Florida Secretary of State Byrd designates Main Street Vero Beach for its historic preservation and community achievements

Tallahassee, Florida – Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced today that Main Street Vero Beach, located in Indian River County, has earned the distinction of Florida Main Street Program of the Month for November 2025. The recognition highlights the community’s dedication to revitalization, economic development, and historic preservation, while celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage.

“Main Street Vero Beach is one of the Treasure Coast’s true gems,” said Secretary Byrd. “The Hibiscus City maintains a beautiful balance of telling the story of its historical assets, while also writing new chapters on community engagement and investment in a brighter future.” This honor reflects decades of work by residents, business leaders, and volunteers who have transformed Vero Beach into a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and community pride.

Incorporated in 1919 as the Town of Vero, Vero Beach has deep roots in the citrus and cattle industries, reflecting more than a century of growth and resilience. The town’s founding family, the Giffords, coined the name “Vero,” derived from the Latin word for truth, symbolizing authenticity and integrity. They also built the area’s first post office near their family home, marking a milestone in the town’s early development.

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The early history of Vero Beach is closely tied to the establishment of Indian River County in 1925. Residents who were dissatisfied with St. Lucie County’s restrictive Blue Laws, which prohibited alcohol and entertainment on Sundays, sought greater freedoms, resulting in the formation of a new county. The town, renamed Vero Beach, became the county seat, and several key institutions—including Vero Beach High School, the Mosquito Control District, and law enforcement offices—were established. Other early accomplishments include the construction of the first bridge over the Indian River in 1920, the establishment of a local fire department in 1923, and the opening of Vero Beach Airport in 1930, which served as a military training base during World War II before returning to civilian use in 1947.

Vero Beach’s growth continued through the efforts of prominent local families. The Sextons contributed to the town’s development with landmarks like the Vero Beach Dairy in 1924 and McKee Gardens in 1932, while the MacWilliam, Howard, Graves, Schlitt, and Wodtke families also played key roles in shaping the community. Popular local establishments such as Waldo’s, the Driftwood Inn, and The Patio Restaurant opened in 1935, helping to establish Vero Beach as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

The town also boasts a celebrated sports history. In 1948, the Brooklyn Dodgers chose Vero Beach for spring training, drawing crowds of up to 6,000 spectators and sparking nearly fifty years of baseball tradition. Vero Beach’s civic leadership, including figures like Alma Lee Loy, Indian River County’s first female commissioner elected in 1968 and known as “Vero’s First Lady,” helped foster cultural and recreational growth. Riverside Theatre opened in 1973, and essential public parks and bridges were constructed in 1979, further enhancing the town’s appeal.

In the 1990s, Main Street Vero Beach (MSVB) emerged as a central force for community engagement, spearheading initiatives that promoted downtown revitalization. Established in 1998 by downtown redevelopment advocates, MSVB has hosted festivals, parades, street fairs, and pageants while supporting local businesses and nonprofits. Over the years, the program has facilitated more than $47 million in public and private investments, helped launch 293 net new businesses, and contributed to 816 net new jobs. Volunteers have dedicated nearly 22,000 hours to the program’s ongoing success.

Recent MSVB projects highlight the organization’s commitment to both beautification and community connection. Initiatives such as the Walkable Core Lighting project, monthly Coffee with the Mayor events, Mural Fest, and Classic Movie Nights engage residents while promoting downtown vibrancy. These projects, alongside the organization’s support for local businesses and nonprofits, reinforce MSVB’s role as a cornerstone of civic pride and economic growth.

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Main Street Vero Beach continues to balance the preservation of its historic assets with forward-looking initiatives that enhance community engagement and economic opportunity. Through its programming, events, and partnerships, MSVB exemplifies the mission of the Florida Main Street program, showcasing how a community can honor its past while building for the future.

For more information on Main Street Vero Beach, visit Home | Main Street Vero Beach or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, contact [email protected] or follow the program on Facebook and Instagram.

Vero Beach’s recognition as Florida Main Street of the Month underscores the city’s unique combination of historical significance, civic engagement, and community-driven growth, making it a shining example of how small cities can cultivate both cultural richness and economic vitality.