Florida Ridge, Florida 2024
Florida Ridge is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Indian River County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Florida Ridge was 18,127.
Geography and Climate:
Florida Ridge is situated in the eastern part of Indian River County, near the Atlantic coast of Florida. The CDP covers an area of approximately 10 square miles, with an elevation of around 20 feet above sea level. The climate in Florida Ridge is subtropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
Demographics:
As of the 2020 census, Florida Ridge had a population of 18,127. The racial makeup of the CDP was 71.4% White, 22.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.3% Asian, and 2.6% from other races. The median age was 44.4 years, and the median household income was $49,141.
Culture:
Florida Ridge is a growing community with a diverse population. It hosts several cultural events, including the annual Florida Ridge Celebration, which features live music, food vendors, and family activities. The community also has a public library, which offers various programs for adults and children.
Local Attractions:
Some of the local attractions in and around Florida Ridge include:
* The Indian River Lagoon: The lagoon offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
* The Indian River County Historical Society Museum: The museum showcases the history and culture of Indian River County.
* The Hallstrom House: It'['s a historic home that offers tours and exhibits on local history.
* The Environmental Learning Center: It provides educational programs and exhibits on the environment and wildlife of the Indian River Lagoon.
* The Wabasso Bridge: It's a historic bridge that offers scenic views of the Indian River.
Food:
Florida Ridge has several restaurants and eateries that serve a variety of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, Mexican, and American. Some of the popular restaurants include:
* The Old Florida Café: It serves breakfast and lunch dishes with a Florida twist.
* La Bella Vita: It's an Italian restaurant that serves pasta dishes, pizza, and other Italian cuisine.
* Tania's Tacos: It's a Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
* The Cottage Restaurant: It serves breakfast and lunch dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
People:
The population of Florida Ridge is diverse, with people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. It's a growing community with a mix of retirees, families, and young professionals.
History:
The area now known as Florida Ridge was originally inhabited by the Ais Indian tribe. In the late 19th century, settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and mild climate. The area grew gradually over the years, with the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in the early 20th century. The railway brought more settlers and tourists to the area, leading to the development of citrus groves, vegetable farms, and other industries. In 1970, the area was officially designated as a census-designated place (CDP) by the US Census Bureau.
In conclusion, Florida Ridge is a vibrant and diverse community in Indian River County, Florida. It has a growing population, a variety of cultural events, and local attractions that celebrate its history and environment. The community has a variety of restaurants and a strong sense of history, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.