This site is under construction please bare with me as I begin re-linking everything.

First I would like to acknowledge Fran Smith who has so lovingly been your County Coordinator until now. She has passed away and left the torch to me to try to keep up with your growing needs.
Hello, My name is Ray Richard and I am your temporary  County Coordinator.
If you need help with locating anything or you would like to add something to these pages or any other county.
Please don't hesitate to send me a email just click the contact button above for my address.
We are currently seeking helpers so if you think you might be interrested in working on any of our Florida Counties.
Please contact me. My email address is located above.

Indian River has changed names several times since the early 1800's.  Prior to 1820 it was known as the Territory of East Florida.  Before statehood in 1845, the county was known in 1821 as St. Johns, 1824 Mosquito, and 1844 was known as St, Lucia County.  The name changed again in 1855 to Brevard, then in 1904 became St. Lucie.  It wasn't until 1925 that it's current name was established.  

Three main industries can be found in it's borders.  Indian River Citrus fruits are shipped world wide.  The Atlantic Ocean on it's eastern border draws many tourists for fun and sun .  The least known industry is the aviation manufacturing plants for  Piper  and Velocity airplanes.  

In addition to the beaches for sun and fun, there is a large tract along the Atlantic coastline set aside as a sanctuary for Loggerhead and Sea Turtles.  People and turtles don't mix during the time the turtles lay their eggs.  Floridians are very protective of the sea life understanding that it needs to be perpetuated.  Dr. Archie Carr, a professor at the University of Florida was a leader in understanding the needs of turtles. In 1994 the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge coverins the beaches from Wabasso Beach north  to Melborne Beach was dedicated in honor of his efforts

President Theodore Roosevelt in an executive order established the first national wildlife refuge in the United States at Pelican Island, a 3 acre island just off the coast of Orchid Island in the Indian River Lagoon just east of Sebastian.  Included along with the land is a buffer of 2.5 additional acres of water.  With the founding of this refuge in 1903, protection was offered the egrets and other birds whose feathers are highly prized for decorations.  This hopefully would keep these beautiful birds from extinction.  It was through the efforts of Paul Kroegel from Germany who settled nearby and watched what whas happening.  He sailed to the island and protected the birds from outsiders.  He discovered this was one of the last Brown Pelican rookeries in Eastern Florida.  

It is with my deepest sorrow that I inform you,
 our long time friend and leader has passed.
Fran Smith
August 05,1943 - September 11, 2016
She was a great friend and helped many within our group
learn to create the lovely pages you find here on our sites.
She is missed greatly and will forever live on in our hearts, minds, and on our pages.
Rest in Peace your work is done.