Rockledge, Florida
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Rockledge is the oldest city in Brevard County,
Florida Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...
. The city's population was 27,678 at the 2020 Census, up from 24,926 at the 2010 United States Census, and is part of the Palm Bay
Melbourne Melbourne ( , ; Boonwurrung language, Boonwurrung/ or ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city of the States and territories of Australia, Australian state of Victori ...
Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.


History

Rockledge was officially founded on August 7, 1887, making it the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County. The name Rockledge, attributed to Gardner S. Hardee, an early settler, comes from the many ledges of coquina rock that line the Indian River. Other sources refer to a man named Cephas Bailey Magruder, who built his home after settling in the area in 1876 near the Indian River. Magruder called his home "the rockledge home" and the name was eventually attributed to the whole town. It was originally referred to as Rock Ledge; the two-word name persisted through the 19th century. Early industry in the area was based on the citrus trade and accommodation for tourists traveling to South Florida via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway of the Indian River. President
Grover Cleveland Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837June 24, 1908) was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897. He was the first U.S. president to serve nonconsecutive terms and the first Hist ...
and his wife visited the city in 1888. The town had several large hotels in the late 19th century to the early 20th century that catered to Northern tourists escaping cold winters. These included the Hotel Indian River, the Plaza, and the Rockledge Hotel, all located north of Barton Avenue, looking out over the river. Towards the early part of the 20th century, Rockledge was known as a resort town. In the winter months, the population would rise from 200 to almost 2,000 people. Up until about 1911, access to Rockledge was via boat and rail. Steamboats in the Indian River connected with Henry Flagler's trains to bring people to the North. Small boats, sailboats, and small launches frequently stopped to unload freight and passengers. Most of the tourists in this time were wealthy and would use the boats to connect to the rail system at that time. After World War I, the automobile allowed the average person to travel to the area and their encampments dotted the area. The Dixie Highway was completed in 1915 and spanned most of Florida. In the 1920s, US1 was paved and replaced the Dixie Highway. In 1939–1940, a winter visitor donated the money to construct a hospital. The mayor convinced the council to donate land from the former golf course that had belonged to the defunct Indian River Hotel for the hospital. In 1941, 10-bed Wuesthoff Hospital was established with a $12,500 gift given by the heirs of Eugene Wuesthoff and matching contributions from 500 Rockledge community residents. Rockledge underwent an expansion further west and south in the 1960s when it became a bedroom community for the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Several hundred families from all over the United States settled in the city with the advent of the Apollo missions and the space shuttle program. Recently in 2022 and 2023, the City has annexed property west of Interstate 95. Barton Boulevard supplements US Route 1 as the town's economic and cultural center as new subdivisions spread south along Fiske Boulevard. Main commercial centers are now along Fiske Boulevard, Murrell Road, and Barnes Boulevard. By the 1970s, the bulk of Rockledge's population lived between US Route 1 and Interstate 95. This is still true in 2023, yet multi-use development is expected on the west side of Interstate 95. Developments stretched north to south from the late 1950s to the 1990s. Virginia Park, Marlin Manor, Fairway Estates, Rockledge Country Club Estates, Golfview Estates, Kings Grant, Georgetown, Levitt Park and Woodsmere had all been established by the 1960s–1980s. Levitt Park and Woodsmere were built atop a gladiola farm and an orange grove. The huge Australian Pine trees at the southernmost points of Fiske Boulevard are all that remain of the grove's windbreaks. The subdivision of Silver Pines, while part of unincorporated Brevard County outside the city limit, was also built during this period and is identified by citizens as a part of the city.


Geography

According to the
United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (11.03%) is water. It is bounded on the north by Cocoa, on the west by the St. Johns River and scrubland, to the south by Viera ( unincorporated) and
Melbourne Melbourne ( , ; Boonwurrung language, Boonwurrung/ or ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city of the States and territories of Australia, Australian state of Victori ...
, and to the east by the Indian River Lagoon and Merritt Island (unincorporated) on the opposite shore.


