community Engagement Editor

MEGAN HYDE

Client Marketing Specialist

HEATHER BOTTO

Creative Director

JANINE FISHER

Senior Graphic Designer

Contributing Photographers

Annalise Anderson, Molly Bartels, Jared Blais, Karl Enghofer, Patrick Merrell, Kelly Rogers, Martina Tannery, Sam Wolfe

CATHY HART

Executive Office Manager & Subscription Manager

SUSAN LORENZ

Newsstand Distribution

Group Publisher Terry Duffy

Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt

Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos

HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

President John Balardo

PUBLISHERS OF:

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Welcome

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

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

The barrier island boasts 22 miles of spacious, uncrowded beaches accessible via three bridges and graced with parking that is both ample and free. Scores of boutiques, galleries and local restaurants parallel the coast on Ocean Drive, within easy walking distance of beaches and parks. On the mainland, you'll find a thriving design district and historic downtown area filled with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and cafes.

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

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

Lovers of the arts will find much to enjoy here as well. The Vero Beach Museum of Art holds a rich permanent collection and regularly hosts prominent international exhibitions. Riverside Theatre presents a full season of professional productions each year, and Ballet Vero Beach and

the Vero Beach Opera add to the roster of cultural gems. Choral societies, symphonies and thriving community theater and gallery scenes offer additional opportunities to enjoy the arts. Live music, street festivals, holiday parades and art crawls are a regular part of life here.

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

opportunities to get involved.

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

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

Riverfront homes north of Wabasso Causeway

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

Indian River County

Weather Report

Out of This World

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

Night Lights

With our clear skies and uncluttered skyline, Vero Beach is the perfect place to stargaze. Spread your blanket, get comfortable, and lift your eyes to the heavens. Nightlife takes on a whole new meaning when you start to notice the wonders of the universe around us.

Astronomical Events in 2022

Jan. 3 Peak of Quadrantid Meteor Shower

March 20 Vernal Equinox

April 22 Peak of Lyrid Meteor Shower

April 30.......................... Partial Solar Eclipse 4:41 p.m.

May 6 .............. Peak of Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

May 15 ........................... Total Lunar Eclipse 10:28 p.m.

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

Aug. 13 ......................Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower

Sept. 22 Autumnal Equinox

Oct. 8 Peak of Draconid Meteor Shower

Nov. 17 Peak of Leonid Meteor Shower

Nov. 8 Total Lunar Eclipse 4:10 a.m.

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice

Sun Safety

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

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

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

Sun safety begins before we leave the house. Nowadays, checking the UV index is as easy as looking at our phones. It is usually given as part of weather reports and forecasts. The highest UV levels occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s a good idea to avoid these peak hours when planning beach excursions and other outdoor activities. The UV index chart

gives us an idea of how much protection is needed at each level. In our area, it is wise to assume that if it’s daytime, some sun protection is going to be necessary. When we think of sun protection, we often think first of sunscreen, but it really begins with clothing. Long sleeves, pants and hats go a long way toward shielding your skin. Many lines of outdoor apparel even carry a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. A UPF of 30, for example, means that a garment will block out all but 1/30 (about 3%) of the UV rays that strike it. Now for the sunscreen. There are two types: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and octisalate that filter out UV rays. Research is ongoing as to the degree to which these chemicals are absorbed into the skin and the effects

that may arise from long-term use. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which form a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.

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

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

Fun Facts

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

HANDBOOK

INDIAN RIVER … PINEAPPLES? Yes, that’s right! Even though “Indian River” is virtually synonymous with citrus, our area has the potential to be a pineapple paradise. When Herman Zeuch founded Indian River Farms in the early 20th century and Northern farmers flocked here for the three growing seasons, many of them grew pineapples. They are a common yard fruit here to this day, and Mark Dellerman runs a thriving pineapple farm just north of Vero Beach.

Since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, NASA has relied on private companies to transport cargo and crews to the International Space Station. One of those companies, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, even holds a 20-year lease as the exclusive user of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. Thus, Vero Beach residents continue to enjoy excellent views of KENNEDY SPACE CENTER LAUNCHES.

KELLY ROGERS

Fun Facts

The “OLD LIBRARY” BUILDING on 20th Place, now the home of Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, was built in the early 1960s in the likeness of books on a shelf.

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

It SNOWED in Vero Beach on Jan. 19, 1977.

A Sampling of Annual Events

JANUARY

Vero Beach Museum of Art Gala

Youth Guidance King of the Hill Tennis Tournament

Camp Haven Diamonds in the Rough Gala

FEBRUARY

Gardenfest!

McKee Botanical Garden Motorcar Exhibit

VBMA Fashion Meets Art

Childcare Resources Starfest

Mental Health Association MHA Rocks!

MARCH

Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts Show

VBMA Art in Bloom

Boys & Girls Clubs Angels Dinner

Vero Beach Opera Rising Stars Vocal Competition

Riverside Theatre Premiere Benefit Gala

McKee Garden & Antique Show

APRIL

Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Pro Circuit Tournament

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation Poetry BBQ

Saint Edward’s Pirate Ball

The Arc Starlight & Sneakers

MAY

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation May Pops

IRSC Foundation Golf Tournament

Healthy Start Coalition Dancing with Vero’s Stars

JUNE

McKee Botanical Garden Waterlily Celebration

United Against Poverty Burgers & Brews

JULY

City of Vero Beach Fourth of July Celebration

City of Sebastian Fourth of July Celebration

Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Race to the Wreck

AUGUST

Keep Indian River Beautiful Paddle Dash

SEPTEMBER

Keep Indian River Beautiful Coastal Cleanup

OCTOBER

Military Moms Prayer Group Holidays for Heroes Drive

United Way Day of Caring

Treasure Coast Food Bank Pack the House

Treasure Coast Community Health Duck Derby

NOVEMBER

Indian River Land Trust Benefit

Riverside Theatre Festival of Trees

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Muster

Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Walk to Remember

Care Net Pregnancy Center Banquet

Samaritan Center Soup Bowl

DECEMBER

McKee Botanical Garden Festival of Lights

H.A.L.O. Love at First Bite

Women’s Refuge Christmas Banquet

Ballet Vero Beach Nutcracker on the Indian River

Names Seen Around Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARTINA TANNERY

If you look closely, you may come across a reference to STATE ROAD 60 as OSCEOLA BOULEVARD. Vero Beach is also home to Osceola Magnet School, and our neighboring county to the west is Osceola County. Born BILLY POWELL in Alabama in 1804, Osceola became a prominent Seminole leader in Florida.

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

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

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

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

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN was founded as McKee Jungle Gardens by Cleveland industrialist and plant lover ARTHUR MCKEE, in partnership with WALDO SEXTON, in 1932.

MARTINA TANNERY

Fine Dining

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 ● ●

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor Seating To-Go Menu Fine Dining 33 Casual 33 Asian 38 International 38 Irish ............................................................. 38 Italian 38 Mediterranean 40 Mexican 40 Coffee/Dessert 42 Tea ............................................................. 42 Live Music 42 Breweries 44 Distilleries 44

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

Savor 772-205-2435 901 21st St. savorvero.com ●

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

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

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

Casual Dining

Barefoot

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

●

Bobby’s Restaurant & Lounge ......................

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 ............. 7 72-257-5221 89 Royal Palm Pointe crabstoptc.com ● ●

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

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

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

Edgewood Eatery 772-217-3156 1327 21st St. edgewoodeatery.com ●

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

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

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. ●

Citron Bistro

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

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

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

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

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

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 ● ●

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

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

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

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 ● ●

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 woodnspoon.biz ● ●

Asian

Kata 772-564-8883

1306 20th St. katamenu.com ● ●

Mama Hue 772-999-3967 692 21st St. ●

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

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

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

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

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

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

International

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

Irish

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

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

Italian

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

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

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 ....................... 772-492-6151 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

Gregory Allan Ness Principal Designer

Crystal Crosby Senior Designer

Cafe

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

Sammy’s Mediterranean Cafe ................................. 772-217-3897 1130 20th Place ● ●

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. blueagaveverobeach.com ● ● 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. ● ●

Riverside

Tea

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

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

Live Music

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

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

The Grove .................... 772-492-8565 2115 14th Ave.

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

Coffee/Dessert

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 eatfrostingcupcakes.com ●

Grind + Grape 7 72-231-5536 925 Bougainvillea Lane grindandgrape.com ● ●

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset Saturday Night ............................... 772-410-8376 3000 Ocean Drive (Humiston Park) verobeachoba.com ●

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

Sexton Plaza

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 wherever you go.

Popular Spots

Safe Shopping

Local business owners did a great job finding safe and creative ways to serve customers during the most uncertain months of the pandemic. Many quickly enhanced their websites, offered curbside pickup, and even began delivering. Please show your thanks for their hard work by complying with any ongoing store policies as you shop.

Countryside Citrus Beachside & El Sid Taqueria 3300 Ocean Drive

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 3465 Ocean Drive

Leigh Jewelers 3401 Ocean Drive

Loggia 2900 Ocean Drive

Lyra Home 3355 Ocean Drive

M. Maison 3403 Ocean Drive

Maison Beach 23 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 1A

Market 3301 Ocean Drive

Meghan Candler Gallery 6160 Hwy. A1A

Oodles of Wallpaper 6230 Hwy. A1A

Rock City Gardens 6120 Hwy. A1A

Main location 9080 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian

Sassy Boutique 3365 Ocean Drive

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive

Vero Marine Center 12 Royal Palm Pointe

Village Beach Market 4905 Hwy. A1A

White Orchid Spa 3500 Ocean

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. Midshopping refreshment is available at cafes, restaurants, bars and breweries. On Saturday mornings, the Oceanside 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, 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, stationery store, garden shop, gourmet market and more.

The Village Shops

KELLY ROGERS

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 treelined 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 includes restaurants, clothing and consignment shops, a jeweler, an independent bookstore and more. It's located on both sides of 21st Street.

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.

Gallery 14

MOLLY BARTELS

Design District

Located along U.S. 1, the design district has become a destination for those shopping for flooring, lighting, cabinetry and other home-design essentials.

Indian River Mall

While the pandemic has taken a toll on this shopping center located on State Road 60, this indoor mall contains two department stores, a movie theater, and a number of other shops.

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.

Specialty Foods

Baked Goods & Chocolates

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

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

How Sweet It Is Chocolate Factory ............................ 7 72-562-5996 1595 Old Dixie Hwy. howsweetitischocolate.com

Slice of Paris .................. 772-999-0166 879 17th St.

Sweet Creations ......... 772-584-7206 953 Old Dixie Hwy. sweetcreationsvero.wixsite.com

Meat & Seafood

A Butcher Shoppe & a Bit More ................... 772-794-0040 709 17th St.

Indian River Seafood Market 7 72-589-8585 633 Old Dixie Hwy., Sebastian indianriverseafoodmarket.com

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

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

Alimentari

Coco' s Consigmment

ON 7TH

AVENUE

Gourmet Markets

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

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

LADIES FINE FASHION

ON MIRACLE MILE 2308 7th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-770-6030 • Klasicik@gmail.com

Gloria Pariseau, Owner/Manager

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

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

Rhonda's Seafood .... 7 72-473-6388 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

Village Beach Market

Seasonal Bounty

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

Citrus

Ruby Red Grapefruit November–May

White Grapefruit November–May

Clementines November–December

Hamlin Oranges October–December

Honeybell Oranges January–February

Mandarin Oranges .................... December–January

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

Temple Oranges ................................... January–March

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

Tangelos November–January

Tangerines November–March

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

Nature Farms ...............772-538-6066 9150 U.S. Hwy. 1, Sebastian

Osceola Organic Farm ...................................772-834-1103 6980 33rd St. osceolaorganicfarm.com

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

Blueberries April–May

Mangoes May–September

Pineapples June–August

Strawberries December–April

Watermelon............................................................ April–July

Farmers Market Oceanside 772-410-8376 2901 Ocean Drive verobeachoba.com farmersmarketdropoff.com

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

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

Poinsettia Groves ..... 800-327-8624 poinsettiagroves.com

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

Treasure Coast Harvest ............................. 772-231-1066 6174 Hwy. A1A Village Shops tcharvest.com

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

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

MARTINA TANNERY

Countryside Citrus

Thank You for Shopping Local

Shopping is special in Vero Beach. Our rich collection of local shops, restaurants and boutiques survived the challenges of the past year by doubling down and doing even more of what they have always done — building relationships, stocking unique, high-quality products, and finding creative ways to ensure you will always be able to find exactly what you need. They know Vero Beach: They can tell you what events are happening this month, how people are dressing, and what colors are trending in coastal home decor. These local business owners are ready to welcome you to the community.

Here are some other good reasons to start finding your favorite local businesses today:

Local business owners provide good jobs for residents. Almost three out of every four new jobs in Florida are created by businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Small businesses value customer relationships. Your favorite shops will be greeting you by name in no time.

Local businesses keep Vero Beach feeling fresh and original; they create that hometown vibe we love.

Local business owners know exactly what is happening in Vero Beach right now and can adapt their inventories.

Thriving local businesses are committed to their neighbors and support local nonprofit organizations.

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

Bodies of Water

Indian River County boasts 22 miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches, accessible by 13 public access points offering a range of amenities, including free and ample parking. If calmer waters are more your speed, the Indian River Lagoon offers additional opportunities for sailing, boating and observing birds and wildlife. The Sebastian Inlet to the north of Vero Beach connects the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular location for fishing, surfing and more. For even more variety, visitors and locals alike enjoy exploring the St. Sebastian River and Blue Cypress Lake.

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Beachfront Parks

Beach

Boat Launch

Camping

Dogs Allowed

Fishing

Lifeguard

Parking

Playground

Picnic Tables

Rentable Space

Restrooms

Walking Trails

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

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

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

Humiston Park Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Beaches

Indian River County beaches from north to south:

Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 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.

Ambersand Beach

12566 Hwy. A1A

This beach, located 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 located within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a 248-acre property designed to protect habitat in this important sea turtle nesting area.

Treasure Shores

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

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.

Wabasso Beach Park

1820 County Road 510

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

Beach Safety

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.

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.

One of the first things you will see at a guarded beach is the flag flying at the lifeguard station. These color-coded flags provide a wealth of information, even before your toes touch the sand.

GREEN

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

YELLOW

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

RED

If you see the red flag, you’ll be wise to stay out of the water due to high hazard risk brought on by 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, such as extremely rough surf, rip currents or even a shark sighting.

PURPLE

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

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

South Beach

Tracking Station Beach

800 46th Place

Just off Hwy. 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 two 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.

Sexton Plaza

Easternmost end of Beachland Boulevard

This unguarded beach, adjacent to the legendary Ocean Grill restaurant, is located 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 Farmers Market Oceanside every Saturday morning.

Humiston Park

Round Island

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's the best place around for spotting manatees and the occasional dolphin.

Sea Turtles

Loggerhead turtles, the most numerous visitors to our shores, may be 3 feet long and weigh as much as 250 pounds. Watching one of these magnificent creatures emerge from the sea to nest on the beach can be a magical experience. Several local organizations lead turtle walks — guided evening beach tours — that offer participants an opportunity to observe a turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs. Reservations are required and spots fill quickly, so don't wait too long!

