Satellite Beach, Florida

Satellite Beach is a coastal city in Brevard County, Florida. The population was 10,109 at the 2010 United States Census,[5] and it is located with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River to the west.

Satellite Beach, Florida
City
City of Satellite Beach
Location in Brevard County and the state of Florida
Coordinates: 28°10′24″N 80°35′48″W
Country United States
State Florida
County Brevard
Area
 • Total4.29 sq mi (11.10 km2)
 • Land2.92 sq mi (7.56 km2)
 • Water1.37 sq mi (3.54 km2)
Elevation
13 ft (4 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total10,109
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
11,130
 • Density3,810.34/sq mi (1,471.33/km2)
 • 
11,056
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
32937
Area code(s)321
FIPS code12-64400[3]
GNIS feature ID0290694[4]
Websitewww.SatelliteBeachFL.org

Satellite Beach is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

Satellite Beach is located at 28°10′24″N 80°35′48″W (28.173441, -80.596674).[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.3 square miles (11.1 km2). 2.9 square miles (7.6 km2) of it is land and 1.4 square miles (3.5 km2) of it (31.94%) is water.[7]

The Atlantic Ocean forms its eastern border; the Indian River the western border. It is located on the local barrier island directly south of Patrick Space Force Base. It is part of the South Beaches.

With both ocean and river frontage, the city is the largest beachside community in South Brevard County.[8] There are 7.7 miles (12.4 km) of shoreline in the city, including 2.8 miles (4.5 km) of Atlantic Ocean beach, 1.3 miles (2.1 km) of Banana River shoreline, and 3.6 miles (5.8 km) of shoreline fronting navigable canals connected to the Banana River.[9]

Climate

Satellite Beach is located in the region where tropical and temperate climatic zones overlap. A study commissioned by NASA[10] lends credence to the perception that Satellite Beach is located in a portion of the North American Atlantic shoreline with a reduced incidence of catastrophic hurricanes.[11] Extremes range from 24 °F (−4 °C) on December 24, 1989[12] to 99 °F (37 °C) on July 15, 1981.[13]

Climate data for Satellite Beach (1987–2018 normals, extremes 1945–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 86
(30)		 88
(31)		 93
(34)		 96
(36)		 96
(36)		 98
(37)		 99
(37)		 98
(37)		 95
(35)		 93
(34)		 90
(32)		 87
(31)		 99
(37)
Average high °F (°C) 70
(21)		 71
(22)		 75
(24)		 79
(26)		 82
(28)		 86
(30)		 87
(31)		 88
(31)		 87
(31)		 82
(28)		 77
(25)		 72
(22)		 80
(27)
Daily mean °F (°C) 63
(17)		 65
(18)		 68
(20)		 73
(23)		 77
(25)		 80
(27)		 82
(28)		 82
(28)		 82
(28)		 77
(25)		 71
(22)		 66
(19)		 74
(23)
Average low °F (°C) 57
(14)		 58
(14)		 62
(17)		 67
(19)		 72
(22)		 75
(24)		 77
(25)		 77
(25)		 77
(25)		 73
(23)		 66
(19)		 60
(16)		 68
(20)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 40
(4)		 43
(6)		 48
(9)		 56
(13)		 65
(18)		 70
(21)		 72
(22)		 73
(23)		 72
(22)		 59
(15)		 50
(10)		 44
(7)		 36
(2)
Record low °F (°C) 25
(−4)		 32
(0)		 29
(−2)		 46
(8)		 53
(12)		 66
(19)		 67
(19)		 68
(20)		 66
(19)		 49
(9)		 33
(1)		 24
(−4)		 24
(−4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.80
(46)		 1.63
(41)		 1.53
(39)		 1.60
(41)		 2.51
(64)		 4.93
(125)		 4.55
(116)		 3.90
(99)		 5.19
(132)		 3.12
(79)		 1.86
(47)		 1.58
(40)		 34.2
(869)
Source: Weather Underground[14]

Fauna
Wild bald eagle
Scrub jay
Green sea turtle

Threatened Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles nest on the city's ocean beaches at densities of approximately one nest per 10 feet (3.0 m) of shoreline per year. Endangered green sea turtles deposit an average of tens of nests along the city's ocean beach each year

Endangered North Atlantic right whales calve off the city's shoreline. Endangered West Indian manatees frequent the city's canals and the Banana River. Bald eagles forage over Samsons Island.

The 12 acres (4.9 ha) of wetland created as mitigation by a local developer on Samsons Island provide nutrient-rich, sheltered aquatic habitat serving as finfish nursery and feeding ground for a diverse assemblage of birds and mammals. The city established Samsons Island Nature Park, the only gopher tortoise relocation recipient site on the barrier island. It is occupied by 42 relocated tortoises and three which had been living on the island when development began. The city has erected five osprey nesting platforms on Samsons Island Nature Park, from which young have been fledged.