Climate

Rockledge has a
humid subtropical climate A humid subtropical climate is a subtropical -temperate climate type, characterized by long and hot summers, and cool to mild winters. These climates normally lie on the southeast side of all continents (except Antarctica), generally between ...
,
Köppen climate classification The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are ''A'' (tropical), ''B'' (arid), ''C'' (te ...
Cfa. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its proximity to the
Gulf Stream The Gulf Stream is a warm and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows through the Straits of Florida and up the eastern coastline of the United States, then veers east near 36°N latitude (North Carolin ...
, which flows off the east coast of Florida. There are two major seasons which characterize the area. The warm season is hot and rainy lasting from June until late September. The cool season the dry season, October through May, brings more moderate temperatures and less frequent rainfall.


Environment

Rainfall can run off from the city into the Indian River Lagoon, with resultant pollution. As a result, the city has banned fertilizing from June 1 to September 30 annually.


Demographics


2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 27,678 people, 10,768 households, and 7,486 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 24,926 people, 9,310 households, and 7,002 families residing in the city. In 2010, the city had the lowest percentage of people living in poverty of any municipality measured in the county, 5%, compared to an average of 10% countywide.


2000 census

As of the
census A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...
of 2000, there were 20,170 people, 7,864 households, and 5,677 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 8,353 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 81.06%
White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
, 14.64%
African American African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...
, 0.28% Native American, 1.66% Asian, 0.08%
Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...
, 0.73% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races.
Hispanic The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...
or Latino of any race were 3.28% of the population. In 2000, there were 7,864 households, out of which 31.0% had children living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.93. Per the 2000 census, the population was distributed as follows: 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. In 2000, the median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.


Points of interest

* Barton Avenue Residential District * H. S. Williams House * Marion S. Whaley Citrus Packing House * Persimmon Mound * Rockledge Drive Residential District * Valencia Subdivision Residential District


Parks and recreation

Rockledge has the following parks: * Anderson Stormwater Park * Barton Park nder construction* Columbia Park * Dick Blake Park * Cruickshank Sanctuary * Golfview Park * Holland Park * McClarty Park * Memorial Walk at Levitt Park * Morris Park * Raider Park * River Groves Dock * Riverwalk - A Family Park * Rockledge Park * Silver Pines Park * Taylor Park * Valencia Dock


Government

The City of Rockledge functions under a Council-Manager government. The
Mayor In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a Municipal corporation, municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilitie ...
and
City Council A municipal council is the legislative body of a municipality or local government area. Depending on the location and classification of the municipality it may be known as a city council, town council, town board, community council, borough counc ...
members are elected to three-year terms. There are six City Council members whose terms are staggered to allow election of two council seats each year. The city holds municipal elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November each year. While the Mayor and the City Council act as the legislative body of the City of Rockledge, the actual operation of the city and its functions lies with the
city manager A city manager is an official appointed as the administrative manager of a city in the council–manager form of city government. Local officials serving in this position are referred to as the chief executive officer (CEO) or chief administ ...
and his departmental support staff consisting of assistant city manager/finance director, city clerk/public relations officer, building official, fire chief, chief of police, director of public works and director of wastewater treatment and water reclamation. The chairman of the City Council appoints members of the City Council to serve on subcommittees and to represent the City Council on other governmental bodies that require the city's input. In 2013, there were 237 city employees.


Finances

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $1.55 billion. In 2009–2010, the city paid $2.2 million for solid waste disposal. This was furnished at a cost of $168.48 annually per residence. Non residential (business) collection cost $632.89 each, annually.


Police

Rockledge has approximately fifty full-time certified police officers serving the city. In addition, there are 18 support staff positions, five reserve officers, eight crossing guards, and seven civilian volunteers. All police officers must be certified by the State of Florida. In August 2011, the new $4 million police headquarters was finished and it is located at 1776 Jack Oates Blvd. The old police station on Barton Blvd may be home to a future library and other non-profit organizations, who will lease the former police headquarters from the city.


