The Facts
Vero Beach is located on the east coast of Florida, about midway down the state.While Vero Beach is not a large city, (population 18,000 and a county population of 92,000) it has experienced a steady growth, substantial new construction and is very popular as a year round tourist resort.
Indian River County is located at the northern border of Florida's warmest thermal belt. Yearly rainfall is from 50 to 55 inches. September is usually known as the rainy month, with June, October and august following next in order. The period of least rainfall usually occurs from November to April. The average year round temperature is 73.4 degrees, summer 80.7, winter 65.8 degrees.
We are fortunate to have a well diversified economy. Its three main segments are tourism, agriculture (the center of the world famous Indian River Citrus Belt) and light industry. Vero Beach and Indian River County are noted for miles of unspoiled beaches, endless stretches of the Indian River which is part of the intercoastal waterway, and the scenic Sebastian River. This, coupled with other forms of recreation and entertainment, is responsible for the increase in popularity of the area.
Indian River Memorial Hospital, 1000-36th Street, Vero Beach, is a 293 bed all private room full service community hospital with medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitation, cancer center, and emergency services. Sebastian River Medical Center is a 133 bed acute care facility, with medical-surgical staff, and is located at 13695 U.S. #1, Sebastian, in the northern part of Indian River County. Psychiatric Institute of Vero is an inpatient psychiatric facility located at 1190-37th Street. Treasure Coast Rehabilitation Hospital is located at 1600-37th Street. The Sunshine Rehabilitation Center offers physical therapy to handicapped children and adults.
The County is governed by a commission of five, elected countywide, but residing in the five districts in the county. The city of Vero Beach is under the Mayor-Council form of government. Councilmen serve two year terms.
The City of Vero Beach has an active police force consisting of 61 sworn personnel, nine of whom are detectives and four administrative, and 27 non-sworn personnel.
The Indian River County Sheriff's Department has a staff of 343. Sworn personnel account for 243 of which 119 are corrections officers. Support personnel account for another 100 employees.
Indian River County has a Unified Fire District with nine fire stations throughout the county.
The City owns and operates its own water, sewer and electrical generation and distribution facilities.
The county has two new full service libraries. The Indian River County Main Library is located at 1600-21st Street, 770-5060 and the North County Library is at 1001 Fellsmere Road in Sebastian, 589-1355.
The Press Journal is published daily and may be obtained by writing to P.O. Box 1268, Vero Beach, Fl. 32961, or by phone (407)562-2315. The Vero Beach Sun (407)569-0060 and Sebastian Sun (407)589-4566 are published weekly.
The nearest veterans' hospitals are located in Miami and Tampa. The nearest military base is 50 north at Cocoa Beach.
Melbourne Regional Airport is approximately 35 miles north. Airport limousine service and auto rentals are available at Melbourne and Vero Beach Airports. International airports are located in Orlando Florida, West Palm beach and Miami. All within a one to two hour drive.
Community Coach mini-bus service is available at limited stops throughout the county for a small charge. The Council on Aging, 561-569-0760, operates a mini-bus service for senior citizens "as needed".
Vero Beach