Efforts are now under way to create habitat for use by gopher tortoises and scrub jays. Xeric scrub around the local county library, until the late 1990s, hosted a family of threatened Florida scrub jays.

The city is working with faculty of the Florida Institute of Technology to promote graduate student research and class projects on Samsons Island Nature Park and to assist in devising and implementing maintenance programs to preserve and enhance desirable wildlife habitats.[15]

The city has approved the use of inland dirt-officially called upland sources-to be used in beach nourishment projects. These projects will bury part of a natural reef.[16] After three projects, the sea shells are gone, and turtle nesting declined significantly in the years following this nourishment.[17]

Flora
Sea oats

Due to the moderating influence of surrounding water bodies, the climate on the barrier island supports tropical species of plants normally found far to the south. Brevard County's barrier island to, approximately, Cape Canaveral, constitutes the northernmost limit of the range of many of these plant species. At the same time, the infrequency and mildness of freezes in the Central Florida region serves to define the southern limit of many plants found in temperate zones.[15][18] Vegetated sand dunes are found along most of the beach's length and provide the major defense against storm events. Native plant species found on the dunes include sea oats, Sabal palmetto, sea grape, railroad vine, dollar weed, coral bean, Spanish bayonet, wax myrtle, yaupon holly, and several grass species. More salt-tolerant and wind-tolerant species, such as sea oats and railroad vine, are found predominantly on the ocean side of the dune, while other dune vegetation species do not generally show such zonation. These plants assist in building the dune by trapping windblown sand and in stabilizing the dune with extensive lateral root systems.[15]

Geology

There are approximately 10 acres (4.0 ha) of coquina rock outcrops frequently exposed along the low-tide line of the city's ocean beach. The National Marine Fisheries Service has classified the rock as an Essential Fish Habitat-Habitat Area of Particular Concern. It is important to aquatic life and found only in a few locations along the Eastern seaboard.

On the city's ocean beach can be found fossil Atlantic ghost crabs, the remnants of a unique set of geological circumstances which preserved these creatures when they died in their burrows perhaps about 110,000 years ago.

There are significant deposits of sand, marl, coquina and possibly phosphate within the city limits.[15]

Surrounding areas

History

Satellite Beach became incorporated in 1957 by Percy L. Hedgecock and his brother-in-law, as well as his cousin, Jimmy Caudle and Dumont Smith respectively. Hedgecock also served as the town's first mayor from 1957 until 1973.[19]

In 1994, Satellite Beach was awarded the first annual Florida Excellence in Coastal Management Award. The city continued to develop its oceanfront.

Volunteers have provided more than 10,000 hours each year to youth and public service programs.[20]

In 2010, the city began planning for a rise in sea level resulting from global warming.[21]

In 2011, the city became one of a few areas in the United States participating in an initiative to install solar panels on municipal buildings.[22]

In 2013, the city announced that it would undertake $36 million worth of work to restore beach areas and dunes along the coast, to areas battered by hurricanes in 2004. The project was underwritten by Brevard County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.[23][24]

On December 4, 2013, there was a parade in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.[25] There were one hundred Menorah-topped vehicles, a Menorah lighting, free food (including traditional Latkes), and live entertainment.[26][27][28]

The annual Ocean, Reef and Beach Festival is organized by the Surfrider Foundation, Pure Ocean TV Productions and Anglers for Conservation.[29][30]

The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron sponsors the annual Holiday Boat Parade.[31][32]

On December 20, 2013, the city announced plans to build a beachside trail that would allow people to walk, jog and cycle along the coast. The proposed trail would run along the dunes south from Fischer Park. The beachside trail would hook up to the proposed 40 miles (64 km) "A1A Urban Trail."[33][34]

The city's Public Works Department announced plans to make segment repairs to an array of walkways in early 2014. The Public Works Department plans to continue to improve beach access and infrastructure. The project includes plans to install decorative paved brick crosswalks, sidewalks, new showers, bike racks, palm trees, updated signage, and a new park.[35]

In the summer of 2018 Erin Brockovich hosted a town hall to address citizens concerns that ground contamination from an old military dump was causing increased rates of cancer.[36][37][38] Those concerns were validated when County health officials released a report the following summer that showed a higher incidence of some rare cancers[39] and again when the U.S. Department of Defense designated an area just blocks north of the city as a “Formerly Used Defense Site”[40] While no direct link between the cancer cases and contamination has been established as of January 2020, officials and activists are still working on the issue.

