Titusville, Florida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Titusville, Florida
City
City of Titusville
Historic Brevard County Courthouse in 2006
Seal
Nickname(s):  "Miracle City"
Motto(s):  "Gateway To Nature And Space"
Location in Brevard County and the U.S. state of Florida
Country	United States of America
State	Florida
County	Brevard
Founded	1867; 157 years ago (1867)
Incorporated (city)	1887; 137 years ago (1887)
Founded by	Henry T. Titus
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
Area
• Total	34.31 sq mi (88.87 km2)
• Land	29.22 sq mi (75.69 km2)
• Water	5.09 sq mi (13.18 km2)
Elevation	10 ft (3 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	48,789
• Density	1,669.48/sq mi (644.59/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	32780, 32781, 32782, 32783, 32796
Area code(s)	321
FIPS code	12-71900
GNIS feature ID	0292319

Titusville is a city in and the county seat of Brevard County, Florida, United States. The city's population was 43,761 as of the 2010 United States Census. Titusville is located along the Indian River, west of Merritt Island and the Kennedy Space Center, and south-southwest of the Canaveral National Seashore. It is a principal city of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Near Titusville is the Windover Archeological Site, a National Historic Landmark recognizing its important collection of human remains and artifacts of the early Archaic Period (6,000 to 5,000 BCE.)

A secondary, de facto county seat was established beginning in 1989 at Viera, Florida, in the geographic center of the county, to better serve the more populous southern portion of the county.

History

Washington Avenue c. 1910

The area was once inhabited by the Ais Indians, who gathered palmetto, cocoplum and seagrape berries. They also fished the Indian River, called the Rio de Ais by Spanish explorers. By 1760, however, the tribe had disappeared due to slave raids, disease and rum. The United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1821. The Seminole Wars delayed settlement.

The community was originally called Sand Point, and a post office was established in 1859, although it closed a few months later. Henry T. Titus arrived in 1867 with the intention to build a town on land owned by his wife, Mary Hopkins Titus, daughter of a prominent planter from Darien, Georgia. He laid out roads and in 1870 erected the Titus House, a large one-story hotel next to a saloon. He also donated land for four churches and a courthouse, the latter an effort to get the town designated as county seat.

Titusville could have been called Riceville, but Titus challenged Capt. Clark Rice to a game of dominoes to decide the name. Titus won the game, and Sand Point became Titusville in 1873. The city was incorporated in 1887, the year construction began on St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, as listed in the 1972 National Register of Historic Places. At one point, Titusville was nicknamed "The City of Churches".

Railroad depot c. 1905

The Atlantic Coast, St. Johns & Indian River Railroad arrived in 1885 from Enterprise, which was connected by a spur line to the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railroad at Enterprise Junction in present-day DeBary. Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad south from Daytona, with the station built in Titusville in 1892. Tourists arrived, and the Indian River area increasingly became an agricultural and shipping center for pineapple and citrus produce. A wooden bridge was built east to Playalinda Beach in 1922.

Beginning in the late 1950s, the growth of Cape Canaveral, and later the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, made the community's economy, population and tourism grow considerably. The association with the space program led to the city's two nicknames in the 1960s: Space City USA and Miracle City.

Searstown Mall opened in 1966. Miracle City Mall opened in 1968. It was built on 32 acres (13 ha). There was 275,000 square feet (25,500 m²) of covered floor space.

The jail at the county courthouse became overcrowded by the 1980s. Jailbreaks were common. These ceased when a new jailhouse was built in Sharpes, and the prisoners moved there in 1986.

Computer Shopper was founded in Titusville in 1979 by Glenn Patch, first as a tabloid, but later growing to a magazine of over 800 pages. It was published in Titusville until September 1989, when operations were moved to New York City in a joint venture between Patch Communications of Titusville and Ziff Davis.

The A. Max Brewer Bridge, a 65 feet (20 m) fixed high-level span on SR-406 connecting Titusville to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore, opened on February 5, 2011 to replace the former swing bridge built in 1949.

In May 2012, the Brevard County School Board closed Riverview Elementary School for budgetary reasons. It closed South Lake Elementary School May 25, 2013.

