Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 1969 the city was expanded by the merging of Eau Gallie.The city was named Melbourne in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.
Early human occupation
Evidence for the presence of Paleo-Indians in the Melbourne area during the late Pleistocene epoch was uncovered during the 1920s. C. P. Singleton, a Harvard University zoologist, discovered the bones of a Mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) on his property along Crane Creek a mile and a half from Melbourne, and brought in Amherst College paleontologist Frederick B. Loomis to excavate the skeleton. Loomis found a second elephant, with a 'large rough flint instrument' among fragments of the elephant's ribs. Loomis found in the same stratum mammoth, mastodon, horse, ground sloth, tapir, pessary, camel and saber-tooth cat bones, all extinct in Florida since the end of the Pleistocene 10,000 years ago. At a nearby site a human rib and charcoal were found in association with Mylodon, Megalonyx and Chlamytherium (ground sloths) teeth. A finely worked spearpoint found with these items may have been displaced from a later stratum. In 1925 attention shifted to the Melbourne golf course. A crushed human skull with finger, arm and leg bones was found in association with a horse tooth. A piece of ivory that appeared to have been modified by humans was found at the bottom of the stratum containing bones. Other finds included a spear point near a mastodon bone and a turtle-back scraper and a blade found with bear, camel, mastodon, horse and tapir bones. Similar human remains, Pleistocene animals and Paleo-Indian artefacts were found in Vero Beach, 30 miles south of Melbourne, and similar Paleo-Indian artefacts were found at Helen Blazes, ten miles southwest of Melbourne.
Settlement
Melbourne originally was a training area for Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.[citation needed] Some soldiers, who were attracted to the river and the ocean, returned and bought land at 5 cents per acre.[citation needed] After the Civil War, pioneer families arrived and Melbourne was founded in the late 1860s by former slaves. The city was named Melbourne in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia. The first school in Melbourne was built in 1883 and is now owned and on permanent exhibit on the Florida Tech campus. By 1885, the town had 70 people. The Greater Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1885 and is still active.In the late 1890s, the Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home opened and is still in business. The oldest black-owned business in the county is Tucker's Cut-Rate plumbing. It opened in 1934.In late 1942 the Naval Air Station Melbourne was established as a site to train newly commissioned Navy and Marine pilots for WWII. The program ran until 1946, and the land that was used for that program makes up most of what is currently the Melbourne International Airport. In 1969, the cities of Eau Gallie and Melbourne voted to merge, forming modern day Melbourne.In 2009, Liberty Aerospace cut its workforce to 32 people.
Geography
Melbourne is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Orlando on the Space Coast along Interstate 95. It is approximately midway between Jacksonville and Miami. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.49 square miles (91.9 km2). 30.20 square miles (78.2 km2) of it is land and 5.29 square miles (13.7 km2) of it (14.9%) is water.The east-west street, Brevard Avenue was historically the 'center' of town; with addresses called 'north' and 'south' of this street. The north-south Babcock street provided the same centerline for 'east' and 'west' direction.Melbourne Beachside has a small presence on the South Beaches barrier island. It is often confused with Melbourne Beach, a separate political entity.
Climate
The city has a Koppen climate classification of Cf with a year-round distribution of rainfall. This means a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers. Tropical palms such as coconut, royal palms, and Christmas palms, are sometimes grown, but die when subjected to occasional freezes.On August 20, 2008, Tropical Storm Fay's dropped 18.21 inches (46.3 cm).Snow is rare. The last snowfall recorded was January 9, 2010.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 71,382 people, 30,788 households, and 18,257 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,363.9/mi² (912.6/km²). There were 33,678 housing units at an average density of 1,115.3/mi² (430.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.53% White, 9.33% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.32% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 2.21% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race constitute 5.54% of the population.There were 30,788 households out of which 24.0% had children under the living with them, 44.0% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.82.In the city the population was spread out with 20.7% under the , 9.3% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
Personal income
The median income for a household in the city was $34,571, and the median income for a family was $42,760. Males had a median income of $32,242 versus $22,419 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,175. In Melbourne, about 8.6% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
Industry
The Melbourne International Airport is located near the center of the city. Melbourne contains defense and technology companies with a high concentration of high-tech workers. The following corporations have operations in Melbourne:DRS Technologies, employed 910 workers in 2009.Another reference says 1,800 workers in 2009, 1,300 in 2010.