Juvenile green turtle

Turtle Walks

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park at the Sebastian Fishing Museum

14257 Hwy. A1A

772-589-2147

fsispturtlewalk.org

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

8385 Hwy. A1A

Melbourne Beach

321-723-3556

fws.gov/refuge/archie_carr

Turtle-Friendly Tips

Each year from May through October, five different species of sea turtles — loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley — lay their eggs on our shores. In 2021, just before the season ended, volunteers had recorded more than 5,600 loggerhead nests and over 1,500 green turtle nests on the shores of Indian River County. Each species of these incredible reptiles is classified as either endangered or threatened. You can help us welcome these annual visitors by taking the rules below to heart. It may seem like a lot of “don’ts,” but definitely "do" participate in ranger-led nighttime turtle walks, which allow you to witness the nesting process up close!

Other Resources:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

1-888-404-3922

Coastal Connections

coastal-connections.org

GO LIGHT ON ILLUMINATION

If you own or are staying in a beachfront property, you have a special responsibility. Since sea turtles rely on moonlight, it’s 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. 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 sand-castles 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, be aware that is against the law to interfere.

KELLY ROGERS

Beachcombing

The part of the beach where the waves meet the sand, where beach walkers stroll with their toes in the water, is called the swash. There's nothing like splashing through it as you gaze out to sea, ponder life's big questions, or just add a little water resistance to your daily walk.

But beyond the swash, between it and the dune line, is where you'll find the wrack, the strip of seaweed, stranded coconuts and other ocean debris washed onto shore. Of course, one person's debris is another's treasure. The wrack is where you'll find sea beans, also known as drift seeds, that have traveled from exotic locales to our shores. They drop from tropical trees, shrubs and vines and are carried by the waves. Some, like many Vero Beach visitors, will even put down roots. They have fun names, too: nickernut, sea heart, sea purse, and the aptly named hamburger bean, which looks exactly like a hamburger nestled between the two halves of a bun.

Area Rugs & S t air Runners

Seashells and corals also offer an endless variety of shapes and patterns and are fun to observe and collect. Sea glass, which may have any number of origins, is also a sought-after beach find. Smoothed by sand and water, sometimes for decades, it turns up on the beach as colorful pieces of glass that may be collected or used in art, decor or jewelry.

On July 31, 1715, a fleet of Spanish ships sailing from Havana loaded with gold, silver, emeralds and other precious jewels encountered a fierce hurricane. Only one ship survived, and precious cargo was strewn from Jupiter to Sebastian.

Dedicated beachcombers, often armed with metal detectors, continue to search for bits of treasure. They find items such as Spanish coins, musket balls and the occasional centuries-old shoe buckle. The jewel you discover may trace its origins to a swashbuckling sailor or a hapless vacationer.

Local experts are notoriously secretive about their favorite treasure-hunting spots, but they are willing to share a few tips. For example, the best times to hunt include during a full moon and after a storm, due to the robust action of the tides. Specific contours of the beach, such as “bowls” (indentations in the sand) and “cuts” (small cliffs formed by the erosion of a section of sand) are always worth checking out, as shifting sands may have revealed new treasures.

KELLY ROGERS

Hamburger beans

Of course, even the experts find plenty of bottle caps along the way. Many of our beaches are stocked with blue baskets to make it easy to carry out and dispose of any less desirable “treasures” you may find.

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

Mel Fisher Treasure Museum

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary runs 181 miles along Florida's east coast, from the Halifax River in Volusia County to Sewall's Point in Martin County. Fed by five ocean inlets and five freshwater rivers, the brackish waters of the lagoon comprise one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States.

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, which also serves as a nursery for both fresh and saltwater fish, boasts

PATRICK MERRELL

370 species of birds, and 2,100 species of plants. Its average depth is just 4 feet, though a 10-foot-deep channel was dredged in the 1950s for the Intracoastal Waterway. The soil resulting from this process was used to create the many spoil islands that dot the lagoon.

Visitors and residents play a vital role in maintaining the health of the lagoon. 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.

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 nearly 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

St. Sebastian River

The St. Sebastian River is a 16-mile-long tributary of the Indian River Lagoon, running west and north of the town of Sebastian. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, formerly known as the Buffer Preserve, offers 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Opportunities for birders and wildlife enthusiasts also abound.

While there is no boat launch in 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

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 772-226-1035

Blue Cypress Lake

Florida has thousands of lakes. For most people, the first one that comes to mind is the visiblefrom-space Lake Okeechobee, which dwarfs all others in the state by an order of magnitude. Indian River County’s own Blue Cypress Lake, at 6,600 acres, doesn’t even break the top 10 in size.

Beauty, however, is a different story.

Surrounded by graceful cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, Blue Cypress Lake is a major nesting site for ospreys. Their piercing calls punctuate the peaceful silence. Cypress trees emerge from the shallow water, and their knees protrude around them. The lake’s 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's customary to wave at anyone you see.

Middleton’s Fish Camp

7400 Blue Cypress Road

772-473-1885

middletonsfishcamp.com

5070 Hwy A1A | Vero Beach, FL | 772.234.3700

www.oceandriveplasticsurgery.com

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A. W. Young Park

Riverfront Parks

Indian River County is rich in riverfront parks. These are great places to enjoy the outdoors, share a picnic lunch or launch your 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, restrooms and boat ramps

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

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 Hwy. A1A

Picnic pavilion, walking trails, restrooms and boat ramps

Royal Palm Pointe Park

2 Royal Palm Pointe

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

Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary

100 Dahlia Lane, accessed via Riverside Park

A beautiful 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

Round Island Riverside Park

ROGERS

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

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

Bethel Creek House 4405 N. Highway A1A

Joe Earman Island Park Accessible by boat only, .5 miles north of the Barber Bridge

Live Oak Road Park South side of Wabasso Causeway

MacWilliam Park Northeast end of Barber Bridge

Oslo Road Boat Ramp Eastern end of Oslo Road

Riverside Park Riverside Drive

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive

Sebastian Inlet

Boating & Water Sports

In Vero Beach, it's easy to leave the land behind. Seasoned boaters and sailors will find plenty of marinas, boat ramps and places to rent everything they need. Kayaks and paddleboards are also easy to come by and can be launched from local parks and beaches. You can take a Jet Ski out on the river or even try a water bike.

If you would rather get into the water, you've come to the right place. You'll find plenty of opportunities here to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, and even kiteboard.

Finally, if you want to get out on the water but want someone else to do the driving, all sorts of guided tours are available. We've compiled all the information you need to get started on your next aquatic adventure!

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 772-562-7922 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

Landlubber Boat Rentals 732-861-4175

landlubber-boat-rentals.business. site

Vero Beach Municipal Marina

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

leisuretimeboatclub.com

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

propelwsbr.com

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

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

Canoes, Kayaks & More

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522

adventurekayakingtours.com

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

discoverelc.org

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

orchidislandbikesandkayaks.com

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

paddlesbythesea.com

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

seasupgo.com

Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals 561-248-5695

sharkbaitgearrentals.com

Scuba Classes & Gear

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

deepsixintl.com

MARTINA TANNERY

Round Island Riverside Park

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

tcdivecenter.com

Snorkeling

Paddles by the Sea

Snorkel Tours

3321 Bridge Plaza Drive 772-444-7871

paddlesbythesea.com

Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals

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

sharkbaitgearrentals.com

Surfing Lessons & Gear

Endless Windz 3615 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-217-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 905 Shorewinds Drive 954-803-5169

ezridesurfschool.com

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

deepsixintl.com

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

sebastianinletsurfshop.com

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

wabassobeachshop.com

Sebastian Inlet

Guided Tours

Adventure Kayaking Tours 772-567-0522

adventurekayakingtours.com

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

airboatwildernessrides.com

Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventures of Vero Beach

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

airboatadventuretours.com

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

discoverelc.org

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

floridacrackerairboatride.com

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

gatorbaitairboatadventures.com

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

marshbeastairboattours.com

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

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

tccruise.com

Tropical Kayak Tours 772-778-3044

tropicalkayaktours.com

Round Island Riverside Park

Sebastian Inlet North Jetty

Fishing

If putting a line in the water is your idea of a perfect day, you've come to the right place. You can take a boat out on the water, surf fish from the beach, or find a nice shady spot along the lagoon. Local fishing charters are ready to take you to all the best spots. If you'd rather explore on your own, the information below can help you get started.

