Satellite Beach, Florida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Satellite Beach, Florida
City
City of Satellite Beach
Seal
Location in Brevard County and the state of Florida
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Brevard
Incorporated	1957
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	4.29 sq mi (11.10 km2)
• Land	2.92 sq mi (7.56 km2)
• Water	1.37 sq mi (3.54 km2)
Elevation	13 ft (4 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	11,226
• Density	3,843.20/sq mi (1,484.02/km2)
•	11,056
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	32937
Area code(s)	321
FIPS code	12-64400
GNIS feature ID	0290694

Satellite Beach is a coastal city in Brevard County, Florida, U.S. The population was 11,226 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 10,109 at the 2010 census, and it is located with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Banana River to the west. Satellite Beach is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

Satellite Beach is located at 28°10′24″N 80°35′48″W / 28.17333°N 80.59667°W / 28.17333; -80.59667 (28.173441, -80.596674). 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.

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

With both ocean and river frontage, the city is the largest beachside community in South Brevard County. 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.

Climate

Satellite Beach is located in the region where tropical and temperate climatic zones overlap. A study commissioned by NASA 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. Extremes range from 24 °F (−4 °C) on December 24, 1989 to 99 °F (37 °C) on July 15, 1981.

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. 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.

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. Thus, the barrier island in the vicinity of Satellite Beach represents a unique climatological region which sustains unique habitats characterized by mixed tropical and temperate plant species, in addition to a significant number of endemic species only found in the local region.

There are plant species which now grow naturally, or were present prior to development, within the boundaries of Satellite Beach. 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.

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. There are no mining operations, as municipal zoning regulations prohibit mineral extraction. State licensing of mineral extraction activities on the coastal barrier island provides additional control of such activity. Finally, the cost of land within the city makes commercial extraction of minerals uneconomical.

Surrounding areas

		South Patrick Shores
	Banana River; Merritt Island; Tropic		Atlantic Ocean
		Satellite Beach, Florida
		Indian Harbour Beach

History

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.

Xeric scrub around the local county library, until the late 1990s, hosted a family of threatened Florida scrub jays.

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

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.

The city and FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) have entered into a Joint Participation Agreement to fund landscaping along the South Patrick Drive corridor in the city. Under the terms of the agreement, FDOT will reimburse the city for landscaping improvements.

In July 2013, State Representative John Tobia received permission to build a beach house on Shell Street in Satellite Beach. This has led to an increase in real estate value in neighboring areas.

In 2013, the city announced that it will undertake $36 million worth of work to restore beach areas and dunes along the coast, to areas battered by hurricanes in 2004. There were some concerns about reef fragility. The project is financially supported by Brevard County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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

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

The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron will sponsor the 2013 Holiday Boat Parade. Boats will assemble at sunset at the north end of Satellite Beach’s Grand Canal and travel south, circle Lake Shepherd, and continue to Mathers Bridge.

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.”

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.

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 11,226 people, 3,996 households, and 2,914 families residing in the city.

In 2020, the ancestries with the highest percentages (excluding Latino groups) was 15.4% Irish, 14.2% Italian, 10.5% German, 9.5% English, 4.0% Polish, 2.4% French, 1.7% Scottish, 1.5% Norwegian, and 0.4% Sub-Saharan African.

In 2020, the median age was 42.2 years old. 17.4% of the population were 65 or older, with 10.5% between the ages of 65 to 74, 4.1% between the ages of 75 to 84, and 2.8% being 85 or older. 24.7% of the population were under 18, and 3.8% were under 5 years old. The gender makeup was 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The population density was 3,843.2 inhabitants per square mile.

In 2020, the median household income was $92,750, with families having $107,525, married couples having $116,295, and non-families having $53,888. 3.6% of the population were in poverty. The per capita income was $45,646.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 10,109 people, 4,340 households, and 2,853 families residing in the city.

Education

The city has the following schools:

• Brevard Public Schools:
  • DeLaura Middle School
  • Satellite High School
  • Holland Elementary
  • Surfside Elementary
  • Seapark Elementary
• Private schools:
  • Chabad Hebrew School
  • Coastal Community School
  • Torah Academy Preschool

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.

In 2013, Hightower Beach Park 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.

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

Pelican Beach Park was renovated in 2007. 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.

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. Samsons Island has trails for biking and hiking. There is canal dredging taking place to remove potentially toxic muck.

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.

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.

In 2020, the median income for a household in the city was $79,082. The per capita income of all residents for the city was $41,566. About 4.9% of the population was reported to be below the poverty line.

Satellite Beach Library

During the 1960s, Brevard county's population soared due to the Aerospace program and the demands on libraries increased, resulting in the need for more branches. There were many members of the community that expressed the need for a branch in Satellite Beach. A site was selected by the City of Satellite Beach on Cassia Boulevard. A head librarian was selected to run the branch with a volunteer staff. The library's initial budget was $50,000. The Satellite Beach Public Library opened on April 17, 1966. The location eventually outgrew the initial building. In 1991, a new 19,000 square foot facility was completed for the Satellite Beach Public Library at the site of the old Indian Harbor Beach Sewer Treatment Plant property. The land was purchased by the County at a cost of $75,000 and increased the size of the library from 6,500 square feet to 19,000 square feet. The new facility opened on September 23, 1991 on Jamaica Boulevard.

At this time, there were 18,266 registered patrons with a monthly circulation averaging 22,000. There are approximately 63,891 volumes in the book collection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference. There are 2,200 recordings and cassettes and 1269 video tapes. A collection of compact discs have also been added. The new facility offers a Community Meeting Room, children's area and young adult section, study rooms, and public typewriter.

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, the canal paralleling Desoto Parkway, 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.” 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.

Notable people

• Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 astronaut, resides in Satellite Beach
• John Antoon, United States District Court judge
• LtGen Alexander R. Bolling, commander of the 84th Infantry Division in World War II and later commander of the Third Army
• David Max Eichhorn, Jewish philosopher, contributing author to Encyclopædia Britannica, Chaplain in the US Army whose company liberated Dachau concentration camp. Resided in Satellite Beach
• Larry Guarino, spent eight years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War
• Ashlyn Harris, goalkeeper for the USWNT and the Orlando Pride
• C. J. Hobgood, 2001 ASP World Champion Surfer
• Damien Hobgood, professional surfer
• Younghill Kang, novelist; passed away here on December 14, 1972
• Kelly Kretschman, USA Women's Softball Team gold medalist
• Nicholas Lindheim, professional golfer
• Ryan Ludwick, left fielder for Cincinnati Reds baseball team; born here on July 13, 1978
• Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author
• Jefferson W. Speck, Arkansas politician and World War II prisoner of war, resided in Satellite Beach in the early 1970s
• Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo 10 astronaut
• Tim Wakefield, MLB Pitcher and World Series winner who played 19 seasons in the majors, primarily with the Boston Red Sox
• Leonard Weaver, fullback for the Philadelphia Eagles; played football at Satellite High School

See also

In Spanish: Satellite Beach para niños