General ElectricTransportation Systems and GE Energy Automation
Harris Corporation(including corporate headquarters)
Northrop Grummanemployed 1,640 workers in 2009
Rockwell Collinsemployed 1,430 in 2009.
Embraerwas completing a 89,000 square feet (8,300 m2) hanger and administrative office at the Melbourne Airport in 2010.
LiveTV has its headquarters in Melbourne.
Workforce
In 2007, the average size of Melbourne's labor force was 39,391. Of that group, 37,708 were employed and 1,683 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 4.3%.
Housing
In 2008, 259 building permits were issued for 263 units. There were 209 permits issued for 320 units in 2007, which was down from 329 permits for 512 units in 2006.The median home price in 2007 was $215,000.In May 2005, the Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay area was among the top 20 in home price appreciation from 2003 to 2004.
Competitiveness
In 2009, Forbes ranked the area 18th out of 100 MSAs and first out of 8 metros in Florida for affordable housing, and short commute times, among others.
Retail and commerce
Melbourne has two downtown business districts, a result of the merger of Eau Gallie into Melbourne:Downtown Eau Gallie Arts District
Historic Downtown Melbourne
Healthcare
The area has three hospitals, day care for senior citizens, hospice, walk-in and urgent care facilities.
Annual cultural events
The annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers' Festival, held in early November, provides a venue for new filmmaker talent.
The Melbourne Area Pilots Association hosts a General Aviation Day at Melbourne International Airport in September.
The Annual IndiaFest And India Day that are held in February and in August.
The Melbourne Arts Festival, held in April, draws from 50,000-60,000 visitors.
The MelbourneOktoberfesthas been held each October since 1977.Most recently this was held at theWickham ParkPavilion.
Historic sites
There are three places on the National Register of Historic Places:Florida Power and Light Company Ice Plant(1927) located at 1604 South Harbor City Boulevard
William H. Gleason Houselocated at 1736 Pineapple Avenue
James Wadsworth Rossetter House(c.1860s) located at 1320 Highland Avenue
The following places are also historic:Henegar Center(1919) located at 625 East New Haven Avenue
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church(1886) located at 50 West Strawbridge Avenue
Melbourne Bone Bedlocated atCrane Creek
Nannie Lee House- Strawberry Mansion (1905) located at 1218 East New Haven Avenue
Roesch House(c.1901) located at 1320 Highland Avenue
Winchester Symphony House(1890s) located at 1500 Highland Avenue
Museums
Brevard Art Museumlocated on 1463 Highland Avenue
Historic Rossetter House Museumlocated on 1320 Highland Avenue
Liberty Bell Memorial Museumlocated on 1601 Hickory Street
Groups
Brevard Symphony Orchestra
City of Melbourne Pipes and Drums
Buildings
Henegar Center for the Arts
Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
Melbourne Auditoriumlocated on Hibiscus Boulevard
Sports
Melbourne was an official host city for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.There are co-ed adult and youth sports programs in flag football and ultimate frisbee.
