History and Highlights of Indialantic Florida

The foundation of Indialantic began in 1915 when Ernest Kouwen-Hoven made his way to Melbourne, where he purchased a strip beachside land residing between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. In his mind, he imagined the property becoming an exclusive resort - and it did. The one-square-mile was named “Indialantic-by-the-Sea” and the first map of the area was jotted down in 1916.

Back then, the only way to reach Indialantic was by taking a boat or ferry. Four years later, in 1919, Kouwen-Hoven began the development of a wooden bridge that would cross the Indian River from Indialantic to Melbourne. The project was called “Kouwen-Hoven’s Folly” by residents because they assumed it would never be finished. However, Kouwen-Hoven earned money for the construction by pricing his own bonds at 8% interest and utilizing the land in Indialantic as a motivator for prospective buyers. So, if a person were to buy a $100.00 bond, they would be able to buy a lot in Indialantic for $20.00. Finally, with Kouwen-Hoven’s financial tactic proving fruitful, the bridge was finished in 1921 and was used for many years thereafter.

However, since it was lit by kerosene lanterns, the bridge set aflame quite often when the lanterns were blown by the wind or knocked over. It wasn’t uncommon, either, for drivers crossing the bridge to travel with hammers; they often needed to pound loose nails back into the planks. Later, a brand new concrete and steel swing bridge began construction in 1941. The construction was delayed with the start of World War and eventually completed in 1947. Up until the existing high-rise, completed in 1985, the bridge was used by many.

Indialantic established a stable community of homeowners in 1925, during Florida’s massive real estate boom. In 1952, a population of 1,500 people inhabited the land of 1.05 square miles. Today it’s a quiet and mostly residential town whose population has nearly doubled at 2,844. To keep Indialantic a prestigious and unique community, strict zoning codes and law enforcement were put into place. While a large piece of the population are retirees, the town’s residents are still diverse with young families, businessmen, and women, professionals, artists, and students.

Indialantic’s businesses and stores focus on catering all basic needs, as well as more unique demands. Restaurants vary from family establishments and fast-food chains to gourmet and ethnic dining. Tourists and residents alike can enjoy public beaches from Miami to Watson where swimming, fishing, surfing, and boating are the most commonly participated in activities. Also, from May through October, sea turtles enjoy nesting along the shorelines. The recently renovated beach boardwalk offers a place to stroll along the sandy shores and parks throughout Indialantic.

Town Council designated Indialantic a bird sanctuary in 1975 and has ensured the town take long measures to protect its plethora of diverse animal species and plant life. Today, Indialantic is a natural and unspoiled paradise beside the ocean.

Attractions

Indialantic Boardwalk

At the furthest East end of S.R. 192 and 5th Avenue, Indialantic has a combined boardwalk and park accompanied by a slew of places to grab a quick bite or sit down and enjoy a meal with the family. The beach itself offers up to 8ft. swells and breaks past 200 years, if not more.

Restaurants and Shopping

Indiatlantic offers plenty of shops and restaurants for a fun night out. Perfect for some good family time or even a date night!