What prompted a renewed interest in this issue was when a Doctor and Oncologist who graduated from Satellite High School in 2003 noticed that an unusually high number of her classmates were getting cancer and dying.[41]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1960825—
19706,558694.9%
19809,16339.7%
19909,8897.9%
20009,577−3.2%
201010,1095.6%
2019 (est.)11,130[2]10.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[42]

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 9,577 people, 3,952 households, and 2,877 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,030.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,553.7/km2). There were 4,257 housing units at an average density of 1,791.6 per square mile (690.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.99% White, 1.02% African American, 0.18% Native American, 1.55% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.95% of the population. Of the city's 7,444 residents who are 25 or older, approximately one in five hold a graduate or professional degree.[9]

The only traditional Jewish synagogue along the Brevard County coastline is in the city.[43]

There were 3,952 households, out of which 26.8% had children under 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was distributed by age groups as follows: 21.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.

Government

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $877.12 million.[44]

The city maintains an active list of about 80 volunteers ("Neighbor Helping Neighbor" program) who helps out where requested, often senior citizens, whose mobility is impaired.[45]

The city has faced numerous scandals in recent years, including losing over a million dollars on the sale of a city-owned property, a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the Clerk who worked there for over 20 years, possible violations of sunshine law, and a threatening packet that was mailed to local residents demanding that proprietary information be handed over to the city.[46][47][48][49][50]

Education

The city has the following schools:

  • Public schools:
  • Private schools:
    • Chabad Hebrew School
    • Torah Academy Preschool[52]

Recreation

The city has several parks, recreational facilities and natural landscapes, however in recent years the lagoon has been severely degraded by recurring algae blooms,[53] and the natural reef along the beach is being buried by ‘dirty’ sand.[54]

In 2013, Hightower Beach Park[55] was renovated by a community partnership with Montecito Community Development District and state funds from the Florida Preservation 2000 and Florida Land and Water grant programs. The 15 acres (6.1 ha) park contains the natural dune system and has a boardwalk along the coastline. Surfers use the beach.

RC's Beach and Buccaneer Beach are named for a former Royal Castle hamburger kiosk and the Buccaneer Condos, respectively. They are used for surfing.[56]

The David R. Schechter Community Center is a recreational community center. It hosts gatherings, community special events, classes, programs, and other activities.[57]

Pelican Beach Park was renovated in 2007.[58] During the summer months, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society conducts weekly sea turtle tours. The north dune crossover is called "Pelican" by the local surfers.

The DeSoto Recreation Complex features eight tennis courts as well as two enclosed racquetball courts.[59]

Samsons Island is a 52-acre (21 ha) park. It was renovated from an island overrun with exotic plants. Volunteers have worked since 1991 to develop it. It is only accessible by boat. There are butterflies, gopher tortoises, armadillos, squirrels and snakes — black racers and coachwhips. There are 30 species of birds. The island contains trails, bird watching, camping areas, wildlife, and picnic areas.[60] Samsons Island has trails for biking and hiking. There is canal dredging taking place to remove potentially toxic muck.[61]

The Satellite Beach Sports and Recreation Park contains 35 acres (14 ha). It has a walking trail, skate park, dog park, frisbee fields, soccer fields and volleyball courts.

Gemini Beach Park is a 2 acres (0.81 ha) park nestled between Ellwood and Park Avenue and contains dunes, sea turtles, and birdlife.[62]

Economy

Personal income

In 2011, the median income for a household in the city was $60,870, and median family income was $75,159. 25% of households and 32% of families made more than $100,000. Males had a median income of $42,079 versus $28,259 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,181. About 2.7% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

Industry

Satellite Beach Technology Company designs and develops biometric security systems. This industry generates approximately $1.5 billion revenue each year.[63]

A company Lighting Sciences Group manufactures LED light bulbs locally.[64] It employs 400 people.[65] The company was recently featured in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America.[66]

Infrastructure

Roads

Travelocity.com named route A1A as the "Best Driving Route" in Florida. This runs close to the ocean. A secondary major route, paralleling it, is South Patrick Drive, which is close to the Banana River.

The Florida Department of Transportation maintains 513, and A1A.

See State Roads in Florida for explanation of numbering system.

  • SR A1A – The main road through Satellite Beach. There is no local name. The major east–west road, Cassia Bouelvard, intersects both it and SR 513.
  • SR 513 - Known locally as South Patrick Drive, this is a parallel route to SR A1A.

Canals

There are several canals that connect the city to the Indian River Lagoon, including: The Grand Canal,[67] the canal paralleling Desoto Parkway,[68] and the Anchor Drive Canal.

Beach ‘Nourishment’

Every couple years the County dumps massive truckloads of fill material on the beach in an effort to bury a natural reef that runs along the shore. “Surfrider Foundation, a surfing and conservation group, still has opposed the plan because of the natural reef it will bury.[69]” While proponents of the ‘Mid-Reach’ Project defend it as protecting upland structures, residents who oppose it say it's wasteful and ruins the quality of the beach.[70]

Notable people

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