Parks, recreation, and attractions
The City of Melbourne contains over 554.72 acres (2.2 km2) of city park land, including 17 community parks, 13 neighborhood parks, and five smaller city parks.Brevard Zoo
Wickham Park
Government
The Melbourne City Council consists of the mayor and six district council members. Melbourne utilizes a Council-Manager form of government.City OfficialsHarry Goode, Mayor - Re-elected on November 2008, term expires November 2012
Mike Nowlin, District 1 Council Member - Elected on November 2008, term expires November 2012
Mark LaRusso, District 2 Council Member - Elected on November 2010, term expires November 2014
Kathy Meehan, District 3 Council Member - Re-elected on November 2004, term expires November 2012
John Thomas, District 4 Council Member and Vice Mayor - Elected on November 2010, term expires November 2014
Molly Tasker, District 5 Council Member - Elected on November 2008, term expires November 2012
Greg Jones, District 6 Council Member - Elected on November 2010, term expires November 2014
The following are appointed by the council:Paul R. Gougelman, III, City Attorney
Jack M. Schluckebier, City Manager
Cathleen A. Wysor, City Clerk
Melbourne city officials created the Babcock Street Redevelopment District in 1998 to stimulate new development along Babcock Street from U.S. 1 south to U.S. 192. A 218-unit apartment complex being built is just the latest (2005) step in an effort to revitalize this area.Melbourne is also attempting to revitalize the downtown Eau Gallie Riverfront district.A $156 million budget was proposed for the 2007-8 fiscal year.In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $4.96 billion.In 2009, the city had 870 full-time employees and 176 part-time.
City Hall
Melbourne City Hall is located at 900 E. Strawbridge Ave., Downtown Melbourne, Florida
Public health and safety
In 2010, the city employed 170 police, 140 of which were unionized.The city has three hospitals: Holmes Regional Medical Center at 1350 S. Hickory St. Wuesthoff Medical Center Melbourne Campus at 240 N. Wickham Rd. and Kindred Hospital at 765 W. NASA Blvd. which does not accept emergency patients.A 2009 survey indicated that the city was ranked 84 out of 400 in crime statistics, with #1 being the worst. Crimes included murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.A 2009 Halloween street party sponsored by a downtown restaurant, attracted an estimated 8,000-10,000 people. This overwhelmed the downtown area. Police could not function. Street parties were curtailed until public safety issued were addressed.
Education
88.5% of all residents 25 years or older are high school graduates. 25.7% have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.Public Schools are run by the Brevard County School Board.
Print
Florida Today- Space Coast and Central Florida
The Crimson- The Florida Institute of Technology Student-Run Newspaper
Television
Cable is provided by Bright House Networks.
Major roads
Roads in the older part of the city, in what is today the southeast, are oriented towards the north-south road, Babcock, with compass directions measured east and west from that road. In the same area, the east-west road, Brevard Avenue, separate compass directions north and south.All are at least four-lane roads, unless otherwise designated.U.S. 1. Harbor City Boulevard is the local street name, and it runs parallel to theIndian Riveron the eastern side of the city. This road allows access to the beaches over 3 causeways:Pineda,Eau Gallie, andMelbourne Causeway.
U.S. Route 192
Locally named New Haven Avenue and Strawbridge Avenue (downtown), pass through commercial, entertainment, and retail areas of Melbourne. It serves as a route toKissimmeeand the tourist corridor ofOrlandoto the west, and the town ofIndialanticto the east via theMelbourne Causeway.
Interstate 95
There are two exits - Exit 180 (U.S. Route 192) and Exit 183 (Eau Gallie Blvd.) Another interchange is being constructed near mile 188 to accommodate the expansion of the Pineda Causeway. While Exit 191 (Wickham Road) serves the Melbourne area, it is not marked as such.
SR A1A
This road runs along the beaches and provides access to other areas ofBrevard County.
SR 507- Babcock Street
SR 404- Pineda Causeway
SR 508- NASA Boulevard
SR 518- Eau Gallie Boulevard
CR 509- Wickham/Minton Road. Up to 38,680 cars use Wickham road weekdays. The average is 33, 850.