In January 2013, Miracle City Mall closed, a victim of a declining local economy after the termination of the Space Shuttle in 2012, the shift of the population center of the county to the south, and changing shopping habits. Demolition of Miracle City Mall occurred February 2015 for the construction of a mixed-use outdoor shopping complex called Miracle City Towne Centre.

The USPS had closed two post offices by 2013, for lack of sufficient business, and was looking to close a third one.

Geography

Titusville is located at 28°35′28″N 80°49′12″W / 28.59111°N 80.82000°W / 28.59111; -80.82000 (28.591210, -80.819911) in the northern half of Brevard County. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.2 square miles (88.7 km²). 29.4 square miles (76.1 km²) of it is land, and 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²) of it (14.26 percent) is water. Titusville is located on the Indian River Lagoon, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Climate

Titusville has as the rest of central Florida a very warm humid subtropical climate with significant influence from the tropics, although the cooler winter lows than farther south separates it from the classification.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 40,670 people, 17,200 households, and 11,094 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,913.4 inhabitants per square mile (738.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.80 percent White, 12.64 percent African American, 0.39 percent Native American, 0.94 percent Asian, 0.04 percent Pacific Islander, 0.73 percent from other races, and 1.46 percent from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.52 percent of the population.

There were 17,200 households, out of which 26.7 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9 percent were married couples living together, 12.6 percent had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5 percent were non-families. 29.9 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9 percent under the age of 18, 6.9 percent from 18 to 24, 26.2 percent from 25 to 44, 23.2 percent from 45 to 64, and 20.8 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. In 2010, this had risen to 43.4. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

In 2010, for residents 25 and older, 89.3% had completed high school, 22.6% had at least a bachelor's degree.

In 2018,Titusville had an estimated population of 45,500 people with a median age of 46.2. The 5 largest ethnic groups in Titusville are White (Non-Hispanic) (76.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (11.4%), White (Hispanic) (5.26%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.49%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (2.13%).

Infrastructure

Roads

• U.S. 1 – This is the main north–south road through Titusville, intersecting most major roads and running through downtown. Major intersections include SR 405 (cloverleaf interchange), SR 50, SR 405, and SR 406/CR 402.
• Interstate 95 – There are three exits in Titusville: Exit 212 (SR 407), Exit 215 (SR 50), and Exit 220 (SR 406/CR 406).
• SR 50 – SR 50, known locally as Cheney Highway, enters Titusville at Interstate 95 and terminates entirely at U.S. 1. Major intersections include Interstate 95, SR 405, and U.S. 1.
• CR 402 – This short county road links two separated portions of SR 406 from U.S 1 to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Its local name is A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway.
• CR 405 – With the designation almost completely unknown to the common, this hidden-designated county road runs on residential roads as a parallel to U.S. 1.
• SR 405 – This half-moon shaped road, known as Columbia Street south of SR 50 and South Street north of SR 50, is a somewhat minor state road making a sort of belt road around much of Titusville, running along the extreme west and south edges of the city. Major intersection include U.S. 1, SR 50, SR 407, and U.S. 1 (cloverleaf interchange).
• CR 406 – A minor county road connecting the end of SR 406 at Interstate 95 to Carpenter Road.
• SR 406 – One of the main east–west roads in Titusville, the first segment of SR 406 known as Garden Street connects Interstate 95 to U.S. 1 and downtown Titusville. The second segment, known as A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, connects CR 402 with Courtenay Parkway and onto Volusia County. The segments are bridged by CR 402. Major intersections include CR 406, Interstate 95, CR 405, U.S 1 and CR 402.
• SR 407 – This two-lane limited-access road connects SR 528, from the central part of the county, to Titusville. It is also the main route to get to Kennedy Space Center from Interstate 95 northbound. There are only four intersections, two grade-separated: FL 528, Interstate 95, Shepard Drive, and FL 405.

Utilities

As of 2006, the city owned water utility drew about 3.8 million US gallons (14 million L) of its water supply from two wellfields tapping a surficial aquifer. A new wellfield drawing 2.75 million US gallons (10.4 million L) per day from the Floridan aquifer was added in 2016. The water department had 22,000 customers in 2010.

