Brevard County is on the east coast of Florida and is also referred to as the Space Coast due to the presence of the Kennedy Space Center. It is located halfway between Jacksonville and Miami and it borders the Atlantic Intracoastal waterway and includes the Indian River on the eastern side of the county. Many other waterways run through the county. Port Canaveral has been named one of the busiest cruise ports. The county includes the cities of Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, and Cocoa Beach, with the county seat being Titusville.
Established in 1844, Brevard County has a rich history linked to exploration, settlement, and space exploration. The county’s development accelerated with the space program, particularly the establishment of the Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s.
Brevard County’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from aerospace, technology, tourism, and agriculture. The aerospace industry is a major driver, with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station playing pivotal roles. Tourism is also crucial, with attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, beautiful beaches, and eco-tourism opportunities. Other important sectors include defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Brevard County has a diverse and growing population, with a mix of long-time residents, military personnel, and space industry professionals. The county is known for its family-friendly communities, retirement neighborhoods, and vibrant cities. Brevard County offers a high quality of life with a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The area is known for its active retirement communities, family-friendly neighborhoods, and luxurious waterfront properties. Residents enjoy a range of recreational activities, cultural events, and dining options.
The county has no urban center, but is divided into North, Central and South County. The county has an abundance of activities and attractions to offer, such as:
- Brevard County is famous for its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, such as Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, which are popular for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
- The Kennedy Space Center offers tours, exhibits, and launch viewings, drawing visitors from around the world.
- The Indian River Lagoon is a significant natural feature, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
- The county boasts numerous parks, golf courses, and nature preserves, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cultural attractions include the Brevard Zoo, the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, and the Foosaner Art Museum.
- The area hosts various festivals and events, such as the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival and the Melbourne Art Festival.
Brevard County is well-connected via major highways, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. The Space Coast Area Transit provides public transportation services throughout the county. The Orlando Melbourne International Airport and the Space Coast Regional Airport serve the area for air travel.
Brevard’s economy has been supported by trade, transportation, utilities, government, professional services and health. Harris Corporation, several hospitals and Kennedy Space Center were some of the top employers throughout the county.
The county is home to several top-rated healthcare facilities, including Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center, Parrish Medical Center, and Steward Health Care’s Rockledge Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive medical services to the community.
Elementary and secondary education is ranked in the top 10 with regards to schools in the state. Eastern Florida State and Florida Institute of Technology are available in the county for higher education needs with numerous satellite campuses for the University of Central Florida, Keiser University just to name a few.
And, some of the country’s most traveled vacation destinations are only a short distance away, such as Disney World, Universal Studios, MGM, Epcot, Animal Kingdom to name but a few.
Brevard County, with its unique blend of space industry heritage, natural attractions, and vibrant communities, offers an appealing lifestyle for residents and an exciting destination for visitors.