Fire protection

Along with one other city in the county, Rockledge has its own fire department with three stations. There is a county fire department within the city limits.


Boards and committees

The City of Rockledge contains several citizen-run boards and committees that make recommendations to the city on various issues. The positions held on the boards and committees are on a voluntary basis and non-paid. The boards and committees of Rockledge are: * Board of Adjustment * Board of Adjustment and Appeals * Business Development Committee * Citizens Advisory Committee * Citizens Recreation Advisory Board * Code Enforcement Board * Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners * Education Advisory Committee * Planning Commission * Retirement Board, Fire Employees * Retirement Board, General Employees * Retirement Board, Police Employees * The Rockledge Environmental Enhancement Board The city publishes an official newsletter for residents of Rockledge.


Mayors

#Fiske 1929–1933 #Geiger 1940–1952 #J.W. Wilkins 1957–1958 #Curt Barnes 1959–1962 #J.W. Wilkins 1963–1964 #Grady 1965–1974 #Jack Oates 1975–1998 #Larry L. Schultz 1999–2010 #Thomas J. Price 2011–current


Economy

Local businesses focus on
technology Technology is the application of Conceptual model, conceptual knowledge to achieve practical goals, especially in a reproducible way. The word ''technology'' can also mean the products resulting from such efforts, including both tangible too ...
and
aerospace Aerospace is a term used to collectively refer to the atmosphere and outer space. Aerospace activity is very diverse, with a multitude of commercial, industrial, and military applications. Aerospace engineering consists of aeronautics and astron ...
, especially those related to nearby
Kennedy Space Center The John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC, originally known as the NASA Launch Operations Center), located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of the NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) ten NASA facilities#List of field c ...
and Cape Canaveral. Citrus grove production is nominal, producing citrus confections, juice and souvenirs for the tourist trade and for local consumption.


Personal income

The median income for a household in the city was $45,218, and the median income for a family was $52,332. Males had a median income of $39,434 versus $25,918 for females. The
per capita income Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...
for the city was $20,700. About 4.0% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the
poverty line The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.


Industry

The leading industries in Rockledge are Educational, health and social services, 20%; Manufacturing, 12%; and Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services, 11%. Rivian Automotive, a tiny start-up, plans to begin production of cars in 2013.


Tourism

Rockledge has the following annual community events, festivals, and parades: * Art/Craft Fair * Cruise-On-In Car Show *
Independence Day An independence day is an annual event memorialization, commemorating the anniversary of a nation's independence or Sovereign state, statehood, usually after ceasing to be a group or part of another nation or state, or after the end of a milit ...
Family Picnic * Light Up Rockledge and Holiday Parade * Memorial Day Parade * National Night Out * Taylor Park Fall Family Festival


Workforce

In 2007, the average size of Rockledge's labor force was 11,886. Of that group, 11,455 were employed and 431 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 3.6%.Rockledge Community Data Sheet
Economic Development Council of Florida's Space Coast. Retrieved on 2009-06-23
Among the most common occupations in Rockledge are Management, professional, and related occupations, 36%. Sales and office occupations, 28%. and Service occupations, 15%. Approximately 72 percent of workers in Rockledge, Florida work for companies, 19 percent work for the government and 6 percent are self-employed.


Housing

Reflecting economic times, in 2008, 45 building permits were issued for 105 units. In 2007, 131 permits were issued for 158 units. Also, in 2006, an estimated 106 permits for 341 units were issued. The median home price in 2007 was $214,965. In February 2011, the average price of homes actually sold was $131,500.


Education

The public schools in Rockledge are operated by the Brevard County Public School Board. Local schools include Hans Christian Andersen Elementary; Golfview Elementary; John F. Kennedy Middle School; Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School; and Rockledge High School. Private schools include St. Mary's Catholic School, Rockledge Christian School, Trinity Lutheran School, and Rockledge Montessori School. Sawgrass Academy Middle was a former charter school in the town.


