2010-252A (17) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the first refuge in the nation, occupies several small islands in the Indian River as well as some wetland areas on the barrier island. The northernmost tip of the barrier island is occupied by the Sebastian Inlet Recreation Area. Portions of the island in this area are designated as an undeveloped coastal barrier, a designation which limits building potential due to the unavailability of Federal Flood Insurance. The central area of the island is occupied by the Town of Indian River Shores. Characterized by large homes and private condominium developments, Indian River Shores is the wealthiest of the five municipalities in the county. To the south is the island portion of Vero Beach. Much different from the mainland portion of the city, this area contains oceanfront condominiums as well as a tourist commercial area containing small shops, hotels and restaurants as well as older single family homes. The southernmost portion of the island is being developed almost exclusively with low density single family residences. Recent patterns indicate that the greatest growth in the county is occurring in four areas: the South County, from Vero Beach to the St. Lucie County line; the State Road 60 corridor from Vero Beach to I-95; the Central County, primarily along 58th Avenue north of Vero Beach; and the North County in and around Sebastian and Fellsmere. Much of the residential, commercial and industrial growth over the next twenty years is likely to occur in these four areas located on the mainland. At this time, the barrier island is nearly built - out. HISTORIC LAND USE The existing land use pattern is the result of past development in the county. Through the years, natural, social, economic and political forces have changed the county's landscape. In an effort to understand these changes, it is useful to examine the historic land use patterns of the county. This is accomplished by reviewing land use coverage for three periods of time. These periods were chosen because they represent different stages in the development of the county for which there is an availability of reliable land use data. This historic comparison is useful to establish land use patterns and trends. The three periods chosen for analysis are the mid 1940s, the late 1960s, and the early 1980s. In 1943, Indian River County was a sparsely developed area with less than 10,000 inhabitants. World War II was nearing its end, and the nation and county were preparing for the many social and economic changes that were to occur during the post war period. By 1969, the second point in this examination, the county population had more than tripled to 36,000 residents. This period was prior to any comprehensive planning at the county level. Much development occurred during this time for both economic and speculative reasons, resulting in urban and agricultural land uses expanding at a rapid rate. The final point in time for this examination is 1984. By this time, the population of the county had increased to nearly 75,000 persons. Future Land Use Element 4