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<br />Proclamation
<br />CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
<br />-Whereas, on June 29, 1925, Indian River County was officially established as Florida's 65th county,
<br />carved from the northern portion of St. Lucie County to provide residents with greater local autonomy,
<br />improved allocation of public services, and freedom from burdensome regulation; and
<br />-Whereas, the county takes its name from the Indian River Lagoon, a vital and biodiverse ecosystem
<br />that supports more than 4,000 species of plants and animals and has long served as both a cultural and
<br />economic lifeline for the region; and
<br />-Whereas, Indian River County has cultivated a proud agricultural legacy, with its world-renowned
<br />Indian River citrus—particularly oranges and grapefruit—gaining international acclaim for exceptional flavor
<br />and quality, owing to the region's unique soil, subtropical climate, and generations of dedicated farmers; and
<br />-Whereas, aviation has played a central role in the county's history and development, most notably
<br />through the Vero Beach Airport, which began service in the 1930s and served as a Naval Air Station during
<br />World War II, training naval aviators and contributing to the defense of our nation; and
<br />-Whereas, the legacy of sports and civil rights also runs deep in Indian River County, where the
<br />Brooklyn Dodgers established their spring training facility at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach in 1948—
<br />ushering in an era of integrated baseball in the South, and serving as the spring training home of Jackie
<br />Robinson, whose courage and talent helped break the color barrier in Major League Baseball and inspired
<br />change throughout generations; and
<br />-Whereas, Indian River County is home to some of Florida's most pristine and cherished natural
<br />resources, including its white -sand beaches, vibrant coastal communities, and the Pelican Island National
<br />Wildlife Refuge—the first national wildlife refuge in the United States—symbolizing a century -long
<br />commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship; and
<br />`-Whereas, over the past 100 years, Indian River County has grown into a vibrant and resilient
<br />community, blending the charm of its rural and agricultural heritage with innovation in business, the arts,
<br />education, and public service, while maintaining its deep connection to land, water, and people.
<br />Wow, Therefore, be it Proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Indian
<br />River County, FCor%cfa, that June 29, 2025, shall be recognized as: INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
<br />CENTENNIAL DAY and we extend our deepest appreciation to all who have shaped its past and continue to
<br />build its future. Let this proclamation stand as a tribute to the enduring spirit, natural beauty, and proud legacy
<br />of Indian River County as it embarks on its second century.
<br />Adopted this 1711 day of June, 2025. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
<br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
<br />Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman
<br />Deryl Loar, Vice Chairman
<br />Joseph H. Earman
<br />Susan Adams
<br />Laura Moss
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