Infrastructure


Transportation


Major roads

Rockledge is served by U.S. Route 1. Major east–west roads are oriented towards this north–south road. The following are at least four-lane roads, unless otherwise designated. ;National roads * U.S. 1. – This road was constructed east of the railroad throughout the city. In 2010, it was widened to six lanes throughout Rockledge. A landscaped median was installed. Construction in 2010 cost $27.5 million for . This section of the road carries approximately 45,000 vehicles daily. Major intersections include CR 502 and Barton Boulevard. *
Interstate 95 Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main north–south Interstate Highway on the East Coast of the United States, running from U.S. Route 1 (US 1) in Miami, Florida, north to the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing between Maine and the ...
– A very small portion runs through the city at Exit 195. ;State roads * SR 519 (Fiske Blvd) is a state road which at the southernmost point connects to Stadium Parkway in Viera and at the northernmost point to SR 520 in Cocoa. SR 519 is a four-lane road. Major intersections include CR 502, Interstate 95, and Barton Boulevard. ;County roads * CR 502 (Barnes Blvd) links US 1, Murrell Road, SR 519 and I-95. CR 502 is a two-lane road except for the easternmost portion which has four lanes that eventually merge into two. Major intersections include Interstate 95, SR 519, and U.S. 1. * CR 515 (Rockledge Drive) winds along the Indian River edge and is a portion of the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway. Along the road are century-old oaks and homes in late 18th century style. There are no major intersections.


Bus

* Space Coast Area Transit operates a public bus service in Rockledge and vicinity.


Rail

* The Florida East Coast Railway runs through Rockledge but does not stop. Historically, there was a stop on the Florida East Coast Railway, but it was abandoned when passenger service became unprofitable.


Air

* The city has a private runway at the Rockledge Airpark that used to be run by Aero Adventures Inc, but was closed over safety concerns in 2015. The paved runway is approximately 2000 feet with a parallel grass runway on the east side of the property, and a local mechanic operates from the former hangars.


Notable people

* Lyman Barnes, Wisconsin politician, practiced law in Rockledge for five years *
Kurt Debus Kurt Heinrich Debus (November 29, 1908 – October 10, 1983) was a German-American rocket engineer and NASA director. Born in Germany, he was a member of the ''Schutzstaffel'' (SS) during World War II, where he served as a V-weapons flight test d ...
, former director of
NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...
's Launch Operations Center * Lucas "Tiger" Fafara, II, child actor, played Tooey Brown in '' Leave it to Beaver'' (1957–1963) * Tammy Lynn Leppert, actress who vanished in 1983 * Troy Matteson,
PGA Tour The PGA Tour (stylized as PGA TOUR by its officials) is the organizer of professional golf tours in North America. It organizes most of the events on the flagship annual series of tournaments also known as the PGA Tour, the PGA Tour Champion ...
and 2002 NCAA champion golfer *
DeLane Matthews DeLane Matthews (born August 7, 1961) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Beth Barry in the CBS television sitcom '' Dave's World'' from 1993 to 1997. Life and career DeLane Matthews was raised in northern Florida. She m ...
, actress, played Beth Barry on '' Dave's World'' (1993–1997) * Mel Mitchell, professional football player * Bill Posey, former, U.S. representative, Florida senator, and Florida representativehttps://floridapolitics.com/archives/710166-bill-posey-looks-back-at-accomplishments-and-sudden-close-to-years-of-service/ * Laurent Robinson, professional football player * Scott Thompson, comedian, also known as Carrot Top, was born in Rockledge * Beau Taylor, MLB player, #46 catcher for the Cleveland Indians. Former catcher of the
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...
* Melissa Witek, Miss Florida USA 2005, contestant on NBC's '' Treasure Hunters'' * RJ Scaringe, founder of Rivian Automotive


References


External links


www.cityofrockledge.org
Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Rockledge
Local Newspaper- Town Rockledge