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 1901 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-234-9300

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

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

reeleminbaitandtackle.com

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

pro-out.com

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

Sebastian Inlet

Fishing Guides

A Guide Fishing Service

772-559-1422

aguidefishingservice.com

Big Easy Fishing Charter 772-538-1072

bigeasyfishingcharter.com

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

tfredcharters.com

Down Sea Charters 772-532-9347

downseacharters.com

East Coast Fishing Charters 321-266-1160

ecfishingcharters.com

Filet Show Fishing 321-693-4918

filetshow.com

Fish Vero Beach Charters

772-633-4274

fishverobeach.com

Incentive Fishing Charters

321-676-1948

incentivecharters.com

Just Bumminit Guide Service 772-562-5978

justbumminit.com

Local Waters 321-266-2575

fishlocalwaters.com

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

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

Renegade Charters 863-840-1422 floridarenegade.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 772-675-0172

verowatersports.com

Vero Tight Line Charters 772-584-1500

verotightlinecharters.com

Sebastian Fishing Museum

Located on the south (Indian River County) side of Sebastian Inlet State Park, the Sebastian Fishing Museum celebrates the important role the fishing industry has played in Sebastian's history. A homemade fishing boat, replicas of an original fish house and dock, nets and other gear used by early settlers, and photographs of commercial fishermen at work on the Indian River Lagoon are all on exhibit. Access to the museum is free with admission to the park.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

14251 Hwy. A1A

772-589-9659

floridastateparks.org

What’s Biting?

SNOOK

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Sports

Whether you have a racquet in your hand, running shoes on your feet, a parachute strapped to your back, or a rolled-up yoga mat under your arm, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stay active in Vero Beach and the surrounding area. 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

772-567-6838

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, 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.

Hawk's Nest

South

Vero Beach Tennis & Fitness Club

Indian River Club

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.

Pointe West Country Club

7500 14th Lane

772-264-4998

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.

772-388-3873

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

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 14th. 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 climate-controlled tee boxes.

BigShots Golf

Pocahontas Park

Tennis & Pickleball

Private Courts

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

grandharbor.com

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

John’s Island Club

3 John’s Island Drive 772-231-1700

johnsislandclub.org

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

themooringsclub.com

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

orchidislandfl.com

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

quailvalleygolfclub.com

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

seaoaksbeachandtennis.com

Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-8400

windsorflorida.com

Public Courts

Boulevard Tennis Club 1620 Boulevard Village Lane 772-778-4200 boulevardtennis.com

14 lighted Har-Tru courts

Pickleball University pickleu.com

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

covb.org

12 pickleball courts

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

covb.org

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

Schumann Drive Park 1096 Schumann Drive 772-228-7054

cityofsebastian.org/facilities

Six lighted tennis courts, two with pickleball lines

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

twinoakstennisclub.com

Seven 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

Six indoor lighted pickleball courts and two lighted tennis courts

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.

indianriverridingclub.com

Wide range of activities at all levels

Shady Oaks Ranch

6555 Atlantic Blvd.

772-633-2716

Boarding, lessons, clinics and on-site horse leasing

Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast

7065 37th St. 772-562-7603

specialequestrianstreasurecoast. org

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

Tall Pines Equestrian

6150 37th St.

772-559-3744

tallpinesequestrian.com

Training, boarding and showing

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 5350 77th St. 772-226-1875

ircgov.com

Treasure Coast Disc Golf Club treasurecoastdiscg.wixsite.com

Martial Arts

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

thebamboodojo.com

The Cloudwalker Place Qigong classes at Charles Park, South Beach Park, and the Intergenerational Center 772-453-6449

thecloudwalker.com

RT Martial Arts 6200 20th St., Suite 880 754-214-2351

rtmartialartsvb.com

Florida Karate Academy

1140 19th St. 772-563-9333

floridakarateacademy.com

Vero Beach Karate Association 2015 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-567-9899

vbka.com

Running

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

runnersdepotvb.com

Sunrunners sunrunnersofverobeach.com

Shooting

Indian River County Public Shooting Range

10455 102nd Terrace, Sebastian 772-226-3096

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 1960 44th Ave., Suite B bendinglightyoga.com

Indian River Bikram Yoga

676 U.S. Hwy. 1, Suite 4 772-925-9697

indianriverbikram.com

Level Yoga

29 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 2 and 3055 Cardinal Drive 772-696-1160

levelyogastudio.com

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

starpilatesstudio.com

Lagoon Greenway

The Great Outdoors

Our area abounds with natural beauty that beckons us to get outside and enjoy it. We’ve compiled a list of places to hike, birdwatch and just plain enjoy yourself outdoors. That’s followed by fun facts and information about some of the critters, large and small, that share this land we call home.

Hiking Trails

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

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

Captain Forster Hammock Preserve

8610 Jungle Trail, south of CR 510 ircgov.com

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

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

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.

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, now on the National Register of Historic Places, stretches from Old Winter Beach Road north to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Lagoon Greenway

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

irlt.org

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

Toni Robinson Trail

Jungle Trail

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.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere

321-953-5005

floridastateparks.org

With 22,000 acres of wilderness and 60 miles of trails, this state park is a local treasure. Habitats include long-leaf pine forests, grassland prairies, scrub cypress domes and swamps.

Look for the rare Florida scrub jay and keep an eye out for bald eagles, gopher tortoises and a host of other native species. Even the elusive bobcat is known to make the preserve its home.

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.

Donald MacDonald Campground

Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail

Staying Up On Our Lizards

On any given day in Vero Beach, we spot dozens of lizards darting to and fro. Traditionally, most of those lizards would have been anoles. In recent years, several nonnative lizard species have been on the rise in our area. Below are our most common lizards.

Brown Anole

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

Northern CurlyTailed Lizard

This native of the Bahamas is relatively new to our area, and its range is spreading. With a length of 9 inches and a curled tail, these newcomers can be a bit more intimidating than the innocuous-looking anoles, but they are in fact harmless and are even popular as pets. Nevertheless, they are considered an invasive species because they are out-competing our anoles. The curly-tailed lizard will eat virtually anything, including human food and even smaller species of lizards.

Mediterranean House Gecko

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

Green Anole

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

Feathered Friends

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

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 and hooked yellow bill.

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 wingtips that are visible only when the bird is in flight. Juveniles have patchy brown feathers, which serve as camouflage until the bird matures.

Great Egret

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

Cattle Egret

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

Great Blue Heron

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

Osprey

This raptor, seen frequently in our area, feeds almost exclusively on fish, which it snatches from the water after a 30to 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.

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 mixed up. Perhaps the most noticeable distinguishing feature is that the cormorant’s bill is curved at the end, while the anhinga’s is straight.

Sandhill Crane

There’s nothing like a sandhill crane. For one thing, it is 4 feet tall, with a wingspan exceeding 6 feet. Then there’s its red forehead and its tendency to stroll terrifyingly close to 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

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

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 as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

KELLY ROGERS

Sebastian Inlet

Wildlife

Every region has its particular brand of wildlife. In Alaska you’ll want to steer clear of grizzly bears, in Maine you could run into a moose, and in New Mexico you might see a roadrunner run across the road. While engaging in outdoor activities here in Vero Beach, you’re likely to encounter plenty of wildlife — some wilder than others. We wouldn’t like to see anyone miss out on enjoying the outdoors due to misconceptions about Florida’s wildlife. So enjoy the information below, always maintain a healthy respect for all wildlife, and remember that most wild animals don’t want to interact with us any more than we want to tangle with them.

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.

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 small 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 want to observe alligators in their natural habitat, Blue Cypress Lake is a good place to do so. If you are canoeing or kayaking and see the trademark triangle of an alligator’s eyes and snout peeking above the waterline, watch carefully and you will probably see it duck under and resurface farther away from you. If you are walking near a lake and encounter a gator sunning itself at the water’s edge, keep your distance, and it will most likely slip into the water, where it feels most at home. And this probably goes without saying: It is illegal to feed or interfere with alligators in any way.

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. Most of us are more than happy to accord all snakes, venomous or not, a wide berth. But it can’t hurt to at least be aware of the venomous ones potentially found in our area:

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

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.

Invasive Species

We can all help preserve our beautiful natural environment by reporting invasive plant and animal species when we observe them. Not all nonnative species are considered invasive, but when they compete with native flora and fauna, cause or have the potential to cause harm to humans or a negative environmental or economic impact, it’s time to step in and attempt to mitigate the damage.

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.

Invasive Animals & Plants

Burmese python

cane toad

Cuban tree frog

green iguana

feral hog

lionfish

muscovy duck

rhesus macaque

vervet monkey

air potato

Australian malaleuca

Brazilian pepper

cogon grass

hydrilla

Japanese climbing fern

kudzu

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

Green Iguana

Wildlife Resources

Whether you feel threatened by an animal or you 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

cruelty@hsvb.org

The Arts

The arts have been part of the lifeblood of Vero Beach for many decades. We have welcomed world-class musicians, opera singers, ballet dancers and authors while consistently fostering local artists and performers of all kinds right here at home. Indian River County enjoys a vibrant community of artists who continually open our eyes to the world both around us and inside us.

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

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0303

Art Club Annex & Gallery

1903 14th Ave. 772-217-3345

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. In addition to its presence at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, the Art Club holds activities at its annex, which also houses the Jeanette Beach Gallery, named in honor of the club’s founder.

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.

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.

First Friday Gallery Stroll at Gallery 14

Art Works

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 Theatre Plaza

772-907-5128

artworksofvero.com

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

Barbara Krupp Fine Art 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.

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.

Artists Guild Gallery

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

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.

MOLLY BARTELS

First Friday Gallery Stroll at Artists Guild Gallery

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

gallery14verobeach.com

The gallery features a diverse array of works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, collage, sculpture, ceramic, jewelry, pastel and photography by Gallery 14 owner-artists 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.

Artists Guild Gallery

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 custom jewelry of Clair Brunetti; the Haitian oil drum art of Bernadette Flanagan; and the handmade

beach-related works of Carmen Correa, including poured artwork, paintings, soaps and ornaments.

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.

“Schooner With Bimini Top” by J.P. Kerr, oil on canvas, 40 x 50 inches at Meghan Candler Gallery

Ocean Drive Gallery

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8

Second floor, elevator located in alcove behind Lyra Home

772-579-7667

eliseartist.com

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

Palm House Studio and Gallery

3227 Ocean Drive, 2nd floor

772-231-6816

palmhousegallery.com

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

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 & 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 71st Under the Oaks is scheduled for March 11–13, 2022. You won’t want to miss this quintessential Vero Beach event!

Under the Oaks

Riverside Park

3001 Riverside Park Drive March 11–13; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. 772-231-0303

verobeachartclub.org

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.

Riverside Theatre

Theater

Riverside Theatre

3250 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

Florida’s largest professional theater is proud to call Vero Beach home. This cultural treasure provides a full season of theater productions, a vibrant children’s theater, live music and comedy, and an annual lecture series. “Carousel,” “A Comedy of Tenors,” “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” “Billy Elliot: The Musical,” and “Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America” will all be staged in 2022.

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Ave.

772-562-8300

verobeachtheatreguild.com

The Vero Beach Theatre Guild has been bringing the house lights up on local talent since 1958, producing dramas, comedies, musicals and musical revues. Want to do more than watch? Actors, singers and dancers may audition for future shows, and volunteers of all sorts are always welcome. Shows in 2022 will include “Calendar Girls,” “I Do! I Do!,” “See How They Run” and “Native Gardens.” Extensive renovations have been completed to facilitate physical distancing for the safety of guests.

National Theatre of London

The Majestic 11 movie theater

940 14th Lane

772-770-0773

cwtheaters.com

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

Dance

Ballet Vero Beach

at VBHS Performing Arts Center

1707 16th St.

772-905-2651

balletverobeach.org

The only professional ballet company in the Treasure Coast region, Ballet Vero Beach seeks to promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond. In addition to its Main Stage Series, which is scheduled to present three performances from January to April 2022, 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.

Bolshoi Ballet

at The Majestic 11 movie theater

940 14th Lane

772-770-0773

cwtheaters.com

The Majestic 11 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. Three such productions are scheduled for 2022.

Ballet Vero Beach

Vero Beach Opera

Opera

Vero Beach Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center

1707 16th St.

772-569-6993

verobeachopera.org

Established as the Vero Beach Opera Guild in 1988, Vero Beach Opera has become a preeminent cultural presence in our community. VBO presents fully staged operas, professional performances by worldclass opera stars, and international vocal competitions. The 2022 season will include Puccini’s “La Boheme”; “La Bella Italia,” a concert remembering Italian American tenor Sergio Franchi; and the annual Rising Stars Opera Festival. 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. Seven such shows are scheduled for 2022, including “Cinderella,” “Rigoletto,” “Turandot” and “Hamlet.”

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. Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem,” accompanied by chamber ensemble and organ, is planned for spring 2022.

Treasure Coast Chorale at First Baptist Church

2206 16th Ave. 772-231-3498

treasurecoastchorale.org

Celebrating its 20th season, 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 two concerts for 2022: in March, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a collection of inspiring songs for troubling times, and in May, a salute to America in honor of Memorial Day.

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.

First Baptist Church

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 2022, 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, ext. 116 or 139 vbmuseum.org

The Atlantic Classical Orchestra partners with Vero Beach Museum of Art to present the annual Chamber Music Series. Musicians from the ACO are scheduled to perform three concerts at the museum in early 2022.

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 2022 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 County as well as Brevard County. SCSO has year-round programming that

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

includes classical music, pops, film scores, jazz and more. The orchestra has nine Vero Beach concerts scheduled for winter and spring 2022.

at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St.

at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave.

at Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts

1895 Saint Edward’s Drive

at Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive

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

verobeachchamberorchestra.org

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

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 music bar featuring 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. More than a dozen Vero Beach shows are scheduled for 2022.

Night Sounds

Sebastian Inlet State Park

14251 Hwy. A1A

772-589-2147

friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org

Monthly concerts, featuring just about every genre imaginable, take place at the park’s Coconut Point Pavilions.

Sunset Saturday Night at Humiston Beach Park

3000 Ocean Drive

772-410-VERO (8376)

verobeachoba.com

Periodic free outdoor Saturday evening festivals include food and music by local bands.

Live in the Loop at Riverside Theatre

Lectures

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. Both in-person and live simulcast subscriptions are available.

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 2022, Riverside Theatre will welcome Theresa May, Peter Diamandis, Robert Spalding and Rana Foroohar.

