Melbourne, Florida
ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS CRANE CREEK, destroyed by fire.
w
w
Melbourne was a small community nestled in a natural Today, space travel is more the norm than train travel
w
harbor of the Indian River Lagoon at a time when barge and the Space Coast itself is known as the high-tech cen-
.
R
traffic was vitally important to the prosperity of the ter of the Southeast, with major technology corporations
e
area. It eventually became known as and technical schools in the area.
t
i
Melbourne, a name that was adopted If it’s fun you’re after, you will
r
“The Brevard Zoo offers
i
n
because the new post office required have no problem occupying every
g
one.
up the wild side, and
moment. If you enjoy outdoor
It’s named for Melbourne, Austra- pursuits such as fishing or golf,
F

t
o
lia, where Cornthwaite John Hector,
Space Coast Stadium
you’ll find abundant opportunities
the new postmaster, had spent much for both. The Brevard Zoo offers up
l
of his life. It is said that Hector pre- draws baseball fans to the wild side, and Space Coast Sta-
o
ferred a different name, but Mrs. R. dium draws baseball fans to watch
W. Goode is credited with the sugges-
watch the Washington
the Washington Nationals during
r
tion. After drawing straws, the name Spring Training and the Brevard i
“Melbourne” was a clear winner.
Nationals during Spring
Manatees in the summer. Special d
To the north, a sister settlement events such as the Grant Seafood
known at Eau Gallie began to grow.
Training and the Brevard
Festival and Brevard Arts Festival
a
Ultimately, the two communities
merged, officially becoming one
Manatees in the summer.”
take place throughout the year. .
c
When temperatures soar, howev-
o
m
town in 1969. Even today, Mel- er, there are plenty of things to do
bourne features two distinct downtown areas. indoors. There are many museums and galleries; enter-
Barge traffic dwindled after the railroad roared into tainment ranges from Broadway shows to local theater
Melbourne in 1893, but the most dramatic change productions. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra and
took place in 1919, when the entire downtown area was community bands present performances year-round.
At A Glance
Melbourne, Fla.
Population: 74,454
Average Temp: 81 F
Average Age: 40
Nearest Hospital:
Holmes Regional Medical Center
Nearest Major Airport:
Melbourne
International Airport
Melbourne Info:
Melbourne
Chamber of Commerce
(321) 724-5400
www.MelPB-Chamber.org
www.RetiringToFlorida.com I www.RetiringToGeorgia.com I www.HotRetirementTowns.com
39_Melbourne.indd 39 8/29/07 3:18:44 PM
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