Secretary Byrd Designates Main Street Vero Beach as Florida Main Street of the Month

Secretary Byrd Designates Main Street Vero Beach as Florida Main Street of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Main Street Vero Beach, located in Indian River County, has been designated the November 2025 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

"Main Street Vero Beach is one of the Treasure Coast's true gems," said Secretary of State Cord 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."

Incorporated in 1919, as the Town of Vero, Vero Beach has deep roots in citrus and cattle dating back more than a century. The Gifford family, instrumental in the town's founding, coined the name "Vero" from the Latin word for truth, symbolizing authenticity. They also constructed the area's first post office near their family home.

Later, residents dissatisfied with St. Lucie County's restrictive Blue Laws prohibiting alcohol and entertainment on Sundays sought greater freedoms and established Indian River County in 1925. The town was selected as the new county seat and subsequently renamed Vero Beach. Key institutions, including Vero Beach High School, the Mosquito Control District, the Sheriff's Office, and the Police Department, were also founded during this pivotal year. Other significant milestones that marked Vero Beach's early history include the construction of its 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. The airport served as a military training base during World War II and resumed civil operations in 1947.

Photographs provided by Kram Kran Photo

The Sexton family furthered the community's development, constructing landmarks such as the Vero Beach Dairy in 1924, and McKee Gardens in 1932. Popular tourist destinations like Waldo's, the Driftwood Inn, and The Patio Restaurant were established in 1935. Other influential families, including MacWilliam, Howard, Graves, Schlitt, and Wodtke, played vital roles in shaping the town.

Vero Beach welcomed the Brooklyn Dodgers for spring training in 1948, marking the beginning of a celebrated baseball history. The arrival of the Dodgers attracted significant crowds, with 6,000 spectators attending their first spring training game, leading to nearly fifty years of baseball tradition in the community. Thanks to the work of residents like as Alma Lee Loy, Indian River County's first female commissioner who was elected in 1968 and known as "Vero's First Lady," Vero Beach continued to grow and thrive with the establishment of Riverside Theatre in 1973, and the construction of essential public parks and bridges in 1979.

In the 1990s, Main Street Vero Beach (MSVB) became a focal point for community engagement through events like Downtown Friday. The organization was formed in 1998 by a group of downtown redevelopment advocates and has facilitated numerous festivals, parades, street fairs, and pageants over the years. Today, MSVB remains committed to revitalization initiatives, economic growth, beautification, and historic preservation. Since its inception, MSVB has accounted for over $47 million in public and private investments, 293 net new businesses, and 816 net new jobs. The program has reported nearly 22,000 volunteer hours throughout its history. Recent projects include the Walkable Core Lighting project, monthly Coffee with the Mayor events, Mural Fest, and Classic Movie Nights, alongside support for local non-profits and businesses.

For more information on Main Street Vero Beach, visit Home | Main Street Vero Beach or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit [email protected]or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 53 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center's Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida's downtowns - the community's heart and soul.