[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1278-E1279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF VERO BEACH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, October 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of 
the founding of Vero Beach, an iconic and vibrant seaside town full of 
rich history and culture in my district that I am proud to celebrate. 
Known locally as the ``Hidden Jewel of the Treasure Coast'', Vero Beach 
continues to showcase the unique wildlife, scenic coasts, thriving 
local businesses and the hardworking people of Florida.
  First settled in the 1800's, Vero Beach's original pioneers paved the 
way for the prosperity the city enjoys today. One of the most notable 
early settlers, Henry T. Gifford, owned and operated a citrus grove 
business in addition to establishing the area's first mercantile store 
that doubled as a post office, express office and railroad ticket 
office. The story of how the town got its name ``Vero'' is often 
attributed to his wife Sarah who suggested the settlement be named the 
Latin word for ``to speak the truth.''

[[Page E1279]]

  The Giffords' entrepreneurial spirit lived on, then leading Vero to 
experience significant growth and expansion in the following decades. 
In 1893, Henry Flaglers Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) began service 
through Indian River County, serving as a turning point for the growing 
settlement that led to the Indian River Farms Company's launch of an 
extensive land reclamation project. This included a vision for a town 
that would become ``one of the finest in Florida.'' The final plans for 
the ``Town of Vero'' were adopted in 1913. In 1925, following Vero's 
incorporation into the City Beautiful Campaign, the town's most 
prominent members lobbied the Florida Legislature for the creation of a 
new county known as ``Indian River.'' Vero was designated the county 
seat and was re-named Vero Beach.
  Just recently, the city officials of Vero Beach gathered in 
recognition of the Centennial with an official proclamation. The Mayor 
of Vero Beach, Val Zudans says of the milestone, ``There is no better 
small town in America to live, retire, visit, raise children, or start 
a business. At 100 we are proud of our heritage, culture, and freedom. 
We eagerly await the next 100 years of making Vero more Vero.''
  In 2018, Vero was named one of the ``Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns 
in America'' by Coastal Living Magazine, and it continues to stand as a 
beautiful and lively back drop for families looking for a place to 
settle and for veterans seeking retirement. Its residents led by the 
Vero Beach Centennial Committee, intend to celebrate the 100 years with 
a month-long celebration of the community that includes a historic 
slide show and video presentation, live music, and a parade by Vero 
Beach High School.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Centennial of Vero 
Beach. Here's to 100 more years of memories and community.

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