International Lecture Series

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

The ILS is celebrating 40 years of 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 the origins of the British royal collections, the life and collections of Peggy Guggenheim, the work of artist Fred Wilson, and the 1911 theft of the “Mona Lisa.”

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; entertainers Andy Williams and Henry Winkler.

Riverside Theatre DLS

Citrus pioneer A.B. Michael and his family are seen at the family homestead, southeast of the bridge that bears his name.

The Back Story

As we go about our everyday lives in Vero Beach and the surrounding area, we encounter many remnants of the history that paved the way for the community we know and love today.

Archaeological evidence has indicated that humans may have first arrived here in the Pleistocene Epoch, about 12,000 years ago.

The Ais people are the earliest inhabitants of our area about whom anything substantial is known; they

were hunter-gatherers who partook predominantly of the abundant seafood available to them.

Though virtually synonymous with Florida, the Seminoles came much later, in the mid-18th century. They emerged from the southerly migration of groups from several tribes, most notably the Creeks. By that time, the Spanish had been in Florida for centuries, though they remained considerably north of our location. Their most renowned contact with the

Treasure Coast was the incident that gave it the name Treasure Coast: the destruction of 11 ships — all but one of what would become known as the “Spanish Treasure Fleet” — off our coast by a hurricane in 1715.

The Arrival of Settlers

The latter part of the 19th century saw the first settlers of European descent make their way to Vero Beach. A small permanent settlement already existed just to the south near Fort Pierce, an

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

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

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

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

The pioneer men hacked out the roadway that would become U.S. Highway 1, but in the early days, the river was the real highway. Vero was part of Brevard County then,

and “floating stores” made regular round trips from Titusville and Cocoa down to Fort Pierce, trading at settlements as they went.

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

The Gifford home was the town’s first post

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.”

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.”

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.

Heritage Center

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

The Rise of Agriculture

The next phase of Vero’s growth was centered on agriculture. An Iowan named Herman Zeuch (rhymes with

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

The Indian River Farms Company undertook an enormous drainage project to transform the swampy terrain into arable land. It was during the dredging of the main canal (near the current County Administration Complex) that artifacts of archaeological significance were discovered, leading to the fascinating saga of Vero Man and the Old Vero

Age

Ice

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

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.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Downtown Vero Beach was much smaller in the 1940s, but looking east along Route 60 it’s easy to imagine the town we know today.

Site excavations.

As the second decade of the 20th century came to a close, a huge variety of crops were growing, and so was the town of Vero, which was incorporated in 1919. In 1925, when Indian River County was formed, its county seat was established in Vero, which would henceforth be known as Vero Beach.

The Triumph of Citrus

Because Vero Beach lies at the very heart of the Indian River Citrus District, a long,

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

Citrus crops, particularly grapefruit, became a mainstay of our economy and the name “Indian River” became renowned for superior citrus.

This status continued for decades.

Alas, citrus tree diseases, hurricanes and, perhaps most of all, development, have taken their toll on the local citrus industry. Nevertheless, some dedicated growers refuse to turn their backs on this integral part of our heritage and, with ever-expanding technology and modern agricultural advances, are carrying on the Indian River citrus legacy.

The Role of the Airport

Even the briefest history of Vero Beach would be incomplete without a mention of Bud Holman. It was through his efforts that Vero Beach obtained its airport in the 1920s, and it was the presence of that airport that drew the attention of the U.S. Navy to our area early in World War II. Naval Air Station Vero Beach was established at the airport and served as a training facility for the rest of the war.

Holman also played a key role after the war, when ownership of the airport reverted to the municipality

1973 Riverside Theatre is built using funds from private donations.

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.

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.

and the question of what to do with the now-unused barracks arose. Seeing baseball in Vero Beach’s future, the inventive Holman proposed converting the empty fields into baseball diamonds and the barracks into housing for players and staff. The idea was presented to Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey, and the Dodgers came to Vero Beach, where they would conduct their spring training for more than 50 years.

Beachside Boom

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

It would be decades, though, before the “Beach”

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

beachside boom was well on its way.

A Century and Beyond

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

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 the grand marshal of the city’s October 2019 Centennial Parade.

Even in 1953, our local beaches were already a popular recreation destination.

FLORIDA MEMORY

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.

Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum

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 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 famous 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

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

South side of Sebastian Inlet 772-589-9659

floridastateparks.org/ sebastian-inlet

The museum, within Sebastian Inlet State Park, tells the story of the culturally significant local fishing industry.

U.S. Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines Museum

32 N. Broadway, Fellsmere 772-321-5493

The museum honors World War II veterans who served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines.

Conn Boardwalk and Jaycee Park

Welcome Home

We know — you weren't expecting to fall in love and stay. That's just what happens here. We've gathered some information to help when you decide you'd like to put down roots. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Neighborhoods

Vero Beach has a wide variety of residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct amenities and feel. We've compiled a short list of some of the highlights to help you get started. 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 MARTINA TANNERY

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.

The Moorings

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.

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

Orchid Island Golf & Beach 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.

Windsor

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.

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.

Riomar

Riomar

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 & 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, the public library, county administration building, courthouse and, best of all, a revitalized downtown arts and business district.

Country Living

Estates, Farms and Ranches to the West

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

Ocean Ridge

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

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.

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

Alternative Center for Education (grades 6–12)

772-564-6240

Indian River Virtual School

772-564-3124

Indian River State College

COURTESY OF INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

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

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

Dodgertown Elementary

Family Fun W

hether you’re a parent raising your children here or a grandparent who has retired here and is 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/locations/ defy-port-saint-lucie

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

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

9250 Island Grove Terrace 772-234-2000

verobeach.disney.go.com

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

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

Safari Golf & Games

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 ziplines, 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

Pocahontas Park

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

OCEANFRONT PARKS

Ambersands Beach Access 12566 N. Highway A1A

Wabasso Beach Park 1820 County Road 510

Roseland Community Park 12925 83rd Ave.

Charles Park 2405 15th St.

Golden Sands Park 10350 N. Highway A1A

RIVERFRONT PARKS

45th Street Dock Gifford Dock Road

Round Island Riverside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

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

Humiston Park

Ocean Drive at Easter Lily Lane

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

Royal Palm Pointe Park 2 Royal Palm Pointe

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

Jaycee Park Ocean Drive at Conn Way

Bethel Creek House 4405 N. Highway A1A

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive

Hobart Ball Fields 5790 77th St. (Playing fields only)

Round Island Oceanside Park 2200 S. Highway A1A

Dale Wimbrow Park 11805 Roseland Road

Sebastian Canoe Launch County Road 512

Hosie Schumann Park 1760 37th St.

Seagrape Trail Beach Access 8302 N. Highway A1A

Donald MacDonald Park 12315 Roseland Road

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

Jacoby Park 1915 25th Ave.

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 1820 Wabasso Beach Road

Kiwanis Hobart Park 58th Ave. and 77 St.

South Beach Park Ocean Drive at 17th Street

Live Oak Road Park South side of Wabasso Causeway

INLAND PARKS

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

Leisure Square 3705 16th St.

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

MacWilliam Park Southeast end of Barber Bridge

County Road512 Boat Launch North of State Road 60

North County Regional Park 9450 CR 512

Treasure Shores Park 11300 N. Highway A1A

Oslo Road Boat Ramp Eastern end of Oslo Road

Blue Cypress Park 7400 Blue Cypress Lake Road

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

Turtle Trail Beach Access 8102 N. Highway A1A

Riverside Park Riverside Drive

C-54 Boat Launch CR 507 and Fellsmere Grade Road

Pocahontas Park 21st St. at 14th Ave.

