We’re so proud to be part of the Vero Beach community with its rich history and beachfront beauty. This place we call home has come a long way to become the Palm Island Paradise is it today, and our roots here run deep. In fact, the city of Vero Beach is celebrating its centennial year and our residents can’t help but join in on the celebration.

Starting in October of 2018, the city has outdone itself planning a once-in-a-lifetime kind of celebration honoring our hometown. Some of these events have included open houses, children’s activities, art shows, parades, countless tributes and dedications, live music, festivals, and other special events honoring 100 years in southeast Florida.

With the friendly and social atmosphere of Palm Island Plantation, our residents are excited to continue the celebration and attend the upcoming events including a Night of Nations (June 28), an American Heritage Celebration with Burgers and Brews (June 29), a special Fourth of July celebration, historic trolley tours (July 6), and the Aerial Antics Circus (August 1-3). Whether you’re with us full time or just spending a few months, now is the perfect time to experience all Vero Beach has to offer - view the entire list of events here.

If there’s one event you simply can’t miss, it’s the Vero Beach Centennial Finale celebration, culminating the year-long celebration while enjoying food, entertaining, mingling, and a parade! Join us and mark those calendars for Saturday, October 26. The community will come together in historic downtown Vero Beach for one last hoorah to celebrate 100 years. Remember, you can always keep the party going or retreat back to the tropical charm of your home at Palm Island Plantation.

We couldn’t imagine building the Palm Island Plantation atmosphere anywhere but Vero Beach. Stop into our main office to experience this thriving community for yourself; we’re located at 8001 N. A1A in Vero Beach, Florida.

There are many things to love about Palm Island Plantation. Explore for yourself the luxurious homes, numerous amenities, and near-perfect weather. One of the local favorites, though, is the rich history of the land we live on.

Palm Island Plantation is nestled along the Indian River, famous for its abundance of citrus that thrives in the warm and humid climate. Therefore the banks of the river provided a convenient location to pack and ship citrus and other goods up and down the river to wherever desired. This cultivation of citrus dates back to Vero Beach’s settler, Henry Gifford back in 1887, when he built and operated a citrus grove business and “established the first mercantile store which also operated as a post office, express office and railroad ticket office.” Many believe this settlement, which is today know as Vero Beach, was then named simply Vero after Gifford’s wife, the “Beach” to be added later in 1925.

The building of Florida’s East Coast Railroad brought growth and prosperity to the region, causing spikes in population, business, and availability of goods. Larger out-of-town companies recognized the value of the land along the Indian River and purchased large swaths and other regions fell claim to the Drainage Districts of 1905, which drained the natural wetlands of the area, creating more habitability in the region.

The turn of the century brought further development in the form of canals, roads, and other forms of infrastructure and became an officially recognized town in 1919. “Vero, Where The Tropics Begin” quickly became a hotspot for travelers and merchants alike once highways, resorts, and golf courses were built. This growth continued through the 30s and 40s, adding in a county courthouse, a hospital, and an airport, which would become a key factor in the US’s involvement in the Second World War.

Vero Beach has survived countless tropical storms, flooding, jurisdiction disagreements, rapid development and so much more. Pieces of this rich history can be seen throughout the area from the orange you have for breakfast to the officially registered buildings and places marked by the National History Preservation Act. This is why our homes at Palm Island Plantation reflect the architecture of the British West Indies, to reflect and honor the history of the land that surrounds.

Come experience all this local land has to offer by booking a tour of our facilities. Call 772.234.6500 to begin.

Toes in the water, well, you know how the rest of the saying goes! Yes, it is that time of year again when the sun really warms up and we can indulge in summertime activities once again. Although, for those of you who have chosen Vero Beach, FL as your permanent home, this is something you know how to do 365 days a year. Whether you reside in Florida’s East Coast year-round, call yourself a snowbird, or make this a stop on your summer vacation list, the waves are calling your name with plenty to do!

Planning your fun in the sun does not have to be a chore. We like to consider ourselves experts of sorts when it comes to finding ways to indulge in the lifestyle that is coconut scents, ocean breezes and tan lines for days. As you look ahead to the final month of spring and coming of summer, we’ve gathered a few places to add to your itineraries.

1. Best parks. Have you ever seen a sea turtle retreat out to sea? You just might get the chance with a visit to Avalon State Park. This sandy beach stretches over one mile long and sea turtles are often spotted laying eggs at this destination.

2. Take in the sunset. At Round Island Park you can enjoy the day with your toes in the water and end the day watching a pretty spectacular view of the sun dipping beneath the horizon. A bonus to this location, manatees make a regular appearance along these shores.

3. Satisfy a sweet tooth. If you have a craving for a little sugar while taking in the salty sea air, make How Sweet It Is Chocolate a stop in your day. You’ll witness hand-dipped chocolate and fudge being made, plus fill up those cones with your choice of over 16 selections of homemade ice cream flavors.

4. Family Adventure. Set sail on River Explorer Boat Tours with the whole family. While riding the waves on one of their covered pontoons, you are likely to spot a friendly finned animal swimming beneath you in the Indian River Lagoon.

Remember, these are just a handful of the many places to explore in Palm Island and the surrounding Vero Beach area. After all, when your life’s a beach the only thing left to do is find your wave. If you’re ready to make sandy bottoms your biggest worry of the week, call us today at 772-234-6500 and enjoy life in Palm Island Plantation.