Airports

• Space Coast Regional Airport (commercial aviation), located just south of the city
• Arthur Dunn Airpark (general aviation)

Transportation

Titusville is served by SCAT's #1, #2, and #5 routes.

Historic sites and museums

Titusville was a popular vantage point for Space Shuttle launches (STS-126, 2008).

• Judge George Robbins House

• North Brevard Historical Museum
• Pritchard House
• St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church
• Spell House
• Titusville Commercial District
• American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
• United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
• US Space Walk of Fame and Museum
• Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
• Wager House

Criticism

In 2010, a New York Times reporter, in Titusville to cover a space shuttle launch, commented that Titusville was

...a small, sleepy and, some might say, seedy town with a handful of not too luxurious motels and hotels that jack up their prices whenever there is a scheduled shuttle lift-off.

A Titusville spokesman replied that it was common everywhere to increase room rates for major events.

Economy

In 2010, private business was 24.7 percent "other"; 21.5 percent trade, transportation and utilities, 18.1 percent professional and business services; 13.7 percent educational and health services; 12 percent construction; and 10 percent leisure and hospitality. The economy shrunk after lay-offs involving the end of the space shuttle program in 2011, since many employees live in Titusville. Titusville has a high unemployment rate.

Personal income

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $35,607, and the median income for a family was $42,453. This had risen to $44,925 median per household in 2010; $24,374 per capita income. Males had a median income of $36,076 versus $23,998 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,901. About 9.3 percent of families and 12.4 percent of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6 percent of those under age 18 and 6.8 percent of those age 65 or over.

In 2018, Titusville, FL had a median household income of $43,765. Between 2017 and 2018 its median household income grew from $42,561 to $43,765.

Industry

Many of Titusville's major employers are aerospace companies. Knight's Armament Company in Titusville is believed to be the state's largest manufacturer of small arms. Parrish Medical Center, located in Titusville, is the city's largest employer. In October 2013, Barn Light Electric Company opened a new manufacturing plant, providing work for at least 60 former NASA workers.

Tourism

The city has benefited from tourism associated with the space program, and the TICO Warbird Air Show each March draws about 40,000–50,000 visitors.

While 47 miles (76 km) from the event, the city gets a noticeable economic effect from bikers on their way to the annual Daytona Beach Bike Week.

Workforce

The unemployment rate was 3.6% in 2000 and 2005. In 2007, the average size of Titusville's labor force was 20,716. Of that group, 19,879 were employed and 837 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 4 percent. In December 2010, the city had the highest unemployment in the county, 13.8 percent.

Housing

As of the census of 2000, there were 19,178 housing units at an average density of 902.3 per square mile (348.3/km²). In 2008, 55 building permits for 64 units were issued. This was down from 195 permits for 657 units in 2007. The city issued 292 permits for 360 units in 2006.

In 2001 149 permits were issued for $18.6 million worth of property; 453 in 2005 for $65.7 million; 45 in 2010 for $9.5 million.

The median home price in 2007 was $158,900.

Retail

Shopping centers include Walmart Supercenter and Target. They are located in the city's shopping district at the southern end of the city, near the intersection of State Road 405 (Florida) and State Road 50 (Florida).

Library

The Titusville Public Library is one of seventeen branches within the Brevard County Library System, and it was one of the first of five public libraries in Brevard County, Florida. The birth of the Titusville library began in 1900 due to the efforts of the Progressive Culture Club. The goal of the club was to "promote social intercourse, and to encourage and develop good literary taste." Working with the newly formed Titusville Library Association, the club was able to acquire enough funds to open an official library in 1922 at the corner of Washington and Palmetto Streets. The library was located on the second floor, while the first floor was used for club space. The Progressive Culture Club and the Titusville Library Association later merged to form the Women's Club. In 1949, the library moved in to the Women's Club on Hopkins Avenue. The club continued to operate it until 1954 when it officially became the library for North Brevard. Eventually, this building became inadequate, and the library was briefly relocated to an abandoned canning plant. This location made the library more accessible to the public.

