The Indian River, actually a
saltwater estuary, follows much of Florida's Atlantic coastline. The county bearing its
name was created in 1925. Although a promoter of Quay (now Winter Beach) offered $100,000
for construction of a courthouse there, the honor went to Vero, since renamed Vero Beach.
The name was chosen by Sarah Gifford, wife of Henry Gifford, the town's founder. The first
county offices were located on the second floor of the Seminole Building and in the Palmetto Hotel;
the latter, more recently renovated for use as an apartment, is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. The courthouse was built in 1936 and occupied in 1937.
To the right is a picture of the current courthouse. |