A Dog’s Best Friend

Our furry four-legged friends agree that life is good in Vero Beach, especially in parks that allow them to romp off-leash. When you join a private park, a modest annual fee 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. The county also offers two public dog parks, which do not provide prescreening.

Private Parks

Humane Society Vero Beach & Indian River County Dog Park 6230 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

Clubs and Classes

Indian River County is full of opportunities to keep learning and meeting people who share your interests. We've compiled an eclectic sampling of clubs and organizations that might offer just what you are looking for. Whether you pick up the phone or stop in, you can count on finding friendly people ready to welcome you and answer all your questions.

Art

Art Works 2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 772-559-5230

artworksofvero.com

Gallery and art school offers classes for all ages and skill levels.

Indian River Clay

1239 16th St. 772-202-8598

indianriverclay.org

Indian River Clay offers courses in wheel throwing, hand building and other skills.

Vero Beach Art Club

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

verobeachartclub.org

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

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.

KELLY ROGERS

Vero Beach Rowing

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.

Treasure Coast Pilot Club 772-567-1134 tcpc.info

Bridge

Vero Beach Bridge Center 1520 14th Ave. 772-562-3008 bridgewebs.com/ verobeachcenter

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 1350 26th St. indianriveraaca.org

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

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

Dance

Indian River Ballroom 845 16th Place 772-794-9040

Private and group lessons in many styles available.

Swingsation 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 frequent 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

2336 14th Ave. 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.

Citizen's Academy

Indian River County Library 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

All three branches of the library offer a variety of classes.

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

• Serving Indian River and surrounding counties since 1974

• 24 hours a day / 7 days per week

• Private duty home health care agency / qualified caregivers

• We don’t use independent contractors

• Our rates are among the most reasonable in our area

• Our mission is to provide an excellent level of independent living for each patient in his or her own home

• As the saying goes, “There’s no place like home.”

McKee Botanical Garden

Green Thumbs Up

With the central role of agriculture in Indian River County’s history and the contributions of botanical beauty to our surroundings, it’s only natural that landscaping and gardening would be high on the list of our residents’ interests. Whether you are new to gardening or just new to gardening in Florida’s climate, you’ll find an abundance of resources to guide you in creating a beautiful yard or garden while protecting our precious waterways.

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!

at Riverside Park 3250 Riverside Park Drive February 5–6; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org

Gardening Seasons

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

Winter Gardening Season

Plant in late August through September

Nurseries

BB’s Tumbleweeds Garden Center

119 11th Place 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

Kale

Peas

Radishes

Spinach

Summer Gardening Season

Plant in March

Beans

Cantaloupe

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Lettuce

Okra

Peppers

Summer squash

Sweet potatoes

Watermelons

Zucchini

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

Lawnwood Vero Beach Emergency Room

660 S. U.S. Hwy. 1 772-563-5500 lawnwoodmed.com

MD Now Urgent Care

640 21st St. Miracle Mile Plaza 772-299-1092 mymdnow.com

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

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

Vero Beach Urgent Family Care

2651 20th St. 772-217-6012

verourgentcare.com

Cancer Treatment

Resources

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

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

indianriveraa.org

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

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

Mental Health Association in Indian River County Walk-In & Counseling Center 820 37th Place 772-569-9788 mhairc.org

Nonprofit Organizations

Vero Beach is home to many caring individuals who work to make our county a better place to live for all residents. If you are looking for a way to get involved and make a difference, these local organizations would love to hear from you.

Animal Welfare

Community Health Coalition 706-621-9943

knockoutrabies.org

Equine Welfare Network Inc. 772-559-4094

equinewelfarenetwork.org

Florida Rescue Ranch 772-766-9854

floridarescueranch.org

For the Love of Paws Senior Pet Sanctuary 772-539-2417

pawspetsanctuary.org

Friends of the Carr Refuge 321-872-8856

carrrefuge.org

H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live and Overcome) 772-589-7297 halorescuefl.org

Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County 772-388-3331 hsvb.org

Indian River Animal Advocates 772-567-8468

indianriveranimaladvocates.com

Indian River Community Cats 772-913-3333

indianrivercommunitycats.org

Pigs & Pals Farm Rescue 772-633-3512

pigsandpals.org

Boys and Girls Club of Indian River County COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF IRC

Arts & Culture

Atlantic Classical Orchestra

772-460-0850 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

Ballet Vero Beach

772-905-2651  balletverobeach.org

Ballet Vero Parents & Friends

772-360-8577 veroclassicalballet.org

Cultural Council of Indian River County

772-770-4857  cultural-council.org

Downtown Vero Beach Mural Project

772-501-4363 veromuralproject.org

Gifford Youth Orchestra

772-778-5118 gyotigers.org

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation

772-569-6718  lauraridingjackson.org

Riverside Theatre

772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

Treasure Coast Chorale

772-231-3498 treasurecoastchorale.org

Vero Beach Art Club

772-231-0303 verobeachartclub.org

Vero Beach Choral Society verobeachchoralsociety.org

Vero Beach Museum of Art

772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach Opera

772-569-6993, Box Office: 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org

Vero Beach Theatre Guild 772-562-8300 verobeachtheatreguild.com

Children & Youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties

772-466-8535 bbbsbigs.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County

772-299-7449 bgcirc.org

Childcare Resources of Indian River

772-567-3202 childcareresourcesir.org

Crossover Mission 772-257-5400 crossovermission.com

Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center 772-589-3535 dasiehope.org

Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program

772-501-2617

feedthelambsep.com

Foundations for Leadership

772-202-0550 fflmun.org

Gifford Youth Achievement Center 772-794-1005 gyac.net

Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast 772-202-3776  girlsontheruntc.org

Guardians for New Futures 772-807-3868 gfnf4kids.org

Hibiscus Children's Center 772-299-6011 hibiscuschildrenscenter.org

Homeless Children's Foundation 772-532-1139 hcfirc.com

Indian River Youth for Christ 772-226-0489

yfcirc.com

Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative 772-617-4350 krcirc.org

Little Birthday Angels 772-925-9352 littlebirthdayangels.org

Mardy Fish Children's Foundation 866-633-4070 mffkids.org

Music Angels Education Fund 484-885-7492 musicangelsusa.org

Place of Hope

561-775-7195 placeofhope.com

Victory Kids 772-559-8255 victory-kids.org

Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy 772-492-3933

youthguidanceprogram.org

Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County 772-492-3243 ysfirc.org

Community Service

211 Helpline of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast 561-383-1112

211treasurecoast.org

American Association of University Women, Vero Beach 772-257-5275

verobeach-fl.aauw.net

Center for Spiritual Care 772-567-1233

centerforspiritualcare.org

Executive Roundtable of Indian River County 772-321-7468

execroundtableirc.org

Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program ghcop.org

Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club 772-770-0757

indianriverclub.com

Impact 100 of Indian River County 772-207-1001 impact100ir.com

Indian River Community Foundation 772-492-1407

ircommunityfoundation.org

Indian River State College

COURTESY OF INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

Indian River County 4-H Foundation sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river/ irc-4-h/irc-4-h-foundation/

John's Island Foundation

772-234-0992  johnsislandfoundation.org

Junior League of Indian River 772-226-0799 jlir.org

Military Moms Prayer Group 772-473-0288  militarymomsprayergroup.com

The Moorings Habitat Partnership 617-803-0576

Quail Valley Charities 772-492-2069 quailvalleygolfclub.com

United Way of Indian River County 772-567-8900 unitedwayirc.org

Vero Beach Christian Business Association vbcba.org

Vero Beach Lifeguard Association

908-797-8725 vbla.org

Windsor Charitable Foundation

772-388-8377

Education

Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Counties 772-567-7480 elcirmo.org

