Merritt Island, Florida is a senior vacation spot that also offers gracious senior living.

Merritt Island FL History

Merritt Island’s recent history dates back to the 1800’s. The community was named after an early settler who was given a land grant by Spain. Oranges planted on the island were among the few to escape the killing frost of 1835. Buds from these trees helped revive Florida's citrus industry. Famous Indian River oranges and grapefruits come from this sandy area.

Merritt Island Florida – Site of John F. Kennedy Space Center

The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and the John F. Kennedy Space Center, a division of NASA, are located on the island. The area is a wildlife magnet drawing huge numbers of migratory birds. The northern half of the Island is slightly less developed, with few areas remaining of cattle pastures and citrus land. Many small towns on Merritt Island have vanished. Towns like Georgiana, Courtenay, Tropic, Fairyland, Orsino, Angel City, Wilson and Indianola now only live on in the names of streets and historic churches.

The Island now belongs to no official city. The central part of Merritt Island is home to the majority of the population and includes the local high school, library, and shopping district. With no municipal government, Merritt Island is under the administrative care of the Brevard County government. Water and sewer utilities are handled by the neighboring town of Cocoa. As a result, there are no city taxes. It is no wonder that seniors enjoy vacationing on Merritt Island, Florida.