The Ais Indians resided in the area in pre-Columbian times. In 2010, a midden near Aquarina included a burial ground for a chief and two handmaidens.[4]
It has been suggested that Juan Ponce de León landed near Melbourne Beach in 1513, where he then became the first European to set foot in Florida.[5] A determination of this was made by a historian in the 1990s, who believed that the spot was "within five to eight nautical miles" on the barrier island with a proposed name of Ponce de León Island.[6] However, this suggestion has not been met with wide acceptance from historians who state that de Leon's landing place cannot be known within a leeway of less than a hundred miles or so.[7] A statue of Ponce de León was erected at "Juan Ponce de León Landing" in Melbourne Beach to commemorate his discovery.[8]
Melbourne Beach is Brevard County's oldest beach community.
In 1879, a hotel, the Oak Lodge, was built for researchers and naturalists on a 164-acre (66 ha) location near Aquarina.[4]
In 1921, the Melbourne Causeway was built, connecting Melbourne Beach to the mainland via the town of Indialantic. In 1923, it was incorporated as a town.
In 1928, Harry J. Brooks, attempting to set a long distance record, crashed a Ford Flivver off the coast of Melbourne Beach, resulting in his death.[9]
The town's population oscillated until World War II, when it began growing steadily. Currently, it is largely residential, with an elementary school, some businesses, and many condominiums in the unincorporated areas to the north and south.
In 2007, it was voted one of ten best bargain retirement spots in America.[10]
In 2016, a Publix located four miles south of Melbourne Beach sold one of the winning tickets in the $1.3 billion Powerball.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.3 km2). 1.0 square miles (2.7 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km2) of it (19.53%) is water.
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 3,101 people, 1,271 households, and 867 families residing in the town.[20]
2000 census
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 3,335 people, 1,422 households, and 992 families residing in the town. The population density was 3,243.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,252.3/km2). There were 1,556 housing units at an average density of 1,513.3 per square mile (584.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.09% Black, 0.12% Native American, 0.99% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.28% of the population.
In 2000, there were 1,422 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.77.
In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 20.1% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.
In 2000, the median income for a household in the town is $57,035, and the median income for a family is $62,139. Males have a median income of $46,424 versus $34,028 for females. The per capita income for the town is $31,489. 3.8% of the population and 1.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 0.0% are under the age of 18 and 2.2% are 65 or older.
Government
In 2007, the town had a taxable real estate base of $371.45 million.[21]
Rita A. Karpie (2007–2011 died before end of term)
Jean Marshall (2011 interim mayor through Nov. 2011)
Tom Davis (2012–2013 Resigned before the end of term )
Rocco Maglio (May 2013–August 2013 Resigned before the end of term)
John Gurecki (September 2013, Appointed by vote of three remaining commission members)
James Simmons (November 2013 – August 2021)
Alison Dennington (August 2021 – Present)
Economy
Personal income
In 2010, the median income for a household in the town was $87,035, and the median income for a family was $62,139. Males had a median income of $46,424 versus $34,028 for females. The per capita income for the town was $31,489. About 1.6% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.
Melbourne Beach is second in Brevard County for per capita income and 124 out of 887 places.
Industry
Tourism
Coconut Point Park is a 36.9-acre (14.9 ha) community beachside park and sea turtle nesting site. The park is listed in the state of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail.[14]
^Datzman, Ken. "Did the famous explorer Ponce de Leon first hit Melbourne Beach", Brevard Business News, vol 30, no. 1 (Melbourne, Florida: January 2, 2012), p. 1 and 19.
United States of America
Florida