The Education Foundation of Indian River County 772-564-0034 edfoundationirc.org

Haiti Partners 772-539-8521 haitipartners.org

Indian River State College Foundation 772-462-4786; 866-792-4772, ext. 4786 irscfoundation.org

The Learning Alliance 877-548-7323 thelearningalliance.org

Master's Academy of Vero Beach 772-794-4655 mastersvb.org

Miss B's Learning Bees 772-713-4130 missbslearningbees.org

Redlands Christian Migrant Association/RCMA 239-658-3560 rcma.org

Saint Edward's School 772-231-4136 steds.org

Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County 772-569-9869 sfindianriver.org

Sebastian Charter Junior High 772-388-8838 scjh.org

St. Helen Catholic School 772-567-5457 sthelenschoolvero.org

Treasure Coast Food Bank

Environment & Conservation

Coastal Connections

214-676-0011

coastal-connections.org

Environmental Learning Center

772-589-5050

dicoverelc.org

Friends of St. Sebastian River

772-202-0501

fssr.org

Garden Club of Indian River County

772-567-4602

gardenclubofirc.org

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation

772-466-9876

hboifoundation.org

Indian River Land Trust

772-794-0701

irlt.org

Keep Indian River Beautiful 772-226-7738

keepindianriverbeautiful.org

McKee Botanical Garden 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org

Ocean Research & Conservation Association

772-467-1600 teamorca.org

Pelican Island Audubon Society

772-567-3520

pelicanislandaudubon.org

Food & Nutrition

The Food Pantry of Indian River County

772-770-2068 foodpantryirc.org

Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen

772-562-6268

Shining Light Garden Foundation

772-532-8777

shininglightgarden.com

Treasure Coast Food Bank

772-489-3034

stophunger.org

Health & Wellness

Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County

772-563-0505

alzpark.org

American Cancer Society

800-227-2345

cancer.org

American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County 570-885-2811 ircgoldstarmoms.org

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Indian River County 772-569-7939 carenetchampions.org

A Caring Center for Women 772-257-5390 wesavebabies.org

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation 772-226-4960 clevelandclinicirfoundation.org

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of the Treasure Coast 772-334-2233 dhhstc.org

Dogs for Life 772-567-8969 dogsforlifevb.org

Friends After Diagnosis 772-770-9700 friendsafterdiagnosis.com

Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad 772-231-1230 volunteerambulancesquad.org

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Palm BeachTreasure Coast 954-805-5125 lls.org

March of Dimes Foundation 772-410-5460  marchofdimes.org

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

• Well woman exams

• Adolescent gynecology

• Obstetrical care

• Nexplanon

• Menopause treatment

• Gynecologic surgery

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

• In office ablation for heavy bleeding

• IUD

After 30 years of taking care of patients in Vero Beach, Dr. Presley will be retiring as of 4/29/22. The rest of the team at Florida Woman Care will still be available to serve you!

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

PATIENTS ARE SEEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY  MOST INSURANCES ARE ACCEPTED

Mental Health Association in Indian River County

772-569-9788 mhairc.org

Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County

772-217-3663 mhcollaborative.org

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

407-478-8882 nationalmssociety.org/flc

Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast

772-562-7603 specialequestrianstreasurecoast. org

Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County

772-770-4811 sacirc.org

Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic

772-562-6877 sunshineptc.org

Treasure Coast Community Health

772-571-1986 tcchinc.org

Tykes & Teens/Healthy Families

Indian River County

772-778-1323 tykesandteens.org/healthyfamilies-indian-river-county/

VNA & Hospice Foundation

772-567-5551 vnatc.com

Whole Family Health Center

772-257-5785 wholefamilyhealthcenter.org

Women's Refuge of Vero Beach

772-770-4424

womensrefugevb.org

History

Indian River County Historical Society

772-778-3435 irchistorical.org

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

772-595-5845 navysealmuseum.org

Old Vero Ice Age Sites Committee

772-538-5585 oviasc.org

Vero Heritage (Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum)

772-770-2263

veroheritage.org

Home & Family

The Arc of Indian River County

772-562-6854 arcir.org

The Buggy Bunch

772-226-0066

thebuggybunch.com

Children's Home Society of Florida

772-342-5091

chsfl.org

Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County

772-562-4177 eocofirc.net

The Hope for Families Center

772-567-5537 hopeforfamiliescenter.org

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition

772-563-9118

irchealthystartcoalition.org

Indian River Habitat for Humanity

772-562-9860

irchabitat.org

Safespace 772-223-2399

safespacefl.org

United Against Poverty

MARTINA TANNERY

Samaritan Center (Catholic Charities) 772-770-3039 ccdpb.org

The Source 772-564-0202 iamthesource.org

Human Services

American Red Cross 561-307-2929

Camp Haven 772-999-3625 camphaven.net

Career Source Research Coast

866-482-4473 careersourcerc.com

Kristina Conn Foundation 772-202-2107 mykcf.org

Lifebuilders of the Treasure Coast 772-337-5691 lifebuilderstc.com

Literacy Services of Indian River County

772-778-2223 literacyservicesirc.org

The River Fund 772 589-5076 riverfund.org

The Salvation Army

772-978-0265 salvationarmyverobeach.org

United Against Poverty of Indian River County

772-564-9365 upirc.org

Veterans Council of Indian River County 772-410-5820 veteranscouncilirc.club

Senior Services

Senior Resource Association 772-569-0760 seniorresourceassociation.org

St. Francis Manor of Vero Beach 772-562-8575 stfrancismanor.org

Sports & Recreation

Aeronautrixx 831-776-9811

Bike Walk Indian River County 772-299-6565 bikewalkirc.org

Float Hope of Indian River County

914-954-1882 floathopenow.org

Indian River Golf Foundation 772-713-9593 irgf.org

Indian River Soccer Association 772-696-0807 irsoccer.com

Risk Takers for Christ 772-539-1826

risktakersforchrist.org

Special Olympics Florida –Indian River County 772-475-3588

specialolympicsflorida.org/ indian-river

Vero Beach Rowing 772-261-0747

verobeachrowing.org

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% and an Indian River County sales tax of 1% 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 districts and special districts. Be sure to take advantage of the homestead exemption if you live here year-round. Currently up to $50,000, the exemption is available to permanent resident homeowners living on the property as of Jan. 1 of the tax year. Exemptions are also available for disabled veterans, widows and widowers, and people 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

Who’s Who

Local companies know what's best for Vero Beach’s climate and lifestyle

Interior Design

Performance Arts &

Christine Barry 781-910-5602

Stuart Tilt 203-517-8556

Fredi Ash 772-217-0887

Sotheby’s

Real Estate

Christine R. McLaughlin at Shamrock Real

Gena Grove 772-633-0106

Andrew Harper 772-633-6336 at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty harpergrovere.com 123

Heather Delamarter at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-321-3056 bhhsfloridarealty.com .................... 141

Cindy O’Dare 772-713-5899

Richard Boga 772-559-4800 at Premier Estate Properties

Dan Downey 772-713-6314

Anne Wallace 772-532-3226 at Berkshire Hathaway

Jane Schwiering 772-473-6048

Lucy Hendricks

772-559-8812 at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty veroluxuryproperties.com ............. 31

Jill Arsenault at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-233-0660

jillarsenault.one sothebysrealty.com 83

Debbie Bell at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Florida Realty 772-473-7255 verobeachislandrealestate.com .............................................................................59

Dustin Haynes at Coldwell Banker Paradise 772-205-1931

verobeachproperty.com 3

Frances Bonsignore Smyrk at One Sotheby’s International Realty 772-532-7278

fransmyrk.one sothebysrealty.com 75

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

realestateofvero.com

Non-Emergency Law

Deputy Brian Reimsnyder and Willow