CR 511- John Rodes Boulevard/Aurora Road
CR 516- Palm Bay Road
Rail
The Union Cypress Company Railroad ran east to west through south Melbourne in the early 1900s. The mill town of Hopkins was near the present day streets of Mill Street and Main Street.The Florida East Coast Railway runs through Melbourne, staying west of U.S. 1 through its entire run.
Bus
Space Coast Area Transitoperates a public bus service in Melbourne and vicinity. The city subsidizes two routes internal to the city so Melbourne residents ride for free.
Greyhound Bus Lineshas a bus station in Melbourne
Airport
The Melbourne International Airport (IATA: MLB, ICAO: KMLB, FAA LID: MLB) is located about 1 1/2 miles northwest of the city's original business district.
Utilities
Power is provided by Florida Power and Light. Gas is provided by Florida City Gas.Cable TV service is provided by Bright House Networks. Satellite reception in Florida varies from area to area and often have service interruptions with Florida’s erratic weather patterns and random cloud cover.Traditional landline telephone service is mainly provided by AT&T, while some cable customers use Bright House Networks digital phone (VOIP) service.Internet Service Providers in Melbourne range from various 56 kbit/s providers, AT&T (formerly BellSouth) FastAccess DSL, and Bright House Networks cable internet, which uses Road Runner as their ISP. Fiber optic networks are installed in the city mainly for business purposes and have not been integrated for home use.The Water Department not only provides water for the city, but surrounding towns and cities for a premium, including Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Palm Shores, Melbourne Village and a portion of Brevard County. Wholesale water service is provided to West Melbourne. The total distribution area is about 100 square miles (259 km2) A reverse osmosis plant on Lake Washington provides 5 US gallons (19 l; 4.2 imp gal) million of water a day. This water is treated with chloramine and ozone to purify it. In 2003, water rates were $2.27/1,000 US gallons (3,785 l) sewer $4.47/1,000 US gallons (3,785 l). Additional water is obtained from four wells 650 to 950 feet (200 to 290 m) into the Floridan Aquifer. These are also processed using reverse osmosis.Solid Waste & Recycling is provided by Solid Waste Management, part of the City of Melbourne government's Environmental Community Outreach (ECO) Division.
Namesakes
The Melbourne Square Mall, located on US 192 west of downtown, is the largest shopping area in Brevard County.
Notable residents
Thomas Barbour- author andnaturalist, lived inEau Gallieas a boy
Robbie Carrico- Season 7 contestant onAmerican Idol
Bobby Dall- resident, bass player for the bandPoison
Cecil Fielder- professionalbaseballplayer. His son,Prince Fielder, also lived here and went toEau Gallie High School
William Henry Gleason- founded and lived in Eau Gallie
Darrell Hammond- comedian and actor. Resided in Melbourne 1953-1975
Devon Hughes- professional wrestler better known as Brother Devon fromTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
Vicky Hurst- professional golfer; graduated from Holy Trinity.r
Zora Neale Hurston- author, lived inEau Galliein the 50s.[citation needed]
Billy Lane- owner of Choppers, Inc. and builder of custom motorcycles.
Jeff Lett- birthplace of bass player ofCartel
Melbourne Man- human who lived in Melbourne in 10,000 BC
Jim Morrison- birthplace of the lead singer forThe Doors
Henry Mucci- US Army colonel who led the Great Raid inWWIIto free the Bataan survivors - retired to Melbourne
Reggie Nelson- birthplace ofUniversity of Floridafootball safety
Jamie Noble, professional wrestler.
Hans von Ohain- one of the first people to develop the jet engine. Retired and died in Melbourne.
Will Perdue- birthplace of retiredNBAforward/center (Chicago Bulls)
Stanford Parris- Former U.S. Congressman fromVirginia, was a primary resident of Melbourne after leaving congress.
Tom Rapp- Singer/songwriter. Leader of 60s/70s bandPearls Before Swine, lived here from childhood
Jason Steele- State Representative 1980-2
Tim Wakefield- birthplace of baseball player (Boston Red Sox)