Titusville Public Library/Mildred Bruner Memorial Library

In 1957, the Women's Club helmed a project to open a new Titusville Public Library. Designed by Frans Larson, the new library opened at Draa Road and Park Avenue in 1962. The library was renamed the Mildred Bruner Memorial Library in 1966 in honor of the longtime Titusville civic leader. The library closed in July of 1972 after the North Brevard Public Library opened. The North Brevard Art League (formerly Titusville Art League) took over the building.

The Indian River City Public Library

Another Titusville public library known as The Indian River City Public Library, was originally located in south Titusville in the lobby of a post office. Construction for a new Indian River City Library building began in September of 1958 at the corner of Coquina and Magnolia and was opened by November of that year. The branch continued to operate until July of 1972.

The North Brevard Public Library

In July of 1968, local residents were polled to see if there was enough support to open a large library facility that would replace the antiquated Indian River City Public Library and the Mildred Bruner Memorial Library. On November 4, 1969 residents voted for a one million tax referendum that helped finance the opening of a new public library. At one point, there were plans to open the library at the former Miracle City Shopping Center location. The developers of the center passed on the idea, and the plan was abandoned. After a series of delays, the North Brevard Public Library, opened at its South Hopkins location on July 31,1972. The building was designed by architect Dick Lemon of Dick Lemon and Megginson Architectural firm. A total of 43,000 books were hauled to the new library from the Indian River County Library and Mildred Bruner Memorial Library. In 1979, the library expanded its space following a donation from the Jacob Hannamann family. Three rooms are named in the family's honor.

Prior to COVID-19, the library provided a variety programs, including Master Gardeners, Line Dancing, and Coloring Club for adults. Youth programs included Storytime, Crafts, and Teen Game Night. The library also provides eBooks, audiobooks, music, and other digital media via Hoopla and OverDrive.

The library also houses the Nancy Sieck Memorial Genealogy Area. Although it’s not the largest of Brevard County’s Genealogical Collections, it holds over 2200 genealogy books, over l00 periodicals, as well as microfiche and film with over 2200 books, over 100 periodicals, microfiche and film. Volunteers are in the library on Thursdays to help with research. The Library also has a microfilm machine to aid in research.

In 2015, a former patron left the Titusville Public Library a donation of about $860,000. This has been the largest donation made to the Brevard County Library System to date. Renovations started in 2017 and were completed in 2018.

The Titusville Public Library and other Brevard County Libraries have a strong social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Education

It was estimated in 2007 that 88.1 percent of all Titusville residents 25 years or older are high school graduates, and 23.6 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Primary and secondary public schools are run by the Brevard County School Board:

Elementary schools

• Apollo Elementary School
• Coquina Elementary School
• Imperial Estates Elementary School
• Oak Park Elementary School
• South Lake Elementary School

Middle schools

• Jackson Middle School
• Madison Middle School

High schools

• Titusville High School
• Astronaut High School

Private schools

• Park Avenue Christian Academy
• Sculptor Charter School
• St. Teresa Catholic School
• Temple Christian School

Colleges

• Eastern Florida State College

Notable people

• Scott Clendenin, former bassist for the progressive metal bands Death and Control Denied
• Cris Collinsworth, former NFL football player; born in Dayton, Ohio and grew up in Titusville
• Bill DeMott professional wrestler/trainer is from Titusville
• "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, professional wrestler; previously lived in Titusville, and for a time owned a gym on Cheney Hwy called "Hacksaw Duggan's Muscle and Fitness" which opened in 1995
• Jeff Fulchino, Major League baseball player, born in Titusville
• John Jurasek, YouTube personality, food critic and radio host
• Larry Laoretti, former Senior PGA Tour golfer
• Hiram Mann, U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel and pilot, member of the Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group during World War II
• Wilber Marshall, former NFL football player, College Football Hall of Fame; attended Astronaut High School
• Latavius Murray, NFL Running Back, born in Titusville
• Mike Polchlopek, professional wrestler, born in Titusville
• Daniel Tosh, stand-up comedian (creator/host of Tosh.0); born in Boppard, Rhineland-Palatinate, West Germany and grew up in Titusville
• Aaron Walker, NFL football player
• Johnny Weissmuller, actor known for playing Tarzan; helped develop the now abandoned theme park Tropical Wonderland

See also

In Spanish: Titusville (Florida) para niños