Brevard County, FL is known for several things, including:
Space Exploration
Brevard County, Florida is known around the world as a hub for space exploration. The county is home to the Kennedy Space Center, which has been NASA’s primary launch center for human spaceflight since the early days of the space program. Over the years, Brevard County has played a crucial role in some of the most significant milestones in space exploration history.
The Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, which is a 140,000-acre wildlife refuge and national park. It was established in 1962 and has since been the site of many historic missions, including the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle program. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is also a popular tourist destination, where visitors can learn about the history of space exploration, see rockets and space shuttles up close, and even meet astronauts.
In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, Brevard County is home to several other companies and organizations involved in the space industry. One such company is SpaceX, which was founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk and has been working to revolutionize the space industry with its reusable rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX launches its rockets from Cape Canaveral, which is located on the coast of Brevard County.
Brevard County is also home to several educational institutions that specialize in space exploration. The Florida Institute of Technology, located in Melbourne, has a strong aerospace engineering program and collaborates with NASA on various research projects. Eastern Florida State College, with its Aerospace Technology program, offers training and certification in the skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry.
Beaches
Brevard County, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the state. With over 72 miles of coastline, visitors and residents have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or engaging in water sports.
Cocoa Beach is perhaps the most famous of Brevard County’s beaches. Known as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast,” it’s a favorite destination for surfers of all skill levels. The beach is also home to the Cocoa Beach Pier, which offers fishing, dining, and shopping opportunities. Nearby, Lori Wilson Park is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues, with playgrounds, showers, and restrooms available for visitors.
Melbourne Beach, located on the southern end of Brevard County, is a quieter and more secluded option for those seeking a more relaxed beach experience. The beach is home to several parks and preserves, including the Barrier Island Sanctuary, which is a nature preserve that offers guided tours and educational programs.
Satellite Beach is another popular destination for beachgoers, with its pristine shoreline and clear blue waters. It’s also a great spot for fishing, with several fishing piers and charter boats available for hire. The beach is also home to several parks and facilities, including the Satellite Beach Skate Park and Pelican Beach Park, which has a playground, picnic areas, and a dog park.
Surfing
Cocoa Beach is perhaps the most famous surfing spot in Brevard County, and for good reason. The beach is home to the Ron Jon Surf Shop and the Cocoa Beach Pier, which offer rental equipment and surfing lessons for beginners. Experienced surfers will appreciate the variety of breaks at Cocoa Beach, including the famous “First Peak” and “Second Peak” breaks.
Sebastian Inlet is another popular surfing destination in Brevard County, known for its consistent waves and powerful swells. The inlet is home to two jetties, which create a natural break that is popular with experienced surfers. The area also offers amenities such as a campground, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
New Smyrna Beach, located just south of Brevard County, is another favorite spot among surfers. The beach is known for its consistent waves and has been named one of the best surf towns in the world by Surfer Magazine. The area offers a variety of breaks, from gentle rollers to powerful reef breaks.
Brevard County’s warm waters and mild climate make it a great surfing destination year-round. The area is also home to several surfing competitions, including the Ron Jon Surf Shop Pro and the Sebastian Inlet Pro.
In addition to surfing, Brevard County also offers a variety of other water sports, such as kiteboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
Wildlife
Brevard County, Florida is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species that are unique to the area. From the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, the county’s ecosystems support a wide variety of plants and animals.
One of the most famous wildlife species in Brevard County is the manatee. These gentle giants can often be seen swimming in the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, which is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. The lagoon is also home to other marine mammals, such as bottlenose dolphins, and several species of sea turtles.
Brevard County is also home to several species of birds, with over 300 species documented in the area. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birdwatchers, with several trails and observation areas that offer opportunities to see wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors. The refuge is also home to several endangered and threatened species, such as the Florida scrub-jay and the wood stork.
The county’s wetlands and forests are home to several species of reptiles and amphibians, including alligators, snakes, and frogs. The Viera Wetlands, a series of constructed wetlands that were created to treat wastewater, have become a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with many species of waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds calling the wetlands home.
Brevard County’s commitment to conservation has helped protect and preserve many of the area’s unique wildlife species. In addition to the sea turtle conservation program, the county also has programs to protect manatees, Florida scrub-jays, and other endangered and threatened species. Many of the county’s parks and preserves also offer educational programs and tours to help visitors learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystems.